Be-Your-Own Bathroom Attendant

Even thought it's been four days since Thanksgiving, I still haven't put everything away from our big shindig. But I did get out all the Christmas decorations... so there you go. One of the things I still need to put away is the be-your-own bathroom attendant supplies. I've never actually used any supplies at restrooms where there are real live bathroom attendants because I just felt awkward, but I have been at weddings and other events where there were supplies set up in the bathroom that came in handy. And I thought, "Hey, I could do that for my guests."

The be-your-own bathroom attendant idea really evolved from when we had guests stay over for Thanksgiving last year, and I set up a hospitality basket in each room with some (hopefully) useful items. This year, I set up the items in the guest bathrooms in our house because... well, you never know. And I believe that being a good hostess (like a good teacher) is all about anticipation and preparation.

You can see all the supplies I included below (purchased from the travel size section and checkout line at Target). When I created the hospitality baskets for the guest rooms, I also put in chocolates, water bottles, a candle, and a lighter. Once you have the basic supplies, this takes about two minutes to set up.  After the party, I just stow the unused items in the linen closet and put the perishable items like mints, gum, and TUMS on my grocery list the next time I have a party. Easy peasy! And you'll be the hostess with the mostess!

Also, speaking of hospitality, isn't that one of the best understated things about traveling... those little extra things that make you feel a bit more comfortable when away from home. Although I love where we live, I keep telling Jason that if his company ever offers him a position in Belgium or Brazil (the two countries the company that bought out his company are headquartered), he should take it, especially if it's Belgium.  In my dream, we will live in Antwerp, and I will get to go to Wasbar to do my laundry and practice my German (or Dutch or French). Check out the sweet little video below about the coolest laundromat ever. 

See the full story about this hospitable place at Messy Nessy Chic.

Twenty-Three Hours

As I mentioned here, I went away this weekend for a full 23 hours. When I was getting ready for my time away, I was excited and wishing that I could do more for longer, but alas, I only had less than a day.  

So how does one vacation for 23 hours?  Thank you for asking. I will tell you my tricks. 

1. Vacation close to home. 2. Make it the Best Ever.

For my posse, that means St. Louis.  If you want to recreate our 23 hours, see below...

First, take the requisite "I'm on vacation in St. Louis photo." This is very important for setting the mood and will help you feel like you aren't just crossing the Poplar to go to dinner or shopping or a doctor's appointment. So do it.

Then, check in to the best hotel in the city (...with a spa and a movie theater... just in case you have more than 23 hours and can partake of those wonderful amenities. This movie looks great, but I will have to wait for it to come out on Netflix.)

Then, hightail it over to the best restaurant ever.  Order at least two bottles of wine and oysters and the best chicken ever.  Who knew chicken could be so amazing, but it was!

Realize that because of all the hightailing and the fact that you did it in heels, you now need a bandaid and elicit not only a Disney princess bandaid from your sister-in-law/best sister-in-law ever but also moleskin from your sister/best sister ever!

Then, head off to the many bars/night life available in the Central West End and possibly crash a wedding at the Chase before crashing in your room in a fuzzy bathrobe in your comfy king size bed at the Chase. (No pics of this portion of the night are available.)

Wake up to coffee purchased and delivered on a silver platter (I wish I had taken photo evidence of this because I am not making it up.) by your mom/best mom ever, church at SLU, brunch at Wildflower (YAY mimosas and smoked salmon!) and a little bit of outlet shopping (get this, this, and some of these) before heading home to the baby that you miss more than a gourmet dinner, nightlife, a full night of sleep, mimosas, smoked salmon, and shopping.

That's it!

Also, because it's only 23 hours, I can't emphasize enough that you need to go with the best...best people, best hotel, best restaurants. If you are going to do it, you might as well do it right. I am available to be one of your "bests" if you need me. Just know that at about hour 20, I will start making sad faces and talking about my baby.

Chase Park Plaza Photo Credit: Caroline Patek

How was your weekender?

Over the weekend, I spent my first night away from Will.  We stayed at the Chase Park Plaza for a Girls' Night and had a perfect 23 hours of freedom/trying not to miss babies.

Although I had planned the trip over a month in advance, I still found myself packing at the last minute. In between putting on makeup, curling my hair, trying on shoes, and putting Will down for a nap three different times (He knew something was up!), I found myself throwing anything and everything into my red faux snakeskin weekender bag.

Jason got me the bag either free or as a gift with purchase from Bath and Bodyworks (of all places) about ten years ago. I only use my weekender a few times a year, but every time I do, I feel like I am using Mary Poppin's or Hermione Granger's magical bag because everything I could ever want fits in and comes out of that bag. (Even if it only comes out when you are unpacking after the trip and not during the trip when you actually need it.  Accio socks!)

I have already started thinking about Christmas shopping, and a weekender bag seems like  a perfect gift for moms, sisters, brothers, dads...basically, anyone who is not a recluse. Below are my favorite options from around the web right now.

Herschel Supply Novel Duffle    

$79.99

Coach Bleeker Legacy Weekend Tote 

(I love that they have a man holding this on the website!)

$658

Sole Society Oversized Weekender

(An affordable leather option)

$69.95

Tory Burch Robinson Nylon

$450

Gap Waxed Duffel

$118

Baggu Dipped Weekender Bag from West Elm

(monogram available too)

$99

Kona Koi Weekend Bag

$265

The Custom Weekender Bag - Kate Spade Saturday

(You can pick everything or have them surprise you!)

$230

Also, both my sister and I used my weekender as our hospital bag for when our babies were born...not a bad baby shower present for a mama-to-be.

Vacation Lust...also, biking in Maui.

I always thought I was the beach lounging type of vacationer, but on our honeymoon in Maui, I realized I also like some adventure mixed in with cocktails and reading on the beach.  And I think I have found our next adventure!  Have you seen this article about the World's largest cave in Vietnam?

Doesn't it look amazing? I want to go!

I realize we probably won't be able to go on any big adventurous vacations for a while, but for now, I can relive my past adventures from last summer.