Re-Entry

Image & Design: Laura Messersmith

This weekend I broke my own rules. And, I wish I could say this is one of those posts where I say how freeing it was or how I realize now that my rules were silly, but it isn’t. Nope, I really wish I had followed the rules – today would have gone much more smoothly.

Perhaps I should be clearer, yes?

The rules I’m referring to are my Pre-Travel Home Prep Rules. Not yet widely recognized, but it’s only a matter of time before Real Simple emails asking for an editorial piece. You, as my trusted readers will get the inside track.

I love coming home to a place where peace and serenity rule and in an ideal world I would do all of these every time we travel for more than a night. In this actual world that we live in I maybe get to about 75%, which still makes a huge difference. These aren’t about setting the alarm or stopping the mail (which I also recommend); they’re about making home feel welcoming and that re-entry day less stressful.

Laura’s Pre-Travel Home Prep

Clean Sheets. This one is the most ‘unnecessary,’ but is my most favorite – in the midst of all the pre-travel laundry I try to throw in our sheets for a cycle. Because after traveling isn’t it awesome to get home to your own bed? And isn’t it even better when it’s made up with fresh sheets? I rest my case.

Pack Neatly. Yes, the suitcase, but also the ‘discards;’ all those things you considered taking, but then wisely decided not to because you were packing light. Putting them away (rather than leaving them strewn around) means less chaos. Always a good thing in my book.

Weed. Not the garden, the refrigerator. Doing a little pruning of the fridge shelves and getting rid of that withering bouquet of flowers before you lock up reduces the likelihood of mysterious smells when you return.

Clear the Decks. Run the dishwasher, and take out the trash & recyclables. A sink full of dirty dishes or an overflowing garbage can don’t really say “Welcome Home” do they? Doing this step sets the stage for a good morning your first day back.

So, there you have it. My tried and true Pre-Travel Home Prep steps – if the day ever comes that I manage all four I will let you know. In the meantime, how about you? I there anything you always do to make the first day back a little easier?

Island Time

Nantucket | Image & Design: Laura Messersmith

I’ve racked my brain trying to remember the year I first visited Nantucket on a day-trip from Boston and the best clue I can come up with is the Nantucket Over Sand Permit t-shirt I bought, which places the timeframe in 2006.

Since then I’ve been back a few more times and it has become one of my absolute, hands-down, favorite places in the world. Beautiful beaches, great food, and a relaxed pace combined in a setting that mixes a weathered New England fishing village with colonial-style prep. What’s not to like?

So, you can imagine how excited I was when I learned that the company Mike works for was sponsoring the Nantucket Wine Festival, and doubly so when I realized that the wine festival coincides with our wedding anniversary.

Celebrate our fourth anniversary by spending a long weekend on Nantucket in mid-May with the opportunity to attend events featuring great wine and delicious food pairings? Let me think for a moment….. YES, please!

I’ve been taking lots of pictures and scribbling lots of notes so that I can share my adventures and recommendations with you when we get back next week. In the meantime, here’s a photo from our first day to set the scene. 

Away Message

Dubrovnik, Croatia; Image: Steve Outram; Design: Laura Messersmith

Remember the days of AOL Instant Messenger? Back in college - when people still used desktop computers and only 1% of my friends had cell phones - posting a witty, funny, thoughtful away message was important. It took thought and originality to craft the perfect out-of-office reply for people who didn't have offices yet.

Since this afternoon begins our European adventure, I thought I better leave the blog version of an away message. It's only courteous, right? As you can tell, I didn't bother with any of witty, thoughtful stuff. Just to the straight to the point!

We'll be in four countries and five cities over the course of the next 10 days - hello passport stamps! - and I'm planning to photograph, Vienna, Salzburg, Dubrovnik, Mostar, and Frankfurt with in an inch of their lives. I also hope to bring back lots of memories, stories that will live on in Messersmith family lore, and scout some fun places to share with you for your next adventure. 

I can hardly believe today is the day, but the suitcases are packed (lightly!), Maddie is off in Pennsylvania staying with her 'Grandparents,' and the apartment hatches have been battened in preparation for our departure. So, we're ready to go! 

Hope you have a great week - I'll be back here at Goldfinch & Scout on April 16th!

Confessions of an Over-Packer

Image & Design: Laura Messersmith

It’s official! We leave for our 10-day excursion to Vienna, Austria and Dubrovnik, Croatia on Friday, which means it’s time for me to get serious about packing. Specifically, packing LIGHT. The ultimate test for me is whether my suitcase is light enough to carry it up an unexpected flight of stairs or over uneven pavement. I’m looking at you subway stations, and you too charming cobblestone streets.

I always have the best intentions, but my imagination runs away with me and I convince myself that I need XYZ item “just in case we….” Here’s a classic example: my wardrobe for a three-day trip to northern Florida as seen above.

First of all, this is far too much clothing for three days, second of all, the temperatures weren’t supposed to be above 72F, but guess who packed a sundress and multiple pairs of shorts…. And, guess what items never made it into the rotation…. I could have eliminated a quarter of what I packed if I had been disciplined and been no worse off when it came time to get dressed in the morning.

For our trip to Europe I’m determined to pack only what is practical, appropriate, and re-wearable. So, I’ve been preparing by reading lots of advice posts and gathering tips from experienced travelers who also pack light.

Here’s what I’ve found helpful so far:

1. Consider your trip. What’s on the itinerary – hiking, wine tasting, wedding reception, museum exploration? What will the climate/weather be – beach, mountains, desert? Is your destination formal or informal – will you need to ‘dress up’ or will jeans and sneakers more than suffice?

2. Plan outfit combinations in advance. Select items in similar color schemes that can be mixed and matched (ie. neutrals!), or do double duty. Use accessories (scarf, jewelry, belt) to jazz up your basics. Two great examples of what this looks like in practice from Travelista and A Pair and A Spare.

3. Minimize shoes. Hitha on the Go says three pairs in different combinations depending on destination. (See point #1) I'm hoping I can make do with ballet flats, tall boots, and a pair of cute kicks...

4. Downsize beauty products. I love these multi-colored stacking pill boxes for gels and creams I just need a dab of, and I will always snag extra hotel shampoos like these babies for the next trip.

5. Make a checklist. Include your clothing, grooming, and travel accessory needs (chargers, camera, books, passport, etc.) and stick to it so you don't forget something crucial! Real Simple has several for different travel scenarios, or there’s this classic packing list from The Container Store.

I’m hoping that if I follow all these tips and reign in my active imagination I’ll have all the things I actually need (and no more!) with room for fun souvenirs along the way. Wish me luck!