Choose Happy!

After not traveling to Mexico for a few years, eight of us finally went back last November to our happy place, Isla Mujeres. During this trip, Karl and I also explored a new island called Isla Holbox. This island was more rustic and laid back than Isla Mujeres, but every bit as fun and exciting with phenomenal restaurants and shops that sold art and clothing from local artists.

As I usually do when I travel with people I love and admire, I return home with a list of cool things that I need to check out either for myself or others. I originally wanted to post this before Christmas, but here we are at the end of January 2022. If you happen to be looking for a gift for someone, look no further. These goodies have been vetted and given multiple thumbs up!

These Are Worth the Hoopla

Rose had several Missoma hoops in her ears. They were cute, shiny, and classy. All of us girls, and maybe some of the guys, noticed them because they seemed perfect for looking polished at the beach. The final selling point? They don’t fall out when you're sleeping. Gotta love that!

Here’s the pair I bought my Mom for her birthday (a New Year’s baby). Unfortunately, I didn’t end up seeing her as originally planned due to Omicron, so I still have them. I find myself looking at them from time to time because they're just so pretty. I can only imagine how much prettier they'll look on my Ma. Use this link to get $10 off your first Missoma order.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

Kristan swears by Rothy’s, and she should know as she's spent many hours in them touring various cities on her travels. Not only are they super cute, but they’re made from plastic bottles and marine plastic. The material has a little stretch and is very comfortable, and the shoes come in many colors and styles. You can also throw them and the padding in the washing machine to boot. Kristan recommends that if you wear insoles, simply replace the padding with your insoles.

If you would like $20 off your first order, click this link. (If this link gives you issues, email me and I’ll get you that coupon code.)

Unfortunately, I have narrow heels and my cheetah ballet flats kept flipping off my feet. I will definitely have to try another Rothy's style to see if there is a difference. In the meantime, I found these shoes by Heawish that cost $24.99 on Amazon. They stay on my feet and feel like the same material as the Rothy’s. One difference between the two brands is the pads in the Heawish shoes are glued in, but it looks like you could pull them out if you really wanted to. I've worn the shoes several times now, for several hours at a time, and I’m quite pleased with how comfortable they are.

Sail Away

Ok, Brian where did you get that awesome t-shirt, “I’m on a boat!” Brian’s cool t-shirt came in a grab bag of ten tees for $55 from 6 Dollar Shirts. He said the assortment was mostly great with a few that were clearly meant to be given away. 😁

Sleeping Pretty

Because we were in Mexico close to American Thanksgiving, we saw some sales pop up on our phones…not that we were checking. Craig and Nicole were the perfect marketing reps for eucalyptus sheets from Sheets & Giggles. These sheets are made using environmentally friendly techniques, less energy compared to cotton sheets, and no pesticides and insecticides. Their glowing reviews were enough for me to snag a duvet cover and bottom sheet. Oh my goodness, these are the most comfortable sheets ever. So soft and cool, yet warm.

A month later, in January, over Christmas week, I saw a sale on their eucalyptus flannel sheets. Hmmm…what would eucalyptus flannel sheets be like? Ok, I stand corrected. THESE are the most comfortable sheets ever! They are not only warm and super cozy, but neither Karl nor I overheat in them. It's really hard to get out of bed now. (Puppy pillow not included.)

Green and Clean

I bought this BrooklynMadeNatural travel soap dish on Etsy as a way to reduce our footprint while traveling. When staying at a hotel, I really don’t like opening a soap for only one use. What’s cool about this travel dish is that it is made of bamboo and corn starch so it is completely compostable and biodegradable. It should last about 2 years. For $10, what a steal! When I’m at home, I have my favorite shampoo and conditioner that I use, but when traveling, I use J·R·LIGGETT'S All-Natural Shampoo Bars. It is gentle on my fine hair and leaves it soft and clean. I wash my hair every 5-6 days, so this works great for me.

I also don’t like the plastic cups in plastic wrap that you still see in some places. Why not bring your own silicon reusable cups. Here are two options. Craig brought his Hydaway travel cup to Mexico. When I look at this cup now, it looks perfectly fine. It is amazing how funny something can seem when you’ve had a few tequilas. Craig, I was laughing at you and your cup, not with you…wait, I mean the other way around. 😂

Karl and I have these Stojo cups, which also work well. Both brands have cups in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Whichever brand you go with, you can’t go wrong! Join Karl and I in trying to eliminate our use of single-use plastics.

Soar in Style

Kristan looked so put together and beautiful on this trip with her lovely dress and tops from SheBird. Not only was her clothing soft and wrinkle-free, but they had built-in bras. The material is a modal jersey that is sourced from beech trees. What ease, what comfort! After the trip, Nichole and I bought SheBird lounge sets consisting of a tank, bottoms, and wrap for $164. I am so delighted with my set. To get $20 off your first order, click here.

One Size is the Right Size

While on Isla Holbox in Mexico, Nicole and I found a cute little store called Hecho Con Amor that sold these "one size fits all" dresses by Pájaro Muerto. How can that be? Nicole and I are of different heights and have different body shapes, and yet we both bought dresses that looked fantastic on us! These dresses are made of buttery soft material and are flowy and feminine. Now, Nicole and I can periodically swap our dresses to change up our wardrobes! 

My dress has the same hemline as shown in the picture of Nicole’s dress below. Also, Nichole’s dress is a beautiful burnt orange color.

No Flip-Flopping Here

Karl loves his Vionics flip-flops. In October 2021, he hiked them down the Grand Canyon so he could wear them at the bottom where we camped. These sandals have built-in arch support so he can wear them for hours without the usual ache that comes from flat shoes.

No Need to Dry Out

Allen recommends this waterproof dry box container for all the divers in the group, which easily fits some cash and a credit card. While we didn't do any diving this trip, he thought it perfectly comfortable and light enough to wear around his neck while wandering the beach on Isla Mujeres. Fortunately, the only thing that got wet was the table from the condensation on the margarita glasses.

To the Rescue

Lastly, Kristan saved the day when several people on the trip got blisters unexpectedly. She shared her Dr. Botanicals Lm Rescue Butter with them and the verdict was that it definitely improved the situation. It moisturized and comforted their burning, irritated skin.

Kristan thought she got this lifesaver in a beauty box like FabFitFun (for $10 of your first box, click here), but you can also find it on Amazon for $14.99.

Well, that’s it! Be kind to yourself and choose to be happy for 2022! Love, Tamara