"Whatcha got in that Bag" Wednesday - Bonus Edition

I'm getting a head start because tomorrow will be BUSY! That being said, this week, it's my Top FIVES! Yes, plural. Buckle up!

TOP 5 things you'll always find in my handbag of the day

1. Blackberry (I have two, a work one and a personal one)
2. Some type of chapstick or lip gloss. (look through ALL my purses you'll find Burts Bees Beeswax lip balm or lip shine)
3. Notepad or paper - I'd be a baaad journalist without it
4. Pens - same reason as #4.
5. Gum or Candy


TOP 5 Beauty Items I can't live without

1. MAC Studio Fix powder
2. Eyeliner (right now, MAC Greasepaint sticks)
3. Lip Gloss (Burt's Bees Lip Shine)
4. Tweezers
5. Ponytail holder


TOP 5 things I always pack even for 2 week trips overseas in my CARRY-ON. (Hate is not a strong enough word for Check-in bag)

1. Round Brush, because every hotel nowadays has a hairdryer, but I don't want to blow my CHI in a weird outlet.
2. Mini-Perfume (I have Sarah Jessica Parker's "Lovely" in a roll on tube)
3. One pair of my best jeans
4. A non-wrinkling dress
5. A great jacket or coat that goes from day to night

TOP 5 things in my toiletry bag when I travel

1. Make-up, take off wipes
2. Eye-make up Remover
3. Contact Lense Solution
4. Zit Lotion (ProActiv)
5. My own hair conditioner. While most hotels have okay shampoo, the conditioner sucks!

"Whatcha got in that Bag?" Wednesday

Every Wednesday on this blog, find out which products the busy and the beautiful can't live without. "Whatcha got in that Bag?" I can't take credit for this idea - I saw it somewhere else and am always curious to find out what they have in their purses/bags! Maybe I'm just nosy :)

One of my dearest friends, Nicole Hockin is a Travel Personality who has appeared on numerous national programs such as, E's That Morning Show, Rachel Ray, The Daily Buzz, The Mike and Juliet Show and several TV affiliates. She has been quoted in USA Today, The Washington Post, New York Times, LA Times and much more. Nicole is also a busy wife and mother to two small children. As long as I've known her, no matter HOW busy she is, Nicole always looks impeccable.

Here's what she tells us, "I've learned a lot of tricks from make-up artists around the country. Every time I go to a new show and sit in the make-up chair, I always ask for their favorites and best tips and try to incorporate them into my routine."

Nicole Hockin's Top 5 Beauty Products:

1. Dior's "Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen" Concealer

2. Laura Mercier, Eye Liner in Blue Marine - When you learn to put this on with a brush, it does wonders for your eyes.

3. Lip Fusion, Lip Plumper Gloss - Makes your lips look and feel great!

4. Jonathan, Stylist Professional Series, Straightening Lotion - This hair product controls frizz and flyaways without being heavy.

5. Loreal, Skin Genesis Wet Cleansing Towelettes - It feels so good to get that make-up off at the end of the day.


Top 5 Must Have's in Nicole Hockin's Bag:

1. My iphone. Loaded with travel apps to help me wherever I am. My favorite apps are: The Weather Channel, Around Me (which tells you everything around you), hotels.com, and urbanspoon.

2. A pen.

3. Sunglasses.

4. Something to eat.

5. Contact drops.

For travel tips and deals, follow Nicole on her blog at www.travelsmartblog.com. You can also find her on Facebook! Thanks Nicole!