Mr. Bildirimlerim and I were cruising down the road last night to complete an errand. He had just loaded his phone with a fresh music playlist and was eager to test it out in the vehicle.
While he was pressing buttons, he exclaimed, "Oh, I have to play you this one. You’ll enjoy it."
The joyful melody of "Lemonade" by Chris Rice (which you can hear here) started playing, and it has me reflecting on the subject of blessings today.
The chorus sings out, "Life handed me lemonade and I can’t fathom why."
That is the feeling of today.
It is a day that calls for a glass of sunny yellow iced lemonade on a hot Summer afternoon…
You see, I just finished packing my bag for my very first Haven blogging conference.
This journey feels like a dream realized. I keep pinching myself to verify that it is actually taking place!
For years, I have wished I could attend and discover how to expand my blog and serve my audience more effectively.
I have envisioned embracing the necks of the ladies whose blogs have inspired me ~ both on a personal level, and with my home endeavors.
Today is the day my dream has come true.
I feel incredibly blessed.
The enjoyment has included the anticipation, the planning, and connecting with new blogging acquaintances who are also attending for the first time.
I have never put together a packing list with such care for a trip!
Last year, I curated a 10-piece Summer wardrobe before a getaway, and it proved so successful. Taking a cue from that experience, I chose again to pack as lightly as possible. I confess that I did not finalize all my ensembles until this morning, so I snapped a photo of each outfit before stowing it away.
The conference is taking place in sunny Charleston, South Carolina ~ where I’ve been informed it will be hot and humid outdoors, but the conference center offers cool air conditioning.
While organizing my belongings this morning, I considered it would be helpful to share some of the thought process I utilize when preparing for a trip.
Packing Advice for a Sunny getaway Spot
Please excuse the unclear photos. I only noticed after uploading them how poor the quality is! Taking selfies with my large camera is still a learning experience for me…;))
Don your bulkiest garments for the flight, and keep a sweater within reach.
Although it might be sweltering outside, the airplane cabin can occasionally be chilly. I prefer to bring a sweater that is long enough to function as a blanket.
Only include garments that you genuinely enjoy wearing.
Believe me. I transported numerous articles of clothing on our Hawaii getaway that never even left the suitcase. If an item doesn't make you feel at ease at home, it won't suddenly make you feel at ease elsewhere!
Select a few pieces that offer numerous mixing and matching possibilities.
This sleeveless kimono from Old Navy is wonderful; it looks stylish and pairs well with various trousers or a simple dress.
Because the conference features one outdoor pool activity, I needed something both lovely and cool, and this finally worked for me.
Make sure you pack footwear suitable for walking for many miles.
Since walking is a staple of our Summer getaways, I want to avoid foot discomfort! My favorite Summer walking shoe is these flip flops from Clarks, ensuring comfort for extended periods.
If you are bringing more items home than you are taking, stash an additional bag at the base of your main luggage.
I anticipate receiving several complimentary items at this conference. As I am traveling only with a carry-on, I placed a flat, leather-bottomed duffle bag inside it, hoping it will support all the gifts! I will update you later.
Remember to bring some snacks.
Air travel no longer guarantees meals, so having snacks like nuts or granola bars helps bridge the gap until a proper meal is found.
Organize jewelry for each outfit, or select a few versatile pieces that complement everything.
For a small selection of jewelry, a tiny drawstring bag is better than elaborate organizers; let necklace ends drape over the top to prevent tangling.
Do not forget vital papers (like your passport and flight itinerary), earbuds for in-flight movies, device chargers, and your flight details.
I always store all my important documents in the same specific pocket of my purse for quick access.
Select your handbag thoughtfully.
Given the allowance of one carry-on and a purse per traveler, choose a purse matching your requirements. Sometimes my 'purse' is actually my lap-top bag, which can also hold usual purse contents. This time, I skipped the lap-top and am using a large tote to carry throughout the conference.
Inside it are my business cards, glasses, wallet, notebook, reading book, iPad, battery back-up iPad charger, a plastic bag with liquids (for the security belt), advil, lipgloss, gum, hand sanitizer, granola bar, and documentation.
That concludes this packing guide; my husband and I are heading to Montana for a road trip right after this event.
I already have a small bag prepared for that journey too.
What wonderful abundance there is!
I might need an extra straw for that lemonade.
