By Merilee Kern, ‘The Luxe List’ Executive Editor
After a long and arduous winter and spring season largely spent “sheltering in place,” many are eager for the summer months and beyond to make up for lost time on a variety of fronts—travel not the least of which among them. To help you get the most out of your jaunts ahead, look great, stay healthier and even overcome some ubiquitous aggravations, I’ve curated this assortment of solutions that’ll further your ability to relax and enjoy your summer journey.
Swarovski Ginko Necklace (www.Swarovski.com)
This season, amp up your style with a touch of glam courtesy of Swarovski’s Stunning Ginko Necklace, which will keep that summer spirit alive all year through. Thanks to its timeless appeal, this Swarovski statement necklace will ensure you’re dressed to impress no matter what style you’ve selected for the day. Two elements are attached to a gold-tone plated chain. The ginkgo leaf is adorned with sparkling stones with all of the brilliance expected of a Swarovski piece, while the large green crystal also sparkles elegantly thanks to its fine facets. The necklace closure is set at the front for a unique touch. This unique necklace offers an unconventional, yet chic and sophisticated addition to any look, whether dressed up for date night or down for game day … and every occasion in between. And, you can further complete the look with other summer-forward designs in Swarovski’s “Ginko” line, including other necklaces to layer it with as well as an array of drop-dead gorgeous bracelet and earring options … and even a brooch that will add a touch of sophistication to any lapel.
California Cowboy High Water Shirts (www.Shop.CaliforniaCowboy.com)
Dive into the spirit of summer with apparel from California Cowboy. The company’s signature, reinvented version of the classic short-sleeved Hawaiian shirt, coined the High Water collection, features custom designed floral prints, water-absorbent terry-cloth lining, plus special pockets for your phone and a frosty beverage. The feature-laden collection contains a water-resistant dry pocket for safe tech storage; an integrated bottle opener; a sunglass secure loop; a bottle pocket and koozie; vintage inspired prints; and conversation cards. The designs also contain California Cowboy’s updated roomier fit in Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) fabric. The shirts are also towel-lined with a proprietary cotton-modal terry cloth, which is breathable and 25 percent more water-absorbent than standard cotton. Each design is machine washable with cold water for colors on the most delicate setting. Use tumble dry low or dry flat if air-drying is not an option. The body fabric material consists of 51 percent BCI cotton and 49 percent Tencel, while the lining is 60 percent BCI cotton, 40 percent modal, 10oz of loop terry cloth.
Audio-Technica True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (www.Audio-Technica.com)
No summer is complete without your tunes, or binging a season or two of your favorite show on a smart device. Audio Technica’s ATH-CK3TW model truly wireless in-ear headphones with Bluetooth 5.0 technology are ready to go whenever—and wherever—you are. Just remove them from their portable charging case and they automatically turn on and sync. Put them back in and they turn off and begin charging. This ATH-CK3TW unit is equipped with specially-designed 5.8 mm drivers that reproduce powerful, detailed audio. These ergonomic earbuds are very comfortable, and fit naturally in ears of all sizes. The package comes complete with four types of thin, flexible silicone ear tips (XS/S/M/L). The compact earbud housings include a built-in microphone and touch controls. Call quality is optimal, courtesy of Qualcomm Clear Voice Capture (cVc) technology. The headphones also boast an IPX2 water-resistance rating, which means they are protected from dripping water, such as rain and sweat. They are compatible with the high-quality Qualcomm aptX audio codec and with Qualcomm TrueWireless Stereo Plus, a special, low-latency function that allows you to stream the latest releases with no audio disruption and a stable connection. The ATH-CK3TW earbuds offer six hours of continuous use on a full charge, with 24 hours of additional power available from the charging case. They’re available in black, blue and white, so users may pick their preference.
Pixel Non-Prescription Compuer Glasses (www.PixelEyewear.com)
The human eyes are not designed to be exposed to blue light emitted by computer screens, phones and television constantly. This strong blue light causes eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches, which are all symptoms of digital eye strain also known as Computer Vision Syndrome. Beyond damaging the eyes, exposure to blue light at night disrupts the circadian rhythm that regulates the release of melatonin, preventing rest and degrading sleep quality. One great way to safeguard your eyes while simultaneously sporting stylish frames from Pixel Eyewear. This company provides breakthrough lens technology that filters at least 50 percent of blue light and up to 95 percent at the strongest wavelengths, without the yellow tint. They provide a clear, surgical protection that allows wearers to focus on their work instead of ensuing migraines. The lenses of the eyewear also have a super-hydrophobic outer layer, which is a nanotechnology that reduces smudges and repels water and dust. This means no more constantly taking the glasses off for cleaning and wiping. The premium anti-reflective coating eliminates computer glare and reduces stress on your eyes all the while. It’s time to experience the world in High-Def. Each model is designed, engineered and built with comfort in mind. The full lens features, among those already mentioned, include glare elimination; UV light blockage; scratch, fingerprint and smudge resistance; water, liquid, dust and particle repellence; and a reduction of color and image distortion.
STM Goods ChargeTree (www.STMGoods.com)
STM Goods, a leading designer of innovative bags, cases and related products for consumer electronic devices, recently announced the latest addition to the company’s growing line of power and cable accessories. Their new ChargeTree wireless charging stand can power up to three different items: an iPhone or other wireless ready smartphone; AirPods/Air Pods Pro; and Apple Watch—all simultaneously on one slim stand. It’s a handy, small footprint solution for eliminating wires and the need to use separate charging units to repower these devices individually. The ChargeTree is Qi certified to work with Qi-enabled devices and also plugs into the power source with a USB-A to USB-C cable (a one-meter cable is included). ChargeTree is also compatible with AirPods in a wireless charging case and will function with most phone cases (non-metal) up to 5mm thick. Slim and sleek, the ChargeTree leaves a small footprint that takes up minimal space on a desk or nightstand. If you’re like me, multi-tasking is a way life, so this multi-device charger will help ensure your go-to tech is fully juiced when you need it.
G-DRIVE Mobile USB-C – 1TB – 4TB product capacity options (www.Shop.Westerndigital.com)
Many travelers need to access, store and transport digital data while on-the-go. Ensure you don’t run out of hard drive space with Western Digital’s G-DRIVE Mobile USB-C External Portable Drive that’s available in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB and 5TB capacities. With a plug-and-play USB-C-ready port (that’s USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatible) and with speeds up to 140MB/s for super-fast file transfer and backup, this mobile hard drive offers portable storage in a stylish design to complement any computer. It actually includes both USB-C and USB-A cables to make it universally compatible. Its sleek and beautiful aluminum case provides sturdy, portable storage that’s designed to travel well. And with up to 5TB of storage on-the-go, you’re instantly ready to back up your favorite documents, presentations, videos, photos, music and more, wherever you go. It ships Mac ready, but is easily reformatted for Windows. Plus there’s a 3-Year limited warranty to ensure your productivity will never be stifled.
HOTLOGIC Mini Portable Food Warmer (www.HotlogicMini.com)
Have a cooked meal anytime, anywhere this summer—the beach, a picnic, at work or anywhere—with the HotLogic Mini. If you’re tired of cold, boring salads and sandwiches for lunch; expensive, unhealthy restaurant food; or waiting in line at work to use a filthy microwave oven that ruins your meal, then the HotLogic Mini 3-in-1 Personal, Portable Oven is for you. The HotLogic Tradesman’s Package includes the Mini 12V, as well as the HotLogic 5 Cup Locking Lid Glass Dish and Steering Wheel Tray. The 3-in-1 Mini cooks, re-heats and keeps food hot for hours, even while on-the-go. It can cook chicken breasts, a nice salmon fillet and most meats from scratch in around two hours, depending on weight and thickness. Fresh or frozen veggies take a little less time. The genius of the HotLogic Mini is it will “hold” your food at the perfect serving temperature of around 165°F for hours without overcooking your meal, burning it or drying it out. If you get hung up at work and can’t find time for lunch for, there is no need to worry as your meal will be hot, juicy and delicious whenever you’re ready! It also come with a free user guide with recipes you can make from scratch. The HotLogic Mini is great for reheating leftovers, too. Food remains tender, juicy and retains its natural vitamins and nutrients better than when they are nuked in a microwave. Even pre-packed frozen dinners taste better! This lightweight, compact, portable “lunch box” goes everywhere you go. Take a Mini to the office, the work site, or even keep one in your car, truck or delivery vehicle. The HotLogic Mini is ideal for those who don’t like microwaves or are too busy and don’t have time to cook.
Copper-Infused Dual Filter Face Mask (www.CopperCompression.com)
Copper Compression, a designer, manufacturer and provider of a wide range of copper-infused recovery wearables and self-care solutions, now boasts anti-bacterial, reusable and washable copper ion-infused face masks. Copper is broadly recognized for its natural ability to destroy bacteria and the mask’s dual filter is among the highest protection available today. The non-medical mask, reportedly embraced by doctors, nurses and emergency medical technicians, has also reportedly been favored among fitness, fashion, and foodie elites. The mask features a four-layer structure with a protective copper-infused cotton outer layer. Its middle layers include a high-efficiency bacterial filter and supportive lining creating dual filters, which blocks fine particulate matter over a five-year period. The interior of the mask is made with a soft, 100 percent cotton-lining and provides extra space for ventilation and moisture absorption, making it extremely comfortable for extended wear. The copper protection infused within each fiber maintains its hygienic potency throughout the lifespan of the product and never washes out. Each mask comes with a certificate of conformity, ensuring its standards meet the consumer product and safety commission.
The company’s other helpful copper-infused products that’ll help keep you feeling you best by lessening slumping and realizing better posture. This includes their unisex Full Posture Corrector with Support Bars, which provides comfortable specifically designed to reduce pressure on joints, discs and muscles, while providing the necessary protection. Their Slim Back Brace with Extra Support Bars is also helpful. This non-intrusive design effectively engages your core and lower back muscles, giving you back pain relief without feeling cumbersome. Steady pressure from the brace also stabilizes your lower back muscles, giving you better balance and improved posture.
U2 Stop Tossing & Turning Pillow and Mattress (www.U2Sleep.com)
The U2 Stop Tossing and Turning Pillow is designed to help people stop just that at night. The U2 pillow’s breakthrough ergonomic design perfectly cradles the head and neck thanks to three adjustable layers providing four various shape combinations and eight different heights. Each layer also has 120 ventilation holes that enable heat dissipation and breathability—a must during those sweltering summer months. This pillow is also travel friendly since it can be compressed to a sixth of its original size. Just roll it up and use handy carry capsule to tot it. The company’s U2 Stop Tossing and Turning mattress is another bedding innovation designed to provide the best sleeping experience possible. Within the mattress is a specifically designed shoulder-in firmness partition system, as well as easy-to-use handles on either side. Both the pillow and mattress utilize innovative U2 Softest-Minus memory foam to provide the most comfortable relief possible. They also both feature a premium cotton skin-friendly pillowcase and cover to get a similar texture and feel all the way around. The U2 pillow has a modular design and fully customizable pillow height to make each night’s sleep perfect for you.
Nectar Bath Treats Mix & Match Gift Set (www.NectarUSA.com)
One sumptuous way to feel extra special this season and beyond is by relaxing and moisturizing Nectar Bath Treats—a charming line of handcrafted and naturally luxurious bath bombs, body scrubs, bubble baths and more. Created for versatility, the company’s Mix and Match Gift Set is a top-seller that allows you to choose your favorite scrub, milkshake, bath bomb, macaroon soap and bubble bath ice cream scoops to create the perfect gift—whether for yourself or another. As an added bonus, you receive a free cupcake soap of your choice with purchase of a gift set. The idea for Nectar was born when founder, Tom Taicher, noticed that the majority of skin care products weren’t very fun or made for the whole family. He decided to create a place that put the fun back into functional, through delightful bath and beauty treats that put a smile on customers’ faces. The company’s handmade bath and beauty confections, developed in the United States, prides itself on simple, clean ingredients inspired by nature. The entire selection of the Custom Cooped Up Care Package includes one body scrub; one milkshake; one bubble scoop; four bath bombs; and four macaroon soaps.
Vitabrid C¹² Daily-C Balancing Foam Cleanser (www.Vitabrid.com)
Cleansing is the first step in a prudent summer skincare routine, even when youre traveling, but it should not leave your skin feeling stripped of moisture. Vitabrid C¹²’s Daily-C Balancing Foam Cleanser thoroughly, but gently, cleans your skin of dirt, makeup residues and excess oil. This foam cleanser features a powerful blend of antioxidants and skin-soothing ingredients to clean and hydrate your skin. Vitamin C is well-known for delivering multiple skin care benefits. The only problem is that it’s a notoriously unstable ingredient. Vitabrid’s unique LDH (Layered Double Hydroxide) technology delivers the solution. Vitamin C is delivered in-between layers of zinc oxide, a skin-friendly mineral, resulting in Vitabrid CG, a stabilized and highly effective form of powerful Vitamin C that is continuously released into the deepest layers of the skin for over 12 hours. Stabilized, constantly delivered, deep penetrating. This is what sets the Vitabrid C¹² products apart. Formulated with a powerful proprietary blend of Vitabrid CG, the Vitabrid C¹² Daily-C Balancing Foam Cleanser activates in water to gently remove impurities and dead skin cells without stripping away the skin’s moisture, while Madecassoside helps soothe and strengthen compromised, irritated skin. This daily cleanser is the very first step to a skin antioxidant, as stabilized vitamin C activates in water along with Caryodendron Orinocense Seed Oil (Kahai Oil) in the special formulation. As a result, this gentle, creamy foam helps fight against free radicals to support healthy and balanced skin. While gently exfoliating, Madecassoside soothes and helps compromised, irritated skin look healthier as well.
Curatio Organic CBD (CuratioCBD.com)
Many are curious about cannabis-driven wellness and here’s one option to consider. Curatio is a full-spectrum *THC-free* CBD company that is dedicated to giving consumers the best delivery system and ratio of ingredients. It offers a wide range of topical and oral products. derived from organic hemp that’s grown in Colorado. Research has demonstrated that the ratio of cannabinoids (CBD, CBN, CBG, CBC, CBDV) terpenes and triglycerides is important and can work synergistically via the “entourage effect,” to unlock a wider set of benefits as compared to CBD alone. That’s why Curatio created a proprietary CBD profile formulated with a unique ratio of cannabinoids that leverage this principle to bring more relief. For the cannabis curious out there, Curatio converts THC to CBN, so it remains full spectrum. Curatio uses a state-of-the-art nanoemulsion technology to miniaturize the droplet size that carries the CBD, shearing the molecule and greatly increasing potency so it works 5-7 times better than typical CBD. Not only does Curatio perform better, but it is cleaner than the competition as well. The company uses organic CBD from hemp grown in Colorado and uses Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified CBD. All products are also third-party laboratory tested three times (at active ingredient twice and once for finished product) to verify they are THC-free.
Health and Health ‘Contactless Thermometer’ from Shop LC (www.ShopLC.com)
As folks get out and about with increased frequency, it’s important to ensure we’re staying safe and healthy. The Health and Health Contactless Thermometer available at ShopLC.com can measure temperature using infrared technology, obtaining an accurate reading within seconds. While it does measure the temperature of the human body, it can also be used to gauge the water or room temperature as well. The clear display of the digital screen, as well as operation buttons make it easy to use. The back-light display is convenient when using the device at night. This back-light is green at normal temperature, yellow for higher temperature and signals red at the sign of fever. Non-contact infrared technology reads from the forehead with no physical contact, preventing cross infection between multiple people to protect yourself and others. The thermometer’s measurements range between 89.6°F to 109.2°F and requires two AAA batteries.
‘Easing Distractions’ Novel (www.BarnesAndNoble.com)
Finally is a great beach read with depictions of travel to bustling and exotic locations and infused with an appreciation for the performing arts. In Gabrielle F. Culmer’s latest novel, “Easing Distractions,” a professional couple turns to friends and family for support while solving an international commercial mystery. It is a descriptive journey of their quest for happiness while dealing with an attempted heist of the family’s art collection. It is suspenseful, romantic and comforting as they face a summer of variability and exotic travel as the mystery unravels. Easing Distractions depicts the life of a property and lifestyle travel consultant who is faced with professional and personal obstacles. A vivid journey of her attempt to claim happiness while she and her family solve an international commercial mystery regarding the family art collection. With each of Culmer’s novels, there is a theme of holidays, family celebrations, professional startups and dreamy locations. The cover of Easing Distractions has a countryside cover image with spring flowers to illustrate where the characters also spend restful weekends. Culmer, the author, has lived in many locations and gains inspiration from idyllic scenery around the world. She has six novels to her credit, including, “Where Lives Lead,” plus two collections of published poetry.
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Forbes Business Council Member Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand analyst, strategist and futurist who reports on noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the nationally-syndicated “Savvy Living” TV show. As a prolific consumer and business trends, lifestyle and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReports / Twitter www.Twitter.com/LuxeListReports / Facebook www.Facebook.com/LuxeListReports / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***