LYRA MAG.

Less than a week getaways are key to our mental health -enough to explore (or tune out, unplugged)…without feeling overwhelmed with a to do list upon return. It’s a great way to take advantage of the super saver fares (Google Flights alert) and lodging deals that crop up PDQ too. ALWAYS in OUR cary-on roller: 1) Umbrella-unflappable/ unbreakable 'nough said. We all have been there -soaked in sudden downpours...with umbrellas-inverted /broken-at the slightest wind gust- their short lives ENDED- tossed into the nearest trash bin. Repeat repeat repeat- Shed Rain umbrellas made a Portland based family owned company in business as "weather engineers" for 75 years...shields travelers with their portable umbrellas that are truly the sturdiest we've ever had that fit into our 21 inch carry-on bag.  Think about it-  a re-invention of umbrella technology since---oh-the last century that actually exists.  The UNBELIEVABRELLA(tm) genuisly closes its fibergalss and metal tough ...

Bouncy all over temperatures +weather conditions-can disrupt wardrobe rotations-but accessory wise-we couldn't think of a more perfect duo of haulers-that will work year round. Practical and chic ...by Thale Blanc On the right-the classic "AUDREY" glittery gold crystals-makes this as much as a cool gals' handbag-as well as a ladies who lunch type- day to night option. Our favorite-the RACER BACKPACK DISCRETE ($995) elegant trapezoid-shaped backpack (adjustable straps, cushioned back, "macaron" handle)...with 'stud technique' details-is an ideal city choice that will synch with everything we wear- from heavier neutral basics to  flowery springtime separates. BONUS POINTS: top of the line materials (made in Italy),  beautifully lined, satisfying 'click' closures, and enough room inside (interior slot pockets) to haul around urban necessities for those who lack a car trunk to stash the 'extras.'

Like the food/specialty food industry-the beauty/skincare biz is booming for small time companies. Nimbleness, fast to market trend driven products-fit categories =clean, 'simple ingredients,' hemp + CBD, eco+ sustainable packaging, detox from urban-or digital life- parallels the food as medicine phenom   and /or J and K beauty favs like facial masks-for the masses. Part One: One of the Indie Beauty Expo favs-with a perpetually packed booth... Oral Hygiene masters- Terra & Co . showed biodegradable dental necessities...like the nifty packaged  bamboo +activated charcoal dental floss. in recycled paper-recyclable packaging with the bamboo charcoal floss threaded via the top of the zero-waste paper board box. $10 SMART. FYI-works just as well as the landfill clogging plastic kind. 32 yards. Terra & Co. other dental products...a bamboo wood handled toothbrush with biodegradable BPA-free nylon bristles, Brilliant Black Toothpaste  $15 (with baking soda ...

H oliday travel-can inspire wrapping up ready made gifts that safely go the distance. via GIPHY Girl fav subscription box KIDPIK - Holiday '18 -KidPik gift box ...takes the guesswork out of gifting coordinated (and stylish) wardrobes including these adorable easy on/off cold weather boots-with enough sparkle for the picky fashionista...and durable enough for the sporty type -ready to have days of snowy winter fun. Fav colors and cute design patterns-on these function/fashion stretchy lanyard smartphone holders-to wear around kids' necks...ensures one less thing can get lost en route. Made of germ inhibitor silicone by Gear Beast -these patented accessories fit on  most sizes of all mobiles s -up to 6.75 x 3.78 inches. Other mobile accessories include another version that doubles as a wallet with slots for cards.  Sizes -2.0 or 2,5 cm nylon necklace-with a detachable clip. Pictured-the Smartphone Lanyard w/ card pocket Travelbadger offers a...

SlideBelts, Casio Watches, Opinel, Lander Surviving any outdoor survivor jaunt-anywhere on planet earth with ease -and make great gifts for the aesthete too--being well designed...and tough . via GIPHY source adictiz.com SlideBelts -rachet belt design-is slide adjustable- up to 48" waist...pictured-the rugged Survival Belt $180 On left-ferrocirium fire started rod..right-serious integrated folding knife (heat treated AUS-8 stainless steel) can be opened with one hand packaging gives the 411 SlideBelts..."Adventure More, Carry Less"-handsomely packaged the Survivor Belt-is faux leather -actually made of internal webbing core coated in durable TPU alloy-have buckles that resemble car buckles-of highly durable glass filed nylon...and similarly are potentially life saving-as they are nifty compartments for LED flashlight/firestarter/knife/bottle opener. Note-Survival Belt won't survive TSA scrutiny. Pictured in classic brown...

  For the Dad Who Likes It Smooth : via GIPHY source reddit.com A Gift Certificate for an indulgent gentlemen's barbershop-including exacting hot towel shaves, perfectionist hair cuts and other grooming services-served up with sip of bourbon-with a hidden green backyard patio-for relaxing  (or a cigar)... in NYC's Martial Vivot Salon Pour Hommes ...a welcoming men's only oasis from the bustling Manhattan midtown streets. Not in town-premium men's grooming products by celebrity hairstylist Martial Vivot-a native of France- can be shipped stateside... handsomely packaged too!  BONUS: a mini pop-up shop in the salon (39 West 54th Street/NYC)...offering hand crafted selection of luxury French goods by unique brands-curated by French Wink ....available this week only (through June 18th). A few highlights... artist Valerie Camet hand-stitched (seriously) watchbands-Jean Rousseau accessories -leather goods specialist Jean Rousseau pure indulgence...