It's all apart of life's pageant

Last day in DC

Beautiful blue skies for the last day of the trip! Now we are returning the car and heading to the airport.

I had some serious battles with motion sickness this trip - between Kirk's driving and exhaust fumes from buses/trucks I haven't been feeling well. Not looking forward to the plane ride through questionable weather. Plus the plane fumes that enter the cabin right before take off or when you land - is anyone else sensitive to this? I wonder why they can't prevent that and it can't be good for you...

Packing Tactics - clothes

Packing clothes for a trip can be a daunting task. Over the years I have developed a plan that works for me - it does take some initial planning but I haven't gone wrong yet.

First I always make a list - I should have a template on Word but I usually just find a memo pad (like my Kung Fo Panda one). I start making a list of essentials - underwear, pjs, socks, blow dryer, make up bag, etc. I MUST make this list and as it is packed, I cross it off. If I don't make this list inevitably I will forget it. The next thing on the list are the days that I am going to be traveling with space left between each so you can write. I denote important activities that need a different attire - like BBQ on Friday night.

For each day I put outfits together - by doing this I can see where I can cross-over and wear something twice (yes, this is OKAY) and make sure that EVERYTHING coordinates together. When traveling I try to stay pretty neutral: black, brown and white with a few bright colored pieces. Staples when traveling: white long sleeve t-shirt, black cami, black pants and dark fitted jean jacket. These items are ALWAYS in my suitcase when the trip is a week long or more.

Strawberry Street Cafe

Having lunch today in the Fan at the Strawberry Street Cafe. (www.strawberrystreetcafe.com)

Turn out the Lights!

Interrupting my Packing Tactics for an important announcement...

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 28th is Earth Hour. World Wildlife Fund is asking people to turn off their lights for one hour at 8:30 pm local time. Learn more about this day here!

Spring break

In the last five minutes this group of kids have been asked three times to keep quiet, been asked five times not to scream, and not to sit or lean on the rail

American History

And a TON of kids!

Packing Tactics - on the plane

Today is all about the essentials on the plane. Because of security I travel VERY light with my carry on - I don't mind waiting for my luggage if that means that I don't have to go thru security with it, lift it over my head on the plane to stuff it in an overhead compartment, OR keep track of it. I take my chances with the airlines losing my luggage. In the 15 years that I have been traveling I have had problems with my luggage twice. That is 30 weeks of travel each year, three to four days a week - in my busy days. So my odds have been pretty good.

I choose one of two bags to carry on - briefcase or purse. The camera bag is always a carry on. In this weeks case it's going to be breifcase and camera bag - the purse is packed empty in the suitcase.

I bet you can guess what my number one item is? WATER! I pack an empty water bottle by Nalgene in the 16oz size. Then once I am through security I find a water fountain and fill up. Sometimes if the Starbucks isn't busy I can get them to fill it for me with tap water. Ask with a big smile!

TRAVELING TIPS:

• You need to stay hydrated when traveling. Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) before, during, and after your flight. Not only will you feel better, but keeping up your fluid reserves also helps your body ward off a whole other host of maladies. Staving off dehydration will also decrease your risk of getting jet lag
• Put plenty of moisturizer on your hands and pile on the lip balm
• If you wear contacts, use your glasses instead
• When you land try to spend at least 15 minutes outside breathing fresh air - I don't care if it's below freezing or 105 degrees (F) - you need fresh air!
  

Power

Love it when airports have power islands so you can re charge and be ready for the next flight.

Also this is the first trip with the Kindle and so far it is pretty cool. Finished reading Gate House and two days worth of USA Today. The best thing is my briefcase is light and I can choose my next book from my "library". Hmmmmm what to read next???

Packing tactics

Blog updates: I have linked some 'pages' on the left hand side of the blog. This is quick access to some of the popular posts. Healthy living I will be adding to - for right now it has a quick link to my daily routine posts and the Advocare products that I use. My office & craft room have the links to the daily posts going through my organization. And the Daily blogs page list all the blogs that I visit on a daily basis.

Since I have been getting ready to pack for our trip I thought it would be a good time to get my travel tips on the blog! I used to dread packing and it was worse after 9/11 - what you could take or more what you couldn't take. Over packing and under packing. Number of bags and the weight of them. I have been fortunate enough that I travel so much I stay up to date on most of the requirements. Today I am going to share with you some of my packing tactics. This will work for a 10 day trip or a weekend trip - month long trips might have to be addressed in another post.

I always like to start with the basics - suitcases and other cases. Right now I have two pieces of luggage (not matching yet) that I am trying out for size and functionality. They are on the inexpensive side of the spectrum but have been holding up very well for the amount of travel that Kirk and I do. Kirk has his own luggage but from time to time I see him borrowing mine...he has NICE matching luggage so go figure!

First piece is from TARGET. It is Swiss Gear Aubonne 24" in brown.

I just bought this about three months ago so it's still available at the store and online. There were a few things I wanted to try out with this piece: size, weight and the spinner wheels. One of my biggest pet peeves is when you need to move fast and you are trying to wheel your bag and it has a mind of it's own. These spinner wheels allow you to move the bag in anyway possible quickly. LOVE it so far - I was worried about the durability of the spinner wheel but so far so good. Size - this has been the perfect size for five to 10 day trips and allows for purchases along the way. It is also good for the weekend trips that require a great deal of wardrobe changes. Weight - this piece is light when empty! Always key when you are looking at luggage - if it's already heavy when you pick it up empty move on to the next one. Remember you are not always going to have help picking this thing up so you better be able to lift it full by yourself! I also love the color - it's dark so it hides scuff marks and it's different from black and it's easy to spot at baggage claim.

March for Babies!

It is that time again -March for Babies is back in Clark County!! My sister is proud to represent iQ Credit Union for this great cause. It is very clear exactly who we are walking for -- all babies. It's very exciting to be a part of March for Babies for the second year. Please support my sister participation by making a donation.  Especially in times like today-every penny helps save BABIES.

 Why March for Babies? Because the March of Babies champions the needs of moms and babies in our community and across the nation. The money we raise for March for Babies will help:

 - support all-important research offering preventions and solutions for babies born too soon or with birth defects
 - educate women on things they can do to increase their chances of having a healthy baby
 - provide comfort and information to families with a newborn in intensive care
 - push for newborn screening and health insurance for all pregnant women and children

Contributing to her walk online is fast, easy and secure. You can donate directly from her personal webpage with a credit card or PayPal. If you prefer, she can also accept cash or check. Just click the appropriate box on her webpage.

You can also join iQ's team and walk on Saturday, April 25th. To be considered a paid walker you must raise or donate to yourself a minimum of $25.00 by April 21st.

Thank you in advance for all your support!