Uh-oh. When are we leaving?
My brother taught me this one long ago. When packing, roll your clothes. It’s amazing what will fit in those tight corners in that suitcase…and in that handbag you’re packing…and in those funny side pockets in your luggage. Plus, it helps avoid those hard crease lines you get from folding and it’s much quicker to do. The trick is to roll and place the bulkiest things in first…the chunky sweaters & jeans. Then things that you just can’t roll like those wedge boots (in your shoe bag, of course) and makeup bag. Then stuff the little rolls around that…the tees, scarves, bikinis, undies…and don’t forget, stuff your shoes with socks. You’ll be amazed at what a terrific packing job you’ve done…your travel partner may even say, “that’s the only bag you’re bringing?” Ha, little do they know what’s inside! Thanks, Chris, for the tip. Now, T minus 5 hours until we leave for a Naples getaway weekend and check out my side of our Tumi. Should be interesting with a toddler running around “helping”. Also, check out the other side…hmm, maybe my husband needs a reminder? Have a great weekend…I’m off to become a rolling queen!
Shubi Pink Ruffle Shoe Bag
I love shoes…and when I have a really nice pair, I protect them like my first born. So, whether I’m schlepping across town in more comfortable flip flops and toting them in my…well, tote or packing them in my suitcase for my next adventure away from home, I always carry them in bag. This is, first and foremost, because I don’t want accidental pen marks, lipstick smudges, or exploded shampoo all over my pretties. But, also because I’ve seen the grime and gunk that can remain on their soles…which is NOT about to get on all my other pretties. It wasn’t until recently, though, that I started using bags worthy of my shoes. To be honest, many plastic drugstore bags have made their way into my suitcase and handbag over the years. That was only until I found these fun, high-end shoe bags by Shubi. The one seen here is the pink ruffle style which is just the right amount of girliness for those times I’m feeling prissy…soft pink, ruffles, and a polka dot drawstring. But they also make a cool black & white optical octagon print shoe bags for times I’m feeling, well, not so girly. Measuring 15″ x 11″, they hold a pair of shoes with up to a 4″ heel and are machine washable. Find them both at the ArriveChic.com e-boutique!
Our last apartment in New York City
…how I miss thee. One of my favorite movies of all time is on right now, Date Night. It takes place in New York City and stars Steve Carell and Tina Fey so needless to say, it’s hysterical. The first time I saw it was on a girls weekend away and I wasn’t expecting much but was in tears. Who doesn’t love a good laugh? But what I also love is in between all of the clever lines & outrageous outfits, I get to see Manhattan in all it’s glory…the hip restaurants, the crazy nightlife, the Central Park boathouse, Times Square, the skyline at night, even the seedy streets late night and the grimy subway. We’ve been in the burbs for 3 years now after living in Manhattan for 10 years and I miss it all. We’ll be in New Jersey for the Thanksgiving holiday and are sneaking away for a night in the city with old friends and it can’t come fast enough. Some days I wish we could just click our heels and be New Yorkers again…just for a little while.
Take the time to call the concierge a month or so before your trip and have them make all dinner and adventure reservations in advance. This way, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy your vacation (and tip the concierge) once you arrive. Often times they’ll have great ideas of where to eat and what to do during your stay that you would have never thought of yourself.
My little pumpkin at the Patch
Though we had a great month, with more than 5 Halloween festivities behind us, I’m over October. I’m packing up the skeletons, spiders and spooky kitty-cats and deleting all those Halloween episodes of Word World and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (sorry, Rocco). I’m done with the orange & black. Bring on Thanksgiving! Though, I’ll have to ditch the left over trick or treating candy (I guess the trick’s on me) in order to work up an appetite for the feast I have ahead of me. My husband and I switch off holidays with our families each year – this year Thanksgiving is with his family, Christmas/Hanukkah with mine, and next year vice-versa. So, I’m only lucky enough to get this amazing Italian New Jersey Thanksgiving meal every other year…which may be a blessing for the waistline. In fact, it’s actually been 4 years since we’ve been blessed with this heavenly food because two years ago I was a week away from giving birth to my son, Rocco. So, flying up north wasn’t an option. Here’s a glimpse of what the spread entails…
Antipasto of grilled zucchini, fresh buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, salami, bread-crumb stuffed mushrooms, grilled asparagus, marinated olives, roasted red peppers, pepperoni, aged provolone, parmesan reggiano, artichoke dip, eggplant tapenade, italian semolina bread, sausage bread, & lots of wine
Homemade Meat Lasagna
25 lb. Roasted Turkey, Sausage, Apple & Cranberry Stuffing, Orange Cranberry Sauce, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Gravy, Steamed Spinach, Corn Casserole, Broccoli with Cheese, Mixed Greens Salad
Desserts including Cheesecake Factory cheesecake (do you know how many calories are in a slice? unfortunately, I do), pumpkin pie, apple pie, chocolate mousse pie, chocolate cake, cannolis, chocolate chip cookies & coffee
I cannot wait for this meal and will begin fasting now in order to enjoy every last morsel. What’s even more exciting, besides spending a week with family (don’t hate us, we’re the lucky ones that love being with our family), there’s snow on the ground right now! Yes, it will probably be gone by the weekend, but I’m dreaming of a White Thanksgiving. Listen, if it snowed in October it’s not such a crazy wish. This Miami girl will take snow whenever she can get it.
Now, I must start working on my packing list. The short sleeves and sandals I’ve been sporting the last few weeks down here won’t cut it in Jersey…it’s 39 degrees there today.
Find a scarf you love (wool, cotton, silk, whatever) and bring it on your trip! It is a hair necessity for vespa or convertible rides, windy days sight-seeing, or at the beach. Plus, you can easily tie it onto your handbag en route which looks fab! Here are a few I love…
1. SIlk Twill Lalbhai Scarf by HERMÉS
2. Chevron Scarf by Diane De Clercq
3. Serpentine Scarf by Felix Rey
1. Silk Twill Lalbhai Scarf by HERMÉS 2. Chevron Scarf by Diane De Clercq 3. Serpentine Scarf by Felix Rey
Meet Ashley
Former NYC fashion industry girl, forever traveler, foodie at heart, and now Mom in Miami. My blog, Arrive Chic, covers the style I find in everyday life both on the road and at home, often with my two energetic little boys in tow.
