My Time in Budapest (Part 2 of 2)

      I never thought I’d enjoy Budapest as much as I thought as I would. On Monday we took a train from Prague to Budapest (some six plus hours).  When we arrived we just walked straight to a cab. (FYI: the train goes though Slovakia). On our first day we walked around the area around the hotel to find something to eat. The next day was rainy and also a holiday so all the museums were free (if they were open).

      After a few museums we were able to see everything we came to see. From the Church Cave to Freedoms Square to the National Museum, we walked everywhere. We at the local food and walked some more. One of the saddest things we saw was the Shoes of the Dunube Promenade that honors the Jews that were killed during WW2. We took it all in. The best part of the trip was I was able to spend one on one time with my brother. Life get’s busy with various things but no one will be able to take those memories away from us.

Central Market

St. Stephen's Basilica 

Inside the St. Stephen's Basilica 

Freedom's Square 

My Vacation in Prague (Part 1 of 2)

     This year it was just my brother and I heading out on our yearly vacation. Normally, my best friend joins us and it’s pretty much been the three of us except this time. My brother actually suggested Prague and Budapest but I dismissed it and had my heart set out on Tokyo or Germany. Not sure what came over me but I decided ‘why not’. No one I knew had ever been there and how amazing would it be to say ‘I’ve been there’. I’m glad I went!

     We left Thursday from Houston via Lufthansa around 4pm. We changed planes in Frankfort and had a four-hour layover (Hello Duty Free!) where we took another plane arriving in Prague just after 3 PM. The entire trip was surreal and amazing. We ate the local food and walked till out feet hurt and then some more. It’s hard to put into words the experience so maybe these pictures of Prague can help.

Just outside Prague

My brother and I

Charles Bridge

-Melissa 

The Perfection Collection – Play by Sephora (March)

  This months box had a few things I love and one I didn’t know I’d like.  The month’s theme ‘The Perfection Collection’ for that ‘flawless look’…they did a pretty good job with this box. 

MURAD Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30

This says it’s a ‘innovated sunscreen while also multitasking as a moisturizer and primer’. 

FRESH Soy Face Cleaner

I’ve actually tried this facial cleaner before and it’s great for sensitive skin. I have sensitive skin and Rosacea. This doesn’t irate my skin and the scent is very light. 

Sephora Collection The Perfectionist: Airbrush Sponge 

Basically a dupe for the Beauty Blender but this has more curves.

SMASHBOX Photo Finish Primer Oil

Exactly what it says it’s a primer but oil based, think argon oil. 

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Tropper

A waterproof brush-tip liquid liner with high pigment

MASION MARTIN MARGIELA ‘Replica’ Beach Walk (Sample)

A toilette that contains notes of bergamot, coconut milk and lemon.

Melissa

Tips on Packing for a Long Vacation

      I’m not bragging in anyway but I think I’ve become a pro at packing. I’ve been that person that at check-in my suitcase is over 50 pounds. There I am taking things out and sticking it in someone else’s suitcase. How annoying. I really don’t like being ‘that guy’ holding up the line. Here are a few tips.

Packing:

Compression Bags

These eliminate any access air between your clothing. Simply places your clothing in the bag that fits your clothing size: zip and squeeze.

Packaging Organizers

These not only help you organize your clothing but I find it helpful for carrying my electronics like my cords. I use Eagle Creek packing organizers. Since the are mesh they can bend which makes them very easy to use.

How to Pack:

Weather

Where are you going on vacation? Is it cold? Hot? Humid? Make sure you look at the weather even the day before to verify you’ve covered yourself. Nothing is worse than going on vacation expecting heat and then it jumps to the 30’s the next day. That’s Houston in the winter if you’ve ever been here.

Prepare

In the event, always bring a light jacket and an umbrella if you know your definitely not going to a place that snows. A light jacket is always nice especially on the plane ride.

Write It Down

It helps by writing down how many days you’ll be away and planning your wardrobe. Example: You’ll be gone eight days, bring nine days worth of shirts. You never know what could happen: spills, stains, etc..

Mix and Match

It helps to bring clothing that you can mix and match. In other words, you bring two shirts that can match with one pair of jeans or pants. As the saying goes: less is more.

Hopefully this helped a little.

Ps. Not bad for eight bulky sweater, two pairs of jeans, four tanks (for under my sweaters), etc.…

-Melissa

How I Manage My Skin Before and After a Flight

   When you read this I will be on my way to Hungry. If there is one thing I have learned is to keep my skin moisturized. It never fails, every time I get off a plane the next day my skin breaks out. I’ve learned there are a few things I need to keep handy, pre-flight, pre-exiting (the plane) and at night. I thought I’d share this routine with you in case this dilemma sounds like you. …

Pre-Flight

When I wake up I brush my teeth and wash my face. I use Crest 3D for my teeth and Chilpill for my face. Since I’ll be on the plane and all that dry air will be hurting my skin I use moisturizer with an SPF. Because I have Roseasa I have to always have some SPF. Not only do I have to think about my face but my lips too. Vaseline Lip Therapy is it, it's also very hydrating.... better than chapstick!

Pre-Exiting

15 to 20 minutes before we land I take out my facial wipes. I use the travel size Ponds Wet Cleansing Towelettes; these are super handy and easy to carry on a plane. (Who ever thought of travel size items –genius) Since all the moisture has been ripped out of my skin (so dramatic) due to the cabin pressure, I use Josie Maran Aragan Oil on my face and message it into my skin. This gives my skin back some moisture so it’s not working overtime. I still need to wear an SPF so I’ll use whatever I decide to carry.

Night

I normally wipe my face with another Ponds Wet Cleansing Towelettes and then go back and clean with my First Aid Beauty Facial Wash. I still need to add moisture and I do so with Frist Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream.  For the area under my eyes I use Origins Eye Doctor and for lips my Vaseline Lip Therapy.  I also sometimes use a Salic acid because I am allergic to benzoyl peroxide, so I use Clean and Clears Advanced Acne Spot Treatment. I love this stuff! This is the only stuff that has worked for me that doesn’t make my skin react negatively.

It sounds like a lot of work but it keeps me from breaking out and that’s something I’d like to avoid. I'd like to enjoy my vacation and not worry about my skin.

-Melissa