Gorgeous On-the-Go (at Half the Size!)

So I told you guys how a major goal for me in 2016 is to find the balance between minimizing "stuff" and staying gorgeous on-the-go -- and I have such a little treat-y to share today!

In 2015, I embraced the lacking of "things" as a reality of living out of a carry-on sized bag for much of the year, and wholeheartedly (and wallet-edly) pursuing my dream, butttt a girl can only take that for so long. I like my stuff!

Now, I'm on an active mission. Test and invest in the things that will keep me feeling fab on the fly, while keeping true to what I've come to learn about how little I truly need to be happy. Best makes the blog.

(Did you see my gorgeous-on-the-go step 1? i.e. my new "office?" In love.)

Step 2: Stowaway Cosmetics

I love makeup as much as the next girl, but why does it have to take up so much space!? o.O

I swear when I'm packing it's usually like, shoes, clothes, a couple handbags, camera gear, andddd now we're out of space soooo what the heck am I supposed to do with all my sundries + such??

Forget about it if I have outdoors stuff too. Ugh.

So when I stumbled across Stowaway "right-size" cosmetics, I knew I had to test them out.

Created by two girlfriends who set out to make makeup that you can carry and finish, their product is perfect for travel, or fitting nicely in your clutch for everyday. When was the last time you finished a lipstick, anyway?

The point is, the product is super compact.

You can stock up on pieces solo or go with full kits, but since I’m always looking to save as much space as possible I went straight to the top with the Stowaway Kit, or "little black dress of beauty," as they call it.

At $75, it's probably a quarter of the price of all your essentials: BB cream, concealer, cheek + lip rouge, creme lipstick, eyeliner and mascara, and also probably fits in a quarter of the space.

Since I'm a hopeless Diorshow addict, I'll be saving even more than that. Here's a peek:

Fun little comparison to my current beauty brigade (essentials + full kit):And, the look!Even on the everyday I usually work in an eyeshadow since I have a heavy crease, which isn't a part of the set, but the essentials are covered.For quality, the BB cream and concealer are both light and airy, and the eyeliner smudges really well. Admittedly spoiled in the mascara department but this definitely saves space, which is my goal.And, not going to lie I was super nervous about hating the rouge (more of a bronzer girl myself), but it's actually really light and fun!I love to be surprised.Since the product is made to be used before it expires, there are no harmful preservatives, paraben-, phthalate-, cruelty-free, and best of all it literally fits into the palm of your hand.

I'm so excited to have found this little solution for life on-the-go that I asked the powers that be if you could try it out, too.

Stowaway Cosmetics is graciously giving away a full 6 piece “Stowaway Kit” — BB cream, concealer, pot rouge, lipstick, eyeliner + mascara — to one of you lucky babes!

[ Enter Here to Win a Free "Stowaway" 6 Piece Beauty Set ]

Or, at least snag a free lipstick with your purchase of any kit with code “CURRENTLY” if you can’t bare to wait.

The giveaway will be live from 1/20-1/27, and they will contact the winner directly.

UPDATE 1/27/16: This Giveaway is now closed. 

If you'll please click through to the Stowaway Cosmetics site through this post, they'll know the recommendation came from me.

Good luck lovelies!

Love it? Please pin it!

Gorgeous On-the-Go is a currently exploring Original Series exploring suitcase-approved style + beauty, for looking and feeling your best within the limits of your luggage. Check out the full series here. Have a topic you'd love to see explored? Let me know!

What are some of your best tips for staying gorgeous on the go? I'm on the hunt!

Thanks so much to Stowaway Cosmetics for partnering with me on this post. As always, all opinions and unabashed excitement are solely my own.

Holiday Recharge at Solé on the Ocean

Remember that one time you came home for the holidays and were super excited to see the fam and then remembered how stressful throwing formal dinners for 20+ people is?

And decorating? And Christmas shopping? And dishes? And cleanup? And January?

No doubt the holidays are the most magical time of the year, but they're also the most stressful, which totally takes away from the point of truly savoring the season!

This year, I planned a local little getaway for the day after Thanksgiving, grabbed mom, and left the dishes and decorating behind. (Thanks Dad!)

Back off, Black Friday, we were off to recharge.

Destination: Solé on the Ocean, Sunny Isles Beach.

the VIBE

Solé is a residence + resort, so the vibe is super relaxed and comfortable, mostly families and business travelers, and not a Miami party spot at all.It has an on-site spa, restaurant (that serves a ridiculously amazing Sunday brunch -- Fresh American Bistro, or F.A.B.), heated pool, private beach access with lounge chairs, gym and all the expected basic amenities.If re-energizing solitude is what you're after, the large, high, windy road up the driveway to the resort is your first sign that you've come to the right place.The lobby is simple, open and airy, with a contemporary clear staircase leading to the upstairs restaurant and home of said delicious brunch.

the ROOM

But the rooms -- the rooms are what make the Solé.Our first impressions were unanimous: deep breath outward.For mom who lives and works in a house full of children, husband and animals, and me who lives out of a combination of airplanes, city apartments and compact hotel rooms, the spacious, serene, quiet, Oceanfront Suite was a warmly welcomed breath of fresh ocean air.And then there's that view.Private terraces wrap the suite corners, offering panoramic skyline and ocean views, and the floor-to-ceiling door/windows are positioned perfectly to witness sunrise from bed.The bathroom houses cozy, oversized robes to sink into, and features a uniquely split tub and ceiling-mounted shower head.The living room, dining table and kitchen are well-separated, lit and adorned with dark wood against light floors, with reflective glass and mirror surfaces throughout, maximizing the openness of the space.Leaving the doors open to hear the roaring waters against the quiet of the residences, watching the moonlight blanket over the ocean, and witnessing the sun peeking up over the horizon -- without leaving your plush, white linen bed -- is an experience to truly cherish.

the WATERS

If you can drag yourself out of the room, the downstairs pool is relaxed, calm and heated, with live electronic or reggae music on the weekends, and the poolside bar standing by with cocktails and light fare.Down on the sands, private orange beach chairs welcome you atop Miami Beach's pristine white sands and turquoise waters.

the BRUNCH

If you are lucky enough to plan your stay on a Sunday (or live close enough to pop in), come hungry, because you are in for the brunch of a lifetime.Brunch is a kind of dedicated past-time, and I'm not holding back to say this is the most indulgent brunch buffet I've yet to encounter. Las Vegas dining scene, you've been beat with class.I'm talking multi-table full buffet style of charcuterie plates, shrimp + crab cocktails, scallops, veggies, potatoes, caviar, oysters, salads, fruits. Omelet bar. Pancakes. Waffles.An entire army of sweet treats led by a four-tier chocolate dipping fountain with macaroons and espresso mouse in edible milk chocolate cups on the front lines, backed by staple cookies and fruits and bite-size cakes and yes, there is an attached elevator that can roll you right out to the poolside after because you are going to be in a food coma all. day. long.If you're with me on Snapchat (@crntlyexploring), you already know -- as far as brunch buffets go, F.A.B. at Solé on the Ocean is raising the bar.

the SURROUNDS

Check back tomorrow for our fave finds + to-do's from when we finally peeled out of our room and got to roaming Sunny Isles Beach!

Mom + I enjoyed our time so much we invited the rest of the fam to come visit for our last afternoon and share the experience by the pool.Soon, it was notably less quiet.

OK, so you definitely want to check in.

Get 15% off any Solé on the Ocean suite and a $35 daily food + beverage credit good for lunch or dinner at F.A.B. on all stays between January 4 - April 10, 2016 -- on me! Simply say "Christina Leigh" when you call to reserve -- 305.923.9300.

Looking for New Year's plans? Check out their masquerade event here.

currently exploring was welcomed to Sole on the Ocean as a guest of the City of Sunny Isles Beach. All opinions are my own, and I am so excited to share a discounted experience with you, too!

How do you recharge for the holidays?

DOWU: Changing the Game for Your Days Off

Maybe it was when you were floating in the fresh turquoise waters, looking up at 165 ft. of vibrant vines, hanging from cenote walls against bright blue skies.

Or during that last bite of morning chillequeles, prepared by your in-house cocinera.

Maybe it happened during your massage, exhaling onto the white sand, underneath sun rays and palm tree sways, or maybe it wasn’t above the ground at all — but under the sea, swimming with the fish along the MesoAmerican reef.

Maybe it was while you laughed, stretched, let go, with strangers? friends? who knew anymore — on your private catamaran, or when you discovered land at a little island somewhere along the way.

Or just feet up in a hammock at the Villas, Aperol spritz in hand, because who really needs any more than that?

Whenever that moment hit, you knew this was how you wanted to spend your days off.

DOWU (Days Off With Us), is a lifestyle brand launching out of Riviera Maya’s lesser-known fisherman town of Puerto Morelos, aiming to change the way we look at our vacation time— and changing the game for experiencing the area with ease.

This November, I joined in on their first-ever retreat — The Tropical Gathering — creating memories to last a lifetime.

From the moment you arrive at Cancun airport, Founders Bai + Bri have captured every detail, and not in that kitschy all-inclusive resort kind of way.

Meals, personally prepped and prepared by Straight to Source private Chef Bailey Jeann, and activities carefully curated by Cancun native Briana Gomez, starting each day from her family Villas.

Leave your worries (and you’re wallet) behind. Once you’re here, it’s all covered.

The Tropical Gathering

The Tropical Gathering retreat was a 7-day escape in paradise, practicing two schools of yoga (Vinyasa + Bhakti), massages under the palms (Swedish + Thai), and adventure through authentic local experiences like a traditional sweat lodge journey, visit to new world wonder Chichen-Itza, and floating the day away through ancient trade canals in Muyil -- not. bad.

There was plenty of mix of down time and experience, diving the reefs in the Caribbean Sea, keeping it low-key luxe oceanside in Playa del Carmen, or bossing out on a private catamaran to the area’s most beautiful Isla Mujeres.

Whether you’re bouncing around the Riviera for activities, or witnessing the incredible sunrises and starlit nights on your own back patio at the villas, the activities the DOWU girls put together give you a true local’s look at the best of the Riviera (along with some of Bri’s amazing stories of growing up here) — without ever having to lift a planning finger!

And, if the day’s itinerary sounds too intense (which trust me — you’re going to want to do it all), you can always hang back with your cocinera at the Villas and enjoy some solo time.

This is your vacation, after all!

Villas + Future DOWU Retreats

The villas are your home base, with room options ranging from a poolside two-story solo suite with it’s own patio and kitchen fit for a King, bunk beds to take in the experience between sleepovers with your favorite (or new!) friends, or anything in between.

You choose the vibe that fits you best.

And speaking of new friends — each retreat will have a different vibe and theme, with a range of 8-18 people. There is a pre-retreat application and survey, to be sure that everyone's on the same page.

Don't worry about stepping solo into a new group of people -- DOWU's whole theme is "cultivating the art of bringing people together," so Bai + Bri have plenty in store to create a lasting bond between your group.

As always, the people can end up being the best part. :)I'm seriously so stoked about the DOWU mission and hope you'll jump in to experience a retreat for yourself!Here are some of my favorite snaps from a 7 day escape into paradise with DOWU:

Ready for a break? DOWU is now accepting applications for it’s next retreat — “Refresh” — Jan 20-26 following BPM Music Festival. Come for a weekend or stay the whole time, with their flexible open door schedule.

Jump straight to the application here, or check out the full itinerary + info on future retreats at Days Off With Us.

“Don’t get so busy making a living, that you forget to make a life.”

currently exploring was proudly welcomed as a DOWU partner. All opinions are my own.

Ultimate Solo Female Traveler's Guide to Mexico City

If you're looking for an incredibly historical and edgy destination with world-class leisure on a value budget, Mexico City deserves a spot high on your list.

Most people’s reactions when I told them I was going to Mexico City solo after my recent Riviera Maya retreat fell somewhere between “I’m sorry, can you repeat that?” and “Girl, you’re crazy”… which is exactly why I wanted to go.

After spending 7 days solo in Mexico City (AKA Distrito Federal or D.F., as I came to learn), I am proud to exclaim that I had an incredible time and would highly recommend it for solo female travelers who don’t mind carrying a little extra awareness, in exchange for a lot of awesome experiences.

Why Mexico City?

1- History, Culture + Leisure

A short flight away from the usually-celebrated Mexican shorelines, the city is packed with some of the world’s best history and culture, alongside top-notch leisure activities.

Leave your bikinis and shorts at home for this one, because days in this ancient city will be packed with museums, cathedrals, plazas, parks and Aztec pyramids, but don’t worry — you also get charming cobblestone roads, chic eateries, amazing shopping and street food and true Latin America style nightlife for your downtime.

2- High Value (i.e. El Cheapo) 

If you are coming in with dollars, girlfriend Mexico City is cheap. The Peso was 17:1 when I exchanged — that’s big city ballin’ and dining at top-rated world restaurants on a newly-minted freelancer income budget cheap, my friend. Whether you're broke or ballin' at home, your money goes a long way here.

3- Unique Experience

I don’t know about you, but I love being at the cusp of things, so I was particularly excited to dive into a destination that no one I know really perceives as a “destination” yet! Smog and crime rates are the lowest they’ve been in decades, transportation is a breeze (hello, Uber) and the tourism industry as a whole (dining, nightlife, shopping) is booming to pump up the volume for visitors.

For travelers, Mexico City is in better shape than ever.

Safety

Here’s a fun fact: Mexico City has nearly 500 years more history and a lower crime rate than the good ‘ol south’s Memphis, TN. (Source)

As with any major city, it’s a smart idea to keep your pocket WI-FI and fancy DSLR in your purse when you’re not using them. Minor theft crimes are not unusual, so stay aware of your surroundings, avoid dark alleys at night and don’t keep important documents/anything in easy-to-snatch pockets — um, duh.

If you can deal with toning down your outfit (really, no shorts— they’re not a thing here), wearing a cross-body purse for extra measure and sticking to recommended neighborhoods, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most incredible palaces and cathedrals, delicious street food, adorable neighborhoods and people who are seriously excited you’ve come to experience their often misunderstood home!

Getting Around

In Mexico City, Uber has changed the game for safety and accountability in transportation for women. No chance of rigged meters, GPS tracking and even a little language barrier alleviation of if you don’t speak fluent Spanish. (Note: In the states I would always choose Lyft for ethical business reasons, but we're on limited resources here.)

Buses are easy to navigate and cost a whopping 5 pesos (that’s $0.30 US), so they're a solid option. Just be conscious of pick pocketing since they're usually packed.

For transportation between “destination attractions,” the Turibus Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is more price-effective than Ubering everywhere, and they have headphone plugins for 5 languages so you can get the details as you go.

Where to Stay

I was welcomed as a guest at Chaya BNB in Alameda Central during my stay, and can honestly say it shaped my entire visit. The BNB idea is a new concept in Mexico City, and these guys are paving the way in style.

More than their advantaged location, rooftop hammocks, design-savvy decor and delicious, authentic, family-style breakfasts, as a solo traveler I highly valued the comfort and resource of the cheery bi-lingual staff who makes themselves available to you 24/7 by WhatsApp.

Think Kinfolk style and class meets hostel community benefits, at a price somewhere in between. Read more on why I recommend Chaya here.

Other accommodations that came recommended to me include nearby Hilton Reforma, Hotel Condesa, Las Alcobas and basically anything in the Roma or Condesa areas, which is where you'll end up at night anyway!

What to Do

Logistics out of the way, let’s get to the fun stuff: what's to do?!

30 Mexico City Experiences You Don't Want to Miss

and easy-to-plan from:

Neighborhood Guide: Breaking Down Mexico City

Have you traveled solo through Mexico City? Any other tips or advice for girls coming through the area?

30 Mexico City Experiences You Don't Want to Miss

Mexico City. So much epicly rich world history, so much amazing food, so often overlooked.

Latin America's second largest city is of course home to ruins, pyramids and beautiful cathedrals, but also a burgeoning arts, food and music scene, all while being an incredible value destination for U.S. travelers.

When you make it to Mexico City, here are 30 experiences you don't want to miss out on:

1- Walk the halls of Frida Kahlo’s bright blue adulthood abode in Coyoacan.

2- Grab coffee at true local Coyoacan favorite El Jarocho, then stroll the cobblestone roads to the mercado for authentic candies, clothes and food.

3- Enjoy a morning run in Parque Espana or Parque Mexico before grabbing brunch along Condesa's Avenida Amsterdam.

4- Hit up all the history in Downtown + Reforma, then head over to Roma + Condesa for some indulgence. These neighborhoods are seriously charming!

5- Reconnect with your inner self climbing Iztaccihuatl, a dormant volcano and the third highest mountain in Mexico.

6- Sip cocktails + enjoy one of Mexico City’s finest on the rooftop of Condeza Hotel.

7- Take yourself to the ancient pyramids at Teotihuacan and dine afterwards at one of the coolest restaurants ever INSIDE OF A CAVE at La Gruta.

8- Get lost in Jose Vasconcelos’ stunning library.

9- Search for Sania’s new Aztec-inspired street art pieces like a local.

10- Walk around the parks. So many parks. Parks and plazas, parks with dogs, parks with trees inside buildings!

11- Eat delicious huitlacoche AKA corn fungus from a street vendor. (Special thanks to my foodie friend Cassie for telling me about this little delicacy, as I definitely wouldn’t have ordered it on my own!)

13- Pass the afternoon in a colorful trajinera in Xochimilco.

14- Take in a 360 view from the top at the Latino Americana Tower. If you don’t squeal for panoramic views like me, the 6th floor of Sears gives you a solid, free view out over Palacia de Belles Artes, which is less awe-inspiring but still pretty sweet. 

13- Blow your inner foodie’s mind with Mexican street food inception at the corner of Tamaulpais + Alfonso Reyes. This chick and her pop up street food stand have brought to the world… tortas of chilliqueles. She’s known for being a bit harsh, but don’t be surprised if there’s a line down the block and the person in front of you orders 30 to go.

14- Treat yourself to ice cream at Roxy.

15- Try to pick your favorite storefront from all of Roma's adorable restaurants, libraries and design boutiques. Good luck. 

16- Stroll around Parque Lincoln and Antara in the high-end district of Polano, calculating the number of flights you could by instead of things in the window displays.

17- Enjoy a meal at Pujol, the world's #16 rated restaurant.

18- Join the revolution (and burn off some of these food calories) by exploring neighborhoods on an Eco Bici. 

19- Roam around like the King or Queen you are at your castle in the middle of a forest in the middle of the city: Chapultepec.

20- Eat all of the things around Roma's Fuente de la Cibeles.

21- Tap into your sexy side partying and shopping in Zona Rosa (the red light district).

22- Dine among the Presidents at Centro Castellano.

23- Check out the restaurants and shops inside Alameda Central's recently renovated Barrio Alameda, and pop in the top floor for a peek at the coolest new concept accommodations in town, Chaya BNB.

24- Dance the night away west-coast style at Roma Forum (deep house), keep it traditional at Mambo Cafe or Mojito Room, or get chilly at Ice Bar.

25- Witness the the largest yet discovered tzompantli -- an Aztec trophy rack of sacrificed skulls -- found just earlier this year at Templo Mayor (and lots of other, really cool, less gruesome things) at the Museum of Anthrolopogy. 

26- Skip the crowds in Garibaldi plaza and enjoy authentic Mariachis over an incredible meal and table-side entertainment at the newly-renovated Cicero.

27- Adore some of Condesa's best dining + decor at Blanco Colima.

28- Talk about "cathedral fatigue" as if it's totally normal to see dozens of buildings like this during your regular commute... super casual.

29- Pretend you just won a national futbol game and celebrate by climbing the Angel of Independence (extra points: be there when Mexico actually just won a futbol game and climb it with tons of new friends)!

30- Be the first of your friends and family to experience this amazing place and bring back all the news!

That's a wrap! For an easy-to-plan neighborhood guide including most of these experiences, check out:

Neighborhood Guide: Breaking Down Mexico City

and more info on traveling in the area solo at:

Ultimate Solo Female Traveler's Guide to Mexico City

What do you think? Will Mexico City make your list?!

Neighborhood Guide: Breaking Down Mexico City

Mexico City is massive. We're talking 21 million+ people and 16 burroughs massive, and the least amount of things I could break it down into for a travel guide was like, 30 -- so squeezing it all into a few days of vacation could be quite a feat!

Based on my recent 7-day solo trip, here are my favorite things to do + see, broken down by neighborhood for easy picking and planning:

Downtown: History: Palaces, Museums + Plazas

Zocalo Square | Cathedral Metropolitana | Palacio Nacional | Templo Mayor | Museo Nacional de Arte | Palacio de Correos | Palacio de Belles Artes | Torre Latinoamericana | Alameda Central | Barrio Alamdea | Garibaldi’s Mariachi Plaza (be mindful) | Jose Vasconcelos Libraria 

Reforma: History: Castles, Museums + Statues

Reforma x Insurgentes | Paseo de la Reforma | Castillo de Chapultepec | Museo de Arte Moderno | Museo de Antropologia | Angel de la Independencia | Plaza de la Constitución | Zona Rosa

Roma: The Cutest, Trendiest Restaurants, Bookshops + Design Shops (My Fave)

Alvaro Obregon | Plaza Luis Cabrera | Plaza Rio de Janeiro | Fuente de la Cibelas

Restaurants: Seriously, all of them. Blanco Colima.

Condesa: A Taste of Everyday Mid-Upscale Life: Parks, Shopping, Restaurants

Avenida Alfonso Reyes | Glorieta Citlaltepetl | Parque Mexico | Parque Espana | Avenida Amsterdam 

Restaurants: Rosetta, Sushi Sha La La, Tori Tori, Arturo’s, El Bonito, Gin Gin (Bar), Magical Street Food Truck at Tamaulpais + Alfonso Reyes, Roxy

Polanco: Upscale Treats

Parque Lincoln | Antara | Museo Jumex

Restaurants: Ivoire, El Japonez, Le Mat, Pujol (World’s #16 Restaurant)

Coyoacan: The Local’s Corner

Museo Frida Kahlo | Mercado de Coyoacan | Plaza Jidalgo | Jardin Centenario | Cathedral Coyoacan | El Jarocho Coffee | Museo de Culturas Popular

Restaurants: Corazon de Maguey, Los Danzantes

Just Outside the City 

Xochimilco | Iztaccihuatl | Teotihuacan (La Gruta) | Xochimilco

--

Want more deets on the above? Check out:

 30 Mexico City Experiences You Don't Want to Miss

+

Ultimate Solo Female Traveler's Guide to Mexico City

Happy planning! Any faves I missed?