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!

AA (Airport Aerobics)

When I travel, I have a VERY hard time because it requires a lot of sitting. Sitting in the car to get to the airport, sitting in the chairs waiting to board and sitting in the plane waiting to arrive. And that can be hours. So, one thing I really like to do is walk around while I am waiting to board the airplane. Now I am not a stroller, I like to move. People do look at me as I am pumping my arms walking briskly up and down the airport halls! It really makes me feel better and every little activity helps to keep my spirits up. When you are on the plane, it is harder to move around. I carry my ipod and listen to some high energy music and dance in my seat. Yes, I am sure I look silly, but it is definitely fun! Unfortunately, I like to sing too. I tap my toe, I rock side to side and yep, I even squeeze the glutes. The singing part works my face muscles! Quietly of course. I haven't tried to do squats yet but that is a great option. I think I look silly enough singing and dancing in my seat, but hey, movin' and grovin' keeps us healthy and strong.

I Want to Travel Like a Belle

So many of you have stopped me and said, "I want to travel like the belles," or, "It must be nice to be able to jetset away for the week - wish I could!" To those of you who know me personally the comments have been more like, "How can YOU afford to take trips to Vegas and Sundance?" Believe me, if I were you I would be making the same comments!

I am here to tell you that traveling like the belles is a possibility for anyone! We are a group of five women that are mothers (17 kids between us) who live on budgets just like everyone else. The difference is that we have made our "belle trips" a priority in our lives! The key to "belle travel" is planning, preparing and prioritizing.

As with any activity planning is key! When we started getting together and realizing that we NEED time with our friends and that we weren't interested in another book club or mommy play group we set out a plan on how to make this work. Key to our plan was being realistic about when we could travel, where we could go and how we were going to pay for the trips! We have found that after Christmas -- January/February has been a great time of the year for us to plan trips. Rates are low after the holiday boom, kids activities are at a minimum and for the most part our husband's jobs seem calmer this time of year. We are open to other times of the year but for the past couple of years looking at our calendars this has worked for us! Next on our planning is where we can go - our motto is be open to anything! When we are together we "dream" together of places to go and they all go on to a list. Then when we see a great deal available or a great event taking place in one of our "dream" spots we put the gears in motion. This year for example was Sundance -- dream trip for me and Angela -- perfect time of the year (January) -- available condo (thanks to Shannon's RCI points) and the trip was born!!!

Preparing started in August, so you can see that we had lots of time to find great airfare, eating establishments, register for tickets, and look for great activities with discounts. We also start saving for the trip as soon as we decide on where to go so that we aren't robbing our family budgets and also so we can pay for as much as possible before we arrive. A tip that many of the belles use is to save monthly -- set aside $50 into a savings account -- most often it isn't missed but there to spend when you need it. We find that budgeting is a key part of our preparation. It gives everyone a realistic view of the trip. We are very mindful of making sure that we aren't over the top with expenses and try and find deals in every possible way. We also prepare our families -- find sitters, plan meals, move appointments so that our travel isn't a burden on our husbands and children.

Once we enter the planning stage the prioritizing becomes very important! We want to include everyone's wants and desires in our trip so that no one is left wishing they hadn't come with us. Communication is key here -- speak now or forever hold your peace!!! We pull all the desires of the trip together and look and see what we can realistically afford to do. We dream big so when we score a great deal on ski lessons for example we add it to the trip. When we find a great dinner spot liked Snowed Inn we book it and find the coupons that make it more affordable. Knowing that shopping is a passion not a hobby for most of us we search for the best local boutiques and make finding them a must! We also decide what is the primary reason for the trip -- in the case of Park City it was to see movies so we bought as many tickets as possible to movies before we went and were able to see 17 movies in one week!

Gathering information about where we are going is key to the preparation, planning and prioritizing stages! We search all over the internet, join facebook pages, send for travel brochures, and ask, ask and ask questions of anyone we can find that has been before us!

Jetsetting with the belles is a pleasure but it is also necessary. We find that spending time together as friends rejuvenates us and revives our relationships with each other and our families. We don't take these trips lightly -- we plan, we prepare and we prioritize. Keep these steps in mind and "belle" trips will be in your future!

The Importance of Women Friends

Sometimes in our society, women are portrayed as back-stabbing, jealous, gossipy busy queens, with out real friends. I can honestly say I am grateful for this friendship the belles have together. It is true, that we only had one common denominator when we started this wonderful adventure, Shannon. But as our wise leader noted, we came together for a purpose. That purpose binds us 5 different, opinionated, loving women and shows all women it can be done. As Leslie posted earlier it is about compromises. We are there for each other, to build each other up and to learn how to be a better friend. I want my daughters to see how wonderful and meaningful it is to have true women friends! To see the comradeship, the laughter, the silliness, the work it takes to get along. There are times when only another women knows what you are going through. That connection that is there from being a wife, a mom, a sister, a daughter, a friend , a women. I give a loud HALLELUJAH for all the true friendship that have survived through time and distance. It is hard. I know I have lost some along the way, but I have wonderful memories and I have a hope that there will be a reconnection one day. I also have those who have been with me for years and will always be there. I have been blessed in my life with all different women friends. I meet new ones everyday. I learn from every single one. I say to all women out there," WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER" and that would be surviving true friendship. I will have these belles with me forever!

RE......think.

So I thought that I would blog a little bit about the "theme" of Sundance this year... REBEL. It is something, that I am sure many of you find, not a bit surprising, that I am an expert in!! Well, I have to say, I am glad to see Sundance heading back into the original direction it was in when I first started attending the festival, almost 10 years ago. Back in the day, and even before.... Sundance was a festival committed to bringing new artist, directors, writer, actors together, exposing the broader public to a grittier, somehow more "real", raw, gorilia style of film making. It was an artistic endevour for all "small fish in a VERY big pond" filmmakers to have their film even considered for the festival, even greater to get in! I have seen some genius films in the past, made for very little money ($25,000 or so) and being SO happy for the director when he / she stands up in the crowd to accept the accolades of the cheering film aficionados and shyly answer intriguing questions at the Q&A..... But then, something changed, around 2004 or '05.... films started appearing on the roster that were already "picked-up" by MAJOR labels.... no more of the "poor filmmaker, 'I put it all on my credit card'", kind of stories. Instead, they were all "tapped" by the institute (Sundance Institute). They all "knew the right people".....

So, why go to an "independent" film festival, if it's "corporate"?? I think that must be the question many people began to ask not only themselves, but Sundance, as well..... When you have to be bothered by hoping traffic is not cut off because Brittany Spears is coming down the sidewalk with an entourage, you know it's gotten WAY TOO TRENDY. Trendy is NOT independent!

This year, though, was a breath of fresh air. Maybe it was because of the recession, and only people who really WANTED to watch movies came. Or maybe it was the selection of very indie feeling, gritty films about rebellion, rock & roll and freedom movements that kept the weaker away..... THANK GOODNESS! This year, the theme was "rebel" but it was also "re _____" in general.... you know, rethink, renew, redux, reveal...etc... you get the picture. Basically, rethink what you know, what you do, who you see and make it all better, more original, more.... REal.

Shannon