Johnica Reed

Jet Set Kits Giveaway

2009-12-31T22:36:11Z

I'm obsessed with travel beauty kits, so to start a new year of globetrotting off right, two lucky winners will walk away with a few of my favorite travel goodies.

Cutler Carry-On Kit

Luxury hotels stock high-end toiletry lines that keep your skin and hair looking its best, but how do you fit your beauty favorites into your carryon when visiting family or staying at your favorite bed & breakfast? The Cutler Carry-On Kit, featuring travel-sized favorites, is perfect for the beauty conscious jet-setter who insists on looking fabulous.

This savvy travel set includes shampoo, daily conditioner, body wash, body milk and face soap are all packaged in a quart sized clear zip bag so you can zip through the security line

:10 Minute Manicure Jet Set Kit

Worried about maintaining your fresh mani? Don’t fret, my customized :10 Minute Manicure Jet Set Kit will keep your nails chip free as you globetrot. The kit includes 2 nail polish remover wipes, “Stuck on You” base coat and ruby red mini polishes, along with these travel size must haves - Bloom Skin & Tonic mask, Natty Girl Rosy Cheeks Hydrator, Biofreeze, :10 Minute Manicure Pillow Case, Spa Sisters Moisture Enhancing Gloves, Colgate Wisp mini-brushes, Q-tips on-the-go pack, Clarisonic gentle hydro cleanser, Darphin Aromatic Hydroactive Body Lotion and more!

To enter to win please leave a comment sharing your favorite destinations from 2009 and your travel plans for 2010, AND subscribe with a valid email address. Winners will be announced on Friday, January 8 at noon.

Travel Roundup 2009: Color Me Martinique

2009-12-15T13:00:00Z

Caribbean islands tend to blend together with their all inclusive resorts and beautiful beaches, unless of course you're on the seductive French island of Martinique. I visited the island during the Tour de Martinique des Yoles Rondes, a lively week-long yawl boat race and string of dockside parties where sailors and spectators are greeted with music, dancing, food and lots of local rum.

During my trip I also got a taste, or two, of the delicious Creole/French/Caribbean cuisine that the island is known for. With more than 150 dining options, Martinique has one of the widest choices of restaurants in the Caribbean. My favorite meal was in Fort de France at Chez Carole. Located in the covered market, this laid back spot is known for its Creole paella and fresh juice planteurs.

One of the many things that makes Martinique charming is the lack of major hotel chains on the island. I love boutique luxury properties and Hotel Plein Soleil met all of my expectations. Situated in the hills above the town of Le François, you have to pass a banana plantation to reach this chic hideaway. Equal distance from the beaches of the south and the mountains and rain forests of the north, the hotel is home to the amazing Table Dhôte restaurant, which offers a different menu each day.

Visit: Spice market in Fort de France, Rue Victor Hugo, Clement Distillery and the Guerlain Spa at Capest Lagoon Resort.

Baggage Claim: Samsonite xSpace Spinners

2009-12-14T22:00:00Z

To avoid lost luggage I try my best to only pack a carry-on when I travel. My newest friend on wheels is the chic, yet functional Samsonite xSpace 21.5" rolling carry-on. The lightweight spinners in the xSpace collection feature:

• Multi-directional wheels, which allow 360 degree upright rolling.

• Removable toiletry kit, built-in suiter system, day pack/laundry bag and multiple pockets for increased organization.

• Expandable case for added packing capacity.

Travel Roundup 2009 : Vancouver Chic

2009-12-14T13:00:04Z

I love, Love, LOVE Vancouver! I enjoyed three fabulous days on the Georgian Court Hotel's ladies only Orchid Floor with Haute Travels and four other "Glam Girl" travelistas. Each room is fitted with all of the girly tools that take up way too much space in your suitcase. Pack more shoes instead and leave your flat iron, yoga mat, Aveda hair products, La Fresh essentials and "ladies emergency kit" up to the Georgian Guest Relations team. Located steps from Robson Street shopping and BC Place, the Georgian is also home to the historic William Tell Restaurant. At 23, Executive Chef Preston Kittle-Jago is the youngest chef in the more than 40 year history of the restaurant, serving up a delicious fusion of Swiss-French and West Coast cuisine.

Dining: Check out the Glowball Group's collection of chic restaurants and lounges. I love the chilled seafood platter over dry ice at Coast and the extensive cocktail menu at George Lounge, the home of award winning Mixologist Shaun Layton.

Shopping: After an amazing lunch at Coast with Media Kitty PR Guru Morgan Somerville, our Glam Girl crew headed to Holt Renfrew. This shopping mecca carries everything a fashionista needs and has a great in-house salon & spa. For a more boutique experience check out Chic Walks for insider info on Vancouver's shopping neighborhoods - Yaletown, Robson, Gastown, Granville Island and more.

Fly Away Essentials

2009-12-13T13:00:00Z

I’ve met lots of great travel friends and brands on Twitter, and Lady Primrose is one my favorites. For close to 20 years, Lady Primrose has created custom guest amenity programs for four and five star hotels worldwide - St. Petersburg’s Grand Hotel Europe, Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, and Capella Ixtapa to name a few.

Now you can travel in style with Lady Primrose products while avoiding delays at security and uncomfortable fights. The Fly Away Essentials kit complies with TSA regulations, is filled with Lady Primrose necessities and has room for your other favorite carry on items, too. The kit contains the line signature Liquid Cream Soap, Lip Full-Fill Balm, Hand Renewal Hydra-Creme and Revitalizing Foot Creme. For in-flight comfort snuggle up with the Lady Primrose Bamboo Travel Blanket and Pillow, a luxurious travel set with a smart blanket pocket - a cozy place to tuck feet for extra warmth.

Travel Roundup : Best of 2009

2009-12-13T04:19:17Z

I’ve been very blessed this year and had the opportunity to visit some amazing places. From South Africa (twice) to France, to Yosemite Lakes and back, I’ve globetrotted to hot international and domestic spots since my career shift in March. Whether reviewing a new hotel, doing marketing consulting for a spa, or just visiting friends, each experience was rewarding and unforgettable. As we countdown the end of the year and enter 2010 I will share my favorite destinations from 2009 with you. Get ready for the best of ...

Aquitaine Province| Aruba | Bordeaux

Baltimore | Buenos Aires | Cape Town

Chicago |Grand County, VA| Johannesburg

La Paz | Loudoun County, VA | Martinique

Mendoza | Riviera Maya | Richmond,VA

San Jose del Cabo | Vancouver

Washington, DC

The J List: Currently In Love With...

2009-12-11T07:29:07Z

I am just back from a wonderful three day retreat at Stonewater Cove Resort and I love everything about this Missouri getaway, where the rugged outdoors intertwines seamlessly with unbeatable luxury. Stonewater Cove is a private, nearly 500 acre outdoor playground with endless ATV and hiking trails, 18 uniquely decorated guest rooms and suites, luxurious boats, and a wide variety of other lake and woods activities. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mark Twain National Forest and the clear, deep waters of Table Rock Lake, you can't help but feel relaxed.

After hearing my friend rave about the "Mexican Face Oil" that the Spa Director at Ceiba del Mar uses, I set out on a mission to find something comparable in the States. Made from a blend of 11 essential oils derived from flowers and botanicals, RODIN olio lusso Face Oil is just the magic potion I was looking for.

I've been stalking Clare Vivier handbags online for a while now and finally decided to order the Messenger Bag in navy and the La Tropézienne for use on a few upcoming travel jaunts. Clare's eco-minded handbags and accessories are made of high-quality canvas and leather, and her collection includes chic work bags, clutches and laptop cases at great price points. I was really excited to see Clare's designs on the shelves of Holt Renfew in Vancouver last week while I was there on a "Glam Girls Getaway"!

Tech Savvy: HP Netbook by Studio Tord Boontje

2009-12-11T07:25:02Z

A beauty with brains, the HP Netbook by Studio Tord Boontje keeps you chic and connected, even when you’re on the go! The stylish Tord Boontje design and sleeve make the netbook half cool accessory, half computer. At first glance the 10.1” casing looks like just another intricate pattern printed on the lid, but it’s actually a brand new process called “HP Imprint 3D” which adds layers and depth to the design.

I tested the netbook on my jaunt to Ceiba del Mar Spa Resort and it was a stylish travelers dream come true. You can opt to run Windows 7 or use HP Instant Web for easy access to wifi, email and online media. Managing files is so much easier and speedier with enhancements like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews. Plus, great new features like HomeGroup, Windows Media Center, and Windows Touch take you into the future of computing.

If you want to stay chic on the go I suggest checking out the Netbook by Studio Tord Boontje and HP’s other darling, the HP Mini Vivienne Tam Edition.

East Coast Escape: Lansdowne Resort

2009-12-08T00:21:34Z

Full from Thanksgiving eats and in need of a quick getaway, I headed to Lansdowne Resort in the scenic Hunt Country of Loudoun County, Virginia. Designed to exude the casual elegance of a country manor, Lansdowne is located just 35 miles from Washington, D.C. and is the premier, full-service resort of the capital region.

A AAA Four Diamond property, the resort recently underwent a $55 million renovation and features 305 guest rooms, 14 suites, five restaurants, a 12,000 square foot spa, two championship golf courses and more. During my stay I experienced the fabulous Three Dimensional Hydrating Facial at Spa Minérale, homemade sorbets at the Golf Club, signature cocktails from the resident mixologist and wine pairings at the resort’s upscale On The Potomac restaurant.

EAT - Select On The Potomac at Lansdowne Resort for fine regional American cuisine, utilizing fresh local ingredients, The Riverside Hearth for regional specialties served buffet or a la carte style, or enjoy casual fare in Stonewalls Tavern. After a round of golf, venture over to the clubhouse (resort guests and members only) and dine at the Crooked Billet and enjoy the views of the beautifully groomed golf course or enjoy sports and a burger at the Pub 46.

Baggage Claim: Laudi Vidni Cambiare Shopper

2009-11-04T00:58:11Z

As seen on 'The Pampered Passenger'

On a recent jaunt to Chicago I was able meet Laura Kofoid and Grace Tsao-Wu, co-founders of Laudi Vidni. Offering fashionistas the opportunity to design their own handbags, the companies motto is simple - Be Your Own Brand.

Laudi Vidni’s high-tech website allows users to choose from 8 silhouettes and 40 imported Italian leathers, ranging from patent leather and classic croc, to bold metallics and pebbled leathers. Once you’ve designed the exterior of your bag you can choose your sateen lining from six available colors and decide whether you prefer silver or gold hand-brushed Italian hardware. With over 10,000 possible style combinations you could play on the site all day!

After checking out all of the styles and leather swatches at the Laudi Vidni showroom, I decided to design a Cambiare Shopper. Dubbed as “the modern solution for when you need to carry just about everything”, this vertical tote is perfect for travel. Aiming for a rustic chic look, I chose a smooth cognac leather for my exterior and went with brown sateen lining and silver hardware for the finishing touches.