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After just returning from Texas, I am setting off for a weekend in Detroit. While both trips have very different goals-Texas was for Carter’s health and Detroit is for work, they have one thing in common-I am pulling my hair out trying to stay organized in the air, on the road and inside my suitcase. Which is good news for you. I have picked up a few more tips and tricks that may help make your upcoming holiday travel a little bit easier. While I am not really jet-setting, I do feel like I am hitting the road hard lately and from how sick I keep getting, it is hitting back.

My Phone

Holy Moly y’all (my new Texas word) I did it. I cut the iCord. Verizon sent me the new LG G2 and I fell in love. Of course the love may have been helped by my new loathe of iOS 7. I’m sorry, but ever since Steve Jobs has passed Apple just cannot stay competitive in my mind. Where they were once an innovator, nowadays it seems like all they are doing is playing catch up to the Android market. The G2 uses Snapdragon technology (don’t worry, its just a fancy word for fast) to make everything load so much faster and multitask between all my social networking. Google Talk makes Siri sound like my Mother (whoops).

I plan to fully test it this weekend, not going to lie, I am a little scared to not travel with the trusty iPhone. I just think this will be so much better in the long run. Do you have tips for me on using an Android? Apps I have to have? PLEASE tell me in the comments. To be fair, I will trade you some traveling with jewelry tips that may save you a major heartbreak….

Getting Smarter With My Jewelry

I’ve been working with Jewelers Mutual lately on a campaign for their Perfect Circle  here in Denver to teach people about tips and tricks for traveling with jewelry. I have always traveled with a few sentimental peiecs but avoid taking anything expensive. In fact, I have costume jewelry that I just have set aside for trips that go with everything. With the following tips I may start carrying my better pieces with me. Here are some things I have learned.

• Choose wisely. Pack light and take only the jewelry you’ll wear while traveling and at your destination. The 4-carat diamond ring you save for special occasions? Probably not. The pearls that go with everything? Definitely.

• Make a list. List all the jewelry you’ll take with you. Make two copies. Take one copy with you and store it separately from your jewelry. Leave the other copy at home. Also helpful: take pictures or a video of your jewelry.

• Carry it on. Never put jewelry in checked baggage. Instead, wear it or stow it in your carry on bag. If you wear it, take extra care by slipping a pendant inside a sweater or turning your ring so only the band shows.

• Keep it with you. Put your jewelry in a favorite bag you’ll carry while traveling. Don’t leave your jewelry in an unattended car or suitcase. When checking into your hotel or condo, don’t hand your jewelry bag to hotel staff. Carry it personally.

• Use the safe. Always store jewelry in the in-room safe when you’re not wearing it.

 So, two ways I am getting smarter. What about you? What are you doing to make travel easier on yourself this holiday season? Any tips on keeping my immune system stronger on the road too? 

I will update on Carter shortly. I just want to get a few more pictures. You guys will not believe the difference the SPML surgery made on his leg.