Where are you going??
We are taking the kids on a trip soon with grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins... I am so excited!!! And as I am making my lists, etc, I figured I would share... I travel a fair amount and have a pretty good gig down by now. Many things literally stay in my suitcase as that makes my life much less complicated... God knows I am all for that!!
So, besides what I will take, I also make a list with the kids. I make them write it out and pack themselves, then I check to see that they are thinking through what we’ll be doing (swimming, dinner out, etc). Actually they do pretty well, and they LOVE packing. Their grandparents gave them each a monogrammed rolling duffle bag this year for Christmas (see L.L.Bean, so cool). The boys have not had the chance to use those yet, and are pretty psyched to try them out.
So, for me... I try to keep it simple and put together a mix of things that can go every which way... dressy, casual, etc. My top tip would be ACCESSORIES!! They are the life blood of my packing! Even the simplest outfit is fabulous with great accessories... I have forever loved statement piece necklaces... I truly turn a blind eye to trends, on that note... (Come on, the reason they exist is so that the editors can keep their jobs, sell more magazines, and the designers keep you thinking you are just always on the cusp of being "in"... Ughh! Exhausting! Mind you, I would faint before I ever put on another pair of stirrup pants and skinny jeans... Well, I'm not even going to touch that one.) So, back to accessories... Buy great things, and you'll love them no matter what!
My list... (Get on with it already!)
* reading materials (I have my priorities)... books and mags.
* paper and pens
* digital camera
* minimal makeup
* sunscreen... for face and body (my face breaks out if I use the body stuff... maybe because I go cheap and for quantity). For face I like Peter Thomas Roth 30 or higher. My sister is a sun goddess and spectacular... It's remarkable that we have the same blood... I am so pasty pale... straight out of the merchant ivory movies!
* hat, sunglasses, chap stick (I am a freak... one in every pocket... nearly panic without it... thank God I have moved on since my 9th grade Carmex addiction!)
* one great heel
* flip flops
* one snazzy sandal
* a cover up... to hide from the sun
* two swimsuits... I will for sure bring a nice one-piece (with bra support... it should be illegal to make them without). Then there is the bikini dilemma... Typically these days (post 4 babies) I am not sporting bikinis. But then, go bold or go home?!?! YES, DAMMIT!!! We are only young once... and we are going to be in the tropics, not our pond, knowing that UPS could happen upon us at any moment... While there is a bit of sagging around my belly button (is this too much info? I warned you that I am uncensored!), and I have about as "boy" of a figure as you have ever seen, and should those little "unders" slip on old ma as she is walking pool side... well, then a peek at the c-section scar will be a delight for all. (Again, no one is looking, right?!) I have been doing my sit-ups (which I do not enjoy). Well, anyway, I am looking for a great bikini and it had just better have an excellent built-in bra or forget it... That would just be trouble... I bought one from J. Crew a year ago... bad, bad, bad. Just not a good look for me, "the bra-less" bikini top. "Pennies in a sock" look would be a better phrase for it, but not good marketing!
* a few great t-shirts... that I can dress up or down... Maybe some shiny lurex in one... black or silver work for me!
* accessories... statement necklaces, bracelets (bold cuffs mostly), earrings, and some fabulous big rings and a few great belts
* a great looking beach bag (for hauling to and fro)
* a great hip evening purse... metallic gold or silver
* a few summer dresses... simple elegant... again, can go day or night
* tunics ... yes, so good, I LOVE tunics!!!
* my cosmetic bag is loaded with lotions, perfume, moisturizers, Q-tips, etc.
* a squirt bottle... as I NEVER iron my clothes... I just squirt them with water a few minutes before I dress and shake them out. (Low-maintenance, girls!)
* one clear nail polish... and this is why... when it chips and you have no time (Hi, yes) then just slap on another coat... Yes, that really is what I do. I don't do my fingernails, just my toes, and if you are looking that closely at my toe nails, well... then I have bigger problems clearly!
* one great pair of jeans
Now, if you have kids, then do consider this. (Maybe we've talked about this before?) I bring a special airplane backpack for each of them. They don't get to open it until we get ON the plane. I go to the dollar store and load up... little boxes of gold fish, animal crackers, lollipops (for taking off and landing... the ears), decks of playing cards, markers or crayons and a new pad of paper... little cars, plastic army men, pirate ships, activity books... you name it. I used to add in juices, etc, but now I get those after the security check point. They are entirely thrilled to rip into their bags and honestly, you have never seen 4 little happier boys. They are quiet and occupied... good for us and the other passengers. This plan works well for long car trips as well. Oh... and before you pack it all, open it all up and put the goodies into little zip lock baggies... or you'll be dealing with it on the plane... No thanks!
So, besides what I will take, I also make a list with the kids. I make them write it out and pack themselves, then I check to see that they are thinking through what we’ll be doing (swimming, dinner out, etc). Actually they do pretty well, and they LOVE packing. Their grandparents gave them each a monogrammed rolling duffle bag this year for Christmas (see L.L.Bean, so cool). The boys have not had the chance to use those yet, and are pretty psyched to try them out.
So, for me... I try to keep it simple and put together a mix of things that can go every which way... dressy, casual, etc. My top tip would be ACCESSORIES!! They are the life blood of my packing! Even the simplest outfit is fabulous with great accessories... I have forever loved statement piece necklaces... I truly turn a blind eye to trends, on that note... (Come on, the reason they exist is so that the editors can keep their jobs, sell more magazines, and the designers keep you thinking you are just always on the cusp of being "in"... Ughh! Exhausting! Mind you, I would faint before I ever put on another pair of stirrup pants and skinny jeans... Well, I'm not even going to touch that one.) So, back to accessories... Buy great things, and you'll love them no matter what!
My list... (Get on with it already!)
* reading materials (I have my priorities)... books and mags.
* paper and pens
* digital camera
* minimal makeup
* sunscreen... for face and body (my face breaks out if I use the body stuff... maybe because I go cheap and for quantity). For face I like Peter Thomas Roth 30 or higher. My sister is a sun goddess and spectacular... It's remarkable that we have the same blood... I am so pasty pale... straight out of the merchant ivory movies!
* hat, sunglasses, chap stick (I am a freak... one in every pocket... nearly panic without it... thank God I have moved on since my 9th grade Carmex addiction!)
* one great heel
* flip flops
* one snazzy sandal
* a cover up... to hide from the sun
* two swimsuits... I will for sure bring a nice one-piece (with bra support... it should be illegal to make them without). Then there is the bikini dilemma... Typically these days (post 4 babies) I am not sporting bikinis. But then, go bold or go home?!?! YES, DAMMIT!!! We are only young once... and we are going to be in the tropics, not our pond, knowing that UPS could happen upon us at any moment... While there is a bit of sagging around my belly button (is this too much info? I warned you that I am uncensored!), and I have about as "boy" of a figure as you have ever seen, and should those little "unders" slip on old ma as she is walking pool side... well, then a peek at the c-section scar will be a delight for all. (Again, no one is looking, right?!) I have been doing my sit-ups (which I do not enjoy). Well, anyway, I am looking for a great bikini and it had just better have an excellent built-in bra or forget it... That would just be trouble... I bought one from J. Crew a year ago... bad, bad, bad. Just not a good look for me, "the bra-less" bikini top. "Pennies in a sock" look would be a better phrase for it, but not good marketing!
* a few great t-shirts... that I can dress up or down... Maybe some shiny lurex in one... black or silver work for me!
* accessories... statement necklaces, bracelets (bold cuffs mostly), earrings, and some fabulous big rings and a few great belts
* a great looking beach bag (for hauling to and fro)
* a great hip evening purse... metallic gold or silver
* a few summer dresses... simple elegant... again, can go day or night
* tunics ... yes, so good, I LOVE tunics!!!
* my cosmetic bag is loaded with lotions, perfume, moisturizers, Q-tips, etc.
* a squirt bottle... as I NEVER iron my clothes... I just squirt them with water a few minutes before I dress and shake them out. (Low-maintenance, girls!)
* one clear nail polish... and this is why... when it chips and you have no time (Hi, yes) then just slap on another coat... Yes, that really is what I do. I don't do my fingernails, just my toes, and if you are looking that closely at my toe nails, well... then I have bigger problems clearly!
* one great pair of jeans
Now, if you have kids, then do consider this. (Maybe we've talked about this before?) I bring a special airplane backpack for each of them. They don't get to open it until we get ON the plane. I go to the dollar store and load up... little boxes of gold fish, animal crackers, lollipops (for taking off and landing... the ears), decks of playing cards, markers or crayons and a new pad of paper... little cars, plastic army men, pirate ships, activity books... you name it. I used to add in juices, etc, but now I get those after the security check point. They are entirely thrilled to rip into their bags and honestly, you have never seen 4 little happier boys. They are quiet and occupied... good for us and the other passengers. This plan works well for long car trips as well. Oh... and before you pack it all, open it all up and put the goodies into little zip lock baggies... or you'll be dealing with it on the plane... No thanks!
posted by Tracy Porter Blog
5 Comments:
Tracy, You need to look for a swimsuit made by Cole. They are the most wonderful fitting suits with built in bras. They do not ride up in the back and are great for real swimmers. Have fun-I am so jealous as it is snowing here while I type this. xo
I still have not bought one, I am going this weekend. I will try to find a COLE suit, thanks for the tip. I went online with not much luck at all....I don't need to look like a "kitten" on the beach, but I do want something very stylish....i know you know!
xo
Tracy, Others labels Cole goes by are Cole of California and Ann Cole. I promise you will love the bathing suit if you ever find one. They are found in big dept. stores like Nordstroms, Dillards, Macy's. Have a wonderful trip!
Right, Ann Cole. i think i had one of those years ago if I am thinking of the right brand? Yes, we have a Macy's about 40 minutes from here, I am really hoping they have their suits out now. Plus the online swimsuit thing....you know, i need to really try it on. It's one thing with clothing....but the suit just is a differant deal. This is my "shopping" weekend for all the stuff i need to get. I am going to bring one of our bags along as well, I think the Honey suckle Rose one. I do shop our mix as well....even though I have been working with all of it and looking at it for a long time....i think that bag will be good for going to the beach with all the boys stuff flowing out of the top....soggy swim diapers for Gus will somehow feel better in that bag....eh!
Thanks again!
xo
Dear Tracy
Just love your catalogue
Regards your trip, Where are you going-Make your way to the Island Of Bali
I know you would love it there!Talk about a buying frenzy-Loads of Asia- balinese homeware/clothing/jewelry/
textiles/paintings/sculpture
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