8 clever travel essentials that will save you serious packing time and bag space on your next trip

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8 Clever Travel Essentials That Will Save You Serious Packing Time and Bag Space on Your Next Trip—From $8

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No matter what vacation is on your calendar this summer, Amazon has you covered with several clever travel essentials to make your trip run smoothly from start to finish.

You can save some much-needed packing time and luggage space with these genius travel finds from popular brands like Samsonite, Travelpro, and Bagail. Take your pick from expandable suitcases, packing cubes, and portable luggage scales. All of these items can be found inside Amazon’s Luggage and Travel Gear hub, with prices starting at just $8.

Clever Travel Essential Deals at Amazon

Samsonite Winifield 3 DLXHardside Expandable Luggage, $380 (was $680)

Bagail 8-Piece Packing Cube Set, $18 (was $25)

Travel Inspira Portable Luggage Scale, $8 (was $13)

Travelpro Maxlite Hardside Suitcase, $128 (was $170)

EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow, $30 (was $35)

Charmast Portable Charger, $30 (was $46)

Sure Lock Luggage Lock Pack, $14 (was $20)

U.S. Traveler Rolling Carry-On Softside Suitcase, $43 (was $50)

Samsonite Winifield 3 DLX Hardside Expandable Luggage

Carry your clothes in style with this sleek three-piece Samsonite luggage set that comes with a 20-, 25-, and 28-inch suitcase. Each bag is made with a durable hardshell exterior to protect your belongings, and a spacious interior lined with built-in pockets and zippers to organize your clothing, toiletries, and other items. Each suitcase comes with a genius built-in luggage lock, so you don’t have to spend extra money buying external ones, or ever worry about losing the key.

Bagail 8-Piece Packing Cube Set

This No. 1 best-selling packing cube set comes with eight organizers of various sizes to neatly pack all of your belongings into your duffel bag, suitcase, or backpack, maximizing your luggage space. Each bag is made with a durable, lightweight fabric that’s also water-repellent, so your clothes stay dry. The set also includes a shoe bag, a makeup bag (that can also house your jewelry), and a drawstring bag for other items you can’t travel without. It’s no wonder more than 20,000 of the highly efficient organizer sets have been purchased in the past month.

Travel Inspira Portable Luggage Scale

The Travel Inspira portable luggage scale helps you pack smarter, not smaller, so you can bring everything you need without paying fees for overweight luggage. The nifty travel gadget is cleverly designed to loop around a bag or suitcase handle, so you can get an accurate reading before you even get to the airport. The device can handle up to 110 pounds of luggage at a time, so you can weigh your heaviest bags without issue. Its compact size is easy to pack, too, so you can bring it with you on vacation.

Continue scrolling to see more clever travel essentials, and don’t forget to head to Amazon’s Luggage and Travel Gear hub to browse the entire assortment.

Travelpro Maxlite Hardside Suitcase

EverSnug Travel Blanket and Pillow

Charmast Portable Charger

Sure Lock Luggage Lock Pack

U.S. Traveler Rolling Carry-On Softside Suitcase

How to Be Such an Amazing House Guest You Get Invited Back Every Time

Whether you're crashing with a friend for convenience, invited for a leisurely stay at a cousin's summer home, or headed to your future in-laws' place for the first overnight visit, house guest etiquette matters. And if you've ever hosted family or friends for an extended stay, you know just how refreshing a well-behaved, respectful, game, and grateful house guest is—and how exhausting a not-so-awesome one can be. Here are 14 house guest etiquette rules to follow, no matter who you're staying with or how long you plan to be there. (Trust us, this is how you get invited back.) 01 of 14 Be Clear About How Long You're Staying Make sure you clear the duration of you stay with your hosts as far in advance as possible—at their invitation, of course. Don't be vague or hope to extend your stay once you arrive. Of course, there is a chance they might extend an offer, but don't make assumptions. If your BFF says they'll be busy after Labor Day, book your return ticket to leave a full day before so they have some time to themselves. The last thing you want to do is take advantage of your host. There's an old saying that houseguests are like fish, and start to stink after three days—so you may want to keep your visit brief to ensure you're exciting, not exhausting. 02 of 14 Don't Show Up Unannounced It's never a good idea to show up without notice—or, even worse, to show up with a pet, child, significant other, or friend (even if it's a mutual friend) in tow, unless you've cleared it with your host beforehand. You may call it spontaneous and fun, but your cousin and their spouse may call it inconvenient. 03 of 14 Travel as Light as Possible Try to avoid overpacking for your visit, to help minimize the amount of stuff your hosts need to store. (This is especially important if they don't have a dedicated guest room and you're using their bedroom or a sofa bed in the main space.) If you need to bring some larger items (like a portable crib for your baby or sports equipment), be sure to give them a heads up so they're ready to accommodate it. 04 of 14 Bring a Thoughtful Gift A grateful guest always brings their host a gift—a little something to show their gratitude. However, there's no need to haul something huge or extravagant all the way there. A local treat from your hometown bakery, a beautiful coffee table book, flowers, a nice candle, or bottle of wine all work perfectly. Headed to someone's vacation house? Get them something on theme: beach towels or a cocktail-themed gift would be perfect. 05 of 14 Follow House Rules When you arrive, gently inquire about how things are done to avoid any misunderstandings. What time does everyone usually wake up and go to bed? Anything you should know about the kids or pets? Should you leave the thermostat alone? Pick up on other house rules by being in tune with your hosts. This could mean observing whether or not you should take your shoes off indoors or if you should keep your phone away from the dinner table. Also, refrain from finishing the coffee or milk (but if you do, replace it). 06 of 14 Limit Your Phone Use Spending too much time with your face in a screen will make your hosts feel like they're boring you (and, honestly, you might be boring them). It makes your company feel like there's somewhere else you'd rather be, or someone else you'd rather be spending time with. Try to limit screen time and only check emails, texts, and social media in the privacy of your own room. 07 of 14 Act More Appropriate Than Usual Before you walk down the hall in only a towel, curse, tell inappropriate jokes, or come downstairs for breakfast in your PJs, take cues from your host. When in doubt, err on the side of modesty. If you're planning a dinner out with your hosts, ask what attire is appropriate for the restaurant (e.g. no jeans) so you can pack accordingly. 08 of 14 Be Extremely Helpful Unhelpful guests are rarely invited back. Things you should offer to do: Help prep or cook meals; set the table and do the dishes; offer to drive; occupy the kids while their parents take a well-deserved nap; fix a little something around the house if you have the skills; or take the dog for a walk. Even if you're turned down, the hosts will appreciate the gesture. Things you should do without asking for a thumbs up: Clear your dishes when you're done eating; buy some groceries and maybe the fixings for cocktails; get your own kids out of the house for an hour or two; fill up the tank if you borrow the car; strip your sheets at the end of your stay (unless you're told otherwise). 09 of 14 Be (at Least Somewhat) Self-Sufficient Your hosts might be happy to see a Broadway show or the Lincoln Memorial for the third time, but they may also choose to get some things done while you are out and about. Your friend might actually be working during the day, so being able to entertain yourself will be a godsend for both of you. If you're staying for more than three days, call up other friends who live in the city, bring some work of your own to do, or be okay exploring on your own. Let your host know your plans and when you think you will get back. 10 of 14 Bring Your Own Toiletries Don't expect to use any of your hosts' toiletries or other items. If you realize you've forgotten to pack toothpaste, inquire about where you can buy a new tube. They'll likely be happy to offer theirs, but first demonstrate that you're not a mooch. 11 of 14 Bring Your Own Ideas Hosting can be a lot of work—from getting the house ready to making sure everyone is comfortable throughout the stay. Often, visitors also expect hosts to plan activities for everyone. So, one great way you could lessen the burden on your gracious host is to arrive ready with a list of ideas of things you might want to do or see—or even where you might want to eat. That way, they won't feel solely responsible for keeping you entertained during your trip. 12 of 14 Restock the Groceries You Used A good host will likely make sure you've always got something to eat and drink while you're staying with them. Before you leave, it'd be a great idea to replace some of the items you consumed during your stay and help restock your host's pantry. For example, maybe you used their honey or milk every morning for you tea or coffee. Even if they told you to help yourself, replacing the honey, milk, tea, coffee, and other items like that would be a super nice—and definitely appreciated—gesture. 13 of 14 Leave Things Cleaner Than You Found Them If there's one thing to take away from these etiquette tips, it should be this: Leave the place as clean as possible. The last thing you want is for your host to have to hire a cleaner after your stay. On your last day, triple-check the bedroom and bathroom for your belongings. Strip the sheets and put them in a pillowcase at the foot of the bed. Do a quick wipe-down of the counters in the bathroom for toothpaste, extra cups, or loose hair. And, of course, return any items to their place, like a book you borrowed from the bookshelf. 14 of 14 Say Thank You Thank your host three times: when you arrive, when you're about to leave, and once more after you've gone with a handwritten thank-you note. Here, an email won't cut it. Throw in a specific detail about how much fun you had doing a certain activity, how hard you laughed at a particular story, or how delicious a specific meal was. Finish with an offer to open up your own home next time. For an optional but memorable thank you, pick up a fresh bouquet of flowers and leave them in a vase on the kitchen counter with your note before you leave. Otherwise, mail your card within two or three days of your visit.

7 Types of Nuts You Can Actually Grow Yourself (Yes, Really)

For some reason, many people don’t consider growing nuts—often because most nuts grow on trees, which require more time and space than fruits or veggies—but they’re still a great way to add life to your yard; depending on where you live, you might have a wide variety of options you haven't considered. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best nuts you can grow yourself. If you’re looking to plant more trees on your property and you want the added benefit of growing literal snacks at home, read on. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! 01 of 07 Walnuts Walnut trees are large, deciduous trees that are absolutely beautiful—but they also require a lot of space, well-draining, fertile soil, and full sun. These are best harvested in the fall, when the nuts are ripe and their husks ripen enough to fall from the tree when shaken. The husks should be instantly removed, and be sure to wear protection as walnut oil is a natural irritant. USDA Zone: 4-9 Mature size: 50 to 80 ft. Taste: Earthy and slightly bitter in taste, with a creamy texture 02 of 07 Hazelnuts Hazelnut trees prefer cooler climates, and are native to eastern and central parts of the US and Canada. This is because they require a certain amount of time in colder temperatures in the winter to properly produce nuts. Harvest hazelnuts in the fall when the nuts fall easily from the trees. Look for yellow husks and either pick them directly from the branches or wait for them to drop on their own. USDA Zone: 4-8 Mature size: 10 to 15 ft. Taste: Sweet and buttery taste that caramelizes when toasted 03 of 07 Chestnuts Chestnut trees require ample space and the right balance of direct sunlight and acidic soil, but if you’re hoping to add a beautiful tree to your property, these are stunning when they reach maturity. It’s worth noting, though, that American chestnut trees can’t self-pollinate; this means that, for best nut production, you’ll need two different varieties. Wait until the chestnuts have fallen naturally, and wear gloves to collect any whose prickly husks have opened. USDA Zone: 4-8 Mature size: 40 to 60 ft. Taste: A unique, bitter taste when raw, but soft and buttery once roasted—often compared to a sweet potato 04 of 07 Pecans Pecan trees are actually native to the southern U.S., so if you’re in the right zone and your property is spacious enough to handle their size and equipped with enough sunlight and well-drained soil, you’re in luck. Collect the nuts from the ground once the green hulls have split and released them. USDA Zone: 6-9 Mature size: 70 to 100 ft. with some growing even taller Taste: Rich and buttery in taste with a slight sweetness 05 of 07 Almonds Almond trees do best in areas that have a Mediterranean climate—long, hot, and dry summers and mild, wet winters. But they also require frequent watering during dry periods and well-drained soil. The ripened hulls can be hand-picked or shaken from the tree, and the nuts should be removed and dried. USDA Zone: 5-9 Mature size: 10 to 25 ft. Taste: Sweet and slightly bitter, with a signature aroma that’s both fruity and floral 06 of 07 Macadamia Nuts Macadamia nuts prefer warmer climates, and they require sufficient watering—either through rainfall or irrigation. Hawaii is most known for growing macadamia nuts in the U.S., while parts of California and Florida can also offer the right conditions. Collect the nuts once they fall naturally to the ground. Then, remove the outer green husk and dry to prevent spoilage. USDA Zone: 9-11 Mature size: 30 to 50 ft. Taste: Rich in flavor, with a buttery texture and subtle sweetness 07 of 07 Peanuts Unlike the other options on this list, peanuts don’t grow on trees. Instead, they develop underground. This is because peanuts aren’t technically nuts; they’re legumes, closer in relation to peas and beans. Still, they’re making this list because their flavor profile keeps them more aligned with a nut, and depending on where you live, they might be a great addition to your garden. In late summer or early fall, when the leaves of your peanut plant start to yellow, dig up the plants, shake off any excess soil, and separate the pods. USDA Zone: 8-11 Mature size: one to two feet tall Taste: Peanuts are savory and earthy, with a bean-like flavor when eaten raw

Introducing The Next Room…Robyn’s Welcoming Patterned Dining Room Reveal

This dining room reveal is one of my favorites ever, and not just because it was for one of my best friends in the world (but that probably helps). It turned out so gosh darn elegant and yet livable. If you missed their living room reveal (which you’ll see a peak of below) head there first for the background and the befores) because today is focused on this jewel box of a room that I’m so proud of (and jealous of, TBH). Remember, the move-in before was colorless, pretty charmless, and cozy-less. So we had a clear directive – but that doesn’t mean it was fast, cheap, or easy (nothing ever is). It took a year, a fantastic partner (yes, perks to being my friend), and a lot of meetings squeezed in to make it happen. But you can see the potential, right? The big window that frames Mount Hood, the pretty original floors, the built-ins – all just needed some color and point of view. The dining chairs were 10 years old (and falling apart), the chandelier was honestly fine (but sold on FBMP now), and the rug felt too boho for this elegant room but the table? Oh, that heirloom table that’s been in her family for generations was so pretty so we knew that we’d keep that. You can see here the connection between the living and dining room here, with a shared color palette of such warm tones, mixed with so many blues and greens. The dining room properly draws you in, while being totally balanced with the living room – not one room feeling heavier than the other. Almost like magic! (but not magic at all, LOL, it’s a hefty combination of effort, intuition, risk-taking, mistake-making, time, money, and experience…so easy!). Introducing The Dining Room… Kaitlin Green blew me away with these photos – the vibe is captured so perfectly! I think my favorite thing here is the rug with the wallpaper – neither “matching” necessarily and both rather busy, but because they are both classic and even historic, it now looks so vintage and original in here. I feared that it would be too much (especially with the other Persian rug in the living room) but now I see that when you are using such classic motifs and are wanting an old-world vibe, this is the way to go (and let’s be clear the tones and colors work really well together – a lot of complementary tones, not just random). See the full video tour here (just wait for the ad to play…thank you!) The Pretty Brass Chandelier We almost kept their chandelier because it was “fine” but boy am I glad we didn’t. This one is so incredibly beautiful and the slate blue shades make it feel so updated, while the finish and the shape are classic. You can customize the drop, the finish, and the color of the shades (we almost did the burgundy but Robyn got scared and I complied). We kept it high enough to see the view from the living room, but low enough to still feel connected to the table. It’s perfect. And I apologize to those of you who hate it when we photoshop out recessed lights – While I didn’t ask Kaitlin to I am so grateful she did as they can be distracting if they are wrong, stylistically. One thing we could have done is replace them with brass spotlights but they were done spending money and making decisions, and since they didn’t mind the recessed lights we left them and just photoshopped them out for cleaner shots). New Dining Chairs + Antique Table FTW The wallpaper is a classic William Morris pattern (that Rejuvenation sells!) and it was Robyn and Ryan’s first choice so YAY!!!! I loved it too so it was a real win. The chairs are a nice modern pairing to the more detailed/decorative table legs and the black finish added a nice depth and edge to the room. The wishbone shape is not only super ergonomic but the roundedness always adds a nice contrast to a rectangle table. We knew that we couldn’t do a bold piece of art in here, and no gallery wall (too busy + there is one in the living room) so we hung this gorgeous huge mirror which obviously reflects a lot of light and adds so much elegance. The brass frame works so well with the hardware and the chandelier (obviously) and that rounded cut-out detail in the corner keeps it from looking too simple and modern (by giving it a vintage vibe). I know I’ve been harping on the dark blue paint color, but it sure is so perfect, especially with the unlacquered brass handles popping off. We chose a hardware (The Ladd Collection) that has a little bit of detail, leans more elegant than utilitarian but still feels fresh and modern. My goodness, did this elevate this built-in a lot. I styled the credenza with winter branches, a big bowl of mixed pears, family photos in frames (From World Market), and a vintage set of the perfect-toned glassware and carafe (from Stars Market in Portland – although I saw very similar ones from World market the next day that were much more affordable lol). We put a nice classic candlestick lamp in the corner to balance out the branches, draw your eye, and provide a nice ambient glow. We brought over my beautiful inventory of tablescape pieces (that are from Anthropologie for the most part) to style it all out and boy did it look so pretty. Again, all the tones just work so well together. I think this tour isn’t complete without some before and afters: What a difference a year makes. They are sooooo happy and grateful (me, too). Here’s one more of Robs and I for those of you who like to see best friends being unabashedly affectionate :)

A Mid-Flight Beauty Routine Can Save Your Skin—Here's What to Pack

Here’s the thing about zooming in a metal tube 35,000 feet off the ground—it’s seriously dry in there. You can thank high-altitude low-humidity levels and cabin pressure for that (along with a twist of UV radiation pouring through the windows). While a quick flight may not create much of a noticeable difference in your skin health, a longer flight certainly can. The solution? A mid-flight skin care routine, which can range from a simple hydrating spritz now and again to a full-blown wash and moisturize regimen. We asked skin care pros for their best tips on nailing a mid-flight routine to ensure you’re glowy on arrival. Mona Mislankar, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, Ohio Margarita Lolis, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey What Is a Mid-Flight Skin Care Routine? A mid-flight beauty care routine is an optional regimen you can perform at any point throughout a long-haul flight where your skin is being exposed to super dry air for hours on end. Some people like to do it at the halfway point as a refresh right before they get off the plane so they’re glowing when they land, or just before they go to sleep while flying to keep up with their usual nightly routine. “The air inside the cabin typically has a humidity of around 10% to 20%, which is much lower than the 30% to 65% humidity we experience on the ground,” explains Mona Mislankar, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, Ohio. “This can lead to dry, tight, or flaky skin, especially on long flights.” The dryness can also make sure more vulnerable to irritation, which can end up snowballing once you land at your final destination, notes Margarita Lolis, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey. “This is why a mid-flight routine is a good way to keep your skin fresh and prepped for your travel plans,” Dr. Lolis says. “Keeping your skin hydrated and staying on track with your nighttime regimen if you’re flying overnight is definitely recommended.” Benefits of Doing a Mid-Flight Skin Care Routine Mid-flight skin care routines aren’t considered necessary, but those who do them swear by the difference they can make. Here’s why. Maintains moisture levels: “Giving your skin some TLC mid-flight maintains your epidermal moisture levels and maintains your skin barrier,” Dr. Lolis notes. “This is especially true for those who are prone to dryness.” Minimizes irritation and breakouts: Traveling, in general, can disrupt your skin’s health thanks to stress, new climates, and disrupted sleep. Dr. Lolis says a mid-flight routine can help with irritation and breakouts—especially if you already have finicky skin. Keeps your routine consistent: You already wash and moisturize before bed, so why skip this step simply because you’re 35,000 feet in the sky? Keeping a consistent routine keeps your mind and body feeling good. Makes flying more enjoyable: Let’s be real—those flights can drag on. Doing a little mid-flight skin care routine helps pass the time. Plus, it washes off grime from the day and keeps skin hydrated and healthy which makes the whole flight more enjoyable. The Perfect Mid-Flight Beauty Routine If you do decide to adopt a mid-flight skin care routine, the key is to keep things simple with just the essentials. “I am absolutely a fan of less is more—and simple skin care is best,” Dr. Minslaker says. Here’s what we recommend packing in your plane kit. The Essentials No need to pack your entire arsenal of beauty loot. All you need for a mid-flight skin care routine is a cleanser (like face wash, makeup remover wipes, or micellar water), a moisturizer (serum and/or cream), and sunscreen. “Cleansing your skin maximizes how well the products absorb,” Dr. Lolis says. “Next, use a hyaluronic acid serum. Serums penetrate deeper and hyaluronic acid binds and attracts water to your skin very efficiently. Last, layer on a thicker moisturizer with ceramides to lock in the moisture.” Dr. Minslaker says that if you’re flying for longer than two hours, it’s best to pack sunscreen and reapply every two hours throughout the flight. This is true good advice you’re sitting next to the window or not. Optional Extras You’ll be set with the skin care essential above, but consider packing these extras depending on your needs. Lip balm: “Due to the low humidity in cabin air, your lips can become dry and chapped more easily,” Dr. Lolis says. Lip balm to the rescue. Pimple patches: If you deal with breakouts, a pimple patch is a true mid-flight hero, notes Dr. Minslaker. Facial mist: Spritzing on a hydrating facial mist a few times throughout your flight can help keep skin bouncy, soft, and hydrated. Sheet mask: If you want to go the extra mile, pack a sheet mask in your vanity kit. Apply it after cleansing but before your serum and/or moisturizer. If you don’t want to go that bold, eye masks are more subtle.