I like these kinds of posts to share as every so often I think…”Wow, this is good! I should mention it on the blog!” So here are some Winners for Winter!
I just got back from taking our pup, Chief down to Los Angeles to stay with our daughter, Alie while we take a trip (to… yay! New Zealand and Australia). I went down yesterday and came back to San Francisco today. After the holidays, the flights from SF to LA were only $45 each way (it’s a loooong drive) and fares can be four times that.
While I was in West Hollywood, I treated Alie and myself to personalized spray tans. Don’t judge…it’s summer in Australia! Longer days, too…
Have you gotten one before? Basically, I had to get almost naked while a young woman systemically sprayed me all over…(as I grimaced and apologized for the view). Whereupon she said matter of factly, “Don’t worry, I’ve seen EVERYTHING.” Noted.
#1 All custom spray tans. They use all natural products. It doesn’t look fake today as I asked for “light to medium.” 
This is good if you are going to have some limbs exposed on vacation. You can also use Jergen’s Natural Glow for every day for $2.49 (not as effective but no embarrassment).
If that’s not for you, check out the following though!!!
#2 Amazing Non-Stick Pans Howard brought these home (on sale from Sur La Table) and they are the best non-stick pans!! Unreal. Totally worth it.
I cooked this egg over-easy with no butter or oil! 
The pans can go in the dishwasher, too. Read the instructions (they say not to use sprays like Pam and to use high temp oils if you want to use oil).
#3 I know lots of people are sick right now (hope you feel better soon if so). Before Christmas, I had a scratchy throat and slight stuffy nose. Then, I started drinking Emergen-C and I started feeling better right away. I also got a flu shot this year.
I drank one today after being on the airplane …and will take some with us on our trip.
#4 The British are invading! We really liked “Darkest Hour” about Churchill during the early days of World War II. It’s in movie theaters now. They really put you in his shoes.
And Victoria has the second season out now on PBS on television… You can easily binge-watch the first season to catch up.
#5. Good Earth Sweet and Spicy No Caffeine Tea Treat yourself to a nice hot cup of tea…this tastes sweet without sugar or caffeine. I like a cup in the afternoon (and I know it won’t interfere with my sleep).
# 6. While you are drinking tea and watching Victoria, get cozy in this soft robe.
It’s on sale! Plus an extra 20% off at Gap Body.
I bought it in pale pink for me and in light gray for a friend’s birthday.
So there you have some favorite things! Now, I need to wrap my head around hot weather in order to pack.
If you have been to Auckland, NZ or Sydney, Australia, do you have any suggestions for me to add to my Pinterest board?
Make sure you didn’t miss…
For some reason, I am no longer receiving your posts in my mailbox!! Loved this post. I have never had a spray tan. Am I missing out? I LOVE that robe. I look halfway respectable thanks to you and Colin and Lauren!
Have an amazing trip! When in Queenstown, NZ my husband and friends and I took a long bus ride to Milford sound. The bus there wasn’t too bad; you stopped frequently at some pretty great sights. But, we decided to take a helicopter back instead of taking the bus the six-seven hours back and it was SO WORTH IT. Not only did we save ourselves half a day but we had an amazing ride, landed on a glacier, and just had a very memorable experience!
We only had three days in Auckland and now we are in Sydney…thanks for the advice though, Beth. Need to go back!
I saw this in Huffington Post today and thought of you. If this is the foods Aussie’s miss away from home, maybe there’s some great ideas for eating while you are there: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/australian-cuisine-expats/?iid=ob_travel_core_homepage
Thanks for this…already had some Lamingtons!
i love a good spray tan now and again and just may go bronzing tomorrow thanks to you! Have a fabulous trip, friend. xox
New Zealand – Go black water rafting. I don’t remember which town it was near, but it was on the north island. It’s one of the most amazing things I have ever done. Also, skydiving there is great! Skiing is, too, but it’s the wrong season. My husband went back in November and rode his bicycle from the top of the north island to the bottom of the south island.
Australia – Be sure to walk to the top of the bridge in Sydney.
Have a great time!
Hope you are having a fabulous time in Australia! And I can’t wait to hear all about when I see you in LA! I love that you got a spray tan! I’m wondering if there’s anyplace around here that I could trust? I would so do it in LA! Love this post and everyone of your six good things for Winter!
xo
annie
We loved the gardens around the Sydney Opra house and the kids were fascinated by the hundreds of large bats. The zoo was fun as the little kangaroo were resting on the foot path and enjoyed being pet. There was also a Tasmanian devil.
New Zealand is fabulous! We loved Christchurch on the South Island and took a helicopter ride to Mt Cook. On the north island we visited the set for the Hobbit movies. How long will you be in NZ?
We are only in New Zealand for three days, JoAn…and then Sydney. Thanks for the tips!
Waihiki Island just outside Auckland for wine tasting in beautiful countryside! It’s a fun journey by ferry. Have a great trip Mary Ann!
Thanks, Jayne! We are going tomorrow. Feels funny that’s Saturday here.
You must visit Icebergs restaurant in Bondi. Amazing.
We have a reservation there, Rita. Thanks!
Lucky you going to Sydney….my favorite city.
Visit the Taronga Zoo – it is beautiful and located on the water with the backdrop of the city.
Check out Country Road for great clothing- there are many of their stores throughout Sydney.
The QVB (Queen Victoria Bulding) is interesting to wander through in the city.
Darling Harbour is also worth walking around.
The fish markets – good for seafood lunch
Queen St has some cute shops and antiques.
The ferries from Circular Quay go to Manly and actually to the zoo – a beautiful way to travel and see the opera house and bridge from the water.
Have fun!
Are you there for Australia Day?
I enjoy your blog – Frances
Thanks so much, Frances, I just checked and we will be there for Australia Day! I’m printing out your info…and others’.
I love your finds! I cannot wait to try the tea.
Love these type of posts where items are suggested, thank you. I need a birthday gift suggestion for my sister, that robe may be the one! Have a wonderful trip, stay safe!
Thank YOU, Shelly!
Hahaha . . . I always get a spray tan before a warm weather trip. I’ve overcome the embarrassment factor. I haven’t been to Australia or New Zealand; Jim has and says New Zealand is particularly beautiful. Good luck on with the extremely long flight. Maybe you’ll share your expert tips for surviving a long haul flight. Have fun!
You have a cute figure, Juliet!!! Nothing to be embarrassed about!
Love when you share “good stuff!” Sure would love to have a spray tan. But since I haven’t worn anything shows much skin, it’ll have to wait! I have a GreenPan and I love it!
darkest Hour was a wonderful movie, Gary Oldman’s performance was outstanding. So excited for season 2 of Victoria! I need a new robe so this might be it!
Have a fabulous trip. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Safe travels,
xo Gail
Thanks, Gail. I’m going to cook chicken in that pan tonight. You are right, Gary Oldman was amazing!
Have a great trip, it sounds like a perfect winter get away! EmergenC comes in tabs, too, which might be easier for traveling, if you haven’t discovered them already – that said, I consider myself something of a fizzy vitamin c powder aficionado, if there can be such a person, and will share that the Kroger generic Essence C Tangerine flavor tastes better, and seems to work just as well as the real thing (we are a family of 5, and the price difference adds up when we are each using at least one packet a day, which doesn’t hurt my feelings either). I add one or two packets to my big water cup when I’m playing tennis or riding, along with the juice of half a lemon and some sea salt – way better than sports drink, and I imagine that any extra C in my system is being sweated out and hopefully benefiting my skin rather than just being wasted. Anyway, I’m a believer 🙂 I keep zinc lozenges around for good measure, and I’ve been remarkably cold/flu/yuck free for the three years I’ve been consistently using both, and I’ve noticed it helps with recovery from over indulgence, lack of sleep, and other self-imposed maladies.
I’m looking forward to Victoria, thanks for the reminder. It’s such a beautiful production.
Rachael…awesome advice. I have to look for those tabs! We don’t have Krogers but there must be an affiliate. You are right though…I should use it all year long. Thanks!
Dear Mary Ann
How exciting! In Sydney, do not miss the Opera House, walking across, or up on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks and the markets at the Rocks, a ferry ride to Manly, the Royal Botanical Gardens, China Town, ( similar to SFO) Bondi Beach, and The Gap. Wonder around the ground floor of David Jones Elizabeth Street Store and check out Peters of Kensington. There is one in the city now.
We come from Sydney but have lived in Brisbane for the last 18 years. Wish I was there!
Don’t know if you can get Betadine sore throat gargle in the U S A but I use it especially on looonnng haul flights to gargle and knock off any nasty bugs. (At least once in the middle of the flight) It is not very pleasant but it keeps your throat clear!
Gabrielle xxx
I haven’t heard of Betadine, Gabrielle, but I can ask the pharmacist. Thanks so much for the advice. I booked climbing the bridge for Howard and me…sounds scary! We are staying near Bondi beach. We will check out everything else you say, too.
Can’t wait to hear sbout all your adventures! It has been so hot but a bit better in Sydney. Except for for the 47 *C day. Enjoy Auckland. It is also a lovely city xxx
The Travelling in Australia Pinterest board had me laughing. Do not ask for the dunny in Sydney when you need to tinkle – ask for the toilet. Uncouth I know! We only tip when service has been very good or exceptional because generally wages for service staff are reasonable. The most important greeting was not on the tip sheet – Gidday! A very casual hello that is hilarious to Aussies when said with an American accent. Enjoy your stay in Sydney – certainly a beautiful city. We are having a very hot summer right now but Sydney temps are moderate compared to us in the north – remember we’re upside down so hotter when heading north! Enjoy your trip and look for the water circling in the opposite direction down the plug hole! Cindy Lauper was fascinated apparently..
Whoa!!! Thanks for the advice, Sue! Sounds like France where you always start with a “Bonjour” and ask for the toilette too (which sounds better with a French pronunciation 🙂 I am getting excited. We leave tomorrow night!!!
Have a fantastic trip! Loved this blog and am downing the Emerg C and tea with honey while sick with sinus infection/ flu type bug. Stay well and enjoy your travels.
Get well soon, Judy!!
I love tea and I will have to check that one out. Oh, lucky you going down under! Have a fabulous trip.
Thanks, Kim. If you like cinnamon you will like this tea!
I have an Aussie husband. He’s from Tasmania. A very beautiful place.
In Sydney I would have a drink after dark outside the Opera House or just across from it.
Good idea, Tam…Can’t wait!
I ORDERED THAT ROBE! LOOKS COMFY AND MINE IS PRETTY TATTERED AND WORN:) HOPE YU ENJOY YOUR TRIP…..IT HAS BEEN AGES SINCE I HAVE BEEN ON A VACATION!
You deserve a vacation, Sherry! We can be matching with Cindy H. in our robes!
I always love the “Favorite Things” posts that people put on their blogs – I’ve found so many great products that way ! My kids both use Emergen C and swear by it. I can’t wait to hear all about your trip to Australia and New Zealand. I have wanted to visit there for years and years. Have a wonderful time and take plenty of pics to share with us !! Safe travels !
Thanks, Patricia…I am sure there will be more on my Instagram 🙂
Can’t wait to hear about your trip. We want to plan a Australia/New Zealand trip for next year possibly. Have a great time.
I think I will have an expanded Pinterest board for you, Sandy, soon. But we are just going to the two cities.
Wow, this was fun! I’m usually a coffee nut but that spicy herbal tea sounds like just the thing on a blustery day.
Re colds, have you ever had pickled garlic (ail confit)? I love it, regardless whether it actually works.
Bon voyage. Going down under sounds like a good winter plan.
That garlic sounds good…I love pickled ginger (that comes with sushi). The tea is good…perhaps you can get it there on Amazon?