Random Monday

 I've got some random today.  

Pie Pals Update

The Pie Pals are eating some glum pie because Miss Becky moved to North  South Carolina. We plan to eat pie without Becky but it won't the same.

 We went to Holly's house and had a test before we ate pie.

 We all passed and received our Snowpocalypse  2017 Badge.

Everything is cute and fun at Holly's house. It made me want to collect badges like a Girl Scout.

Her pecan pie was delish!

We had one last pie before Miss Becky left us.  I made coconut cream pie and hosted at my house.

Remember Pie Fixes Everything so while we were sad about Becky leaving we enjoyed the pie and since it was a sorrowful occasion everyone had seconds. That and a champagne cocktail helps.  

All better.

3, 2, 1... MAUI

I've been gathering dollar paperbacks to take to the beach and have a fairly decent stack.

Last trip to Maui I ran out of reading material and had to go to the free pile and take whatever was left. I'm not Harlequin Romance reader but I did it. Ugh. This year I'm ready!

 I have a new swim suit and cover up.  The shoes were in my closet and just in case I want to wear heels to the pool I can.  Every eventuality.  I'll keep you posted on the shoes and the amount of luggage.  #thestruggleisreal

 Karen and I made dinner reservations for the week. Oh my! We are going to have some fun.

It'll pretty much be our Hawaii routine but this old lady is buying a chair.  I plan to set it at the surf's edge and soak it all up.

Pretty much a beach day every day.  We've done the educational, touristy things in Hawaii.

Back in the Classroom

I am substitute teaching!  It is going well and it's fun to be back in school.  I can work without having to ask off for vacations, Hubby's days off and summertime.  I have met some great students and teachers and always come home with fun stories to share with Hubby.

I love saying the Pledge of Allegiance with a classroom of kiddos.  It gives me good chills.

I am amazed how many times a first grader falls out of their chair.

I love aha moments.

I love second grader jokes.

I now know the thumb between two fingers means that someone needs a bathroom pass.

If one little person says they need to see the nurse, there will soon be an epidemic. Because when they hear that word they all think of something that hurts and needs attention.  It's a fine line, folks.

I am having a good time.

A teacher asked if I had any jobs for this week. I teach on Tuesday and then I said I had a cut and color on Wednesday.  She thought that's what I was calling a kindergarten assignment.  Nooo, I'm getting my hair done before leaving for Maui.  Haha I am going to laugh about that for a long time.

Aloha!

Reading Poolside

Keeping the House has many characters but it is possible to keep them straight and to get to know each one.  Laura passed this book on to me and I took it to Las Vegas, it was a good poolside read..  Each chapter begins with some advice taken from the Good Housekeeping magazine in the 1950's.

I always enjoys stories about houses and this one didn't disappoint.

The Woman in Cabin Ten is a suspense story.  I wouldn't read it on a cruise! It's hard to put down, much like Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train.  It reminded me of the Safari promo cruise I took with my sister, Kathi. I pictured the ship to be similar, including the staff areas.

 My Mrs. Brown is a story of a woman with a dream to own a Oscar de la Renta dress. It seems so unlikely that Mrs. Brown would want a designer dress or that she could ever afford one but the last chapter explains everything.  It's a beautiful story of determination and love.

I'll remember this book for a long time.

The Boy is Back is written using emails and texts.  This makes for an easy read while traveling.

It's light reading with a good story.  Meg Cabot wrote the Princess Diaries and so she ranks pretty high with me.  I love that movie.

I need a stack of books for Maui, so any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

Las Vegas Wedding and Family Fun

Last week Hubby and I went to Las Vegas for his nephew's wedding.  It wasn't a destination wedding because Hubby's sister and her family live in Las Vegas.  The ceremony was at a beautiful location and the reception was at a beautiful park.

Cherie brought her grand girls to the wedding.  We had a lot of fun with them.

Hubby and his Mom ready for the wedding.

 Bonnie and Dennis had everyone to their house the night before the wedding.  It was a great time to visit with everyone.

Daniel and Athena got married on the 7th anniversary of their first date.

A very cute and happy couple!

I found someone to take a picture of all of the Rylaarsdam women and forgot the newest family member, the bride! Ugh!

 That evening a lot of us went to Fremont Street.  The lights are fantastic but the crowds made this introvert a little tense.

 Hubby and I had fun with Destiny and Brooklyn in Vegas.  We teased Brooklyn because she arrived in Vegas wearing her snow boots.  She hadn't flown before and just didn't realize how quickly the climate can change. There was a lot of laughing and the girls were good sports hanging out with the Aunts.

 On our way back to our condo Hubby decided to drive back along the strip.  Marie and Alida (pretty sure I have spelled her name incorrectly, she is an exchange student visiting from Turkey) rode with us.  Hubby pointed out the pawn shop from the show, Pawn Stars. Oh my! Alida was so excited.  It turns out that she watches the show in Turkey with her Dad and never dreamt that she would be so close to the shop.  Hubby made a U-turn and we did a photo shoot. She was giddy!

 The next morning Hubby and I took the shuttle to see the conservatory at the Bellagio.  The Spring exhibit had opened the day before and we had not been inside of the Bellagio before so we had this planned.

 The flowers were gorgeous but I was obsessed with the tile floor.  If you've ever done any tiling you know this floor is art.

 The new exhibit is a Japanese Spring Garden and the conservatory has 120 gardeners keeping everything fresh.

 The lobby has a beautiful display of Dale Chihuly's glass.  I love his work and since I met him last summer I feel a special connection.

 We thought the fountains only were at night but they are during the day too.

 A highlight for Hubby was meeting his hero, Sponge Bob. Seriously excited!

We spent the afternoon by the pool with the girls and then returned our rental car and went for dinner.

Hubby wanted to go to a Brazilian Steakhouse. He had a dream, so I researched and made reservations at Texas de Brazil. It was delicious and fun. 

We flew home Monday morning.  We had a great trip and had some fun family time.

Congratulations Daniel and Athena!

Travel Tips Continued

Many of you shared travel tips on my facebook link and I appreciate that.  Great ideas and tips!

I have more to share today because I learned some things on this trip.  Some were the hard way.

 Rental car reservations, I usually make two or three and then upon arrival I go to the company with the shortest line. I didn't do that this time, which was unusual and a big mistake for this trip.

I had reservations with Dollar Rental, we took the shuttle to the rental car hub at the Las Vegas airport.  We got to the counter and the agent couldn't find my reservation.  It turns out that I had a car rental reservation in Las Vegas, just not at the airport. Oh yes, he could help me but it would be $80 a day more. We took a cab to Treasure Island and picked up the car.  We had to return it there too.

We decided to return the car the night before and take Lyft to the airport in the morning.

I will now and forever cross check car pick up and drop off. Amen.

I use Uber, but in Las Vegas the concierge told Marie that Lyft works better there.  Now I have both apps and will check which one works better for the area.  Lyft cars were everywhere and lined up like taxis in Vegas. Lyft is cheaper than the shuttles that take you from the airport to the hotels.

When traveling on Allegiant Airlines, we always arrive super early.  They have long lines and never enough help.  It was a good call to return the car the night before and go directly to the airport in the morning because in addition to the snaking long line inside of the airport, the line continued down the sidewalk outside. Miles of cranky people.

We had plenty of time but we witnessed a lot of panic and missed flights.

I carry a large tote bag as my purse with cross body purse inside the bag.  It's nice to have that extra room for my book, water bottle, snack, footie socks and shopping.

I found this bag at Gap this Spring and it's a great size, lined and it's pretty in real life.  The Gap code today in BONUS.  I am the master of Gap codes, promotions and rewards and I got mine for $13.  It is regularly $59.95 and comes in black and brown also.  It stands up, it has an inside strap to secure it and a pocket for my phone.  There are matching cross body bags too.

Traveler Beware!

I had an incident yesterday at the Bellingham airport.  I went to get the luggage and Hubby went to get the car. I was texting and saw the luggage carousel start up.  I finished my message and started to walk over to watch for our bag.  About three steps in I saw my bag go flying past me, being pushed along by a guy.  A man and woman were heading to the door with our bag.

I stopped them and told them that they had my bag. She said she was glad I noticed, he said nothing!

Honestly, I am not sure if it was a mistake or if they were stealing luggage.

I have a large, bright tag on our suitcase. 

She said, oh we must have the same luggage.

I asked, oh really, with a big tag just like mine?

NO RESPONSE!

Yeah, that's what I thought! 

Put a big, bright tag on your luggage and watch out because people are either stupid or stealing.

Las Vegas fun and the wedding in my next post!

Tami's Travel Tips

We have some vacations this Spring.  I have a few traveling tips to share.  

Getting my vacation game on!

Concealer and foundation in a contact case. I mark the top with a C and an F using a sharpie. Less glass, less stuff, makes me happy.

 I always put in a fresh pair of contacts on the morning that we leave.  Even though I have more than one pair of glasses I only take one.

 I leave eye shadow and blush at home and take a Clinique sampler.  One item instead of three, works for me.

 I choose one lipstick, that way I take one lip pencil.  And I usually take a Clinique sample so my good MAC lipstick doesn't melt or get lost.

 How many times do I have to tell you to take Meclizine for motion sickness?  I use it for flights, cars, amusement parks, boats, ferries, buses or swimming in the ocean.  I take one every day I'm on a trip, in the morning.  It does not cause drowsiness. 

 If I am going to be poolside or at the beach I only bring water proof mascara.  I use the white tube for everyday but if I'm on a trip I use up the little samples.

 Nordstrom is great about including samples in my order and I use them on trips.  Because they are tiny.

 I love it when they send me a perfume sample that is a spray.  Happy dance!

My hairdresser, Glenda, who I LOVE, gave me this tip. Use shampoo and conditioner samples on trips.  I don't if I am gone longer than a weekend, I have refillable shampoo and conditioner bottles for those trips.  When camping is where these little samples are brilliant! No more leaving your shampoo in the campground bathroom.  Grab your towel and samples and head to the camp shower.  Brilliant!

No matter where I am going I take two black tee shirts.  I wear them with jeans, shorts, white jeans, and my black skirt.

I have a robe and pjs that I only use for travel.  It's lightweight.

I only pack jewelry that is costume and that can be worn more than once.

I am not a flight attendant but I do wear a uniform when on flight.  I have a black knit skirt.  It's cute, it has little layers and so when I get to my destination I can pair it with a black tee, heels, and some jewelry and it almost equals a little black dress.  Back to my uniform... black skirt, black tee, black leggings and a jean jacket or black cardigan.  When I fly to a warm tropical location I lose the leggings before I leave the airport.  I usually wear flats or sneakers.  I keep flip flops in my purse and put those on before I leave the plane.

Basically I am in something as comfy as pjs yet the black makes it look dressy.  I can go from climate to climate with ease.  If I have a night flight I pack a small blankie or a wrap.  If it's a short flight I sometimes just wear jeans. I need a pair of jeans while I am on the trip but I don't want to take the room in my luggage I wear them.

If we fly Allegiant we check our bags because you have to pay for carry on any way.  I know it's nice to not have to wait for luggage but there is a very cranky Allegiant employee in Bellingham that no matter how hard you try to follow the rules of carry on luggage she will find something and shame you.  "Whose bag is THIS?"  

It's not worth it.  If you are going to battle with her take your tape measure and be ready.

I try to pack light in every way until I have to make decisions about shoes.  If always ends badly.  I aspire to pack as light as Marjean and to look as cute as her.  Mad skills!

Hubby and I are fortunate as his Mom shares her Worldmark timeshare with us. They have a washer and dryer in each unit. I don't like to do laundry on vacation but it's nice to know I have that option.

I buy inexpensive used books to take along, then read'em and leave'em.
If we are flying to Hawaii I put a swimsuit in my carry on bag or purse so if my luggage is lost or delayed I can wait poolside.
An empty water bottle and snack in my purse. Leslie gave me a water bottle that filters the water.  It removes that icky, I'm not at home, hotel water taste.
A clean pair of footie socks for long flights, I am more likely to sleep if my feet are cozy.
This brings up night flights. We have one in April. I wear my comfy uniform, take my blankie, my travel pillow and earplugs. I take a Tylenol PM prior to boarding, magnesium to keep my legs from getting restless and I hydrate.  I brush my teeth, take out my contacts and wash my face prior to boarding.  Just as though I am going to bed.  Because I want to sleep!

On my last flight two teen age guys sat next to me, They got on with smoothies and coffees from Starbucks.  The guy next to me took the lid off his coffee and the lid went skidding across my lap, foam side down.  He was mortified and I was glad I wore black. I carry wipes in my bag and I was happy I had them. Just a little pack in your purse for spills and boys.

Hubby likes the window seat, I like the aisle.  If it's two seats in the rows we are happy.  If not, we sit across the aisle from each other.  I'm not a fan of bathrooms on planes but it's good to stand up and stretch.  You may ask Karen, I attract crazy on airplanes like a moth to a flame. So, I need to be able to get up, if only for a few minutes.

We had to replace our luggage a few years ago because it was too heavy.  Our wheels go both ways and that is great.  One of those things that you don't realize you need until you have it.

Please share your tips. Flying isn't fun any more but at the end of the day it's vacation and poolside or the beach for me.  I know you will have some good tips for me.

If you would say a lil prayer for me, Hubby and I are sharing a suitcase and he is going to see how many pairs of shoes I am taking to Las Vegas...

Bon Voyage!

IKEA Camping Hacks

I woke up to snow again this morning, just a skiff but still, snow. I love snow and have enjoyed winter this year; however, I am starting to look forward to camping and trailer rally season. The Modernism Week Vintage Trailer Show in Palm Springs was inspiring and got me thinking about things I'd like to do to prep for the season.

Sheryl and I visited with the owner of the pictured chairs and storage table, she had a nice outdoor sitting area in front of her motor home.  She found her blanket storage/table at IKEA.

 I'd like to add something like this to Huaka'i Annie.  Beach towel storage, blanket storage or even shoe storage.  IKEA has a lot of options.  Something I can store outdoors. I am leaning toward the same one I saw at the show.  Shoe storage would not be as pretty as her blankets but shoes make me crazy in the trailer.  It reminds me of when our guys were boys and there were size 12 shoes everywhere. Only it's my 16 pairs of flip flops.

I love the colors of the stacking table but it wouldn't provide the storage I need.

I have a great cart for outside of Annie.  It works as a bar cart, holds a basket of games and at rallies I set up information on it.  I found it at Farm Chicks.  It folds down. 

I saw this little shopping cart at the show.  I have  similar carts.  I use one as a Christmas wrapping cart and have lined with fabric and sold them as such.  I like the wood lashed liner in this cart.  I may have to try that for shoes or for toting all my junk to the beach.

IKEA sells carts like this roller.  These are great but they do not fold down.

IKEA sells great laundry bags for camping and I need to pick up this one next time I visit.

 And maybe a new rug for the season.  My rugs get trashed in the trailer and IKEA has fun colors and low prices on rugs.

I definitely need a trip to IKEA before camping season.  Who wants to go?  Do you have any IKEA camping hacks I should know about before I go?  Do share.

No IKEA this week for me.  I am going to Las Vegas for a nephews wedding.  Yep, more sunshine and fun for me.  And another resort with a lazy river. Haters gonna hate.