Traveling TLC

Today I've got something very special for you, at least I think it's really special! Because what do traveling and taking care of your body have to do with one another? Usually nothing, as when I see the word travel that's code for "free for all" and it's fast food and whatever snacks, and candy I can get my mitts on. Not to mention trashy airport mags.

And in honor of my very special trip today..ahem..

I brought Kali on over to give you the 411 on pampering yourself while on the road!

Take it away, pretty lady!

Bonjour, fellow GridIron lovers! Kali here of Kaliwood! I hope you all are having a fabulous day. 

When Kait let me know that I could take over her blog for a day, I was pumped! I love stalking reading Kait's posts on the reg. Who doesn't love a girl with a lipstick and a football obsession?? And following her during her fairy tale romance with that tall-drink-of-water fiance of hers?? Swoon!

The topic of today is traveling and how to treat yourself right!

I travel a decent amount for work. I am a meeting planner and currently plan events at various locations throughout the US. I would say I travel about ten times a year (which is just the right amount for me). My upcoming trips are Denver in April, and Los Angeles and Seattle in May. Most of my trips are for "site visits" where I tour hotels, convention centers, sports arenas, and any other venues we may be using. 

Here are some pics of my hotel rooms, views, and some arenas I have toured as part of my site visits when planning events:

Now, I'm not going to share with you the all-inclusive list of what every career girl should be packing on work trips. That would be another whole post. But, I AM going to share with you something I feel is just important: Products you should squeeze into every extra zipper pocket you can find to pamper yourself while you are on the road. That's right, pamper.

It's truly important to take care of your body {inside and out} while you are traveling. But because most of us who travel for our careers are doing it alone, and since you are in random hotel rooms, cabs, planes, etc. for long amounts of time, you should throw in some extras and treat your body to some much-needed TLC (for those of us who say we'll do the at-home pedicure once a week, but still haven't opened the products...)

So here are some of the secret luxuries that I travel with...

Cleansing Towelettes

Washing your face every night is essential. After a long day of touring hotels and convention centers, I am ready to take "my face" off. These handy wipes are great for removing all of your makeup while cleansing at the same time. 

Cucumber Heel Therapy

If you are wondering why I have all of these sample size products it's because I work in a building with a Spa Association and they get tons of product from their member spas. And they love to share with the other groups! Score!

This little gem is one of the products I tested and now love. I call this the "pedicure in a jar". I massage it into my feet/toes/ankle after a shower. It smells amazing and softens all those hard surfaces that built up from your long day in pumps! I rub my feet for a quick few minutes each and it's glorious. 

Kiss Me - Exfoliating Lip Scrub

{I'm a fan of the philosophy brand. I use their Amazing Grace perfume and love it.}

My lips always get chapped and dry when traveling! Bring along the some regular lip balm to apply as needed. A helpful hint I learned recently: If your lips are already peeling/chapped bad, don't use medicated chap sticks. It makes it worse! Who knew??  Once I switched to a generic lip balm with no medication, my lips started healing right away. So now I carry that everywhere.

As for the lip exfoliator: This is great if you have some peeling going on. It scrubs off all the dead cells and leaves your lips feeling silky smooth. Even if your lips are in good shape, do an exfoliation session to make them feel even better after a long day!

DECLEOR Under Eye Cream

I use this after I've washed my face and applied moisturizer. I put a little dab under each eye, covering the evil demons that are my dark circles, and let it go to work while I'm sleeping. Now, this is something I should probably do every night. But I make the effort to apply it when traveling. 

Quick Mani: Cuticle Care

Once your long day of meetings has come to an end and you're back in the hotel for the night, take some time to give yourself a quick mani! Make sure you do this right after you shower. Your hands will be warmed up and the cuticles will be soft from being in the water for a while. Use the tool (top) to push back your cuticles, and use the clippers (bottom) to trim them off. Be careful, these clippers are sharp! Don't get crazy with them! 

This little mani will keep your nails looking clean and healthy for the next day's meetings. Follow up with some cuticle cream or hand lotion to moisturize and massage each of your palms to relieve stress. 

Cosmetic Wedges 

Is anyone else as obsessed with these wedge applicators as I am? They feel like little triangular pillows that massage your face! On the daily, if I'm in a rush, I'm guilty of just throwing on some tinted moisturizer with my fingers and heading out the door. But, when you are meeting people, you want to look your best. So take 2 extra minutes in the morning to use these to apply your foundation of choice. It will go on smoothly and they feel phenomenal! 

Emergen-C Packets 

I swear by these things. Each packet contains powder that you mix with water and drink. They are a dietary supplement and an immune booster. I take one of these anytime I get a scratch in my throat or feel cold symptoms coming on. I also always take them when I travel because I am convinced flying weakens my immune system. So, take one of these once a day when traveling to keep your energy up and boost your immunity! Since they are a dietary supplement, they also curb your hunger. So, take one before you get on the plane instead of stocking up on Cheetos and Skittles at the airport store!

Hand/Body Lotion

So I frequent the "travel size" isle in Walgreens. I get way too excited about miniature size beauty products. Feel free to judge. But then, go get you some travel size hand/body lotion.

I don't care how nice the hotel is, I have yet to try a hotel lotion (or shampoo/conditioner) that is worth writing about. So you need to come packin! My hands, legs, elbows, etc. always get dry when traveling. I work in convention centers often, and they use recycled air that does not play nice with skin. So, keep this with you to moisturize frequently. 

After showering, and treating yourself to some of these pampering products, curl up with a guilty pleasure reality show good book, sip on a glass of wine, order some room service, and relax! You've earned it!

And if you're lucky like me and visit hotels who want your business, maybe you'll get to enjoy a welcome amenity or two! ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

Kali