Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Off the Beaten Path: Baha'i Temple

On a recent post, Travel Tips for Women, I recommend getting out and exploring the area.  When I travel for business or fun, I like to visit places that are off the beaten path and today's travel photos certainly fit that category.  A recent business trip took me to Chicago, so when I had a little time one evening, I took a trip to visit the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, IL.  I had never heard of the Baha'i faith until I read CNN's article about 8 Religious Wonders to See in the U.S., but thought I would visit this beautiful building.





The temple is found in a suburban lake town of Wilmette, IL.  It is situated a block away from the lake front in a quiet neighborhood.












On of the many beautiful fountains on the temple's grounds.  There were some areas that were under construction, but most of the garden walkways are usable.








The temple is built in a circular fashion and the gardens surrounding it reflect the circular pattern.  There were many people sitting on low walls, reading or just thinking.










The spires of the temple are detailed beautifully.  There are various symbols of all religions carved into the spires and sides of the temple.  This is supposed to represent the brining together of all religions into the Baha'i faith.




















Planning a trip:  

I do recommend visiting the Baha'i temple.  It is a very beautiful building. Stop by the Welcome Center and look at the exhibits, it tells how Baha'i got its start and why Chicago.

Do visit inside the temple.  I was not allowed to take pictures inside the temple, but the ceiling is amazing!  

Take some time to walk around the gardens.  It is a good place to take some time for yourself to sit, read, and think.  

The temple is not overly huge and will not take hours of your time.  So pack a picnic, walk over to the Lake Michigan and enjoy the view.  The town of Wilmette, IL is very charming and has many things to offer.  The public library has story time for kids, there are many parks and many restaurants to choose from.

















Monday, July 23, 2012

Boarding Zone: Loft Style

Boarding Zone: 1 Dress 2 Ways



Blonde + Blonde striped blazer, $47 / Loft / MICHAEL Michael Kors michael kors pumps / Michael Kors leather tote, $155 / Gold clutch, $63 / Fendi red jewelry, $135 / H&M earrings, $6.25




This week's Boarding Zone post is highlighting this dress I bought on Sunday at Ann Taylor Loft.  I love the color, cut, fit, and feel of this dress.



Client Meeting: 


This pink dress is so on trend and can be worn with a variety of different accents.  Because its solid, I thought this striped jacket was perfect complement to add a bit of drama.  If stripes aren't your thing, then a solid black or white blazer would work too.


I would keep accessories to a minimum, because the jacket is busy, all you really need is a sleek tote and some stylish black pumps to put it all together. 


Business Dinner: 

I picked this orange belt with gold accents, because I'm loving the pink and orange color blocking I see everywhere.  To highlight the belt's gold accents, I decided to go for the gold with these beautiful shoes.


I would wear my hair down in loose waves so these dangling earrings would peek through.  The gold clutch and peep-toe pumps finish these outfit off nicely.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

COS Review: Travelo

Carry-On Style Review: Travelo Perfume Atomizer

I cannot remember where I first read about Travelo, but I've had it bookmarked in my "To-Buy" tabs for at least six months.  I finally decided to order one when I ran out of my sample size perfume I got at Christmas time.

The first time I used it I was SO glad I bought it!  It is one of THE best things I could have ever bought for my suitcase.



It is very simple to use, you simply take the top off your perfume bottle and literally pump your perfume into your Travelo.  It takes about one minute to fill it up.  When using it, the nozzle on the Travelo gives a good spritz and hasn't clogged yet.  The plus side?  The atomizer is about the size of a lipstick, so its small enough to get through TSA but holds more than enough to last for a week long trip.

I bought it to go in my carryon suitcase, but really it is perfect for anyone who wears perfume (or cologne).  It fits into a purse, gym bag, or pocket with ease.  They seem really well constructed (meaning they are not glass) and have a window so you can see the level of your perfume. While I got mine in pink they come in a variety of colors.

I really only have two scents that I wear but you can easily fill them with water "Hello cool summer sprtiz!" to rinse them out.

Perfect gifts for anyone (men or women) who goes to the gym, travels, or is simply breathing.












Monday, July 16, 2012

Travel Tips For Women

Some tips I've picked up from others and some tips I've had to learn the hard way.

Packing

  •  Luggage tag - Clearly label your luggage with your name and address.  If possible use your work address or a PO Box instead of your home address.  You should also have a luggage tag that is unique so you can identify find your black suitcase among the other hundreds of black suitcases.  I have 3 tags on my bag, 1 that tells my airline status, 1 for my address, and this one for uniqueness 

  • Makeup Kit - I have duplicate makeup kits, one for home and one that never leaves my suitcase.  The contents of both makeup bags are identical and its one less thing I have to remember.

  • Power Cords - Like my makeup kit, I have doubles of all my power cords that never leave my suitcase.  I even have a second cord for my laptop that stays in my laptop bag.  If I'm working from home I simply take my laptop out and plug it into the cord I keep at home.


Hotel

  • Room Keys - Always get 2 keys for your hotel room.  There is no reason to announce to the entire lobby that you are staying alone.

  • Check-in - When you check in, ask that they just point to your room number instead of announcing it to everyone in listening distance.  Most hotels do this, but I learned this tip from the couple of hotels that didn't.  Nothing like the hotel clerk saying loudly in a crowded lobby "Here you go Ms. Smith, here is your one key, you are in room 316"

  • Rewards Club - Even if you don't travel weekly, you should still sign up for your favorite hotel rewards.  The points do add up, but its really the perks that I like, late check-out, guaranteed room reservations, snacks, etc...


Fun on the Road
  • Postcard - A tradition I started with my family when I travel is, no matter where I go, I always send a postcard home and it has to be postmarked from the place I'm visiting.  Usually the first I do when I get off the plane is hit the gift shop and buy a postcard then mail it from the hotel (they  can meter it).

  • Explore - Don't be one of those travelers that only sees the hotel lobby and client sites.  Go out and explore the town.  Even small towns have something to see.  Ask the hotel clerk/concierge what to see.  Most of my travel is in the US, so my personal tour guide is 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Packing for a Conference

One corporate event I look forward to is my company's annual conference.  However I dread packing for it.

I should be used to packing for business trips, after all I do it every week, however going to the annual conference requires a different packing list.  Along with day sessions and training (in chilly conference rooms), I now have to think about what to wear for dinners, receptions, a team outing, and a wine social somewhere in there.

Here is the general schedule of the conference:
Saturday: Travel Day
Sunday: Training Sessions/Informal Reception
Monday: Sessions/Awards Dinner
Tuesday: Sessions/Dinner/Group Activity
Wednesday: Sessions/Travel Day

One thing that is good, is even though some of these sound like they will be dressy events, my company is relaxed, generally business casual is the most dressed up you need to be.  I plan to

Packing List:

  • White slacks (Sessions & Sunday Reception)
  • Jeans (Travel Days & Group Activity)
  • Tan skirt or slacks (Sessions)
  • Charcoal slacks  (Sessions)
  • Silk button down shirt (Sessions)
  • Printed silk top (Sessions & Sunday Reception)
  • Cowl neck blouse (Sessions)
  • Short-sleeve top  this and/or this (Sessions & Group Activity)
  • Neutral color cardigan (Sessions & Travel Days)
  • Crochet Dress (Awards Dinner) 
  • Tan Pumps (Sessions & Dinners)
  • Black Pumps (Sessions & Dinners)
  • Flats or Flat Sandals (Travel Days & Group Activity)
  • Coordinated jewelry 
I always end up packing one more outfit than I actually need and this list would get me at least one more day.  Some think this is over packing, but I've had heels snap, spills, and tears, so I like to have a Plan B.  I will bring items that I always travel with such as workout clothes, workout shoes, and all the rest. 

Monday, July 9, 2012

Boarding Zone

Boarding Zone 1



Dorothy Perkins cotton dress, $69
Monki summer top, €30
Damsel in a Dress jacket, £104
Vera Wang Lavender Label leather flat, $175
Carvela stiletto pumps, £75
Shoulder bag, 60 AUD
Cotton scarve, £50




Client Meeting: This bold dress can be a little too bold for meeting with the clients, the colors and stripes are beautiful but may be a little over powering for meetings, especially for a first client meeting.  I would pair it with a black blazer and a pair of sleek black pumps.

As for accessories, because the dress has a lot going on, I would keep those to a minimum. For jewelry I would wear simple earrings and a bracelet, but for a tote, I love this bag to carry my laptop or iPad.

For the hair, I would wear it half up and half down, with some light waves.

Flight Home: For the flight home, comfort is key, so when I get to the airport I'm going to try to get as comfortable as possible without a complete wardrobe change.  I love cardigans because they pack easily and provide a bit of warmth on the cold flight.

This cream and coral scarf is a staple for me, it coordinates with a lot of outfits, has a kick of color.

While I love heels as much as the next woman, I will slip into some flats as I'm making my way though TSA.  These beige little flats are perfect for travel. They pack easily, are neutral in color, and comfy! 

For the hair, I would probably take my hair all the way down, so I can be a little more comfortable as I make my way home.