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Interview with Lauren Reyes-Grange

Interview with Lauren Reyes-Grange

My mum recently interviewed me about our children’s book series, Myrtle the Purple Turtle. I must say, creating these books with my mum has been the highlight of my career. I hope you enjoy!

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Sally's Cafe and Bookstore - New Book on the Shelves - Myrtle Makes a New Friend: Myrtle the Purple Turtle Series by Cynthia Reyes and Lauren Reyes-Grange, Illustrated by Jo Robinson

Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – New Book on the Shelves – Myrtle Makes a New Friend: Myrtle the Purple Turtle Series by Cynthia Reyes and Lauren Reyes-Grange, Illustrated by Jo Robinson

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I travel often for work. Some may find this tiresome or stressful.. which I did at first, but I’ve found a way to make work travel fun by playing to my strengths – planning and organizing how I prepare and pack. Here are some fail-proof travel hacks I live by.

1. Invest in quality carry-on luggage. In my experience, avoiding having to check your luggage is key to smooth sailing through the airport. I also find limiting myself to a carry-on forces me to “pack with purpose”, plan my outfits better and keep my tendency-to-overpack in check.

2. Have everything you need at your finger tips with a great carry-all bag. Travelling for work likely means you’re carrying a laptop with you. Since you’ll need to show this at security, it’s important that you have your laptop and other electronics easily accessible. Also keep in mind things you’ll need easy access to while you’re in the air. A great carry-all that can keep all these things stored and accessible that you can also fit under your seat is key. My carry-all bag is the everywhere bag by Away luggage. It has plenty of compartments, including a sleek under bag compartment for shoes. It fits perfectly over my carry-on for no-fuss moving through the airport but also works as my meeting appropriate, carry-all bag for work, too.

AWAY luggage, everywhere bag

AWAY luggage, everywhere bag

  3. Keep weight in mind. Just because everything fits in your carry-on bag(s), doesn’t mean it is within the airline’s weight limits. I recommend checking your airline’s website for all luggage restrictions (or check-out this helpful website that has curated the restrictions of over 170 airlines) and invest in a small digital scale. A small digital scale that fits in the side pocket of your carry-all bag can help you avoid costly charges for a suitcase over the airline’s weight limit.

4. Pack smart with packing cubes. God bless whoever came up with packing cubes! Since purchasing, I haven’t gone on a trip without these space savers. I am able to pack so much more efficiently and when I get to my destination, it’s so easy to keep my clothes/outfits organized.

5. Carry a small bag with your flight essentials that you can keep at your seat. My “bag of tricks” is what I call mine. This little bag stores everything I will need for my flight (in travel size): wet wipes, hand sanitizer, Kleenex, snacks, my Sage pharmacy kit, moisturizer, Motrin, some makeup, a sheet mask, eye mask, cellphone charger, headphones, a pen, Listerine strips, bags of tea.. I could go on. Once my carry-all is situated under my seat, my bag of tricks stays in my lap for the entire flight.

6. A refillable bottle. My S’well bottle rarely leaves my side in my every day life and travel is no exception. Plus as any traveller knows, airplanes can be incredibly dry. I always fill up my water bottle post-security and feel no shame in asking the flight attendant for a refill when they are strolling by my seat. The best thing about S’well bottles is they keep your water cold for 24 hours.

7. Download the airline app. From accessing your ticket and flight information to inflight entertainment, these apps are typically pretty helpful. Just make sure you download the app before you board your flight.

WestJet Connect

8. Pack a blanket scarf. The temperature on a plane can turn freezing super quick. My trusted blanket scarf has saved the day many times.

9. Inflatable neck pillow. Takes up less room in your bag and can also act as a hands-free phone podium if you choose to watch a movie during your flight.

10. Get Nexus. Travelling to the US used to stress me right out, but with my handy Nexus pass I am through security in a fraction of the time.

So there you have it. My go-to business travel tips. What tips do you have for travelling? Share in the comments!

  Fool-proof business travel hacks I travel often for work. Some may find this tiresome or stressful.. which I did at first, but I've found a way to make work travel fun by playing to my strengths - planning and organizing how I prepare and pack.

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My First Book: Myrtle's Game

If you’re looking for a picture-book that will inspire the children in your life to believe in themselves, to be a good friend and to always be kind and inclusive, I encourage you to check out my first book, Myrtle’s Game. 

Nearly 30 years ago, my mum wrote a story to bring me comfort during a time I was bullied at school for being “different”. The story, Myrtle the Purple Turtle, was published last year and instantly became a best seller.

My mum and I travelled to schools all over Ontario, speaking with kids about their own experiences with bullying and feeling different.

We were so inspired that my mum and I…

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What to do in Honolulu, Hawai'i

What to do in Honolulu, Hawai'i #travel #hawaii

It’s been two years since I fell head-over-heels in love with O’ahu (known as “the gathering place” of the Hawaiian islands) and the beautiful city, Honolulu. This magical place is where my husband and I were privileged to spend our honeymoon and no matter where we’ve travelled since, Honolulu remains our favourite travel destination to date.

If you’re planning a trip to Honolulu, here are 10…

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11 Apps That Will Change The Way You Work, Learn and Live

11 apps that will change the way you work, learn and live #mobileapps #augmentedreality

Whether you’re looking for a new way to make managing your finances easier, your work day more productive, your travels more organized or you’re interested in learning something new or perhaps you want to strengthen your romantic connection with your partner, here are 11 mobile apps that will change the way you work, learn and live.

1) Otter Voice Notes (available on iOS and Android) 

Otter Voice…

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Dagne Dover, Signature Legend Tote (via Tote Bags that are Perfect for Work (and everything else))

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Everlane The Day Market Tote (via Tote Bags that are Perfect for Work (and everything else))

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Find out the best and awesome kitchen color ideas for your dream kitchen

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Cuyana, Classic Structured Leather Tote (via Tote Bags that are Perfect for Work (and everything else))

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Madewell, The Paintstripe Transport Tote (via Tote Bags that are Perfect for Work (and everything else))

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To say Oprah’s Book Club selection, “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones, is a complicated love story, would be an understatement. But to say this is the best novel I’ve read in a very long time is the stone cold truth. (via An American Marriage)

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If you’re looking for a cookbook that has all the basic sauce recipes you could ever need (think hollandaise sauces, pasta recipes, pesto, meat marinades, deserts, etc.), Sauce Basics won’t disappoint. I especially appreciate that it’s truly a simple step-by-step cookbook, with photos accompanying each step which makes each recipe feel incredibly simple. As a serious pasta enthusiast, this cookbook is on heavy rotation in my kitchen. (via My Favourite Cookbooks)