Cute Carry-Ons for Seasonal Getaways

With sky-high baggage fees and the overall hassle of traveling by air, getting to your spring and summer destinations can seem more like a dread than a dream.

In an effort to ease my traveling experience, I pack strategically so that I only bring a bright and bold carry-on to avoid standing in those never-ending check-in lines and avoid those ever-increasing baggage fees. 

Opting for a fashionable, roomy bag will make for a more seamless and affordable B-line to your vacation getaway. 

Check out a few of these cute carry-ons:

Samsonite Bright Lite 29" Hardship Spinner available at www.samsonite.com for $160

Lacoste Gymnasium Roll Bag available at www.zappos.com for $166

Rebecca Minkoff Carry-On Oversized Bag available at www.amazon.com for $795

Kipling USA Brixen Wheeled Luggage available at www.zappos.com for $230

The Crown Edition Crown-X 30" Hard-sided Spinner Suitcase available at www.sears.com for $399.95

Tumi Super Leger International Carry-On available at www.6pm.com

American Tourister iLite Carry-On-available at www.samsonite.com for $80.99

Do you typically carry-on or check your bags when traveling?

Over the Moon in Cancun

A few weeks ago I shared with you that I was taking a mini-vacation. Well, that much-needed break involved a ton of sun, great food, and even better music in Cancun, Mexico! I know what you're thinking, "Isn't BGG well beyond her wild partying college days?"

You're correct, my college years are behind me (I still can't believe it's been 10 years since I graduated - yikes!), but you're wrong if you think Cancun is solely the hotspot synonymous with rowdy college spring breaks and nonstop partying.

Granted, you will have a good time in Cancun if co-ed crowds are what you're looking for, but the city has so much more to offer if you're not. The city is becoming the go-to-spot for luxurious lounging, exquisite dining, and even music.

During my stay at the Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort, I experienced top-notch service in addition to a full-on concert (it was included in the package) by Latin pop sensation Enrique Iglesias, which was attended by over 10,000. Plus, the mouthwatering cuisine from room-service and the numerous restaurants on site satiated my bottomless pit appetite.

From sipping strawberry margaritas by the pool to visiting an exotic crocodile zoo to dancing the night away at a concert, I found Cancun's Palace Resorts to be a destination ideal for music-lovers looking for relaxation, good food, and outstanding service. 

Check out some of my pics:

On my way to a cocktail party.

One of several pool areas on the resort.

During my visit to the CrocoCun Zoo.

I LOVED this lime sorbet. It was refreshing and had just the right amount of tang.

A lovely view from my room.

I didn't realize just how hot Enrique Iglesias was until I saw him in concert!

Do you have any spring break or summer trips on the horizons?

"Pint-Sized" Travel Sets

Since it's been several years since the TSA deemed it unsafe to tote toiletries and other liquids and gels in quantities exceeding 3.4 oz on commercial airplanes, finding your favorite "pint-sized" products has never been easier. Companies caught on quick by making convenient travel sets of everything from body lotions to shampoos that comply with the security restrictions.

I plan on doing quite a bit of traveling this summer so packing my small-sized essentials should be a cinch with these six sets:


Bliss Lemon & Sage Sinkside Six-Pack Travel Set available at www.macys.com for $25


Fresh Brown Sugar Escape available at www.cusp.com for $75


L'Occitane Nourish & Protect Shea Body Care Set available at www.sephora.com for $29


Ole Henriksen Starter Set available at www.sephora.com for $68


Philosophy The Travel Agent available at www.sephora.com for $35


Somme Institute Mobile Travel Kit available at www.nordstrom.com for $85

Are you planning a getaway this summer?

BGG's Luxurious Aveeno-Sponsored Weekend!

Thanks to Aveeno and RecycleBank I, along with several other beauty/mom bloggers were whisked out to Los Angeles for a weekend of pampering, luncheons, cocktail parties, dinners, and backstage access to the Independent Spirit Awards. Although my trip started off bumpy due to an unexpected hiccup in my flight schedule, the trip was still amazing.

Fresh off the plane I was immediately escorted to the swanky Exhale Spa at the Fairmont Marimar & Bungalows where I indulged in a marvelous mani/pedi, facial, and massage. I know, for a busy mom like me this was just what the doctored ordered. To top it off, I even had my makeup done just in time for dinner at Santa Monica's popular Italian eatery, Valentino.

On Saturday we headed to the Independent Spirit Awards, where I literally bumped into the always dapper Taye Diggs on the red carpet. Backstage there were a slew of other celebrities from Kerry Washington to Nicole Kidman.


The lovely and quite friendly Erin of Scandalous Beauty and I in the lobby of Shutters on the Beach Hotel headed to the awards.


Actor Taye Diggs walking the red carpet.

Throughout the weekend I chatted with Aveeno experts, Summer Rayne Oakes and Patrick Melville who shared tips on and facts about the brand. Did you know that Aveeno has been around for over 60 years and that it all began with two brothers experimenting with raw cereals? Who knew, right? No wonder their oatmeal-infused formula is one of their top-sellers. Not only did I learn about the brand, but I also got a chance to use products from their newest collection, Smart Essentials, which was created to address stressed skin.


Beauty and mom bloggers gathering backstage in the Aveeno lounge.

After my whirlwind trip, I made sure to use the brand's newest eye roller, Anti-Fatigue Eye Treatment to combat the dark-circles that were certain to ensue due to my lack of sleep. It de-puffed and brightened my eyes making me look refreshed.


Aveeno Anti-Fatigue Eye Treatment available at drugstores nationwide.

Overall, it was a fun-filled weekend that I'll add to my BGG most memorable moments.

Did you watch the Independent Spirit Awards and/or the Academy Awards this weekend?

Get Away in Style!

Even though the summer is winding down, it's never too late to take a quick getaway - in style that is! If you're planning on taking a mini-excursion for the upcoming Labor Day holiday or just a simple trip out of town, why not pack your things in a super cute weekend tote or carryall?

Leave your boring black bags behind and stand out in style with a colorful, chic bag that will add a bright spot to the dreaded task of packing!

Do you own weekend totes or carryalls that aren't black? Were you lucky enough to get away this summer? If so, where did you go?


Roxy Out of Time Duffel available at www.macys.com for $56 (each)


True Religion Stella Leather Weekender available at www.truereligion.com for $617 (very pricey, but very cute!)


Canyon 30-Wheel Duffel available at www.kipling-usa.com for $185.50


Anya Roll Duffel Bag available at www.adidas.com for $35


Hayden Hartnett Weekender available at www.revolveclothing.com for $174


Lesportsac Weekender available at www.endless.com for $102.89


Puddle Jumper Travel Bag available at www.janemarvel.com for $99


Dooney & Burke Nylon Sport "Carla" Dome Duffel available at www.nordstrom.com for $135


Lesportsac Medium Weekender available at www.lesportsac.com for $138

Travel Time!

By the time you read this post I’ll be in Houston celebrating my birthday with my favorite cousins. I’m going to relax with spa treatments, food and fun. I’m not even taking my baby with me, ahem, not my husband – my Macbook! I don’t know how I’ll survive without it, but I’ll manage.

Anyway, since I’m going out of town, that means I'll have to go to my least favorite place on earth – the dreadful airport. Even with high fuel prices and the impending recession, people still have to get places. So if you’re going to travel, you might as well go in style with these super chic suitcases and luggage sets!

Hopefully, these stylish travel bags won’t get lost in the shuffle!

Do you usually have your bags checked or do you typically carry on?


Diane Von Furstenberg "Working Girl" Luggage Set available at www.macys.com for $299 (was $760)


Classic Louis Vuitton Keepall 60 available at www.eluxury.com for $1000


Longchamp Pliage Trolley available at www.saks.com for $255


Life Pelle Collection Vegetable Leather (I've never heard of that either!) Carry-On Rolling Duffle Bag available www.neimanmarcus.com for $1,045.


Tag Dots Luggage Set available at www.macys.com for $99.99


Lacoste Duffle Bag available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $114


Delsey Pink Luggage available at ww.neimanmarcus.com from $30-$340


Nike Connection Large Wheel Bag available at www.nike.com for $180

Travel Treats

We all love getting away and visiting new places, but getting to our destinations usually requires going to one of the most dreaded places -- the airport. I don't know about you, but I absolutely hate everything about the airport from the long lines to the loads of lost luggage. Plus, the fact that all of our carry-on toiletries must be less than 3 oz and fit into 1 quart-size Ziplock bag.

Lucky for us, a few bath and beauty companies have created convenient kits and smaller sized-products that will lessen our traveling woes.

What are some of your favorite travel-friendly toiletries?

Check out some of these must-have trial sizes and mini-traveling kits.


Korres Body Butter Trio (1.69 oz. each) available at www.sephora.com for $24.50


Bliss Sink Side Six Pack Bath & Skincare Set (1 oz. each) available at www.sephora.com for $25


Burt's Bees Travel Shower Kit available at www.walgreens.com for $12.99


Strawberry Feast Travel Shower Gel and Body Lotion (2oz) available at www.thebodyshop.com for $12


6-pc. Travel Kit available at www.walgreens.com for $7.99


Travel Dental Kit available at www.sephora.com for $8


Travel size Oil of Olay Complete All Day Moisture Cream (2 oz.)available at www.drugstore.com for $6.99


Tea Tree Skin Care Kit (1.5 oz) available at www.nordstrom.com for $30