One Bag Wonder

I often see women depicted in movies and on TV as carrying a million bags while traveling. I wondered if this was an exaggeration for comedic effect or just a reflection of real women in society. Through my travels, I’ve observed that women truly do carry quite a bit. Men, on the other hand, try their best to pack light and efficiently. Then there’s me. I remember when I was a little girl and I had this little red suitcase with stickers one of which said “I love Grama.” 

That wonderful suitcase was endearing to me because that is what I affectionately called my grandmother. Whenever I traveled with my family, I fit everything in that suitcase. Of course, my mom tucked some of my belongings in her various pieces of luggage, but for me, one suitcase was the way to go. When I graduated from high school, my parents gave me a three piece blue Jordache luggage set. I loved it! It came with two rolling suitcases and a folding garment bag. Whenever I traveled I stuffed that garment bag to the hilt, but the suit cases really didn’t get much use. I was still a one bag girl.  Now that I’ve ramped up my traveling this year, I realize that once again, I endeavor to keep my baggage to a minimum.

How do I do it? So glad you asked!

I wish I could take credit for this beautiful work. It is by Mitchell Nick You can find it here. I'll be placing my order soon!

I’m going on a 3-night getaway tomorrow.  I packed a week ago!  I always pack early because I like to pull the outfits out of rotation that I’m going to wear during my trip.  I knew the look I was going for during the trip so I pulled several dresses, a couple pairs of skinny jeans, and numerous tops.  I took inventory of my lingerie and sleepwear.  Once I coordinated about five outfits, I put everything else back in my closet (not without pulling 5 dresses for the workweek) and began packing.

Graphic by Amanda Gia 2014

The base layer should always be shoes.  Because I’m going to be on my getaway for four days, I wanted to make sure I had enough shoes for any occasion. I’m wearing a flat strappy sandal during travel which will be great for stylish walking. Then I needed my night out red peep-toe platforms.  I needed some cute wedge sandals—animal print of course. Classic pump was the next pair to get tucked into my bag. I slid my comfy flip flops along the side.  That’s five pairs of interchangeable shoes for the trip. I threw my sneakers in for workout purposes.   I tried to sneak my black cage high-heeled sandals in, but they didn’t fit.   Guess they won’t be going with me!

After a shopping spree at Victoria’s Secret I was prepared to pack my unmentionables. Two bras, plus the one I’ll be wearing should be enough.  I packed 6 pairs of undies which should be more than enough.  I had a little fun shopping for nightwear because I’m usually a pajama pants and tank type of girl.  I stepped it up with 2 gowns and a nice pajama set. Something different for each night of the trip!

Graphic by Amanda Gia 2014

Time for the middle layer.  This is the fun part!  Pack complete outfits with accessories from the bottom up. Whatever you plan to wear on the first day, leave that out and pack that last.  If you’re not one to unpack your entire bag when you reach your destination, like me, you can pack your separates on top of the shoes you know you’ll wear first. This way, you can pull out your neatly folded stack of separates i.e. tops, pants, skirts, dresses that are not a part of an outfit, grab the shoes you need and then stick the separates back in place. I’ve packed 6 outfits (1-body con dress for the evening, 2-dresses short and maxi w/grey jacket that matches both for church/brunch, 1-white oxford, army green skirt and denim jacket combo for any occasion, 1 pink & ecru chevron maxi dress for day/night transition, 1-skinny jean blouse combo).  My separates include a black maxi dress, a dressy black top, swimsuit/sarong, and workout clothes all of which can be mixed and matched with other pieces from my set outfits.

Graphic by Amanda Gia 2014

While the middle layer is the most fun, the top layer can be the most challenging.  There shouldn’t be much room left on the top layer, but there should still be a little space for last minute” throw-ins.”  I leave my rolling duffel bag open in my closet all week for last minute additions.  I put a towel and washcloth on this layer just in case.  I also put some red ballet flats there.  I put my shaper that I almost forgot on this layer as well.  I must confess that the maxi dress for church/brunch was actually a new purchase that I tossed on the top layer, but it has moved its way down to the middle layer because of the towel and washcloth.  I’m done! I zipped it up this morning with no room to spare.  The front zipper pocket will carry random accessories.  My toiletries and makeup will be transported in a little carrying case that will stay with me. 

I am a one bag wonder. There have been times when I fit my toiletries and makeup in my main bag, but this trip calls for a variety of outfits that take up more space than my usual pack.  I hope this helps you pack one bag and be the envy of all your friends as they lug too much stuff around the terminal or even trying to get it all in the car!  Happy and safe travels!

Word Clouds: Psalm 100 NIV

"What Are You Going To Do With Those?!" *Collard Greens Edition*

I find it intriguing when I'm checking out at the grocery store and the cashier asks questions about my purchases.  I've had cashiers who held up their line to read the package while inquiring about calories or ingredients. I've had people wrinkle up their faces at my choice of vegetable or meat. But, it seems to me that every time I purchase collard greens, I get the same question: "Whatcha gonna do with those?"

I was born and raised in Virginia. I thought it was common knowledge what to do with "greens."  Getting questioned about how to prepare collards made me think that there may have been a generational lapse in cooking instruction being that I am in my 30s (even though I've known what to do with greens since I was little), but I even have had older cashiers ask the same question. Some have gone on to say that they've "always wondered what people did with 'em."  Why do they choose me as the person to ask?  Maybe it's because I absolutely LOVE shopping at Kroger and when I'm checking out, I'm jovial in anticipation of how much my bill will go down once my card is swiped.  The thrill is like no other, but I digress....Let's cook!

I have decided to share my recipe for my Not-So-Southern Collard Greens. Truly southern collards or any greens for that matter include some form of pork (i.e. ham hock, fat back) for seasoning. Others, like my mom, opt for a healthier, yet still high in sodium and added fat option smoked turkey wing.  I'm the party-pooper who desires to stay as far away from high blood pressure as possible, so I don't use any meat for flavoring and my greens are a hit!

You will need:
3 bundles (about 3 lbs) of fresh collard greens (They are 99 cents per lb right now at Kroger. Check here!)
2 cups water
3 Tbsp Smart Balance Original Buttery Spread (or Smart Balance Buttery Spread with EVOO)
1 Tbsp Lawry's Season Salt (25% Less Sodium if you'd like to cut back)
1 Tbsp Granulated Splenda
2 Tsp cracked pepper (or freshly ground)
2 Tsp iodinized salt (or Sea Salt or Kosher Salt)
2 Tsp red pepper flakes

Cleaning your greens are essential. There is nothing worse that gritty greens! So fill up your sink half way with cool water and sprinkle a little (a couple of table spoons) salt. This saline solution will help remove any of the leftover grit/sand/dirt left on the greens. If you get your greens from a farmer's market, you will need to wash your greens 2-3 times changing sinks and water each time.  Kroger, with their thundering sound effects, wash their produce several times an hour so the greens are pretty clean when you get home. Once you have our greens in the sink, fill the sink to the top of the greens with more water rinsing the individual leaves as you divide the bundles.  Next, you'll need to cut the main stem out of the leaf.

Place your largest pot on the stove on high heat. Add all of your ingredients except the greens and bring to a ferocious boil. Lower to medium heat and add greens as you finish cutting them into squares.  Fold the de-stemmed leaf in half and then fold again two more times. Cut the folded leaf to make collard squares and then toss them into the hot pot. They do not need to be perfect squares!  Cover your greens once you have added all of them to the pot. After about 5 minutes, stir and gauge the amount of water you have in your pot. If you can see the water, there is too much!  Too much water will wash the wonderful taste out of your greens. You should have about 2 inches of water in your pot. Stir and monitor water every 15 minutes until done.

I cook my greens for about an hour. I still like my greens to have texture or as I call it "a little chew" to them. If you'd like to ramp up the cooking time, you can cook on high heat, but make sure you're watching your water level and keeping the cover on the pot.

My lunch today! Notice the steam fogging up the camera lens.

So keep this recipe handy since the holidays are rapidly approaching. You'll be able to impress your friends and family this Thanksgiving with your awesome greens! I may just print this recipe out and hand it to a cashier the next time he or she asks "what are you going to do with those?"

She’s Such a Flirt!

She lavishes you with all of her time. She takes you places you don’t usually get to go. She lets you sleep in and stay up late. She shines her bright sun on you then in an instant you are immediately transitioned back to the fluorescent lights of an office or cube. She teases you! She gives you everything you desire, but snatches it all away in a moment’s notice. Dear Miss Vacation, why are you so wonderful and so cruel at the same time?

I have been away from my office for 10 days! While I feel refreshed, I also feel a little let down. I hadn’t had to rush anywhere during my vacation. The only traffic I had to endure was while traveling, but my destination made all the toil worth it. This morning, on the other hand, I was stuck in traffic on my way to work along with everyone else. I looked over at stern, disappointed faces and recalled looking at the other travelers during my vacation traffic jams. Despite the obvious agitation of some of the drivers, the cars were full of jovial faces chatting it up, playing video games, and munching on snacks.  They were planning what they were going to do when they got to their destination or swapping stories about all they had just experienced during their trip.  But, this morning was quite different. Each car had a single driver. There was no one to swap stories with and no one to ask if they had beaten their high score. There were no chips or pretzels to munch as we sat bumper to bumper trying to get up the hill.  That’s when I realized that she had played a joke on me. She had let me taste the joys of freedom just to through me back into captivity.

I miss my son who was sick of me taking pics. I miss sleeping in. I miss my immaculate home that I had a chance to clean and actually enjoy. I miss going to the pool on a whim.  I miss being able to just let my hair go.   I miss trying new restaurants.  I miss souvenir shopping. I miss actually walking around and doing things instead of sitting at a desk.  I miss reading a book with a cup of coffee in the morning. I actually miss folding clothes while watching a good movie.  I miss complimentary continental breakfast.  Sigh.

Well, I guess I can just plan another awesome vacation very soon. Despite her cruelty, she’s absolutely wonderful when she’s around. What do you have planned? Make it big because she will leave you high and dry.   You want plenty of pictures and stories to tell when she kicks you out!