Twice a year, Hermes comes out with the most COOL magazine/advertising vehicle/objet d’art… And for a year or two I’ve had this idea that I needed to keep them. In all fairness, you can flog these on ebay for a bit of money, but it’s not worth accumulating a big stack of them! I’d much rather share this with you. These magazines combine a bit of poetry, some exceptional fashion photography, and a general aesthetic of tranquility and beauty that’s hard to match…
Same as before – leave me a comment – I don’t care WHERE in the world you are, I’ll figure out a way to ship it to you. Thursday night I’ll generate a random number and announce the winner.
On a totally different note, I just went through another one of my “toiletries test-drives” and learned yet again that the most USELESS travel-sized toiletry has to be the bitty little tubes of toothpaste. I could barely eek out a week using a travel toothpaste, and I sure don’t want to be packing multiples! So I’m experimenting with Lady Light Travel’s travel hack – Make Your Own Toothpaste Dots. It seems like a weirdly fussy little project, but it’s (so far) pretty hands off – I’m just waiting for the toothpaste “logs” smooshed out onto a piece of aluminum foil to dry. They’re on the window ledge beside my desk – all I need to do is touch them every day or two to see how things progress.
Note – these are easier to squish if you have a reasonably full tube of toothpaste with which to work.
Note #2 – you can buy toothpaste dots, but they’re not cheap, and they’re alleged to have funky flavors. If this works, these will be familiar in flavor, and super inexpensive…
I’m really committed to doing whatever I can to make my bags lighter and smaller, while keeping a reasonable quality of travel life on the road. Of all the things I’m NOT giving up while traveling, toothpaste could be #3 on the list!
Looking back:
2011 – We agreed on this one completely – Vivienne Veto: ugly Uggs. While Uggs are great in the dead of winter, I don’t think they really work in the summer…
2012 – My favorite questions from readers – What to wear with a scarf: Hermes Plaisirs du Froid. If you’ve got a scarf conundrum, please send it on: theviviennefiles@gmail.com.
Susan says
June 16, 2014 at 11:01 amI think I'd rather pack two travel size toothpastes! I've been keeping Hermes seasonal booklets, but this magazine (judging from the cover) does look lovely!
Kimm says
June 16, 2014 at 12:36 pmPlease DO let us know how your toothpaste dots turn out! I've been thinking of trying them.
Madame Là-bas says
June 16, 2014 at 12:37 pmI pack one travel toothpaste and buy a new travel size at Boots or Monoprix when I need it. I looked at Lady Light Travel's dots but it seemed like a lot of trouble. Tooth-paste is definitely an essential.
Liz says
June 16, 2014 at 12:43 pmWhen traveling I bring one of the travel size paste for the journey or the little water less travel brushes, and buy another when I arrive at my destination. It is fun shopping in other places and countries. Sometimes you find the most interesting products in other lands.
Love the giveaway…
Iamatlooseends says
June 16, 2014 at 1:39 pmI keep reminding myself to try the toothpaste dots – I am on it this morning!
Shelley says
June 16, 2014 at 1:49 pmI just started using Orawellness brushing blend and think it does a better job than toothpaste. It's composed of essential oils and comes in a very small bottle–you only need a couple of drops so you could transfer to an even tinier bottle.
Meredith Johanson says
June 16, 2014 at 1:58 pmHeading out for my first trip since discovering this blog. I am very appreciative for all your tips.
Cornelia says
June 16, 2014 at 2:04 pmYes, please keep us informed on your toothpaste experiment. If it works, I certainly will give it a try. Oh, the things you teach us. 🙂
cheryl :) says
June 16, 2014 at 2:16 pmCan't wait to hear how your toothpaste dots work out. Sounds so interesting, lol. 🙂
Thalie F says
June 16, 2014 at 2:18 pmIf you’re short on space but still want to feed your love of Hermès, you can download their app : Le Monde d’Hermès. 😉
eclair says
June 16, 2014 at 2:25 pmI have used the toothpaste dots. It seems that it works if you put the dots on Saran wrap rather than foil or waxed paper and cover the plastic with cornstarch before making the dots. I live in the desert and it took almost two weeks for them to dry out. Perhaps it is because I used Tom's brand toothpaste? They do work even when not dry to a crunchy state. I store mine in a mini sized Altoids box. Dust with cornstarch or baking soda to keep them from sticking. Good luck with your experiment, if you find an improvement, please share. I'm thinking that tooth powder is the best overall.
Hilary Dawson says
June 16, 2014 at 2:51 pmrecently discovered this blog; looking forward to my summer trip to Oxford armed with Vivienne wisdom
Anonymous says
June 16, 2014 at 2:53 pmI enjoyed reading about toothpaste dots, which I'd never heard of before as I apparently live in the "wilds" of Wisconsin! Actually, I'm just not a shopper. I wondered about the baking powder coating, though. Seemed odd and I think I would use baking soda, but just my preference. In truth though, like others here I enjoy shopping for 'international' toothpaste 😉
JoyceP
Eileen says
June 16, 2014 at 4:17 pmPlease update us on how the dots turn out. I don't think much about streamlining my toiletries because I'm such a light clothes packer. I always have extra space. That said, I love a project. Would love to win the giveaway. I recently got my first hermes twilly and am loving it. Full scarves aren't right for my climate or lifestyle but the smaller twilly fits in just right. Does anyone else love the sound of hermes silk too?
Anonymous says
June 16, 2014 at 4:20 pmI use Eco-Dent toothpaste powder when I travel that I bought at Drugstore.com. It works great, can go in your carry on, and weighs next to nothing. Lasts forever, too.
Nancy says
June 16, 2014 at 4:28 pmCan't wait to see how your experiment fares – I've definitely thought of trying it as well because you are absolutely right – on a two week trip those tiny little tubes don't last! I have found though that the Crest 3D vivid toothpaste does come in a 2.5 oz size and works well for a two week trip – only downside is it's a bit pricier and that formulation is the only one in that size that I've found!
Anonymous says
June 16, 2014 at 4:37 pmWow! We are all different and have different comfort ranges, but a travel tube of toothpaste lasts 7-12 days for me, brushing a minimum of twice a day.
Alison says
June 16, 2014 at 4:40 pmI find the idea of toothpaste dots fascinating… I would probably dust them with powdered xylitol, or baking soda instead of baking powder, xylitol actually helps kill germs as well as adds a sweet taste. I usually make up a tooth powder from a mixture of baking soda, xylitol, and a drop of peppermint, use it occasionally at home and when travelling it is very lightweight. I have really loved seeing the Hermes scarves in the inspirational wardrobes you create, the magazine must be very beautiful!
Anonymous says
June 16, 2014 at 5:00 pmI found you a little over 2 years ago just befor my very first trip to PARIS!!! I start each day with your blog – and I wear an Hermes scarf every day!!! Because of the two (you and my hermes') I have a smile on every morning!!!
Merci, Katie
Blue Booby says
June 16, 2014 at 5:44 pmColgate now makes. 2.8 oz toothpaste versus the .85 oz typical travel size..
Carrie says
June 16, 2014 at 6:46 pmI just discovered your blog last week, and I've already made some major changes to my closet. I've gotten rid of perhaps 60% of my old clothes already, about 100 items! My core is black and grey, with plum and turquoise/teal/aqua. I'd love to see a sample wardrobe if you're still taking suggestions!
ladylighttravel.com says
June 16, 2014 at 7:31 pmThanks for the mention! Dots Vs paste Vs powder are very much a personal preference. I hate the Eco-Dent. I have no idea why, but I just react negatively to powder. That includes baking soda and salt blends. Again, it is all about what each person prefers.
When I make up the dots I usually do them in big batches.
bnejedlo14 says
June 16, 2014 at 9:53 pmI laughed out loud ad the link you added for the "Ugly Uggs". Every time I see them on someone I want to rip them off and ask them if they know how frightening they look??!! Thank you for offering a very unique giveaway.
Christi Carlisto says
June 17, 2014 at 2:37 amJust buy toothpaste wen you get to your destination! A decent hotel will have a small tube to get you thru a couple of days. These dots are way too high maintenance! Put the effort into packing the right clothing!
Love your blog…so many good things to think about and consider!
Anonymous says
June 17, 2014 at 3:21 amI would love to have a copy or two (or how ever many) of the magazine I do expressive arts therapy and I think these would have GREAT images for collage.
Kay dancingbrushpainting.blogspot.com says
June 17, 2014 at 4:42 amToothpaste dots? Who knew?? Must try! 🙂 The Hermes magazine sounds divine.
Lynne in NC says
June 17, 2014 at 9:46 amI've tried the toothpaste dots that Lady Light Travel recommends, it does help with weight. One is used to the 'squishiness' of toothpaste and dots are of a different texture. I've been using tooth powder for the last year and find it easier to acclimate to versus the dots. Whole Foods is where I buy the Dental Powder and Amazon sells it as well. The brand I use is Eco-Dent and am currently using the extra brite with a slight mint flavor.
Thanks for the giveaway, I hope I win!
ladylighttravel.com says
June 17, 2014 at 4:07 pmYes, those are the two main reasons for going solid Vs liquid on toothpaste. I want to save space in my liquids bag for important things like moisturizer. On a long trip the weight can become an issue, especially for airline carriers that weigh carry on bags. At that point you are looking for every way possible to cut 1/3, 1/2 1 pound off the weight. A 7 kg limit for a 3 week shoulder season trip is a challenge if you don't reduce everything. Thank goodness for capsule wardrobes!
On short trips I usually use a mini-tube because I like the texture best.
LauraH says
June 17, 2014 at 12:20 pmI used the toothpaste dots on a four week trip to remote areas of South Africa last year. Worked fine, although they got a little squishy. I left mine on the foil and just folded it up, maybe that was why. They were really light weight and helped reduce my liquids so I'll probably use them again.
Anonymous says
June 17, 2014 at 4:10 pmI think I'll try the toothpaste dot experiment myself. I'd love to win the giveaway.
Deb in Kentucky
LD Siess says
June 17, 2014 at 4:29 pmAlways something interesting here! Toothpaste dots – who knew?! – fashion, and thoughtful, thought-provoking ideas and tips! And a generous and fascinating giveaway! You are wonderful!
Anonymous says
June 17, 2014 at 5:55 pmAnother option to toothpaste dots is to fill plastic drinking straws with toothpaste, cut into portions/lengths, and seal/crimp the edges closed by heating over a flame (a tweezer or pincher of some kind will keep your fingers away from the heat). You can do this with lotions, foundation, all kinds of creams and liquids. Use different colored straws or label with a permanent marker. Happy traveling! – Nan
M-C says
June 17, 2014 at 11:50 pmI used to drill holes in my toothbrush when backpacking, but I've never tried DIY toothpaste :-). You could consider that it'd be easy to get a new small tube wherever you're going, if you need it. But a more pressing question – do you do as the ads show and squeeze a fat roll of toothpaste all the way down the brush? Have you noticed how the first thing you do after that is spit out the excess? In fact, a small dab will do you, and that saves me a lot of toothpaste, home or away..
Kathy F. says
June 18, 2014 at 1:46 pmI would love to have a copy of this magazine. And the toothpaste dots? I immediately clicked over to see how they work. Very cool!