Southern Style Cooking: March 2021

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

I’m Getting Ready for the Return of Travel by Cleaning Out My Closet

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Spring Travel

I'm Getting Ready for the Return of Travel by Cleaning Out My Closet

I'm a summer baby, but spring has to be one of my favorite seasons. Maybe it's the flowers blooming, longer hours of sunshine, or the overall sense of rebirth and even the anticipation of summer's arrival. And like a lot of people, I've been devoting some time to cleaning out my closet.

As countries are starting to open up again due to vaccinations, I've even begun resurfacing my favorite clothing items and beauty products for traveling, which have been tucked away for a year due to the pandemic. While I'm getting ready for my return to the friendly skies, here are four things I can't wait to start using again.

1. I love a simple knee-length dress since there's no need to fuss over packing a matching top. When I know I'll be hitting the pavement a lot (I always say "yes" to walking tours and museums in new cities!), then I bring my Bandelettes. I never leave home without them—seriously, I once had my Uber turn around so I could retrieve them. These anti-chafing thigh bands are a must for anyone who loves dresses and has ever endured the discomfort of your thighs rubbing together.
2. Even when I'm not heading to a beach destination, I tend to pack a swimsuit just in case, usually from Shapermint. I love that their suits have support without feeling restrictive.
3. Anyone who has ever traveled with me over the past three years knows I have a go-to pair of sneakers. And they just so happen to be from the boys' department at Target. Yup, these are perfect to slip on and off thanks to the side zipper. And because they're sneakers, they work for every climate and provide more support than sandals.
4. Though I haven't really been wearing makeup for more than a year now, skincare is always important. Black Girl Sunscreen has been my top pick for years; its formula doesn't leave a cast or ashy appearance, which can happen all too often for darker skin. (Pro tip: If you, like me, have a stash of travel-sized beauty products, now's the perfect time to go through it and toss any expired items.)

So do I have any spring or summer travel plans just yet? Sadly, no. But when I finally book, I know I'll be ready and can quickly pack a bag.

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