Pack your troubles away (part 2)

Now that your clothes and accessories are packed, lets start on the lotions and potions that keep us beautiful. 

Conair Travel bottles to decanter your beauty products into. $13

What to pack:

1. An all-in-one make-up pallete. I truly am a Dior addict, so I adore this one! ($75, Sephora)

2. Sunscreen- never go a day without it! I use a tinted moisturiser and sunscreen in one to save room.

3. Moisturising facial mister (great for planes or after a day in the sun.

4.I always pack a sleep mask and ear plugs as you never know how light or noisy the hotel might be.
5. Toothbrush and toothpaste (I keep the little kits from my dentist and take a fresh pack  with me)
6-8.Cleanser, body wash, shampoo and conditioner.
9. Body Sunscreen and after-sun lotion.

Tips:

Visit Sephora before you go and ask for samples of under-eye lotions, concealers or fun eye shadow colors. Then you have ready-to-travel size make up.

Don't forget your ipod and some external speakers, for the hotel room, or morning jogs.

Pack doubles of certain items such as contacts and sunglasses.

Dont forget your Camera!!!

Love and sights-to-see,

Kerry the Momster

Pack your troubles away

Beach Weekend Getaway Packing Guide

Packing is one of my favorite things to do. It's part of the fun of vacationing because as you put your outfits together, you picture all the things you might be doing. 

• Skirt — wear it during the day with sandals, at night with a heel. 
• Bermuda shorts to wear day or night, to work or on the weekend.
•  Skinny White pants, and a pair of trusty jeans
• 2 Tanks, silk sleeveless blouse to wear with pants or shorts, one extra blouse and a tee
• One dress for an evening out
• Jacket in case it gets chilly
• Comfortable shoes to wear for walking, pair of heels, sandals and wedge sandals (metallic color is most versatile)
• 2 Convertible invisible bra to wear with strapless top, cami, tees, etc. 
• Soft wrap cardigan
• Cute pjs
• Evening clutch and a shoulder purse for daytime.
• Coed Weekend Bag 
• Floppy sun hat
• Sunglasses(or three if you are like me)
• 2 bathing suits (I like mix n match ones)
• Beach cover up 
• Towel

Tips for packing:

Roll clothes (preferably into outfits). It saves space and keeps wrinkles at bay.

Pick all accessories for outfits and store in clear pouches (I use clear luggage tags) so that they don't get tangled together.

Try and stick to a color pallet as this will offer you more mix and match options.

If you are going for longer just double the number of clothing items but keep accessories the same.

Now you are ready to sight see, brunch or dance the weekend away.

Love and luggage,
Kerry, the Momster

Royal Babies

We had the great fortune of taking a family cruise to Mexico recently. While it was 5 days, it was still too short, and I would have loved more time to relax with the family. My little boy slept well after wearing himself out at the pool, my daughter got to see a phenomenal Ice skating performance, and my husband ate so many cones of frozen yogurt that I'm surprised he can still feel his face. I got to shop and read ( a book!!) and see some Mayan Ruins in Mexico.

Royal Caribbean Cruise line definitely makes for some wonderful family time on their ships, and so I have compiled a list of pros and cons regarding traveling with kids on their line.I would HIGHLY recommend this cruiseline, specifically this ship! We were on the Liberty of the Seas:

Pros:

• Excellent Childcare (free for ages 3 and above)- my six year old didn't want to leave the play area, and because it's separated by age groups, the activities can be tailored specifically.
• Partner with Dreamworks and Fisher price and Crayola for lots and lots of activities onboard.
• The infant childcare is so great! All childcare staff have Bachelors in Education.
• A fun looking kiddie splash area
• Early dinner time
• Attentive staff who try to cater to the kids
• Lots of menu options for picky eaters
• Cribs available on board
• Lots of shows and fun activities for the whole family- Cupcake decorating lessons anyone?
• Dreamworks Character breakfasts, parades and meet and greets
• Fisher Price Toy lending program for babies 
• Wave Simulator, Rock wall and lots of other activities for older kids
• Room service available 24 hrs a day, and eating pretty much day round, so no worries if you miss a mealtime.

Cons:

•  Childcare for under 3 costs $8/hr
• No baths for babies in room- can only shower them.
• Most evening activities start too late for children to participate in
• Childcare fills up fast
• Paper-thin walls to the hallway-not good when teenagers decide to run up and down hallways at all times.
• When babies nap there isn't much to do in the rooms (Movies were $11.99 each to watch on Tv!!)
• Drinks are pricey (this is a con for the parents!)
• Room Service has very few choices.

Hope this helps you decide whether cruising is right for you with kids. Also note that these cons do apply to most other cruise lines too.

If you are interested in booking a cruise, I recommend contacting Theresa Watson. She is a vacation planner and was a great help on Royal Carribbean, and makes sure you know all your options, and services ahead of time.Office: 800.859.7225 Ext 13205 • Hours:  Tuesday - Saturday  11 - 8  EST 
Email: twatson@rccl.com  
Love and travel,
Kerry the Momster

Babushka Baking

A little while ago, I made a pledge to myself that I was going to stop always looking for the "cheapest" deals around when purchasing for my home. I realized that with two children, I spend a lot of time in my house, and I want to be surrounded by beautiful things. I'm not talking crystal chandeliers, or diamond-encrusted toilet paper, but just items that inspire creativity, or even a little giggle.

As a teenager I attended art-school where I was engulfed by friends of artistic brilliance, and showered with meaningful homemade items. Paintings, purses and jewelry all made by hand and handed to me. Everything I owned and loved best had a story behind it. Some might say that this is a typical Aquarian trait but I think it's just that creativity brings me joy. It reminds me I am loved by lovely people, and of the hidden quiet beauty inside people's brains.

So when I noticed that my home was becoming filled with "boring, normal" items that didn't appeal much to my senses, I decided to only bring in items that I absolutely love or have sentimental value.

First stop was my mother's house, where I salvaged pieces she was throwing out: a wooden, antique letter holder that my grandmother brought over from Ireland, A Delft vase, a weird Italian sculpture that always fascinated me as a child and some silver curio boxes from my other grandma. Next was some thrift-storing where I found some vintage photos of american market places, a 50's Italian ad print already mounted on a frame, and some tins for my teas. I added all these to my kitchen and threw in a little Eiffel tower ornament from out trip to France.

Slowly I began adding little personality-infused pieces back into my home. Then I started a running list of things that need replacing and now one-by-one I buy something off this list, but by finding the most attractive version of it.

For example I recently purchased some Babushka measuring cups that I ADORE!

They look like dainty little ornaments but are utilitarian, and so gosh-darnit- cute, they make my heart sing a little every time I bake.

Then when my tea kettle went on the fritz I went out and purchased a red retro-style one, which I have wanted forever.

For cheaper artistic incorporations, I also began printing more photos that I have taken and still plan on canvasing a few. My daughter and I have started a painting together to add to her bedroom too. Paint any old furniture with new colors for modern bold splashes, and don't be afraid to add fabric prints you love in small, unique ways, such as placemats, magnets or in picture frames.


So remember that beauty is not only for artwork, but also in the mundane details that make up a home. Functional art is my new passion. One can bring  personal taste to salt a bland home with the tiniest bit of effort and it makes the day-to-day  so much more colorful.

Love and artistry,
Kerry the Momster

 

Children on the trains. (Traveling with children)

Sorry for my disappearing act, ut I have been out of town on and off for the past month. Hopefully now things are a little more settled and I can get beg to my blogdom.

I am a fan of the travel, but of course don't get to go away half as much as I would enjoy, and even less now that I have 2 children in tow.Traveling with a 3 month old presents its own challenges- particularly when one gets delayed for four hours or layed over till the next morning! So my recent trip to Pennsylvania has made me acutely aware of some essential travel items for moms with infants.

1. A travel bed: Peapod is a great one I had for my first child, and this time around I got a foldable crib(Eddie Bauer Infant Travel Bed) from Target for about $30. Both are fantastic for those delayed waits in aiports, or for on the floor in restaurants.

2. A wrap/convertible sweater top: This top was fantastic for nursing on the plane or other places in public easily and discreetly. It kept me warm, was comfy for travel and served as a nursing cover up. Plenty of bang for its buck.

3. Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with Shoulder Bag: Easy to travel with, and I could pump easily and carry the milk in the cooler until I could get to a fridge.

4. Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser, Colors May Vary:  Great for changing stinky diapers on planes, and stashing away the stench until you can get to trash it.

5. BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Original - City Black: I didn't take my stroller due to space issues in the car, so this baby carrier was a life saver when traveling between gates. It freed up my hands to carry all my carry-ons (because the airlines kindly charge $25 per checked on bag).

So lucky for everyone I am back for a while now!
And if you travel with a baby, trust me on these items.

Love and safe travels,
Kerry the Momster