Tuesday Tidbits.

I'll admit it:  I've been a tad bit absent from my blog.  I've been traveling.  I've been busy at work.  And I've had a bit of writer's block.  There I said it and I admit it.  What a relief!  Now, we can move on with a little Tuesday Tidbits.

Candidly, it's not that I don't have anything to write about - it's that I have too much to write it.  I just need to be "better" organized with my writing and go back to using my journal.  In all honesty, I'd really like to be 2 to 3 weeks ahead in my posts.  Yes, I really said this.  I have a lot of content to share on my blog and seriously have enough to do this however, I need to find the time.  And when I find the time I need to outline my posts.  Ahhh, what an invention...using an outline!  Really, I can't believe I just thought of that.  Anyhow, I need to get better organized.  Seriously, I do.  Do you have any suggestions to share?  If you do, I'd love to hear them.

Anyhow, my last 3 trips have been so much fun.  Fourth of July weekend was Chicago and I stayed with 2 friends that I go way back with and their 21-month old daughter, Lily.  Two weekends ago I went to Melbourne, Florida to visit my childhood friend, Jason, his wife, Brenda, and adorable 5-month old daughter, Elizabeth.  And this past weekend Bern and I headed to the beach in Laguna, California.  My first two trips were solo, without Bern, so he decided we needed a fun beach weekend together.  However, Bern was a bit under the weather but, he made the best of it.  And we plan on going back in September and October.  On a side note, we'd both love to have beachfront property but, then again, wouldn't we all...?!  One day, it's on my definite must-have list.  {the posts with pictures are in the works}.

I have a very exciting announcement to make on the blog this week regarding travel!  Bern and I decided on the destination for our "annual" November trip.  Most of you who follow my blog are probably thinking "it's Venice"...however, we decided to change things up a bit.  And I'll explain all of it in several future blog posts...  See, look at all of this fun reading you will have!

I have been extremely determined lately to "streamline" what I bring with my on vacation and/or weekend getaways.  Sometimes it is quite challenging due to the different climates I go to...and with that said I am still bringing an extra outfit at least with me...  Kind of a bummer right!  I want to bring exactly what I need and nothing more, nothing less.  It's nice to carry-on everything and not have to check your bag.  And that's the plan for the November trip as well.  Unfortunately, it won't be for 12-days like last year.  But, there is a reason for that...we might do 2-trips in lieu of one due to how much vacation time and personal time I have available.  I know your dying to know where we are going but, you'll have to wait.  I'll tell you soon enough.

If you can limit what you bring it makes traveling more frequently a whole lot easier.  I seriously  mean this.  If you can bring exactly what you need, layer, and re-use items your good to go.  Trust me, less is more!  I know from personal experience that 62 pounds for one bag is way to much regardless if it is a 12-day vacation that includes different climates and formal nights.  It is doable with way less.  So, over the next few months I am going to share with all of you how to do it.  Oh, yes I am!  I am determined to be a master packer and I will share the ease of doing this with all of you.  As a matter-of-fact this weekend I am going to do a "practice run-through" of sorts for our upcoming November trip just to prove a point to Bernie.  He says I can't do it with one carry-on bag and 1 personal bag -- he says I'll believe when I see it.  And trust ME he will!  I want to do this so that he can see it and see the ease of us traveling light together as a couple.  I think it's going to be very hard for him...size 14 shoes.  But, I'll help him too.

Oh, and before I forget, I celebrate a milestone of sorts this weekend...?  It's my birthday.  I plan on spending the actual day at a movie theatre marathon of sorts.  Dont' worry I'll give you the low-down on Saturday of my itinerary.  It will be a blast.  A spa day doesn't quite fit in the budget so the next best thing...a movie marathon!  Oh yeah!

I hope each of you have an absolutely fabulous day!