On the Road AGAIN!!!!

WOOHOO!  Today is the day I am headed to North Carolina to see my kid!  Thank you Thirty One for the additional money (as a result of the cancelled cruise) so I could make this trip.  This is the first time in a few years I will actually get to spend Belinda’s birthday with her.  An afternoon flight on United will get to Asheville in just 2 hours.  I’m really excited.

No, this will not be me looking for my suitcase.  In the past, I would have traveled with a black one non-Thirty One bag but not this time.  I am traveling with a carry on and my purse.  Here is what I am taking:

 and    DoubleTake Tote

Yes, these are both hostess exclusives.  I usually pack way too many clothes so I wanted to see if I could consolidate everything for a 5 day trip.  Was it easy? NO!  It meant really thinking about what I wanted to wear.  Now hubby had a suggestion…. why not get some extra clothes to leave there this way I wouldn’t have to take so much when I fly down.  Interesting thought???

Here are some travel tips I am going to use this time around:

1. Make three copies of your itinerary & identification.

No matter where you are traveling to, make sure your emergency contacts (or next of kin) have a copy of your itinerary.  Pack one copy in your suitcase as well as the one in your purse.  Even though I am carrying everything on, you never know when the plane will be full and they will check your bag at the gate.  You can even take a picture of it with your phone, this way you will never lose it!

2. Ensure you have more than one source of funds.

Okay, so I am guilty of this!  It is suggested you don’t rely on a single credit card (or debit card).  If you begin charging things out of your normal pattern, you could very well be blocked because the bank will think the card has been stolen.  Another suggestion is to notify the bank you will be traveling so they are not surprised by unusual charges.

3. Consider your arrival time in a city you have not been to before

Will it be after dark? How far out of the city centre is the airport? Make sure you arrange an airport pickup through your hotel or a local contact whenever possible.  So excited because Belinda will actually be picking me up at the airport.

4. Pack an extra pair of glasses and medications.

This tip is perfect for someone who is traveling  longer than 2 weeks BUT not bad for anyone.   The truth is you should be prepared for emergencies when it comes to your health.  If you are carrying medications, keep a copy of your prescription with you and the generic names for the drugs. You never know when you will lose a bag or the airline will lose a bag.  Keep medicines in their original, labelled containers.  I tend to put them in a pill container to make travel easier when we are going for 1 week or less.  Any longer, I always carry the bottles.  It’s alway a good idea to take enough medication for the duration of your trip plus 7 days (for emergencies).  Wear prescription glasses or contacts, keep a copy of your script with you, you never know when you may need to get an emergency pair.

5. Take a photo of your luggage with your mobile phone camera

How often have you been at baggage claim only to find a zillion black suitcases.  Of course using a Thirty One week-ender could solve the problem BUT if it isn’t an option, take a picture of your luggage.  If it goes missing you can show the picture to the baggage desk staff at the airport, making it easier to find it for you.

What is your best travel tip?  Share it with us….

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

Happy Birthday Baby!

At 7:57AM exactly 28 years ago my baby girl was born – Belinda Joan Heldreth Steinel.  I am sure she is cringing at me calling her my “baby” but she will always be my baby no matter how old she gets.

When I found out I was pregnant, there were a whirlwind of emotions. Belinda’s dad opted to leave us since he “wasn’t ready to be a dad”.  Was I ready to be a mom? Probably not.  This fun-loving, workaholic, partying women thought “I can do and have it all”.  Whatever “all is” right?  Reality quickly sunk in as I was banished to bed for most of my pregnancy.  I will admit I was a party girl – drugs, alcohol, late nights and not eating healthy all contributed to high blood pressure and being toxic during my pregnancy.

Life was a little, okay ALOT, crazy but I knew we would be okay.  I had family and friends who were there for me.  I searched high and low for a book on what a busy career woman could do when she became a single mom – YIKES!  There was no book, no script and most of my friends had never had a baby so tips were few and far between.

The morning Belinda arrived, I was due for a stress test because despite the doctor’s prediction, she was NOT early nor was she a preemie!  When I called the doctor to tell him I as in labor, he was like “I will see you for the stress test”. NO WAY!  Within an hour, the pain was unbearable so off Elsie and I went to the hospital.  We arrived at the hospital and admissions said “we need paperwork”. REALLY?  I was here and did it already.  I just want the pain to stop – NOW!  I was having contractions but the doctor said it was too early for pain meds.  By the time the doctor came back in it was too LATE for pain meds.  Yup, 100% natural labor along with a vow I would NEVER had another child.

It was always “you and me kid”.  You were the reason I got clean during my addiction.  I picked and chose my battles while you were growing up.  Some things just weren’t worth it.  I was blessed.  You were basically a good kid.  A gymnast (thank you Edythe & Grams).  A field hockey player.  An All Star Cheerleader.  A hard working girl at the age of 16.  You always said “I never want to disappoint you” and I can say you never have.

Yes, I had tremendous support from my mom and the rest of the family.   But at the end of the day, it was “you and me kid” snuggled in our mobile home getting through life with the cats and Tinkerbell, the dog.

Do you remember the first time the realization hit you your “baby” was a grown up? Was it when they went to HS? How about when they got their first job? Or was it when they got their driver’s license?  Most will say, it was when they went off to college.  For me, the realization came as Rob and I walked her down the “aisle” to the waiting arms of her finance.  Yup.  It took that long – just one year ago.  I was not ready for the flood of emotion I would be hit with as we drove back to Jersey after the wedding.

Belinda, you have grown into an amazing woman.  I have always been proud of you.  I love your giving heart.  I love your energy.  I love your self-confidence.  Yes, I even love your lack of tact when telling people how you “really” feel.  You have inspired others to reach for their dreams.  You have fought for those who could not fight for themselves. You have blazed a trail advocating as far as Capital Hill for the things you believe in.  You stand up for what you believe in even if it goes against the norm.

Our family has grown – Rob became your step-dad and Ashley your wife. And we are blessed to have them.  They love us for who we are – the good, the bad and the ugly.

Yes, mom is shedding a tear or two as I write this.  We are not physically together today but our hearts will be bound together forever.  I wish you a day filled with love and happiness.  I hope all of your dreams come true.   Happy Birthday Baby!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Only Guaranteed Today

“If your forever was ending tomorrow, would this be how you’d want to have spent it? Listen, the truth is, nothing is guaranteed. You know that more than anybody. So don’t be afraid. Be alive.” ~Sarah Dessen

I have spent the last week in the mountains of North Carolina where peace and tranquility is an every day occurrence.  I have re-connected with what I want from my life, plan with hubby for the future and just enjoy time with family.

I have spent many years letting fear hold me back from pursuing my dreams. I was afraid I wouldn’t be good enough, strong enough, or smart enough to accomplish the big goals I had for myself. I didn’t think I was special and I definitely didn’t think I deserved to be successful.

Have you been there?  Have you been tempted to take a leap of faith but then stopped?  Have you played the “what if” game?  The results are usually negative, right?  What if you changed the end result and the “what if” was all you dreamed it would be?

I did a lot of thinking this week.. I’ve decided I need to stop letting fear get the best of me and start taking action toward my goals.  What are you waiting for?  The SMACK of a near death experience?  The sudden loss of a family member or friend?  The diagnosis of a chronic disease?  What will it take for YOU to embrace today and reach for your dreams?

Why are you waiting to transform your life?

Cherish Your Loved Ones

At the end of the day, if I had nothing else in my life but the people I loved most, I would be content and happy. Your loved ones are there for you during the good and bad times. They are your cheerleaders and support system, and their love is unconditional.  How many of us have let work and the busyness of life get in the way of what mattered most.

It’s important to cherish your loved ones and make time for them because when they are no longer around you will wish you had one more moment to spend with them.  Call your mom, visit your friend, and make the most of the short time you have on this planet before it’s too late.

Prioritize Your Health

This has become my number one priority.  I have placed my health last for many years – drug addiction, bulimia, abortion and just bad decisions. Then came the “gray area” diagnosis of MS and Addison’s Disease.  My health was put in perspective.  The truth is if you want to live a long and healthy life, you must start prioritizing your health.

A change in diet – no gluten, no dairy and  no soy.  Okay, so I am a work in progress but I do the best I can.  It’s time to stop all the excuses of why it’s too hard or there’s not enough time to eat healthy or exercise. Nothing else will matter if you get sick or pass away tomorrow because you didn’t make an effort to be as healthy as possible today.

Stop Taking Everything So Seriously

Are you caught up focusing on all of the little problems and challenges you face daily?  Do you stress and worry about things you have no control over? Do you obsess over your mistakes and waste time trying to fix them?

I’ve been there and some days still am!  For years, I’ve worried and stressed over the mistakes I made at work, not being the “perfect” parent, or not being thin enough. I’m a people pleaser, and extremely self-conscious.  My feelings get hurt easily and I tend to take things way too seriously.  The truth is, when you are faced with life or death, these so-called issues do not seem to matter at all.

Life is Too Short

We are only ever guaranteed today, so stop waiting for tomorrow.  If you want to quit your job, make a plan and do it. If you want to find your soul mate, then put yourself out there and find him/her.  Don’t wait until a near death experience to wake up and realize you need to make a change in your life or get your act together.

You Are Enough

I let fear and self-doubt hold me back for years, and I know I’m not alone. We all struggle with fear, self-doubt, and shame and we allow it to take over our lives. Successful and happy people are the ones who experience these feelings, but follow their desires anyway.

Whether you believe it or not, you are enough and you deserve to be happy. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with this and I still work at it every day, but I now know that I am enough… and so are you.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

 

 

Travel Thursday – Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a city in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture, including the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence and the vast 19th-century Biltmore estate, displaying artwork by masters like Renoir. Its Downtown Art District is filled with galleries and museums, and in the nearby River Arts District, former factory buildings house artists’ studios.

I have been a sand in my shoes girl all of my life – never wanting to get too far away from the smell of the ocean or the chance to sit by the water and ponder the blessings in my life.  Then my daughter went to North Carolina for college.  Our first trip down was full of wonder at the beauty of the mountains and the trees.  We didn’t spend a lot of time doing much more than moving her in to her college dorm before heading home.

Over the last 8 years, we have come to love this area.  The small towns nestled in the mountains but close enough to the city to have some fun.  We have been exploring parts of Asheville each time we visit – from shopping to the farmer’s market to the quaint little restaurants.  We had an AWESOME breakfast here….

Of course no trip to Asheville is complete without stopping by the Mellow Mushroom

I love to use my Go To Tote to hold those little treasures that we find while strolling through the Farmer’s Market.  It has LOTS of pockets on the outside and room on the inside.  So when I am not keeping my treasures safe, I can use it as my purse.

Along with my Double Up Crossbody which is great for shopping hands free!

I am counting down the days till we head back to the quietness of the mountains and get to explore more of what Asheville has to offer.  If you have visited this area or better yet, if you are a local, what are some of YOUR favorite spots?  We would love to check them out on our next trip.

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Source: Courtesy of Free People