Things to Make Your Holiday Guest Comfortable

Expecting company for the holidays?  If you live in a small space, it can be tricky.  You want to give your guests as much of their own space as possible, and a comfortable bed.   Even if you don't have a dedicated guest room, you can still make visitors feel comfortable and extra special. 

The Serta Raised Air Bed pops up in just a couple of minutes (deflates quickly too), and has a never-flat feature.  The height, at 18 inches, is really nice for guests who might have a harder time getting up and down from a camp pad set up, and it really makes into a bed that resembles a regular twin bed.  When you're done, it packs into a carry bag and goes right in the closet until the next visit. 

An amenities kit like the Hugo Naturals Travel Kit, which uses non-synthetic fragrance and eco friendly plant based ingredients is a great welcome gift.  I love the orange-vanilla, which is comforting and soothing, and something like this might help to keep guests from using their synthetic products.  I personally have a no synthetic fragrance rule and make no bones about it because I get terrible migraines from perfumes.  Essential oils are wonderful though, and I think a little gift like this makes a fun introduction to healthy body products, and a treat for those already on board.

If you want to be really generous (and keep shoes out of the house), some cozy slippers or slipper socks from Acorn would be fantastic.  I love the Chinchilla slides that are my go-to slipper right now.  Your feet feel like heaven in these things; they are extremely luxurious.  If you get them from a place like Zappos, and you order  the wrong size, they can have a new pair to you the next day.  Any slippers would be nice, but I'm partial to these. 

Additionally, I'd be aware of dietary restrictions (are they gluten free?  Vegetarian? Nut allergic?) and have a few things on hand.  Do they like coffee in the morning?  Tea?  If they're sleeping in a bright room, an eye mask would be nice (I like this one), and maybe some ear plugs.  Some nice organic chocolates or cookies on the night stand, a carafe with water, a clutter free space for them to put their stuff and charge electronics are a few thoughtful touches to make someone feel a warm welcome. 

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Grand Trunk Parasheet: Beach Bag Must Have

Headed to the beach this summer?  If you're traveling and don't want to bring along bulky towels, Grand Trunk's Parasheet is a great solution.  They are super light weight at 20oz (less for the single), come in a handy attached stuff sack, and easily fit right in your beach bag.  They come in a rainbow of colors and single and double sizes.  I'd opt for double as I think bigger is better in this case, though the single is more compact and would be perfect for kids or those who want to minimize bulk even more. 

The blue is gorgeous and soothing, like your own portable oasis.  Sand shakes off with ease, so you don't have an accumulation at the bottom of your bag the way you do with towels that have been on the beach.  It also dries very quickly.  Pockets are sewn in the corners and sides to fill with sand and weigh it down so it will stay flat and won't blow away, and there are stake loops too.  It's perfect for picnics and no worries if you spill food on it, you can just throw it in the wash when you get home.

Grand Trunk has a lot of innovative gear, and they're an eco minded company.  Find the Parasheet and other travel necessities HERE. 

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Patagonia Drifter Eco Friendly Shoe

Need a reliable shoe for your spring and summer adventures?  The new Patagonia Drifter shoe is perfect for summer hiking and travel.  It's classified as a shoe, not a hiking boot, but I think the killer traction makes it appropriate for the trails--it's definitely more of a boot.  Because it doesn't have a ton of ankle support, I wouldn't go backpacking with these, or hike difficult or rocky trails, but for moderate hiking, I think they're perfect.  They're a decent weight at 14 oz, and the mesh will help keep your feet cool in warmer weather.  Very little break-in time with these, comfort level is great, and they are good looking and super durable.   

They come in different colors, but I love the "cardamon," the red contrast is so cute, and gives it an school hiking boot vibe.  Recycled rubber Ecostep outsoles boast some beefy tread and feel very stable.  I also love the black contrast to the tan nubuck and the way the black comes up high--it makes your foot look smaller.  Speaking of smaller, I recommend you order up one half size.   My true size is 8.5 and I need a 9 in this shoe.  Patagonia is an environmentally responsible company that backs up their product. 

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White Apricot Partners with Whole Foods

Whole Foods has partnered with White Apricot to create a green beauty grab bag subscription service.  For $15 per month, subscribers get a fun bag filled with at least six travel sized body care products including Hugo Naturals, one of my favorites.  Who doesn't like getting a surprise in the mail?  This would be great for holiday gifting.

As usual, I wish there were more certified organic product, but I think this could still be worthwhile, especially when the more eco friendly options tend to be scarce in travel sizes.  Worth it for the eco traveler for that reason alone.  Find out more HERE. 

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CAMELBAK ALL CLEAR: Fabulous Holiday Gift

CamelBak's All Clear water purification bottle would make a killer holiday gift for the traveler or camper in your life.  It's a great thing for all of us to have for emergency reasons, but travelers will really appreciate the simplicity of this water filter system.  You just fill with water from the tap, shake it for a minute, and voila!  Clean water to drink.

Think of how many plastic bottles this will save, not to mention the sheer convenience of being able to use hotel tap water.  It's BPA free and you also don't have to worry about leaching from water just sitting in commercial bottles.  I can't wait for the day that bottled water is obsolete and here is something that will really help the cause. 

For backpackers and campers, there's a pre-filter (sold separately) that you can use to filter out debris.  Beyond that, you can filter your stream water and be safe from microbes.

Everyone should ideally have some sort of water filtraion device,  Hurricane Sandy is a great reminder of this.  The handier and easier to use, the better.

The magic is right under the cap where the UV bulb is housed, you just push the button and it zaps your water and an LED screen let's you know it worked.  You recharge the cap with a USB charger--plug it right into your laptop or use a wall charger--and you get 80 treatment cycles per charge.  There's a regular cap to replace the UV cap when not in use, and you can also use other CamelBak caps if you prefer the kind with the spout.  Find it HERE.

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ExOfficio Hoodies for Winter Travel

Need a hoodie for your winter travel?  Hoodies are awesome on the plane for helping to regulate your body temperature and giving you that extra layer when you need it.   When it gets hot and stuffy, you're just a zip away from comfort.  When you get really chilled, or just want to get some privacy, you put your hood up, headphones on and it's like having a "do not disturb" sign. 

If you are going somewhere warm you need a light weight hoody, someplace cold, you want fleece.  Either way, ExOfficio has you covered with some great options.   For your trip to the tropics, the DriLattice Hoody is flattering and functional.  It's ultra light weight and thin, perfect for a hot climate.  You'll need something on the plane and this will double as sun protection.

It's rated UPF 15 and will wick moisture away from you on hikes and during activities.  It has thumbholes--great for when you're riding a bike, and a stripey pattern for added style.  It's wrinkle and odor resistant and dries fast. 

The Jandiggity Fleece Hoody is butter soft and super light weight.  I love how thin it is while still being warm and cozy.  It has a secret pocket on the sleeve perfect for a hotel key, credit card or id.  The longer length is great and it has a subtle grid pattern.  This is not your typical bulky fleece that you put on and feel like you just gained ten pounds, it's very elegant.  It comes in some great colors--enough to make you want more than one. 

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Gear Up for Holiday Travel with Eagle Creek

Got travel plans for the holidays?  The right luggage can make a trip so much better and easier.  Check out Eagle Creek's new Adventure Upright 22.  This is a great carry on bag to meet your holiday travel needs.  With baggage feees, not to mention what a pain it is to check bags, the lines, the waiting, the hassle and the risk of losing your things.  You've heard the saying there are two kinds of luggage:  carry on and lost?  If you carry on, you save money and are guaranteed to have your stuff with you when you arrive. 

A great carry on piece glides along with you and offers some good organization.  Eagle Creek is famous for their organizational offerings and while they do offer travel cubes, their luggage has some built in features that are a huge help.  The Adventure Upright is easy to maneuver, comfortable to grip and features several compartments to help you organize like the two pouches on the inside of the lid great for socks and undergarments,  and behind those is a large sort of secret compartment (not evident at first glance).  Compression straps are there to cinch everything down tight and maximize space. There's a big pouch on the outside that fits a laptop or iPad--though I would put it in a padded sleeve first--it's right there within easy reach to take out for security. 

Another awesome feature is the piggyback clip.  This lets you attach your purse, backpack, or other piece to the wheelie for ease of transport and to free up your hands.  Even my straw beach bag clips right on perfectly and it's just really nice to have this extra capability.  Zippers are lockable and have reflective material on the pulls.   There are grab handles all over this bag that help you during transport in and out of overheads, taxis, and whatnot.  An attached luggage tag ensures your name stays with the bag, though I still recommend attaching one of those airline tags you can pick up for free the counter as well.  The wheels are beefy and capable of going over rough terrain.  If you've ever had a wheel go out on you while trekking through cobblestone streets on your way to the train, you'll know how important this is.  This bag is not just for home to airport to hotel, it will go wherever you need it to go. 

My favorite thing about this bag is its ability to expand.  I love this feature and always use it at the end of a trip.  Even if you don't buy stuff on your travels, this affords you the luxury of just tossing everything in a rush if need be--stuff never goes back in as neatly as when you first pack it, at least not for me.  There's a zipper that when unzipped allows you 15% more packing space, all bags should have this ability and after getting used to this, I really wouldn't want to travel with one that didn't.

Eagle Creek backs up their product 100%.  If anything ever goes wrong with your luggage, no matter where you are, they will fix it or replace it.  This is awesome and makes their products an investment.  You can pick up cheap bags but they don't last and they tend to fail you at really inconvenient moments.  The Adventure Upright is a quality bag that is perfect for holiday travel and way beyond.  It comes in black, sienna, and olive.  Find it HERE. 

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Green Getaway: Vancouver, BC

Vancouver, BC is famous for being clean, easy to get around, friendly and beautiful.  On a recent visit, I found all of those things to be true with the added bonus of being a super eco friendly city.  Vancouver's ambition is to become the most eco conscious city in the world by 2020.  And they're serious about it, it's an initiative called Greenest City 2020 and it's a plan to create a sustainable future for Vancouver.  What better place to enjoy a green weekend getaway?

The Fairmont Waterfront is a wonderful choice for the eco minded with award winning environmental policies and programs.  Among their green initiatives, is free parking and charging for electric vehicles, strict recycling policies, and sustainable food options. 

It's one of those hotels that offers enough to do right there on site that even though you are in a fabulous city, you don't really have to leave the premises to feel like you're on vacation.  For business travelers, I would imagine it to be an oasis.  I loved it there so much I really had to force myself to venture out, I just wanted to hang out at the rooftop pool and soak up the amazing surroundings.

There are several factors that make this hotel a real charmer. The staff are incredibly accommodating and friendly and the amenities are excellent.   The most charming thing about this hotel as far as I'm concerned is the roof garden consisting of fruit trees, vegetables, salad greens, herbs, and a thriving bee colony. This takes the concept of the urban garden to an exciting level and is a brilliant green initiative.

Though they started the garden in the early 90's, it would be over a decade until the arrival of the bees.  For many years there was a by law restricting rooftop beehives.  Finally, in 2008, the hotel's then-chef convinced the city to allow the Fairmont to have bees, making the hotel the first in Vancouver to do so.  They save several thousand dollars per year by utilizing what they harvest from the gardens.  Today, chef Mark Wadsworth, who was raised in a bee keeping family and is a walking encyclopedia on the topic, gives tours around the roof gardens educating guests and people in the community about the bees.

Apparently, there are rooftop gardens all over Vancouver.  The bee colony needs a good four acres to forage, and they have no problem getting what they need to thrive up there.  They have about seven hundred pounds of honey on hand at the moment. 

The hotel has cute little jars of honey for guests to enjoy with their morning toast and tea, as well as yummy homemade chocolates with honey and lavender and rosemary grown on the roof.  They even make a signature cocktail, the Honey Basil Collins, a skinny drink that I found delicious and refreshing without the gin. 

Rooms are modern and spacious, views are spectacular and the decor is contemporary.  A 47 inch flat screen television (though not as interesting as looking out the window) is there for entertainment, and an extra large dark wood credenza, beautiful amber mercury glass lamps and totem inspired artwork make the place feel cozy.  I drink tea in the mornings and really appreciated the electric tea kettle in the room, I'm used to coffee pots, but rarely see a tea kettle. 

This hotel promotes and supports a healthy lifestyle.  Hotel manager, Ian Pullan gives guided three mile runs every morning--how great is this for folks who are unfamiliar with Vancouver?  There's a gym that is open 24 hours a day, and President Club members have fitness clothing available so you don't even have to worry about packing work out clothes.  The hotel's restaurant, Herons West Coast Kitchen + Bar, serves up healthy fare as well.  In the summer, 25-30% of the food on the menu is organic and you can get vegan, vegetarian, low fat, and gluten free meals. 

Do sign up for the President's Club, the Fairmont's loyalty program for many added perks like free internet, turn down service, and even discounts on helicopter commutes for business travelers.  After a cozy night's sleep in their cushy cloud-like beds, you can start your day with a bike ride around the seawall.  I strongly recommend this as it was the highlight of our weekend.

President's Club members can get complimentary bikes and helmets for the whole family, they even give you water bottles. Homemade granola bars flavored with honey from the rooftop bees are available as well.  Seriously, how cool is this?  You pick them up right at the hotel, and head off for a bike ride you will never forget, the views are magnificent.  It's away from traffic and feels very safe for young children and the whole loop is about six miles.  There are things to see all along the way such as the beautiful totem poles at Brockton Point, Lion's Gate Bridge, sea planes taking off and landing, and there are concession stands along the way for food and drink.  When you're done, you can head back to the Fairmont for a dip in the pool or a soothing soak in the hot tub. 

If you can tear yourself away from the hotel, there are many other fun things to do in Vancouver that can fit into your weekend easily.  I subscribe to the less-is-more philosophy and recommend picking just a couple of things and returning again for more another time.  That way, you're more relaxed and can take your time.  Even though I have a long list of things I want to do in Vancouver, we planned very little and I still felt as though time was getting away from me too fast, so keep it simple and you're apt to enjoy it more.

If you have children (or not), a trip to the Vancouver Aquarium might be in order.  Located in Stanley Park, it's easy to get to and close to other fun things to do when you're finished.  They have some great exhibits which are educational and fun, their rescued otters being my personal favorite.

I love that the emphasis at the aquarium is on education and they do it in a way that is accessible--very clear signs at each habitat and photos of the environment where you would find each creature.  This really helps to give you a clear picture of the life of the animal and its ecosystem.

The most impressive things about the Aquarium are their conservation programs.  Beach clean-ups, marine mammal rescue, community outreach, partnering with WWF to help preserve our oceans and marine life are all ways the Aquarium is trying to make a difference.  They created the Ocean Wise program to help make sure certain species of fish are not over harvested right into extinction.  By partnering with restaurants (like Herons West Coast Kitchen + Bar) and suppliers, the Aquarium helps to educate the market to serve up sustainable seafood.  That way the ocean can maintain a healthier eco system and doesn't become even more over-fished.  There is an Ocean Wise logo you will see at the market and on restaurant menus to let you know you're making a sustainable choice. 

Vancouver is a fabulous destination, and I can pretty much guarantee you will want to revisit.  I feel like I just got the smallest taste of the city and can't wait to go back. 

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Two Must Have Tees

Want an eco friendly, cute, comfy tee that will take you seamlessly from Summer to Fall?   Smartwool and Ibex have some wonderful options.  I love the feminine details on this Flight tee from Smartwool.   It has ruching at the shoulder and a graphic on the side depicting flight.  The super flattering fit is comfortable and generous and it feels great on.  This would work great with jeans, skirts, or yoga pants. 

The Merino Logo T is a fun versatile tee.  This tee also has a feminine cut and looks cute dressed up or down.  The fit is true to size.

I'm very fond of Ibex's cool logo and this tee features the goat logo in the center of the shirt.   It's small and unassuming but adds a little spice and keeps things interesting.   

Both tops are perfect for travel and outdoor adventures because they don't hold odor, pack great, and help regulate your body temperature. 

  I'm an 8/10 and took mediums in both tees.  They are comfy and seem to get softer after each wash.  Both tops come in several fun colors and are a must have for the low maintenance adventure wardrobe.

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Osprey Ariel Backpack

Need a super comfortable, super light, women specific backpack?  You have to check out Osprey's newly updated Ariel series.  They come in three different sizes, a 55, 65, and 75 Liter.  I think the 65 liter is just the right size--not too big, not too small.  This pack is highly customizable, coming in several sizes and with a moldable hip belt that you can have heat molded to fit your body.  The pack compresses nicely, so if you need it for a smaller load, you can just cinch it down and still keep a good balance.

There is a good bit of ventilation on this pack, really great for keeping cool on hot days.  The integrated hydration system works great and I love how Osprey's water bladders have a handle which makes it easier to fill.  The side pockets fit Nalgene bottles for that extra water supply.

The lid comes off and turns into a lumbar pack for day trips.  I personally am not a fan of lumbar (fanny) packs, but you don't have to carry it that way, you can sling it as a cross body and wear it in the back.  It's nice to have this option if you are backpacking and want to stay put for a couple of days but still enjoy some hiking or exploring the area.  Trekking poles stow right on the outside of the pack as well as lots of loops and straps for extra gear.

Access is easy, you can get into the main body from the top or the front.  There's a sleeping bag compartment and overall good organization.  It's a great color and will help you remain visible through the woods, which I think is good for safety.  As a nitpick, I would have liked to have seen a pocket on the hip belt and a rain cover (though sometimes you get better coverage by lining your pack with a garbage compactor bag), but other than that I think this pack is well thought out, comfortable, and fits the bill. Osprey has an iron clad "All Mighty Guarantee" to back up their gear, adding even more value.  Find it HERE. 

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Wholesome Sweeteners: AGAVE TO GO

Are you an agave nectar user who wishes you could take it everywhere with you?  Well now you can with Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Agave Packets.  This is so great for travelers, campers, and folks that just want to take it to work or school. 

Wholesome Sweeteners is a great brand, they are Fair Trade, Organic and quality.  I like every single product I've tried and was thrilled to find this new option.  Agave can be messy and you would probably never consider taking a bottle traveling.  This solves all of that--brilliant idea!  Perfect for all your summer needs (picnic anyone?).  Find it HERE.

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Go Lite this Summer

Are you planning any trips for this Summer?  Or outdoor adventures?  If you like to travel light, and most of us would rather have less to carry, especially with airlines charging so much for luggage.  And if you're headed for the woods, you know that every ounce counts.  Check out GO LITE for some fantastic options in clothing. I've just discovered them, and let me just preface this by telling you I don't think I have never been so excited about travel-outdoorsy clothing.  It's affordable, it's cofortable, and they even list the weight in the clothing descriptions for those that are really conscious of weight for packing. 

Now, what women want to know, are they--flattering?  I've only tried on three pieces so far, but I can answer that with a resounding Yes!  And I'm excited because I find this rare in adventure-wear.  I am not an athletic clothing type, I'm more of an Anthropologie type, and I also like very clean lines and simple cuts.  Yes, I love to get my hands dirty and get out there in the woods, but I want to look cute doing it.  Right?  Don't you?  So much of that type of stuff is cut in an unflattering way, or just looks frumpy and even if no one is going to see me, I still want to feel comfortable and cute out there on the trail.

Also, I have a curvy body type.  I wear an 8 on the bottom and a 10 on top,  Mediums usually do great, sometimes smalls in things like yoga pants, and in athletic clothes, sometimes a large on top.  I don't like my clothes to be tight fitting, I want that comfort but I don't want to look like I raided my man's closet either.  There are little things clothing designers can do to add femininity, subtle things.

Take the Manitou Longsleeve Hiking Top.  The neckline hints at a Mandarin which is not only feminine, but comfortable, it has diagonal lines sewn in on the sides that create a slimming look, and the sleeves come down at a slight point on your hands.  These details are flattering and make you feel like you're not just wearing a boring wicking top.  It also has a reflecting logo on the back and one on the front left side.  Functional, but still cute.  And the cut is generous too.  This is perfect for hiking and backpacking and biking, and comes in a bright orange (the Paprika is brighter in person), which I love for visibility.

The Yunnan Hiking Pant is probably the very first pant in this genre that just fit perfect at first try.  You know it can be frustrating trying on pants like this.  For me, I'm either swimming in them, or to get a length that works, it's too tight everywhere else.  These are the perfect length (I'm 5'5) and they are just right.  They are flattering!  I've had some luck with Patagonia in this area, but overall, I find it very very difficult to find pants appropriate for the outdoors that still look good.  And by appropriate, I mean not cotton, no jeans or any material that will stay wet.  You want wicking material that will dry quickly if you're caught in the rain.  They're also very light.  The photo does not do them justice at all, they are a lower-rise than what it looks in the picture and have a great shape.  You could wear them on the trail and then out to dinner, perfect for traveling and everything else.  I would say they are a Must Have, and I hope that Go Lite keeps this style and offers them in black soon, I want more pairs of these.

And finally, check out this Cayambe Reversible Dress.  You get two dresses in one, it's very flattering, butter soft, and perfect for the suitcase.  I love the ruching at the top and there's a little flounce at the bottom making you feel very feminine.  It's very light, you won't even know it's in your bag.

On top of carrying awesome functional clothing, GoLite is a socially and environmentally conscious company.  They're having a 50% off sale right now, so head over there and see if there's anything that you could use for your Summer adventures.  Find them HERE.

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Kelty Sleep Eazy Queen Mattress

For years I have avoided inflatable mattresses because of the PVC.  During the holidays last year, I purchased one for company and when I took it out of the box I almost fell over.  It was off-gassing so much I put it back in the box, took it back to the store, and that was the end of that.

When I heard of Kelty's new eco friendly Sleep Eazy Queen air mattress, I got very excited because it is PVC free and there is no smell.  You can sleep headache free on this one.  The chemicals off-gassed from PVC can ignite asthma attacks, migraines, nausea and all sorts of maladies, I'm so glad to see this option.  

Beyond that, the design is well thought out.  It's lightweight and comes in a small canvas tote bag with extra grab handles.  It includes a small rechargeable pump that works like a charm.   No batteries necessary--just plug it in at home or in your lighter outlet in the car and voila!  Instant bed.  You can have a queen size bed up in just a couple of minutes.

This turns your tent into an outdoor hotel room.  It would be great to throw in the trunk when visiting friends or pull out of your closet for your own company.  Find it HERE.

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Detours Boogie Bag: Organization for Cycling Adventures and Beyond

Traveling to go for a ride?  Detours makes the perfect bag for your cycling gear, the Boogie Bag.  Organization makes your outings more enjoyable.  When everything is easy to get to, you spend your time playing, not scrambing around trying to find your stuff.

This bag holds a ton.  It will keep your helmets, bike tools, jackets, shoes, locks, extra clothes, meals, drinks--there's even a separate insulated bag that comes with it to keep your drinks or food cold.  They thought of every single thing with this bag, the design is flawless.

This bag is made for cycling, but is perfect for camping as well. And I mean perfect.  That rubber bottom makes it extra rugged in the elements, there are a ton of pockets for little lanterns, camp kitchen supplies, etc.

The Boogie is so sturdy you might be tempted to overload it--the bag can take it, but you still have to carry it, so watch out for weight.  It's sitting on my floor at the moment with heavy camp kitchen supplies and the Boogie doesn't skip a beat.  In addition to the padded adjustable shoulder strap and side straps, there are grab handles on either end, customizing it to the way you like to carry your bag and making it as comfortable and convenient as possible.  I love the see-through top compartment for easy access to the stuff you need to get to fast, like maps, flashlights, first aid kit.  The abundance of outer and inner pockets and enlarged zipper pulls are fantastic. 

I don't climb, but suspect it would be great for that too.  For kids that are in some sort of sport, this would be wonderful for parents to keep it all together.  At 20 x 15 x 11 inches, it will fit in an overhead bin on planes, so it would work well for air travel too. 

Aesthetically, the Boogie is great looking.  The burgundy is a rich, deep garnet that is pleasing to the eye and the detailed top stitching almost fools you into thinking it's all looks, but then the bag gets you with its brains.  Incredibly well thought out, wonderful bag, I want one in every color to color code my gear.

If you are involved in any activity that requires gear, you need this bag.  One of my favorites ever.  Find it HERE.

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First Ascent Sirocco Jacket

 
First Ascent's Sirocco Jacket is meant for climbing, but I think it's great for cycling as well.  It's ultra--and I mean mega ultra light and folds up into it's own little pouch.  The bright colors and reflector details are great for visibility and the elasticized hem will keep the wind out.

This fits perfectly in a small bike bag or pack and if you find yourself in a rain shower or a situation where you wish you were more visible to cars, there it will be.  This would be nice for Summer hiking and traveling as well.  Find it HERE.

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Klean Kanteen's New Plastic Free Bottles

Klean Kanteen has come out with some new bottles that are completely plastic free.  Not only that, but they are beautiful.  The KLEAN KANTEEN REFLECT has taken the water bottle to a new level, look at that gorgeous bamboo lid. Artful green function, yes!  No nasty chemicals to worry about here, just stainless steel, sustainable bamboo, and food grade silicone.

They purposely left off any paint to avoid scratched bottles ending up in recycling bins or landfills.  The logo is etched on and won't scratch off, brilliant. I'm wild for the lid, it makes the bottle scream adventure to me.  I can picture this bottle in a saddle bag on an expedition, in someone's pack on safari in the 1930's, or in a messenger bag on a bullet train.  It is old world and very modern all at the same time. 

I don't fool around with plastic at all, we know that it is not just BPA we need to worry about, so why take the chance?  All my bottles are stainless or glass.  Stainless is the best for more active situations like biking, traveling and camping, particularly if you have children around.

Klean Kanteen has come a long way since it's inception.  I used to buy their sippy cups for my son.  He still uses them (with a different lid) four years later, that's how well they endure.  Just be careful if you have them in a side pocket of your pack, because if you slam it down hard on the ground, you can get little dents in the bottom.   I took this bottle on a recent trip and it fit perfectly in my pack and was the right amount of water to have with me, I was grateful I brought it.  I think the Reflect might just be my favorite water bottle yet.  It's Earth Day, treat yourself!  Find it HERE.

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Green Getaway: Seattle

Eco friendly travel does not necessarily mean camping or picking grapes on an organic farm (though that sounds fun too).  An eco friendly retreat in an urban setting is completely doable.   If you don't have time for a week,  I think a weekend escape can be every bit as satisfying if you use your time wisely and stay at the right hotel.   You can have a luxurious kid friendly green getaway in the city. 

Seattle is wonderful for this sort of thing.  Green options abound, the geography is gorgeous, and the food is fantastic.  My favorite thing to do when I visit the city is walk around, meet up with friends, and eat.  If you're traveling with a child, it's a good idea to have a couple of kid specific activities planned as well and Seattle has plenty to choose from.

Here's what you do.  You take the train or bus, everybody brings a stainless water bottle to refill and reuse, try to stick to vegetarian and organic local foods where available, take your non toxic toiletries in their reusable bottles, turn the lights off when you leave---all the things you do at home.  Only now, there are hotels that are on board with eco friendly thinking making it much easier to maintain your green lifestyle.  We took the beautiful Amtrak Cascades train into Seattle for a green mini vacation during Spring break and we stayed at the perfect hotel.     

Hotel Monaco is an eco friendly four star hotel brimming with individuality and charm.   It's Green Seal certified and complies with a list of green initiatives to make your stay healthier for the planet and for you.  I was grateful to walk into a room that didn't smell of cleaning supplies (they use eco friendly products) or fragrance.  Recycling, water and energy conservation, and organic food and beverage options are all part of their EarthCare Program.

Entering the lobby, the first thing I noticed was all the color.  We were lucky enough to visit during April, while they are celebrating Earth Day with some beautiful lamps created by artist Russ Morgan, using colorful upcycled glass.  They're funky, fun, and bohemain, and added to the ambiance.  On the ceiling there is a lovely sea creature mural lending an air of enchantment.  The style is eclectic and the vibe is playful and relaxed.  I immediately felt transported.  The folks at the front desk were welcoming and efficient and had us checked in an on our way very quickly.

The Monaco is incredibly kid friendly, catering big time to the little ones.  The staff were especially attentive and jovial with my six year old, looking him in the eye and speaking directly to him.  They made him feel comfortable and excited to be there.  There's even  a zebra patterned secret toy box with complimentary toys.

Once in the room, my son was elated to find a bright orange goldfish waiting for us, available to all guests upon request.  Rivaling the goldfish was a gigantic Japanese bath, that for a six year old, was like a pool, and it became a major focal point of our time in the room.  There are some fun animal print robes for your use at the hotel (if you get too attached, they're available for purchase).  Vibrant colors and spaciousness are both soothing and revitalizing,  and a welcome antidote to typical beige hotel rooms.  Our room reminded me very much of a room I stayed in once in Venice, Italy.

The hotel is in a great location for Seattle attractions like Pikes Place Market and shopping (hello Anthropologie), Pioneer Square, and the waterfront.  Just a few blocks away, you can hop on the Monorail and head for the Pacific Science Center, Experience Music Project, and the Space Needle.  My son is obsessed with Star Wars and dinosaurs, so we opted for the Science Center.  There he got to touch a replica of a T-Rex foot, understand fossils, and spy a Tara dactyl overhead.  But the real thrill for him was the Star Wars exhibit.

Though it's not exactly my cup of tea, I must admit I got chills looking at the iconic costumes and standing next to Yoda and R2-D2.  They have some key memorabilia from the movies including Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder (surprisingly small in person).

You get to see Darth Vader's costume, C-3PO, Wookies, and Stormtroopers.  Whatever your favorite Star War's character may be, it's apt to be there.  It's a very stimulating atmosphere with interactive displays and lots of variety.  I'd love to go back for the Butterfly and insect exhibit and look forward to see what else they have in store for future attractions.  The Science Center is a wonderful place to get kids excited about science and the world we live in, and there is something for everyone. 

When we got back to the Monaco, we were offered Star Wars dvds, so my son could keep riding that wave.  Seriously, they think of everything.  At 5:00 there is complimentary wine hour in the lobby,  featuring local wines and beverages to unwind from your day and get you energized for the evening.  Since the hotel is pet friendly, we spotted a few dogs of various sizes walking around, which we really enjoyed.  The atmosphere is relaxing and somewhat festive.  On Wednesdays they have a fortune teller at the wine hour, and on Fridays they play Guitar Hero, how fun is that?

We ate dinner at Sazerac, the Monaco's restaurant which is next door and connected to the hotel.  They utilize local, seasonal and organic foods.  If you are visiting with children, I highly recommend sitting at the Chef's counter where you can get in on the action.  The chefs were super friendly and eager to please, engaging my son and treating him like a little king.  We were there on a Thursday evening and it was packed, so be sure to make reservations.  Everything we tasted was delicious, but the house Artisan Greens Salad knocked my socks off, and since returning, my Cuisinart has been ablaze as I try (and try) to recreate the dressing.  They are happy to accommodate any sort of dietary needs and will make whatever you'd like.

I've stayed in some very nice hotels, but not many have this much personality.   So often a hotel is just a place to sleep,  and normally I can't wait to get out the door and on to the adventure.  But the Monaco is a destination in and of itself.  If you like some character along with your luxury, check them out.  They even offer discounts for those who take the train, as well as special packages.    I highly recommend Hotel Monaco as part of a green getaway in Seattle, you won't want to leave.

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Sleepy Pod Air for Spring Break Air Travel

If you're contemplating traveling with your pet during Spring Break, you might want to know about Sleepypod.  They are a modern, innovative company with with carrier options that do triple duty.  I love their designs for their striking good looks and all the thoughtful details that go into them. 

The Sleepypod Air is unique in that it conforms to the size of the aircraft you are on.  It also serves as a "car seat," and a crate, perfect for hotel rooms and home. 

Our dog loved it immediately.  She was happy to go inside and make herself comfortable, knowing right away it was for her and getting very excited about it.

We haven't had a chance to take it on the plane yet, but it works great in the car and I think it would be nice for car travel and to help keep the dog at ease at various destinations.  It straps into the car via seat belt making it a safe way to transport your dog.  It's a wonderful crate for those who live in small spaces, you just fold it up and store it when not in use, taking it out for trips to the vet or the occasion when you need a crate (company coming, etc). 

 The Sleepypod Air is a high quality nylon, easy to clean and durable.  It has compartments for a collapsable bowl, food, leash, etc.  It has an optional opening on one side to slip over a wheelie suitcase for easy transport through the airport. 

The ends are compressible (from 22" down to 16"), allowing you to make the carrier smaller for tighter spaces and letting your friend stretch out when there's room.  Our dog is a small Chihuahua and needs very little space, so I found myself longing for a smaller version of this carrier, but I think people with larger dogs would appreciate this feature. The bottom is lined with plush faux fur which makes a nice travel bed, and there's even an optional warmer pad to keep your dog extra cozy in colder climes.

This is a multifunctional luxury carrier that comes in several lovely colors.  I prefer low profile black for travel because it makes it look smaller, matches my other stuff, and doesn't show scuffs.  Find it HERE.

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