my new favorite bag

Is it me or is finding a great carry-on bag virtually impossible? I've gone through so many over the years and none have really ended in a resounding 'yes!'

In preparation for my trip to Las Vegas (and other upcoming summer travel), I was really stumped about this. I'd yet to find the perfect bag to house my many in-flight necessities that also did not feel like the straps (or my shoulders) would break.

My friend Carly told me about MZ Wallace and how they have the perfect everything totes. After doing some research, this bag fit all of my criteria:

Lightweight
Wipeable fabric
Shoulder straps
Zip top
Limited inner compartments
Able to fit a laptop

....and is Mom-friendly, without being diaper bag-ish.

It also seemed like the perfect size and so after digging around a bit, I settled on this floral print, a Nordstrom exclusive. Typically I'd go with a neutral (aka black) when spending this sort of money on a bag, but something about the floral just got me and when I couldn't get it out of my head, I knew it was the one.

In just under two weeks, I can safely say that I love this bag so much! It was awesome on the plane and perfect for carting my notebook, snacks, supplies and change of shoes to the trade show each day. Now that I'm home, it makes a perfectly chic carry all for my and Penelope's things on a day out. I know it will also be perfect for our upcoming Aruba trip and throughout the summer. This print will also carry through the fall and really, it will work year-round.

Thanks to Carly for the tip on this awesome bag...now I'm daydreaming of other MZ Wallace shapes, sizes and colors...

What are your favorite totes, bags or carry-ons?

Favorite Summer Shoes

Today I'm rounding up some of my very favorite shoe finds! As you can see, I have a bit of a problem...

Saltwater sandals. These are one of my favorite summer finds. They are comfortable, cute and slightly earthy. I love that I can throw them on with a sundress, lightweight pants or denim shorts. My favorite part is the color! Adds such a fun pop to any ensemble and now I'm crushing on so many others.

TOMS Morocco crochet slip-ons. I've long been a fan of TOMS shoes. Not only is it a wonderful mission, but these shoes are adorable and comfortable. Comfort is key in my life, even prior to mom-dom. I've worn TOMS to travel Europe, for flying, for walking to work each day and my feet have never hurt, ever. I love this crocheted cobalt version because again, that pop of color and the crotchet adds some nice, lightweight, breathable summer texture.

Birkenstocks. I have these from last summer and I'm still obsessed with them. They are comfortable and chic and I can't believe how well the white upper held up after a summer of wear. I'm looking forward to another full season of these bad boys!

Tory Burch Mini-Miller Open Toe Wedges. These were a Mother's Day gift from Shaun and Penelope and I'm kind of obsessed with them. They are well-made, beautiful and comfortable - perfect for work or dinner out and I know they will be awesome in Las Vegas next week! These are definitely the splurge on the list, but I know that they will last for a long time to come.

Pointed Faux Leather Loafers. I stalked these shoes for about a month, checking every single day for my size to be back in stock. They are super affordable and surprisingly well-made and they are just a great statement shoe for the season. The backless nature keeps them feeling summery while the black and white contrast adds oh so much drama!

What are your favorite shoes for the season?

Podcasts I'm Loving Lately

I've been down a black hole and it's called podcasts. I've never really been one for podcasts or really listening to anything that wasn't music. Like so many others, I became mildly obsessed with Serial back in the fall. I had never listened to a podcast before and didn't really have an inclination to, but never wanting to be left out of a pop culture craze, I jumped in with both feet and couldn't get enough!

Following Serial, I gave up on podcasts, but recently I was inspired to get back on board. I put out a call on Instagram for some podcast recommendations and today I'm rounding up some of my favorites!

Fresh Air. This is a great podcast for keeping up with pop culture. The first episode I listened to was an interview with Billy Crystal and Josh Gad and I was immediately hooked. Other episodes of interest: DJ Mark Ronson, Louis C.K., Graham Yost, who is the EP on Justified, an interview with a former SeaWorld trainer, and I have many more in the queue.

This American Life. I enjoy the randomness of this one. Lots of different stories about very different things. Yesterday, I listened to Same Bed, Different Dreams, stories of people who are tied together but have very different hopes and dreams.

Undisclosed: The State vs. Adnan Syed. This is kind of like a follow up to Serial, but by a different group of people. It's a different way of storytelling, and as the narrator admits, not a beautifully crafted narrative like Serial is. You need to listen to Serial prior to this one, so if you haven't...well what have you been doing for the last six months?

The Bugle. This was recommended by a friend whose opinion I trust implicitly, but I just haven't had a chance to listen yet. I have a few episodes downloaded though!

Nerdist. Love love love. I'm a self-proclaimed pop culture nerd and so is Chris Hardwick. It also now makes me appreciate his street cred prior to getting the Talking Dead gig on AMC (a post-mortem of The Walking Dead each week). This also features various interviews. I recently listened to Rob McElhenney and Glenn Howerton of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and I loved it.

WTF with Mark Maron. More pop culture here. Funny interviews with big stars, pop culture icons and more. I tend to prefer the style of Nerdist and Fresh Air a bit more, but this is also a solid listen with huge name guests.

Also on my list to try based on your recommendations: Spilled Milk, The Moth, America's Test Kitchen, Doug Loves Movies, Cashing in with TJ Miller, The Motivating Mom and The Chalene Johnson Show.

Do you listen to podcasts? If so, what are your favorites?