My Vacation Toiletries

Since I do make a habit of taking a couple of vacations every year, I save my samples from Sephora & Ulta knowing those are the best times to use those bad boys. They are perfect for packing for a trip! I make a list of all items I think I will need, then I go over in my head, my daily routines and grab the essentials. I also think of all the things I will be needing. For example, say you are heading out on a beach resort vacation, you are most definitely going to need sunblock and maybe bug spray if you are camping, etc. I always try and take the smallest sizes I have, but if you are going on a longer duration trip you may need more product, so keep that in mind.

Decide what toiletries you need. This is a personal choice, but it can depend on where you are travelling. If you are going to stay at high-end hotels, you will be provided with sachets of soap and shampoo. If you're traveling on a budget, or if you are visiting developing countries, you may have to bring the necessities. Some basic travel toiletries include hand soap, shampoo, toothpaste and brush, comb, compact mirror, travel towels and first-aid kit. Carry your prescription medicines along with prescription information. If you need special shampoos or lotions, I would purchase small plastic bottles to fill and check my baggage because it would be worth it.

Stick to TSA packing guidelines. You must carry all liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of 3.4 ounce (100 ml) capacity or smaller. Gels such as lip gloss, deodorants, and liquids such as toothpaste and lotion must be in bottles or packages that clearly read 3.4 ounces. Note that you cannot carry large containers that are half-filled, or rolled-up toothpaste tubes. Place all your gels, aerosols and liquid toiletry items in a transparent, 1-quart plastic bag with zip-top. Non-zip-top bags such as sandwich bags that can be folded over or gallon-size bags are against TSA rules. Only one, 1-quart clear plastic bag with zip-top is allowed per traveler. Understand that in case of medical items, TSA offers some exemptions for certain travelers provided there is no suspicious activity or items. You can carry more than 3.4 ounces of liquid, gel and aerosol forms of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines for medical reasons. In such a case you would have to separate these medicines from other gels, aerosols and liquids in the zip-top bag, report to the security officer at the checkpoint, and present these items for additional screening.

I hope this helps any of you that may be heading out on that vacation this upcoming summer! Be you, be your brand!

Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Pancakes

These were to die for! I thought I loved waffles, until my taste buds got a taste of these! I seriously couldn't believe how great they were. I loved the warm chocolate chips, they were melty and so delicious. It was the perfect amount of sweetness I needed in the morning! I had these accompanied by my favorite coconut mocha coffee. Best ever! Read on for the instructions! Be you, be your brand!

What you need:

-Topping:

• 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon or orange zest
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon low fat sour cream

-Pancakes:

• 1/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 3 tablespoons quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 tablespoon bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• Vegetable cooking spray
• 1/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries

To Make:

-For topping:

1. Mix sour cream, zest and sugar in a bowl until smooth; refrigerate.

-For pancakes:

1. Combine flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. Make a well in the center of flour mixture. Place egg white, honey, chocolate chips and milk in well. Stir liquid with a wooden spoon until flour is just combined. Heat a griddle over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto griddle and cook until bubbles appear on surface and undersides are golden brown, about 1 minute. Flip and cook other side, about 1 minute more. Top with a spoonful of sour cream mixture and berries.

The skinny (Caloric Info)

335 calories, 6.4 g fat (3.1 g saturated), 58.9 g carbs, 6.6 g fiber, 15 g protein