Update and Long Stay Hotel Room Essentials

Things have been super busy cause this week is year end at work but I think I've got some of my wardrobe for Viva in place and I'm expecting some new bangles and a dress to show up before I leave.  I just renewed my passport and it will be here shortly as well.

I haven't been doing a lot in terms of exercising -just my pilates 2 times a week but I think I've got my schedule cleared up and can actually get some more gym time in now.  I have lost about 3 lbs so that is good news (not like those watery first week of the diet lbs real several weeks in 3 lbs).  This weekend my big goal is to get some sewing time in. 

My suitcase for Viva is big the biggest I ever take anywhere because I like to leave room for what I will home and I know I will not be moving it once it is parked in the hotel room for over 5 nights. In the olden days you had the option of just adding a bag on your flight home but now that costs $$ so I had to switch to a lameo giant suitcase for travelling.  Normally I try to take next to nothing when travelling but being in a hotel room with one sink (located in the together with the tub and toilet), two people and what essentially what amounts to getting ready for prom every night has lead me to bring some extras that you just don't take on normal adventures.

I picked up some portable speakers that I absolutely love on Amazon and updated my Ipod and I bought my secret weapon which I will reveal now for all interested....a small collapsible cooler that will fit in my suitcase and keep our sink free from ice.  Last year we stayed at the Rio for the first 3 days specifically because there are no mini-fridges at the Orleans this year I really wanted to be at the site for the whole thing so this was my compromise.  This particular type of collapsible cooler will fit a 1 litre container of milk standing up but not hog the ice -so you know other people can still get ice on your floor.  The other good new is that it has a special insert for the bottom and if you don't leave it open it should keep ice for over 24hrs in normal daytime conditions.  It doesn't leak and is no bigger than a hoodie when collapsed. 

Other considerations on this list as space permits are my makeup mirror (I'm wear glasses and like to be close to the mirror) it has lights because the desk/table with the extra mirror is a little shy in that depaprtment and my electric kettle because the coffee maker make one cup of hot water at a time that tastes like coffee which is not what you want when you are making oatmeal, tea or hot chocolate (okay you could get a way with it for hot chocolate but I like to be homey and I like to have breakfast in my room). 

I always travel with my travel mug (leads to less spilling) and my swiss army knife for knife, scissor and corkscrew needs but I think I will include a spoon it doesn't take up much space and I like to have yogurt with my oatmeal!

Don't get me wrong I like to eat out as much as the next person but when I'm away for more than 3 days I like to have some really boring healthy stuff and fruit available so I don't get feeling all yucky and preserved in salt by the end of my holiday.  So, my MO is to hit the grocery store when I arrive and pick-up some chocolate, & perishables (fruit, veggies, milk, yogurt, cheese, & juice), I always pack tea, and lately Starbucks VIA, fake sugar packets, oatmeal packets and granola bars in my suitcase.  I put the granola bar in my purse because low blood sugar = grouchy and it is better to eat a yucky granola bar than yell at someone better yet it is easier to make a grouchy low blood sugar friend eat something if you have it with you.  This over the years has saved me some money but most of all it has kept me feeling good and able to enjoy my holidays.

My Must Have

The thing I was most happy to have on my Viva adventure last year turned out to be something completely unfashionable -it was a shoulder/shopping bag that I could carry with me and didn't require any hand holding or under arm wedging.  I debated long and hard last year about purse options there was the vintage lucite, there was the wicker/straw, there was the something pin-striped, and the classic clutch but here's the thing.  I like to take my camera and I like to shop.  I don't like leaving my camera and it is impossible to dance holding a little purse of any sort.

I love this purse and it hold a ton of stuff but it does not easily go over my shoulder and it would have been tough to safely pack.  I also was constantly in need of my cell for texting because the place is huge and sooner or later someone in the group always gets lost.  So unless you know you will not want to get a text, dance, take a picture of some not to be repeated moment, or buy a CD to have autographed at the show.  You might want to carry something that you can sling over your shoulder and be instantly hands free. 

I know I know it is all in the hotel; a hotel of a size you have never imagined...and with 4000 other people waiting for the elevator to take their new CD back to their room.  Time is precious and elevator waits are long.

The place I was most glad last year to have my fold up red with leopard print shopping bag/carry-all was the car show.  I ended up buying coffee cups for my dad and let me tell you I was sure glad I could safely and easily store them in my bag and go watch the show without trying to find my ubiquitous silver rental car. 

So that is my must have a good looking shoulder bag that folds up when it is empty and stays easily on my shoulder when it's not!  I'm in the process of sewing new one right now if it turns out I will be sure to post the results!

best advice

So I don't know about anyone else but it is stressful trying to pack for trips.  I plan and plan and take way to much stuff and then end up wearing the same thing over and over because it is the only thing I feel like wearing.

Viva right now is eating away at my consciousness right now.  Last year was my first year and I stress and worried a lot about what to wear and pack.  I watched and read everything I could get my hands on and after returning I can now tell you the best piece of advice I got was from a you tube video done by Lisa Freemont Street it had all sorts of good information but the best advice and what me kept me sane as I got ready to go was what she said at the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbhMrKfz7kQ&playnext=1&list=PLC6E6D64F1B2E8514

Sometimes its hard to remember that it's still going to be you wearing those clothes and hair so it's important to be yourself and not try to remould yourself into what you "think" will be smashing.  You've got to love what you're wearing and be comfortable in it to really rock it.  Confidence is your best accessory.  Not everyone wants to stand out and so take YOU into account when you plan your outfits. 

I went lowkey with a few accessories that made me feel special.  I did extra work on my hair but I realized that I like to blend and in the company I was keeping I had nothing to worry about provided I did come dressed as a flower child.  It took the pressure off and brought the fun back.

So that is my goal this year.  Not to get caught up in a last minute Etsy frenzy but to wear the clothes that I feel good in and stay in the moment.