4 STEPS TO PACKING LIGHT

Here's the deal, I do not claim to be that great at much of anything, so believe me when I say, I am the Master of packing light.  I know it's hard to believe from a smalltownista that has managed to cram pack two closets, not to mention accumulate an embarassing amount of accessories, but it's true. Five days in Mexico on one back pack and I literally had to purchase a large suitcase for our wedding because it was such a lengthy trip. Up until that adventure, my luggage consisted of a carry on rolly bag. The hubs can even attest to this one. Now, I do not recommend going off the radar bat sh*t crazy about packing as I do, but I will share a few tips of the trade.

THE SAVVY TRAVELER

You know the well kempt woman you see breezing through the airport with a perfectly coiffed do, clean and easy makeup, donning fashionable attire, calmly strolling in front of respectable sized luggage. . . that is SO not me. Now, you know the frantic woman you see barreling down the gate, straggling tufts of hair flailing over her day old looking makeup, donning yoga pants and what may or may not be a matching t-shirt, wildly hauling a suitcase that was zipped closed much to its chagrin. . . that is me. Well, that is not entirely true, I do pack light.

Oh how I would love to be the savvy traveler, but no matter how much thought I put into it, I can never quite execute it. I am constantly on the lookout for anything that would streamline my travel experience. It is amazing how many purchases I have made in the pursuit of savvy traveling and yet remain the disheveled individual at the airport.

WHAT'S ON YOUR LOTTERY LIST?

Sashaying up and down Michigan Avenue is enough to get anyone into lottery mode.

Sure, everyone would secure family, friends, and world peace. Or Save Darfur and Free Tibet at the very least, but I want to hear about all those super fun and materialistic items or adventures on your lotto list.

See 1,000 places before I die as found in 1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler's Life List

Classic Burberry Trench .

Create and fund a non-profit organization that somehow incorporates writing, yoga, travel, higher education, small towns, and troubled teens.

Christain Louboutin's entire collection.

Throw in Manolo Blahnik's collection for good measure.

Of course shoe collections would merely be closet decorations as, (cover your ears Carrie Bradshaw what I am about to say is blasphemous), I am not a shoe girl, ah, gasp. Tis true, I love shoes as artistic creations, but when it comes down to it, I am sporting flats whenever I can. No need to worry, I am still and forever will be a crazy bag lady.

Active FX Laser treatment accompanied by monthly cleansing facials and weekly relaxing massages.

Breakfast followed by Shopping spree at Tiffany's

Personal Trainer on CALL, enough said.

Spend at least one full year touring every music festival remotely of interest, including luxury accommodations on site at Coachella . Excessive road tripping mandatory.

Do my best to find a place more beautifully mesmerizing than Soana Island off the Coast of the Domincan Republic. This task could take a lifetime, but somebody has to do it, right.

Clearly, I could not travel with anything less than Louis Vuitton Luggage .

My Lotto list is a constant work in progress. What is on your lavish lottery list?

I DO'S AND DONT'S

The following is another old post circa Feb. 10, 2007.

At the request of my friend Alison, who is in the process of planning a destination wedding*. Here are some do's and don'ts. . .

DO: Pack your bags in advance, you want to make sure that you have all of your daily necessities, especially if you are doing your own hair and makeup for the big day. It is not just another vacation, it is your wedding, and tiny travel sizes just may not cut it.

DO: Let somebody that's in their right mind, this will not be you, be in charge of your wedding dress. My mom-in-law practically handcuffed her carry on bag housing my dress, to her wrist. It took a lot of thought and a lot of looking to find the perfect dress, at this point it would not be an easy thing to replace.