I appreciate that. I really do (though my $10 blings sit in my car as a backup whenever I forget to bring a “real” pair).

I had originally thought I’d be testing out the Bolle Diablos on my spring trip to Bhutan. The Diablos are part of Bolle’s Alpine collection and are lightweight and use anti-fog technology. This makes them great for high altitude as well as changing climate conditions. Unfortunately, they didn’t arrive in time for that trip, but I have discovered a surprising use that’s going to make them far more valuable to me than my twice a year journey to the Himalayas.

You likely know I started running last fall, just as the days were getting shorter. I generally set out at sunrise and haven’t had to worry about sun or the need for sunglasses, until recently. Now that the day’s are longer and my 6 a.m. runs are in the light of day, sometimes, just sometimes, the sun’s actually out strong enough to make me squint if I’m not wearing sunglasses.

This is where the Diablos come in.

They sit gently on my face and have lightweight rubber grips on the nose, the arms (where it sits above my ears) and along the brow line (see photo right). While running, this means they won’t bounce around or shift. Not at all.

While my other sunglasses (yes, even my good quality ones) tend to fog up on me, the design on the Diablos give enough breathing room so that moisture doesn’t get trapped. And I LOVE the rose tint. I had a pair of (cheap) glasses ages ago that were rose-tinted and I miss them. There’s something to be said about seeing the world through these (in a literal and figurative way).

While I’m not sure the white rimmed version would have been my first choice (sometimes I don’t get a say in the color of a review sample that’s sent), they do make me feel like a movie star . And for sure, they are growing on me – I’m definitely wearing them beyond running.

Available on Amazon for $110.

While Bolle specializes in performance sunglasses and goggles, Serengeti, Bolle’s sister company, specializes in driving glasses. (I know, I need to replace those blingy sunglasses in my car with these.)

I was smitten with the style of the Bellas (note the zebra stripes) because of my trip to Zambia. Plus, what travel website would be complete without a mention of Africa-inspired sunnies?

My assessment is this… Lovely styling. Very lightweight. And the photochromic technology in the lenses means that they will lighten and darken depending on the sunlight.

But? And I know this sounds really shallow… either the arms are too short or the curvature of the glasses too flat, but these will not sit on the top of my head without falling off. It means that I can’t easily take them off (and have a safe place to keep them), if I need to (think: driving through a tunnel). Someone else might have a completely different experience (or may not care) so I can’t give them a bad rating as a result, but it’s definitely something to be aware of.

Over all, these really are lovely. I like the smaller frame size (I’m not one to go for those big glamor glasses) and they are comfortable. I haven’t experienced any fogging with these either.

So, yes to the Serengetis, but know what you’re getting into.

The are available in a wide range of colors/designs on Amazon starting at $127.

Travel Well,

Beth

The XShot Camera Extender allows you to secure your digital camera to the end of this monopod, set the timer and then take pictures of yourself and friends! No more getting your arms in the photo or having the photo be too much of a closeup.

The iPhone 4 Tripod Case allows you to slip your iPhone into the case and then either mount it to the XShot Camera Extender OR the mini-tripod that’s included!

I’ve been using my XShot for years and I still can’t get over how this very simple (and inexpensive) product can make me so happy. Especially when I’m traveling solo – it means I don’t have to bug people to take a photo of me.

It’s super easy to enter 2 ways this month:

1. Subscribe to the Wanderlust and Lipstick Newsletter during the month of May and you’ll be automatically entered.

2. Perhaps you’re already a newsletter subscriber?! In that case, subscribe to my RSS feed (at right) via email.

Approximate Value for the set is $55 and remember, you have 2 chances to win!

This contest closes at 11:59 pm PST on May 31, 2012 and a lucky winner will be chosen on June 1, 2012.

Available to individuals in North America only (sorry!). Winners have 3 days to reply once being notified.

Here’s my latest photo using the XShot. This was taken at Backwoods in Fort Worth, Texas after my talk. These are the store and Briggs & Riley employees. (Both B&R and XShot sponsored my Texas talks.)

Travel Well,

Beth

Related links:
XShot Monopod Review

But that wouldn’t be fair to the folks at Evocateur, who produce a wide range of jewelry, with an entire line that appeals to the traveler.

First, about this elephant cuff…

The Indian Elephant cuff is 1.5 inches wide and has 3 little elephants dancing around it. It’s 22k gold leaf and has a high gloss covering it so there’s little to no risk of chipping or scratching the surface.

A red gem adorns the center elephant and adds a nice little touch.

The cuff itself is quite solid. It’s not something that you’d want to open and cinch together but once it’s slipped on, it stays quite comfortably around your wrist. My wrists are on the thin side and it does tend to slip around if I don’t give it just one gentle squeeze (though the company doesn’t recommend this).

All pieces in the Evocateur collection are hand made to order and, therefore, may differ just slightly from piece to piece. But that’s part of the charm, right? You’re really getting a one of a kind item!

The Indian Elephant cuff (above) retails for $318.

You can shop by Category (cuffs, pendants, earrings, belts, etc.) or by collection. Of course, my favorite collection is the Voyages series, which includes maps, flags, Russian dolls, Indian women and more. In addition to the Indian Elephant, here are my top choices:

Paris Pendant – $218

Buddha Pendant – $238

Mumbai Dreams Cuff – $338

I’m not so sure these are something you’d want to travel with but they definitely appeal TO the traveler. Perfect for a night out at an ethnic restaurant or a travel-themed dinner party. Definitely something to put on your wish list!

Travel Well,

Beth

It began last fall because I was traveling too much to get to a gym regularly but I needed to get fit for my trek to Bhutan. Running made the most sense because I can do it anywhere.

Besides loving the fact that I can put on headphones and listen to my favorite music for 30 – 45 minutes, what I’ve enjoyed most about this new (to me) exercise routine, is that when I get to a city, I can explore (albeit for a short time) in ways I’d never thought of before. This week in Italy, for example, I ran around the Colosseum. I RAN AROUND THE COLOSSEUM! Now that’s just surrealistic to me.

It’s obviously a great thing that I don’t have to rely on exercise equipment, but I do have to include a few more items in my carry-on bag now. Here are a couple of items that are now getting packed into my luggage:

Champion Shape Scoop Back Sports Bra – This is an underwire bra for the fuller figured gal (one reason why I never took up running in the past). I guess I could tell you all the cool features that Champion stresses about this bra (curvy look, silky-soft fabric, cushiony material around the wire and hooks) but for me, the main thing is the amount of support it provides. Plenty for me to run for miles and be very comfortable. This and other Champion bras are available on Amazon.

Duofold Varitherm Mid-weight Long Sleeve Crew – This base layer is not only good for cold weather travel, but it makes for a great moisture-wicking workout top. It’s quick drying (perfect for working out and for when you’re washing clothes in a sink during your travels!). Biggest bonus? The fabric is odor-resistant (um, also good for travel

The Varitherm is available on Amazon starting at under $20.

As a side note, I recently finished the book Born to Run. A study is cited in that book that people who wear cheaper running shoes ($45 and under) actually have fewer injuries than those who wear souped-up high-end running shoes (in the $100 range). Me? I’ll stick with my Nike’s that are several years old. I don’t recall what I paid for them but I’m certain it wasn’t anywhere close to $100.

Travel Well and Happy Running!

Beth

Related links:
Howler Brothers Top

Here’s what we’re giving away… the XShot Camera Extender allows you to secure your digital camera to the end of this monopod, set the timer and then take pictures of yourself and friends! No more getting your arms in the photo or having the photo be too much of a closeup.

The iPhone 4 Tripod Case allows you to slip your iPhone into the case and then either mount it to the XShot Camera Extender OR the mini-tripod that’s included!

I’ve been using my XShot for years and I still can’t get over how this very simple (and inexpensive) product can make me so happy. Especially when I’m traveling solo – it means I don’t have to bug people to take a photo of me.

It’s super easy to enter 2 ways this month:

1. Subscribe to the Wanderlust and Lipstick Newsletter during the month of May and you’ll be automatically entered.

2. Perhaps you’re already a newsletter subscriber?! In that case, subscribe to my RSS feed (at right) via email.

Approximate Value for the set is $55 and remember, you have 2 chances to win!

This contest closes at 11:59 pm PST on May 31, 2012 and a lucky winner will be chosen on June 1, 2012.

Available to individuals in North America only (sorry!). Winners have 3 days to reply once being notified.

Oh, here’s a shot of our group in Bhutan this spring. The gals LOVED being able to take group shots with “the camera stick” as it became known as.

Whatever you call it, you’ll love it!

Travel Well,

Beth

Related links:
XShot Monopod Review