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Monday, May 7, 2018

Review: Travelon Anti-Theft Courier N/S Slim Bag

You've heard me say it before, but I'm going to say it again. Different trips call for different bags and I find myself choosing certain purses for each trip I take. I don't often like to carry anything too bulky, but I want something that can carry my essentials, without getting in the way and also keeping my items safe. The Anti-Theft Courier North/South Slim Bag from Travelon does all of that, all in a lovely fabric that's not too sporty and not too fancy. 

This canvas fabric is a great traveler, because the longer you use this bag, the better looking it gets. It's very much like the Heritage collection that I love so much. This even comes in the same colors. 


If you are like me and just like to carry a few things around town with you, so you aren't weighed down, then this slim bag might be exactly what you're looking for. 


There are enough pockets for everything you need, without being overwhelming. The two front pockets are easy to access, with the top one having a locking zipper. I used this one for my camera, so it was quick to get to, but could be safe when I wasn't using it.


The bottom zipper pocket is smaller and perfect for your lip balm and change.

I stashed the few things I use throughout the day in here, or items I'd want to get to quickly on a plane ride or in the airport. This is what would comfortably fit, but you could easily throw a pen inside and a few other small items, like eye drops.


The main compartment of the bag has slots for your credit cards and your passport. These are RFID-protected, meaning all your personal information is safe from thieves with electronic devices that can quickly steal your information. I also like these slash pockets to keep my paper money in, because it's right where you need it and you don't have to dig around for it when you just want to pay and go.


The North/South bag is called slim, because of its slim profile. With your cards along one wall, it keeps the middle free for other stuff you need to bring along, like your sunglasses and snacks. Obviously, more could fit in here, but I don't like to cram a bag full when I'm traveling. 


This main compartment has the signature key leash that all Travelon bags come with, so you aren't taking everything out just so you can get in your car. 


This leash also features the tiny flashlight that comes standard in Travelon bags, because you never know when you need one or you're trying to find something in your bag in the dark, or need to read a map, or find something under a car seat. This is probably the most overlooked, but most useful thing you never realized you needed.


The other side of the bag has a zipper pocket for things you want to keep separate from the main bag. I found it a convenient place for my back-up battery and phone cord for charging emergencies. Maybe you want to use it for makeup or receipts or any number of other things.


The backside of the bag has a large slip pocket. I like to keep my phone handy, and having it in my back pocket can be really annoying and uncomfortable. My large smartphone fit in here with room to spare, and because this pocket is right against my body, I know there's no chance that anyone can just snatch it from me when I'm not looking. This COULD be a concern if you're keeping it in your back pocket.




You'll find the locking zippers are easy to clip on and off the small D-rings attached to the bag in strategic places. This makes it nearly impossible for anyone to steal from you and giving you the knowledge that your belongings are safe and sound. 


And don't forget the best parts of any Travelon anti-theft bag: One end of your adjustable strap is detachable, in order for you to attach your bag to a stationary object while out and about, like while dining. Your strap is also slash-resistant, giving you even more security, and the front of the bag has a slash-resistant mesh in the lining, so nobody can slash and grab your belongings.


While you can wear the North/South Slim bag as a regular handbag, it adjusts to be a convenient crossbody bag as well. This is my favorite way to wear most bags, as it leaves my hands free to shop, pay, take photos and check my phone when needed. 

This bag is the perfect size for when you need to carry a bag, but don't really want to carry a bag. The profile allows it to sit snug against your body and not allow it to get in the way. And if you're still looking for a Mother's Day gift, your mom's going to love this, whether she travels or not. And if you use my special code (see below), you can get 20% off your whole purchase! Woot! 

More details:
Where can I buy it? Travelon website
How much is it? $50 (but use my code SHEREENTRAVELS20% to save 20% off your purchase)
What colors does it come in? Stone Grey (shown) | Navy
Additional specsCotton Blend, 8" x 9" x 2", Strap Length: 29.5" - 54", Strap Drop Length: 14" - 26"

If you love Travelon as much as I do, or you just want to know about new items or how to use current items, find them on social media: 

Disclaimer: I was provided with the Anti-theft Courier N/S Slim Bag for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.

Saturday, May 5, 2018

My Las Vegas Wish List 2018

I've just purchased my tickets for my annual summer trip to Vegas. Trust me, if NBA Summer League was at a different time of year I'd be all for it, but it's not, so I work around it and try to drink as much water as possible. As you know, I like to find new and fun things to do, that are both cheap and tasty. 


Because this will be my 7th trip in 3 years, it can be hard to find new things, but as the city is always changing and I don't know all the secrets to Sin City (and definitely not Henderson), there are plenty of things for me to add to a wish list for this next trip. Amazingly, it consists of more than extra sunscreen and Columbia clothes to pack my bag with.

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Even in the middle of the desert, I still think coffee is the blood of life. It might be 119° outside, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy a good latte. On he way back to our timeshare from dinner one night, I glimpsed a cleverly-named coffee shop: Illumilatte Brewing Society. Not one to pass up a good cup of Joe, I immediately made a note to check it out and the reviews are quite good, so this is #2 on my list of coffee shops, as #1 is the new Bad Owl Coffee location opening in S. Vegas and trying their new fancy toast (not avocado tyvm) and their espresso flight in Hogwarts house colors.

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I know it's going to be stupid hot outside, but that doesn't mean a good jaunt out to the desert in the early-ish morning hours can't be fun. This limited-time art installation, entitled Seven Magic Mountains may just be some pretty colored rocks in the middle of nowhere (honestly, it's only 10 miles from town), but it's free, it's cool, and I'd love to visit and take some fantastic pictures before we all head to a lovely breakfast.


No trip to Vegas is complete without delicious food. If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I'm a lover of sushi. Well, there will be four of us for most of this trip and one of us doesn't eat sushi (blasphemy!), but he does love Hawaiian food, so I found this awesome compromise that mashes the best of both worlds. Island Sushi & Grill has incredible reviews, most saying it's one of the best Japanese restaurants in Las Vegas. Plus they have malasadas! [if you've never had them, they are Hawaiian doughnuts, oftentimes with cream fillings.]

A post shared by Creamberry (@creamberrylv) on

If you're one of the few who haven't seen the beauty (and horror) of the cotton candy burrito, here you go. You're welcome! It's horrible and wonderful looking all and once and I must have it. Creamberry LV has added this abomination to their menu full of other such terrible treats, including cookie shots filled with coffee/cocoa/milk, puffle cones, and rolled ice cream "tacos". Honestly, it all looks equally delicious and tooth-rotting, and you'll be seeing some fabulous drool-inducing pics fromme.

Each season, the magical horticulturalists of the Bellagio create an awe-inspiring tribute to flowers and plants with a different theme. The Bellagio Conservatory is large and bright and totally free. It's open 24-hours a day and any time is a good time to see what has been created from different plants. Often there are fish in the pond and sometimes birds in an aviary, but it's always spectacular. Above is a picture I took from my last visit that was themed for The Year of the Dog of the Chinese New Year. At certain days and times they also host live performances, though I have somehow always missed them.

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In my quest to find new things that I've missed in the past, I discovered that Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall has daily laser light shows in what they call the Mystic Falls Park. It's completely free and I love that inside looks like outside...and there's also a TGI Friday's on the premises, which I will never say no to.

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I'm a big fan of factory tours. I like to see how and where things are made. It's cool to me, so when I learned about Anderson Dairy and their free self-guided tours, I, of course, wanted to learn more. It reminded me quite a bit of the Tillamook Cheese Factory here in Oregon, except it will mostly be milk and not cheese. If you also like to see how things are made and headed to Vegas, don't forget to stop into Ethel M's Chocolate Factory Store.


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Okay, so this is absolutely my splurge item for this trip, but I've been waiting for it to open for at least 3 years now. The Haunted Museum is run by Zak Bagans of Ghost Adventures, which I detest as a show, but love as an idea for a museum. He has filled a historic home in Downtown Vegas with all the items he's collected over the years from his ghost-hunting journeys. Admission is steep at $44 per person, but you get to see terrifying items like the Dibbuk Box, which is said to be a containment unit for a demon. Now, I'm afraid of a lot of things, but I've been excited to visit this museum since I heard it was opening...and then there were no real updates until it was finally open. 

Obviously, these won't be the only things I visit while in town for the week, between basketball game and trips to the lazy river, but these on top of my list for sightseeing and eats. 

Tell me your favorite places to visit when in Las Vegas that you think I should experience!

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Where Your Memorial Weekend Can Take You

This long weekend is already predicted to be the most crowded on the road in the last 12 years. An estimated 39 million travelers will be hitting the highways to get to their destinations this year. Gas prices aren't any cheaper than the last few years, but the general good economy is getting people out of the house, so be prepared. That said there will also be a lot of people who are facing break-downs and flat tires, so make sure you've gotten your car checked out and you have roadside assistance on-hand for your trip.


While a lot of people use the long weekend to get away and bond with family, there are some people that are hoping to travel child-free, and not just people like me who don't have children. Short trips can be a good way to reconnect with your partner and take a break from being a parent and get you excited for taking that longer vacation with your child(ren) and discovering new, fun things with them.

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A lot of us already have big plans for vacations later in the year, so splashing out a bunch of cash for a long weekend isn't always in our budget. Luckily, it looks like there will be a lot of deals this year, which can be found on Priceline. There are also a lot of ways to skip the flights and take an awesome road trip, but here are 12 destinations that are really budget-friendly, no matter how you choose to get there:

Boston

Learn about the country's history, with fantastic shopping and seafood dining options. Last-minute deals can take 45% off regular rates, allowing you to visit for much less than other times of the year. If you're looking for things to do, check out this post.

Cancun (Mexico)

Not only do you get the benefit of cheap food and proximity to the ocean, Cancun hotel rates are halved this time of year, and there are so many things to do outside of laying on the beach and getting sunburned. (Seriously, apply and reapply or you'll never want to go back to Mexico.)

Catalina Island

When I was younger, I took several trips to Catalina Island off the coast of California. It's a great place to get a small town feel and oceanside accommodations. Hotel rates fall over 50% between May to October, when you can expect to pay under $100 per night, including the ferry ride to the island from Long Beach.


Hawaii

Airfare sales can be found to Hawaii right now and Memorial weekend kicks off summer sale rates for hotels, which can be found as low as $79 per night. Need tips on what to do or where to go? I've got tips for visiting Molokai, Maui or Honolulu.

Las Vegas

As long as you don't gamble away your savings in the casinos, you can totally make a trip to Sin City cheap. Rates at the MGM Grand can run you under $100 per night, and you can spend less at a less-luxurious hotel. Not sure how to keep your money in your pockets? Here are free and cheap ideas and what you can do if you have kids in tow.


New Orleans

The Big Easy has just gotten over the crowds from Mardi Gras and Spring Break. That means it's clamoring a bit for tourists. You can book a hotel for around $129 per night or fin an Airbnb deal for similar (or less). Worried you won't be able to find anything to do besides drink? You'll be treated to parades and here are some other inspiring ideas for how to spend your time there.

New York City

While you don't normally think of The Big Apple as a budget getaway, prices drop for Memorial weekend. It won't be super cheap, but $159 per night for a 3-star hotel is a deal that won't totally break the bank.

Orlando

Theme parks are certainly going to be busy over the holiday weekend, but there are tons of things to do in Orlando that aren't Disney World, plus room rates can run you just $100 per night. If you want ideas for what to do in the area, check out my Orlando Pinterest page.


Phoenix (and Scottsdale)

Arizona isn't at the height of its hot temps in May, making it an ideal vacation destination. Get amazing hotel rates or spend a little extra for a luxury resort that may be offering up to 40% off. There are a lot of cool things to see and do there, and tons of delicious Mexican food, too.

Riviera Maya (Mexico)

It's heating up in Mexico, and maybe you're ready to get a little sun worshipping into your life. Between May and the end of October, you'll face smaller crowds and room rates. Look to spend an average of $80 per night and pack your sunscreen, bathing suit and sunglasses.

San Francisco

This may seem like a really expensive destination, but if you look for hotels in the Union Square area, you can find rates as low as $112. Find awesome, and affordable, things to do there using this 48 hours post.


Washington, DC

See our nation's capital for less. Once the cherry blossoms fall in April, tourism drops off, so lodging prices drop as well. You can find great deals in May for as low as $69 per night. There are so many free things to do in the city, that you could easily only pay for food each day. Need some ideas? Check out my post from our last trip.

Where will you be spending Memorial Day? I'll be staying home this year and probably firing up the BBQ.
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