11 February 2010

How to pack for vacation

Snow. Lots of it. Especially out East. For those of us who feel life is interrupted by droves of snow and need a reprieve, our solution is vacationing in a warmer climate. 

During the winter, most of us have tendencies to "bulk up": we gain weight, we wear layers of clothes, we wear bulky coats, and lots of boots. However, we cannot take this mentality on the road to warmer climates. So let's look at ways to make packing for your vacation easier. 

I am always anxious to reach my destination, and now, I hate paying for extra luggage (boo to you airlines!), so I have become the Queen of Carry-on Luggage. Here are tips to organize your packing and NOT forget your essential items...

1. Check the Weather: Most people check the weather, but be sure to look at the evening forecasts for your travel destination. If it is going to rain, be sure to pack a SMALL compact umbrella and maybe take a hat or outerwear with a hood for extra protection. Even if it's not supposed to rain, bring that umbrella. 

2. Plan your Itinerary: If you are going to visit family or friends, find out what plans they have in mind. If you are vacationing somewhere without visiting locals, search online and read about your destination. Plan your activities ahead. As a personal rule of thumb, I always pack an evening dress (for dancing), walking shoes, and 2 tee-shirts (for leisure/pajamas). 

3. Lay Out Your Wears: Now that you've done your research, lay out all the clothes you think you will bring on the trip. Now put half of them back. No seriously, you're probably over packing. Here's an example: unless you plan on wearing jeans everyday, you do not need more than 1 or 2 pairs. Bottoms can be worn more than once, so bring a few bottoms but more tops! Also, keep your clothing choices centered around 2 or 3 pair of shoes, of which, 1 of those pair you will wear on the plane. 

4. Toiletries - Size Does Matter: TRAVEL SIZE IS YOUR FRIEND! You don't have to purchase travel size items any more, you can purchase little, clear, reusable containers and add you favorite lotions and soaps. Just label them so you don't confuse lotion for soap in the shower. When it comes to the makeup bag, pack makeup that compliments the clothes you are bringing along. You do not need every lip color you own on a 5-day trip.  

5. Shoes, A Women's Best Friend, Packing's Worse Enemy: We love our shoes, but we can't bring every pair! If you are vacationing for 5 days, you could get away with 3 pair of shoes. Bring a sexy/super cute pair of heels for the "it" dress or outfit you are bringing for a night on the town, and 2 pair of comfortable, but cute shoes for walking and everyday wear. Ballerina flats, cute gym shoes, gladiator sandals, and Haviana's (my all-time favorite flip flop) are all great options. If you pick shoes that can be flattened, you may be able to squeeze in an extra pair! 

6. Body Prep-Time: Get manis and pedis prior to your trip, or make that part of your plan, but DO NOT bring nail polish. If the top is not on tight enough, that could be a very bad situation. If you just have to bring polish, put it in a ziploc bag; if it leaks, it will not mess up other items. Shave legs and and get your hair done prior to the trip to eliminate extra items. Plan hairstyles ahead of time and bring lots of bobby pins, hair pins, and ponytail holders. You never know what may happen. 

7. Lady Parts!: Now that you have picked out your outfits, be sure to bring the appropriate undergarments. Don't forget your strapless bra, from those special "numbers". I always bring extra underwear because I'd rather be safe than sorry. 

8. Accessorize!: This is a hard one. The best advice I can give is to lay out each outfit and pick out jewelry that  goes with each. Then, try to "cross" some of the jewelry by wearing some pieces more than once. Bring a few pairs of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces that match all of your outfits. DO NOT pack your fine jewelery. Wear it on the plane, you would rather be safe than sorry. 

9. Don't Air Your Dirty Laundry: When I pack, I ALWAYS bring a dry-cleaning bag (or grocery bag) for my dirty clothes. This makes unpacking easier, and you do not have to worry about soiled clothes touching cleaner clothes. That's kinda gross. 

10. Put It ALL Together: Now it's time to actually pack the clothes. I found some really neat ideas on Real Simple, so view the link below. There's a 3-minute video with techniques on packing without getting your clothes extra wrinkled. Take a look at the link below: 


Happy Winter! :) 

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03 February 2010

How to go paperless (or near paperless)

Happy February everyone! 

I hope this year has been filled with as much productivity as possible. 

While I have been working diligently at leading an organized life over the years, I realized my biggest problem was PAPER! School work, bills, magazines, and other papers were not only taking over my life but also accumulating at a steady pace. During my time with BeSpoken Spaces, I've realized that a lot of our clients have paper problems. Whether it's mail or small notes, there's paper tucked away in every room of our homes and offices. 

So, while The New Year is still new, let's look at some ways to make a paperless (or near paperless) life possible! 

  1. Meet Online Statements, They are your friend: Almost any company you may have a relationship with has online statements. Cell phone companies, student loans, banking institutions, and everyone between has an option to go "paperless" and depending on the company, they will give you a cash incentive to do so! This does not mean you have to pay your bills online, you can still use whatever method you choose.
  2. Use Those E-mail/Cell Phone Contacts!: If you are constantly checking your email on the phone, why not input all of the random business cards and slips of paper housing numbers in your email/cell phone contacts? Most, if not all, email systems have options to save phone numbers, addresses, and lots of other information under each contact. So save the number and toss the paper!
  3. Love Magazines? Newspapers? Read them online!: Many of your favorite publications now offer online subscriptions! You can read Wall Street Journal or People Magazine online and without the hassle of accumulating periodicals. 
  4. Print When Your Life Depends Upon it!: Print a report for your boss if he will not accept an electronic copy. Don't print every interesting article you find on Essence.com. Need I explain more? 
  5. Recycle!: It's inevitable that we will encounter paper in life. If we don't create it, someone else will give it to us. Shred and recycle the papers you do not need. For the papers you accumulate that are VERY important, scan them onto your computer and keep them filed electronically. If you fear someone may hack your computer, use a USB drive!

Paper is an relentless foe, but YOU can overcome it! There is more to be discussed, but for brevity, I will leave that for another post! 

DON'T FORGET to send your questions via Twitter, Facebook, or Email (lauren@BeSpokenSpaces.com)! Your questions will make future posts! 

Until Next Time
~Lauren  :)