Keeping Up With Current Events

If you HATE knowing what's going on in the world, you HATE laughing and/or you HATE saving time, then please stop reading this post.

If you wish you knew more about what was happening with oil prices, Congress' latest decisions, hostage situations, world health crisis, war, diplomatic discussions and so on, then I have a treat for you.

It's called the Skimm. Every morning (before I wake up), there's an email delivered with 1-2 paragraphs on 5-7 current events happening in the world. Today, they discusses the drop of the value of Russian money, a Taliban gunman attack in Pakistan, the latest on the Sony email leak & so on.

What you WON'T get is additional emails throughout the day or over the weekend (aka, SPAM) like other newsletter emails. It's the best.

an example of today's edition of the Skimm.

Knowing I can go to Italy for 10 days and either keep up by reading 1 email or catching up when I get back in 15 minutes or less, it's a great feeling!

Seriously - if you travel often, have a demanding job, demanding kids, demanding social life, demanding family, or you're just SICK of weeding through the crap to get the facts on recent stories - the Skimm is for you. It's free, zero BS, and extremely clever. Men, women, college kids, SAHM's, powerful executives, bloggers, musicians... this is for you.

I get nothing when you sign up for the Skimm, other than the satisfaction of knowing another friend is enjoying it as much as I am :) Sign up HERE if you're interested! 

Happy Skimm Day!

Do you read the Skimm? Are there other newsletters you subscribe to in order to keep up with current events? Comment below!

xo

What to Do At Work Before You Leave on Vacation

Leaving work for vacation stresses people out. It's probably why American's only take about half of their paid leave every year... which is really sad. Working for myself has it's perks, but there's nobody to cover for me when I'm away, which means I have to do some strategic planning. 

Since I entered the working world, I've taken as many trips as I can while still managing a workload (both as a freelancer & as a salaried employee). Here's how to get everything done at work before you leave on vacation without feeling stressed!

1. Schedule Smart

Don't overcommit on meetings right before or right after your vacation. If you can avoid meetings the day before and day after, do it. It will help you complete more tasks before your trip and get caught up quickly once you're back.

2. Remind, Remind, Remind

I don't mean this in an annoying way, but there are 3 sets of people you need to remind of your trip

• Any needy or high profile clients that are accustomed to a fast turn around
• Let them know a couple of weeks in advance which days you'll be unavailable. Be sure to be professional and use the opportunity to let them know you'd love to take care of anything NOW before you're unavailable. Double check with your boss that this is ok, but I've always found that clients are appreciative of the heads up. 
• Your co-workers (aka, your out of office support system!)
• These people will be your rock while you're gone. They'll be stuck covering for you, so give them the courtesy of asking rather than them being blindsided with extra work.
• Your superiors, managers, or boss
• These folks have a lot to handle - even if they're the ones that approved your vacation, they've likely forgotten by now. Remind them gently that you'll be gone and want to handle any pressing matters before you're unreachable. If you share calendars, send them a request so they'll see your blocked out dates and won't schedule you for anything.

3. Plan In Advance

Look at the two weeks after your vacation to see if there is anything pressing. Are there any client events or important dates approaching? Ask anyone involved what they need from you so you aren't scrambling three days before something important. You might have a little extra work on the front end but you'll be thankful once you return. Make a to-do list for your first day back so you're feeling organized post-vacation.

4. Teamwork

I said this before, but your co-workers can be your lifeline while you're gone. If you have an office buddy, ask if they'll check in on your emails or clients. Also check with anyone you're co-working on a project with if there's anything they specifically need from you before you're gone. Be a team player and make sure nobody will be held up waiting of you. Don't forget souvenirs for those who were helpful to you, and an invitation to help them out next time they go away! It's huge to know you're covered.

5. Organize Your Space

Take 10-15 minutes before you leave and organize your desk. Label anything that might be needed by a boss or co-worker, leave any important passwords or keys with a supervisor or someone who has permission. Clear off folders & coffee cups, and work through your inbox so you're space AND your mind are clutter-free. 

6. Auto-Reply

Set those messages. Email, voicemail, cell phone, white board on your door... whatever it takes! Double check that they work. Send yourself an email from your personal account, call from another phone line, etc. Your email message should include dates you'll be gone and perhaps someone else to contact for specific needs (preferably someone you've discussed it with, #4!). Luckily all important people will already know you're gone (#2!!!), but this helps people not feel forgotten about. 

Turn off the lights, shut the door, and check OUT. You're on vacation, enjoy it! WE are leaving for vacation so soon... I can almost taste it! I hope you all have a great Friday! Caio!

xo

Other travel checklists:

International Travel Checklist 

Pre-Vacation Cleaning Checklist

DIY Accent Wall to Brighten Our Den

Our house turns 90 next year.

She looks pretty good for her age, huh?

Matt bought this house before we met. He spent the first 4 months he owned the house doing a total rehab of the kitchen... including moving multiple bearing walls, installing cabinets & countertops and repainting EVERYTHING. He loves working on this house.

On my side, I lived in one condo (with my roommate, Ashlee!) where I was able to paint my walls, and I only got through my bedroom (and 3 coats of purple paint on ONE wall) before deciding that the bathroom and hallway were fine just the way they were ;)

Before we started the master bedroom project (one that took almost an entire year, I might add) we committed to making the den habitable so we had a nice place to relax. It was the first room we did together and I loved it.

Curtains: West Elm // Rug: Ikea // Couch & Ottomon: American Signature (similar) //
Shelf: Garage Sale // Pillows: Target // Media Cabinet: Pottery Barn (via Craigslist)

Lamp: Ikea // Side Table: Garage Sale

Ignore the seat from our car when I snapped these photos & messy media cabinet! But you get the idea.

Even though I love this little room, I could never figure out what to put around the TV that wasn't distracting. I liked the yellow accent wall but I realized it didn't serve its purpose of lightening this space up. I also felt like it was a little too matchy-matchy and wanted something different. I think being home for the last several weeks has made me look harder at our house.

I started looking online for inspiration and finally found something on A Beautiful Mess.

via

via

Like I said, I am usually trying to avoid doing work on the house, but I was definitely inspired. I showed Matt this blog on Thursday, and we were making a trip to Home Depot on Friday after work.

By Saturday night we were watching a movie in our newly painted room.

I am in LOVE with how it turned out! It looks super bright because I took these photos in the morning... but it brightens the entire space up! Since our wall didn't have windows like the room on A Beautiful Mess, I decided to space my dots further apart. I also wanted to use metallic paint... it just sounded like fun. We did this wall in less than 24 hours. Here's how.

1 gallon Glidden Marshmallow White  
1 quart of Ralph Lauren Metallic Antique Bullion 
1" flat craft brush (like in this set)

Painted 2 coats of Marshmallow White over my goldenrod yellow wall. I painted the 1st coat Friday night and the 2nd coat Saturday morning. By Saturday afternoon, I was ready to paint my gold spots. 

Now, this was definitely risky -- but I did the gold spots completely free form. 

I decided that life is too short to worry about little gold dots. I did a practice round on our decaying shed out back and just went for it. The key was using the bottom half of the brush and having a fresh dip of paint with every stroke. 

In hindsight, I probably only needed a "sample" size of metallic paint since the dots were single-coat and spaced apart. But I think we'll find a fun way to use it up.

There are a few dots I might erase at some point... but I think it turned out pretty well! Don't you think?

Now I'm searching for a new rug (the $20 Ikea rug is being retired to Matt's office!) and some new pillows. 

Even though I typically avoid working on the house, I really enjoyed this project! I think it might have to do with living here for almost two years now and being ready for a change. Now I'm feeling confident and trying to think of ways to add a fun wall to our guest bedroom/my office.... any ideas? Have you ever painted a free form pattern or accent wall?

xo

How to Pack Light & Always Carry On

Back when you could still check bags for free I always did - it didn't matter if it was a 2 day trip or a 10 day trip, I checked a bag and it was bursting with unnecessary items. I surpassed the 50lb. max on the regular, and was always stuffing heavier items in my already-full purse or tote bag.

When airlines started charging for bags, I learned how to carry on - but I still always brought way too much! I slowly started to realize how much extra I was carrying around when I never used half of it. Here are the tricks I've used to keep my carry on light & my packing easy.

1 - Packing Cubes

Medium Size eBags Packing Cubes 

Packing cubes are one of my favorite inventions. Not only do they help you maximize space, they're great for organizing! If you're taking a trip with two parts (maybe a wedding & some sightseeing) you can split your garments accordingly to help keep your suitcase in order. Or perhaps shirts in one and pants in another. Another great way to use packing cubes is to smoosh down your bulkier items - winter coats, sweaters, etc - so they are taking up less space.

I have a set of each of the above. The larger Ikea ones lay flat very nicely in a carry on, and the Medium eBags stack well in a regular carry on suitcase or in a backpack.

2 - Cut Back On Shoes
Shoes are definitely the biggest space hog in your suitcase. I've found that 3 pairs of shoes will definitely get you through most trips! If you're going to New York City, choose comfortable & chic flats for the day and a comfortable heel for the night. If you're backpacking through Europe, choose comfortable trek shoes & a nicer option. You'll typically find me with flats & tennis shoes, plus a 3rd - sandals in the summer, boots in the winter. If It's a trip that requires heels (attending a wedding or a major city), i'll leave my sneaks at home and take heels. Yoga & HIIT exercises can be done in the hotel sans shoes! Choose neutrals

3 - Pack Versatile Items
This was the biggest trick I had to learn. I always packed FULLY SEPARATE OUTFITS for each day or occasion. I'd bring jeans & tee for day 1, dress for day 2, shorts and top for day 3, a different pair of shoes, sweater & accessories for each. I have no idea why I thought this was a good idea! Now I pack as few items as possible that can be re-purposed or mixed & matched. For example, I have a black dress that can be used for just about anything. It's a nice enough cut that it can be used for dinner & drinks, but casual enough that it can be worn to the pool or grocery store. Think about the most versatile items in your closet (in relation to where you're going!) and start by packing those. Change your look with your 3 pairs of shoes & a few good accessories. It's the little things that take you from day to night and casual to polished!

 Sightseeing      Dinner Date      Beach/Pool        Airport         Brunch    Bridal Shower

Topshop strappy black dress / MKT studio brown jacket / Low wedge gladiator sandals / Carvela woven wedge sandals / Kate Spade leather purse / FOSSIL white purse / Bauble necklace / Sole Society stud earrings / Monogram jewelry / Michael Stars fedora hat / Burberry cashmere scarve / ZeroUV round metal glasses / Victoria's Secret

When you pack versatile items, you're packing several outfits in one & you're learning to shop your closet! The more ways you discover to wear an outfit on the road, the more use you'll get out of it at home.

4 - Just Say No to Liquids
I never realized how much liquids could weigh you down! Even with 3oz bottles, liquids seem to be one of the BIGGEST space takers in the suitcase! Shampoo, conditioner, hair product, face wash, moisturizer, make up, nail polish remover, hair spray, perfume.... it goes on and on.

Swap for alternatives or doubles when you can! For long trips I like to bring a bottle of nail polish with me so I can freshen up on the go, but the small bottle of polish remover seems pretty huge for a one time use on the trip. My solution? Nail polish remover wipes. They lay flat and take almost NO space! They're pre-soaked and usually gets my polish off better than a cotton ball anyway. I tuck 2 in my bag before I leave.

And just like with clothing, packing versatile items can really save the day! Swap moisturizer, foundation & sunscreen for BB Creme that packs a punch for coverage, moisture, & SPF! One tube instead of three.

Here are my best tips for eliminating liquids in your bag.

5 - Question Every Single Item 
When you're laying out your clothes, ask yourself why you're packing it. Determine if this is a necessary item or a 'what if?' item

"What if?" Items to be on the lookout for
- "What if it's cold?". Weed out unseasonable items like heavy clothing for a tropical vacation. I promise... it won't be cold.
- "What if we go out 2 nights that weekend? Should I bring another pair of heels?" We've talked about this with the excessive shoes! Unless you're running a marathon, attending a wedding, sightseeing in a city, going to the beach & going snowboarding in the same trip, you can probably eliminate a few shoes.
- "What if I spill something?" Don't bring doubles. Packing two different pairs of dark jeans? Brining two pairs of pants is of course sensible, but choose different fabrics & colors to maximize your options! Plus, you can do laundry anywhere if you're really wearing them out.
- "What if I finish my book or my iPad dies. Shouldn't I have a backup?" at all cost, avoid heavy extras. You don't need a laptop, dvd player & tablet - pick one & load it up with your movies, games & documents. Same goes for reading material. Loading books onto a tablet or e-reader is your best bet. But if you prefer the feel of a book in your hand, bring one - then plan to swap with a friend when you're done or scope out a used book store at your final destination. Another fun way to get new material is finding hotels & coffee shops with "take one, leave one" book shelves.

I KNOW it feels weird to cut so many things out of your suitcase.... but it's really only hard the first time I promise! If you have a trip coming up and don't think you can do it, DON'T. Pack as you usually would and pay attention on your trip. Look for items you ignore & items you reach for again and again. Over time, you'll cling to what you need & purge what you don't!

Do you have any carry on travel tips?

Happy Packing!
xo

Other posts you might enjoy:
How to incorporate travel into your budget
How to save on flights (using One Way Tickets)
Carry on guide
Seattle City Guide
Perfecting the Multi-Way Flight
Luxury on a Budget: Hotels & Lodging
Americana Inspired Vacations
How To Find the Perfect Airbnb In Seattle

Travel Necessities: What's In My Carry On

1: Bobino Cord Wrap // 2: Larabar // 3: Vapur Collapsable 

Water Bottle // 4: West Elm Travel Set (sold out) // 5: iPad with Smart Cover

You literally won't find me on a plane without these things. 

After years of overpacking on the "what if's" (read: scarves & shoes) and leaving out some essentials (like a snack), I think I've finally mastered it. But the great thing about every item up there is that 

Bombino Cord Wrap

You can find similar alternatives to this little cord keeper, and any of them will do. But I will so that I love grabbing my headphones and not spending 15 minutes sorting out the tangles every time I want to use them.

Larabar

Once again, this is personal preference. But I find that short flights (like the one-hour-and-some-change Nashville to Chicago) is always the time I'm the most ravenous. Since gems like American Airlines don't even serve a crummy little bag of peanuts or pretzels anymore, it's wise to have something to much on! I find granola bars are a good choice because they can live in your purse for a quite a while and still be edible. Almonds are another go to. I personally prefer Larabars because they  contain very few ingredients, and all of which can be read without a translator & purchased easily at a grocery store (the coconut one has: dates, unsweetened coconut, almonds, cashews, and extra virgin coconut oil. THAT'S LITERALLY IT.)

Vapur

I'll never forget the day I invented this. I was sick of buying bottles of water when I was out, but also sick of carrying around a HUGE reusable canteen or Nalgene just incase I was thirsty. I thought to myself, "What if there was a re-usable Capri Sun type bottle that I could fill up with water, and leave flat in my purse when I wasn't using it?!" I swore I was going to be a millionaire.... until I googled it and found out it was already invented. Dang it. Well, if I'm not going to be rich, I'm just glad it's already a thing, because I use it constantly. I got mine on Amazon (certain colors go on sale from time to time).

Travel Set

I've found that being short on airplanes comes at an advantage & a disadvantage. The advantage? Leg room is not an issue for me. However, my head is always being pushed forward/down by the headrest, because it's where everyone else's necks are. A neck pillow seemed like a nice option, but the inflatable ones were sticky plastic and the plush ones took up too much space... so I just skipped it. UNTIL I found this great set at West Elm! The jersey knit cover makes it soft, but the pillow itself is a blow up... best of both worlds! It's awesome. The West Elm set is sold out, but here's a similar one.

iPad Mini & Smart Case

I never thought I'd get an iPad, especially a mini one (I'm definitely one of those people who thought they were just oversized phones), but I'm so glad we have it. On trips where we're only doing light work, we just use that instead of hauling a laptop. Plus, the iPad can have books, movies, magazines (all Condé Nast magazines include a free digital subscription!), and the battery lasts forever. We load it up with movie rentals from Amazon & use the Smart Case to prop it up. The Smart Case was a non negotiable to me when we decided on getting an iPad. But, we're cheap, so we got one off eBay that came with a hard case for the back, too. 

So there you have it! Those are my essentials. Do you use any of these when you travel? Think it's over the top? What are your must-haves?

Girly Home Office

As of a few months ago, the job I loved so much at Rhetorik was no longer available for me. My friends and co-workers were moving in different directions, and as I was SO HAPPY for them, I was so sad to leave this little office and company I've found so endearing.

But change is life, and it's usually for the best.

I dabbled over what to do with my newfound free time, and wasn't sure if I should find a job or freelance? Were there cool start ups out there? Was I destined for a trousers and a 9-5? Was freelancing an option for me? It's such an interesting place to be at. And my interesting, I mean overwhelming :)

I interviewed at a few companies, but was offered some freelance work by a few different friends, and took them up on it.

Turns out, it works for me. So as of a week ago, I officially am doing Freelance PR, Social Media, Copywriting, Marketing and Producing. Exciting!

With this development, it gives me the need for a home office. Since Matt already works from home and is occupying one room as an office, I get a corner of the guest room (which totally works for me!).

It's this cute little nook with great natural light (a major perk!) with a desk already built in. It has all these shelves above the desk and next to it, but I'm going to take some of them out.

obviously these are high quality iPhone shots ;)

Right now, the "nook" (as I call it), has been a serious catch-all during the remodel process we are going through. It has serious potential but is pretty blah right now! Luckily, we are (FINGERS CROSSED) a few weeks out from being all done with that, so these random items will have a home.... and the Nook will be my little work corner!

Here's what I'm kind of envisioning.

- Less of the shelves/add a few drawers for hidden storage
- Pretty little details
- A better light (i hate that lamp!)
- Simple, well used decor

Here is some of my inspiration I've been found on Pinterest

Love the two shelves and the pin board next to it. Simple, but fills the space nicely.
via The Everygirl

Love these colors. Neutrals with some gold. Also love the plant on the side of the desk! Which leads me to....
via The Everygirl

I love the storage aspect here - two drawers and two cubbies - perfect! Aiming for something practical like this.
Photo via In Honor of Design

Succulents for my windowsill! Indoor plants make me happy. And succulents are hard(er) to kill.
via Pinterest

gold details. Love all of these so much!

Mini Geodesic Table Lamp via West Elm. Dream a Little Bigger print via Counter Co. Desk styling via The Everygirl.

Green accents to go with my succulents, and keep with the neutral pallet. 

candle via Anthropologie. Large teardrop vase via Pinterest.

I'm excited for this project and a space to call my own. I'm also thankful for a handy husband who can actually help me create the kind of space I want! I'm pretty dang lucky.

Any input? Any suggestions of decor that might accent this space? I'm all ears!

xo