Who Needs a Vacation? I DO!

It has been a long long long cold winter here in the Chicagoland area. I am really tired of the snow and the cold, this is the first year since we moved to this area that we have had mountains of snow in the backyard.

All of this cold weather has inspired me to start saving for our next vacation.

It is a great time of year to put a little money aside. Every time you have a sale pull out $5, $10, or even $20 of your sale price.

Planning a vacation and starting to save for it, will encourage you to  work your business and get  more sales. Before you know it you will have a nice little chunk of change saved for your next getaway. 

Need a little more encouragement, start searching for a place to take your next vacation or weekend getaway, and create a Pinterest board with photos to keep you inspired.

Where are you planning on taking a vacation this year?

Vacation

My sister and I are having an amazing time traveling through Colorado this week. It is always nice to get away to relax and enjoy each others company.

We have seen so many beautiful places on our journey, I can't wait to share some of our photos with you when I get back.

Are you taking any vacations this year? Staycations count too!

Inspired Success Week June 25 - 29

Be Inspired on Vacation

When on vacation we try to see as much as possible and end up rushing around so you don't miss anything.

Instead of rushing around, tap into your inner artist. Take things a little slower when you visit a new location. Reflect on your experience, and use your travel journal to remember and be inspired.



1. Enjoy the fashion as art - People watch and see all the fashions. Check out where people are shopping for the most fashionable shop.

2. Try the local food - Try something you have never tried before, let the food inspire you.

3. Check out the music scene - Be inspired by what's played in the cafes, on the streets, and even the clubs.

4. Ride the local transportation - This is a great way to experience the city, and feel its true cultural rhythms.

5. Seek out street art - Some of the best art can be found on the street. Visit small galleries, cute boutiques, and local parks for cool sculptures.

6. Go places artists go - Visit bookstores, art supply shops, open studio's. Pick up local papers and find artists events.

7. Spend time people watching - Take an afternoon visit a coffee shop with your journal/sketchbook and let the people, and conversations inspire you.

Traveling like an artists has less to do with what you do and more about how you do it. Be curious, pay attention to the details, be observant, and reflect. Record your ideas to use later as inspiration.

Take time for art to enhance your vacation experience.


What is your favorite way experience art on your vacation?

Inspired Success Week is back June 25 - 29

Vacation Journal

Next time your on vacation or even a day trip don't forget your journal. Try to take a few minutes everyday and jot down your thoughts of the the day, the places that you visited, inspiring things that you saw, and any new ideas.

Traveling is a great time to let your mind relax and open up to new ideas. All the new sites, sounds, and smells will inspire you.

Not into writing, then try a photo journal instead. Take lots of pictures of inspiring sites, and keep a small note book with the ideas that were inspired by the picture. When you get home you can organize them to have as a future reference.

Do you journal when you are on vacation?

Renewal

A view from the car window

Last week I had a wonderful time with my sister on our road trip to Myrtle Beach SC. We had the opportunity to travel through 8 states seeing mountains and cities, and the best part we got to spend a few days by the ocean.

We spent a lot of time on our trip relaxing.  We walked on the beach and boardwalk, laid by the pool, visited a museum, and drove around exploring Myrtle Beach.

We got up early for the sunrise on our first day on Myrtle Beach

It was so amazing

It was a great way to start our day

It turned out to be a beautiful day

We did have an adventure on our drive back.  We took a route that turned out to be a lot of back roads and very lonely highways.  Even thou we had a couple of challenging days, it did give us the opportunity to see farms, ranches, plantation, and really small towns up close.

This trip gave me an opportunity pull together some business ideas, and to get a lot of reading done. I feel so renewed.

I am not a big shell collector but here are a few I loved

I hope she wants to go on another vacation next year! Sister what do you think?

Are you planning on doing any traveling this season?

Plan a Crafty Field Trip

When was the last time you took a day off?

Why not go on a crafty field trip.  Getting away from the office, your home or studio is a great way to to get inspired, as well as a nice break from your everyday projects.

You can head out for the whole day or part of the day.  Visit a city you have never been to, check out the next town over, or visit a small country town.   It does not have to be complicated or expensive, visit someplace you have never seen before or a spot you have driven by hundreds of time.

After you choose your destination, plan out your time.  You want to get the most out of the time you have.

Talk to people when you get to your location, sometimes the best finds are off the main drag.

Make sure you know how much you want to spend before you leave, so you can stay on budget.  If you don't want to spend any money, then enjoy your time window shopping.

Take your sketchbook with you and fill it with pictures, and ideas.  You will be surprised how much you see and how inspired you will be, when you take the time to just enjoy the day.

I do these crafty field trips a couple times a month, and more if possible.  Try to make these crafty field trips a regular part of you creative life.  

When do you like to go when you need a little inspiration?

Be Inspired by a Mini Vacation

Words to Inspire

“Happiness consists of living each day as if it were the first day of your honeymoon and the last day of your vacation”
Unknown

Idea to Inspire

My sister is spending her vacation week with me this year and we are taking mini vacations all week. In her attempt to get me to take some time off, she has planned several outings for us.

This past weekend we went to a friends lake house in Wisconsin. It was beautiful and very relaxing.

I know how hard it is to walk away from work, but sometime we just need a break. Plan a mini vacation for yourself and after a day or two you will feel rejuvenated to work again.

Photo's to Inspire

Today's photo collection are pictures (taken by my sister) from our mini vacation in Wisconsin. I hope you enjoy the view, and it inspires you to create a new idea.

Organizing for Vacation - Packing Part 2

Techniques for packing

In last weeks post I mentioned I was able to pack for a 16 day business trip to Europe and a week long combination business trip / weekend get-a-way. For both trip I used a carry-on bag but two different packing techniques.

Technique for European trip:

•Cut a piece of cardboard to fit edge-to-edge inside your suitcase

•Pack toiletries in small bag and pack in corner of suitcase. For carry on bags place liquids in a clear quart size zip top baggy and place in a outside zipper pocket.

•Pack under garments and socks in soft sided bag (e.g. shoe bag, pantyhose laundry bag, or gallon size zip top bag) - place in a bottom corner of suitcase.

•Place 2 pairs of shoes in remaining space

•Be sure the shoes, toiletries, and under garments create a level surface – use a swimsuit, pajamas, and workout clothes tucked neatly for leveling

•Next, place the cut piece of cardboard on top to create a new layer in your suitcase

•On the top of the cardboard, fold in half pants, skirts, or jeans and place the waistband at the right edge of the suitcase – allow the length hang off the other edge

•At the left edge of the suitcase place the neckline of the folded dresses, blouses, and shirts - allow excess to hang over opposite edge



•To avoid wrinkles with this technique – place the item most prone to wrinkling on the bottom of the top layer (closest to the cardboard).

•All other items should be tightly rolled and laid on top of the other clothing

•Lastly, fold items hang off the edges over the rolled items – zip closed!

•Why the cardboard? Simply for access. If bag is searched at airport, there’s a need to get to your toiletries or you need to change shoes – lift cardboard get item off bottom layer, replace cardboard without disturbing neatly folded clothes

•It’s tempting to use the pockets inside the suitcase, but if you don’t it will help eliminate bulk

My technique for the one week trip:

•Compression bags! They really work. Be sure NOT to choose the bags requiring vacuuming, only the zip top bags

Pam Moore
Open Spaces

Pam Moore - An aspiring organizer attempting to conquer one space at a time. As a professional coordinator, she sees the big picture, then breaks it down into details, to achieve end results. She uses these skill in organizing spaces by assessing clients needs and collaboratively finding solutions for functional spaces. You won't need an organizer, you can look forward to tips and tricks through out the year to organize your own space.

Create a Vacation Art Kit

As a jewelry artist it's difficult to take my supplies with me on vacation and create jewelry, but I still want to keep my artistic juices flowing. So when I'm on vacation I paint.

Painting is one of those thing I aways wish I could do well, but have not mastered. I like to create simple abstract painting, and most of them I do when I travel. I find it very relaxing and an enjoyable way to stay creative.

Thanks to my painter friends, they helped me put together a kit I could take with me on vacation.

My kit contains a travel watercolor paint set, a paint brush with water in the handle so I can paint anytime and anywhere. Watercolor colored pencils (they can be used as pencils or I can add water and they create a watercolor effect on my paper), markers, regular pencils, and a eraser. All my supplies fit in a small makeup bag and it's easy to pack. Also easy to pack is my journal, sketchbook and paper to paint.

You could easily put together a kit for yourself. There are travel size art supplies for pretty much everything. You just have to decide what you would like to work on while on vacation and start searching the web to find supplies that will work for you.

I enjoy taking a few minutes out each day to paint and put down any new ideas. It gives me time to relax, and I still get to feel creative while I'm on vacation.

What do you like to do to stay creative while on vacation?

Organizing for Vacation - Packing Part 1

Keep it simple

Packing does not have to be hard – Follow these basic tips:

1.Think about your feet first – comfortable shoes are vital for overall comfort on a trip

2.Choose a base color – I always go with black, no matter what time of year or climate (you may like khaki or white) - keep it neutral

3.Versatility matters – add color or pattern with tops or accessories

4.Repeat confidently – pack shorts, skirts, capri's, pants and dress in your base color – this will make it easier to choose accessories and accent colors

5.Layer wisely – if flying wear your bulkiest clothing on the plane – this helps with temperature variances in airports and on planes but also leaves space in bag

6.Respect your rythyms – pack snacks (nuts, granola, dry fruit), sleep aids, and entertainment (ipod, books, mags)

Don't miss part Part 2 on Monday 6/28

Pam Moore
Open Space
Pam Moore - An aspiring organizer attempting to conquer one space at a time. As a professional coordinator, she sees the big picture, then breaks it down into details, to achieve end results. She uses these skill in organizing spaces by assessing clients needs and collaboratively finding solutions for functional spaces. You won't need an organizer, you can look forward to tips and tricks through out the year to organize your own space.

Travel in Style

Go on vacation in style.

These Etsy artists have created travel accessories that will make packing for your next trip creative, colorful, and fun.

Happy Cow Leather Purse belts Ditch The Bag by Justintime67

Europe Notebook Set by Nicopapergoods

iPad or Kindle DX Cover Quilted Morning by Bee yourselfdesigns

Willow Passport Cover by oddsnblobs

Eco Cup Cozy White Scooter byluarabucci

Smidget Keychain Wallet in Lime and Pink by AnitagailAccessories

Planning a trip or just getting away for a long weekend, check out these shops to spice up your next get away.

Vacation Journal

When you travel don't forget your journal. Try to take a few minutes everyday and jot down your thoughts of the the day, the places that you visited, inspiring things that you saw, and any new ideas.

Traveling is a great time to let your mind relax and open up to new ideas. All the new sites, sounds, and smells will inspire you.

Not into writing, then try a photo journal instead. Take lots of pictures of inspiring sites, and keep a small note book with the ideas that were inspired by the picture. When you get home you can organize them to have as a future reference.

Not traveling this year, try this journal prompt to get your creative juices flowing:

On my dream vacation I want to visit/see/try/experience...

Organizing for summer vacation - Pre-packing 101

Do you over pack?

The art of packing does not have to be hard if you keep a few things in mind:

1. Plan ahead - with your destination in mind and list activities planned, start considering what you will wear from head to toe

•Based on your activities think about your needs, a swimsuit, tennis shoes, evening wear, or workout gear

2. Inspect luggage - make sure your luggage is clean, functioning correctly, and clearly marked as yours

•Check the seams and zipper by stuffing pillows/blankets in your bag and make sure it zips correctly and no seams are bulging

•Clearly print name and address on luggage tag and use something to distinguish your bag from another (tie a colorful ribbon or string to handle)

3. Stock up – purchase travel size items or travel size containers for toiletries

•Keep in mind if a hotel stay is part of your travels, toiletries are available in your room or at the front desk – if for a short time you can handle using soap, shampoo, conditioner or lotion that is not “your” brand, you can save a lot of space while packing

•If you are flying the following link is for the TSA carry-on liquids rule: http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm

A little over 10 years ago I spent 16 days in Europe on a business trip and I packed EVERYTHING in a carry-on bag. I know it is hard to believe I packed two weeks of outfits and shoes in a carry-on bag, but I did, and you can too!

The key was pre-planning, a good bag, and 3oz containers. My secret was a very clever packing technique I learned watching the Oprah Show (more about packing in the next post).

Recently, I was on the road for a week for a combination business trip and weekend get-a-way. I managed to take 4 pairs of shoes and I had a different outfit for everyday (I know someone out there thinks I’m a size 2 with tiny feet, but I am a size 16 and I wear 9 shoes).

With a good plan, you can pack light too!

Pam Moore

Open Space

Pam Moore - An aspiring organizer attempting to conquer one space at a time. As a professional coordinator, she sees the big picture, then breaks it down into details, to achieve end results. She uses these skill in organizing spaces by assessing clients needs and collaboratively finding solutions for functional spaces. You won't need an organizer, you can look forward to tips and tricks through out the year to organize your own space.

*Click her for a - A unique Advertising Opportunity

Discover Europe

Last week The Girl in Orange commented on the post How do you like to Travel, so I checked out her blog Traveling On A Shoestrings.

She has been traveling Europe for a few years and decided to start a blog to share her discoveries, stories, and amazing photo's.

I know I won't be able to get to Europe anytime soon and reading her blog has given me the sense of being there. It is a wonderful blog and I hope you stop by and follow along on her journey.

All the images in this post belong to The Girl in Orange and are from her blog Traveling On A Shoestring.

*Don't miss out - A unique Advertising Opportunity

7 Ways to Take Time for Art on Vacation

When we are on vacation we try to see as much as possible and end up rushing around so you don't miss anything.

Instead of rushing around, tap into your inner artist. Take things slow when you visit a new location. Reflect on your experience, and bring your travel journal and make time to use it.

1. Enjoy the fashion as art - Take time to people watch and see all the fashions. Check out where people are shopping for the most fashionable shop.

2. Try the local food - Try something you have never tried before, let the food inspire you.

3. Check out the music scene - Be inspired by what's played in the cafes, on the streets, and even the clubs.

4. Ride the local transportation - This is a great way to experience the city, and feel its true cultural rhythms.

5. Seek out street art - Some of the best art can be found on the street. Visit small galleries, cute boutiques, and local parks for cool sculptures.

6. Go places artists go - Visit bookstores, art supply shops, open studio's. Pick up local papers and find artists events.

7. Spend time people watching - Spend a afternoon at a coffee shop with your journal/sketchbook and let the people, and conversations inspire you.

Traveling like an artists has less to do with what you do and more about how you do it. Be curious, pay attention to the details, be observant, and reflect. Record your ideas to use later as inspiration.

Take time for art to enhance your vacation experience.

What is your favorite thing to do to experience art on your vacation?

*Click now for - A unique Advertising Opportunity

Additionsstyle NEWS

BLOG News

Would you like to advertise on this blog? Check out this opportunity to support an amazing project about artists and get exposure for your shop and blog. This opportunity is only available till the end of the month, don't miss out!

You can now get email updates of blog posts via Feedburner. Check out the left side bar to sign up.

Pam Moore is back! She will be doing a series of post about planning, organizing, and preparing for a trip. Her first post will be this Friday.

Creative Book of the Week
Make your Creative Dreams Real: A plan for Procrastinators, Perfectionists, Busy People, and People Who Would Really Rather Sleep All Day by Sark. Check out the right side bar for a link to Amazon.com.

SHOP News

I have added a new banner to my shop with my new photo's:

What do you think?

I have gotten a lot of mixed messages on my new pictures, some people like them, some people like the pictures with the colored background. Please share your thoughts on my new neutral backgrounds.



I am going to keep making changes to my shop and my blog, have any suggestions let me know additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.

Have a great week!


*Click her for a - A unique Advertising Opportunity

How do you like to Travel?

I love to travel by car!

I have been taking vacations by car since I was a little girl, and they are some of my most valued memories.

My parents love to travel, but we did not have a lot of money for vacations and going by car gave us the opportunity to see lots of sites and enjoy our vacation together. So each year my family and I piled into our VW van and traveled the country.

Now that I have my own family we take most of our vacations by car and it's still my favorite way to travel.

I think traveling by car is the best way to see all the beauty in this country. Driving gives us the opportunity to stop when we want to see something new, go to places that were not part of our plans, and explore new cities. I think it's the best way to travel and enjoy a vacation.

What is your favorite way to travel?

*Don't miss out - A unique Advertising Opportunity

Summer Vacation

Since school is coming to an end and summer will soon be in full swing, this month the blog is going to be all about travel.

My family and I have talked about a vacation this summer, but with my daughter working and my husband traveling for work it has been a challenge to schedule.

Hopefully we will get a couple of long weekends together.

What are your vacation plans this summer?