Friday, October 29, 2010

Tips for the Jetsetter

"Journey" Fine Art Print/$25 on Etsy


Ok, if you’re like me, you travel...a lot.  Flying can be pretty stressful, so I have a few tips to make your trip much more relaxing!

My most important tip is to have a permanent list of your items that need to be packed.  Your best bet is to type one up on your computer so you can print it each time you travel.  This works best because you are able to mark through your items as you pack.  If you realize that you forgot something while you are away, be sure to make yourself a note to add it to your list when you get back home.  Ok, ok, I know what you’re thinking…..”How can I make a note and keep up with it while I’m traveling?”  What I do is send myself an email via text message, that way it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle….if you can’t do that, just stick a note in your wallet.  You will thank me next time you remember not to forget your Q-tips! 


'Pack Me' Travel List on Lobotome.com


I am a consummate over-packer….so how do I know if my bag is going to be overweight at the airport?  Believe me, nothing irritates travelers more than someone in front of them opening their luggage and proceeding to pull things out left and right.  Everyone is in a hurry, and you don’t want to be “that person” who is holding up the line.  Weighing my bag on the scale at home is really tough because it’s generally so heavy I can’t lift it while looking at the numbers.  So, what I do is go to one of the counters at Ticketing & Check-in that's closed and weigh my luggage.  The scales are always working whether there is an attendant or not.  Generally I have some shifting to do, so this gives me the opportunity to do so without having people breathing down my neck.  So, I move a few things to my carry-on or my purse and I’m on my way! 

'Hello Weekend' Fine Art Print $25 on Etsy


The next tip that has saved me a lot of hassle AND money is bringing an empty water bottle to fill.  I am addicted to water, so I just throw an empty bottle in my purse and fill it once I get through security.  If you don’t like water from the fountain, you can go to a restaurant and order a water with no ice and then pour it in your bottle.  The water there is always filtered.  This may seem like a bit much to some, but water is $3.50 MINIMUM at the airport, and I am not trying to hear that! 

Fiji Bottled Water/$100,000,000


Oh!  My last tip….don’t forget your earphones!  Planes either have personal TV’s or a movie playing, and you don’t want to get stuck buying them on the plane. 
xoxo!

'Kitty Beats'/Watercolor $12 on Etsy

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Say "I Do" to Discount!

Ok, it's almost more than I can take watching an episode of Say Yes to the Dress.  It's not because of the dramatic brides, but because of the dramatic price tags!  Wow!  I literally can not imagine spending thousands of dollars on a wedding dress.  I'm all about looking and feeling fabulous, but I'm also about saving money-BIG TIME.  You don't need a hefty price tag to guarantee that you feel like the most beautiful girl in the world on your wedding day....you just need a great dress, and a great seamstress!

Most girls just assume that if they are getting married, then they must need a wedding dress.  Not so!  Your best bet is to shop for an "evening gown" instead.  Just taking the word "wedding" out of the equation will take a few zeros off your price.  The shops who sell wedding dresses know that most women are willing to splurge for their big day, and they take full advantage of that.  Places like Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom have some beautiful ivory and white evening gowns.  Another great idea is to look for prom dresses.  They are glitzy and glamorous, and generally under $400.  Yet another solution is to shop in the bridesmaid section of a bridal shop.  There are some amazing dresses and almost all of them come in ivory and white.  And again, under $400. Don't be discouraged by all those hideous bridesmaid dresses you've been forced to wear over the years.....the bride did it on purpose.  She couldn't have you looking as fabulous as the bride now could she?  A few other suggestions are Ebay, Craigslist, and other online shops.  Note:  purchase a dress that is larger than your actual size then have it tailored to fit you perfectly!

Be a savvy bride!  You should not have to spend more than $500 on the cost of the dress.  A good seamstress will run you around $200.  Take control of your wedding, and save some of that money for your future, you are going to need it, trust me! Your husband will love you even more : ) 


I wore an amazingly beautiful, silk ivory gown by Sue Wong, fully embellished with silk petals and Swarovski crystals.  I found my dress at Loehmann's for............drum roll please............$115!  No kidding.......and I felt like the most beautiful girl in the world.





Ps, I got my veil on Ebay!


 $180/ecrater.com

 $357.99/frenchnovelty.com


$165/ecrater.com


$198.33/Ebay

$326.69/Ebay


$130/Prom Dress/Comes in Ivory & White
eveningdress100.com


Around $200/Bridesmaid Dress
jordanfashions.com


Around $200/Bridesmaid Dress/Comes in Ivory & White
jordanfashions.com
Note: Bridal websites have interactive swatches so you can see how
your dress will look in a different color!