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Spa shop to the rescue

LV Train CaseI know it’s for my own good. But I still haven’t gotten used to the 3-1-1 TSA carry-on requirements.

A girl likes what she likes, and my various lotions and potions don’t all meet the one-baggie-fits-all requirement. So this morning when I was in the throes of my packing madness, I neglected to pack my face wash. It’s over the three ounce limit, you see. So it should have traveled in my checked luggage. But splitting up my necessaries into two batches is a pain in the derrière and I invariably forget something.

By now, you’d think the cosmetic companies would have figured out that selling travel-sized versions of their skin care lines makes good business sense. But they haven’t. So I, for one, am still revamping my packing strategy. The bottom line: my face wash didn’t make the trip to Colorado.

So, when I unpacked my Louis case at the fabulous Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, I discovered my faux pas and headed to the spa shop for reinforcements.

I love spa shops. I love seeing all the fabulous goodies that they have. It’s not your everyday stuff. Somehow spa managers find the really sweet things that you just don’t see at ordinary shops. Of course I found a replacement face wash—YonKa’s Gel Nettoyant—but I also picked up a few things to help me navigate the TSA maze more effectively next time I fly.

Pitotubes are the best way I’ve seen yet to be sure you have your personal favorites with you when you arrive—and that they haven’t leaked en route. Designed by a former flight attendant, these classy little dispensers are as well designed as they are beautiful. And they allow you to use your cosmetic counter faves rather than settle for drug store brand toiletries. The travel kit contains six tubes—two each of 1.7 oz, 1.0 oz, & .5 oz. sizes—and comes in a sparkly silver mesh zippered pouch. Kits include cute little labels to help you identify what’s what.

The aspens are still glorious here, their golden leaves shimmering in the gentle lakefront breeze. It’s no surprise then that my eyes were drawn to the display shelf that housed The GOLD Collection by Linden Leaves. This New Zealand body care line was included in the celeb goodie bag at this year’s Emmys. Gold has long been a symbol of decadence, luxury and sophistication. Ancient civilizations attributed healing properties to pure gold and often included gold in cosmetic preparations and medicinal remedies. This line combines the highest quality ingredients with pure 23K gold. My favorite: the Gold Shimmer Dust Brush. Deliciously decadent shimmer dust to brush over your body, face or hair to impart a subtly alluring glow.

And just when I thought I was ready to ring up, I spotted a must-have happy hour tonic. Virtual Buddha by Elixir Tonics is just what I needed to banish those TSA blues. This peach flavored concentrate mixes with still or sparkling water to promote peaceful, serene feelings. Om…

Random act of chocolate

broadmoor_chocolate_small.jpgWhat better welcome than an unexpected piece of chocolate?

Today, when I checked in at the courtesy desk at the Colorado Springs airport, I thought I was just arranging ground transportation to The Broadmoor, a luxury resort where I’ll have the pleasure of spending a few blissfully sunny autumn days.

Imagine my delight when I received a sweet silver-wrapped square of chocolate along with my shuttle ticket. Five-star service, just five steps from the point where I claimed my bag.

Would that more hospitality desks greeted their guests with random acts of chocolate, making the world a sweeter place—one bite at a time.