images via Of a Kind

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of housesitting for a great family friend, one of my mom’s best friends from when she was in college. The house was just one town over from my college and only about 10 minutes away. But that small distance and the simple pleasures of being in a home, compared to a dorm room, was just what I needed this weekend. It was the perfect unique version of a “staycation.” I was able to relax and sleep in (and go to bed early…not common during college life.) I had time to get ahead on my school work and then there was the added bonus of the beautiful weather.  I am a huge supporter of taking a weekend away! Sometimes, just a break from day to day life returns you refreshed and ready to go for the coming week.

Packing for a weekend trip, harder than you would think. It is just two nights; so a few outfits, maybe two pairs of shoes, necessary cosmetics and a toothbrush. But in the end when you get down to packing your bag the task of narrowing down what to bring can seem much trickier. This is where my favorite weekend bag, The Catalina, from Lo & Son’s comes in to the picture. I have used many different bags for weekend trips, from a small duffle bag, an LL Bean tote or large Longshamp and I can tell you with out a doubt this is the best weekend bag I have ever used! The bag is a perfect size for all your weekend essentials, there is an extra bottom layer (this is where I store my sneakers and shoes), an interior zipper pocket, an outer pocket and a top zipper. When I was traveling over the summer, spending almost every weekend somewhere else, I used my weekender non-stop! This past weekend, while housesitting, I used my tried and true favorite once again.

The Catalina Weekender that I have is a special edition from last winter (a blue ikat print.) If you like to stick with solids, you can check out the various color options over on Lo & Sons. However, if you like a fun pop of color and interest, Lo & Sons has just released a new special edition of their Weekender in collaboration with Of a Kind. Head over to and check them out..before they sell out, there are only 27 of each pattern.