Year in Review

I've had a busy last few months so I'm here to chronical it all up before year end!

In August I stitched this little cutie for my friend E who was attending culinary school in Ottawa! 

It was a beautiful month and my mom and two younger nieces came in and we went to the City Hall fountain and had Spider-Man pop candy.

In September I drove over 3200 km in my rent Nissan Juke (which looked like an attack hatchback) all on my own.  It was a record for the most driving I have ever attempted on my own.  I drove to my sisters and then out to the coast took the ferry to the Sunshine Coast and did some camping.  I also brought my sister back home with me and we stopped in at my cousin B's new place out in the country.

In October I began seriously looking for a house.  I looked at likely over 25 different places and then early this month I found my new home.  I had my cousin B and her husband R with me for some of my expeditions and it was great to be able to have them with me at the final house inspection.  My new place is a 1947 cutie with a finished basement suite which I take possession of on the leap year which I think is super cool.  I also put my condo up for sale which I have to say was a Herculean effort involving more work than I ever want to do again and a continuing battle to put everything away when I leave for work every morning.

Also in December my bestest cousin came and stayed at my house and helped me do a lot of the repairs on my condo that needed attention.  He brought his sweet dog Robyn and it was a fantastic to finally have the crack by my window seamlessly repaired and the grout in my tile all solid again.  This is the wall after the crack was fixed and painted.  I wish I had taken a picture of that awful crack because now you can't tell it was ever there!

2011 was an interesting year as it changed a lot of things for me and made me appreciate my family even more than I already do. 

2012 looks to hold lots of excitement with the new house. a trip to California in January, and hopefully Viva again in April.  My primary goal is to keep a tight hold on my finances this year despite all the excitement and to work hard on staying healthy and getting healthier amid all the hub-bub.  I'm looking forward to spending the summer improving the yard at my house, bbqing, and learning about how to keep my taxes in order if I decide to rent out the top floor for a year to make some extra money before I retro-vate the kitchen and bathroom upstairs.

As a final note for the first time in years here up north I am of the feeling of this card I made for my friend Violet.  We've had an exceptionally warm winter this year and we even had rain yesterday!  So, I'm going to have to say at this point, "Let it Snow!"

Cheers,

Scarlet

This Weekend!

First off I have to say this has been the rainiest summer I can ever remember.  It has been tough on outdoor events but thank goodness for some luck on Saturday.

On Thursday at lunch I caught Los Straitjackets at lunch along with a performance by the Pontani Sisters in cute navy blue polka dot mini dresses.  Down the street there was also a host of odds and end including free slushies but this was just the beginning.  Plus, the parade to kick off the annual exposition (read travelling rides, etc).

Friday it rained like the ocean was coming to overwhelm us via worlds most boring rain.  Aside here: this is a dry prairie province we get storms with wind to tear your shingles off but drenching rain all day is not usually a summer feature.  So the bands had to pack it in on the street but when I got home I check to see about the show I was planning to attend and what do you know they were starting early because all the bands that didn't get to play in the street were going to play the show that night that originally was intended to only be Hillbilly Casino.

So I headed down early and saw Los Fabulocos, Lee Rocker, and Hillbilly Casino.  The place was filled with the bands and from my impression friends of friends because no one had any idea that the rain would work bring this.  It was amazing and I couldn't quite get over the talent in the room.

Saturday brought cloudy but decent weather and I headed out late on foot to hit the Farmer's Market and see more bands.  So, I wandered down and got myself a Liege Waffle from the waffle van.  They are so good I can't begin to explain.  I missed Eve Hell but caught more of Los Fabulocos and then lucked out and was one of a few people to catch the Du-Rite Aces from Calgary.  They sounded great and look at the back drop for all that awesomeness.

Next was Paul Pigat/Cousin Harley from Vancouver.  They covered some great songs and played some awesome songs from the new CD but the highlight from me was getting to hear them cover Ray Condo's Whatcha Gonna do When there ain't no Swing?

Then I couldn't resist hearing Hillbilly Casino on the outside stage and they did not disappoint. Very cool.  Los Straitjackets and Lee Rocker were the next acts but I was tired by that point and got a snack at the restaurant festival set up in the Square

 and headed home. 

I can't say enough good things about Cars and Guitars it is great fit with Indy and I am really hoping they will continue it next year.  The street party was free and allowed everyone to see some amazing performances.  My wishlist for next year might be a beer garden on the street or at least a few tables and spreading the acts around downtown to places like New City that has the capacity for a bigger show or some cool restaurants that can put up a corner stage.  The Yellowhead Brewery was fantastic but because they are not usually open to the public there was no drop in people or patrons who saw the event was upcoming to the place.  The other option could be to sell some advance passes that could get you in to various locations. 

In the mail today...

So about 2 or 3 weeks ago while the postal strike was still here I saw amazon was having a DVD sale and decided to browse my options and this was one of the results. $8.50 for 12 classic movies that come in this gorgeous tin.  I can't wait to get home and make some popcorn!  The sets in tins are made by a company called popflix and I'm anxious to see how these are for quality as they had quite a number of sets available!  Including this one in an equally awesome tin.

 In other news I have been doing some embroidery again.  I had to take a break from it as it was  messing with my left arm but so far so good.  It is definitely my favorite hobby and my imagination runs wild when it comes to projects I would like to make.

I also wanted to mention my thoughts on the gel polish I tried out for Viva.  I will say this it lasted and looked good through out my vacation but by the time we were flying home it was driving me crazy and I just wanted to have regular nails again.  It helped my nails get longer but taking the polish off really made them weak so it wasn't really worth it.  There was no long term damage though and a little buffing with the Revlon Crazy Shine and lots of TLC with my OPI cuticle oil pen I made peace with the whole adventure.  I would do it again but only for something where you need multiple days of good looking nail polish and won't have any down time (ie Viva).  Next on my list to try though are those nail stickers.

My Heart is Racing

So yeah just in case you were wondering I work downtown and I love it.  There's a lot that goes on downtown at lunch and after work but today I just read something that put me a little over the moon about being at work downtown this summer.  Cars & Guitars  -finally a reason to care about IndyCar -a music festival that is showcasing some of the best Rockabilly acts around.

The act I'm most excited about is Hillbilly Casino.  Crazily enough I first heard them on Lisa Freemont Street's You Tube Channel but there is also going to be Los Straitjackets, Lee Rocker, Paul Pigat & Cousin Harley, The Pontani Sisters, Alberta locals  Eve Hell, and Raygun Cowboys and the best part is it is all free!  If I didn't live here I'd be jealous. 

I live walking distance from it all (read I can stumble home no parking problems, no DD issues).  All in all it kind of made a rather bland Friday extra special and I can't wait for things to get going.  Right now the Works is on in the Square but coming up is my next favorite festival because it is all the local restaurants out in the Square making me mini lunch things!  Eek summer you are finally here!

Dear Internet

Dear Internet - it is time I confess.  I have been collecting dishes like a mad woman for a while now.  It started as harmless browsing and progressed into hmmm I need to have a dinner party to justify this collection.

So, I'm coming clean.  I the Scarlet Slpper collect Franciscan Oasis and yes I think it is cooler than Starburst.  Please feel free to go and buy all the pieces I am stocking on ebay I don't need anymore.  Except the crescent plates -would sell my baby sister for some more crescent plates.  I think if Franciscan hadn't designed crescent plates I might never have started collecting the dishes in the first place -not to mention the giant coffee cups, those spoon rests, that covered casserole dish...can I get a Hallelujah?  Jimbo?

My dream is someday I will live in house with coved celings and a built-in china cabinet and there will live my Oasis and my Eva Zeisel Harlequin (opps you aren't supposed to know about that) we will eat off of everyday except well you know the extra minty things those I will keep in the cabinet for holidays ;)

Did I mention that Oasis can go in the dishwasher and micro?  Incidentally, that's what  made me give up on the Zeisel well that and I could never win any at a reasonable price.  So yeah I never wanted china.  I never cared about dishes I thought pottery was for hippies but then a I saw Oasis and am going to have to rid myself of my magazine collection so I can justify lugging around these dishes for the rest of my life.  Don't tell anyone okay?  And avert your eyes or refer me to a 12 step dish program in my area :)

Travel Log Part 2

Post script to Saturday.  On Saturday I got asked to dance by a guy named Jose he was drench in sweat but friendly enough.  I think it was a bet to see if I would and normally I would have jumped at the chance regardless but my feet were killing me from standing on my new shoes.  However, he convinced me and then was sorry as I kind of blew him away.  It was fun and funny and since I am recording this for my own senility I thought I better not forget that detail.

Sunday.  On Sunday things were calmer on Sunday and slightly melancholy as approaches the end but those who remain really area all about the music and this is a good thing.  I had been waiting for Sunday because I wanted to see Kim Lenz more than anything and I really enjoyed the All Stars last year and was excited to see what this year held.

K. wanted to get out so we got up on Sunday and went to the Strip.  We visited the gardens at the Bellagio and loitered about Caesar's Place before returning in time for a retro slide show tour of DisneyLand! with Charles Phoenix it was awesome and made me green at the thought of being able to visit Disneyland as day trip kind of attraction.  Living in Canda it is the story of most kids elementary school lives to get to go to Disneyland.

Next up was the jiving contest.  It was packed in the ballroom but I found a place to capture the scene -however the energy seemed to be kind of stalled. It was not at all what I was expecting but from what I understand things this year were rather atypical and that usually it is more exciting.  The couple who won were super cute though and we saw them later when we came downstairs to see Kim Lenz.

That night I wanted to be comfortable so I put on my good old black halter dress and some sparkly accessories.  We were meeting up with a guy we met on Friday night but he was way more interested in talking to K than me so I was mostly worried about getting downstairs late.  However, we were early and K. was less than impressed but it was all worth it.  Kim Lenz is as awesome in person as she is on her CDs and look at that cute skirt!

Next up were the All Stars which was MC'd by Big Sandy. I was thrilled to hear Clyde Stacy sing Honky Tonk Hardwood Floor, Al Hendrix looked cool in his fedora and I really enjoyed seeing Young Jessie, and Roddy Jackson.  The thing that made it even better though was all these performers were back by what they call the "house band" which also includes some of the best players in the hotel that weekend all of whom appeared to be as excited and happy as the crowd.  It was cool to see Deke Dickerson playing saxophone (like what can't he play), Ashley Kingman, Bobby Trimble from the Fly-Rite boys up there as well .  I was pretty wore out though at this point and closed up shop at this point in favor of getting some rest.

Monday, was gorgeous but my feet were in severe need of rehab at this point.  I did a pretty good job of not getting them blistered (I am predisposed to this) but it was like they had carpet burn or something.  I had soaked them in cold water in the hotel room but that didn't help enough.  The real solution came when I put on my new favorite summer sundress and headed down to the pool where after finding a shady spot in the deserted paradise I soaked my feet in the lovely cool water for the better part of an hour waiting for K to come downstairs.  It seems she was not feeling well though and never made it.  I had been all set to do some power shopping that day but in the end we ended up going back to the strip late in the day and seeing the northern part of the strip up to about Circus Circus where it gets all creepy.  From there we caught the bus and I finally got to see Freeemont Street! which was awesome we stopped on the way back to get some food and made it back to the hotel at last to crawl done the long hallway one more time.

We checked out and left for home the next AM.

Travelogue VLV 14

So finally this is what I did on my trip to Vegas.

This year I stayed at the Orleans from Wednesday to Tuesday AM with my friend K.  The flight was uneventful we went through customs in Vancouver this year which was different and flew with Air Canada instead of Alaskan Airlines (last year).  We arrived Wednesday and took the shuttle from the airport to the hotel.  All was fairly quiet and we went down to Brendan's for a drink before calling it a night -this was not my preference but I played along.  We faced out to the strip from the 18 floor which was awesome but our room was pretty much at the end of the hall and it was a long trip to our room from the elevator.

Thursday morning we took the bus out and about as I did not rent a car this year.  We went to Trader Joes and Target and I got Hot Sticks finally as I had not been able to locate them in Canada.  Waiting for the bus however I sunburned my purse straps into my arms.  It took a while but we got our supplies for the week and we were glad to get back to the hotel.  Las Vegas is incredibly windy and this year it was also hot.  K. really wanted to do some outlet mall shopping since she was low on summer clothes so we then headed over to the mall.  I did not enjoy this part of the trip but I owed it to her to as she was a sport about staying at a hotel that was completely over run with people. 

When we finally got back to the room K. was wiped out but we got our wristbands and looked around at the vendors and then I walked her back to the room and got dressed up.  I decided to wear jeans my first night and a pink western shirt.

I didn't intend on seeing them but I got upstair in time to see Pacho Jose -I was really in awe of how many people were on stage it was a sight to behold.  I then headed over to Bienville and caught Lauren Marie who I really enjoyed she was backed by the Horton Brothers so that was also cool.  I can't remember if I saw anything after that though because I was pretty burnt out from all the activities earlier in the day.

Friday arrived and I was excited to go and get our tickets for the Burlesque Show.  I had breakfast in the room and was ready to roll.  The line up was insane and wound around the casino and out the doors by the pool but in the end we got in to the show we wanted to see and all was well.  After we got our tickets we got some refreshments (K was all about the pre-mixed Clamato & Beer and I found the most delicious pina colada mixed drink at the Coast Liquor store which we ended up making a regular stop).  Next on the agenda was the movie Deuce of Spades - I picked doing this because I knew K would never be up for the Jiving Class.  It the movie was okay and very cool that it was done all independantly but I would also like to mention that the theatre had some of the best real butter popcorn I've had in my life and we used our coupon so it was a super deal and they had refills!

Next up was The Charles Phoenix slideshow it was awesome.  I caught it last year by accident on Sunday and was determined not to miss it this year as it is the funniest most relaxing thing to do at Viva.  Shortly after that I ran back to the room we got ready and headed for the Burlesque Show.  It was my first time seeing the Show and K. was excited to catch it.  I must admit it was very entertaining and I was glad we made time for it. 

After that we caught part of the Medallions, Jessie and the Orbits,  Joe Bennett, Big Sandy, and the a bit of the Sureshots & Ezra Lee before retiring.

Saturday was another big day and I was not about to slow down.  I got out to the car show around 10 and went through the vendors and came back to have lunch with K. then we went back out to the cars we came back in just before 2 and caught Cash O'Riley (who's CD I bought), and Jinx Jones both acts were a welcome retreat from the afternoon heat.  After that I rested for a bit before hurrying out to see Jerry Lee and capture a few more pictures before heading to Deke's Guitar Geek Show.  Jerry Lee was awesome and it was truly the coolest thing to be there to hear him in person -he definitely still has it.  Deke's show was hilarious and awesome it was cool to see the different performers and guitars and it was something I regretted missing last year.  After that though I didn't get back to the shows until it was time for the Roy Kay Combo.  I was really sad I missed Gizzelle but alas there's really only so much you can fit in a day and Saturday was my fancy dress day so I felt like I need some time to shower & dressed after all the car show dirt and sunscreen. 

After Roy Kay it was back to the main showroom to catch Deke Dickerson and what I can only call the crazy hooligans.  It was amazing and hilarious.  Then came the Caezars who's music was great and who it was cool to see around the hotel all weekend but I must admit I like better on CD than I did live.  I think it is because one of my favorite things is how much performers normally smile and these guys don't (except for the drummer) they reminded me of a Morissey album cover with all the posturing going on but hey the music is great and they are all young so cool if you are not old like me ;)

I will follow up with Sunday later and maybe some of the odds and ends I bought.  The collapsible cooler was awesome I think next year I might bring two as it will leave more room for random things and beverages.  This is me on Saturday in my favorite dress of the weekend and the gold shoes I bought on a whim for $30 from a vendor that day!

Flashback

I have wanted to post but things have been a little out of whack with me since I got home from Viva.  We flew back on Tuesday and after arriving home I set about connecting with my best friend who I had been texting all through my adventures in LV.  We have been friends since we were in our teens and his mom was told she was terminal right before I left.  They had given a timeline but it turned out to be wrong and the day I came back she passed away.

It is hard to explain but it really knocked the wind out of me.  She was an adult that I spent a lot of time when I was transitioning into the real world.  We both got jobs at grocery stores in the same year and while I was best friends with her kids it never seemed to wrong that she was my friend too.  A fun loving, bright personality that seemed unlikely to ever diminish.  So that's where I've been - went with another friend on the 13 hour drive to her funeral on the coast a week after Viva.  Then came back and had to say good-bye my best local gal pal as her husband got restationed to Ontario.  I have not been myself but things are getting back to normal and I intend on capturing my Viva travelogue soon.

In other news I was thinking about CDs today after reading the Rockabilly Socialite's post and it made me smile and wonder to think back on when my tastes were more easy to find and that lead me directly to Columbia Records & Tapes 13 for 1 cent plus bonus plus this and that and 7 purchases of $20 for a crappy tape later you might be done with your membership but don't forget to mail in that card every month!  I must now admit that I was a member into the early 90s and it is actually where I got my first Social D tape -yes it was a tape.  As things progressed though they had less and less to offer me and so after replacing my favorite tapes with CDs I eventually forgot all about them.

I bought an Ipod photo in 2005 and this lead me to finally putting my music on the computer but I've never been much for buying music online as it just seems annoying and pointless.  I now have a Ipod nano which I bought last year (the one with the video camera & radio but no touch screen 'cause my fingers are dead) but I still proudly buy CDs and display them proudly in my shelves beside my stereo that has a CD player still.

Columbia probably still exists and quite frankly I don't think I ever would have been able to afford my music collection start up costs without them but thinking about explaining what it was (and how the ads were in every magazine you picked up to my 13 year old niece) made stop and consider how things have changed and yeah I guess I'm old but hey I never had any 8-tracks so take it easy on me okay ;)

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!

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.

Conflicting Interests

So as you may know the Viva Schedule came out last week.  I for one was estatic but found I couldn't logically sort out my priorites so I set about reformatting it for myself and thought you  might appreciate a copy for yourself.  It is broken down so that if 4 events are taking place at once you can see your choices and potentially select your priority so that you could with any luck weed it down into an itinerary for the day when you are done making your selections. 

Enjoy!  and if you want the Excel file let me know and I will send it to you :)

A Ticket to the Show

So it is official.  I booked the hotel, flights and bought the tickets and I am going to Viva for the 2nd time!  It was just too much fun last year -I had to go again.  This year my friend K is coming along -she loves cars and was intrigued by my pictures from last year.

My goals for this year are:

* Finish sewing my vintage sundress I started for last year

* Finish another dress
* Sew a swim suit wrap
* Sew blouse from vintage pattern I bought last year
* Experience Freemont Street Experience
* Go to Double Down and Frankie's Tiki Room

* Find a portable dock for my ipod so I can play music in my room
* Meet people I don't know
* Take more pictures
* Buy more CDs
* and of course last and of mixed importance be "swimsuit ready" ie diet & exercise

Truthfully, I don't wear vintage clothes because I don't really enjoy shopping for them and they all seem to be incredibly small but I have collected some nice vintage bangles since last year and I'm enjoying that.  Sewing at this point seems like the smartest option because repro leaves me wearing things that I will envitably see someone thinner wearing.  I've got a swimsuit that will work and I'm thinking I might buy some repro shorts of a non-descript style and pair with some cute blouses.