Edition #10: Low-Key Vacay Vibes
Stylish Canvas Totes ☼ Why You Should Pack a First-Aid Kit ☼ The Future of The Hammock Society
I’m in the market for a big canvas tote or weekender bag to use as a carry-on travel bag - something that says “I’m headed to the beach” without shouting it.
Right now I’m eyeing the Catalina Deluxe Tote from Lo & Sons. It’s almost the perfect carry-on slash beach bag. It has a trolley sleeve, a laptop sleeve, an adjustable crossbody strap, two inner pockets, a key clip, a drop bottom for sandals (or wet swimsuits) - and it’s on sale! But, I feel like it’s unfinished. Maybe it needs an “Old Celine” monogram. I can’t quite put my finger on it.
BUY: Lo & Sons: Catalina Deluxe Tote ($143.50)
This one from Moment would make a nice workcation tote. It reminds me of the Lands End 5-Pocket Canvas Tote, but it doesn’t scream ‘New England Seaside’.
BUY: Moment MTW Tote Bag ($89.99)
Speaking of… I’ve had the J.Crew Weekender Montauk Tote on my list of favorites for ages. Even though it doesn’t fit the criteria, I’m still adding it here because it’s a nice canvas travel bag, and it’s on sale.
BUY: J.Crew Weekender Montauk Tote ($119.00)
This one is from the Australian brand July fills the void left by the Moment tote. It’s a little bigger, with a zipped pocket and a trolley sleeve. It also comes in black canvas. If I can’t find a similar bag with a drop bottom, I’ll probably buy this one.
BUY: July Large Everyday Tote Bag ($145.00)
I also love this pricey one from Toteme. It looks a lot like that Loewe bag! But, alas, she does not take expensive designer bags to the seaside.
🛍️ THIS WEEK’S PICKS
The Zara Home Travel Bags Collection by Saint Lazare had my eye for a while - some of the items are now on sale, so I was tempted to fill my cart but had to pause and ask myself, "Do I really need this?"
SHOP: Zara Home Vacaciones Supplies and Accessories Collection
I decided I really wanted this red emergency bag for my meds and first aid items. This reminded me of a question a friend asked last year: “Why do you pack a first aid kit?” Here’s why: A few weeks ago, I was dining with my sister at the rooftop restaurant Terraza on Hallandale Beach, FL. I was enjoying a strip steak with homemade smoked chimichurri and truffle fries when suddenly, I had difficulty swallowing. I almost choked, twice. I didn’t panic. I knew it was an allergy attack. I’m allergic to shellfish and some other stuff. I immediately reached into my first aid kit and took a Zyrtec. I had stronger meds and an Epi-pen if it wasn’t enough, but luckily, it was. We enjoyed the rest of the evening and skipped the trip to the ER.
Here are the items I carry in my first aid kit:
Allergy medications (over-the-counter and prescribed)
Cold medications
Nasal Spray
Zinc
An assortment of adhesive bandages
Astringent wipes
Over-the-counter pain medicine
Over-the-counter diarrhea medicine
Antacid and charcoal caps
Aloe Vera
Bug Bite
Powdered IV Multiplier or Pediasure Packets
Other samples I get from my allergist
📚 WHAT I’M READING
I’ve been reading a bunch of Substacks lately, mainly ones authored by women with writing styles that I can relate to. I’ve subscribed to a few of them and plugged them into my Recommendations section. Drop me a line if there’s a Substack you think I should check out.
🏖️ WISH YOU WERE HERE
Me, post-allergy attack - Hallandale Beach, Florida.
I truly appreciate all of you who are subscribed to this newsletter! It has been an educational journey transitioning from a blog to a newsletter. One of the important lessons I learned was that I cannot maintain a strict, weekly, or bi-weekly schedule. I want to make sure I’m delivering the best content to you, so I have decided to send out this newsletter on an occasional basis. If I’m uncovering great sales or travel deals, I’ll send it out more often. Otherwise, I’ll only send it when I’m pleased with the content I have to share.
Please bear with me as I sort everything out, and feel free to provide feedback.