Because I travel so much, and to so many diverse locations in many different kinds of planes and other vehicles, I have devised my own style of packing that works well and is effective. Little is left to chance, nothing gets lost or damaged, and my clothes and other items needed for the trip are protected and can usually be worn directly from the suitcase or hanging bag. I am a good packer and a successful traveler, but I hate to pack, and I tend to leave it to the last minute, even though I know the task would be better done in advance.
1. Use the Right Type of Luggage
The luggage I take is an important consideration: I use duffel-type bags for casual trips when I need lots of room for hiking or riding boots and bulky outdoor clothing. Because these bags are clumsy to carry, I have found some that have wheels, saving my back, arms, and shoulders.
For two- or three-day trips, I find I can usually get away with a carry-on duffel/handbag, a smaller messenger bag, and a
Astrology.Com Home and Garden Horoscopes – Thursday, August 30, 2012
By Astrology.com Home and Garden Horoscopes | At Home – Thu, Aug 30, 2012 2:15 AM EDT
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Tonight is all about turning off the ringer of your phone, making a big bowl of popcorn and ignoring responsibility. Feel free to take the chore wheel off of the fridge if it makes you feel guilty when you grab that pint of ice cream.
Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Numerology One-Year Forecast
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Though your housemates don't exhibit the same enthusiasm for aerating the lawn as you do, it's best not to try to go it alone. What can make this fun for everyone? Some strap-on aerating shoes may be just weird enough to get the rest of the house intrigued.
Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Maya-Aztec Reading
Read More »from Astrology.Com Home and Garden Horoscopes – Thursday, August 30, 2012
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
Things might be feeling a little blurry today. As you search for clear vision, you might feel a little immediate gratification by getting out the glass
This shop in Marblehead, MA is an example of classic New England style.
By Linda Merrill, Networx
As a New England design blogger, I've done my share of posts about my local environment and all that makes this region special. As a professional interior decorator, I've also certainly done my share of projects that feel very "New England-y". The funny thing is that so many of my projects and posts have featured very different looking homes and interiors. And yet, they still maintain the language and feel of a traditional New England design style.The region is blessed with both coastal, rural and mountain regions which heavily influence the style. Added to that is the historical significance of Colonial settlers followed by the formal elegance of Boston's first neighborhoods in the early post Revolutionary years; all of which was heavily influenced by English architecture and the fascination in England and young America with classical Greek design.
And finally, laid out on top of this is a stubborn "Yankee" ethos of Puritan thrift. This mix of old
Read More »from New England Design & Decor Elements
wall craftMiddle school teacher and blogger Jane Yoo used wooden shims to create this decorative mirror. She started her blog, UrbaneJane.com, in 2010 to chronicle the renovation of their first home outside of Toronto, Ontario. "We needed furniture, but didn't have much money, so we refurbished thrift store finds," she says. "I had no idea how fun it would be-or how handy my husband was!" Photo by: Alison Gootee/Studio D; Craft styling by Molly Fitzsimons; Prop styling by Matthew Gleason
Materials:
17 packages of 8" shims (Small wood wedges used to level objects. There are 12 per package; you need 190 total.)
Wood glue
Medium-grit sanding block
Primer (optional)
Orange and red latex paint (We used Benjamin Moore 2013-30 Jeweled Peach and 2010-10 Tomato Red.)
2" paintbrush
12" round wood panel
Pen
Newspaper
Hammer
Nails
Picture hanging kit
10" round mirror
Instant-bonding glue
Read More »from Make Your Own Gorgeous Mirror
Related: Discover 15 clever uses for household items.What a Sweet Tooth! 8 Tooth Fairy-Approved Pillows
By Babble.com | At Home – Wed, Aug 29, 2012 1:57 PM EDTLosing a tooth is a huge milestone for your little one. A fun way to celebrate this momentous occasion is with a tooth fairy pillow. These 8 darling examples are fabulous ways to keep that baby tooth safe and sound, until the tooth fairy has had a chance to exchange the goods! - By Jennifer Hadfield
MORE ON BABBLE
10 clever ways to display your kid's artwork
The 20 most outrageous kids' rooms ... EVER
The going rates for tooth fairies around the world
Read More »from What a Sweet Tooth! 8 Tooth Fairy-Approved PillowsShed Some Light: 8 Revamped Lamp Ideas to DIY
By Babble.com | At Home – Wed, Aug 29, 2012 1:57 PM EDTIf your home is in need of a quick update, look towards your lighting! What other way to brighten up a room than a revamped lamp? You can easily bring a boring, basic lampshade to life with the help of a few home projects. So shed a little light in your room with these 8 illuminating solutions! - By Jennifer Hadfield
MORE ON BABBLE
20 unique, DIY headboards you won't find at Pottery Barn
10 ways to make old furniture new again
15 genius storage solutions that double as home decor
Read More »from Shed Some Light: 8 Revamped Lamp Ideas to DIYA Simple Field Guide to Paint: A Closer Look at Latex, Alkyd, and Sheen
By Michelle Zanatta | At Home – Wed, Aug 29, 2012 11:23 AM EDTNow that you have decided you are going to makeover your room, it would be a good idea to review what the paint department has to offer. Here are some useful tips to make sure your home project doesn't only achieve the best look, but also the best effect on your walls.
Though there is an array of paint choices to choose from such as; alkyd, latex primer, stain-blocker, satin, eggshell, flat paint, enamel, gloss, and semi-gloss - there are really two main types, which are: latex and alkyd. Every other type of pain is just a variation.
Here is a list of facts concerning latex paint:
- 1. Latex is accountable for about 67 percent of paint sold in the United States according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- 2. Latex paint used to contain rubber, but now most manufactures use resins and acrylic.
- 3. Latex paint is water base - which makes it easy to clean up!
- 4. Latex fumes are a lot less than alkyd fumes, but it still does contain toxic chemicals.
Read More »from A Simple Field Guide to Paint: A Closer Look at Latex, Alkyd, and SheenThese great plants stand up to coastal conditions beautifully.

Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans)
Actually from Madeira, this plant produces wonderful spikes of blue-purple flowers along the coast in poor soil and with practically no extra water. Bees love it.

Canna 'Tropicanna'
Bright orange flower and big, purplish, banana-like leaves links seaside gardens with the tropics. Just don't plant it where wind will shred the leaves.

Shore pine (Pinus contorta contorta)
This Northwest coastal native makes a terrific windbreak, and takes well to shearing (like Japanese pines).

Crocosmia 'Emily McKenzie'
Has grassy leaves and elegant orange flowers with a red eye. Multiplies and spreads from corms with little care beyond occasional weeding.

Salvia uliginosa
This 5-foot tall, 4-foot wide perennial produces its sky-blue flowers from summer through fall with little care. Spreads by rhizomes.

Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum
Read More »from 9 Great Plants for Seaside GardensAstrology.Com Home and Garden Horoscopes – Wednesday, August 29, 2012
By Astrology.com Home and Garden Horoscopes | At Home – Wed, Aug 29, 2012 2:04 AM EDT
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Today the air will begin to feel crisp, making you wonder what you can conserve for the cooler months. Perhaps you can take a piece of summer -- say, the plums piling up from your tree in the yard -- and make jam for the holidays?
Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Astro Identity Reading
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
With the beginning of the week will come the nagging realization that it's time to live like a grown up. Since when did it become okay to leave your dirty dinner plate on the coffee table over night?
Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Numerology One-Year Forecast
Read More »from Astrology.Com Home and Garden Horoscopes – Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
If you're gazing sentimentally a little longer than usual at the pictures on the mantle, you might as well take that moment to dust them off, clean the glass and perhaps (gasp!) even polish the silver frames.The most dreaded chore ever? Laundry. The piles just seem to grow and grow, no matter how much I think I'm getting caught up. Can you ever really get caught up on this never-ending chore? I've decided the laundry room is actually at the root of my organization problems. Dirty clothes pile up, stained clothes wait for a miracle, and clean clothes have no where to go. I need some serious laundry help. So, I turned to bloggers who are much tidier than me. They're full of tips and tricks for tackling the mountain of laundry and organizing the chaos. Here are 10 of the most helpful tips and tricks for easier laundry days! - By Heather Sokol
MORE ON BABBLE
20 things you can live without to reduce clutter
The 12 best ways to store seasonal clothes
10 everyday household items that double as organizers
Read More »from 10 Tips and Tricks for Easier Laundry Days
- 10 Self-Help Books for the New GenerationMon, Feb 4, 2013 6:38 PM EST
- Do You Have the Most Vivid Memories from Your Life from Age 15 to 25?Tue, Feb 5, 2013 11:35 AM EST
- Is Your Gym Making You Sick?Tue, Feb 5, 2013 10:10 AM EST
- Better Together: 4 Reasons Why I'm Glad My Kids Share a RoomTue, Feb 5, 2013 2:51 PM EST
- Is Lisa Ling's Father a Pothead?Tue, Feb 5, 2013 3:29 PM EST
- Nerding Out in Nature: One Smart Phone. Two Kids. Tons of FunTue, Feb 5, 2013 3:07 PM EST
- PHOTOS: The Best Chevron Wedding DetailsTue, Feb 5, 2013 1:42 PM EST
- Roadblocks to Intimacy--and How to Get Around ThemMon, Feb 4, 2013 6:50 PM EST
- How to Conquer Your 10 Biggest Marriage FearsFri, Feb 22, 2013 3:23 PM EST
- 5 Ways to Make Your Beloved Pancakes Healthier11 hours ago
- 10 Best Cupcakes in America10 hours ago
- Style lessons from Carrie UnderwoodThu, May 3, 2012 11:31 AM EDT
- Best & worst foods for your skin at every ageMon, Apr 23, 2012 5:42 PM EDT
- Hairstyles to hide your flawsFri, Apr 27, 2012 2:56 PM EDT

