Hibernation activities

Aside from reading interior decorating magazines (if looking at pretty pictures counts as "reading") and watching the original Grey Gardens (errr... eccentric is all I can say to that), I've found myself picking up long forgotten needlepoint projects.

Nautical needlepoint dog collar

Sherman is now sporting his nautical crab collar and for Valentine's he will be the most fashionable pooch on the block with his pink and green heart collar.

Nom nom... is it Valentine's yet?

Yes, I know he is a male dog. The collar is for me, ok? Dogs are colorblind anyway...

Now resume the hibernation lounging position and zzzzz........
Kindness to my readers for putting up with my lousy photography skills compounded by a model who won't sit still.

Master Packing List

Since my days of business travel, I have packing for an overnighter or three day trip down to a science. I don't like weighing myself down with things I don't absolutely need and prefer to breeze through security as fast as possible, so I can sit and enjoy a Starbucks.
A packing list is essential to avoid packing multiples or forgetting something. My biggest tip is to use multi-purpose and travel sized wherever possible, e.g. PJ top that can also be gym/workout top, lipstick that can double as blush and vice versa. Here is what I use as a guide.

Make-up: 

• Foundation & applicator (I prefer sponges for travel as they can be thrown out)
• Concealer
• Lipgloss/carmex or lipstick
• Cream blush (saves on need for brush)
• Eyeliner(s), usually one black and one chunky colored one

Toiletries:

• Facial cleanser (baby wipes are great)
• Facial moisturizer
• Body moisturizer if you really need it
• Shower gel & puff
• Toothpaste & toothbrush
• Shampoo
• Conditioner (& any required haircare/styling products)
• Deodorant
• Tools: hairbrush, razor
• Non-essential tools: Blowdryer/straightener, tweezers

Clothes:

• Repeat after me: One change of clothes per day is sufficient. If you can, wear the same slacks or jeans, as well as sweater and jacket/scarf as the day you are travelling.
• Underwear
• Socks
• PJ's / lounge clothing / work out clothing (taking off your "outdoor" clothing once in the hotel helps keep your clothes looking fresh for a second day)
• Either: Polo shirt & button down (one per day per man travelling - polo for day, button down for night)
• Or: long sleeved or short sleeved top (one per day per woman travelling)
• Sweater or cardigan (no more than TWO per week)
• Seasonal: scarf, hat, gloves, winter coat or similar (Barbour works for all occasions and destinations, layer a quilted one under a waxed one for extreme cold and options!), sunglasses
• Slippers (let's face it, hotel room floors are gross even in 5* hotels)
• Shoes (if possible, wear the pair you want to wear the whole trip)

I try and pack coordinating outfits that I can mix and match, so navy/white striped tops and navy or tan bottoms, brown shoes for this trip!

Items for our trip - delicates and toiletries not shown

Additionally:

• Driving/reading glasses
• Camera (fully charged)
• Mobile communication/entertainment device, e-reader etc
• Chargers & adapters for all devices you're bringing
• Keys (house, car and to wherever you're going, if applicable)
• Travel itinerary, passport, ID, driving license (as applicable)
• Jewellery (I usually wear everything I plan on wearing on day one, so no packing required), belt (fabric avoids issues through airport security)
• Travel pillow
• Magazine or book (if electronic device is not sufficient entertainment)
• Handbag/purse (I like Longchamp Le Pliage bags as they fold up, weigh nothing and take up no space)

Nosy pocket Dachshund (optional)

Large LL Bean tote ready for the trip

These are just my essentials for a basic weekend out of town. Depending on your trip's purpose, length, season and your lifestyle, you will of course need other items as well, such as business suits, ties, gym shoes and clothes, sunscreen, bathing suits. What are your essential packing ingredients?

Kindly excuse my temporary absence...Wishing everyone a great weekend!

Introductions

Let me introduce my sidekick, Sherman.

Sherman, aged 1.

We are a package deal. My husband, DEC, and I had just reached California in our drive from Washington State to the East Coast, when my birthday came around. Even though my birthday happens every year (shocking, I know), someone was unprepared. Don't get me wrong. Jewelry, fancy clothing and accessories are always nice. As is a spa day. But I always wanted a puppy, and what better time to get one than while you are in a hotel, with about a month of road tripping still ahead of you, with your life packed up and being moved cross-country? Ahem.
Let's just say we took the house-training crash course. I'm sure the dog whisperer would not approve.

You'll be pleased to hear it all turned out just fine, thank you very much. Why? Because Sherman's not just any ole' cute pup. He's a trooper. He's a pleaser. And he's the best, most cuddly, lifelong gift I've ever gotten.

He is a piebald miniature Dachshund, who loves to dance....

... wear goggles...

.... play fetch...

... and recover for tomorrow's exhausting adventures by sleeping like a true weiner in his human bun.

Bonne nuit!