New Waterfront Parks Along the East River

There's always something to be discovered in New York City, something that doesn't make it on the must do lists of most tourists. My recent discoveries are two new sections of already existing green spaces along the East River. A sunny day is perfect for boarding the NYC Ferry at East 34th Street and hopping off first at Hunter's Point South. The next extension that wanders along a peninsula provides scenic views of Manhattan's skyline, while also offering plenty of opportunities to walk or jog in solitude -- if you visit on a weekday early morning -- along paths that wander beside thickets of native plantings and some curious art installations.

When you're done soaking up the placid vibe, hop back on the ferry and disembark at DUMBO -- an acronym that means Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass -- where you'll find the newly opened Pier 3 in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The Adirondack chairs are just one of several different seating options -- even stone seats designed by Gunter Beltzig -- for those who prefer to relax. Otherwise, wander through a labyrinth where a parabolic reflector stands as well as other interactive curiosities, and explore the many repurposed historical features, such as bollards where ship ropes were once tied, and railroad ties. Or stroll to the one-acre sprawl of sunny lawn that's perfect for sunbathing.

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What's in a Complete Travel First-Aid Kit?

When traveling domestically or far afield, I carry most, if not all, of the following first-aid items because you never know when you’ll have an accident or end up with an unexpected ailment. And, even if the city you’ll be visiting isn’t lacking a pharmacy, it might very well be closed just when you need it. This list is even more essential when your trip involves a biking, hiking or other adventure-type trips.

• Quik-Clot - an ultra-specialized bandage to stop bleeding when you know that simply holding a gauze pad won’t work, such as in someone taking anti-clotting medication or who suffers from a clotting disorder.

• Bonine - to prevent motion sickness

• Saline eye wash - to wash out debris from your eye

• Aleve (naproxen) - for pain

• Aspirin - for fever or a heart attack

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Gauze pads and adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes

• ACE bandage - for sprains, strains, pulled muscles

• Bacitracin - topical triple antibiotic ointment

• Topical cortisone - for itching/rash

• Oral Benadryl - antihistamine for allergies

• Caladryl lotion - for itching/rashes

• Mylanta or Tums chewable tabs - antacid

• Sudafed - oral decongestant

• Afrin nasal spray - nasal decongestant

• Pepto-Bismol - chewable tabs to prevent traveler’s diarrhea

• Imodium AD - to treat diarrhea

• Probiotic - for good intestinal health (or a mild laxative such as OTC Miralax)

• Azithromycin or Zithromax (Z-pac) - a prescription antibiotic for severe diarrhea

• EpiPen - a prescription of injectable adrenalin in case of a severe, life threatening allergy (anaphylactic) reaction

• Digital oral thermometer

• Sawyer Controlled Release - DEET-based insect repellent OR

All Terrain Herbal Armor - a DEET-free insect repellent

• Blister kit, including moleskin, Spenco Second Skin, and Band-Aid blister bandages

• Robitussin liquid gel - cough suppressant

• Ricola throat lozenges

• Tweezers - to help remove a splinter or even a tick

• Neutrogena or another broad-spectrum sunscreen - at least SPF 30

• Steripen - UV device to decontaminate water

• Monistat cream - for women in case of a vaginal yeast infection

• Blistex lip ointment/balm

• Aloe gel - for sunburn

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Sri Lanka in Pictures

The three properties in Resplendent Ceylon's collection reflect the variety of treasures Sri Lanka offers.

At Cape Weligama, one of the three Resplendent Ceylon properties in Sri Lanka, villas huddle in colorful gardens, and guests wake up to this scene where they can take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool and gaze at the Indian Ocean in the distance.

The architecture and design at Resplendent Ceylon's Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Sri Lanka is stellar. But what's even more impressive is how the company upskilled the local fishermen, teaching them how to construct these netted bamboo structures that are covered in recycled teak shingles. Now, when they're not fishing, they have another source of income -- there's lots of interest in these types of structures that are ultra strong and light on the environment.

When staying at either the upscale Summerville or Castlereagh bungalow that are part of Resplendent Ceylon's Tea Trails, one never tires of this view: lake, mountains and fields covered in tea plantations. The days can be spent lounging pool side or mountain biking or trekking through the plantations, perhaps stopping at one of the other three colonial-era bungalows for high tea or maybe a game of crochet.

This YouTube video slideshow provides a window into these three properties as well as excursions in the surrounding areas.

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Zen-Like Hotel Experience in Sri Lanka

If I had to describe my ideal airport hotel it would be one that, though in close proximity to the runway, felt like I was in a botanical garden. I know that’s a tall order, but somehow I found it at The Wallawwa, a luxe boutique property in Sri Lanka. No matter where I wandered on the six-acre lush property, I never was far from blooming flowers and other foliage. Check out my recent article for Forbes on The Wallawwa.

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Packing Light With Carry-On Luggage Only

Flying is a hassle as it is without having to deal with lost, damaged or stolen luggage. That's why I only travel with a carry-on. Even when I'm on an almost two-month trip, I have no need for a voluminous piece of luggage. How do I manage this?

1- I choose clothing that in neutral or earth tones, often black, tan or grey -- so there's a lot of mix and matching -- with tees, tanks and a scarf providing bright accent colors. I'm particularly fond of Ex Offcio clothing.

2- Almost all the clothes I pack do not wrinkle and are made of wickable fabrics, which means they don't absorb moisture easily so you stay dry as you race about town, but they also dry relatively quickly when you wash them. (I hand wash my underwear, pants, shorts, dresses and shirts and they dry in no time.)

3- I wear my bulkiest, heaviest clothing on the plane, including a Merino wool sweater, insulated vest -- it doubles as a pillow or lumbar support, long-sleeve shirt, a jacket (if it's necessary at my destination) and leggings. (I never ever travel with jeans. They're heavy, bulky and when wet, take forever to dry.)

4- No matter how many weeks I'm traveling, I never pack more than a total of three dresses, one or two skirts, one pair of leggings, one pair of pants that convert to shorts, two tee shirts, two long sleeve shirts, one rain jacket, a hoody, three pairs of Merino wool socks, and three pairs of Merino wool underwear. (I love the clothing items Smartwool sells.) I choose items that are made of thin fabrics (such as Merino wool) and roll small.

5- I pack a sarong that serves multi functions, as a beach blanket, cover-up, or shawl when I need to visit a church or other religious sight.

6- I only travel with two pairs of shoes: I wear the heaviest on the plane and then I pack a pair of Mary Janes, such as these by Astral Designs.

7- Instead of a typical hat or cap, I pack a multi-purpose buff, such as those made by Buff USA. Again, it's all about multi-purpose uses. A buff can be used as a bandana, hat, balaclava, neck gator, headband, or hair band.

8- All my toiletries are travel-size, and that includes shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and toothpaste.

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Necessities on the Plane

I recently traveled on a 15+ hour flight and was surprised with the number of passengers who were quite uncomfortable because they neglected to pack an array of items. This is my list of in-flight necessities for health and comfort:

1. Large pashmina that functions as a blanket and, when rolled up, as a lumbar support

2. Lightweight merino wool buff that also serves several functions: eye mask, neck warmer, cap.

3. Altoids - peppermint

4. Lightweight cotton tote -- I use it as a pillow case, stuffing my down vest or jacket, or my merino wool sweater into it

5. Antacid - chewable tablets like Rolaids or Tums

6. Aleve

7. Chewable Bonine - meclizine hydrochloride - for motion sickness

8. Limoncello lip butter

9. Charmin flushable wipes

10. Ricola natural herb throat lozenges

11. Eye mask

12. Ear Peace - ear plugs - https://www.earpeace.com/

13. Hand sanitizer

14. travel-size toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, Stim-U Dents

15. Dark chocolate

16. Unsalted shelled pistachios

17. Low-fat string cheese

18. Whole wheat crackers

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Sneak Peek: My New Line of Handbags

This is a sneak peak of my new handbag line. Not only will they be sold at a lower price point compared with my first micro travel bag, but they will be manufactured in a soft canvas fabric that initially will come in two different colors/patterns: camo pattern and solid burgundy. (Other colors/patterns will follow, down the line.) The bag, of course, will have multiple zippered pockets -- none visible to the casual observe -- and will have a minimalist look. Unlike my first bag, each pocket will accommodate an array of large-sized items, including sunglasses, large iPhones or Androids,  even small tubes of sunscreen. The atta-BAG label (below) will appear on the front of each bag. I expect these bags to be on the market by early Fall.

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Luxe Sri Lankan Hotels That Are Socially Responsible

Staying at the innovative Wild Coast Tented Lodge property in Sri Lanka, you have the opportunity to be enwrapped with nature -- it's adjacent to Yala National Park -- while also indulging in ultra contemporary architecture and design. These two organic, bamboo-clad structures house the restaurant, bar and den. This is one of three Sri Lanka-based properties owned by Resplendent Ceylon, a company that revolves around doing the right thing, whether it's protecting the environment or giving back to the local community. (The other two properties are Ceylon Tea Trails and Cape Weligama. Check out my recent article for Forbes where I interviewed the Managing Director Resplendent Ceylon.

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A Curious Doll For Curious Times

Everything I create is a little bit different from the tried-and-true. And my AngryJ doll is no exception. AngryJ is an especially timely plush doll for the times we live in now. The media is rife with angry goings-on, whether it's news stories that are far afield or on our home turf. Every day, we may be inundated with frustrations that push our anger button. So, I created AngryJ as a way to you to realize that she looks like how you feel as you stew in your own angry ruminations. Just look at her and perhaps, even for a moment, she'll make you laugh and you'll get pulled out of your negative emotions.

AngryJ has a curious history, since I created a sketch of her when I was an angry 10-year-old kid. And many decades later, she became a doll. (I'm very persistent and I continued drawing her my whole life.) Now I'm including her backstory on a tag (below) that's attached to one of her skinny little arms. (She's looking to be adopted.)

Interestingly, I've found that more adults love AngryJ than kids. But anyone can buy AngryJ here. Each is a little different because they are handmade in the U.S. But, though all different, they are all very angry!

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