Your Suspicions are Correct

So last year the Viva timetable looked like this and I printed it out starred what was super important to me and carried it around in my pocket all weekend.  We got programs when we got our wristbands but the program was not practical to carry around so I was glad to have this and by the end of the weekend it was a torn shred of it's former self.

This year the timetable is a whole wack of sheets and left me wishing for something I could slip in my pocket.  I started with my chart below but after listening to the bands I didn't know online checking out what I wanted to do in Las Vegas I wittled it down to 2 columns (first choice, second choice) and made these and laminated them.  They are double sided and slightly smaller than a recipe card but on I feel like now whatever time it is I will be able to tell what I'm missing because trust me you can't see everything ;)

So, here it is the proof that I am crazy....

Hope everyone has a safe trip 'cause there's gonna be a whole lotta shakin' going on!

Too Cool for School

So I'm almost ready to go and  I can't wait.  On Friday I got my hair all done.  On Saturday I got the laundry all done and then I got a gel manicure in red!  I've never been much for manicures because they don't last on me and I've never had gel nails because I feel like my fingers need to breathe but how could I resist red nails that would last my entire vacation - I couldn't so here they are on day 3 still shiny and awesome...excuse my hands as I am a little dehyrdated this AM...

The polish itself is 4 coats (one base one top 2 color) and not at all heavy.  It shines like car paint and has survived me washing the dishes and the clothes.  I had been hoping to do a half moon manicure but this was less fussy and more practical for my short nails.

I'm a little nervous about taking it off as I've heard mixed reviews but I promise to report on the outcome when I remove it.  The thing that could be cool though is that theoretically it should protect my nails as they grow so I could end up with longer nails as a result! 

Today's list is pretty basic just some unshopping to do and my usual Pilates class and then tomorrow is my last day at work for a week!!!  Vacation here I come :)

Respect & Represent

With my work I'm in the airport my fair share during the year so I wanted take a moment to get something off my chest.  I don't know about your airport but at mine security is a drag but what makes it even more a drag are all the people who seem to think that it is no big deal for all of us to wait while they are personally scanned for all the metal they left on when they went through the scanner and all the liquids that just slipped their mind.

Now don't get me wrong I understand if you forget.  Where I live is totally redneck my cousin almost blew the lid off security when he forgot the hunting ammunition he had in his jean jacket pocket one day but I think everyone should give us all a break and go metal free for flying.

With this in mind I thought I would share with you my favorite outfit for flying: 

1)  a) Wrinkle free trousers (with no belt required) or yoga pants that are almost look like real pants -no rivets or metal buttons
     b) Comfortable skirt that doesn't wrinkle

2)   Likewise a comfortable but fitted shirt that will stay wrinkle free after sitting for long hours.  I like a little detailing because bottoms are usually pretty generic.

3)   Practical jacket or sweater for where you are arriving.  Planes tend to be cold especially if you are by the window and it is nice to have something to cover up.  Plus you have to take off your jacket so no metal worries there.

4)  Non-metal accessories (read: favorite bakelite bangle) no clips or pins just a plain elastic or a non-metal head band

5)  Good slip-on walking shoes and socks.  Now I know you wanted to wear your flip-flops (they are slip-ons) but if you are flying internationally they scan your shoes so put on some socks because no one wants to do the hillbilly walk across to where your shoes are and your friends don't want to wait 20 minutes on either side while you unlace and relace you 20 eyelet Doc Martins.  Sidenote most airports are huge and flip-flops make you walk slow and look like a bum -leave them in your suitcase.

6)  Secret weapon:  a stylish scarf I like silk it feels nice and can do anything from making you look stylish to saving you from the nasty airport smells.  It can keep you warm protect you from itchy things and generally just make you look better put together.

7)  Look at yourself before you leave.  Looking like you came in your PJs will earn you zero respect.  Travel in style your representing where you are from and let me tell you it a big difference flying into Montreal vs flying into Sleepy Praire City X.  Do a metal check.  Do a liquids check especially of your purse make sure it is all in the special bag and all under the 100 mL size limit.  Check yourself and your bag for swiss army knives and multi-tools especially if you are leaving from Alberta.  Trust me your whole line will thank you.

8) Other awesome things: 
a) Empty travel mug that seals well (important to being able to set it down if necessary) to get coffee in once your get across security (you will be the envy of everyone on the plane)
b) Sunglasses -even on a cloudy day you will be glad to have your sunglasses because often the plane will get above the clouds and you will be glad you have your shades especially if you are not incontrol of the window

So thanks thanks for letting me spill and I guarantee that you will be amazed how awesome it is to pass through those scanners like the innocuous organic being you are...you might even start to keep score of how many times you can get through before you have to be personally metal detected and then take a note on how fabulous you look doing it.

Devil in the Details

I've been pulling things to pack and planning my outfits this past week and reading all the blog updates on Viva and finding myself totally intimidated.  In my head I can plan a really smashing outfit but when I go to get ready I always feel like it is too much.  This year I started packing the things I had the most trouble with last year all the tiny details that make it hard to streamline your packing (the accessories, the hair items, the foundation garments) for me if I'm not sure of what I need I end up trying to take them all and then I am mad at myself for wasting space on things that just slow me down.

I love details everywhere. For me it is always the little things that separate the best things from the average. The cars at Viva take this philosophy to the next level. Last year I came home with a whole camera full of macro shots of the details people added to their cars and to me that's what made them so special and the time in history so special was there were more details and it was important to personalize things.  You can see it in the interest their was in make sure things fit properly not just off the rack and let the hems drag on the ground.

I am an introvert and I guess that is what defines how I do things in a lot of ways.  I want to look nice but I don't want to draw attention to myself it makes it impossible for me to relax and have a good time because I feel so self-conscious.  So good grooming is important to me (because nothing says look at me like a train wreck) but standing out is not.  So it is unlikely when if you see me that you will think, "Wow I so want to borrow that look!" but that was never my goal.  My goal is to look good and be well put together but to remain true to who I am which is a pretty normal looking girl most days with hints of retro style and good taste.

I love to see all the beautiful ladies all fancied up as if they just came from the Academy Awards 60 years ago.  I admire the work that went into the look and the courage it took to put it on and rock it but I also like the people who stand out for just being well put together in general who can take their look anywhere and blend into the scene.  I've always lusted after this seamless integration and the style sense to put the details into an outfit that make it translate into any situation.  So, I'm always on the hunt for the people who have that eye to know how to be a timelessly appropriate. 

I can't wait to get to Viva and soak up all the gorgeousness for another year but in the meantime I will be playing a little game called, "You came to the airport in what?"  I will tell you more about that later!