Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The joys of traveling

This has probably been the longest stretch of time in the past 5 years that I have not traveled anywhere by plane. You really get out of practice. I used to travel, at least for a day trip, once a month or so. Weird. I am having a hard time packing.

Thank goodness for Southwest still letting you take two checked bags with no fee. Dear God tell me that has not changed in the last few days and I haven't heard about it yet.

Just checked - Bags still fly free! Thank you my sweet Dallas based company!

I have picked up a few things along the way that make flying more comfy for me. Here is a list of what is in my carry-on bag (which is pretty much always packed with the basics)

-1 large and snuggly blanket that never leaves the carry-on so it is dog hair free (this was especially important when I traveled for work and I was usually wearing black).
-neck pillow - I prefer the ones with the micro-beads from Brookstone. The cotton filled and (shiver) inflatable ones are just not acceptable. If the pillow is too firm my head ends up being pushed forward and I look like a chicken trying to get comfortable. A neck pillow needs to be soft enough that you can sink back into it but firm enough to offer support.
-ear plugs - a must for drowning out that child with the ill behaved parents who sat behind you.
-good book/magazine - because the emergency reference card can only hold your attention for so long.
-yummy smelling aromatherapy lotion - I sometimes just rub a little right below my nose for a soothing effect. It also helps when some rude person brings stinky food on the plane. Or there is just a stinky person near you. Smell violations are sometimes inevitable so be prepared!

Also essesential for traveling is a light weight jacket that is easily shedded and stuffed away if not needed. Slip on shoes for security line ease. If possible wear socks with those shoes so you don't have to walk on the dirty carpet.

And of course your photo ID. Which for some reason I always panic right when I get to the airport "do I have my license?" It has been ages and ages since I ever went anywhere without my license but I still have this fear that I have gotten all the way to the airport without it.

So what are your traveling secrets? Anything that I can use for my upcoming trip?

Monday, April 12, 2010

Bentley Brooks Design

The website is finished! It will go "live" sometime today!

It is still a work in progress. I need some more pictures but it is at least completed.

So check out http://www.bentleybrooksdesign.com/

I will be anxious to hear what you think.