The Art of Packing

A friend of mine recently asked me to help her move from LA to Baltimore on a road trip via Interstate 70! In a matter of a couple of weeks I've gone from getting a random text message to preparing to fly from NY to LA to drive to Baltimore and then take a bus back to NY.  This trip provides a couple of packing challenges, namely packing for a variety of weather conditions, flying carry-on and preparing for long hours on the road.

I know everyone has their preferences, everyone has their little "luxury" items they want for trips, some people fold their clothing, others roll it up, etc. I'll spare you my blow by blow packing list but, I will share some of my craftiest packing methods.

As you read this, keep in mind that my preference is to pack light. Since 2007 I've been carry-on only for any trip I've taken, well at least for departure. Sometimes I do enough shopping that I have to expand my bag and check it for the ride home. I like souvenirs, particularly purses, shirts and random ceramics, guilty as charged. Still, for the bulk of any trip I like to be the person that has everything you could possibly need but keeps it in small spaces. I guess you could say I aim to be the Mary Poppins of travelers.


TOP 10 WAYS TO PACK LIKE MARY POPPINS...

10. Check the requirements for all modes of transportation that you'll be using. Pack based on the most restrictive. For this trip, my flight allows one carry-on suitcase and one "personal item," which for me, will be my day bag.


9. Toiletries... there are ways to cut back on what you bring without sacrificing comfort. Save trial sized products for trips. Use refillable travel sized containers to take favorite products from home. Also, look for alternative items that require less packing space. Instead of shaving cream I now use Shave Secret Shaving Oil. It's a tiny container and it has more than enough oil for a couple of weeks... yes, weeks of shaving. If you are sensitive to toiletries, try any alternative products at home first. Last, look for solid substitutions. Soap instead of shower gel, solid stick deodorant, solid perfume instead of your regular cologne. I once found a limited edition of Clinique's Happy To Be perfume in a solid pencil. I save this just for travel.


8. Matchy-matchy... ok, it sounds lame, but seriously, pick out garments that all match. This makes dressing each day so much easier. You may plot out a specific outfit for each day, but you can't predict the weather and many other circumstances. The weatherman told you the temperature was going to be 70 and it's really 50? Just add a layer, no biggie. Get a stain on your shirt at lunch? Put on any other shirt in your bag. If they all match, you're good to go. For this trip, I'm going with black as a base color and adding in teal, purple, pink and grey items.


7. Invest in quality bags. A good suitcase will endure many years of abuse and protect your possessions. My suitcase is a Rick Steves' Convertible Carry-On. It cost $99 in 2007. It's still on sale for that price plus he's added a water bottle holder to the newest version. He also sells a more basic version for $79. When I purchased this a friend thought I was crazy for spending that much on one bag. Then while we were on a trip her suitcase broke making mine look good. Six years later, mine is still going strong, making it look great. Seriously, this is the best suitcase I've ever owned.

My day bag was purchased a couple of years ago for a trip to Florida. It's been so useful that I use it on a daily basis for going to work now too. It's the Sherpani Via, a packable daypack that can be folded into its own pocket. I've never actually folded it up because I use it so often. The straps are my favorite part. It can be carried as a tote bag or as a backpack without any adjustments. While searching for a link to paste here I found it on sale. So, in a couple of days I will own it in black too!

Photo Credit: Betty Kane
Left: Front View - Sherpani Via Day Bag With Tote Bag Straps Visible
Right: Front View - Rick Steves' Convertible Carry-On Suitcase

Photo Credit: Betty Kane
Left: Back View - Sherpani Via Day Bag with Backpack Straps Visible
Right: Back View - Rick Steves' Convertible Carry-On with Backpack Straps Visible

6. Don't pack too many items that you'll only wear or use once. For this trip I'm packing two inflatable hangers and some Tide detergent travel packets. At one or two intervals along the trip I'm just going to wash a couple of garments. I'm also bringing some Downy wrinkle release spray. As a basic rule, I hardly ever travel with more than three or four bottoms. For tops, it will vary on activities and weather.


5. Find a method of organizing that works for you. I prefer to use packing cubes and pouches to keep like items together, tops in one, pants in another, etc. You can buy packing cubes from REI, Magellan's, Rick Steves' and many other travel suppliers. However, a great way to save money on packing cubes is to save the durable plastic packaging some curtains and bedding come in. They are usually clear so you can see things easily and they often have a zipper.


4. Use every nook and cranny of your suitcase. For example, I'll pack socks inside shoes. Then the shoes get wrapped in a plastic bag or cheap plastic shower cap. This keeps the shoes from touching clean garments and maximizes the space. Then I'll organize the packed cubes and any little spaces can be filled with smaller items, like chargers, a small pouch of jewelry, a rolled up belt, etc.


3. Accessories, makeup and jewelry... Oh my! Pack light with these items? Inconceivable you say? I beg to differ! As long as all of your garments match then this will be a breeze. A scarf can go a long way. I'll be packing one that is large enough for me to use as a wrap around my bathing suit in LA and then use it as an actual scarf in Denver where the temperatures will be much cooler. For makeup, Sephora, Este Lauder and Mary Kay offer a variety of products in one compact. I use powder foundation and I have a great set of travel brushes. Mine are Bobbi Brown that I got at a warehouse sale. You can find plenty of affordable options at places like Ulta, Harmon's or even CVS. When it comes to jewelry I like to take a couple of pendants and one chain. Toss in a one or two pairs of studs and dangle earrings and wear one or two rings. I pack makeup and jewelry in to small wristlets or clutch bags so I have "going out" options for night time purses.


2. Do NOT leave your packing till the last minute. Get your laundry done, your toiletries purchased, pull everything out that you want to pack. Really look over it and make final decisions. Have two shirts that look similar? Leave one home. Will one belt suffice? Are you really going to wear that hat? Remember, unless you are going to some very remote location, most destinations and routes in the civilized world will have anything that you need and/or want along the way. Do NOT let yourself add a bag. Stick with your initial baggage restrictions, you'll be thankful for it on the road.


1. Find multifunctional items. Suitcases and day bags with a variety of handles and pouches, rain coats that pack into the pocket, collapsible bags, reversible clothing, etc. Some of my best travel items include a reversible fleece jacket, a packable rain coat and a reversible belt. A bandana is great for outdoorsy trips. It can be used in place of a hat, as a washcloth, and even as a pot holder when cooking while camping. Leggings are another great multifunctional garment. I use them under a skirt or even pants for extra warmth, for physical activity or even as pajama bottoms.

Photo Credit: Betty Kane
Left: Reversible Fleece Jacket - Black Side
Right: Rain Jacket

Photo Credit: Betty Kane
Left: Reversible Fleece Jacket - Purple Side
Right: Rain Jacket Folded in Pocket

I hope to post from the road. Till then, happy crafting!

TIPS: Travel to Ireland

This may seem a bit random, but I follow along with what the guys at Irish Fireside post. I started keeping an eye on their travel advice for going to Ireland back in 2007. Corey from Irish Fireside recently compiled a bunch of tips for driving in Ireland. One of my tips (short but sweet) made the posting! Check it out here if an Ireland trip is in your future.
Tips: Irish Car Rentals

Also, check out the guys at Irish Fireside. They've got great tips, stories and travel ideas. My favorite tip from them was to stay at Trinity College in the dorm rooms if you travel over there during the summer. The college rents out the dorm rooms, like a hotel or hostel. I did it back in 2007 with one of my best friends. We had a blast! Staying on a beautiful campus in the heart of Dublin for a low cost... and the men's rugby team practice was right outside our window! Whaooo!
Irish Fireside

Photo credit: Betty Kane 2007

The view outside our dorm room at Trinity College.  

A Lovely Bunch of Crafters

It's been a busy couple of week. I'm trying to make my "To Do List" a "Done List." I've been working at my pays-the-bills-job, working at my part-time-extra-cash-job and I started an Etsy Shop page selling handcrafted jewelry (more plugs for that later *wink wink*).

During what I like to call these kinds of "Grown Up Days" and "Grown Up Weeks" I find my fun crafting gets pushed to the side. Unfortunately, as much as I'd like to start sewing a dress, I really do need to do my regular laundry. Explaining that I'm wearing half sewn dress at work because I didn't do laundry is not on my "To Do List," as it turns out.

Weeks like this I try to be satisfied with "crafting" via making breakfast with leftovers, finding low Weight Watcher point snacks and finally organizing a pile of papers. Ok, so I'll organize the papers tomorrow, but my omelet (bacon, onion, green peppers and egg whites) this morning was lovely. Oh, and slicing a banana and sprinkling it with cinnamon and a little honey is also delicious and low in WW points.

I found that banana recipe on Pinterest. I find a lot of ideas on Pinterest. However, I do remember a time long, long ago (in Internet terms) when the almighty Pinterest didn't exist. Yes, some six to nine months ago, it's true, Pinterest wasn't a big deal. Where, oh where did crafters go to find tips, tricks and how-tos before Pinterest? I'll tell you!

These are my favorite crafting sites: 

Cut Out and Keep
This is my favorite source for project directions & ideas. It's an easy site to navigate and they have a nifty blog as well as a well produced online magazine.


Instructables
I go to this site to get lost in ideas. I think, sometimes as a crafter that's just what you need. I might go there looking for a cookie recipe and walk away from the computer an hour later wishing I had the equipment and space to build a kayak. Yes, you can find both on there, the cookie recipe, the directions to build a kayak and everything in between.

All Recipes
If you are into cooking at all you've probably been to this site. It has a fantastic selection of recipes and it's easy to search. I recommend going through the comments on a recipe before you try it. People will often give good tips, substitutions and recommendations after they have tried it. 

Dollar Store Crafts
This blog give you a great new perspective on your local dollar store. She's got great projects and tutorials for parties, weddings and children's crafts. Everything is budget friendly and most everything requires basic supplies that you already have. If you're ever looking for a list of rainy day ideas I'd say her entire site is perfect.

Rick Steves' - Graffiti Wall
Rick Steves, known for his guidebooks and TV show about traveling through Europe, has a website that focuses on European travels, his products, books, etc. When looking into a trip a few years back I discovered he has a "Graffiti Wall" on his site. This part features well organized tips from viewers and fans. The focus is European travel, but many of the tips are applicable for any trip. Even if you aren't currently planning a trip, after a long work day it's nice to just see what others are recommending and maybe spur a little inspiration for your next trip. 

ETSY
I often describe ETSY as "eBay for crafters." It is primarily a site for crafters to sell their goods. For example, you can buy handcrafted jewelry from me at my site Strand Designs (promised I'd plug my shop)! You can also find great vintage clothing, accessories and decor. As a crafter, I love the site for purchasing supplies as well. So, if your short on time to do your own crafting, support fellow crafters and buy something new, neat or nifty. Or order some supplies and hope that your "To Do List" will be a "Done List" by time the supplies arrive in the mail.

Happy crafting folks!

Gizmos & Gadgets

With a new year well under way I'm starting to get my vacation plans together. My trips will vary from a swanky girls' getaway to roughing it in the woods. These trips will cover a wide spectrum of activities, attire and transportation. For better or for worse, I have to admit that the one thing all of my trips will have in common is technology. So, how does one keep untangled in the wild world of wires we live in? Here are my favorite tips and tricks!

Old Meets New

I use an old cassette case to store my headphones in my bag when I travel. Then when I'm stuck in a hotel room or on a train I can flip the case open & use it as a stand for my iPhone. Your 1980's Hall & Oates cassette won't miss the case and it'll keep your wallet from getting tied up in your headphones.

Photos: Betty Kane

Left: Closed case holds earphones.  

Right: Open case can support an iPhone. However, this photo was taken with my iPhone,

 hence why it is not sitting on the case. 

The Power is Mine

When I travel with a small or large group I bring a short power strip. Mine has enough outlets to plug in four items. This way when four people are hunting for enough outlets to charge their phones, cameras & other gizmos I only need one. It also makes packing up for the return trip easier because all of my chargers are in one place.


Dancing in the ... Hotel Room
I love to listen to music when I get ready in the morning. When away I just pop my iPhone into a hotel cup or mug. This amplifies the sound. You may have seen this idea all over Pinterest. I've done it and it really works!

Beauty & the Beast

To travel with beauty accessories or not? That is the question. My answer? It depends on what you are doing. Sure, if you are going to meet the Queen of England you'd want to be all decked out. Short of that, I say, find shortcuts. Do a little research, if the hotel promises a hair dryer, leave yours at home. If it doesn't you may want to get a travel dryer. You can find them as a solid unit, like mine below, or with a folding handle. Don't bring both a dryer and a straightener unless you absolutely need both. Share when you are traveling with others. Four girls on a weekend getaway can survive with one hair dryer & one straightener. It's possible, I've done it.

Photo: Betty Kane

My travel dryer has gotten some good milage and is still going. It's a Vidal Sassoon. 

Transportation

I'm always looking for ways to pack less and pack light. However if you're bringing gadgets of value, then place some value in how you transport your belongings. A $200 camera that goes into your bag without a case can come out worth $0. Take the time to find a case or cases for your gadgets that fit well. Also, consider the elements. I picked up a waterproof pouch to keep camera and ID in when I kayak. That pouch came in real handy when I was caught in a couple of Florida downpours in Disney. Check the camping or water sports section of your local sporting goods store for a "dry sack" or "dry bag." You can also check REI.com for some items of this nature. They come in a wide variety, small clear bags for phones to large bags meant for sleeping bags. Be creative and find one that fits your needs.


Inspector Gadget - Cell Phone Style
Make the most of the options your cell phone comes with. Use the notepad or take a photo of important aisle and section information in massive parking lots, such as a theme park or at the airport. Preprogram the contact information for your travel agent, airline and hotel.  If you are going somewhere in which you'll be facing a language barrier take pictures of some basic items you might need. It'll be easier to point at the picture of your hotel, a coffee cup or a bathroom if you are looking for directions to any of these.

Taming of the Wires

If you are one of those techie junkies who refuses to leave home without a mile of wires then the least you can do is keep them neat and tidy. There are two ways I've gone about this. The first being divide and conquer, by keeping each wire in a different part of the suitcase. I usually stash chargers in shoes or in a separate ziplock bag each. More commonly though I wrap each one up, secure it with string, tape or a zip tie and keep them all in one pouch.

Creative Cooking

One of the best gadgets I've ever purchased for traveling is a heating coil. Budget accommodations don't always include a microwave. This allows you to boil water easily. You can make tea, hot cocoa, coffee, ramen noodles and oatmeal easily. Magellans.com sells the heating coil and this folding heat tolerant cup. I use this pairing on nearly every trip I go on.

            

Photos courtesy: Magellans.com

Left: Heating coil 

http://www.magellans.com/dual-voltage-heating-coil-22262

Right: Folding cup that can handle boiling water. 

http://www.magellans.com/foldacup

DON'T BE AFRAID TO UNPLUG
I can't emphasize this enough. Once in a while you should put the camera down and just experience your surroundings. Turn off the bleeping cell phone and connect with the people around you. Spend the usual 15 minutes of morning time you would use with the hair dryer or iron to just go for a walk in your vacation surroundings. Hell, we could all use a little of this at home too, but I won't get carried away.

Start at the beginning...

I've always said that if I lived my life the way I travel I'd be the most organized, well balanced person around. That may be a bit overambitious, or even dramatic. However, the basic ideas behind that statement are feasible... well, so I hope. You see, when I travel I plan and prepare, I'm much more willing to accept roadblocks and I get to figuring out crafty ways around those roadblocks rather well (most of the time anyway). 

So... why am I telling you all of this? Glad you asked! The Crafty Explorer page is here to share successes and failures in getting crafty in everyday life.

I guess a first posting should have some of life's most basic crafting skills...

Top 10 Ways to Make People Think You are MacGyver...
Using a Safety Pin


10. Wardrobe Malfunction
Ok, so this is probably the most obvious, but seriously, lost button, zipper snafu, hem comes undone, etc. These are all things that could make for an embarrassing situation in the office & all can be temporarily fixed with the aid of a single safety pin.

9. Emergency Zipper Repair
Busted zipper on bag or suitcase? No problem. Take a couple of safety pins and use them to close the two sides of the bag together. Zipper pull breaks? Most zippers have a little loop on top that will allow you to attach a safety pin to use in place of the pull. Add a pretty bead and consider it a fashion statement.

8. Drawstring and Shoe Lace Stringing (or Restringing)
Have a bag, hoodie or sweatpants where the all mighty drawstring has come out in the laundry? Need to guide old shoelaces back into those little holes? You can struggle with either of these tasks forever or just use a safety pin to guide those drawstrings and laces back into place.

7. Coat Check Gloves and Scarves
I used to hate putting my winter coat into a coat check with my scarf and gloves stashed in the pockets. Getting all of those items back always seems like a gambling bet. However, if you string your scarf through the sleeves and pin it to the back of the coat and then, using the same pin attach your gloves or using a second pin attach the gloves to the inside of a pocket (my preference) I think you'll see you've put the odds in your favor. 

6. Jewelry Repair
If the clasp on your necklace or bracelet breaks you can join both ends of most jewelry with a safety pin to get you through the day. The pointy tip is also great for trying to get knots out of chains too.

5. Fashion Design
A quick search on CutOutandKeep.net or Pinterest will show you a plethora of ways to turn safety pins and beads into jewelry ranging from necklaces, earrings, broaches and even a watch band.

A great how-to for a snazzy watch band can be found on this blogger's page: 
http://bktribe.blogspot.com/2012/02/safety-pin-watch-or-bracelelt.html
Those sites also have some great t-shirt and blazer design ideas using safety pins. 

4. Computer Keyboard Cleaner
The gunk that can build up in between the keys of a computer keyboard is gross, especially on a computer that is shared by many users. Get those stuck keys moving again by scraping the gunk out using the safety pin. And then go wash your hands, only goodness knows what that gunk actually is.

3. First Aid Kit Helper 
I've found two nifty uses for the almighty safety pin in my first aid kit. First, I've disinfected it and then used the pointy bit to help remove a splinter or two. Even better, I use a safety pin to keep Ace bandages in place.

***Disclaimer: By no means am I a medical authority in any way shape or form. Follow advice at your own risk.***

2. Stapler Stand-In
I work in an office where you are more likely to find Sasquatch than a stapler. Be careful not to stab yourself and just poke a safety pin through the pages you need to keep together. Leave the stapler hunting to the rest of the office. 

1. Secure Important Documents / Items
When you need to carry important items and / or documents, particularly in crowded areas you can put them in a small zipper pouch or even a zip-lock bag. Then you can use a safety pin to secure the pouch or bag to the inside of your pocket. This is particularly useful for places like concerts and amusement parks. I've put my license, debit card and some cash in a pouch and did this for Six Flags, Disney and even some kayaking trips.