A Way To Get My Toiletries Through Airport Security

Since the Equal Rights Amendment has not yet been passed, I am giving myself permission to complain that the U.S. airline carry-on restrictions discriminate against women. If society still wants women to look picture-perfect all the time, then one Ziploc bag of products isn't going to cut it.

Even using standard travel-sized bottles, I find it difficult to pack all of my makeup and toiletries for a trip in the Ziploc bag. The bottles generally fit more than I would need for a weekend trip. I've started using screw-top contact lens cases for shorter trips. They are smaller than any of the travel-sized containers I've seen, seal well so they don't spill, and they fit more than enough face lotion and eye cream for a few days.

Some places where you can find good travel-sized containers: Muji (on Broadway b/w Grand and Howard in NY) and The Container Store.

A few other ideas for cutting back on the liquids. . .solid perfume, facial wipes instead of liquid cleanser, solid shampoo/conditioner/body wash from Lush. . .

Best Lip Exfoliator - Basically FREE

I almost made the mistake of spending $15 on lip exfoliator at Sephora. I'm a sucker for everything in that store. Luckily, my amazing and practical friend Kate Larado was shopping with me and came to the rescue with her home remedy:

Step 1: Coat lips with regular old Vaseline.
Step 2: Rub in a large pinch of regular old granulated sugar.
Step 3: Rinse or rub off lips.

Your lips will be as smooth as a baby's bottom, and you already have all the ingredients in your home!

Stylish Rain Shoe (NO BOOTS ALLOWED!)

My co-worker, Lindsay Chock, has been looking for Stylish Rain Shoes - NOT rain boots!

For New York women, there is always the rainy day footwear decision:

If rain will be continuing throughout the day, then boots are acceptable
If rain will be ending before the evening commute, then boots are unacceptable - not only do they look ridiculous when it's sunny and 80 degrees outside, but they are not very breathable.

*All shoes must be worn with no socks, since you will just change into heels once you get to work.

I've found a couple of solutions to this predicament - cute rain SHOES that could pass for regular shoes if the weather clears up.

For those of you that don't mind walking around in wedge heels, the Treton Karin W is adorable and has gotten rave reviews on Zappos.com.

For those that are looking to get around town in flats, I recommend some of the styles found on the Sperry Topsider website. Sperry's shoes are designed for sailing, so they have non-slip soles and are mostly water-resistant, if not waterproof. I've found the regular leather ones to be sufficient for a typical rainy day, but the patent leather boat shoes might provide some additional protection against the elements.

The Perfect Everyday Flip Flop

Qualifications of the perfect flip flop for everyday use:

• Comfortable, even for walking long distances. Needs at least minimal arch support.
• Works well in multiple settings - beach, pool, shopping, walking to work, casual bars and restaurants.
• OK if they get wet
• Not too expensive - you can't be worrying about getting your $250 Gucci flip flops dirty
• A bit of a tread on the bottom so that you don't hydroplane across wet sidewalks
• A color that works with everything - black, brown, navy, white, off-white. . .
• Don't need to break them in - comfortable during first wearing
• Look feminine - not a unisex shoe that guys wear as well

Everyone I ask about this topic seems to have very strong opinions on their favorite flip flops. After years of research, I've found the Reef "Ginger" flip flop in Taupe/White to match all of the criteria given above. The color goes with everything, something I can't say about my black pair of the same shoes. The skinny straps on the shoe and the taupe color gives them a more feminine touch than many other flip flops out there.

The classic J.Crew flip flops (rubber or elasticized top) had a strong 2nd place finish, but rumors of blisters prevented me from giving them top honors. There's also a strong contingent of Rainbows-wearers, but they never seemed to fit my foot properly and the leather isn't the best for wearing around a pool.

As someone who travels frequently, the Reef Ginger Taupe/White flip flops are fabulous - I can throw them into my bag and know that they will be appropriate with every casual outfit I've packed. Comfortable, cute, and saves me time packing for trips? Definitely the perfect "everyday" flip flop!

A Way To Prevent Blisters With New Summer Shoes

So you've found the perfect pair of shoes. The amazing pair of Jimmy Choos that will make you feel like a rockstar at work. The sexy gold strappy sandals that are perfect for a Saturday night in July. . .

The shoes don't seem so perfect anymore when you're carrying them while walking home barefoot through the streets of NYC at 2am.

But, alas, it no longer has to hurt to be beautiful! I've started carrying Band-Aid Blister Block with me everywhere I go. At the first sign of pain, I whip that little stick out and lube up my foot. Tip: It works best if you use it for PREVENTION of a blister, and not after the blister has already started.