Luv Your Luggage

Baggalini Quilted Rolling Tote

Say HELLO to my lovely new piece of luggage!  

I've had my eye on this adorable bag by Baggalini for quite a while, and the moment 

I got notice that it went on sale at The Container Store I ran in there and bought it.  

It was absolutely perfect for my quick trip last weekend to Vegas for a friend's birthday.

I love how it has such large pockets that fit everything including my clothes, a laptop, my toiletry bag and a few pairs of shoes.  It also unzips in the middle to lay flat which is great for packing it up.

The best part about it is that it can fit everything I need and it fits under the seat on the plane.  Seriously!!

Eagle Creek Pack-It Cube

This organized packer always uses these amazing cubes from Eagle Creek to keep my clothes from getting wrinkled.  It also makes packing and unpacking a breeze.  

I was able to fit two (double-sided) cubes in my bag.

I swear that I was skipping through the Vegas airport- I'm sure the other travelers were sure that I had just hit the jackpot, but no one could have guessed that I was just giddy about my luggage.  

Wow, I AM a nerd!

~Leah 

Hello everyone!  

I just got back from a wonderful trip to Washington DC visiting family and celebrating the holidays.  

It was such a fun trip, and not too chilly.  Yay! 

Festive decorations at the White House

Adorable name cards for our interfaith family

Our stockings stuffed with goodies!

Cozy Wine Glass Slippers

We spent the last five days snuggling with our new nephew, eating delicious food (and lots of sweets!), and exploring the city.  It was a great trip, but I always try to make some notes about what worked and didn't work.  Remember my Thanksgiving Wrap Up?  

Well, here's my Holiday Wrap Up: 

1. When traveling across the country with gifts, try not to buy bulky items that are hard to pack.

2. The gift totes I bought from Michael's worked perfectly for fast and easy wrapping.

3. Uggs are great for traveling to cold weather locations and so easy to slip on and off at security.

4. Make notes about gifts right away so that I don't forget anything when writing my thank you's.

5. Bring more travel space bags for sweatshirts and other bulky items in my suitcase.

Now that the holidays are coming to an end, I have lots of clients who are looking to streamline their gift wrap stash and re-work their decor storage.  I would encourage all of you to evaluate these areas now, so that next year you can spend less time dealing with holiday messes and more time eating holiday cupcakes... I mean spending time with family.  :-)

~Leah 

(photo credit: smswigart)

My Travel Essentials

Okay, folks, here are the items I couldn't have lived without during our recent trip to Europe.  

The Pacsafe Metrosafe Bag

This bag was so amazing- after getting my wallet stolen out of a backpack in Greece, I knew that I needed some extra security.  Not only does this shoulder bag have security features such as a "slashproof" strap and "smart zipper" lock, but it held everything we needed for the day.  There were spots for my maps and travel books, secure pockets for my money and passport, and just enough extra space for my umbrella and water bottle.  Loved it!  

Passport and Currency Organizer

This little gem was a big surprise.  We were lucky to only have to deal with two other types of currency (Pounds and Euros), but it was so helpful to have this currency organizer.  There are two zippers on the front, two on the back, and one on top.  I was able to keep all of the different bills and coins separated and placed my receipts in the top.  It was so thin and took up a tiny amount of space in my bag.  Just perfect!

Fine Wash Packs

Okay, this may be obvious, but having these small wash packs were so handy!  Despite always doing your best to pack the right amount of clothes, sometimes you just need to wash a few things out in the sink.  And we were very thankful to have thrown them into our suitcases.  

There will be more tips to come... but I would love to hear about some of your favorite travel essentials and what you would recommend.  There is always room for improvement!

~Leah

A trip to remember...

After four beautiful cities, endless delicious meals, thousands of miles walked, and packed suitcases with goodies to bring back... I am finally home.  

Our trip was absolutely amazing, but I have to admit that it was exhausting!  

I don't remember being that tired when I went backpacking through Scandinavia during college!   

 Despite my aching muscles and heavy eyelids, standing under the Eiffel Tower and eating handmade chocolates in Belgium were so worth it!!  

I have lots to share about some of the great things I brought to keep us organized on the trip.  Some worked out great and others I would have left behind.  

In the meantime, here are some photos from Paris.... just to get you in the mood. 

Every building had adorable balconies

Absolutely delicious! 

Walking through the St. Germain neighborhood

The famous bookstore in the Left Bank

~Leah

Au Revoir, Ciao, Auf Wiedersehen

It's about that time, my lovely readers, for me to sign off for a few weeks.  

I'll be putting my travel organizing skills to the test!  

Please check back to hear my recommendations and reviews for all the fun travel products I am trying out... and I promise some photos and stories too!

Until we meet again...

~Leah

Confession

In six days, we are jumping on a plane and heading to our European vacation!!

Two weeks of fun, adventure and definitely some delicious food.  

But all I can think of is PACKING.... ugh. 

Classic Checklist

I have my packing checklist (above), my Eagle Creek clothing organizers, and my multi-sectioned folder with all the paperwork for each country.  So, why am I so nervous?  I truly believe it's just excitement, because I know that I am too organized to be unprepared!  But getting ready for a big trip can really be stressful.  

Do you have any tips for packing and getting ready?  Any favorite travel products? 

~Leah

Bon Voyage!

Organize.com

Why did I just spend 30 minutes looking at Organize.com??!!

It may be the great discounts or the helpful travel tips.... or maybe it's the photo of the Eiffel Tower that just makes me so excited for our trip to Paris in less than two months! 

I think ALL OF THE ABOVE.  

Anti-Theft Messenger Bag by Travelon®

What do you think about this cute bag for our trip?  I could be organized and stylish! 

~Leah

Confession

I could not resist the new travel bags that just arrived at the Container Store.  

Nope, couldn't do it. 

Delilah Floral Tote, Marta Tote, and Marian Wallet

 After wandering around and gazing at all the cool bags, I finally asked my lovely coworker for help.  Beth figured out exactly what I wanted: a bag that I could take as my "personal" carry-on piece when I travel.  She suggested the Marta Tote by Eagle Creek, which can also be used as my purse when I need a bit more room, and the matching Marian Wallet that I can use on its own as an evening purse.  

I also grabbed the Delilah Floral Tote that has been perfect for client visits.  It holds my client's file, clipboard, tape measure, label maker, and trash bags perfectly. 

Now, how do I resist my shopping urges for the rest of this sale?!  

~Leah