Mix and Match Packing in Photos 7.11.12

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So, it's time for another packing tutorial...with pictures! I've been talking a lot about packing light through mix and match pieces. I know that it can be hard to visualize what I mean when I say that neutral bottoms can be coordinated with any tops, so you can make sure every piece goes with every other piece. You want to be able to create as many outfit combinations as possible. Below you can see two tops that go with multiple bottoms and shoes. Generally, I would not take such tall non-casual shoes, but these happen to be super comfortable and can dress up anything I want to wear them with.

 

Bring along a cover up that also works with everything you bring. This way you don't need to pack multiples and take up more room in your bag than you have to. Even warm-weather destinations may have a dip in temperature or you might get chilly indoors where there is air conditioning.

Guest Post: How to Enjoy A Budget Holiday In Greece

Greece and the Greek Islands have always been one of the most popular holiday destinations throughout Europe. While the current state of the economy is obviously a shame for the people of the country, what it does mean is that lucky tourists are able to get some absolutely amazing deals to take advantage of during their trip.

The beach (FreeSpiritBolton, May 2010)

Not only are the package holidays themselves available at hugely discounted prices, but other things such as car hire and day excursions when you get there come dirt cheap, too. Prices in restaurants and bars can be a little more hit and miss, with many out to get whatever they can out of unsuspecting tourists, although in fairness there are not many who behave in this way.

Where to Avoid

If you are looking to holiday in the Greek Islands on a budget, then it is best to stick to the tried and tested tourist destinations. Despite continuing to be busy, these areas have suffered the most impact during the Greek economic meltdown and will offer the very best discounts simply so they can get people in the doors and begin making money once again.

Look to avoid destinations that have not usually been popular destinations, such as Mykonos, as they are reverting to a strategy of higher pricing in order to try and attract only wealthier visitors once the economy picks back up.

Typical Lindian Street (Alphadeltapi, Jun 2010)

Desirable Destinations

If you are looking for a budget holiday, then in all honesty your best bet is still to go to the travel agency a few days before you are looking to go away and snap up the very best last minute deal they have on offer.

Typically, these will be to the most well-known holiday islands in the area, such as Corfu and Rhodes, although you may be able to pick up some great deals from other, lesser known resorts.

At the top of the article, we touched on the cheap cost of car hire, and this is something that everyone should consider in order to get a full appreciation of what the Islands of Greece have to offer. Take advantage of the super cheap rates on offer to explore the whole of your destination island, before perhaps casting your eye further afield.

This photo of Greece is courtesy of TripAdvisor

There are daily ferries between most of the islands and to the Greek mainland, again at a very reasonable price, so you can spread your wings and experience more of what the Greek islands has to offer at a superb price.

Touristorama helps you plan your vacation and holidays in Greece and the Greek islands. Greece is one of the most beautiful destinations for holidays in Europe. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Review: Revlon Ultrasonic Conditioning Ceramic Straightener

Several years ago, conditioning flat irons came out and were highly unaffordable. Some people were willing to shell out a couple hundred dollars for a ceramic-plated straightener, and even though they are still on the market, there are many more that have become way more budget-friendly. Even so, your options are usually limited to a flat iron that just straightens. When Revlon contacted me to try out their newest hair care tool, I almost said no, because it wasn’t technically a travel gadget and full-sized. It was the ultrasonic setting that was the clincher. You see, this tool will let you condition and straighten your hair from wet to dry. As you know, I’m not fond of spending much time on my hair or having to struggle with beauty tools, so the fact that I wouldn’t also have to blow dry my hair before straightening it really intrigued me.

With so many people traveling this summer to beach destinations and frequenting the pool, I thought that the Revlon Ultrasonic Straightener would cut down on hair styling time and would eliminate an item from travel bags – because I know that even though hotels usually supply hair dryers, you all still take yours.

The Revlon Triple Action Ultrasonic Conditioning Ceramic Straightener has three settings: Ultrasonic setting that helps deep condition your hair with the help of your favorite leave-in conditioner, a heat setting that straightens your hair as your regular flat-iron would and the dual setting that conditions and straightens at one time.

I decided to test this out right after a shower, when my hair was mostly wet. I towel dried it a little bit before starting. My hair is thick and stubborn, so I figured this would be one of the best situations to test it out in. As you can see, my hair was not dripping, but clearly pretty wet. In normal conditions, it would take hours for my hair to air-dry.  

The wide plates allow you to style more hair at once, cutting down on your time already. It also has a textured surface and is easy to hold, which can be a problem with some hair care tools. The plates heat up to 400°F quickly, so you can plug it in, turn it on, go put some conditioner in your hair and then start styling. The dual setting made a fun humming sound – so you know it’s working! – and dried my hair while also giving my hair a shiny look with a little extra volume. I followed up with another quick pass through on just the heat setting to get some of the waves out. Even when I blow dry my hair I have to give my hair a little extra attention when straightening it, otherwise it still tries to do its own thing. Given that, Revlon’s nifty ultrasonic setting did exactly what it said it would.

Later I tried the straightener on just the heat setting and it gave me super sleek, shiny hair in just one pass-through. If you have longer hair, this is a great way to flat iron it in less time, and if you have dry hair like I do, this will add moisture to it. I feel like those with hair any shorter than mine might have a tough time using it, because it is so wide and it may be difficult to get close enough to the roots. I definitely think if you’re spending a lot of time doing water activities and want to simplify your beauty routine to be able to go from beach to dinner, then this is a definite must for your travel bag. Chlorine and salt water can really take a toll on your tresses, too. Having a tool that can rehydrate and condition is a great way to keep your hair looking its best, instead of trying to do damage control after you notice there’s a problem. It also makes a great gift for the swimmer, traveler or hairdo experimenter.

More information

Where can you buy it: Amazon.com or your local beauty or discount store (like Target)

How much it costs: $24.99-54.99

Other specs: 30-second heat up, fun red color, tangle-free cord, 4.9″ x 12.9″ x 2.5″

Find out more about Revlon hair appliances by visiting them on their website. You can also find them on Twitter | Facebook

Disclosure: I was provided with the Revlon Ultrasonic Straightener for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% my own.