House Guest Etiquette

Many years ago, several of my family members decided to take a road trip to visit relatives in Odessa, Texas. These Texans always roll out the red carpet for us and this trip was no exception. With the struggles many have had with the economy, I have heard of several families visiting relatives and making it their summer vacation just as we did several years ago.  For those of you who will be house guests this summer, here are a few things to think about when staying at someone else's home. 

1. Keep in mind that this is not a hotel.  Bring your own toiletries. 
2. Not everyone loves your pet like you do.  Don't even ask if you can bring Spot.  Find a nice kennel for him. 
3. Don't show up unannounced. If you are going to be earlier or later than your scheduled arrival time,  phone ahead.  Your hosts could be out shopping or cleaning.  
4. This is not the time to take a long hot shower.  Be considerate and keep showers short, turn off lights when you leave the room, turn off television and other electronics.
5. Depending on how long you are staying, bring a gift.  The longer the stay, the more personal the present.  You could always send something after you return home.
6. Treat your hosts to dinner.  Either take them out or offer to purchase the groceries and cook the meal in the home.  When my family went to visit our relatives in Texas, I cooked a “Derby” meal for my cousins.  Another night they treated us to their version of Tortilla Soup.  To this day, I am asked for the soup recipe every time I serve it at a dinner party.
7. Pick up after yourself.  It would be nice for you to help sweep floors, wash dishes, make your bed every morning, etc.
8. Be “financially sensitive.”  Don’t expect the host to pay for all dinners, movies, or any expenses on an outing. 
9. Pack everything you will need, don’t borrow things. 
10. Keep the hosts informed of your daily plans.  If you won’t be back for dinner, tell them in advance.
11. When getting ready to head back home, ask the hosts if you should strip the bed or leave it unmade.  If you strip the bed, fold the sheets and blankets and place them at the foot of the bed.
12. Don’t forget to invite your hosts to stay at your home in the future.  

My family has not only stayed with the Texans, but with my aunt and uncle in California, a friend in Walnut Creek, friends in Maryland, Mississippi, and New York.  Vacationing with family and friends is a wonderful way to reconnect, see the sights with the locals, save on hotel expenses, and share your vacation with others.  

Safe Travels, 

Chris

Pack It All In

For Mother's Day, I spent the weekend in Indianapolis shopping and eating (my two favorite activities) with my two daughters. Going for a weekend doesn't require a lot of packing, but as I unpack, I find myself transferring to another suitcase - my extra large, pink, you can see me coming from a mile away, suitcase. I am leaving for the AICI Conference on Wednesday. AICI is the Association of Image Consutlants International. Can you image being in one hotel with Image Consultants from 26 other countries? It is exciting but gives an entirely new meaning to "what will I wear"?

At some point this summer I'm sure you will be packing for business or pleasure. Here are a few of my travel tips:

1. I started putting outfits together a week ago. You might not need a week but don't think you can begin packing at 11:00pm for a 7:00am flight. Doing this is like going to the grocery store hungry - you'll throw anything in the suitcase "just in case". Not only have I planned my outfits but had my manicure, pedicure, botox, tan, and will have my hair colored tomorrow. I know I sound high maintence - but it's all these little things that add up to one happy, confident, traveler.

2. In the perfect world, you would choose a "color of the week". This minimizes the amount of shoes, handbags, and jewelry needed to pack. Rotate pants, jackets and skirts. Try on all the outfits to make sure you still love them and they still fit. Darker colors are easier to dress up and down - such as the little black dress or black suit.

3. Once I decide what it is I want to wear, I take a look at my schedule and write down what outfit I am wearing on each day. Perfect planning makes perfect. I can get up each morning at conference and not have to think about what I'm going to wear and why I packed a piece of clothing. Visually going through the week keeps me from forgetting to pack something and keeps me from packing too much. Check all garments for loose buttons etc. This eliminates any surprises when getting dressed in the hotel room such as a missing button.

4. Once I have my game plan, I like to lay everything flat in my suitcase. I find there is less wrinkling when I do this. You could also roll your clothing if you prefer. Pack shoes in seperate plastic bags. If you are a frequent traveler you will want to have duplicate makeup and skin care products in travel size bottles in leak proof bags. I pack only costume jewelry in a jewelry pouch. A friend gave me a lingerie bag years ago for my birthday - love it! Keeps lingerie together and free of snags.

People don't dress up anymore while flying so I like to wear something comfortable yet stylish. If you need anything such as directions, help with luggage, a taxi, or a door held for you, you don't even have to ask if you stand out above the crowd.

Don't forget to pack your wardrobe plan. Pack something for extreme weather and you'll have yourself a worry free trip.

I'm looking forward to seeing all my AICI friends from around the country. I'll tell you all about it next week. Have a wonderful week.

Joyfully,
Chris