Monday, August 4, 2014

How to pack for two weeks in Europe... in one carry on!

Before I begin to write about the best parts of our amazing European adventure, I'll share some info and photos about the one part I've been asked about more than anything else- how on Earth did I pack for two weeks in Europe with only a carry on suitcase?  

First, I consulted some other blogs, such as this article on pbfingers.com.  I realized that I needed to think ahead about items that could be worn several times in different ways, and be okay with rewearing clothes a few times.  To help with this last part, I purchased some travel detergent sheets to wash small clothing items in the sink when needed- which I did several times!  Traveling to Italy, Spain, and France, I had an extra challenge of preparing for ranging temperatures (95° in Florence and 65° in Paris).  Layering was a must!


So here it is:  
2 pairs of sandals, 1 pair of Toms, 1 pair of loafers.
3 pairs of shorts
2 maxi skirts
1 pair of jeans
5 tank tops
4 simple dresses
1 bathing suit
1 pashmina
1 large over the shoulder purse (with many zippers to keep those sticky fingers out!)
Plus:  makeup, shower and hair supplies (only what is absolutely necessary and put into small bottles)
(I even checked with each hotel to see if there was a hair dryer and opted to leave mine at home, sigh. )

Sure enough, rolling it tight and calling on my childhood Tetris skills, it all fit!  I also brought a small backpack for personal items on the plane, iPad, book, snacks, etc.  This helped with overflow as I acquired a few more items on the trip than I'd started with!

Note:  U.S. and European carry on measurements are different.  They did make us check our bags in Ireland and France because they were too wide.  However, we were still so glad to have small bags as we carried them from place to place.
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Wednesday, October 2, 2013

6.29.13 Video Preview

Nicole & Aron (Carol Stream, IL) from Robert Cawthorne on Vimeo.

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Friday, September 27, 2013

Makin Mama Proud!

I realize I have not been writing much lately- err ok at all lately.  And mostly that is because the life I've been living has been a blissfully boring snooze (in a really, really awesome way!).  While work has kept me pretty busy, it is unreal to now have my nights and weekends again without being constantly tied down with to-do lists of grad school, wedding, and moving projects.  In the meantime, I've become entirely too consumed in streaming TV shows on Netflix, and think of Amanda Clarke and Piper Chapman as my besties.    But one thing that I have begun to enjoy more is spending a little time in my (teeny tiny) kitchen.  See for yourself!


Kale Chips 

Grille Caprese Portabella Caps (with a side of Mama's pesto!

And now that its fall... Mama's Chili!  

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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Out with the old... In with the new!

A quick post to document (and show off) my recent home updates is in order.  I've been so proud of myself for the renovations/decorations that I've crafted in these last few weeks of summer.  Many of the decorations actually came from our wedding, which makes me so happy as I walk around the house!!

Here is the old hallway bathroom...





I chose a darker blue so that I could keep the original vanity.  And when I first started painting, I thought I might have made a big mistake.  It looked VERY dark at first!  Thanks to my buds for the gifts of a painting touch up marker.  Super helpful!!!




And here is how it turned out!  I love it!!



Next... I put our place card shutter holders to work for our mail and invitations.  I also created another craft to hang on the kitchen wall with it.  The entire display is not yet finished... but here is what I have so far!



I hope you stop over soon to see for yourself what I've been up to!
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Thursday, August 1, 2013

Wedding Photos and Slideshow

Just a few more updates for those of you that still aren't totally sick of us :)

Here is the link to the professional wedding photos!
Wedding Photos

And here is the slideshow that was played at the rehearsal and reception.
Aron and Nicole Slideshow
(this is a private posting on YouTube... and cannot be viewed or searched by the general web without the link)

Still waiting on professional video... can't wait to see it!!







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Friday, July 19, 2013

My Own "Happiness Project"

"**Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun.”**

En route to our honeymoon, I realized that I'd failed to bring a really good beach read.  So, I found myself at 5:30 a.m. browsing the racks of the overpriced airport bookstore searching for the perfect title.  This bright blue cover caught my eye- and having heard of it through others- I decided to give it a go.  The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin, was not the "steamy page turner" that I'd originally been looking for, but instead- a bit of a perplexing, self-challenge.  

 Best book ever? No... I did find it a bit dry and sometimes piled with details and research on happiness that made me snooze.  (not a bad thing when on the beach, though!)  I also found that some of the author's remarks or conclusions I just didn't agree with.  But, do I recommend the book?  Yes.  Despite the aforementioned, this really made me think. A lot.  Because, like the auther, I already am happy.  This year I got married, bought a condo, finished my grad degree, and met many other challenges head on- I have the best friends and family in the world... all in all, I'm very happy. 

But the point of this book, this project, is to go above and beyond your regular state of happiness and search for more.  To regularly find gratitude in the daily routine of your life.  To challenge and stretch yourself.  To simply be more present.  To "find the silver linings".  Because, as states by Rubin, the realization that "the days are long, but the years are short" can apply to any [happy] person's life.  In my 29th year on this Earth, I want to challenge myself to my very own "Happiness Project" as well.  So keep coming back for updates, successes and follies...   P.S.  I will NOT be reading Aristotle. 
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Thursday, July 18, 2013

Who wants pictures???

I've had many, many requests for peeks at wedding and honeymoon photos since we've gotten home.  I have compiled most of the photos that we have and also those that many have sent to us into some google albums.   Links are posted below for anyone interested!  Photos are all out of order with some repeats- just depends on what people sent or posted!

Warning:  you are embarking on a gazillon photos.  There are A LOT- and many photos of scenery.  Aron did a wonderful job (per my request) of not getting annoyed at the the picture taking I did while in Hawaii- and I'm so glad I can look back at all these photos to remember all the amazing things we got to see and do!  So if you don't want to look at all of them, don't. :) 





Professional shots AND wedding video will be posted here when I get them!  Sign up for notifications from my blog to be notified when they are here! :) 
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