Airplane Travel Essentials

Since I started working at Los Angeles duopoly KCBS/KCAL, I have been working in LA Wednesday through Sunday and flying back to Dallas on a redeye early Monday morning every other week to do work for FC Dallas.

I have gotten my travel game down. I have learned (FINALLY) how to pack without checking a bag.  A good travel bag is key. I picked up this Swiss Gear rolling carry-on bag at Target. It's been an absolute gamechanger.  Tumi and Victorinox also make great ones.

No matter where I'm headed there are certain essentials I always take with me on a flight. I have learned through years of road trips covering the Cowboys, Mavs and more that if you fail to plan, you've got a plan to fail on a flight.

Here are my airplane travel essentials: 

1. Headphones - noise-canceling headphones are a must. 
2. iPad - again, a must. I keep magazines, books, TV shows and movies on here. 
3. A Comfortable Maxi Dress - these are a great travel option. They keep you covered while not being too hot or bulky. 
4. Jack Black Natural Mint Lip Balm - great for moisturizing both on the plane and off. Double bonus? It provides sun protection with SPF 25. 
5. A Big Tote - my Gucci Swing Leather Tote holds everything you see here...and then some. It's an airplane essential. The Tory Burch York Tote is outstanding, too, and at $295  is a bit friendlier on the wallet.
6. Keihl's Creme de Corps - Keihl's is the traveler's best friend. You buy one bottle of lotion or an eye cream like their Creamy Eye Treatment and you will score samples galore. They will give you a small bottle of Creme de Corps that is TSA-approved. Just ask. A little of this goes a long way. 
7. Caudalíe Beauty Elixir - airplane cabin air is so drying, this adds moisture to help your face stay hydrated. This is also a great after-shave for men. 
8. Eye Masks - I use them and love them. They're essential when trying to sleep.
9. Toothpaste - I don't need to explain this, do I? The toothbrush is a given, isn't it?
10. derma e Hydrating Eye Cream - packed with hyaluronic acid to help keep the thin, dry skin beneath your eyes hydrated. 
11. Hunter Wool Socks - I wear them and don't apologize for it. They keep your feet toasty warm.
12. Shawl - instead of those skeegy airplane blankets I bring my own shawl. It also serves as my "coat" on trips. I clean after every extended holiday. 

I always bring an empty water bottle to fill when I pass security. If you want a pre-stocked TSA-approved travel bag packed with toiletries, there are some brilliants ones available for both men and women for under $15.

For advice on selecting and packing jewelry for a trip, read this.

What are your airplane must-haves?

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Jewelry To Take With You While Traveling

Venice - photo taken during the starter marriage honeymoon

It seems like everyone I know is traveling right now. I am leaving the husb and little one at home and heading on a two-week Mediterranean cruise with one of my BFF's later this June. This is the exact honeymoon cruise I took with my first husband. I like to call that my starter marriage.

I am dreading packing for the trip. Think about it: fitting two weeks worth of clothing into my Bric's trolley suitcase that will need to fit into our 222-square foot cruise ship cabin. A cabin, mind you, that will be holding two women with lots of beauty products and shoes, size 11's no less.

Pack the Basics, Focus on Accessories
One solution I have found is to focus on accessories. My packing philosophy for long trips is to bring basics: shorts, a pair of jeans, a skirt or two, some simple blouses and one or two dresses. I mix up my looks with accessories like jewelry and scarves, which are easy to roll up in your luggage.

If you choose wisely, jewelry takes up no room. As much as I want to, I won't be bringing any Hermes XL bangles with me. Instead it will be stylish, delicate pieces that can fit into one travel roll I carry in my purse.

California-based jewelry designer gorjana makes jewelry that fits the bill perfectly for travel as well as every day living. The designs are on-trend yet have a timeless quality about them that endure.  Double bonus, the pieces are packable and versatile.

Scroll through to browse jewelry perfect for a trip or every day.

As for actually packing the pieces, a good jewelry roll can be your saving grace. I put my pieces in a freebie jewelry roll (similar here) I have had for years. It's about the size of a deck of cards with separate compartments for bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces. Pack your earrings with your earrings, bracelets with your bracelets and so on.

Remember
NEVER pack your jewelry in your luggage. ALWAYS carry it with you. You don't want to risk it getting lost with your checked baggage.

The Takeaway
Smart accessories help you get multiple uses out of the same clothing on a trip.  Wear different accessories with the same dress and you have a different look without adding unnecessary bulk to your luggage.

Father's Day Gift Guide For The Traditional Dad

Okay, say your dad actually wants a tie for Father's Day.  That's cool.  Just don't get him a lame one.  Here is a selection of "traditional" Father's Day gifts that will make your favorite Dad smile.

Skull and Bones Cufflinks | Taetossian Pen | Burberry Watch | Burberry Tie | Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum  | Personalized Oak Whiskey Barrel | Nordstrom Wrinkle-Free Dress Shirt | Jack Black Starter Set | Personalized Money Clip

Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus have some great Father's Day gift ideas.

Scroll Through to Shop Fabulous Father's Day Gifts

Still stumped?  After years of working with guys, That Sports Girl knows what they want and has got you covered. We have Father's Day gift guides for the sports loving dad, foodie dad and techie dad.

An Interview With Exhale Co-Founder Fred DeVito: Why Core Fusion & Barre Classes Are Great For Men

One of the best Father's Day gifts you can give your favorite dad is one that will make him a healthier man.

exhale's Core Fusion class

I have become addicted to exhale's Core Fusion Barre classes Dallas' Hotel Palomar.  They do a better job of lifting my booty than just about anything else.  There are a few men who take the classes but not many.  I contend guys should consider these workouts for two reasons:

1. It's a phenomenal way to strengthen your entire body, particularly your core, while gaining flexibility.  
2. It's a great way to meet girls!  The girl to guy ratio is usually 10:1.  That's why I am dragging my 27-year old brother with me.  True story: one NBA player told me "If you want to meet the hotties you gotta take pilates." Wise words.  I digress.  

Exhale Core Fusion classes were co-created by Fred DeVito.  He and his wife, Elisabeth Halfpapp, are the athletic brains behind the program that is a true gamechanger.

me and exhale co-founder, Fred Devito

During his May visit to Dallas, he shared the benefits of barre and Core Fusion classes for men with me prior to teaching a booty-kicking Core Fusion Barre class.

"We focus on things in our class that men don't focus on: flexibility and core strength," Devito said.  "Men focus on cardio and weights.  They’re good at that."

"The philosophy is that you’re only as strong as your weakest link in a chain.  If you strengthen the weakest links in your body, your entire fitness level will improve.  You’ll reduce the risk of injuries.  You’ll perform better, look better and feel better."  

"To get there it takes dedication, consistency and commitment.  You gotta work your butt off and you have to allow some time to see results and that’s difficult." 

DeVito suggests signing up the father or sig-o in your life for a class you're not taking. 

"Men don’t want to be in the situation where they’re looking stupid," he admits. 

"Get him to a class you’re not taking because then he’s not worrying about what you're thinking about him."

That's smart.  I'm trying to get not only my brother but also my husband to join me.  I know I'll give them crap for looking awkward while trying to master the moves.  

The Takeaway

In all seriousness, a series of classes, gym membership or session with a personal trainer is a great gift for the man in your life.  Whether he's looking for a change of pace or starting a program, he'll notice an enormous gain in strength, flexibility and stamina by taking these types of classes.

Click here for the latest exhale Dallas class schedule.

Core Fusion Extreme

As for what's next for exhale, they will be rolling out Core Fusion Extreme, a high intensity interval training class in a few weeks.

Image via Instagram.com/exhalespa

"It incorporates station work where they will be five stations.  You’ll rotate around and do 45 seconds of each exercise multiple times. It is a kick ass class.  When you’re done with the stations there’s center core work for balance and stability."

It's a one-hour class that will feature TREX suspension training, plyometrics, heavy weights and sliders.

"It’s all based on our core fusion principles and on working with correct form.  A lot of classes are about speed (i.e. how many reps can you do in 45 seconds).  We’d rather you pace yourself and work correctly so you don’t get hurt and build your endurance and stamina."

Don't have an exhale near you?  You can exercise with one of their DVDs.

Scroll through the selection below to learn more. 

*exhale provides classes on a complimentary basis.  Opinions expressed here are my own. 

What You Need To Know If You're Heading To The George Strait Concert At AT&T Stadium

If you're going to the George Strait concert at AT&T Stadium on June 7th, the Cowboys' purse and bag policy WILL apply.

Tory Burch's Mini Fleming Leather Shoulder Bag Is Allowed

"Everything at the stadium falls under our purse policy," according to AT&T Stadium spokesperson Bret Daniels.

That means every game whether it be NFL, NCAA or high school, every concert, every soccer match, EVERYTHING. Your opaque bag must be no larger than 5.5" x 8.5" to be allowed into the stadium.

Here is some handbag inspiration to help you figure out what works.

From L to R: Valentino Rockstud Mini Crossbody (I LOVE this calf hair version) | Small Prada Crossbody | Ferragamo Ginny Crossbody | YSL Cassandre Crossbody | Tory Burch Mini Fleming Shoulder Bag (comes in many colors) | Tory Burch Mini Harper Crossbody (also cute in black) | Ferragamo Paris Crossbody | Danielle Nicole Libby Convertible Crossbody

If you attend a lot of events where purse and bag policies are in play, I would suggest getting one bag that works. I have a Chanel Wallet on a Chain I use for each game, along with a clear, quart-size Ziplock I use as Jordan's diaper bag.

I am always updating my Gameday Fashion and Cowboys Fashion boards on Pinterest.  Follow them for a constant stream of bags that will work for both the NFL & PGA Tour's purse policy.

AT&T Stadium Purse Policy TIP:
To determine if your purse will be allowed into AT&T Stadium, simply fold an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper in half.  If your bag is smaller than that, it's good to go.

Here are some weekend sales you need to know about:

• Stanley Korshak: Save up to 40% in every department.
• Ralph Lauren: Shop their designer sale event and save up to 40%.
• Ann Taylor: Get 30% off full-price styles and an extra 40% off sale styles through June 9th. 
• Narciso Rodriguez: Save 40% off their 2014 Spring/Summer collection. 
• Net-a-Porter:  Browse their killer-cool selection of designer sale items featuring Gucci, Givenchy, Burberry and more. 
• The Outnet: Score an extra 30% off sale items from designers like Helmut Lang, Pucci, Oscar de la Renta and others. 

Scroll Through To Shop This Story

Diet And Fitness News You Need To Know

So there is a list of the Top 10 Most-Hated Foods in the US.  Of course there is.  Kitchen Daily did the dirty work.   Guess what's #1?  Brussel sprouts.  Try them roasted with balsamic vinegar.  You'll never look at them with disdain again.

Image via ThorPorre

As for the others hated food items:

• Garlic - LOVE the flavor.  The breath we're left with?  Not so much. 
• Cheese Fondue - not sure I've ever had it! 
• Tofu - again....huge fan.
• Celery - I love this veggie in all forms: raw, juices, with peanut butter on it. 
• Oysters - one of life's delicacies. 
• Mayonnaise - I hate it. 
• Mushrooms - one of my favorite things to eat. Grilled portobellos? Oh my. 
• Licorice - yep.  Gross
• Cilantro - I don't get the hatred for this fine herb.

Here's what else caught my eye in the diet and fitness world this week: 
Have you taken a break from exercise and are looking to get back into it?  If so, go slowly.  You can't expect to pick right back up where you left off.  Learn how to tackle exercise after a workout hiatus.

Change your attitude about exercise, change your weight.  Thinking of exercise as "playtime" can be an effective in helping you lose weight.  If you think of it as fun rather than a workout, you might be less likely to compensate your calorie expenditure with extra food.  Confused?  Read this. 

Are you vegan?  Gluten-free?  Not down with dairy?  Keeping kosher all the time?  Here's how to maintain your diet without coming off like a jerk.

How about 10 vices that are good for you?  Chocolate, booze and coffee....I'll take it.

Mickey & Miller's Cowboys Hour, Episode 11

It's now officially a middle linebacker conundrum for the Cowboys with Sean Lee out.  What will Dallas do?  How is Brandon Weeden approaching the season?  AND what do you think about Stephen Jones leaving open the possibility of Josh Brent returning?

Mickey Spagnola and I discuss that and more Thursday, June 5th at 11am on Mickey & Miller's Cowboys Hour.

Join us by clicking this link or watching in the video box below.  Can't join us live?  You can always watch archived shows here.