Random Lists over the Summer

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Jul 16, 2025

Random Stuff

-I only run in these shorts or bike shorts with pockets for my outdoor runs. I personally hate running belts, and I often need to carry keys, tissue and my phone. I have four pairs and honestly, they all size a little different. I feel like the most recent pairs I got were on the smaller size (or my older ones have stretched). This is a local brand en plus!

-I have 3 large Baggu totes - 2 are for work (one has my in-home gear, another my studio gear - I learned a long time ago to just have two bags so I don’t stress about forgetting) and one is for the pool. If you are looking for something with a top zip to tote something around their Cloud bag is a very lightweight and packable option.

-This may be viral and old news, but this is the most charming clip of a Pedro Pascal look-alike winner.

-I am pretty minimal with day to day makeup and have been loving this eye shadow stick. I tried the ELF look-alike but I found it dry and harder to apply. Go for the Rare version.

-I’m also loving this super light weight face sunscreen which I am now trying to apply 2x per day. It’s light so sometimes I apply it right on top of my makeup (which is kinda gross but I just try not to think about it). It’s small enough that you can carry it around.

-This chic pool float

-Sometimes I like my hand bags a little more rugged and sporty. This Canadian brand hits those boxes with something fresh.

My Makes-Life-Easier Travel Tips

Random crap to think about BEFORE you go:

-Do you have Apple AirTags and do they need battery replacement (ours did). Also - label them in your phone so you aren’t wondering what you are looking at (not to self).

-If you are renting a car, does your child need a booster or car seat? We are going to Costa Rica and by law any child 12 and under needs a booster seat (there are lots of stories on Reddit about fines)

-If you are staying in hotels or properties without a washer and dryer, research in advance how to get your laundry done - it may surprise you. In LA we used a very easy service called Rinse. It wasn’t free, but it was WAAAAAAAAAY cheaper than the hotel service, it was quick and easy - and we needed to do laundry. We left our dirty laundry in a bag in the luggage storage of the hotel, and it was delivered the next day folded.

-I URGE you to create an easily accessible Google Map of restaurants you may consider eating at before you leave. Then when you are travelling and hungry, you just have to pull up your pre-prepared map and see what’s nearby instead of scrolling unreliable Yelp reviews. You can also get buy-in from your family in advance in a calm-non stressed environment instead of on the spot when everyone is hungry and annoyed.

-Ease your family into a new place by showing a curated list of short videos. I just did a few every night starting a couple weeks in advance before heading on our last trip. Things drinking water (you can drink the water in Costa Rica which was a surprise), not flushing toilet paper, what a local restaurant and food looks like, bug & critter safety, and potential activities.

-Consider ordering on-plane meals in advance - I notice they are sold out more and more often. Or bring your own food. More and more people are doing this option. Line ups at the airport can be big. If you finish your food before you land in a foreign country you’re good to go. I brought carrots, apples, energy bars, energy balls, protein muffins, strawberries, Pringles and pasta salad.

-Do you have phone coverage? I use eSims to avoid big charges. (Tip: Search for promo codes - there are a lot)

Some items I now always bring that make my life easier on every trip:

-Packable duffle bag! If you are transferring locations you can just throw a ton of stuff in there instead of perfectly packing or throw in laundry for the way home. I also love it for throwing shoes in when going between location. Ours is from Amazon and we’ve sent them through checked-in luggage twice now with no issue.

-Hat clip - honestly this makes it easier to tote around a wide brimmed hat, and you can also hang it to store

-X-strap bungees to attach backpacks to suitcases

-Nearly everyone is travelling with a sling these days. A lot of Lululemon, Baggu and Uniqlo out there but I like Cotopaxi and personally I use Bellroy which I find worth the extra cost.

-I think we all know about packing cubes these days. Do it, but don’t be shy about tucking things in too.

-Nearly every flight I take, the check-in counter tells me the flight is full and I must pack a bag. Consider this when packing your carry on, if you have valuables maybe have them at the go in case you need to pull them out last minute.

-Unfortunately, Montreal’s airport is THE WORST. I’m still reeling after waiting for my luggage for 2 hours (plus they put the luggage randomly on two different carousels very far apart) PLUS a 2 hour taxi wait. Not to mention that getting to the airport means you might have to get off on the highway and walk. What a shit show. Leave early, give yourself time, expect the worst.

I want to apologize in advance for the amount of Amazon links. I know we are all trying to source from other places. Some of this stuff is RANDOM though. You may be able to try MEC or Jet Setter on Laurier for some of this though.

Three Good Things to Know

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