I am not lost , just crazy busy......

As all of us know, the summer is BUSY!!!!! I haven't posted anything for a long time and I have had some wonderful experiences. This has been an unbelievable year of travel for me. When I was in college I just knew I was going to be this great business women and travel the world! I explained some of this in my bio earlier. Well plans change and my career was and still is raising a family with some side jobs (the wellness and fitness director of the YMCA, church callings, etc..) But little did I realize how fast the time would go by. I still can not believe I have a 16 year old, 14 year old and an 11 year old almost 12!

This year started off with an amazing trip to Park City, Utah for the Sundance Festival. In March, my husband and I took our 16 year old Megan to New York City!! One of my oldest and dearest friends who is like a sister to me and who has been to New York hundreds of times, took off work and was our tour guide! Then this same friend, Jill, just moved to San Fransico 2 weeks ago. Megan, the 16 year old, drove from Washington, D.C. with Jill to San Fransico! I flew out 2 weeks ago and stayed 5 days and got to see some of CA!! Now, it wasn't with the belles, but being a part of the belles has given me this great desire to see the world and experience new things. I feel that part of being a belle is to share. Be it with your daughter, husband or friend. The belles want all to take time for themselves and hopefully take the time to enrich their lives.

More to come on what I saw and did.

SO.... who do you think YOU are?"

Well, I guess that question has been asked of me a FEW times in my life, and usually, I have to answer with a smile... "well, that depends". You see, I kind of "morph" a bit, depending on the context and situation. Firstly, I am a believer, I am a mom, a wife, business person, filmmaker, artist, budding runner and most consistently.... a dreamer. None actually "claim" hold over me, but they all fight for first place in line. My first priority, however, is to my God and then my family.

I am the "big picture" belle of the group, love me or leave me, I have enough "quirks" to fill a dump truck, but love life and my friends even more!

I have just hit the "prime" of my life, turning 41 this February. It has brought about a lot of change in my thought processes that are probably a little bit different than the "younger" belles in our group. I find myself constantly asking myself, now..... " how is this going to effect my family, my friends.... the world". Now, I know that may sound a little "cheesey" and for those of you who know me well, a little un"blingy".... but I have come to a place, where I realize life is short..... VERY short, and what I leave behind, is ALL of me there will be when I am gone. What I leave my children with (dreams, beliefs, moral compasses) that is the only way to leave my thumbprint, if you will on the generations to come. I look at the world (USA) as it is now, and frequently have to apologize for what we will be leaving my kids to deal with.

I have a HUGE heart for Africa. I have a friend who is part of a ministry to street kids in Uganda, hopefully I will be able to take my oldest kid, Blake jr. next summer over there so he can see how "the rest of the world" lives, and have his heart pricked enough to do more for the helpless than I ever could.

I LOVE U2, and every lyric that has ever been scribbled down by the hand of Bono. ( I saw them twice last year - Barcelona, Raleigh.

I am a STAUNCH Constitutionalist in the most Jeffersonian use of the word. I believe in the idea of freedom for ALL people as a God given right. I believe in free enterprise and capitalism, I HATE SOCIALISM on any level. I believe in working HARD for what you have, and even HARDER to get what you don't. I don't believe in "handouts", but "hand-ups". I am a bootstrap girl who came from a family that had not much, according to American standards, and have worked hard everyday of my adult life to give my children more.... BUT also, to teach them the value of work and the dollar. Nothing good comes free.

I teach my children to ALWAYS stop, face the flag and put their hands over their hearts, EVERY TIME the National Anthem is played.... NO EXCEPTIONS. We frequently talk about what people have given up, even today, for that flag, and it WILL be respected. ( I tear up, even now, just writing these words :))

I love my friends. Not much more to say about that, but if you are one, you know I love you and would do ANYTHING to defend you..... I have offered to kick many a bottoms for my friends, whether they were right or wrong, I will always be on your side.

I love to travel. I hope when I am 90 I will still be out climbing up the Rock of Gilbraltar, or seeing a bullfight (I am sure they will by hijacked by the politically correct by then though), or attending a rally for members of a country that are not yet free (shout out to my Iranian friends in Athens). I hope I will always live life to the fullest.... as Bono (my only "idol" here on earth) says in the song KITE, "I'm not afraid to die.....I'm not afraid to live.....And when I'm flat on my back...I hope to feel like I did".

My kids are my life. I have 4. Blake, 12, Drew-Davis, 10, Stuart, 8, and Benson, 4. We are SUPER busy and have a hectic life, but I would not change a minute of it.... NOT ONE MINUTE. Two of my boys have AD/HD pretty intensely, and that is not easy....so if you have a kid who is "different" believe me, I can relate. BUT, I have found, these are the kids that God gave us for a REASON.... and it's not my job to question that, but to embrace it and cultivate it, the best I can.

My husband, Blake, is my stability. I knew when I shook his hand, he was the one..... He told me he loved me on day 2 and asked me to marry him on day 3..... 15 years later, I love him more than the first time I saw him, singing on stage in some smokey bar in Norfolk, VA. He lets me run, as far and fast as I can.... or until the money runs out!! :)) He is my soul-mate.

It has taken me a long time to realize that I am the LEAST perfect person in the world.... it is truly a wonder how the people around me love me and put up with me. I act before I think, I say what I should censor, and I spend more than I make..... but somehow, facing your imperfections help you to accept who you are, and work on being better, not believing you have it all figured out, and helps you to accept there is a plan.... you won't know what it is, till you are past it, but it IS a plan, and you just have to keep walking thru it.

Meet Elyse

Hello! I am excited to tell everyone a little about myself!

Name: Elyse Giles

Personal: I am the youngest, but married the longest to Doug Giles for 17 roller coaster years! We have 3 wonderful children, Megan 16, Douglas 14 and Madelyn 11. I know this is information about me, but my family is a large part of who I am and I am so grateful to have a supporting, loving husband and children.

Quote: "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves." I will explain why I love this quote later on.

I am not a Georgia native, but moved here to Athens at the worst possible time in a teenagers life, 16!!! I have now lived here 21 years (if you do the math you guys will know how old I am!) A short 4 years later I was happily married and on the way to starting our beautiful family!

My piece of the pie in this Belle group, is FITNESS!! When my husband was in chiropractic school we could not afford a gym membership. I was 50 pounds overweight after having 3 children in less than 5 years. When our youngest was one, I was on our bed and realized that I had just eaten an entire pan of magic bars and I knew I needed to change. I had been active before and I am a happy, love to talk to people, energetic and thought "Hey, I could be a fitness instructor." Get paid to workout! And that was the start of my love for exercise. I am seen almost always in my workout garb. Black. So I hope you recognize me in the Belle pictures. It is going on 11 years, and I have taught almost everything there is fitness wise to teach. I am living another dream right now and that is The YMCA's Wellness and Fitness Director. Another huge bonus to me teaching is I LOVE to cook, bake and eat! My favorite shows are Top Chef, The Next Food Network Star and Biggest Loser. Need I say more??

My connection to the rest of the Belles is of course Shannon! I am her friend and trainer. Leslie and Angela mentioned Las Vegas in their bio's. That was the starting race of this magical group. We have done 2 AWESOME trips! When I was in college, and before I was married I really thought I was going to be an International Business Woman! I had 4 years of French and just knew I would be traveling to France to do big deals! Well, that wasn't the plan then. But, dreams really do come true. You might not know when they will happen, but I guarantee if you set a goal, focus and are constantly positive you will be amazed at the opportunities that will come to you. That is why I love my quote "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves." Make your destiny and fulfill it BIG!

And who are YOU???

Welcome to Terrific Tuesday! On the theme of getting to know the Belles...today is my turn to tell you all about MOI! And in turn I am looking forward to reading about my fellow Belles and maybe learning a new thing or two about them!


Name: Angela Walters

Personal: Married to Keith for 16 years and proud Mommy of three children...Austin age 14, Reagan age 12 and Maison Belle age 6. My children are the joys of my life and my husband is a wonderful man who can do everything...and at fatherhood he is AMAZING!!

I am a Georgia native and a true Southern Belle who loves all things "Gone with the Wind", sweet tea, crossword puzzles, the beach and the GEORGIA BULLDOGS!!! I am usually seen wearing a pair of sunglasses, drinking a diet Coke through a straw and toting an US Weekly magazine. As everyone knows me will tell you, I love to remember the days of my youth and am always using the phrase "remember when??" I love singing, dancing, all genres of music, going to concerts and reality television. In fact I have been in love with broadcasting and a microphone since the age of five. My daddy worked for a radio station and from that age I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. My first job at the age of sixteen was working as the weekend disc jockey for the local radio station. After obtaining my Associate of Arts Degree from Young Harris College, I continued my education at the University of Georgia in which I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism.

Of course, it was hard finding a job in that field but finally I did...I began my career and got married all within 3 weeks of each other. I was the weather anchor for a television station in south Georgia and I loved it! Fast forward and here I am today...a stay at home mother of 14 years. I love what I do now but I will never forget the opportunity that I once had and getting to pursue my passion!

Being a part of the Belles has allowed me to find a new passion in my life...travel! I have always enjoyed going and doing and seeing new places...there is so much of the world out there and I love experiencing it! Life is so short and when opportunity presents itself you have to just take it and GO! I am the one in our group who loves to make people laugh. I love making people smile and being a good friend is so important to me! I also love all things pop culture and being aware of the latest fashion trends. I am super organized and tend to be a bit of a neat freak...and I really like to clean! I like to check into seeing all that might be going on where we are going and some of the fun things to do once we get there. I am the one who must have her lipstick on wherever we go and I love to accessorize. After all, a girl can never have too many pairs of shoes or purses! Shannon was the common thread that linked our group together but in doing so I have gotten to know and become friends with these four other awesome women. We have created memories that we will cherish forever. Getting the opportunity to go and see so many unique places has given me treasured experiences and when I return I am a much better person because I come back renewed and full of energy.

Life is such a short journey in the grand scheme of things. I think about that more and more when I look at my children and realize how quickly they are growing up. I never knew when I was holding my son as a baby that in the blink of an eye he would be a teenager. Which leads me to this...we need to ENJOY each and every day that is given to us. Traveling is enabling me to do just that, not only with the Belles but my own family as well. I am thankful my children have been able to go places more so than I ever did as a kid. Now as a grown-up, I am finally getting the chance to see places I always wanted to. You have to love to live and live to love...have fun and most of all, be the best YOU that YOU can be!

This week we have decided to re-introduce ourselves to our blog followers. Since many of you know maybe one or two of us but most don't know us all we thought it would be fun to give you a little background info. Enjoy getting to know each of us as we have enjoyed getting to know each of you!

Name: Leslie Maddox

Married: yes to Josh for 16 blissful years!

Age: not the oldest and not the youngest!!!

Children: Garrett(15), Paige (13) and Morgan (12)

Dream Belle Trip: Greek Isles if trip is abroad and California wine country stateside

Motto to live by: If you don't try you won't ever know!

I always hate those times when you are asked to describe yourself with one adjective! The reason being is that I can never do that! You know when you take those aptitude test that tell you what side of the brain you use most in order to decide if you are creative, analytical, calculating, etc? Well, I always score right down the middle!!! So I guess that makes me the organized creative one in the group! The girls often make fun of my compulsive desire to organize every detail but let it be said I am ALWAYS the one they go to for answers about what we are doing!

A native of Augusta, Georgia, I have always loved to travel. My husband, children and I love the idea of adventure and often take excursions instead of vacations so that we can explore the unknown! I have an undergraduate degree in history and have always dreamed of visiting all the places that I have studied! My idea of a perfect trip is one where I can find the off beaten path that only the locals know. If I can become a part of the town for the time I'm there and really get a flavor for how it is to live there I am happy. If I can make a friend to stay connected to the place forever -- even better!

How did I become a belle? As my children have grown out of the "playdate" mode I realized that I was missing the presence of girlfriends in my life. Enter the bellehopping group! As we all traveled to Las Vegas for Shannon's birthday it was obvious that we had found something that we all were craving! Friends and fellowship!!! I look forward to each outing, event or trip because it gives me the opportunity to spend time with these wonderful women who each add to my life and my enjoyment of the group!

Each of us brings something different to the group. All a part of a whole. I am the one who handles all the details, reads the fine print, makes the schedules, puts in the calls. I organize the trips! I most likely fell into this position because I'm a little bit of a control freak :) but honestly I LOVE being in the know. Good with surprises -- that's not me! I need to know that everything is worked out and the details are handled and then I can sit back and relax! I am also of a closet artist and love to use my creative side so if we have a party I handle the decorations and theme -- just cause it makes me happy and makes the belles happy!

Being a belle has given me the opportunity to make new friends, build on established friendships, step out of my box and take chances. I was always the rule follower and that's not a bad thing but I am learning that it's ok to take chances and try new things. I love seeing new places. I love that I can be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend because I am doing things that make me happy! I want to inspire my children to dance through life and enjoy the moment. For me it is part of what defines me -- gives me fresh air and just makes me smile!

Cruising PART 3

Well, tonight, I will finish up with 5, 7 and 8. These all have to do with getting on and off the ship, and what you can expect to pay for.

Well, when we got ready to check in to board the ship we thought we were doing GREAT by getting there at 1:30pm (you could check in at 1:00pm)..... so we flashed our passports and entered this HUGE holding tank, where they gave us all numbers and told us to wait..... well, WAIT is what we did! We ended up being the LAST group to make it on the ship. WHY? you ask.... well, it seems, groups take longer AND we had not run off the copies of our online boarding passes, so we had to fill out ALL of the forms all over again..... Lesson learned : go on line, fill out your pre-boarding info and MAKE COPIES of the boarding passes. AND show up early and prepare to wait. I think we have talked about the advantage to leaving the night before and driving down and staying at a cheap hotel.... then boarding as early as possible..... I am researching this because I met a couple from Port Canaveral and they said several motels near the docks give you FREE PARKING if you stay one night with them..... it will be worth it in the money you save on parking!

Also, try to bring as few bags as you can. I suggest packing everything into a carry-on. You do NOT have to pay extra money for extra bags, but you will have to check them in and they attendants will bring them to your room, and you are expected to tip them $2-$3 per bag (each way). Also, your room is not very big, so consider the space they will take up. They will have bags delivered sometime on the day you depart, but do NOT guarantee to have them there by dinner (and you cannot wear shorts or jeans to dinner) so wear something appropriate for dinner when you embark... you can pack your swim suit and cover-up in your carry-on.

Now, for the extra $$$ you will pay on-board. That is pretty much up to you. It will be for drinks, gambling, or souvenirs.... other than that, you can keep your money in your pocket. Also, you will want to count on taxi fares etc for when you get to the island.

Now for dis-embarking, you will have to have your bags packed and outside your cabin by 12 midnight the night before, if you have checked bags. (If you have only a carry-on you do not have to do this) Then, they will assign you a number and a place to meet... you wait till they call your number then the WHOLE group leaves at the same time..... this is very time consuming and will take atleast 1-2 hours total. Then you will end up in a warehouse where you find your bags, go thru customs and then exit...... remember there are limits to how much you can bring back into the country, so read up if you are thinking of buying a watch!

Cruising is an AWESOME value and you will leave feeling like a queen!! I look forward to cruising with all of you!

Tip of the day :

on-line check in - https://secure.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/boardingDocuments.do;jsessionid=0000bYaNnzRQJ1eUJ4wSIZDFCwN:12hdhu6tq

SMART CRUISING - Part 2

Now for part 2 of the Girlfriends Guide to SMART Cruising .......Ok... so here is a re-cap of a few things I will cover over the next blogs that you will need to know/ think about for out cruise : 1. clothing to bring (or NOT bring), 2. How to plan your day, 3. Things you WON'T have in your room, 4. Dinner options and what to expect, 5. going ashore/excursions, 6. participating in the "activities" on board, 7. Things you need to be prepared to PAY FOR, 8. Getting on and off the ship (what to bring and time expectations) and what happens to your bags.

So, I've already touched on 1&3, so today I will hit 2, 4 & 6. All of these deal with your "day" on the ship, which will either really make it or BREAK it, according to how you spend your time on your relatively short vacation.

Time is precious.... and COSTLY! Remember... even though this cruise was SUPER cheap.... you still spent PRECIOUS $$$ for it! Every minute is paid for and you should make the most of it! Now, don't misunderstand me, you don't have to be running from shuffleboard, to climbing wall to casino, to shuffleboard again every minute of the day. BUT, they will put a schedule under your door every night (and it will be in your room on the day you arrive) and it will list ALL available activities and the times they all occur..... this way, you don't have to miss out on ANYTHING! (or you can decide to just relax and miss it all, the choice is yours!) Here is one important piece of advise when traveling with your girlfriends..... remember, it's FUN to do stuff in a group, push yourself to stay connected, even when you feel like you want to just veg out.... do it with someone else! BUT it is also important for all of the girls in your group to understand and respect each others preferences...... (example: I will be spending some time in the casino, Elyse will not, she doesn't gamble, or particularly care for it.... so I won't be pressuring her to join me, but, she may decide to come watch me win my millions for a few minutes, just to show her support) We don't have to all love the same things to have a great time, and usually, if you stretch yourself, you may find you like something you have never thought you'd try.... like rock climbing, or wave surfing, or KARAOKE!!!! Which brings me to my next thought....

Let me tell you, I am not usually a "game player" with a bunch of strangers.... I want to stay in my little circle and hang with my friends.... BUT, on my recent trip to Bermuda my entire family mandated that we all go to these silly contests (trivia night, karaoke, newly wed game, scavanger hunt...etc) WELL, much to my surprise, it was one of the FUNNEST parts of the trip! I STRONGLY suggest getting your "teams" together and showing up for these activities on board.... you will meet new people and have a GREAT time to boot!! (we will try to put out a schedule where Bellehopping is going to compete in these and then get everyone to join in)

Lastly.... dinner. Well, I haven't gotten the details yet from Lois, but I will have all of us on the same dinner and hopefully all at the same tables. (the largest is a 10 top) Expect excellent service and LOTS of food!!! You can order as much off of the menu as you want (my brother-in-law often had 3 entrees at dinner!) The dress for dinner is pretty nice, and I suggest, again, one of those maxi dresses.... they don't get wrinkled and look great! There will be one formal night and we will try to schedule a time for the ENTIRE group to photograph together in the lobby. This also means we will all have the same "show" schedule. REMEMBER... cut loose and have a great time. And brush up on your karaoke and trivia!

CRUISE TIME #1

WELL.... I just got back off of the most WONDERFUL vacation ever! "WHAT could be that great?" I'm sure you're wondering.... well, let me tell you, it will take probably 5 blogs for me to give you all of the great details and check lists, so check back regularly with pen and paper in hand to create your own "to do" list for our "Girlfriend's Cruise" over the Labor Day weekend.

So, you may have guessed from that last line, I went on a cruise! It was a celebration for my in-laws for their 50th wedding anniversary and they paid for all of us (including the kids / cousins) to go (so BIG THANKS to Grammy!!) Here are a few things I will cover over the next blogs that you will need to know/ think about for out cruise : 1. clothing to bring (or NOT bring), 2. How to plan your day, 3. Things you WON'T have in your room, 4. Dinner options and what to expect, 5. going ashore/excursions, 6. participating in the "activities" on board, 7. Things you need to be prepared to PAY FOR, 8. Getting on and off the ship (what to bring and time expectations) and what happens to your bags.

Also, I will be talking to Lois and get her too book all of us at the same dinner seating and show times for the OPTIMAL good time!!

So, here goes 1 & 3 Clothes ETC

So, for this 5 night cruise, I REALLY overpacked! I packed 3 pair of dress pants, 6 nice shirts, 2 half decent cover ups, 1 swim suit, 2 pair of jeans, 3 bras, 6 pair of undies, 4 pair of shoes and OH!! I left my hanging bag at home (in the bathroom floor - another blog) with all of our formal stuff in it, so I borrowed 2 long maxi style dresses from my sis-in-law. ALL OF THIS for 6 days/ 5 night! I am here to tell you, I could have had just as great a time with half of this in a carry-on!

Here are the essential clothing items you NEED(as pictured above)!!! 3 maxi dresses (you know, the kind they sell for 19 $$ at TJ MAXX that are strapless or have thin straps, made out of light cotton or spandex and they could be a cover up or a dress) This is a MUST.... there are NO irons in your room, you can not get them, and you can not bring them, so, bring something that does not wrinkle, but dries fast. WHY?? well, I found, I did not want to keep going up and down the stairs to my room to change for meals.....so, I just put my suit on and thru the cute coverup over it and I was set.... All of the resturants let me in and then I just took it off for the pool. I wore it all day till it was time to go get ready for dinner/ show. My problem was I only had 2, so I had to re-wear it over and over.... so, bring 3 and you are set for every day..... ALSO, You could wear it to dinner too.... my sister - in law wore a really beautiful one for the formal night!! SO, You could bring 4 or 5 and need nothing else! ( I am still bringing my formal gown, though, because it is sooo much fun to dress up!)

Next, shoes...... COMFORT is key! Here is the deal, the ship WILL rock.... you WILL sway, and heels don't really work when you are trying just to stand up straight.... so, FLIP FLOPS! Go to Belk and buy a GREAT pair of Yellow Box flips for around $25 and it will be THE BEST $$ you spend! I would just pick one pair,something neutral, maybe silver sequins or something, so it could be dressy for dinner, and you are SET. (then pack one pair of dress shoes for formal night... but Yellow Box sells higher stacked heels too, so that would be the BEST option for comfort and stability)

Now for the suit... You need 2! I only brought one and that was a mistake.... I always had to put it on wet, every AM... so, bring something you can switch out. Maybe I can talk Lise into doing a blog on " HOW to find the PERFECT bathing suit for you body" with some links to different companies....I'll get on that! But, no matter what you bring, it will fit in.... I saw a little bit of everything (except thongs)

You will still need the required number of undies, but you really only need one bra, if you go with the maxi-dress swim suit combo. And just a side note while we are on this topic, remember your PJ's!! I forgot mine, but my roommate didn't mind :) yours most probably will!!!

Jewelry - for ANGELA - I did bring 3 rings and 2 bracelets, but only wore one set, on formal night. There are safes in all of the cabins, so if you want to bring more, it will be safe... it may just be more stuff to keep up with, and minimalistic thinking is key for this trip! Here is a nice little tip : really nice, expensive jewelry like Movado, Tag, Rolex and Cartier all all sold on the island for around 30% off.... so, if you save your $$, you may want to get a GREAT souvenir for a GREAT deal. ( I will deal with customs in a different blog)

How much Money should I bring??? Well, It is really all dependent on your budget, and what you like to bring home as a souvenir ( I like jewelry!) But, if you are not a gambler, or drinker, you really don't need any money for the ship, except for something at the spa or gift shop.... everything else is ALREADY paid.... (Also, remember, this is a cashless ship, so they will not except anything to pay for drinks, etc, except your room key. You can load this key with $$ if you want and you can go on line with your confirmation # and prepay for colas, H2o and wine.... we did the cola thing for the kids and it was WAY cheaper!! Def a MUST if you are addicted to diet coke!) Then on the island, you will have to pay for taxi/ ferry to the beach or Atlantis or where ever, so at least $20 for that (but you can split the fare). Now I love to gamble (we won $310 playing craps and blackjack on this trip!) and I will hopefully be able to set up a "class" in the casino when we get there for anyone wanting to learn... But I usually set a limit that I am willing to "lose" and when it's gone, it's gone. My limit is usually $25 a day..... but you know yours, so plan accordingly.

Now, the MOST important item to pack, is YOUR PASSPORT..... DO NOT FORGET IT!!! Also, make a couple of copies of your inside picture page and a couple of copies of your driver's license and give one set to your roommate and you carry a copy.... then put the real things in your safe in the room and ONLY take it out when you are going ashore, or home. We thought we had almost lost my daughter's passport and that would have RUINED the trip!

If I missed something, please comment on the blog and let's get a dialogue going!!!

"Jetsetting on the Cheap" advise for the day : Shop for your maxi dresses ON LINE at Amazon.com and Overstock.com you will look VERY hip and current for half the $$. If you aren't into shopping online, go to Loehman's on North Druid Hills Rd in ATL and I bought my satin Calvin Klein black formal there for $25 on sale! And here is the link to buy the Yellow Box on line at Belks... they are having a 70% off sale NOW... so hurry!!!! BELKS (just click here)

Everyone is a Belle this time!!!

Sex and The City 2 premieres this Thursday, May 27th! It is true I am a HUGE fan of the show and the first movie so I am of course VERY excited about the second movie coming out! I can't wait to go see the movie and celebrate the girls! While the movie is already being reviewed as wonderful I have to honestly say that it is only part of the reason I can not wait for the release. The other reason is that we have created a Belle event centered around it!!!

Now you may wonder why??? Why would a travel group decide to celebrate a movie release? Are we all HUGE fans? Not at all! Do we all secretly identify with Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, or Miranda? Probably but we wouldn't necessarily admit to it ;) Are we all dying to wear a fabulous pair of stilettos? I for one am not!!! Then what is the draw?

SATC2 is about celebrating women and their relationships with each other...and this movie centers around an amazing girl trip!!! Do you see the picture? It is the Belle motto after all -- great women, great times and a great trip!!! When we had our last outing I was going on and on about the movie ( did I mention I am a fan:) and as always with the Belles as fabulous idea occurred! LET'S THROW A PARTY!!!! We have been wanting to do a one day Belle trip lately after all!!!

So the idea was born and the planning began! As with any other Belle trip Shannon took to the fb page and put the idea and word out (even before all Belles were on board -- ha,ha )! Although this isn't an away trip the planning has been the same ... details go to Leslie .... style goes to Lise .... reservations go to Elyse (we are pulling her kicking a screaming this time but as always she is a good sport) ... and celebrity coverage to Angela of course! We started talking to friends and a major event that will revival the official New York premiere is underway!

Eight sponsors later we have an amazing location, gifts for the guests that would thrill any celeb and will definitely pamper our gals, a fabulous themed buffet of appetizers and a drink list that will leave everyone talking ;), and a look that will have us feeling like we were on the movie set!!! Remember -- the champagne taste of the Belles!!! We have pulled of an amazing feat and can't wait for our friends to join us!

So, this Friday, May 28th at 7pm join us at HighWire Lounge on Clayton St. in Athens. The backroom is the VIP lounge and THE PLACE TO BE!!! Come dressed as Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, Miranda, Big, Aidan or just YOU!!! Come party with the Belles and enjoy what we enjoy -- time to celebrate who we are, why we are worth it, and what wonderful friends we have that love us no matter what! Everyone is a Belle this time and we can't wait to see you!

FRIENDS

What a whirlwind few months. I am making time to blog and grateful to the rest of the belles who have continued to keep the blog running. We have bought a house and are selling our house (no bites yet) all the while still homeschooling, training, working, getting kids to all kinds of practices, keeping the house clean, making dinner,keeping my husband happy and MOVING! Just another day.....I have to remind myself how blessed I am in love,home, family and friends. I had a conversation with my sister the other day ( she and her family are finally moving back home after being gone for over 1o years!) about having the belles as friends. My sister was venting about a supposed friend who talks about her behind her back. She had gone on a weekend girl trip and said they had a blast! Now that they are home the snide remarks come out. At first I was thinking that I really don't have one true friend, and then I stopped and said "I have the Belles". I am now 37 and know that even though the belles don't see each other every day or even talk every day, the friendship and commitment we have formed is strong. We are 5 strong, beautiful women who have realized the importance of women friends. Who else is there that understands how much we do with kids, homes, and families? Other women. So I am publicly saying thank you to my Belles for loving me and caring about me while I have been swamped with everyday life. I want women everywhere to have the same. It takes time and commitment but aren't all good things worth it?

What to "carry-on" when you can only bring a "carry-on"!!

And they said it couldn't be done!! Well guess what??? I, the Queen of Packing WAY too much did it!! Did what you might ask?? I achieved something that I literally have stressed about for 8 months! I packed for 4 days in nothing but a carry-on suitcase.
That's right...you heard correctly...EVERYTHING!! Toiletries, travel rollers for my massive hair, shoes and outfits...and let us not forget the ever important ACCESSORIES!!! I even packed the cute red hat I purchased in Park City, Utah at Mary Janes. Might I say it looked pretty fab the morning I wore it to meet Lady Liberty!
Last week I traveled to the big city...NEW YORK CITY...with my son's 8th grade gifted class. About 45 of us went...including students, two teachers and moms and dads as chaperones. This trip had been in the works since these kiddos were 7th graders and we have been planning and paying for it all year long. Finally the week arrived for our big journey. We flew out of Atlanta last Tuesday morning at nine. Nothing like going through security with a bunch of teenagers...but it all went off without a single problem.
In the planning process, we were told that to avoid extra charges as well as the headache of checking in baggage, that we could only bring a carry on. NO checked baggage. Well, as my Belles know, this chick has a little bit of a problem when it comes to the packing department. I never quite know how I will FEEL on a certain day so I like to pack options in the outfits department. Thus lies the stressful issue at hand for me...how to pack, what to pack and knowing that whatever I pack its a one a day choice...no options!!
Since I knew we would be doing lots of walking, shoes for the first time in my LIFE, were not a deal breaker. I wore sneakers the entire time...shameless plug here...Reebok Easytones ROCK! Seriously, if you are wanting an athletic shoe that works your legs AND looks good these are an awesome choice! I LOVE THEM!! I brought one other pair to wear...fashionable grey ones for one other option...and that is it! You heard it folks...two pairs of shoes! I won't even go into detail how hard it was for me to not wear heels in the city of fashion. I mean WWCT??? What would Carrie think?? (I am sure you know who I am talking about here and can I say EVERYWHERE around NYC there are billboards, sides of buses and signs promoting the new movie. One of my most favorite shows ever and I cannot wait until the movie comes out!)
Now onto the clothes...I knew it would be on the chilly side so I wore layers. Those yummy wraps that you see in all the stores are absolutely perfect for such a thing. I adore Ann Taylor Loft and I found some cute things there for the trip. Everything was lightweight, didn't wrinkle and easy to pack. Add some cute jewelry and even with the sneakers, the outfits looked cute if I do say so myself.
When it came to the toiletries I went with the bare minimum. And since you all know how I love my aerosal hairspray, I was able to pack a 2 ounce can and it worked just fine. Plus one of those days I wore a hat...no spray needed! I even was able to pack my make-up and I refuse to not go without that!!
Before my trip I did go to TJ Maxx...I LOVE that store...and bought a really cute and chic leopard print carry-on suitcase that met airplane regulations. It was perfect and as soon as everyone saw it they all had to say they totally knew who that suitcase belonged to! Hmmmm...I wonder why???
I am really proud of myself for being able to get it all in a carry-on. I know that this is so easy for so many of my friends out there, but it is a big deal to me. Added bonus...being able to get off the plane and just go! No need to wait around at baggage claim and I loved not having to spend a dime to take my stuff on my trip!
One last thought, New York City was amazing! I so loved experiencing it with my oldest child. This was his last big middle school moment before heading to highschool in the fall (sniff, sniff!). We created so many wonderful memories, our days were crammed full from sun-up to late at night and we saw and did EVERYTHING! Even got to see "The Lion King" on Broadway which was spectacular!! I will have to post another blog just to talk about all the fabulous things we did and saw. Just remember, if this Belle can pack it all in one bag, so can you! It can be done and just think about the money you will save not checking in your luggage. More money for you to shop and have fun!!

What's A Belle to Do?

I have to admit that I LOVE hanging out with the belles! That has to be obvious right? Anyway, since we are five different women with five different lives it takes a LOT of work to get us together. That usually means that we can't do a "belle" event on the whim. So what do you do when something great is going on and you want to attend and the belles aren't all available? You grab a friend and go!

The purpose of us deciding to be a travel group was to encourage each other to try new things, take on challenges, and develop strong friendships that will stand the test of time. As a belle we never want to discourage each other because we can't all get together and share the adventure. We also realize that while we are GREAT friends we aren't our ONLY friends!

This past weekend the chance to see Lady Antebellum and Tim McGraw in concert was too tempting! I grabbed a four pack of tickets from Ticketmaster and called a "girls night out!" Shannon was the belle available and I talked my sister and her friend Sara into joining us! We had a blast! Who can resist a girls night out that starts at noon???

Shannon and I headed up to Atlanta and hit one of my favorite spots: Vintage Village on Scenic Highway in Snellville. Love to rummage through little haunts that haven't figured that they could raise the prices about 3x's and they still would be offering bargains! I did mention I was with Shannon right? So, next stop of course -- TJMaxx! New shoes, new dress and a surprise for Angela all in about 30 minutes! On to my sis' to pick up the rest of the group and off to see the show!

We arrived in time to tailgate -- girl style of course. We dined on edamame salad, sushi, western salsa, hummus and london broil. We each enjoyed our favorite beverage of choice and enjoyed the scenery.

The concert was amazing! Lady Antebellum hold a special place in the heart of any Augusta girl like me. Tim McGraw was AWESOME as usual! Did I mention that he provides eye candy for no extra charge?

As great as everything was I realized that the experience of sharing time with friends and family was what I loved most! The belles have inspired me! Before becoming a belle I would have only thought about taking the day for myself. I have become empowered to celebrate the things I love. I have become challenged to make time for myself and my friends so that my relationships of all kinds remain solid. Finally, I have become aware that I am important and worth the expense (big or in this case little) and that I am worth it!

Lise recently did a girls weekend to Savannah with some of her friends and I realized that she too came back a different person. Angela just returned from New York with her son -- a dream come true! The belles may not be together all the time but we work hard at living vicariously through each other and encouraging each other to GO FOR IT!!!

Thanks girls!!! (oh, don't forget -- Next weekend Belle trip ;)

DOWN TIME

Ok,..... so it seems we have ALL been taking some much needed "down time" here on our blog.... well... nap time is over! We have a newspaper article, a magazine article (hopefully with the cover of us!!), the Peach Tree Road Race training/ race, a possible summer weekend trip to the beach and the Bellhopping Labor Day Girlfriends Cruise to get ready for. But I wanted to kick start this new wind with some ideas about the importance of taking a break from your girlfriend group, to get perspective. As women, we LOVE, well, really NEED the interaction we get from our close girlfriends. It's something guys still don't "get" and probably never will. But, sometimes we lose our perspective on important things, such as kids, husbands, households and jobs when we invest ALL of our time planning our next GREAT ADVENTURE. Now, hear me say, there is NOTHING wrong with planning that next big trip and getting everyone excited, but remember.... everyone includes ALL of the people on your support team as well.... the one's who WON'T be going.

I bring this up for us to all remember WHO it is that makes it possible for all of us moms, wives and worker-bees to go. Yes, you may be able to wiggle your way into one, maybe two trips without the blessings of your family and boss, BUT the fun will stop there.

Take some time to plan your trip, but in the down time, between the great big check marks on your bucket list, remember to play a lot more, enjoy the carpool line a little bit ( I KNOW it's hard), cook more favorite meals, and put a spring in your step at work.... this lets all of those "little people" know how much you love, respect and appreciate them.... and that YOU are a better person for them!!

What Makes A Good "Belle"

When trying to decide who you want to travel with, I think it is important to keep in mind the traits of any good relationship. Blake, Shannon's husband sent us this link saying that he thought "belles" should be the kind of person who would be in a healthy relationship. Although this is talking about relationships and one might think it would mean of opposite sex it also can be applied to ALL relationships! Take a look at this article and see what we consider to be qualities fit for a belle!

Not long ago, I published an article about six qualities to admire in others, and the response was extraordinary. I prefaced the article by saying that the six I mentioned were by far not an exhaustive list, but included those traits that seemed especially hard to find. In reading all of the comments, however, I was inspired to write a follow-up list that covers some of the other qualities that I, as well as others, believe to be important when looking for friendships and relationships with others.

Our relationships are vital to our mental well-being. However, toxic relationships can really do a number on our happiness and outlook on life. As a result, it is important to look for individuals who possess qualities that allow for healthyrelationships. Although, once again, not an exhaustive list, the qualities listed below are those that should be at the very heart of a healthy relationship. And, just as you would expect your friend, family member or loved one to display these qualities, it is just as important to reciprocate.

1. Loyalty: Whether it's in friendships or in family, loyalty is truly important to maintain a healthy relationship. All of us are guilty, at one time or another, of making mistakes, having ups and downs, and even displaying some behavior that we may not always be proud of. When we find friends or loved ones who can forgive us and stand by us…even during our worst moments…we should be especially grateful. That said, loyalty should never be taken for granted and we should always be deeply appreciative when it comes our way.
2. Respect: I once knew an individual who was very opinionated about political topics. She would talk down to people who disagreed with her and would be very disrespectful. Not only did she make people feel stomped on, but she left many disinterested in friendship. Treating others with kindness and the respect they deserve is important in gaining the respect that WE desire. It never feels good to be taken for granted, judged or used and it doesn’t feel good to be talked down to or treated rudely or inappropriately. There will be times that we may not always have full agreement with our friends or loved ones, but respecting them along the way is a must.
3. Unconditionally There: There is nothing worse than having someone always resurface in your life when they are in need, are looking for something or need a favor. In a culture of “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours,” it is somewhat rare to find those “who just scratch your back,” period. Finding individuals who want you in their lives just because…and not because they want something in return is refreshing and worth holding on to. Those who are generous of heart are to be treasured!
4. Trustworthy: I once worked with a woman who, within my first week on the job, felt the need to tell me all of the intimate details of the various extra-marital affairs that had occurred with the management of the firm. She was supposedly friends with these people and I have no doubt, was told this information in the most strictest of confidences. How she felt it was appropriate to divulge this information to a new-hire like me, I still have no idea. But, it was her nature to gossip about everyone and everything. If you share something in confidence, you should be able to trust that the information will remain that way.
5. A Genuine Sounding Board: Taking a genuine interest in what others have to say and really listening to someone is important in developing solid relationships. Letting go of the “me, me, me” and focusing on the other person not only makes the other person feel valued and appreciated, but they feel that they can really talk to someone who cares. Those who take the time to really listen to our thoughts and feelings, and then help us work through difficult times and situations, share our lives at a much deeper level than those who don’t. These are individuals worth hanging on to.
6. Dependability and Following Through: I had a friend who frequently would RSVP to small gatherings and then would never show. They never explained…never brought it up…and never apologized. Although this example is somewhat trivial, it still makes the point. Obviously there are times when things come up that prevent individuals from following through on what they promise, but if a friend, co-worker or family member perpetually drops the ball, they may be sending you a message. If a friend says they are going to do something or be somewhere, you should be able to count on them. And, in reciprocation, they you.

What traits do you look for in a friend or partner? Are your relationships healthy?

THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT !

So, I have an iphone... and let me tell you, I don't know HOW I ever lived without it! Really, I don't WANT to remember. I can Facebook, surf and play Mancala during all the "downtime" in my life. Who could ask for more? Well, just when you thought it couldn't get any better.... I found BRAND NEW APPs, and they are just for travel!! I will tell you, I have only tested these, but I am sure they will really come in handy on my next trip to Europe or the Caribbean. All of these cost less than $3 a piece, and some of them were FREE!
Here's what I got : eCurrency (it is a currency converter for any place you may travel.... this is updated DAILY so you can make sure you are getting enough Euro for your Buck), Translate It! (a translator in 14+ languages), TripDeck ( an organizer for all of your trips and info that can link you directly to your airline to check in on your phone or connect with your hotel or rental car... really amazing!), The New York Subway Map, Eat-a-Rama ( which locates you and then all of the places to eat around you), Measures (converts American to metric measurements), AAA Discounts (just what it says), Urbanspoon( "local" joints off the beaten path), Vicinity (locates you and then sends you to Wikipedia to tell you something about the place, history, pubs, cafes, banks etc where you are standing.... it uses GPS... very cool!).

These things, in my opinion are a MUST and I am on the look out for more! Let me know if you you have AWESOME travel apps that I can add to my list.

Five Meals for Five Days Away

Why try? This is a great dish for entertaining or for a weeknight meal because you can make it ahead before baking and then refrigerate or freeze it to bake right before serving. If you freeze it, make sure to use a freezer-safe dish and allow it to thaw completely before baking.

Ingredients

• 6 cups pulled white chicken meat
• 24 ounces Mexican blend shredded cheese, divided in half
• 2 bunches green onions, tops only, chopped, divided in half
• 2 – 10 3/4 ounce cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 – 4 ounce can green chilies, chopped
• 3 cups sour cream
• 1 cup pitted black olives, sliced
• 12 – 6 inch flour tortillas

Preparation

• 1
  Preheat oven to 350°F.
  
• 2
  Combine half the cheese, half the green onions, cream of chicken soup, chilies, sour cream, and olive. Set aside 2 cups of this mixture for the topping. Add the chicken to the remainder for filling and mix well.
  
• 3
  Put 2 heaping tablespoons on each tortilla and roll up tightly. Arrange seam-side down in a single layer in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
  
• 4
  Spread reserved topping, sprinkle over second half of cheese and green onions. Refrigerate overnight or freeze.
  
• 5
  Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until hot, golden, and bubbling. Serve.
  

Why try? This is a great dish for entertaining or for a weeknight meal because you can make it ahead before baking and then refrigerate or freeze it to bake right before serving. If you freeze it, make sure to use a freezer-safe dish and allow it to thaw completely before baking.

New favorite from the Food Channel -- great and the kids love it!

When it weighs more, you pay more!

One thing I am learning about traveling via airplane is that the glamorous days of flying have become a thing of the past. Getting to experience a true "fun" time of flying is not what it used to be...case in point...the paying of your luggage! Checking in your luggage can be a total nightmare! Suitcases can only weigh a specific amount and anything over that limit is subjected to an increase in money due...and this isn't paid just when flying your suitcase to your destination...on the contrary...you have to pay it to get it back home too! You also pay per piece of each bag you check in...as of February 1st...some airlines are now charging 25 dollars per bag under 50 pounds. If you go over the weight limit, you are looking at 40 to 50 dollars just for that one piece! Let me tell you, it is hard to get that bag under 50 pounds! Especially when you are traveling to cold destinations where you are having to pack boots, coats and bulky items. Unfortunately, I don't think this will be going away anytime soon. But I am not a fan at all of this...I mean, its like an extra 50 bucks just to fly your luggage! On top of the 200 dollar airline ticket you just bought....and don't even think about anything "extra" on the plane. Blankets and pillows aren't free for use anymore and all meals have to be bought. You do however get a drink for free....isn't that special?? So the one thing I am really noticing now is that people are taking carry-ons instead of checking in their luggage. That is free and if you can pack light and not worry about taking with you any aerosols or big bottles of makeup then you have it made! My next blog is going to focus on the art of packing lightly. Something I am learning with each and every Belle trip I take. There are WAY too many other things I would like to spend my 50 bucks on...and it isn't flying my suitcase! Especially now that I have to BUY a NEW suitcase for my next trip since the lovely airline ruined my suitcase on our Sundance journey! I still haven't gotten over that! Flying though is still the best way to get to your destination...not having to spend all your time driving is so worth it! Having to deal with all the little nuances of the flying experience is just something we as travelers will have to do...whether we like it or not!

Jet Setting on the "CHEAP"... FOR REAL??

So, I guess by now you are thinking to yourself.... "yeah, those trips sound great, I'd LOVE to do something like that"......"but that's not something I can afford.... that's for RICH people". Well, I'm here to tell you, YOU can afford it.... it's NOT just for RICH people.... Lord knows none of us are! So, let me tell you HOW to do it. There are 3 main ideas you need to embrace in order to start your worldly travels with your girlfriends.

The first is TALK. You need to start talking to everyone involved in your trip planning process, especially your support network. Your support network is the KEY link in this whole process. They will be the ones who pick up your kids from school, do homework, and put them to sleep at night. They will manage the household duties that you usually perform. So, it is important to talk to them and help them understand the importance of girlfriends hanging out and bonding ALONE for a few days, here and there. It's important to let them know you need to keep/find your identity as a woman, not JUST a mom, wife and daughter.

Next is PLAN. Planning is KEY (see Leslie's post). It will enable you and your friends make the best / cheapest decisions well in advance. When I took the Belles to Vegas for my 40th birthday, I had to make the RIGHT decisions to get as many people there for the lowest amount of money.... I used Hotwire for my FABULOUS rooms at the Wynn and my rental car.... and I checked airfares daily! Ultimately I sent myself and 4 other girls to Vegas in a 5 start hotel for 3 nights (including airfare) for less than $1000. That was a result of early and intense planning.

Thirdly is SAVE. This is the most important part for those pinching pennies. I am not suggesting that any one "break the bank" on this one. In fact, I am suggesting just the opposite. There are two ways to go about this.... the first is to set up your own bank account and be dedicated to add to it every WEEK. Why do I say week? Well, it's because it is HARDLY NOTICEABLE from the family finances if you are careful about how you save AND you cut back on small things every week. For example.... one way I saved money was to cut two trips to McDonald's out a week (that saved $25 a week!!!) SO, then you live up to your "cutbacks" go directly to the bank and deposit it there. Now, the second way, and what I am trying to implement for The Belles, is PAYPAL. I suggest setting up a Paypal account that all of the travelers have access to and decide on an amount ($20-25 a week) that is good for all the girls. Just know that if you choose too low of an amount, it may not be taken too seriously, so STRETCH yourselves… it will increase your dedication to the trip AND your friends.( 425/week = $100/month which means 2 “bigger “ trips a year!) Why Paypal? Well, it is not only easy access (we all use our computers constantly), but it keeps everyone "onboard" and motivated because they all can see who has contributed and how much.... sometimes peer-pressure is not so bad.

So, make the cut-backs (5 Starbucks = $25) so if you combine 2 Starbucks + 1 McDonald's trip....Voila... You'll be Jet Setting in NO TIME!!

Everything but the kitchen sink

I am a little bit of a control freak when I am traveling. I think the idea of being in a new place without my necessities puts me over the edge. Whatever the cause I needed a cure when I started traveling with the belles. I have found that my carry on is my security blanket, my pacifier, my teddy bear -- you get the picture! So, what's in my carry on that makes me feel so safe? Take a look inside my bag to see what I can't live without.

1. I always carry an emergency set of clothes. I admit it, I am always afraid that my luggage will not arrive with me to my destination, so I always carry that most comfortable pair of black pants and black pull over that can get me from sight seeing to cocktails in a pinch. I find matte Jersey is a great material to pack -- light weight, won't wrinkle, stuffable in a side pocket and looks great dressed down or dressed up!

2. All my meds that I might need while away are packed safe and secure with me on the plane. More than once I have suffered from a tension headache while traveling only to find that my Excedrin was neatly packed away in the belly of the plane. Since airlines now charge more than a hospital for a motrin having my meds within grasp is extremely important. Also, I feel much more at ease for the unforeseen emergency if I have my meds listed on an index card in a ziploc with the bottles if ever anyone needed to know what I was taking and why. You just never know and better safe than sorry!

3. Travel size cosmetics -- remember the airlines have strict rules about the size of liquids that can be taken onto the plane. I for one think this is one of the few airline rules that makes perfect sense. Too many times we have read about how liquids and cosmetics were used to harm. Besides, travel sizes are available for everything these days. If my trip is long or if I am leaving very early in the morning I don't bother with make up before boarding. I do however want to arrive at my destination ready to take on the world. So, neatly packed into a quart size ziploc you will find my travel size tooth brush, toothpaste, lotion, mineral makeup, lipstick and hairspray. The total makeover package!

4. Any jewelry that I am taking. Probably do not even need to defend this one. Just better safe than sorry! Just so many of you are at ease -- I don't take all my valuable jewelry with me but still anything chosen rides safely with me the whole time!

5. Book,magazines, and ipod. These have become my staples for my flying time. Lots of the belles choose to sleep while flying -- I'm not great at that, so having entertainment does wonders. I find the plane is the perfect place to start/finish the latest book choice. As for my ipod -- relatively new for me but great since I can load it with new music, movies, and tv shows that I haven't had the chance to watch. Perfect time to put on the ear phones and lose myself until we arrive.

6. Expandable folder with all my printed reservations, tickets, and travel plans. What good is my rental car reservation info packed in my suitcase? You never know when you are going to need your hotel number because your plane is late and you need a later check in. What about the numbers of your guide to let them know that you are on the way? Perfect place for all of this is of course the carry on.

7. Pillow and blanket. American Airlines just announced that due to the economy they are now going to charge a rental fee for the use of blankets and pillows! This is absurd!!! Besides, I can't stand the thought of who was using it last, when it was washed and where it was stored -- I know a little on the OCD side -- so I take my own. Problem solved!

8. Netbook or laptop and digital camera. I personally carry my netbook when traveling. It is more light weight and smaller. Also, I know when I travel I just need basic operating software and the netbook is perfect for that. I can stay in touch with internet via fb, email and such and I can open the basic pdf if I need to and review it. If you know you are going to be needing lots of files and specific software applications like photoshop then you will want your laptop. Either way, don't regret packing it and then something happening to it! My camera also travels in my carry on. When I travel I go for a slimline camera that fits neatly into my carry on.

9. I always pack a light snack. Unless you are on international flights these days or traveling first class you won't be offered a "free" meal. The cost for a sandwich or for cheese and crackers is outrageous. Most airlines allow you to pack an unopened snack in your carry on. I find a great trail mix, pack of crackers, or granola bar is a life saver when the snack cart starts tempting me!

10. Lightweight jacket or sweater. Often times you leave one climate and enter another. Always be prepared (Yes, I was a girl scout!). That early evening breeze might leave you chilly when you arrive and are waiting for your cab or shuttle bus. Plus, why take the chance that you might go over the 5olb rule by packing it in your suitcase.

Bottom line is I carry anything I might need to get from my departure sight to my arrival sight without opening my suitcase in my carry on. I always choose a carry one with wheels and a handle that maneuvers easily through the airport. Although I have packed for my entire trip in a carry on before that is not my objective in most cases. Generally I fly but I definitely think the same rules apply for a road trip. The carry on bag needs to be easily accessible with your essentials and fundamentals at your finger tips!

Since I often pack in a hurry to make sure that I have everything I need I keep a laminated list inside the pocket of my carry on. It makes gathering up and packing a snap!

One note -- you will notice that I did not include my purse in my carry on. I don't pack my purse -- I always have it with me. In addition, I don't pack money, passport, boarding passes, or cell phone. Almost everyone takes a carry on and many will look just like yours. Why take the chance with someone accidentally walking off with your and leaving you completely stranded!