It’s a given that frequent travel can be stressful—but like most people who spend a lot of time on planes and trains, I’ve slowly developed a collection of coping strategies that help me stay grounded regardless of where in the world I find myself. My latest trick is to tuck a pure silk charmeuse pillowcase into my carry-on to slip over my hotel pillow. Mine is a beautiful shade of sky blue, and comes from the Branche company http://branchebeautysleep.com/, which launched years ago with one of the first successful lines of eco-friendly clothing.

Inspired by childhood memories of a beautiful pillowcase from her mother’s bridal trousseau, designer Donna Hinds—a frequent traveler herself—created a line of silk pillowcases in gorgeous colors, which come with matching silk headbands. Hinds’ design background and expertise with fabrics and textiles had shown her that silk’s properties include a chemical content of 18 amino acids identical to human skin and hair. Sleeping on its smooth surface helps keep skin and hair from creasing and wrinkling. So even if I toss and turn all night in an unfamiliar hotel, I still climb out of bed looking as though I haven’t a care in the world. And, it’s a familiar and comforting bit of home that keeps me feeling connected—without taking up huge amounts of space in my luggage—like, for instance, trying to pack my favorite reading chair.

Summer may be gone, but the sun’s rays will continue to shine for the rest of the year, which is why I was so thrilled to learn about Marie Veronique Organics Moisturizing Face Screen ($40). The formula, made with zinc oxide, as well as healing ingredients like red raspberry, sea buckthorn, jojoba oil, and carrot seed oil comes in three variations: no tint, light tint, and medium tint, allowing you to skip the foundation all together if you choose. The scent is definitely herbal, which is a nice reprieve from the coconut-infused (and mostly toxic) sunscreens commonly found on the market.

If you really want to up the ante of your skincare regimen, go for the full monty—the Anti-Aging Kit ($170). The four-piece combo set includes their exfoliating cleanser, Anti-Aging Mist, Anti-Aging Oil, and the Moisturizing Face Screen. While the line may not be cheap, the ingredients aren’t cheap either. The Berkeley-based company utilizes organic and fair-trade ingredients, as well as antioxidant-rich herbs and oils. I love their full disclosure policy. By going to this link, you can read about each ingredient found on their labels. How’s that for honesty?

SenSpa, the holistic wellness spa located in San Francisco, California, recently unveiled their new skincare line SenZen, that utilizes the therapeutic benefits of such ingredients as green, white, and red tea; herbs; and even flax seed. In addition, the line is sulfate-free. While I’m not quite sure I fully understand the concept behind their Bio-Energized Liposomal Delivery System, I do like that each of their products is hydrating and provides a hefty dose of antioxidants.

But what I’m really in love with is their Double Dose Eye Cream ($84) made with peptides and vitamin K and caffeine (both of which are excellent for reducing puffiness and inflammation). While the cream is certainly more expensive than a double latte, the perkiness is much more long lasting. The Slough it Off ($42) facial scrub offers the perfect combination of grittiness without being scratchy or overly exfoliating to the skin.

Take advantage of the first fresh scents of fall with a jaunt to the hills for a hiking trek. The physical benefits are many—from losing weight; to preventing heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis; to decreasing blood pressure; to relieving arthritis and back pain. But climbing up hills offers more than blessings for your body. Hiking also lets you escape the confines of a gym, improves your balance, and gives you a chance to connect with your inner self. All that, and it doesn’t cost much, either. Not sure how to get started? (Or how to train if you, um, haven’t hit the hills in ages?) Read more from our expert here.

One of the best ways to connect with your sisters or best friends (or moms) is to take a getaway that takes you out of your natural environment; something that challenges your body while relaxing your spirit. We’re excited to announce our sponsorship of Sorrel Resort & Spa’s Women’s Hiking Week!

The hiking week takes place October 17-21^st at their beautiful Moab spa and includes yoga, spa treatments, and oodles of bonding time with your best and closest girl friends. What could be better then fresh air, exercise, pampered muscles and girl time?! (Now, if I wasn’t expected a baby myself, I know I’d be there, too.)

WINNER & DISCOUNT CODE

We’re excited to announce the winner for our trip for two to this exclusive hiking getaway is Jamie Colby of Rehobeth Beach, Delaware! Congratulations Jamie! Remember, if you register and mention HEALING LIFESTYLES, you’ll also receive 10% off the package.

We Want To Know!

How do you simplify your beauty routine? Write to us and tell us how you simplify your beauty routine and you might be the lucky recipient of $100 worth of Epicuren products. To enter, simply share with us your tips! After you’ve written your tips, please visit the Epicuren website and send us your wish list—the products you’d like if you win the $100 gift card. Be sure to log in with a valid email address (only visible to HL&S) so that we can notify you if you’re the winner. The contest is CLOSED.

Good luck!

Who doesn’t dream of a spa sojourn where one mind/body treatment blissfully follows another? While visiting a spa will certainly help you relax and regroup, those looking for deeper transformation should consider signing up for a workshop or one of these top 10 life changing retreats..Not sure if it’s right for you? Read on for some of our writer’s first-hand experiences that have indeed changed their lives, physiques, and inspirations.

• Can learning to paint help transform your life, and specifically make your dreams a reality? Follow Margie Goldsmith, Adventure Editor as she steps off the adrenaline pedal and tries her hand with a paintbrush.

• Find out how to shift into a new spiritual vibration at The Omega Institute.

• Learn how to follow the moon’s cycles to move to and through transition with ease and joy.

• And let go of all fear with this wildly exciting retreat designed to help you find your courage.

Have you had a life changing experience at a spa or retreat? Tell us your stories by commenting here!