Bon Voyage!

tips that can take the edge off of traveling:


flight shopping
do research before you buy. remember to directly check airlines' web page instead of just using travel search engines. Southwest is currently the only airline that does not charge for checked bags so consider the cost if you plan on using another airline and checking a bag. 


hotel selection 
do it after you have booked your flight. same thing: do your research about pricing, amenities and location. 


packing
the art of packing light can be difficult but not impossible. pick a color scheme of 3-4 colors. Go with neutrals plus one bold color family (ex: a peacock influence would be blue, purple, green) include items that can be easily layered and interchanged. for example, for my last trip to SF (4 days), I chose brown/cream, black, grey, and peacock with copper colored accessories. I brought the following:


grey wool coat
black jeans
denim jeans (usually only need 1 pair but it was raining a lot this weekend)
purple long sleeve shirt
black tank
cream dress 
black yoga pants (PJs)
cream tee (PJs)
grey & black hoodie
green button down top
brown, flat oxfords
black rain boots
sheer black tights
black cross body purse 
black & cream scarf
undies 
socks


that's it. so many combinations are possible if you put some thought into it. liquid toiletries need to be in 3oz increments and carried in a ZIPLOCK BAG. bring a good paperback book and an iPod armed with good tunes, podcasts, or audio books. Kindles are nice too. Pack at least a week in advance. this will give you enough time to remember to include items that might be forgotten in a last min panic. 


departure 
i know you'll find it hard to believe, but I just discovered that you can check into your flight online 24 hours before departure. genius! dress comfy but not sloppy. wear yoga pants (track pants for boys), and a tee or a jersey knit/cotton dress.  a zip up hoodie, slip-on shoes or boots (so you don't have to put them in your luggage). less is more. ditching the belt and other accessories will help you fly by TSA. speaking of TSA, once you get through the security scanning, take your shit away from the line before putting it back on!!! My ultimate pet peeve is when people put everything back on while standing just past the x ray machine. CANT YOU SEE YOU'RE HOLDING UP THE  F'ING LINE????!!!!....Anyways... use a TSA Approved LAPTOP CASE and remember that laptops need to go in a separate tray when putting your belongings through the x ray machine. This is where you take out your toiletry bag, too. 


waiting for your flight
airport bars can be awesome. you meet lots of people from all over everywhere. at $10 a beer, being social comes with a high price but whatev, you're on vacation (hopefully)!!!


in air transit
you should avoid checking luggage as much as possible. best case scenario is having a carry on that fits under the seat. then you don't have to line up like cattle as soon as boarding begins and fight the masses for overhead storage. don't get totally wasted on the plane unless you have the isle seat (or traveling with someone that doesn't mind getting up every 15 min so you can go tinkle). the food is usually better in the airport than on the flight so get food before boarding if you need to. remember that awesome book and fully loaded ipod? now is a good time for them! if applicable, text your ride as soon you land.  

Thirteen Achievements

my days of freedom are finally over.  it was good while it lasted.....really good. below is a reflection of the major things I accomplished:


1. my first road trip- a friend and I drove to SF and made a few stops on the way.

Golden Gate Bridge

2. learned how to play Pool- a guy at the bar insisted that I let him teach me; I agreed and never looked back.

3. started a Container Garden- Basil, Thyme, Cilantro, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, Tomatoes, Green Onion, Lettuce, Red Pepper, Jalapeno Pepper, Serrano Peppers (yes, they are all still alive).

Green Onions, Jalapenos, Thyme/Rosemary, Serrano Peppers, Parsley, Cilantro

Close Up: Green Onions, Jalapenos 

Red Pepper

4. True Blood- watched the series from the beginning, read the first 2 books.
5. designed/sewed- made 3 Halloween costumes after suffering from a 3 year "designing block"
6. ZUMBA- gave it a second try and fell in love! it's now my work out of choice.
7. joined a running club- 5k every Monday.
8. booked a ticket to SF and left 3 hours later to spend the weekend with my BFF.

Bart Hoppin'

9. designed a website - well, started to. It's for fashion consulting.
10. fashion consulting - 2 clients. 
11. catered a birthday party- for over 20 guests! 

3 Hours in the Kitchen 

12. FOURSQUARE - I became "Mayor" of my fav bar; over 40 "checkins" within about 3 months. 
13. wrote- my 200th Review on Yelp! CLICK TO READ MY REVIEWS


And of course, I did a ton of partying, drinking, eating, socializing and shopping in between!