Getting Personal

It just occurred to me that other than my bio, you probably don't know a whole lot about me. I thought I'd share ten things about myself that you probably didn't know. I'd love to hear from you too so feel free to write a comment with some of your own!

1. I'm half Dutch and half Polish. My maiden name was hard for most to both spell and pronounce so thankfully hubby rescued me now that I'm a 'Davis', however I do miss the uniqueness of 'Ruzycki' pronounced 'Roo-zick-ee'. I think it's funny that in Canada a 'z' is a zed and in the U.S. a 'z' is a zee.

2. My husband and I met online at http://www.christiancafe.com/. He lived here in Florida and I in Toronto, Canada. We dated briefly and he proposed in front of the Eiffel tower 3 months later! Less than 4 months after that we were married. It was quite a whirlwind! Some say it was too soon or it was a crazy thing to do, but we knew we were meant to be together.

3. I'm a dessert-a-holic. I wish it was a food group. I basically work out so I can eat dessert! I love lemon bars, lemon tarts, creme brulee, gelato and at the top of the list is CUPCAKES in almost any flavor! I also adore tart yogurt. A local shop called Sweet is my favorite go-to place.

4. I LOVE to travel and have now seen 15 countries. I'm still trying to catch up to my hubby though, he's seen 55 countries and 6 continents, I guess you could say I married to a bit of a world traveller.

5. I have to create at least one thing per day or I don't feel  that my day is complete. It can be writing an article, creating some artwork, completing a scrapbook page or even starting a new garden. I prefer it to be something crafty that I make with my own two hands.

6. I am in love with organizing and storage containers and love to keep things clutter-free. I started my Design business several years ago as a Professional Organizing company and now specialize in Design and Home Staging. From the age of five my Barbie house was turned into a book shelf and everything in my room was always immaculate, complete with made bed. It's no different today. Ironically, I married a disorganized man who loves to hold on to clutter, so I work doubletime trying to keep our house in ship shape.

7. I don't have any children yet but have always dreamed of having two girls first then a boy. My brother is 11 years younger than me and I was his constant babysitter and second mother so I'm ready for pink, polka dots, ruffles and everything girly. I am not pregnant right now but I've already started my little girl clothing collection.

8. My dream home is a beach house decorated in a casual and cozy yet sophisticated style which I like to refer to as Beach House Glam. I love whites, creams, pale blues and soft sand. However, with so many great locations, I'm not sure exactly where I would to live just yet.

9. I heart our planet. I've been composting since age ten and recycling for as long as I can remember. I love finding new ways to become more eco-friendly as well as reduce, reuse and re-purpose what I already own. I will have a green book available in 2010 and I even started a green blog so feel free to check it out!

10. One of my favorite snacks needs to be imported from Canada: Lay's Dill pickle potato chips. I love them to pieces and was thrilled when one of my best friends, Charlotte, sent them in a birthday care package last August. Second in line would be ketchup chips. This is the norm for flavors in Canada so I was sad when my chip selections were dramatically reduced upon moving to America. Having said that, I don't eat a lot of chips, but when I do, I really enjoy the tangy taste of dill pickle.

I'd love to hear from you! Tell us about yourself. What do you love to do in your spare time? Where are you from? Do you have any fun quirks you want to share with us?

~Karla

Travel Tips Part 2: Don't leave home without it!

The old slogan remains true-don't leave home without your American Express or whichever credit card of choice you possess. By the way, that wasn't supposed to rhyme. LOL. Beyond the plastic, here is a list of items you won't want to travel without!

Before I leave for any trip I ALWAYS write out a list of what I'll want to bring (maybe a little Type A but hey that's me, I like to be prepared). I usually start it about a week before I leave so I can edit it or add to it and make a quick run to a store if necessary. Remember, anything will almost always be cheaper in your home country so buy it before you depart.

Travel Must-Haves

1. Passport-If you haven't travelled in a while, I'll fill you in-you need a passport to travel now when leaving the U.S. Before it used to be that you could carry your driver's license and birth certificate. That is no longer in effect as of this year. Make sure before you travel you give yourself enough time to go an apply for your passport along with get a photo made. In most cases it can be expedited for a fee if you're really pressed for time. Also, if you haven't travelled in a few years, check the expiry and make sure yours is still valid-don't assume.

2. Camera, Batteries & Memory Cards-Sometimes the most obvious things to pack are the ones that somehow slip our minds. This happens to me all the time at the grocery store, that's why lists are so important. If your camera takes rechargeables or has a battery charger-bring it with you! You can always buy disposable batteries if needed but the rechargeables are cheaper in the longrun and of course better for the environment too. :) This all applies to your video camera too. Be sure to bring extra tapes or memory cards. This past trip I brought nearly 3GB of memory card storage and it wasn't enough. The prices in Europe were horrific so I deleted a few not-so-important ones to accommodate. It's always better to have too much than not enough when it comes to precious travel memories.

3. Sunscreen and Aloe- With summer here bring a high SPF sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection, and be sure to also pack some aloe too in case you do happen to get a little more pink than you had hoped for. This will save you shopping time and likely extra cash. By the way most people only use a sunscreen with UVA protection which means you may be reducing your chances of a burn but increasing your chances of photo-aging which means dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. It's a good idea to use a waterproof sunscreen even if you're just touring a city-in really warm climates you'll sweat and it will wear off quicker, be prepared.

4. Money-Once again this may seem obvious but a lot of people solely rely on credit cards. If any type of emergency or unexpected expense were to occur, you want to be prepared. Also, a lot of places only accept cash. ie: subways, streetcars, street/shop vendors, tips for bellboys and cabdrivers, taxis, etc. Just be sure to have it tucked away safely-a waist belt is a good idea when travelling in foreign countries. I just came back from Rome where two people I spoke to had friends there that were pick-pocketed-No fun!

5. Cell Phone-While it could become costly to make calls out of your home country due to roaming charges, in some cases it could be a life saver as an emergency tool. Be sure to check the rates and inquire about all charges that would apply before leaving so there aren't any surprises.

6. Voltage Converter/Plug Adapter-These only apply if you are travelling outside of North America. If you are planning a trip to Asia, Europe, etc., you'll want to pick up a set of these. Other countries operate on other voltages and the converter will make sure your electric gadgets will work. Also, different plugs are uses so the outlets are different and your hairdryer, cell phone charger etc will not work unless you use these devices. A good set containing everything can be found for around $15. Cruise ships are generally the only exception. On my last cruise I discovered that they had outlets that catered to European and North American travellers.

7. Maps/Travel Guide Books-Many times if you are staying in a nice hotel they'll provide you with a map. It's always a good idea to pack one of those beforehand if you can. That way you can plot out what you'd like to see beforehand. I like to check out travel guides from the library to cut costs when travelling abroad. I was able to score one for every country we were travelling to. They usually have great advice on hotels, restaurants, shopping and what to see.

8. Comfortable Shoes-I'm a girly girl at heart and I LOVE cute shoes, especially pumps but they are not at all practical for travel other than a fancy dinner so I pack a lot of flats and a pair of running shoes for the gym. You'll want to have a few different choices. Flip flops are great for the beach and a casual walk, but not for an all-day hike, excursion or tour of a city. Your toes are forced to hold the shoes on and you can get pains in your shins-not worth it! I highly recommend some cushy ballet flats, walking shoes or running shoes and a pair of water shoes if needed like some cute slingback, ballet flat crocs. I hated crocs until I found these. It's not fun to get blisters halfway through your vacation. You can glam it up for a special event or a fancy dinner.

9. Vitamins/Prescription Meds-If you take medication or herbs and vitamins, don't forget to pack those as they'll be essential to how you feel while away. Many people ditch their multi and it is the precise time you'll want more energy as jet setting can be fun, but exhausting too.

10. Bathroom Stuff- Okay, so I called it bathroom stuff because this encompasses not only toiletries but also small appliances and female products. I made the mistake of not bringing my own female products on my honeymoon as I shouldn't have needed them but realized later I calculated wrong and did in fact need them! We were in Fiji at the time and I was stuck with buying tampons there that were uncomfortable and I was frustrated. It put a bit of a damper on things.Bring your own!

I don't know about you but I am not a fan of hotel shampoo, it leaves my hair feeling sticky and dry. If you're like me do pack your own 3oz sizes of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and don't forget your razor, toothpaste/brush, hair brushes and of course your own mini dryer and curling iron if need be. I'm not suggesting you should be a diva and pack loads of stuff but rather mini versions. I like using a curling iron for formal occasions and my hairdryer is tiny and light enough to not be a problem. I've been to hotels before where the dryer didn't work, it's nice to be prepared and have your own!

Here is an awesome packing tool that you can use to determine exactly what you need for your trip and it will even e-mail you the list!

By the way, if you missed my post on packing a carry-on bag-here is the link to Travel Tips: Part 1.

Happy Travels!

~Karla

Travel Tips Part 1: Carry-on Bags

As the wife of a world-traveller, I travel quite a bit. I love seeing new places but holiday and summer travel are certainly some of the busiest and therefore some of the most frustrating times to jet set. After my latest trip this past month to Europe for two weeks I broke some of my own 'travelling rules' and watched them backfire on me. Here are some things that you will want to know before travelling this summer:

WHAT TO PACK

1. WHEELS ARE BEST-When purchasing a new carry-on bag or selecting one to pack, be sure to use one with wheels and a handle that extends. This will save your back and shoulders immensely. You can use it to roll around the airport and even down the aisle of the plane until you find your seat. This type also has plenty of room and is a standard size, unlike a duffel bag so there won't be any question as to whether it is suitable for the overhead compartment.

2. FILL IT- These days when it comes to regular luggage, most airlines are ready and willing to gauge you for excess baggage weight as well as extra bags, especially if you are carrying more than one check-in bag. Save yourself the grief by packing as much as you can into your carry-on. This will save you from opening up your luggage and shuffling pieces from one bag to the other at the ticket counter (where they weigh your bags). This may also save you from requiring a second piece of check-in luggage which can cost you more money. Generally the limits are 50lbs per suitcase and one standard size carry-on bag that can range 25-40lbs as well as another personal item such as a purse, umbrella, video camera or a laptop bag. Be sure you check with the airline on dimensions of baggage and weight before flying. Many charge around $25 per for more than 1 check in bag.

Other great things to pack are an ipod, a book or magazine, a neck pillow for long flights and ALL of your valuables like a camera, jewellery, money, a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer or hand wipes and a hair brush or comb. If you carry any supplements or prescription medication, you'll definitely want to pack that as well. You want to make sure there is no potential for theft or loss of any kind. See "Just in Case" below for more tips on what to bring.

3. SMALL LIQUIDS ONLY-There was a time after 9/11 where we were instructed NOT to bring liquids of any kind into a carry-on bag. This resulted in many perfume bottles, makeup, deodorants, water bottles being confiscated. How frustrating and expensive! Today similar rules are in effect, however you are allowed 3oz size bottles. In most airports you're good as long as you can fit all of those into a quart size ziploc bag, which is almost always required at security scans. Double check that any larger liquids or gels are stored in your main luggage. Beware-things can leak and shuffle in transit so do store them in a twist top travel bottle vs. a flip top which almost always leak during the flight. Also be sure to put these items in a a large ziploc freezer bag and then place inside another grocery bag for extra protection against your clothing.


**I used a flip-top shampoo bottle during my last trip (as I ran out of the twist on type at the last minute) only to find out upon arriving that it had leaked inside my suitcase and coated some shoes and other items with soap. Luckily I had some wipes and kleenex on hand to help clean it up at the airport and I aired out the bag in the hotel as well as washed all the toiletries that had become soapy and gooey. Not a fun way to begin any trip, I assure you!

4. JUST IN CASE-We all want to believe that our luggage will make it to its intended destination, but the reality is that it sometimes does not. I've heard many horror stories of those ready to board a week-long cruise with *gasp* NO LUGGAGE! Even if it is delayed by a day or so while you're travelling, that is still a really big inconvenience usually involving you washing your underwear and hitting a store for a toothbrush and paste or worse-having to buy all new toiletries, clothing, shoes and more. No fun!

I would strongly recommend packing two days worth of clothes in your carry-on bag. Try to pack in such a way that the shoes you wear on the day of your flight will also work with the next two outfits, eliminating the need for extra shoes. Try to make everything lightweight so it all fits and be sure to roll clothes tightly vs. folding which created more room and less wrinkles. Summer is the easiest time to pack a carry-on bag but perhaps for winter you can pack one pair of pants but two different tops. It's also a good idea to pack a long sleeved top (preferably zippered or botton-down) for the plane ride as it often gets cool and it's good for layering when needed.

This is where carrying small travel size toiletries comes in handy. Never be without a bottle of face wash, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, flushable wipes and some face moisturizer. You can bring some makeup too. If you get delayed and are stuck in the airport you won't be able to shower but at least you can freshen up. If you are forced into a hotel they'll always have the soap, shampoo and conditioner but it never leaves your hair feeling the same as your own, so be sure to pack some of your own. Just pack as if you really will be without your luggage for a couple days and you'll be ready for anything!

**I'm generally pretty good about packing 'just in case' but on my flight home from Rome I was dead tired and pressed for time to pack that particular morning. I was so concerned with my liquids and making sure hubby had enough room in his bags (he packs more than I do) that I totally forgot to pack some clothing. Well, wouldn't you know it-the airline messed our flight up and we had to stay in London for an evening and full day as well as another 6 hours overnight in a NY airport. Needless to say I was washing undies in the hotel sink, pressing my clothes in the morning and I had to buy a new deodorant (mine was a liquid and was an ounce too large for carry on). I will NEVER break this rule again! The airport did give us the option to pick up our bags if we wanted but I was too exhausted to lug my 2 heavy bags, carry-on bag and purse. We were not allowed to simply open our bags and take a few things or just take one bag. Thankfully the bags were at least available to us!

5. TAG IT- Although you'll likely have your carry-on bag with you at all times, it is a good idea to put a name tag on it. Since most bags look alike and are generally black in color it could easily be picked up by another traveller. Just this past month I was picking up some goodies at Starbucks and sat next to a woman on a bench while I waited for my hubby to pay for his food at another shop. It was early and I was tired-I reached down and rolled away with my bag when a lady said "Miss. You have my bag!" thankfully I was only about 10ft away. She laughed about how her clothes wouldn't fit me anyway since she'd gained 20lbs. For the first time I was able to see how this could easily happen to someone else too. I always have pretty monogrammed tags on my regular luggage and now I'll be adding one to my carry-on bag too.


**If I could add one final tip it would be on buying a new carry-on bag. In these economic times it's wonderful to get a great deal so I highly recommend shopping in discount stores such as Target, Ross, TJ Maxx, Walmart and the like. They are far less than luggage stores and if you don't travel frequently, the quality of these bags will be fine for what you need. As with items such as mattresses, try to avoid the urge to pick up a carry-on bag or luggage for free or minimal cost from craigslist or a yard sale. While it may be in good condition, you never know what has been inside, spilled in or on it and what it has come in contact with.

Happy and Safe Travels!