Shereen Rayle's Blog, page 98

Review: Hedgren Asharum Waist Bag

As a recent email told me "Fanny packs are back and there's nothing you can do about it." The last time I sported a fanny pack for real was when I was 14. In the 25 years since, I've bought exactly one waist bag (fanny pack, bum bag) and that was for a Halloween costume. The waist bag trend has exploded again in a huge way and you can find them everywhere. Everyone's getting in on it, even high end European manufacturers like Hedgren.

Gone are the days that you can only get the same exact bag...

Review: The Better Umbrella from Cabeau

Okay, so by now you know I am not an umbrella carrier. I live in Portland where it rains quite a bit. I’m totally used to it. I either suffer or I wear my rain jacket. The last time I traveled with an umbrella was in 2005 when I went to Cancun. It was in the middle of hurricane season and we were lucky enough to visit in between a tropical storm and an actual hurricane (Hurricane Wilma). Rain pretty much follows us everywhere we go, but I always end up wishing I didn’t bring my umbrella, beca...

My Portland Coffee Tour - Part 3

My coffee tour continues this month. We've had some really nice days at the beginning of the month, making it nice coffee weather, because I could sit outside if I wanted, and walking to one shop from another is fun and not miserable. I love that sort of weather. Actual Spring weather where it's sunny and warm enough to not wear a coat, but not so warm that you're sweating from walking three blocks.


This month I found some winners that were based on Instagram, Swarm friend suggestions and good...

Where Your Memorial Weekend Can Take You

This long weekend is already predicted to be the most crowded on the road in the last 12 years. An estimated 39 million travelers will be hitting the highways to get to their destinations this year. Gas prices aren't any cheaper than the last few years, but the general good economy is getting people out of the house, so be prepared. That said there will also be a lot of people who are facing break-downs and flat tires, so make sure you've gotten your car checked out and you have roadside assi...

Review: Pakems Packable Boots

I travel a lot in the fall, when it can be cooler than expected. I have often flown with boots, some better than others, but they tend to take up a ton of space in my carry-on. I could check a bag, but then there’s the worry that my bag won’t even make it to my destination, plus I don’t really want to drag a big bag around with me. My rule is: If I can’t pick it up, then it’s too heavy to come with me on vacation.

Pakems has created a true packable boot that’ll take you from city sightseeing t...

Hitting the Beach On a Budget

Got aspirations to go to the beach this summer? Well, you’re likely not the only one, especially since the kids are out of school and the sun is out and that makes people flock to beaches near and far. The problem with heading to the beach during the warmest months is that it is often quite expensive and crazy crowded. Considering most people are just lying on the beach on their trip, it makes no sense to spend a ton of money that you don’t have to. So, here are some tips on how to spend less...

Review: Cabeau's Midnight Magic Sleep Mask

Have you ever been woken up at the crack of dawn on vacation – or even at home – because the curtains or blinds don't shut all the way and then you end up with that one slice of sunlight across your face that blinds you the moment you crack open an eye. Yeah, That's happened to me more than once. It's hard to feel rested when you don't get enough uninterrupted sleep.

It's because of mornings like this that I've taken to traveling with a sleep mask. And then I was so happy with h...

It's Farmers' Market Season!

Fresh fruits and vegetables are awesome, aren't they? I totally think so. I also think being able to get local produce is pretty awesome and there's no better place to get such things than at a farmers' market. We make a point to hit up markets wherever we are if we can. Sometimes, they are just cute little roadside markets that sell yummy things, but often there are many merchants gathered with their goodies in a formal market. 


Some are open everyday and some only sell on certain days....

Why You Should Make Time for Travel

I love travel. I love seeing other places. I love meeting new people. Above all this, I feel better when I travel. I'm more relaxed when I'm on a trip and feel refreshed and ready for regular life again when I'm back home. I take those memories with me forever and recall them often. Travel is good for you and makes you a better person with better connections. Here's why: 

From Visually.- See more at: http://visual.ly/benefits-traveling#s...
If you've been putting off travel...

Review: Travelsox Compression Socks

By now you know I'm a big advocate for compression socks. The good ones work and work well. The bad ones don't work at all and probably have a price that makes you wonder what the difference is between them and the expensive ones until you wear them. Of the many things at the Travel Goods Show, I was very interested in trying a new (to me) brand of compression socks and Travelsox easily agreed to be that company. 

If you find yourself with swollen feet and/or ankles when you travel, eithe...