2 weeks & shopping

Two weeks from today we will be in Fort Lauderdale. Very exciting considering it's been a snowy and cold start to spring in Edmonton. I'm looking forward to sunshine and green grass.

We have been busy shopping to prepare for the trip. Usually I'm not much of a shopper except when I am going on a trip or when I'm trying to find an outfit for Fashion with Compassion (a major fundraising event for work).

At first I thought I would pack light. I scoured Pinterest sites and YouTube videos of 'how to pack like a pro' (are there professional packers?) and 'what to wear in Europe in the spring'. I'm amazed by all the photos and tips on how to pack a mere 15 pieces of clothing (including accessories) which you creatively put together to create hundreds* of different outfits.

I was starting to get stressed out about deciding on my 15 key pieces. Then a realization - I don't have to pack light. All of my transfers - from the airport to the hotel to the cruiseport and back again are included in our travel package. I only have to get my suitcase from the house to the Edmonton International Airport. And once we are unpacked on the ship, I don't need to touch my suitcase. Whew! I can bring 20 pieces of clothing and another pair of shoes...or boots. Actually I have six pairs of shoes on my list. Oh, and my running shoes. I'll have to edit.

All of my practical shopping research has indicated the nautical theme is big this spring. Perfect (and cheesy)! I have pj's with anchors, socks with crabs, lots of navy and white stripes and my favorite nautical theme find - a sailor dog sweatshirt.

I will make packing lists from now until we leave. I'll plot out outfits for day and night. We have five formal nights on the cruise so I need to make sure I have a couple dresses that I can sparkle up in different ways.

I would love to be able to start packing, but we can't bring out the suitcases until the day before we leave. It upsets the dogs.


*might be an exaggeration.