There are so many benefits to packing light!  Time and energy are two of them.  You’ll  have more time because you don’t have to wait on checked bags.  You will have more energy because you won’t be hauling around such heavy baggage. And you’ll know where your bags are every minute of the trip. The airlines have lost my luggage twice so now I attempt to pack everything I need into luggage I can carry on.  I used to think that half the fun of a trip was buying new clothes and accessories to take along.  Now I pack a limited amount of neutral colored clothing in lightweight fabrics and only two pair of shoes. With summer just around the corner, many of you will be traveling.  Whether you are traveling by air or another mode of transportation, consider these tips to lighten up your load.  

1. Layers - Pack clothing to be worn in layers.  This allows for more flexibility for fluctuating temperatures.
2. Lightweight - If you pack a coat for winter travel, a down or poly filled coat will be lighter in weight than a wool or leather coat.  
3. Neutral --pack around neutral colosr like black, gray or tan then add maybe one colorful top or scarf.
4. 2 pair shoes
5. Packing cubes compress clothing and keep like items together. 
6. Try complete outfits on before you pack including the shoes.  Look in the mirror and walk around to be sure the outfit is comfy.
7. Take detergent packs.  Wash a garment or two if necessary.
8. Don’t get caught up in “What if I need it?”  You can most likely buy anything you really need. 
9. Choose articles of clothing that can do double duty.  A scarf can add color to an outfit but can also be used as a wrap on the airplane or cold rooms.  
10. Load reading material on tablet instead of hauling around thick books and heavy magazines. 

I would love to hear your packing tips.  Leave your comments below.  

My kids will be out of school soon and it almost sends me into a panic.  The trick to a great summer is finding a balance between structured activities and downtime.  If we schedule every moment with camps and play dates, then summer becomes just as hectic as the school year.  On the other hand, if we don’t have anything planned, the kids become bored and that can make for a miserable summer.  Follow these tips to ensure that you and your family have a summer of fun-filled and relaxing activities.

1) If you do not use a paper calendar or if you use an online calendar, print out the summer months and place in an obvious place in your home for all family members to see.  Be sure to include the pre-planned activities such as sports camps, swim lessons, etc.  Then you can write in new events as they come up.   


2)  Make a “wish list” of things to do over the summer.  Get the whole family involved and let each child choose at least one activity.  Maybe the roller skating rink or a visit with friends that you don’t have time to see during the school year.  


3)  Research free things to do in your community.  Check out the public library, recreation centers, free concerts in the park.  When you find activities that would be fun and of interest to your family, add them to the calendar.  


4)  Just because it’s summer, doesn’t mean that any routines should go away.  Routines are still important but maybe they can be loosened up a bit.  Beds still need to be made, belongings put away, chores still need to be done!   Be sure to build in reading time each day.


5)  Remember to relax.  Schedule “downtime”.  It’s good for kids to be a little bored.  It encourages some creativity within them.