Bath and Beauty Essentials for Your Next Warm Weather Trip!

I love the anticipation of warm weather trips. Whether it's February in the frozen NorthEast and I'm heading to a tropical paradise, or whether it's summer and I'm heading to my local beach destination for a weekend of relaxation and Zen, there is such a spirit of carefree anticipation. I find summer and warm weather packing to be a sweet relief. Farewell bulky sweaters, thick socks, boots, and heavy jeans, hello, lightweight sundresses, sarongs, sandals, floppy hats and bathing suits.

Unfortunately the same ease can't always be applied to packing toiletries. In the summer and beneath the sun, our skin and hair have so many more needs. There's the need for sun protection, after sun protection, bug protection, and these needs can take up a lot of space in your suitcase or bag.

But it doesn't have to be this way! I find many warm weather items and toiletries can serve a multi- purpose.

Here are my easy to pack bath and beauty essentials for your next warm weather trip!

1) Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castile Liquid Soap

Cooling, and light, this liquid soap tingles the skin and soothes after a day beneath the hot sun. This was my savior, when I went to Zanzibar during the peak of the summer heat. Each cooling shower (and I took about three a day) provided the perfect dose of cooling relief.

Dr. Bronner's Peppermint soap is great because it can be used in many different ways. You can use the soap as a shampoo and as toothpaste. I also used this soap to wash out my swim suits after each brush with salty/sandy ocean water or chlorinated pool water.

2) Sojourn Herbal Apothecary's Whipped Herbal Mosquito Repellent

Formerly known as Touch of Ohm, Sojourn Herbal Apothecary's Whipped Herbal Mosquito Repellent is a wonderful, organic, alternative to chemical bug sprays. The whipped shea based cream goes on smooth and absorbs into your skin without leaving a greasy residue. It smells like a bouquet of lavender and is gentle enough to use on children and babies. Most importantly- NO BUG BITES!

3) Benefit Bad Gal Lash

I love this super dark, lash lengthening mascara for so many reasons. It's light weight, doesn't clump, doesn't run down my face in tracks if I begin to sweat or pool around my lower lid creating the effect of a fresh shiner. In the summer, when your skin is already glowing and lovely, it's nice to take a break from a full make-up routine to focus on one or two key assets. I always begin with the eyes as they are the first thing people see.

4) NARS Eyeliner in Kyoto

Adding to the theme of eye enhancement, you can't go wrong with this golden olive shimmer eyeliner. It's a great summer shade and looks good on every skin tone.

5) Fresh Sugar Berry Lip Tint

I love this lemon scented ultra moisturizing lip tint. Not only do my lips look like I've just eaten a pint of berries, sugar berry lip tint can double as a rouge or blush. A swipe on each cheekbone with a quick blend of your finger, will leave a splash of sparkly color.  Suddenly, without much fuss, you're ready for a night out!

6) Kiss My Face Continuous Coverage Spray Sunscreen with Anti-Oxidant Defenders

Paraben-Free, Aluminum-Free, Sulfate-Free, and chock full of anti-oxidants I use this sunscreen on both my face and body. The formula is light weight and most importantly sprays on clear (for those of you with darker skin- no chalky blue residue!). This sunscreen has a pleasant coconut scent and is not greasy or sticky.

7) Sojourn Herbal Apothecary Provence Whipped Body Butter

This light, not at all greasy whipped shea butter is the perfect skin moisturizer for a warm day. I'm deeply in love with the calming lavender scent and love the fact that this product can double as a leave in conditioner for thicker curly/wavy hair.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your warm weather favorites?

The Brooklyn Children's Museum A Pint Sized City Escape

Inside a flamboyant yellow building, shaped somewhat like a space dome, lies a surprisingly tranquil and interactive pint sized world.

Last weekend, Ohm had a play date with his little buddy Matteo at the Brooklyn Children's Museum. It was our first visit.

Pint sized playrooms with colorful trim and shelves full of old fashioned toys, percussion instruments, dress-up clothes and trains are open for the playing, so go to town!

Ohm was a fan of the elaborate water table room, with boats and pals, watering cans and sea creature toys.

Matteo couldn't be drawn away from the sand table room, with shovels and rakes, pans and trucks.

An outdoor greenhouse makes the perfect escape. Little ones frolic amongst herbs and flowers, bud covered shrubs and butterflies.

Small amphibians and reptiles crawl about behind glass aquariums, while model habitats show what Brooklyn once looked like a long, long, long, time ago.

There's a percussion room, with drums from around the world, inviting little hands to play, play, play.

The model grocery store won't disappoint, as long as you're willing to scan and bag your own groceries,  neither will the life sized MTA bus with a steering wheel everyone can take turns manipulating.

The cafeteria has healthy kid friendly treats and seats. The food is ridiculously pricey (three dollars for a drink box and it only goes up from there), but you can always bring your own lunch and use the cafeteria all the same.

There's a toddler room and an infant room so the little ones can enjoy developmentally appropriate activities and don't have to worry about being trampled by the older ones.

Convenience abounds around every turn. Nursing? no worries, there's a space for you to take a break. Need a changing room? There are plenty of options.

The most difficult part of your trip, will be keeping up with your little one and convincing them, after a few hours that it's time to go.

The only thing they're missing is a parental re-charge/caffenation station/nap station (I intend to write a very earnest letter).

We arrived somewhat skeptical, in need of caffeine, and interactive stimulation, we left, with an exhausted smiling toddler and a family membership for the next two years.

The Brooklyn Children's Museum is located in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn at: 145 Brooklyn Ave

Do you have a favorite museum?

Like What You've Read? SUBSCRIBE to Sojourner's Sojourns (It's free!)

Best Ever Super Moist Banana Bread

We've all been there, overambitious grocery shoppers who pass a bunch of beautiful yellow bananas and think, I need these. How lovely they'll look hanging from the banana hook in my kitchen, we think. I'll make smoothies this week, we promise ourselves.

You take them home, display them on their hook and your week begins. Suddenly it's Friday, you haven't made a single smoothie and aside from the one banana you had for breakfast on Monday, there they hang.

By Sunday, they've turned on you. No longer yellow, they're brown, shriveled, sad looking, they are beginning to attract fruit flies.

Well, no longer do you have to feel guilty about throwing a bunch of bananas away.  I've got a delicious, moist recipe to help you turn those mushy brown bananas into a delicious breaded delight.

Introducing, quite possibly, the best ever, super moist banana bread. And yes, if you're a regular visitor to my blog, you know my affinity for baking with superfoods, this recipe features two of my favorites.

Here's what you'll need:

2 sticks butter (you may substitute coconut oil for a more heart healthy option)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 eggs

3 very ripe mashed bananas

4 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon flax (ground)

1 tablespoon chia seed (whole or ground)

Here's what to do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In one bowl, mix your white and brown sugar together until the consistency is somewhat blended and uniform. Add your softened butter and whip the sugar and butter together until a frosting like consistency is achieved. Add your three eggs, one at a time, beating as you add each egg. Next, add your mushed banana mixture.

In another bowl, combine your flour, flax, chia, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt. Once the dry ingredients have been blended together, slowly fold them into your wet ingredient bowl. Make sure that your batter is thoroughly mixed.

Grease two loaf trays with coconut oil.

Bake for 45 minutes, or until fork inserted comes out clean and top is golden brown.

Communing with Nature in the South Bronx

 

I spent the day volunteering at Brook Park with my second graders. There's something so rejuvenating about stepping outside and into nature. Waist deep in weeds, my nails caked with soil, the smell of fresh mint in the air, it was easy to forget where I was.

Once an abandoned lot, Brook Park is now a flourishing community garden in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx. In addition to vegetables and herbs, the park features a community greenhouse, a chicken coop, a beehive, a large compost heap and space to gather peace and repose.

Community events are held regularly. Coming up,  a fascinating Indigenous Culture Festival on May 18th.

Where do you retreat, to catch a moment of repose?

Like What You've Read? SUBSCRIBE to Sojourner's Sojourns (It's free!)

Head to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre to See What Happens 'After Midnight' !

The energy on stage is trance inducing, the syncopated rhythm of tap shoes, the pleasant cacophony of notes both smooth and sharp from the horn section.

Sinking into the burgundy velvet seat with a smile, I submit and am taken on a journey, a journey back in time, to Harlem, the year is 1932, the location - The Cotton Club, where after midnight, the joint starts swinging.

Easily the best musical I've experienced in years, Broadway's hit 'After Midnight' is a glorious celebration of life. It is impossible to leave the  Brooks Atkinson Theatre with anything but a smile on your face.

'After Midnight' features some of the best dancing and singing on Broadway alongside the musical genius of the esteemed Jazz At Lincoln Center All-Stars playing the music of Duke Ellington. Win! Win! and Win!!!

The numbers move quickly, the music swings wildly and after the hour and a half is up, your tapping feet are left wanting more.

If you leave the theatre unable to face reality, you can always head up to Harlem and visit the Cotton Club for yourself.

Yes, the Cotton Club is still in operation, located at 656 W 125th St, there are events most evenings.

Nominated for seven Tony Awards, 'After Midnight' is set to close this month, but if you hurry, you can still make it.

It is well worth the trek to Broadway whether you're coming from Brooklyn, New Jersey, San Diego, or Iceland.

You've got to see this show. You won't be sorry.

Like What You've Read? SUBSCRIBE to Sojourner's Sojourns (It's free!)

Mango Guacamole- A sweet twist on a classic favorite

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I'm posting this absolute stunner of a recipe.

Who doesn't love a good scoop of guacamole? Creamy avocado, savory spices, the crunch of a warm tortilla. This recipe will engage your entire tongue as all of the tastes, sweet, savory, spicy,  are set into action.

Warning: You may have to break this recipe out on the fifth of every month, not just May! Here's what you'll need:

3 large avocados (soft to the touch)

1 mango (soft to the touch)

1/2 onion

1 small jalapeno pepper

1/2 tomato

1 orange

1 lemon

fresh chopped cilantro to taste

sea salt to taste

pepper to taste

Here's what to do:

Pull out your chopping board, because you've got a lot of dicing (small chop) ahead of you!

I like to dice in this order: onions, jalapeno, tomato, mango, and avocado (avocados turn brown quickly, that's why I save them for last).

Once everything has been diced and mixed together, squeeze the juice from the orange and lemon over the mixture. Add chopped cilantro, sea salt and pepper.

Depending upon your preferred guacamole texture you'll toss or mash. I like to do a combination of both. I don't like my guacamole too pasty, but I do like for it to be somewhat mushed together.

Like What You've Read? SUBSCRIBE to Sojourner's Sojourns (It's free!)