Category Archives: Real Life : Dottie

Five Business Travel Tips for Women.

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“Home is where I hang my wig.” – Dolly Parton

You have to admit, Dolly was on to something. You can spend a lot of your time traveling, but you must be as comfortable and happy as you can be wherever you are–be it one night or one month. As you’ve read on this blog Alix and I do more than our fair share of travel for work. And play.

When traveling always try to bring a bit of home with us. Whether it is watching videos of your kiddo before you go to bed or making sure to pack your house slippers for additional comfort, every little bit pays off.

I just got back from another little work trip. This time it was to L.A. for the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (or E3 as it is often called) where video game makers come out and give other people in the industry a sneak peek at all the goodies our kiddos will want this holiday season.  The L.A. Convention Center is completely over taken by booth babes, storm troopers, salespeople and super video game fans.

Needless to say it is a lot of fun and a lot of work. The days started at 6:00AM and always seemed to end somewhere south of 1:00AM. Sadly there wasn’t much time to cram in any fun little outings since L.A. has too many tempting things to do, but it IS work.

However here are some of my little tips to make business travel or any travel where you know you’ll be slammed perhaps a bit easier. They may not make you less homesick, but they’ll hopefully save you a bit of grief on the road.

1.) Carry your phone charger in your purse:


Image via: Nathanborror.

Phones today (I’m looking at you iPhone…) seem to have such short battery lives.  I’ve had many a friend whose phone has died right when they needed it for directions to dinner, sending them into the local 7-11 instead. If you see a plug during the day, plug that little phone in and let it get some extra juice. One friend of mine dropped her phone off at the concierge of the hotel where she was having lunch so he could recharge her phone. And the concierge did receive a nice tip.

2.) Pack a nail file:


Image via: CollectorOne.

Because you will break a nail. And you will be driven insane by its raggedness which will catch on everything. And who wants to run out and buy one.  Of course you can use the unglazed bottom of that coffee mug they leave in your hotel room to file it down, but really just stick a nail file in your dob kit.

3.) Pack your vitamins (and zinc)


Image via: Aithom2

Business travel wears you down.  And airplanes are wonderful stews of recycled air.  I had a friend who also came down with a cold after any business travel longer than two days until she started using Zicam every day. Best change she ever made. And the last thing you want to do is come home bearing the gift of a cold knocking you and possibly your loved ones out when you return.

4.) Nylons are your friend


Image via: Bluemerle

I know. I know. Who wears nylons, right? Well, if you are on your feet all day in pretty shoes or super comfortable shoes or even flat shoes, they are going to rub. Nylons, tights or socks provide that necessary layer to stop the friction of your skin against leather or whatever man-made material is lining your shoe. I remember wearing the exact same shoes as my friend did but wore nylons when both of us were working a convention booth.  I ended my shift with no aching feet whereas my friend’s feet looked like they went through a battle and she had to go home and soak them. Heck, I’ve even been known to rock compression knee highs, but let me tell ya, they kinda rule when you’ve been on your feet all day. Trust me.

5.) Never say no to that glass of water


Image via: April-mo.

Anywhere, anytime. All of that air conditioning in airports, hotel rooms and convention centers can really dehydrate the heck out of you.  And you are so busy and out of your normal routine that you can easily forget to get your eight daily glasses of water.

And bonus tip: just check your bag!

Image via: Creative Criminals.

I know. Crazy, right? I don’t care if my roll-on could fit in the above compartment–I hate carrying around all that additional baggage before I get on the plane. Going to the bathroom with that rolling box of doom is such a big pain in the kiester. And maneuvering it through Hudson News so you can pick up that People magazine is so annoying. Also, I don’t want to roll right out of the airport and into a cab. I’m fine taking my time when I get off the plane, visiting the ladies room and checking my make-up. And if you need to bring a bigger bag, you can. I think it is completely OK to over-pack a bit. Better to have the options and wear an outfit that you feel fabulous in than be stuck with something that you just don’t want to wear.

So, those are my top tips—what are your travel survival tips?

Real Life :: Estate Sale Booty!

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As Alix was selling vintage goodies this weekend, I was buying. Oh lawdy, I was buying!

Dame Rusty of Moxie Deluxe is not only a fabulous gal, but also works estate sales in her spare time. She hipped me to this uber estate sale liquidation where they were emptying their warehouse of all vintage goodies from five past estate sales. And friends, the prices were good.

How good you ask? Enough to get ALL of this for under $50.

First, these sassy Pyrex straw holders.  Perfect for summer entertaining. Don’t you think?

And this vintage sewing kit was filled to the rim with sewing wonders.

Pretty laces, a beautiful old sock egg. Hmm…Don’t know I need the latch hooks…

I’m tiring of my Fiestaware and right now crushing on the simple lines of plain Willow ware and vintage blue and white plates.  So, I’m going to slowly build up a nice collection of blue and white plates (no need to match) and pair with my newly acquired stash of vintage silverware I purchased–more than 100 pieces some match, some not and all fabulous.  These will replace my pretty red Laguiole every day set which for some reason has chipped to the point of almost no return.

And look—little windmills! I have to admit that after the Peach’s birthday party, I have totally fallen in love with all things Dutch since that party…

And how will I finish off my new table setting? With this lot of vintage napkins. But dear readers, this is not just any old lot. This is the uber crazy-town-bigger-than-I-can-imagine lot of vintage napkins.  It contains more than 15 sets of napkins–some beautifully embroidered like these. Overall there were more than 150 napkins.

Oh, and I adore these little roll wraps. Too dear for words.

But that is not all that lurked in this box. I also am now the proud owner of more than 30 linen finger towels. I almost forgot that these existed! Seriously!

What lovely lovely embroidery. I’m thinking of refashioning some of these future projects.

Oh, but that’s not all.  cocktail napkins. With little cocks on ’em. Roosters, ahem. Plus one darling little wine glass foot cover. I. Die.

And last, but not least, I also bought some darling little dresses for the Peach.  For a buck each I don’t mind if she gets ’em dirty. But I must say the little ric-rac vein up the side is too wonderful for words!

I also had to share with your this amazing coat my friend Jen picked up for herself.

Vintage I. Magnin heavy knit coat with probably the most stunning collar and matching button beadwork I’ve seen in awhile.  And how much do you think it cost? How much do you think it *should* have cost??

Real Life:: Block Party–I’m with the Band!

Real Life : Dottie

This weekend my little block had its annual block party!  But my little block has its own special twist on the time-honored block party idea.  Years ago, the high school band teacher lived on our block and held a drum-line contest! whole block would chip in funds for a super sweet trophy for the winner.  It is a wonderful tradition and I’m so lucky I landed on this block.

So from 10AM to noon, our little block is treated to some of the finest middle school and high school bands around. And friends, let me tell you–nothing makes you smile more than watching a bunch of mildly awkward teenagers make music while walking in formation.

Oh the memories. How they come flooding back!

The bright polyester uniforms that don’t totally fit right? Because chances are you probably went through a growth spurt, lost baby fat, or dear God–got boobs sometime during the school year.

And did I mention that heavy knit polyester isn’t really a friend to teens who are trying to figure out the whole body odor thing…. Yeaaahhhh….

But you were in band because you loved music and wanted to make music.

And not only did you make music, you made friends.

And don’t slag the flag and rifle team, because those girls ROCKED IT!!! (Said a past band-front girl…)

This is where it starts, friends.  Because to get to THIS:

Sometimes, you need to do this:

So, I salute you future Dave Grohl, Meg White from the White Stripes, Sheila E, and Cindy Blackman, drummer for Lenny Kravitz. I can’t wait to see where you land!

Were you in band? What instrument did you play? I was actually in the orchestra making the most frightening sounds with my violin. And then bass violin, which *MIGHT* have been inspired by that vintage Tom and Jerry cartoon… I’m just sayin…

PS: I am super sick right now, so I’m going to post the newest giveaway either later today or Thursday.

Real Life :: Minnow and the Peach.

Real Life : Dottie

Friends, I believe you are all familiar with Miss Peach. But I don’t believe you’ve met my first baby. Minnow, my cat.

Good old Minnow  has been a most loyal pet for more than 10 years, sleeping on my pillow every night, extending a wee furry paw to say, “hey, I’m here and I love you, even if you haven’t shaved your legs in a week.”

Minnow in all of her benevolence  begrudgingly let my sweetie into our house and now even lets him feed her every night. True–she has been known to hiss at any new person who comes in the house, but she’s almost always sweet and loving towards me.

I must admit I was a bit concerned about how Minnow would react to a newborn. We were told that we should have the cat not sleep with us and to break her of her pillow habit as soon as I became pregnant, but I felt I needed to give Minnow as much love as possible up to the day before the Peach came, knowing that the old cat was going to be thrown a loop when her favorite sleeping spot was taken.

And I must admit that having a baby did cut into my cat cuddling time.

Here is poor Minnow, kicked out of her favorite chair by me and the baby, sulking near her toys. Doesn’t it break your heart?

Minnow tried to sneak back into the forbidden bedroom by wedging herself into my sock basket in my closet. This is what I found one morning, while looking for my favorite argyles. Which I did find, albeit covered in cat hair.

But Minnow persevered and found her way near me, even when I was holding the baby. Exhibit A:

You see, Minnow and baby can co-exist. Minnow has even come up purring and sniffed her little head and even in her little cat brain, I think she knows how special the Peach is to me and has respect for her and me.

Fast forward two years and now Miss Peach calls Minnow HER kitty. What can I say? She’s completely obsessed with the cat.

Minnow is Edward from Twilight rolled in cat fur to the Peach.  The Peach squeals like she just saw one of the Beatles, she is that obsessed. She is vice president of the Minnow fan club.  The Peach nearly faints when Minnow enters the room and looks around for the closest writing instrument to have Minnow write her name on her widdle tummy.  IT IS THAT SERIOUS, PEOPLE.

It would be the perfect relationship if only Miss P knew how to properly worship at the altar of Minnow. Instead of petting our cat, the Peach thinks it’s so much fun to try to pull Minnow’s fur off. I guess the Peach is trying to get a memento of Minnow to put under her pillow. But bless Minnow’s heart, she hasn’t try to swot at the Peach.  Instead Minnow just hisses, which we’ve translated as “Please leave me alone right now. I’m not in the mood to play. Thanks, Peach!”.  What a good little kitty I have!

How is the relationship between your pet and your kiddo?

 

Real Life :: Dottie’s Little Getaway.

Real Life, Real Life : Dottie, ,

Oh my, I had a great little vacation. I didn’t go far and I only went for three days, but oh my, was it relaxing.  My sweetie and I did something rather scandalous–we went up to Calistoga in the heart of wine country for a wee vacation. Without our child.  We went up there with nothing planned except some massages and fancy dinners.

And it was terrific.

I must admit, we felt guilty leaving our little Peach for three nights.  I was afraid I would miss her something fierce and of course I did. But you know what? It had been a looonnnnggg time since it was just me staring at this handsome gent across the table.

But it was a lovely trip. We stayed at Indian Springs in Calistoga which is one of the oldest spas in Calistoga and has this divine 1930s/40s feel too it–all white painted beadboard.

We rented one of the cottages and spent a large chunk on this sweet porch reading our books for hours on end.

And the pool. Sweet Lord, the pool. It’s this Olympic pool size mineral spring fed gloriousness that stays around 95-100 degrees. Eric and I would get up super early (the baby might not be there, but our internal alarm clocks are still set for 6:00AM) and have the pool to ourselves. Heaven.

And we had a special birthday dinner at Sol Bar, where the classic cars of the California Mille were parked much to our delight.

Hello Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car!

And lovely drinks were had too.  Don’t judge me for drinking a glass of champagne followed by a delicious frou frou gin drink in VERY quick succession. The hangover the next day judged me enough. I was the birthday girl, afterall.

And speaking of birthday, Eric got me the BEST present. A bias tape maker. For those craftily inclined you know that this thing in genius.  I nearly started to cry.  I had the same reaction to it as Alix had to her Giant Dwarf starlette crown.

All in all, it was just what I needed, a little break from reality to recharge so I can take on the action packed hurrah of summer and beyond. And instead of feeling blue when the vacation was over, I was rather excited to return home so I could see this little one and her little braids again.

Have you ever taken a vacation without your kids?

PS: And don’t forget to return this afternoon to enter the special Mother’s Day giveaway! TRUST me, you’ll want to return for it!