CD That's Me

This question immediately convinces me that I need five pairs of shoes, three "just in case" outfits, two layering pieces even though it looks hotter than hot, and enough skincare products to open a tiny Sephora.

My husband constantly telling me that I am ridiculous and that anyone who needs all of the above is also downright ridiculous only exacerbates that anxious feeling. I mean I am not an influencer posing in every single outfit, but yet I dont want to be that girl who never looks quite right either or wishes she brought that second pair of striped pants (I did in case you were wondering).

Every single trip, I have the same conversation with myself. And I tell myself I need the heels and then I remember the endless cobblestones. I need the fancy dresses but then always wear my sundresses right into the evening. It's summer so I should wear linen but will my pieces wrinkle too much. And then will I need my travel steamer. Eventually, I just take what I want to satify the voices, but drumroll please. . .I have managed to learn to pack ONLY in a carry-on. And I am extremely organized. So this post could be the start of the CD Carry-On Chronicles!

In 2019 we went to Italy for 25 days and I made my husband and myself a promise. One carry-on starting then and from here on in. It sounds impossible until you actually do it. Less really is more. Accessories are your best friend. Shopping is always an option. And finding your style and method of packing (bundle, sudoko, Marie Kondo etc) is key. More on that in another CD Carry-On Chronicles post.

There is one piece that I just cant seem to shake and leave behind. My laptop. Here's where things get complicated. I'm a business owner, a one woman show and events don't magically stop because I'm sipping an Aperol Spritz on Lake Garda or wandering through a market in Morocco.

There's always a client. An email. A proposal. A venue that finally decides to respond because apparently every hotel salesperson in the world knows exactly when I leave the country. So my laptop comes. And it is the most important thing I bring for my own piece of mind.

Most vacations, I open it for an hour in the morning while Mike is still asleep. I answer the truly important emails, check that nothing is on fire, and then I close it. That's the key. I've learned there is a huge difference between staying connected and staying consumed. My business deserves my attention. My vacation deserves it too.

As event producers, planners, entrepreneurs - or honestly just humans - we've become conditioned to respond instantly. I am guilty as charged. But most things can wait. Europe has become my reminder that life exists outside my inbox. You notice so many more things when you are present aka not constantly looking at your phone.

Before every trip I spend a day (okay more like a week) getting both my life and my business in order. Projects are organized. Clients know where I'll be. Invoicing is done. Tailoring and laundry is done. Plants are watered. The refrigerator is cleaned out and Willie is packed for his own adventure. Personally, I am pampered and polished. Toes and nails are done, hair is touched up, travel sizes restocked and I have a running packing list organized on my phone (side note do this while you are sitting in the salon chair waiting for your hair to process).

Then I start to get really excited. Every trip changes me a little. Not because of the landmarks but because of the perspective. Travel reminds me why I work so hard in the first place. So if you're getting ready for your own adventure, here's my advice. Take the carry-on. Find your color palette. Slowly build a capsule wardrobe that you know will work on holiday. If needed, wear the same outfit or at least the linen pants twice. Find your packing method and remember that no one really cares or is subtracting points if you add a piece to the sudoko style or throw in that extra dress. And bring your laptop if it makes you feel better.

Most importantly, give yourself permission to disappear every once in a while. Your inbox and your clients will survive.