Sometimes you just need a little R & R, and last week, Mr. C and I took our long-awaited, and eagerly anticipated sailing trip to the BVI. It was exactly what the doctor ordered - lots of sun, surf and snorkeling. We saw amazing sea life (untouched coral reefs, tribes of tropical fish and sand for miles), explored isolated coves where the stars look close enough to touch, and we totally disconnected. No phone, no internet - it was vacation circa 1990's and it was fantastic.

I over-packed of course (although the LL Bean Tote was seriously helpful!), but in light of the fact that everyone seems to have a "What to Pack", I'll go ahead an share "What Not to Pack". Here are my lessons from sea:

- Floppy Sun Hats. I totally fell victim to this. I had sun-dappled visions of floppy hat perfection. I trekked that hat over 2,000 miles, and guess what? I did not wear it, not even once. Not even for a photo. Because as it turns out that those breezes that move the boat, also move hats. Skip them (unless it really, really fits well or you don't mind losing it). Instead opt for a baseball cap. Bam! All of sudden you're sporty, and you look like you know what your doing.

- Heels. Have you seen the movie Overboard with Goldie Hawn? Enough said. You'll be barefoot, so make sure your pedicure looks great.

-Makeup. Unless it's SPF lip balm (or SPF itself), you probably won't be wearing it. After all, you never know when you'll want to take a dip, and nothing says amateur move like streaky mascara.