Vacations Archives - Miss Everchanging

Packing for a Cruise

How to you even begin to start packing for a cruise? The thought can be overwhelming.

Black lightweight suitcase with spinner wheels- Amazon

Diane Von Furstenburg white carry-on suitcase- Overstock

Back when I was married and first began cruising, I was a horrendous over-packer. I couldn’t bear the thought of not taking every single one of my favorite things with me.

Seriously, I had to have shoes to match every single outfit. I wasn’t willing to compromise!

However, after overweight fees at the airport and having to struggle with piles of huge suitcases up and down stairs, I have become a fan of lightweight packing. Shocking but true, I have embraced the “less is more” idea. I have compiled a list of 4 steps that will calm your sea of packing troubles.

Step 1-Plan

Plan your clothes according to your itinerary.

Write it all down.

Make a super-duper fun list!

Sometimes, a vacation requires more than throwing random things into a bag. Cruising is a great time to seek out your inner fashionista. Before the cruise, I spend an hour trying on everything I plan to take, with accessories. This eliminates anything that doesn’t fit and anything that needs repairing. I also eliminate anything that needs ironing, because irons and steamers are forbidden on most cruise ships. When choosing clothes, I makes sure that the clothes match the planned activities. When packing for a cruise, I plan a dinner outfit as well as a daytime outfit. Once I decide on my outfits and accessories, I lay it all out on my bed. Once I can see everything I’ve chosen, I begin editing.

Step 2-Edit

St. Barth’s Clutch, Persephonie Earrings- Stella & Dot

Yeah, this is the hard part.

It takes willpower. So fix yourself a drink. It makes the process better.

Editing is very important when choosing things to pack. Of course, I have a specific pair of shoes and jewelry to match every outfit. Although I’d love to take those things with me, it doesn’t make sense to pack eleven pairs of shoes. And when I travel alone, I’ll be the only one hauling my own bags.

When traveling, nude-colored shoes are my best friend. They go with most everything. Silver and gold shoes work well with everything, too! If there is an outfit that must absolutely have it’s own pair of shoes, I leave it at home! Unless, of course, it’s formal wear. That, my friend, requires my packing special shoes- because I rarely get to wear my special shoes. So, on this particular trip, I’ve packed 2 pairs of heels for evening, a pair of wedges, and a pair of flats. WOW! Only four pairs of shoes!!!

While editing, I can usually figure out a way to edit a few pieces of jewelry, too. There are always a few pieces that can work well with more than one thing.

I actually enjoy the challenge of the elimination.

If there’s a way to mix and match clothing, I do that as well. The more you can mix and match, the lighter the luggage. So, be creative!

Step 3-Take Photos

Nomad Stretch Bracelets, Guilded Path Double Wrap Bracelet, Audrey Statement Earrings

Because I usually begin the packing process weeks ahead of time, I need to be able to remember what to pack, without starting from scratch. So after the final elimination, I take photos of every outfit, including accessories. Having photos of outfits helps on the actual cruise as well as with packing. When I’m on vacation, I don’t want to spend time figuring out which outfit goes with which accessories. I can easily refer to my photos when getting ready. Keeping pictures of my outfits make packing a breeze when going on later trips, too, because I can repeat outfits. That makes for quicker packing next time! Although it does take a little extra time to take the photos, you will thank yourself later.

Step 4-Organize Your Packing

Packing Cubes- Amazon

My new packing love is packing cubes. I’m able to organize all my clothing into different bags, according to type. For this trip, my clothes went into the large one, my swimsuits and cover ups into another, and loungewear and pjs in another. Packing cubes make finding things easy and convenient! They also prevent your clothes from falling all over the place while traveling.

I put my jewelry in plastic bags, like things together. Earrings go in one bag, bracelets in another, rings in another….and so on. This makes getting ready a snap!

And forget the everyday purse. I have found that it is much easier to pack a fairly large bag that works as a purse or a beach bag. While traveling, it stores my iPad, camera, cruise documentation folder, and purse items. While on the ship or for excursions, it holds my sunscreen and beach towel.

Taj Tote Black and White- Stella & Dot

Before I pack, I always make a list of things that will go into my carry-on. Usually, I include my jewelry or anything valuable, one of my pairs of shoes, a swimsuit, an extra change of clothes, meds, umbrella, makeup, and anything else I might need in the event that my large suitcase is delayed in getting to my room on board the ship.

By breaking down the packing process into these four steps, the packing process becomes a breeze. Remember, that you can do the first three steps ahead of time!

Do you have packing tips that you’d like to share? I would LOVE to learn a few new tricks!

Make sure to check out my other cruise related posts…..

Cruising- The Editing Process

The Breeze- Jamica and Grand Cayman

The Breeze Experience

The Breeze- West Palm Beach

The Breeze- Miami Forever

Categories: Adventures, The Single Life, Vacations, Weekend Recap

Two Years Strong- Part 2

I should have finished this post a month ago. Sometimes, I’m so lazy. I don’t know how finding time to walk upstairs to my office is so difficult. I totally blame it on my recliner downstairs. There must be something that sucks me into the seat. Once I sit down, I’m totally done. So, I’m going to try to be better about that.

Really.

So here we go….

After the previous amazing night (see Two Years Strong-Part 1), we drank much coffee, thanks to the Nespresso machine in our room. And I scarfed down the hotel chocolate from the night before while Eric wasn’t looking. I hate it when that happens.

Yes, sleeping in and much caffeine was needed.

Once we finally felt human, we checked out. It was difficult to leave. I could have easily made the 21C Museum Hotel my new residence. I will go back. That view, though……

And who says that 13 isn’t a lucky number?

After brunching at Rue Cler, we headed to our first destination- Honeygirl Meadery. In looking for adventures on Groupon, I discovered this place. You can read more about mead here.

When I purchased my coupon for Groupon, I figured the meadery was within the general area, but I had no idea that it was only a minute away.

Just a note about Groupon- definitely do it! It’s a great way to expore new places at a discounted price.

When you use Groupon, go through Ebates, where you can earn cash back on your purchases. If you use this referral code, you’ll get an instant $10.00. So far, I’ve earned over $200.00- just by shopping through Ebates. That’s free money!

Yes, I am the bargain queen.

Ever since I’ve started using Groupon, everyone has always cheerfully accepted my Groupons. A tasting for two at the meadery, with the cute stemless wine glass, was only $7.00! I LOVE a deal.

Although I’d tasted mead before, this was much better than what I’d previously had. The taste was much different from wine. One could definitely taste the honey.

We liked.

I imagine this place would be fun during the warmer weather, when the garage doors are open. We spent an hour or so sipping mead and snacking on local cheese and crackers that we purchased at Bulldega Urban Market, the cutest little market in Downtown Durham.

Thankfully, Eric is always prepared with his trusty knife. Although it is not your typical cheese knife, it served it’s purpose. And no one lost a finger. Notice the cute camo bag and aviators. (You know I had to mention it!) I can get those for you. These have been my most favorite Stella & Dot accessories this season.

Our next Groupon adventure was for Mystic Distillery and Farm.

It was only a few miles away from the meadery. As neither of us had ever done a whiskey tasting, we weren’t sure what to expect. When we arrived, a group was already gathering. We were welcomed with a shot of whiskey. What a way to get a party started!

Yes, this place was going to be fun. I could already tell….

Our tour guide was energetic and fun. We learned so much about the whiskey making process. We sampled directly from the barrels.

Yikes! I wasn’t prepared to drink gasoline!

We finished the tasting with a Gin and Tonic. I’d never had one before. I believe it will be my new favorite summer drink, as it was light and refreshing. We purchased both the whiskey and the gin.

I’d definitely recommend a trip to Mystic Farm and Distillery. We had so much fun!

After leaving Mystic, we headed to the Hampton Inn in Downtown Raleigh. Although Eric actually lives in Raleigh, he understands the need for a get away, even if it is in stay-cation form. This Hampton Inn is often our Raleigh home-away-from-home. It’s very consistant. We unpacked and headed out. This is my favorite Stella & Dot bag. It’s perfect for the weekend. It holds everything I need. Where ever I go, it goes. I’ve used it heavily for a year, and it still looks great! Everyone needs a nice bag for traveling.

Downtown Raleigh is a fun place to sample drinks and appetizers. Although we have a few favorite places, we are always open to trying interesting new places. Because we do much walking on these downtown adventures, we’d like to think that we are burning some of the calories we are consuming.

At least, we pretend.

Our first Downtown Raleigh stop was Sullivan’s Steakhouse. You can’t go wrong with Sullivan’s. It’s amazing. I decided that I was only going to drink sparkling things for the remainder of the night. After all, it was our anniversary celebration.

We ordered the Filet Wellington Bites. Yum! They were served on a salt slab.

After we left Sullivan’s, we walked past Vidrio, a Mediterranean restaurant. It caught our eye and we decided to stop. It was a lively place. We sat at the bar. Eric ordered tuna and I ordered the chili spiced nuts. And yes, I had more sparking wine. This time, it was Rose’. Yay for Rose’. I also tasted Eric’s Mediterranean Mule. That was equally amazing. I’d definitely recommend trying it.

As always, we wound up at 42nd Street Oyster Bar. They always have a great band and we never miss an opportunity to dance.

Yes, they had sparkling wine. Who knew??!

What better way to end a perfect weekend than dancing the night away with hushpuppies and more sparking wine?

We needed this. As a couple, we really, really, really needed this adventure.

Life gets busy. Money gets tight. Responsibilities are many. That’s life.

But I’ve realized that it is so important to make time for each other when you are in a relationship. If you want to make a relationship work, you must make the effort. I remind myself of this very thing every single day.

Eric and I are now two years stronger in our relationship. I am two years stronger in my personal growth.

Cheers to two years and may the third year be the best yet!

Categories: Adventures, Singledom, The Single Life, Vacations, Weekend Recap

Two Years Strong- Part One

Has it really been two years?

Through the ups and downs, Eric and I have made it to this milestone. We are two years stronger.

To commemorate this special occasion, Eric made plans for a very special weekend- just for us. Rarely- very, very rarely- have we been able to spend an entire weekend together because our lives constantly take us in different directions. Although that seems to be the norm for two dating adults with established lives, it makes us really appreciate our time together.

I’m finally getting around to sharing some of the highlights from our anniversary weekend. Literally, we ate and drank our way through two cities. We found some amazing places that, hopefully, you might want to try also.

Because there are so many pictures, I’ll break our adventure into parts.

I’ll keep you hanging…

Our adventure began with an overnight stay at the 21c Museum Hotel in Durham. The 21c Museum Hotel is an art museum/boutique hotel. Eric knew that it would appeal to my artsy side. He earned points for his thoughtfulness. If you are a boyfriend, you know it’s all about the points you accumulate.

Seriously.

A happy girlfriend equals a happy dating life.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a video on the floor of the entry. At that moment, I knew this hotel was going to be the best ever!

I made sure to step around the people. Eric, however, did not mind violating the art.

We checked into this most amazing hotel, only to find that the elevators were not in use. This was not good news, as Eric had booked the 13th floor suite. I actually climbed 13 floors in heels. Really, I didn’t mind. I burned more calories to later be used for wine.

Upon arrival, there was a handwritten note with chocolate, as well as chocolate on our bedroom pillows. The secret to any good hotel is chocolate and hand written notes.

I’m a simple girl. Just give me luxury.

And suddenly, the trek up the 13 floors was forgotten.

Our room was amazing! We had a balcony off the bathroom. This seemed odd. But apparently, you never know when you might be in the bathroom and feel the need to sit outside.

Had it been warmer, we would have drank wine on the balcony. We did endure the blustery wind to take a couple of sips and to take a picture, just to say we did it. Just imagine it during warm weather…

Everything about this hotel was extraordinary- from the rum bathroom soap to the rubber duck in the shower.

Ummm….the bride duck freaked me out a little. Ask the friends I texted!

After browsing the museum , we braved the frigid walk downtown. Our first stop was Mateo– a tapas bar, where we indulged in fried calamari and scallops. Our cooking at home is NOT like this. I took note that Eric and I have a very good eating rhythm. I taste, he eats the bulk… because he is a giant and I save my calories for the alcohol.

I might (or might not) have eaten the sauce with a spoon. I learned that pistachios and scallops are a winning combination!

Afterwards, we made an impromptu stop at Taberna, another tapas restaurant, where we ordered the salmon. Omg! It was cooked to perfection. It was crusty on the outside and flaky on the inside. I would have taken a picture, but I was distracted by the pink sparkling Rose’ I ordered…..

I’m always a fan of anything sparking and anything pink. Sparkling Rose’ is just my thing. It’s a match made in heaven.

On our walk back to the hotel, the beautiful full moon was a welcome distraction from both the cold and our nearly full bellies.

Our eating adventure ended with a bite from the hotel restaurant, The Counting House, where we enjoyed grilled broccolini and seared tuna. For those of you who know me, I had nothing to do with the tuna. Gag. My food has to be cooked to pieces. I was, however, all over the broccolini dish.

We were treated to an anniversary dessert. I’m still not sure exactly what it was, but I do remember that it was tasty. Could it be that I’d had a thousand glasses of wine by that time? Probably, most likely.

Before heading to our room, we explored the downstairs level, which was an old bank vault.

Clearly, Eric has done this before. He looks very natural opening a vault.

Wow! Look at the tiles in the bank vault room. Have I mentioned that this is the coolest hotel ever?

We also explored the upstairs restrooms. I needed to visit the restroom until I saw that they were clear. Apparently, when you are inside, the windows become opaque. Yeah. I’m didn’t trust that. I’m not that adventurous.

Hands down, our favorite artwork at the hotel was the flag. It was made with thousands of tiny G.I.Joe figurines. Awesome!

Thankfully, by the time we headed up to our room, the elevator had been fixed. It was the most amazing night ever!

We truly needed the time together.

If you ever have a chance to visit the 21c Museum Hotel, definitely do so. It will not disappoint. Downtown Durham will not disappoint. We passed so many restaurants of all types. There is definitely something for everyone.

And all of these unvisited places are future adventures waiting to happen!

Stay tuned for our next day’s adventure….

Categories: Adventures, Day Trips, Random Things, Vacations, Weekend Recap

A Weekend Recap- Odom Farming Company

Nothing makes me as cheerful as sunshine and the weekend. Although the weather was a bit warm for my taste, the first official weekend of fall didn’t disappoint.

On Friday night, Eric and I attended downtown Goldsboro’s annual dinner and awards ceremony. Even though I was exhausted after teaching all week, it was so fun to actually dress up to go out. Usually, when I get home from school on Friday afternoon, I immediately turn into pajama girl. I’ve decided that I should probably make more effort to enjoy my Friday nights. Eric would probably appreciate less pajama girl.

After the usual Saturday chores (yardwork, yardwork, yardwork…), I attended a meet and greet for Carolina Blogging at Odom Farming Company. It’s always fun to connect with others that share the same passion for a hobby. Well, in my case, blogging is a hobby. My definition of a hobby is something in which you spend LOTS of time and money just for fun. Note that awesome Stella & Dot clutch below. (I can get you one!)

Once all of us bloggers had gathered, we began with a scavenger hunt that led us on an adventure throughout the farm. A couple of items on the checklist included taking a selfie with the goat and a selfie at the pumpkin chuncker. As part of the scavenger hunt, we took a hayride to the pumpkin patch where there were pumpkins available for purchase. I particularly loved the white pumpkins! After the scavenger hunt, we treated ourselves to s’mores over the campfire.

Here are a few other things about the farm…

The farm has a large play area and several different activities for kids. They are very accommodating to the handicapped. There is a shaded picnic area and a place for a campfire. There is a goat on the farm as well as a 10 acre corn maze that will soon be ready. During the last few weekends of October, there will also be a haunted corn maze. Sign me up for that!

Odom Farming Company is definitely a great place to spend a few hours this fall. Pack a picnic, let the kids play, and take home a few pumpkins. And big thanks to Carolina Blogging, Melissa, and Sarah, for planning the fun event! For more information, visit odomfarmingcompany.com.

After coffee by the pool, Sunday morning was spent at church with my parents. When I attend church on Sunday morning, I always feel more centered for the entire week afterwards. Who doesn’t need that?

On Sunday afternoon, I decorated my house for fall and made a giant pot of chili. And, yes, I know it was hot outside. I turned the AC down, and imagined cooler weather. I spent hours dragging dusty containers down from the attic. It’s always so fun to find the forgotten treasures! As fun as that was, I’m sure I will be more than happy to tear it all down after fall. But for now, I’ll enjoy my house in all of its tacky fall splendor. All I’m lacking are the pumpkins for my front porch.

Why is it that weekends always pass so quickly?

There are so many times that I turn down fun activities because I’m too tired or there are too many chores. This weekend, the clothes didn’t get washed, and the bathrooms didn’t get cleaned. But I did get some things done and I definitely had fun. Note to self….have fun and make memories. Life is all about balance.

Categories: Adventures, Healthy Living, Vacations, Weekend Recap

A Trip and an Attitude Adjustment

Have you ever been overwhelmed by worries and negative thoughts? Mad at the world? Sometimes you just need an attitude adjustment…

October was a stressful month for so many. The devastation from Hurricane Matthew that some had to endure was unfathomable. Although I was fortunate to have had very little damage from the hurricane, this October brought personal storms of it’s own. Last October was especially difficult for me as it marked the beginning of the end of my marriage. Despite my efforts to be positive about the anniversary of that date, I’d let the negative feelings overwhelm me. I was so over October and I desperately needed a change in attitude.

When Eric asked me to accompany him to a conference, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I needed to get away from the stress. We needed time together, away from our daily obligations, to reconnect.

The further we got from home, the more relaxed I began to feel. Although I’ve stayed at the Onmi Grove Park Inn before, the first view of the hotel was as breathtaking as ever. The sky was the most beautiful shade of blue and the temperature was unseasonable warm. There’s nothing like the fresh mountain air!

We checked into our room and immediately headed for the spa. As the masseuse worked on my tense muscles in the quiet of the room, I was suddenly overcome by such a feeling of gratefulness for everything in my life. For the first time in a very long time, I felt nothing but contentment.

The spa was the perfect start to our weekend. I spent the rest of our vacation truly enjoying every experience without the distraction of my worries and fears. That, in turn, helped us reconnect and enjoy that time that we spent as a couple. When Eric wasn’t in seminars, we went for walks and sipped champagne while enjoying the glorious view of the fall-colored mountains.

Every morning, I drank my coffee in the quiet of the morning while watching the golfers from our room. I finally had time to catch up on my reading. I rarely ever make the time to read at home.

I made new friends and visited with those I’d met at the summer conference. At night, we explored Downtown Asheville and drank wine by the amazing fireplaces at the hotel.

I’m so grateful for the weekend get-a-way and for the time that we were able to spend together. However, I realized that I didn’t have to drive for hours to do the things I really enjoyed. I simply have to make time for those important things. So, the next time I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I’ll give myself a time-out to count my blessings and to enjoy life. We all need an attitude adjustment once in a while.