Packing for Europe - Wardrobe Hysteria

Packing for Europe is not to be taken lightly. I leave for Europe in 18 days. I can visualize myself sitting in a café sipping coffee and eating a croissant wearing a beret. But, how many berets should a girl pack is the question.

Packing has always been a challenge for me. Especially since I am naturally an organizer, I like to be prepared for every possible situation. This state of wardrobe hysteria has led me to over pack on my last 3 trips to Europe. I absolutely refuse to allow this to happen again. I have limited myself to a rolling duffle bag and a maximum weight of 30 pounds.

The last time we traveled we were slammed with fees because our luggage weighed too much. Our luggage of course was filled with wine bottles, perfume bottles and other things that we had acquired while traveling around in Europe. But this time, I am determined to get the upper hand on the new airline weight restrictions.

I have told my friends that before I pay another luggage fee, I will wear all my clothes on the plane and tie my shoes around my neck as a scarf. I am reminded of Joey from “Friends” who wanted to get even with Chandler so he wore all of Chandler’s clothes. As Joey so nicely stated "Could I be wearing any more clothes"? Joey was not wearing clothing to avoid a luggage weight fee (though that does seem like something Joey would do) it's a great idea all the same.

Using my strength of being prepared and organized, I created a spreadsheet of clothing and made sure that the items I am taking allow me several uses. I have my items narrowed down to

3 dresses

3 skirts

2 pairs of pants

7 sweaters and blouses, how else can I “mix and match”?

3 pairs of shoes

3 berets

Packing for a nearly 5 week trip is no easy task. I’d like to hear your ideas on how you pack for extended trips.

Walking to the Grocery Store

Yesterday I did something that I have never done before in California…I walked to the grocery store. As part of my effort to reach 10,000 steps per day, I decided to get two things done at once. After being at work all day and making my efforts to get in my 10,000, I needed just a couple more thousand to reach my goal. So, I headed off to the grocery store on foot. The photo doesn't really convey my trip to the grocery store. But in my idealistic life in Europe, I'd wear this type of outfit to the marché as I walk my dog named "Fifi".

This outing had to be one of those little trips to the grocery store where I would not need to pick up many heavy items. It all worked out. As I used by “Visez Vert” reusable canvas bag that has the Eiffel Tower on it, I felt like a true European as I carried home fresh bread and veggies.

After I arrived at home, I made dinner, cleaned up and started making hats. I may not live in Europe yet, but walking to the grocery store and making hats after dinner is just another day in my European Style Life.

Daily Excercise

Click here for fun with Pooh!

In this day and age every person I know is on a non-stop routine that leaves little time for anything but necessities. So I decided to put exercising near the top of my list and make it a priority. I have finally begun an exercise program that seems to be feasible for me.

As I enter week 3 of my new routine, I wonder why it took me so long to make this commitment to myself. I now exercise 4 times a week for 3o minutes. In addition, my daily goal is to take 10,000 steps. This totals up to 3.5 miles per day. This is no easy task since I work in an office and stare at a computer all day long.

I am now more aware of getting up and moving around. I use every opportunity as a way to help me reach my 10,000 step daily goal. I purchased a pedometer for $9.99 which helps me track steps taken, calories burned and miles walked. It's fascinating.

Getting a daily dose of exercise is just another day in my European Style Life.