/The first mess of many/

Traveling can get a little messy. Trying to figure out what to bring, the weather, making sure you're at the airport on time, and let’s not forget the wonderful TSA line with the wonderful "no shoes" policy, you can almost ask yourself...why am I doing this again?

It's because traveling actually doesn't have to be that messy. I first started to travel a lot as a messy teenager and even more in my  twenties.

 I was the girl who got onto the plane with her pillow...no not a traveler's pillow, my actual pillow..(What? I wanted to be comfortable)...two different kinds of drinks from Starbucks, a coffee and chamomile tea,

(I couldn't make up my mind if I wanted to work or relax), plus my purse and a backpack.

 Let me tell you, every single "non-messy" traveler gave me the look of  ..."oh dear, that poor girl, this must be her first time flying".

Looking back, I give myself that same look. What was I thinking?

 Now I feel like I have my traveling needs down to a science. I pride myself on knowing the tricks of the trade and am proud to share them with you. I am leaving in a week to attend the IBS New York Hair and Beauty Show and am so excited I almost want to get packing. Going to New York can be a little messy this time of year. It's not the dead of winter, but it isn't spring time by any means. Flights can be delayed or re-routed, and getting a taxi from the airport into the city can be a nightmare. But....no fear...This. Mess. Can. Be. Fixed. 

First, let's get rid of the dreadful "Did I's"... what are they you ask? Well they sound a little something like this...

Did I... make sure I packed my razor?

Did I...bring that sweater that I was contemplating?

Did I...bring enough warm clothes?

(Hopefully, I'm not the only one who feels this way).

I started using the app Listastic (available in the apps story for FREE).

I begin by making a list of all the days I will be gone. It looks something like this...

For this trip I will be gone:

Friday   Saturday   Sunday   Monday   Tuesday   Wednesday.

Once my days are written out, I color coordinate them. 

Friday   Saturday   Sunday   Monday   Tuesday   Wednesday.

Then I list what I will be doing on those days so I'll know what to pack. 

For example:

Friday: Airport Day     Saturday: Setup Day

-Cargo pants                  Yoga Pants

-Loose White Top         Loose Top 

-Jean Jacket                  Running Shoes 

-Sandals                        NIGHT TIME

                                       Black Pants 

                                       Top 

                                       Jean Jacket 

.....and so forth 

See how easy it can be! 

Let’s not forget that after I am done packing (which I do the day before) I immediately go to my phone and check in. This has been  God's gift to frequent flyers! Now I can rest peacefully knowing that I am all ready for the airport!

Well I hope this has helped you get to know me a little bit more, as well as cut down on the mess of packing.

More un-messing coming soon