Travel Souvenirs

Happy Monday Lovelies!

Last week, I shared some ideas on what to pack for a trip. This week, let me suggest what you can bring back home -- souvenirs that are inexpensive, crafty and uniquely your own!

Let's say you find yourself at the touristy section of your vacation. Do you make a bee line for the souvenir shop or do you avoid it like the swine flu? I make a go for it and get myself a bunch of postcards, then I send some to family and friends. Even in this age of Facebook and Twitter, nothing beats giving your status update (or the answer to the question, "What are you doing?") on a tangible piece of paper that traveled across the world!

But here's the Tada!: I send myself a postcard to my address back home. I use different formats like the traditional letter to myself; a list of things I want to remember (ex. the soothing Thai massage, bargain shopping at the night markets and meeting a baby elephant in Bangkok, Thailand or pistachio gelato, buying herbs & spices at Campo dei Fiori and seeing the Colisseum in Rome, Italy); little sketches or phrases in a newly learned language.

I always get a kick out of finding a postcard in the mail when I've returned from a trip. As you can see, I've collected quite a few and if I need to take a break (but can't afford it), I simply fish out these postcards and I'm instantly whisked away.

Bon Voyage Bucket

Goodbyes...I'm not a big fan.

Whether it's a short trip or a permanent move involving a loved one, I consider goodbyes a blah. Let me explain: it's like a piece of me moves away, too, and that little empty space swells. And it hurts. And I don't like it. But don't worry, I never cause a scene (ex. hanging on to the pants of a dear friend as she boards the bus to her new adventure). I do my darn best to be supportive, even preparing a thoughtful Tada! going-away present:

Presenting the Bon Voyage Bucket!

It's made from a candy can, cleaned and wrapped with decorative paper.

Hmmm, wondering what's inside?
I've stuffed it with things that you can find in those free amenity kits on the airplane.

Like the basics: a sleep mask, ear plugs and a pair of socks (plane blankets aren't big enough to cover your toes!).

I also include tissue paper, anti-bacterial hand wipes, a travel toothbrush, toothpaste and moisturizer for face & lips (all in 3 oz. sizes as required by airlines for any carry-on liquids).

And because this isn't your generic amenity kit, I threw in some mints, vitamins or a packet of dietary supplements, energizing aromatherapy oil, relaxing chamomile tea and a handmade bookmark with a prayer for a safe journey.

An inflatable pillow, a magazine, destination guide and travel journal are other things that I might want to add to the package.

So even if that special someone saying goodbye leaves on coach, this gift is sure to make him or her feel like they're on first class!

Have a good weekend everyone!

Plane Food

When I'm on a plane, there are two things I look forward to: arriving at the destination and when the food service cart is rolled onto the aisle. Okay, so airplane food may never get a Michelin star rating but I must say I've had several memorable airplane meals. It's unfortunate that these days, many airlines have stopped serving food to cut costs. They don't even give away those little packets of peanuts anymore. Only drinks are free. They do sell food like sandwiches and snacks, but $4.00 for peanuts?!

To turn this blah situation into a Tada!, here's what I do:

I get myself a plastic container -- you know, the ones where they package take-out food.

I add these colorful liners that not only make my snack tray pretty, they make very good compartments for the nibbles I've prepared: cheese & crackers, nuts and dried fruit!

I like using these plastic containers because there's less garbage after the meal, food keeps it shape (no flat sandwiches), there's less mess and it can easily be stuffed into your carry-on luggage or handbag.

You can choose whatever you want to put in it and you're sure it's healthy! Here I've selected some banana muffins, an apple and raisins that I can eat with coffee or tea while watching an in-flight movie.

Depending on how long the flight is, you can pack smaller snacks that you can enjoy in between naps and reading. I think these containers I got at a Japanese store are ready for the job.

I've filled them with fruit (blueberries), protein (hard boiled eggs) and sweets (my favorite dark chocolate)...hey, everyone deserves a treat! You can also use these for kiddie snacks -- one for each child.

For the duration of the trip, simply rinse these containers and re-fill with more snacks.

For the flight back home, buy some snacks that you loved from your destination (ex. pain au chocolat, empanadas, cupcakes) for that one last vacation hurrah.

Love Your Luggage

Lost luggage...what a blah!

I try to avoid this by packing light and avoiding check-in luggage altogether. But if I really need to, I make sure my bag is properly labeled inside:

And outside:

Both of these tags were made using plastic ID sleeves and if you want to make your own, check out the tutorial here.

Most suitcases come with free tags and there are many beautiful luggage tags that you can buy now, there seems to be no excuse not to have one! Now here's a little thing I do when I check-in my bags: I always attach those free airline bag tags even if my luggage is already properly ID'd. I guess it appeases my mind that my luggage has a tiny sign saying which airline it will board. I'm hoping that when the bag handler accidentally puts my bag on a Delta plane and sees the small "American Airlines" tag on my bag, he'll escort it to the proper aircraft. My bag and I are a team. We want to be safely reunited in our destination.

But sometimes by the time you get hold of these tags, it's also the time to check-in! And I do want to fill in the information on the airline tags (in case my bag tag gets lost...I know, it's an endless cycle!) in legible letters -- there seems to be no point if the kind soul who finds your bag can't read your handwriting.

So days before my trip, I make these print-outs on adhesive labels that I can just stick-on the airline tag. I make enough especially if there are different legs of the trip that will require checking-in my bags.

Don't you think this is a Tada! idea?

I attach these on my bags and send them off with a prayer. While it won't guarantee that my luggage won't ever get lost, it will help find their way back to me.

Polka Dot Pouches

Good Morning Everyone! I'm still in a "travel" state of mind, so this week I'm sharing some Tada! ideas that I hope you can use on your next trip.

Whenever I travel, I take an extra bag with me. It's usually something that I can fold and easily stash in my handbag. Like most girls, shopping is always on my agenda -- local supermarket, independent bookstore, cute boutiques and farmer's market. During my trip to San Francisco, I saw this sign at one of the stalls at the Ferry Building farmer's market:

I think that's a Tada!

Unless you didn't have your own bag -- which would be a blah! How would you carry all those lovely produce? Good thing there are reusable bags and baskets available for purchase. This stall owner's rule reinforces a new habit we have to keep: abolish the hazardous plastic bag and BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) instead!

It makes me excited to see many shops joining the bandwagon with their sturdy and well-designed reusable shopping bags!

Remember this pink and white polka dot bag (reversible with a colorful stripe pattern on the other side)? I got it at a swap from fellow blogger Becky. I'm proud to say it has made its debut, helping me carry a loaf of crusty bread, a bottle each of lavender salt and lavender sugar, a pint of sweet strawberries, a pound of cherries and a cookbook! On another occasion, I used it to carry little presents to hand out to relatives and friends. Then when the rain threatened to pour, I stuffed it with a folding umbrella and my trusty scarf...just in case. Handy dandy indeed!

Another thing I like to pack is this polka dot pouch. I can put my passport & boarding pass inside and other documents like itineraries & hotel or car rental reservation details. I can also use it to store metal objects (watch, belt, loose change, mobile phone) that I need to remove from my pants before going through the airport security sensors. This will corral my valuable stuff while I'm busy putting on the shoes that I also had to take off!

Maybe you'd like to add these two items in your packing list.

Oh, and if you're not into polka dots like I am, go ahead and chose your favorite print!

Travel Time

Happy Monday Everyone! Gosh, I missed you! I just came from San Francisco and I had an awesome time reconnecting with family & friends, eating like there was no tomorrow, enjoying the outdoors, trying out little cafes, popping in & out of shops and bookstores and gathering inspiration for my little blog. Thanks guys for visiting and leaving those nice notes even if I wasn't around!

Maybe you'll be traveling soon or currently planning an adventure, so this week on blah to Tada! I'll be sharing some things I love to pack when the travel bug bites.

It's highly recommended to stay hydrated even on vacation but look, all the glass & plastic bottles add up! What a blah.

Here's a Tada! solution: bring your own water bottle! Keep it empty as you go through airport security and fill it from the water fountain before boarding the flight. During the trip, as the water level goes to low, the tap isn't too far behind. Now if you find yourself in a place where tap water isn't safe, get a giant bottle of filtered water from the store and refill your smaller & re-usable bottle as necessary.

If you're a coffee lover, take your own insulated mug. If there's a coffee maker in your hotel room, make a brew and pour into the insulated mug and you've got coffee-to-go! A little rinse and you can fill the mug with water for the rest of the day.

See you tomorrow for another travel tip! Enjoy your day!

Go Ahead and Clown Around!

Here's wishing you a fun, fabulous, blah to Tada! weekend!