While this seven square mile city might be small, it packs a punch with the ultimate in summer fun and unique experiences. With stunning scenery, vibrant parks, hip neighborhoods, impressive museums, Victorian architecture and innovative dining options, the City by the Bay checks all the boxes for a dream destination. So pack your layers - unpredictable weather varies from sunshine to a blanket of “Karl the Fog” even during the summer months - lace-up your kicks, and go revel in San Francisco’s beautiful, eclectic spirit...

Santana Row’s Ozumo exudes a cosmopolitan vibe with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and thirst-quenching craft cocktails.

Deciding what to pack in your carry-on for a long flight when you are confined for hours can cause anxiety in the most savvy of travelers. But, being organized and packing for comfort can alleviate travel stress before you take off. When selecting items to take in my carry-on, three categories come to mind: entertainment, comfort, and hydration. (And, as my family loves to remind me, it has to be lightweight enough to carry!) If I pack items that check the boxes for these three categories, I will feel my best when hopping time zones, and step off the plane looking refreshed, and hopefully not like I aged overnight! With long journeys to Europe and the United Kingdom on my summer calendar, I wanted to share a few of my carry-on essentials...

For me, long summer weekends evoke memories of the lazy days of summers past. When I was a teen growing up in Southern California, we’d hang out at the beach from morning until night when the last bonfire embers dimmed and we scrambled to find a ride home. The scent of suntan lotion clinging to our skin, sand coating our toes, and promises of “see you tomorrow” floating in the cool air...Now, any summer weekend when I get the chance, I pile my kids, their friends, and our lab Lucy into the family SUV and head to Tahoe. We always have ambitious plans to pack adventure and relaxation into a weekend that magically feels like a long vacation. Summer weekends are about slowing down, making memories, and enjoying the perfect escape...To that end, I have selected eight of my favorite getaways in this glorious Golden State. These choice spots are destinations within easy reach from San Francisco or Los Angeles by car or plane.

As a frequent flyer, I have my trusted beauty products that help me look my best and take of myself while on the road. Items that are lightweight, portable, and versatile. However, every season I hit “refresh” and look for new products that fill my active, on-the-go lifestyle and provide inspiration for my next adventure.

As a frequent traveler, I’m often asked about my favorite pieces to pack.  And while a packing list is somewhat dictated by the destination, these are a few items I’m obsessed with that I wouldn’t leave home without. As we embrace the holiday season, remember to pick the perfect present for the jetsetter on your list that they can conveniently carry around the world. (Or, perhaps you’ll discover a gift pick that inspires you to plan a trip and GO!) Either way, I invite you to enjoy this gift guide from the perspective of a well traveled life...Happy Holidays!