Things I Have Learned.....

I have been traveling back and forth between two states for over ten years now. Along the way I have learned a few things that make my life a little bit easier especially with flying becoming more tedious with each flight.


1. Taking time off from work before you leave.

 Not only do I add an extra day to ready myself and my home for a trip- I add a second day. Now, I know a person can't always do this, but it really helps if you can. I try to leave a little bit early from work on the last day before vacation and utilize that time to do some last minute errands (or anything that requires me to leave the home).  The next day is spent handling deep cleaning projects like washing all the bed sheets, scrubbing down air vents, ironing, washing and polishing floors - you get the picture. The day before the trip is used to handle any last minute bill payments, tidying up the house, getting rid of all trash, and packing my travel bag and purse.


2. I splurge on beverages when I travel.

The TSA and their infringement on my rights as a traveler really gets on my nerves. I used to pack food and drink when I traveled but not so much now. I will bring a snack or two but I purchase my drinks before boarding the flight. This is a steep purchase for those on budget but it is also nice to have drink ready when you need it and not when the flight attendant can bring one around to you. This is especially helpful for someone like me who needs to drink water on an almost constant basis. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill up at the water fountains with the installed fountain for bottle. This is a wonderful option many airports now offer.


3. Always bring second best.

I only travel with costume jewelry and second best make up products. I know we all want to look our best but why deal with the stress of losing something and/or someone stealing from you in those TSA lines? We hear about it all the time on the news and I would rather just not deal with it. So, no real jewelry for me and what I pack is usually on the lower end of things I enjoy. True, I might look second rate, but I think I already do.

4. Reading material

In a day when everyone is on the computer and listening to music- I find that travel is a great excuse for me to turn off from the world. I always make sure to bring a spiritual book, a few magazines, and a great classic read. The variety helps with the duration of the trip and I can normally knock out a couple of books.

5. Wipe it down

I can't tell you how important it is to have your own supply of tissues, aspirin, allergy medication and wipes (to clean the area you will be sitting) as you travel.  As you can tell, I like to be in control of the situation as much as I can.

Travel Bag Tuesday: Suede

My mother-in-law gave me this handbag she wasn't using. I am not sure she even used it more than once! 

It is suede/leather and very roomy! With the colder weather, I think one can still pull off the suede.

Travel Bag Tuesday: Goodies From My Mother- In- Law!

My mother in law gave me this lovely Kath Van Zealand handbag she was  no longer using. It is a nice sized bag that can really hold a number of items!

WHAT'S IN MY HANDBAG, WORK BAG, CHURCH BAG, PRO LIFE BAG, MISCELLANEOUS BAG **Part I **

Yes, I really do have that many bags (and more) going at one time. Hubby and I actually have a  bookstore bag, but it might be overkill to show you all of that. So...sit back, relax and enjoy all the pictures! Heck, I may make a video just for kicks and giggles!

 The Miscellaneous Bag

The contents of the bag in this picture are from last week's adventure! Please note this bag will change depending on what is going on with my eyes and hair.

I live in the a very humid area and I have very straight hair. Couple that with a quick walk every morning during my break  at work and your curls end up dead..... In addition to this, my eyes water anywhere from two to four hours after I awake each morning. There are many mornings when I can't put on any eye make up until after I reach my place of employment. Which is where the "Misc Bag" comes into play.  I sit back in my little cubicle and curl my hair- one roller at a time! I will also apply eye make up at some point during the morning- once my eyes have stopped watering.

TheWork Bag


 This is a picture of the bag I take to work

I also keep an "emergency bag" within my "work bag" which contains all sorts of doodads to assist with a low key emergency. I have a toothbrush, toothpaste, bandages, alcohol wipes, and other items along those lines.

All my receipts....I am behind

This is where I house all my cords, plugs, and gadgets pertaining to my phone or camera

The HandBag

My younger sister gave me this handbag years ago.... I bet she didn't think I still owned it. I totally do and it has been my bag of choice for the last three weeks.

 My smaller make up bag travels between all of my bags depending on what I need available make up wise. 

You can see the Coach wallet a friend from work gave me a couple of years ago and I found that the leather matched this handbag.

I also keep a nice notebook and my Catholic calendar, rosary, pitch pipe (you never know when someone needs a note in an emergency), and a card case.

TRAVEL BAG TUESDAY:LET'S TRAVEL!

Have you ever owned a grey handbag? Me neither! So it wasn't a surprise to me that this lovely creature caught my eye! I was thinking this would be a great travel handbag . Do you like or not like? Do you like that I purchased this for 75% off the retail price?

TRAVEL BAG TUESDAY: Autumn Jewels

I know, small.... but if you know me then you know I have two more bags to supplement the size of this handbag. Isn't it lovely? Antonio Melani brand which, I believe, is a brand for Dillards.

Cute Make Up Bag

Picked up this cute make up bag from JC Penney and included it in one of my videos!

Travel Bag Tuesday: Cigar Anyone?

Don't get excited, but this is a double TRAVEL BAG TUESDAY!!!!

Do you still have YOUR cigar purse from Grandma? Do you use? I used mine on Sunday with a navy blue outfit for Mass.

I changed our Mass bag for something more compact. This is my L.L. BEAN handbag which just fits all our missals, prayer books, and all other "essentials". I find that our other bag was just a bit too big and the books were becoming a bit worn. This bag is fabulous and I am quite excited to use this baby!

Sick, huh?

Travel Bag Tuesday: Gotta Love My Purples!

I often wear purple....and you know you have to accessorize with a purple hand bag!

Travel Bag Tuesday: Autumn Colours

As much as I was enjoying my Dooney and Bourke handbag, I thought it was time to bring in the Autumn coloured handbags of my collection. This reminds me of the carpet bags of years gone by -don't you think?

Travel Bag Tuesday: A little Dooney?

My mama picked up this Dooney and Bourke purse quite discounted at a local Dillards. I am enjoying it quite immensely and think it shall be a Autumn purse of choice this year!

Travel Bag Tuesday

My mama bought this purse for me at 80% off! It is a "fancy" purse!

Travel Bag Tuesday

You have to use the new "fancy" purse!

Travel Bag Tuesday

Well, we all know that I have failed at making menus on Tuesdays or providing a tip so I thought I would change it up again.

Travel Bag Tuesdays will feature my bag/purse of the week. I thought it would be fun and you, in turn, can post a comment with a link to your blog featuring your purse!


The purse pictured above is a gift from my mother. It is an Antonio Milani summer bag. It is large and in charge and I have enjoyed using it immensely!