So...I am FINALLY putting my thoughts down for all to enjoy! I am new to the blogging thing but everyone who knows me knows that I LOVE to talk...so I truly feel that once I start blogging about my wonderful BELLE moments, I will have tons to say!

I can hardly believe that SUNDANCE 2010 is literally right around the corner. I am so excited to finally venture to that part of the country and see REAL snow! Being a true Southern Belle, we don't see alot of the powdery stuff around here...and so I know skiing will be amazing on slopes where it snows all the time!

I am looking forward to trying the slopes out...I may be on the bunny slopes the entire time but I cannot go all the way out there and not do it! I have to at least try and say that I did! I definitely think I will at least "look" like I know what I am doing and I must look fashionable on the slopes!

The hardest part for me right now is the packing! As the Belles know, I am NOT a light packer!

I really stink at the whole packing for an airplane trip! For our Vegas trip I brought TWO...yes TWO suitcases...both checked in...and had no idea you had to pay for your luggage now! Then I find out not only did I have to pay to fly it out there but I had to pay it AGAIN to get it back home! My problem in the packing is that I truly am an accessory and shoe person. So for this trip...and I am putting this in writing...I, Angela, promise to NOT bring dozens of necklaces, rings and earrings on this adventure! That's right folks...I said it and I mean it! I am also not bringing tons of shoes. Two...maybe three at the most...all boots of course. I am trying and I am ONLY checking in one bag. I can think of many other uses of my money than paying for a suitcase to fly!

Speaking of boots, I found a great deal on the snow boots I ordered. I have been looking online for weeks to find the right one I wanted. I seriously love the two pairs of Uggs I already own, so I thought I might look into some snow boot type Uggs. After checking on their website I find the pair I wanted...but really didn't want to spend that much money on them. After doing some research online I found a website...cozyboots.com...which sells Uggs. Low and behold they had THE pair I wanted...in the color I wanted and they had three sizes left...one of which was MY size! Even better, they were fifty dollars less..with free shipping and no sales tax. Uggs are very rarely discounted or put on sale so this just made my day! But beware....there are SO many websites that say they sell Uggs and they are actually selling fakes. Make sure you get them from a site that is an authorized dealer of the Australian boots! On Uggs official website I actually went to the page that listed all their online authorized dealers and cozyboots was one of them. I love finding a great shopping deal...and I never try to pay full price for anything. Always take advantage of free shipping too! It is awesome! I can't wait to be sporting them in Park City!

ACTION PLAN

So, as you can tell from my blogs I really like a plan of action! That is not to say that I can't go with the flow, but if I at least have ideas about what options are available I am happier. :)

That being said, I find that the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureaus in most places are an invaluable resource. Park City is no exception. They have a site www.parkcityinfo.com that really gives great info out for the visitor! One of the things that I LOVE is that they have a "trip planner" so when you see something that interests you all you have to do is click "add to my trip" and it creates a planner for you. This is such a great tool -- since the site is broken down into entertainment, shopping, recreation, food, etc. you can compile everything that interest you in one place. Then all you have to do is email or print the planner. I do both! I like to have the paper schedule to show the girls and the email tool is great to open on my phone when I am out and about. Everything you need for the locations and points of interest is at my fingertips. I have a map, phone number, address, hours of operation, and website constantly at my service. Gone are the days of picking up hundreds of brochures and aimless wandering! YEAH!

My suggestion is to look up information on a destination as soon as you decide to travel. When we decided on Park City I did a general search for: "things to do," "free and Park City," and "travel specials." By doing this I was able to register for a free travel planner to be sent to me well in advance of my trip. I also was able to the travel book with the belles at our dinner recently! I like being able to look at events going on while I am going to be there such as art shows, sporting events, and festivals -- often these are free or at a very low price and I am able to really get a feel for the local lifestyle and not just tourist attractions. Finally, I also have deals emailed to me as they become available and this keeps me updated of any new values that are being offered. This really helps me with my budget planning!

Another great tool for when you are traveling is facebook. Yes, you heard me correctly...facebook! Why? Because most cities have a facebook page. I LOVE this!!! I am able to see what "real" people think of where I am visiting. Often advertisements are written by professionals that are paid to make you want to visit, shop or eat at a destination. I find that it is often much more helpful to hear from someone who has visited there recently. This is how you find the great "local" restaurant that has the best entertainment and "to die for" food. Each facebook page has fans and links and this helps me find a great locally owned bookstore, coffee house, or vintage clothing store. I am able to post a question and get a "real" answer. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!

So, now that we are in the packing phase for the trip I am compiling everything! Since I like to travel light (last trip I only took a carryon and saved on the checked baggage fee :) I will organize my info into my note app on my phone and carry all coupons, vouchers, and passes in a small index card organizer or coupon organizer that fits perfectly into my purse or carryon. The organizer is great also for making sure you stay on budget because I either attach the money budgeted for each event or jot down the amount to help me stay on track if using a credit or debit card. I include a "treat myself" section with wish ideas and any extra money goes there -- almost like a game. On the last trip I "treated" myself to a massage with my extra money!

Happy packing .. 3 days till takeoff!