Vacation Packing: A Checklist To Ensure Nothing Gets Left Behind

!±8± Vacation Packing: A Checklist To Ensure Nothing Gets Left Behind

Vacations are a time to relax, renew and enjoy life, right? Try telling yourself that while you are madly packing the night before! I mean, who hasn't run around at the last minute like a crazy person hoping you remember everything and still leaving the house the next day with the nagging suspicion that you forgot something important (and finding out all too soon that you did)!

No one wants to spend part of their precious vacation bouncing around from store to store replacing things they meant to bring with them. We can all recount experiences like that...perhaps it's your favorite sandals for walking or going to the beach, the only sunscreen that won't irritate your skin, your sunglasses, or your evening clutch so you don't have to carry your big black tote bag with you everywhere. Aggravating doesn't even begin to describe it!

Each time this happens you vow that the next time you'll make a packing list so you can check things off as you pack them thereby reducing the chance of leaving some important detail out. But, once you're back from vacation the urgency is gone, and it doesn't return until the next trip. Somehow the list never gets made.

If this sounds familiar, I can help. Years ago I made this packing list (because I'm a Virgo and mildly obsessive about things, and because I cannot stand feeling stressed the night before my vacation begins). I never pack without it!

Use it as a guide and personalize it for the next time you travel. It will make your life easier, your packing more efficient, and your departure worry-free!

Have a great summer and happy vacationing!
MY PACKING LIST

* Underwear
* Shoes
* Nightgown
* Robe
* Slippers
* Socks/Stockings
* Dressy clothing (if needed (we often overlook this))
* Belts
* Jewelry/Accessories
* Handbags (evening, casual)
* Foldable/Reusable Tote
* Wrap or Sweater
* Hair Brush/Comb
* Hair dryer (if staying at a B&B that doesn't have them)
* Haircare products
* Small manicure set (or at least nail file and clippers)
* Bandaids
* Babywipes (keep them in your carry on)
* Toothbrush & floss
* Deodorant
* Nail Polish for touch ups
* Makeup
* Skincare
* Perfume
* Tampons & Pads
* Vitamins & Prescriptions
* Camera (for those who don't have one in their phone)
* Contact lenses and solution
* Sunglasses
* Sunscreen
* Hat
* Bathing Suit
* Bathing Suit Cover-up
* Gift (if staying with friends)
* Dirty Laundry Bag
* Exercise Clothing
* Sneakers & Socks
* Computer
* Cell Phone Charger
* Nightlight (if staying in a dark hotel!)
* Ear plugs (if staying in a noisy hotel!)
* Small umbrella
* Airline/Train Tickets/Itinerary
* Directions to where you're going
* Passport (remember to check expiration date!)
* Plug adapters if traveling overseas
* Mp3 player
* Books to Read
* Neck Pillow
* Snacks for plane
* Stain remover (I love Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap)
* Tea bags (if you have a favorite green tea or herbal that you can't find everywhere)
* Kids' Stuff (not my area of expertise, so you're on your own here)

THINGS TO DO BEFORE LEAVING

* Lower Heat/AC
* Set security lighting - lights on timers, etc.
* Unplug toaster oven, stereo, computer and TV
* Note to petsitter
* If going for an extended period, turn down the temperature on your water heater
* Consider turning off your water if you are going away for an extended time (or at least water to washing machine & ice maker (if you have one))
* Stop mail/newspaper if necessary
* Be sure a neighbor has a key just in case
* Remember to arm your house alarm if you have one

Traveling Without the Wrinkles

Do you ever wonder if it's possible to travel wrinkle free? The answer is an absolute yes! One quick helpful tip. Save your dry cleaner bags. Store them in your suitcase so they are handy when you need them.

On my recent trip to NYC, I had to bring a jacket and a cocktail dress. I had no interest in ironing once I was there so I took a dry cleaner bag and laid it across my suitcase (letting it dangle out over the end). Then I laid my dress on the bag, letting it flow outside the suitcase on top of the bag. I placed another dry cleaner bag over the top of the dress and neatly folded my jacket on top of that bag. I finished with a bag on top of that. Then, I reached underneath all the bags and neatly folded them (all together) into the suitcase.

The bags create air pockets so the clothes are not squished, and they all arrived wrinkle-free in NYC. I even put things on top of the clothes, and they still didn't wrinkle. Yay!

I hope your travels are safe, fun and have as few wrinkles as possible!

To download a printable version of Ginger's Packing Checklist, visit http://totalimageconsultants.com/blog/2011/07/vacation-packing/

Vacation Packing: A Checklist To Ensure Nothing Gets Left Behind

Shop Raw Coffee Beans

Add More Power With Performance Isuzu Truck Parts

!±8± Add More Power With Performance Isuzu Truck Parts

Isuzu are known for manufacturing some of the hardest working trucks that glide on the road. The Isuzu trucks have been America's number one choice for more than 25 years. You will be amazed to know that since 1986, over 85% of Isuzu commercial vehicles are sold in America alone. The truck's performance, practicality, dependability and durability make it a popular choice for business. Their engines are known for their supreme power, economy and extended life. The frames accommodate an assortment of body applications and the low-cab-forward design exudes incredible maneuverability. Thus, Isuzu trucks are engineered to optimize driver's productivity.

With so many Isuzu trucks sold across the country, it is obvious that there is a great demand for Isuzu truck parts and accessories. These parts are used to enhance the speed and power of the truck. Some of them are also used to improve its appearance. Getting the right aftermarket parts and accessories for your truck will create a world of difference.

If you look online, you will find a wide variety of aftermarket parts that are well priced to save you money. The performance Isuzu truck parts include:

Air Filters - The lifetime reusable air filter will increase the power, lengthen engine life and improve the fuel economy of the truck.

Air Intake Systems - These parts will get your truck engine pumping. You will be able to gain in torque, horsepower, and even fuel economy.

Brakes & Brake Pads - Give your truck the perfect brake power, style and performance that you demand with an assortment of brakes and brake systems.

Cooling Performance - You can reduce the heat while you continue touring, racing, towing, hauling, destroying, pulling, or just plain riding the truck. The performance coolers help to keep the engine running safe and strong from meltdown.

Exhaust - Upgraded your vehicle with the exhaust system to increase the power and performance of the truck engine.

Fuel Systems - Add these high performance fuel injectors and pumps to enjoy fiery gains in horsepower and torque.

Ignition Systems - Helps to increase the horsepower and torque while increasing the fuel mileage.

Oil Filters - These parts help not only to filter better, but you will also feel a remarkable difference versus a plain old part.

Performance Chips - Unleash the high performance potential of your truck engine with an assortment of tuners, performance chips and modules.

Besides the above mentioned performance parts, you can also buy the various Isuzu interior and exterior accessories online. The tonneau covers are among the most popular Isuzu truck accessories. They help to improve your gas mileage, keep your heavy cargo hidden and provide a sleek appearance to the vehicle. With the right Isuzu truck accessories you can protect your commercial vehicle from any wear and tear.

Add More Power With Performance Isuzu Truck Parts

Thule Cartop Carriers Quick

The Wonderful World of Silicone Kitchenware

!±8± The Wonderful World of Silicone Kitchenware

These days it seems inevitable that wherever a person goes, especially a foodie, he is sure to run into an extravagant display of kitchenware and bakeware made of that marvel of the 21st century, silicone.

Only a few years ago, oven mitts made of silicone were making a subtle entrance into the kitchenware market. I recall the first time I saw such oven mitts and thought to myself that they were really weird! I was almost afraid to stick my hand into one of those mitts. How in the world does a person use them without seriously burning his hands and arms?

That was only two years ago. Now, the kitchenware and bakeware displays of silicone can be found in stores everywhere, from high-end cooking and kitchen stores down to big box stores.

Oven mitts are far from being the lone entry into the world of space-age kitchenware. There are now so many items made of silicone on the market that it is almost like being a small child left to gaze at all the scrumptious sweets in a candy store.

Besides being available in a panoply of wild colors, silicone is a fun-filled concept with which to play. It is so flexible it literally can be folded in half. It dissipates heat quickly and clean-up is a snap. Silicone kitchenware and bakeware can be cleaned merely with water or you can just toss them into the dishwater. Don't you wish you could clean up your traditional cookie sheets and cupcake pans that way, scraping off layers of your knuckles as you attempt to pry off chunks of burnt-on batter? I think not. Another advantage of silicone goods over traditional ones is the increased longevity of silicone. And of course, perhaps the most significant advantage of silicone kitchenware and bakeware is the incredibly extreme range of temperatures it can withstand, from roughly 40ºF (-40ºC) to 600ºF (316ºC).

Let us take a look at this treasure trove of kitchen fun. Where shall we start? Silicone oven mitts are phenomenal in the rough treatment they can endure. In addition to the ferociously high temperatures to which they can be exposed, you can dip your mitt-covered hands into a pot of boiling water with no injury to you or the mitts. There is less possibility of suffering scald burns as both water and oil are repelled by silicone. Also, the thinness of a silicone mitt allows for a more pronounced sense of touch.

Two more items of silicone kitchenware which come in very handy with stovetop or oven cooking are the flexible pot lid and silicone cord ties to secure that lovely roast you are planning to serve for dinner. No more madly searching for the spool of kitchen twine and the scissors with which to cut it. To help you prepare a succulent green salad to go along with that roast, there is the silicone salad knife which resembles a cake server with serrated teeth. For refreshing, icy-cold beverages there are silicone ice cube trays making traditionally-shaped cubes or silicone ice trays giving you fruit-shaped or other whimsically-shaped ice cubes. Perhaps you feel like putting hearts or shamrocks in your ice tea.

How can it be such a delicious dinner without dessert? Cupcakes can be made in individual cupcake cups (which need to be prepped with a nonstick spray such as Pam® before first use) or traditionally configured muffin tins of silicone. There are also silicone cake pans, as well as loaf pans perfect for Grandma's famous banana bread or your favorite meat loaf.

Don't forget silicon kitchen tools. There are standard spatulas, as well as dual-ended spatulas; basting brushes; funnels; collapsible colanders, with and without handles; hot pads; pan holders that slip over the pot's handle; tart cups; baking sheets; reusable cookie sheet liners; colanders that fold totally flat, for easy storage; warmers/steamers with which to warm tortillas or to steam vegetables; bundt cake pans; lasagna pans; madelaine pans; bowls; cookie cutters in varied animal, flower, and other shapes; tongs; trivets; pinch bowls; rolling pins; tuna press/canned food strainers; garlic peelers; coasters; suction lids to cover leftovers; pot clips; pastry brushes; microwave egg poachers; bowl scrapers; egg rings in various fun shapes; whisks; pot holders; spaghetti tongs; and splatter screens.

Now that you have been introduced to the wacky world of silicone kitchenware and bakeware, it is time for you to explore and experiment with all these remarkable gadgets. Who knows what you will create?

The Wonderful World of Silicone Kitchenware

!8!# Shop Stihl Leaf Blower Low Price Suunto Heart Rate Monitors

RunBare Reviews: Wonder Warmers to the Rescue!

!±8± RunBare Reviews: Wonder Warmers to the Rescue!

www.RunBare.com interviews Tim O'Regan, Director of Wonder Warmers, instantly activated reusable heat pads. When you're barefoot running in the cold, it's especially imperative that you keep your upper body warm and toasty. One of those ways is through warmers. Rather than use disposable one-time use wamers, which may be toxic to your skin, consider using Wonder Warmers, the more eco-friendly alternative. They're also great in case of emergencies, when you've ventured a bit too far away from home.

RunBare Reviews: Wonder Warmers to the Rescue!

Save Bissell Featherweight !8!# Shop For Snowblowers Prices Elliptical Trainers

Shark Steam Mop Pads Enhance the Usability

!±8± Shark Steam Mop Pads Enhance the Usability

There are different accessories available along with the shark steam mop such as pads, carpet gliders and water softener bottle. The Shark Steam Mop Pads are among the famous accessories available in the package. It is offered with the Shark mop as well can be bought separately. They are very effective in cleaning different parts of a house such as kitchen floor, bedroom, carpets, etc. However, there are three pads given with the package which remain for long time, as they are durable and reusable. These pads are washable; however, it is advised to wash them separately.

These pads are famous and are steam activated pads. The ordinary water is stored in the water tank attached with the mop and is heated with the steam system present. The water is heated to generate steam and transfer it to these steam pads. They are made up of micro-fiber cloth that loosens to lift and lock the dirt from the floors. They are washed in machines and reused. Moreover, some pads have built-in pockets that allow the heat to stay for longer.

The reusable quality of these pads allows you use these pads for longer time and you do not need to replace it sooner, if properly used it can be used for months. However, their long life also depends on the model they are used on; therefore, use the pads that match your Shark steam mop model. Always ensure proper fitting and utilize it well for the purpose they are made for. Hence, we can say that it is important to purchase the mop pads that are made for you specific steam mop model.

These pads are making cleaning faster and for long time before you have to wash them, because they are double sided. There are different styles and types of pads available in the market such as steam duster pads, rectangle pads, triangle pads, and XL rectangle pads. These different types are used to clean different floors, furniture and carpets in the house, and are highly effective in cleaning stains and dirt with the help of the steam system.

The Shark Steam Mop Pads made cleaning easy and proper. You can now get a nice cleaned home in minutes without hiring a house cleaner. As, these steam mops are easy to carry due to its light weight. Only you have to purchase pads when needed for proper cleaning and better performance. So always, buy the pads which are made for your specific model of Shark steam mop.

Shark Steam Mop Pads Enhance the Usability

Pianos On Ebay Buy Now Bonsai Seedlings Grand Sale Jim Shore Christmas Ornaments Cheap