How To Prepare Your Home & Family for Vacation

Having detailed check lists keeps Laura Wittmann sane when she's getting ready to leave for vacation. Wittman, a mother of three who calls herself "an addict of all things organizing," writes the "I'm an Organizing Junkie" blog and is the author of Clutter Rehab: 101. She talks with USA TODAY's Janice Lloyd about the smoothest way to get out the door for a well-deserved break.

Q: There are a zillion things to do from shutting down the house to packing everyone's clothes. What is the answer?
A: Mental clutter is bad news. I'd be lost without lists. I even have a notebook for my lists. I use a 5-by-7-inch notebook that has 23 lines per page and I carry it around in my purse or leave it beside the computer. I write down every single task that is taking up space in my head. The trick to this brain dump is listing tasks in detail. For instance, don't write down "'clean out the refrigerator before vacation," but list the foods to use up in the refrigerator and the freezer. The more detailed I am, the less stressful it is. Everything is going so quickly when you're trying to get out the door on vacation. I don't leave anything up to memory.

Q: What is one job you knock off the list far in advance of vacation?
A: We adopted a puppy in December, so I had to break down the details of finding a kennel. I got on the Internet and made a list of kennels. We started interviewing and knocked a couple off the list right away. Then I had to visit kennels. It's a process, and it does take time, so I recommend starting that as early as possible. I started three months out on that task.You don't want to have to worry about your pet.

Q: What kind of lists do you leave for the person checking on your house?
A: I leave a list on the kitchen counter. Again, detail and specific tasks are important. Don't write "go around the house and water plants." I put the small plants in the kitchen so it is easy for someone to water them. I'll put those plants on the list and I'll also note, "There is a big plant in the master bedroom. Water that." And I'll gather the outdoor plants in one place and add: "Water the outdoor plants on the side of the house."

Q: Do you have jobs listed for family members?
A: The whole family is going on vacation so the whole family helps us get ready to go. I'm very specific with tasks. I don't just say, "You need to clean up." I'll say, "You're on toy duty, and all the toys need to be taken inside and put away." The kids are pretty good about it. As long as they know what they're supposed to be doing, it is easy for them to succeed.

Q: How do you prioritize cleaning jobs?
A: Cleaning out the refrigerator is important. The night before we go on vacation I'll have a leftover buffet. I'm a menu planner, so I will have based my weekly menu on food from the freezer because I always worry about the freezer going out when we're away. You do not want to spend a lot of money on food before you go on vacation, anyway, so that saves you a little bit of money to put toward your trip. I don't go around and clean the house before we go. We head out around 6 or 7 in the morning, and there's no time to change sheets and wash them. We have a regular routine for that, anyway.

Q: What else would you tell people to add to their check list?
A: It's important to check with your insurance carrier. Make sure you're following their guidelines while you're on vacation. Some carriers want people to come in several days a week while you're gone, even on two-week vacations. You don't want to find out after something happens that you're not covered. Also, unplug as many small appliances as possible to save electricity.

Q : Is there a list of things to do when you get home?
A: Hah. Not necessarily, but if you followed the list before you went away, one of the last things you did was take out the garbage. No one wants to come home and find garbage in the kitchen.

By Janice Lloyd, USA Today

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7 Ways To Put Together A Cheap, Easy Vacation Wardrobe

Vacation wardrobes can be tough for a budget fashionista; when you’ve planned a fun trip that you’re excited about, you want to rock the trip out in style. Classic “resort wear” is usually gorgeous but really expensive, and when you aren’t exactly sure what the plans are or what weather awaits you, trying to prepare yourself for any situation can cost a pretty penny. But your suitcase can be packed stylishly but inexpensively. Avoid overpacking and overspending with these 7 tips.

1. Choose a bag that can go from beach to dinner. An easy way to save money and suitcase space is to choose one bag that’ll work for day or night, beach or bar. We came across plenty of beach bags that are stylish and versatile enough to be a wear-everywhere bag; you’ll also save yourself the headache of deciding which bag to wear if you only bring one. Hint: This same tip can be applied to footwear, though you’ll probably need to switch between at least two pairs for day and night.

2. By the same token, look for a beach coverup that does double duty as a sundress. Beach coverups are essential, and they can take your beach look from so-so to super stylish quite easily. But what good is an adorable slip-on coverup if the only place you can wear it is to the sand -- where you'll most likely take it off, anyway? That's why you should plan to wear your coverup as nighttime dress later in the vacation.

3. Invest in one great swimsuit. I allow myself to buy one figure-flattering, confidence-boosting bathing suit each year, instead of grabbing multiple cheap suits that don't look so great. If you invest in one, you can get something that you feel amazing in -- and you can certainly add last year's swimsuits to your suitcase, too. But one great suit will leave you with something fabulous to put on during your trip -- and enough money left over to spend while you're there!

4. Get friendly with accessories. Necklaces, bracelets, scarves, bags, and shoes are what will take your attire from drab to fab -- and cheaply. Your white tank can look completely different under a chunky turquoise necklace versus with a bright striped scarf resting over your shoulders. Choose accessories you love, and make them the focal points of each outfit. That way no one will notice when you pull out your jean skirt or black sundress for the third or fourth time that week.

5. Grab a few cheap cotton dresses. A couple of easy cotton sundresses (or even a maxi dress or two) feel festive to put on and make an ideal basis for your vacation attire. Choose a bright color, a patterned option, and always a basic on in either black or neutral, and dress them up and down by switching out your accessories and shoes. (And if you’re not a dress person, simple pants and a few cotton tanks work the same way).

6. Make room for a warm sweater or jacket. A soft, cozy sweater can be worn on the plane, over your shoulders at dinner, and even to bed when your hotel's AC is turned to freezing. For this, don't even think about buying something new – shop right in your closet for your favorite cardigan or casual jacket from fall or winter months.

7. Check the weather! Never leave for a trip without checking what the local weather predictions are. Just because you're headed to a beach doesn't mean you'll find sunny skies when you get there -- and think of all the money you'll waste if you can't even wear half the cute clothes you pack, and instead end up shopping for overpriced sweatshirts in some touristy gift shop. Instead, plan ahead, prepare for the elements, and pack smartly. Your wallet -- and your peace of mind -- will thank you.

Article by Lynn Strong of iVillage, photo from Getty images

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The Best Low-Calorie Cocktails for Summer

Whether it be stress or just the the craving for a relaxing cocktail on a hot summer day- we know how much a cocktail can often be needed and we also know all too well the guilt that comes with the indulgence. Fortunately, we've stumbled upon a few great cocktail choices that avoid calories, include fresh fruits and don't skimp on flavor. We've handpicked ( and even tasted) our five favorites to share. Cheers, ladies!

1.) Barbecued Bloody Mary (155 Calories)

With as much as 22 milligrams of lycopene, an antioxidant that may improve cardiovascular health, a Bloody Mary is the healthiest cocktail you can drink. This creative recipe transforms the classic brunch cocktail into the perfect barbecue bevvy









2.) The Farmers Market Margarita



This cocktail uses fresh and healthy ingredients, including cucumber, cilantro, and spicy jalapeno, all of which you can pick up at your local farmers market.

Ingredients: 1.25 oz. Corzo Silver, 2 sprigs of fresh cilantro, 4 slices of fresh cucumber, 2 slices of fresh jalapeno, 1 oz. fresh lime juice, 2 oz. distilled water, 2 packets of Splenda or similar


Directions: Add all the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, shake and serve over the rocks in an 8 oz. glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.




3.)Rocket's Red Glare (95 calories)


This fun drink is made with KU Soju, a distilled Korean liquor. it's smoother and lighter than Vodka, it's all-natural and doesn't contain any added sugars or sweeteners, making it the perfect mixer for a delicious low-cal summer cocktail.
Ingredients: 1 oz. TY KU Soju 1 oz. TY KU Liqueur Splash of Sugar-Free Cranberry Juice

Method: Mix all ingredients in a rocks glass.




4.) Asian Mojito (105 Calories)



This popular cocktail is a dramatic calorie saver—with healthy accents of fresh mint and a squeeze of lime.
Ingredients: 2 oz. TY KU Sake, fresh mint, splash of diet citrus soda, squeeze of lime, lemon, or orange.

Directions: Combine ingredients in a glass over ice and add a squeeze of your favorite citrus—lemon, lime, or orange




5.) The Italian Summer Sipper



This light and fruity sipper combines strawberries with Italian ingredients such as fresh basil and balsamic vinegar to create the perfect cocktail for warm and breezy summer nights.

Ingredients: 1.25 oz. Corzo Silver, 2 strawberries,1 sprig of fresh basil, 4 drops of balsamic vinegar, 1 oz. fresh lime juice, 2 oz. distilled water, 2 packets of Splenda or similar



Directions: Muddle fresh strawberries and basil in a mixing glass. Add the rest of the ingredients with ice, shake and serve over the rocks in an 8 oz. glass. Garnish with a fresh sprig of basil.

To view the full article for recipes and more cocktails visit Shape.com

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