Sharpie - A Quick Polish Chip Fix!

I hate taking the time to do my nails or have them done, just to nick or chip one on my way to an event. It never fails that as I get off a plane and into my rental car, headed to a meeting that I see it...a chip in the polish! Why?!?!?

My secret weapon? Sharpies! With all of the colors Sharpie makes it is easy to find one to match or at least cover the chip with a chic design. Would you guess there is a chip under this arrow?

Do take note, this is a quick fix that will wear off by the next day. If want a fun design on my nails and not just a touch up, I put a clear coat on top to preserve it!

Don't you dare get a black suitcase!

90% of the suitcases that come around the baggage claim round about are black. As I wait for my own bag I see person after person picking up black bags to check the tag. Sure, you think that little insignia on the front of the bag representing the brand, will steer people away from that which is obviously different from theirs, or that pretty ribbon? Too many times have I seen people start to leave with a bag, someone else chancing them down, only to find, indeed, it was the chaser-downers bag.

What happens when you assume it is that persons bag and you continue to wait? What happens when someone doesn't notice until they get home? Are they really going to take the time to bring it back to the airport? After all let's not kid around, you have awesome stuff in that bag! Anyone would gladly keep for themselves or pass out as Christmas gifts!

When you report a lost bag to the airline, swiped or airline loss, they will just laugh when you explain your bag is black, and if not laughing in your face, the eyes can't hide the fact they are straight up laughing at you on the inside!

Do you have anxiety yet? Just because you wanted classic black... Not worth it my friend...and just FYI red is a second color favorite, let's be real and pick something original.

There are so many still-classy-colors and prints besides black and red. If you are a frequent traveler or just travel for your job, odds are your luggage will be torn apart in give or take a year, and it doesn't matter how expensive. I buy mine at Ross or TJ Maxx. They always have unique and different styles and colors and for a fraction of a fraction of the retail price. Also keep in mind how many people shop at Walmart and Target...your odds of a double bag situation just went way up!

You need to look at a perspective candidate with a keen eye, or just remember this check list:

Color other than back or red.
Rolls easily.
Not too small.
Not too large (if you fill up some of those things there is no way you are staying in the weight limit).
Does it look like good quality?
Are the handles held on securely?

Many times the sug. retail price is still on the bag. Don't take that for granted! Odds are a $400 (was the suggested price of my last bag, which was only $75 at the discount chain) bag will have a warranty and is probably good quality. Remember handles will be torn off, pull tabs will be missing, and the cosmetic looks of the bag will be completely ruined. Bag handlers are only worried about getting the bags on the plane on time or off a flight to move to the next.

My current luggage is light purple with burnt orange trim!

Free Gym Membership

One thing I have a hard time with is paying for a gym membership or Bikram Yoga membership when I am only in one place a few days a week. After traveling all day, in a car or sitting on a plane, it is easy to just want to eat dinner and call it a night. One of the perks of staying in hotels is the use of their gym, and free of charge I might add! Packing those gym clothes and taking advantage of it is worth it, not only does it keep you in shape, it helps keeping you in a routine while jumping time zones. Weather working out in the a.m. or p.m. it can help with sleep (although I have heard a.m. is best). I usually stay at Hilton Hotels, weather a Hampton or Hilton, they always have a clean gym. Another plus is most have a separate television for each piece of equipment. Just plug in your headphones and watch one of your preferred shows. I am not one who is generally inlove with working out no matter what, and usually I am exhausted, so being able just watch a program and being done at the end of it takes my mind off of the work part.

The most important stop in NYC, Laduree!

I fell in love with these macaroons in the Laduree bakery located in the Place of Versailles. The fresh fruit filling and soft shell was something I have never experienced! The flavors are so potent the completely infuse your senses! I can not have a lot of sweet food, so just one is all I need...or a quarter cut off of my four favorite flavors. When you walk into the very French style bakery with the beautiful collectible boxes and mounds of pastel perfect macaroons, you are transported to a happy place!

Each time I go, I get a different box and use them to hold jewelry. My favorite flavors are Rose(reminds me of my Grandmother, and taste like you are straight up eating a rose), Raspberry, Blackberry, and Orange Blossom.

This is the one place that truly transports me back to Paris without a quite as long of a flight!

Intro to a Vagabond!

To introduce myself you, I must let you in on an overview of my life. I am 25, originally from Arizona, one of the best states for many reasons (and I have been to many, many of the states of this great country). I might list those reasons on another blog post. Though I will always love Arizona, I currently reside in Texas, another great state (if I did not say that I would be kicked out!). Moving on…I work in the fashion industry and the road is my office! I am home a few days a week, but anyone who travels for their job knows how hard it is to juggle home life and living in hotels. It can be hard to balance both and being organized is key to a smooth transition. Organization is something I am still trying to accomplish in all aspects of my life, but those with a creative mind know organization can be challenging. I am happy to share some tips of the trade, and hope they help anyone who is on the road all the time as I am, or someone who is just heading on a summer vacation!