February 4, 2017 - Tips for Packing for Winter Travel

Elisa's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 69 DAYS

Elisa's Top 10 Cold Weather Trip Packing Must-Haves

YAY - IT'S SATURDAY!  
Today was supposed to be the first Saturday in a number of weeks that we are hitting the barn. 

The kids haven't ridden in a number of weeks due to illness or other commitments, but UNFORTUNATELY, it's not happening again today.
(insert very sad and angry kid faces)

Here's the deal.  This week has been crazy.  First of all, last weekend, I had a killer stomach virus.  Then, one by one, the two girls had on and off stomach aches and headaches for which they had to both be picked up at school on different days.

Something was obviously going on, but they never got full-fledged viruses the way I did.

Cut to, the end of the week and all the activities with Catholic Schools Week and the game shows, parties and Sports Night - I AM BUSHED!!

I needed one day to just sleep in and friggin' relax.

Gianna was a bit more understanding than Kelsey, and I felt terrible but I guess NO is a word that we all have to hear sometimes.

Well,  yesterday was truly a Kelsey and Mommy day.  First, we had lunch together.  Then we headed to some of the stores in town. 

My girl totally loves to browse at home decor!  So, we headed over to Bob's Furniture and she went crazy planning out how our "new house" and her "new room" is going to look.  (yes, have I mentioned that we will be moving in the relatively near future - more on that another time)

Anyway, from Bob's we headed to the mall, where we hit a few of the clothing stores.  I managed to find a very cute dressy blouse, which also happened to be on sale.  But, as I deliberated whether to buy it, my sweet girl said "Mom, you should treat yourself - you haven't bought something or yourself in a long time."  Awe!

I've been seeing a great deal of camouflage in a variety of styles - dresses, pants, tops, skirts and even shoes! The clothes featured this season not only feature the traditional green and khaki camouflage, but also "pink" versions as well. 

During my research for our Cousinss Chicago Road Trip, I came across a city tour in Cleveland that takes place on a military truck!! I think that is so cool!

I'm definitely  going to be booking it AND it gave me an excuse to buy the cutest camouflage t-shirts for me and my girls. 

LOVE THE DESERT COLOR WAY OF CAMOUFLAGE. ORDERED T-SHIRTS FOR ME AND MY GIRLS FOR OUR CLEVELAND MILITARY TRUCK CITY TOUR (credit: full source.com)

This camouflage apparel is so cute - I especially love the "dessert" color way - it's softer and more stylish looking.

​Nordstom's has some adorable clothing in camouflage too...

HUDSON JEANS 'NICO' ANKLE SKINNY JEANS FROM NORDSTROM $195.00

KEDS(R) CHAMPION PRINT SNEAKERS $34.90

 Anyhoo, moving right along...
Tanya is about to take off in two days for an amazing trip all around North America and certain Western European cities.  It's her Winter Wonderland Trip!

One of the things we both got to thinking about is how traveling in the Winter and to Winter/Cold destinations, has slightly different packing requirements than warm weather locations.

Although we all have our own individual styles and vision of how we want to look and dress on vacation, I'm going to give you my two cents for "must-haves" for Winter travel from my experience.

10 Items For Cold Weather Travel

1.  Jacket
To make sure you are well prepared to keep warm pack a coat for the coldest location of your trip.  Make sure that it's bulky enough to fit numerous layers for extra warmth. Waterproof is key as well, especially if you are expecting to be outdoors.

2 Socks
Our tootsies can get cold so easily and make the rest of our bodies feel freezing.  Be sure to pack some nice, warm socks and if you will be doing a great deal of outdoor walking, you can even throw some toe warmers in your suitcases.

I stock up on these for the girls for when they ride and they do work.

3. Boots
So, there's no question we all like to be stylish when traveling - nothing wrong with that - I'm a fashion girl myself. 
But, when you are traveling to cold-weather destinations, try to think warmth first.  Having said that, it's always smarter to pack boots and work them into your outfit rather than shoes.  

You will be warmer and happier in the end.  If your trip involves lots of walking, bring a pair that are comfy and also waterproof.

Personally, I think some of these on Top10TheBest.com are adorable!!!

SKETCHERS WOMEN'S GRAN JAMS UNLIMITED BOOTS. (credit: top10thebest.com)

4. Gloves
Warm gloves are key - this is sort of a no-brainer, right?  For some added warmth, try ​these hand warmers!!  We also use these for those cold days at the barn.  

5. Hat/Ear Muffs
If you are a fashionista, hats and ear muffs can really make your outfit fun and give it that pop of color that looks great in photo ops!

Check out these Top 10 Best Warm Winter Hats for Winter 2016-2017 from Flipboard.com.
​

Losuya® Fashion Women Girls Hats Slouchy Knit Beanie Winter Newsboy Snow Hat

6. Scarves
This is where you can really have fun!!
According to Tortuga Back Packs,  Girls Guide to Packing Light, "accessories are an easy way to change up outfits while traveling and are generally small and easy to fit in your bag. They’re also a great way to add color to an otherwise neutrals-heavy travel wardrobe."

INFINITY SCARF - FOREVER 21

7. Thermals and/or Tights
Layering is always key to staying warm.  If you have room underneath your pants, thermals are always the way to go.  I've also found that warm tights can do the job if it's not freezing, but just reasonably cold. ​

WOMEN'S THERMAL UNDERWEAR ULTRATHIN WARMED MODAL LONG JOHNS. (credit: www.ebay.com)

8. Layerable Tops
The problem with dressing warmly is that inevitably you will find tha thou are in a warm place and you are hot!!  So, the best way to keep toasty and not pass out when you feel hot is to dress in layers.
Pack a variety of tops that can go together such as t-shirts (long and short) and sweaters.  

Great article on dressing in layers from REI: Layering Basics.

credit: REI

​​9. Lip Balm
I can't survive a day without my trusty lip balm, never mind, traveling in a cold place!!
My all-time favorite is from Burt's Bees.  

10. Lotion
Don't forget about the largest organ in your body - your skin!!  Yes, make sure you have a good face moisturizer and body lotion to last you throughout your trip.  Throw a small one in your backpack or daily bag for easy access when your hands feel dry.  

Definitely get something that is non-greasy.  O'Keefes makes a nice one.

Check out more about cold weather packing on Tanya's side today.

Well, I'm off to do all my food shopping for our Super Bowl feast tomorrow!!

Have a wonderful Saturday!!

-E
xoxo

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 2 DAYS

OMG Let's talk about Packing! 

Holy Smokes Folks! 

I have so so so so so very much to do. With us leaving in less than 48 hours and a super packed Super Bowl Bowl weekend. Oh goodness, when I tell you that it's crazy.

          IT IS absolutely C-R-A-Z-Y!

Now is it all on me and all that I pack in and plan and agree to do. Plus all my crazy pre-trip "packing" antics.       Well actually yes it is!
​

So I am officially finished with stage 2 of our  packing and on to stage 3 - I suppose you have no clue what I'm talking about, but I'll clue you in either tomorrow or Monday.   Okay? Yea it's okay!

Anyhoo, I'm really just checking in with ya'll today. It's gonna be a fairly short blog entry for me right now. *If I have the time to log back in a bit later and tell ya more then I will.

Right now we are heading out to the stables with Cosette and then we'll be heading off to the Hsi Lai Temple, meeting Jet, Andrew, Chaplin and Dominic out there.
It should be a quite lovely afternoon.
I'm sure it will be colorful and beautifully decorated for the ongoing Chinese New Year. Just wait until you see it in pictures (tomorrow)!

The plan is for us to all go out for a dim sum and then some lunch afterward!

Then more packing, more chores, more shopping, more errands and hopefully by tomorrow morning and at my mani/pedi I won't have too much more left to do.
I hope to be able to focus on the rest of my cooking and watching the game - but jsyk (just so you know) I am turning the channel during the Half Time show!
Maybe I'll even be able to catch my breath while I'm at it. Hehe 

The topic of the day is Winter Packing - Personally think I need a trunk - ya know totally old school!

Winter clothes are just so darn fluffy, and take up so much room in a suitcase. Dave and others (including my dear cuz Elisa) think I'm a bit crazy with all my packing antics and just how much I pack.
But ya know, I'm not gonna go around wearing the same clothes and looking the same in all my pictures and neither is the gang that I'm traveling with and who are sharing the pictures with me - I'm so not a fan of photo bombing, and God Forbid one of my own would ruin one of my pictures!  I'll just say that there would be hell to pay and leave it at that.

Just arrived to the stables - thank goodness I have Dave to do the driving today..
It's all good...he'll be getting the rest of the month off while I take the wheel for the entire time that we are in Europe!!

Okay gonna say ciao just for now...
-T