I started this post on Sunday but had to finish today.


Today is Sunday, a day of rest. But not if you are leaving for two weeks the next day and you are the anxious Daria.

Today I cleaned the whole house, dusted, vacuumed, mopped; bathrooms, toilet bowls, sinks, surfaces. I even wiped the base boards. Lots of nervous energy here!

T worked all day on the new stairs in the back. The kids oscillated between outside and TV. I oscillated between packing, cleaning, and worrying.


At our destination the temps will be in the 90s!

My carry-on: five dresses, three tops, three pairs of shorts. One pair of sneakers (will wear on the plane), one pair of sandals and one pair of flip-flops. A sun hat, a hiking hat. I still feel like 5 dresses is way too many. May take one or two out.

I may wear one of the long dresses on the plane. Not sure what it is, I’m not that modest, but I like to be covered on the plane.

Makeup and toiletries: one mascara, one lipstick, one eye concealer. And of course, medicine, toothbrush, face lotion, toothpaste. Italy (and Europe in general) have amazing makeup and skin care at their good old pharmacies. Example: their sunscreen is light years ahead of ours in terms of active ingredients. So I plan on purchasing some sunscreen and maybe a few skin care items.

The kids packed 5 outfits each. By “outfit” I mean, a top and a bottom. We also packed arm floaties (deflated), sunglasses, and one small bag of toys. One small book each (to read before bed). iPads, headphones and chargers are in kids’ carryons.

R’s cute carry-on. Let’s not forget the helicopter hat 🤣

We always bring snacks on the plane for a variety of reasons. I don’t want to purchase super expensive snacks from the airline, snacks help them pass the time (mouths occupied, hands occupied), and they usually won’t eat airplane food. We went to Target and each kid selected what they want to eat (beware, lots of sugar but oh well). Popcorn, Nutella sticks, Doritos, a Kinder egg, gushers, and a granola bar. So, not terrible. I could bring fruit but last time a banana somehow exploded in my carryon so…no more.

That’s a lot of snacks but Newark-Naples is also a long flight

I usually don’t enjoy airplane food either, so T and I got some beef jerky, dry sausage links, and some chips.

This morning I am going to yoga to center myself before this trip. And then wheels up in the afternoon. Whew, see you on the other side!


9 responses to “Packing and Cleaning”

  1. Elisabeth Avatar

    Wishing you smooth travels!

    You have done lots of planning and it’s going to be awesome.

    I’m so impressed by how minimally you travel and so agree that snacks are one of the best ways to entertain kids. I don’t do it anymore, but when they were little we’d have some little snack or mint or a piece of gum etc. every hour on the hour on long car rides. That way the kids knew exactly when they’d get something, and it really did help pass the time and keep them occupied. I also feel like eating a “big” meal on a travel day doesn’t really feel good, so little snacks along the way are the right pace.

    Enjoy ❤ Can’t wait to read all about it!

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  2. Lindsay Avatar

    Safe travels, Daria! I love your dresses, they look so fun! We use snacks as distractions on planes (and during layovers, too) – and we save certain things, like Kinder Eggs for example, only for travel so they still feel special. I mean, a fun snack usually gets me to behave, too, haha!

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  3. Lisa’s Yarns Avatar

    Snacks are the best form of distraction on an airplane! I love seeing what you packed! I get so cold on airplanes so try not to wear dressses but I had to last week so I covered my legs with a sweatshirt to stay warm. I can’t wait to live vicariously through you!!

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  4. Grateful Kae Avatar

    Best of luck with all and safe travels!!!

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  5. Melissa Avatar

    Best wishes for a fantastic trip. You are seasoned travellers so I’m sure everything will run smoothly, or if not you know how to handle it. I’m looking forward to reading all about it once you are home.

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  6. Diane Avatar
    Diane

    So exciting! I hope you have a very smooth flight! Can’t wait to hear about all your adventures!

    I know airplane food isn’t that good, but I still get a kick out of the novelty of someone bringing me food while I watch tv – it feels so indulgent. But I do also bring lots of snacks too. I hate not having snacks on me.

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  7. J Avatar

    I need to learn to pack less, your plans seem perfect to me.

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  8. San Avatar

    I am impressed with your packing skills (and the beauty of your colorful dresses!).

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  9. Yogurt86 Avatar

    Packing can sometimes be troublesome. That’s why it’s also worth making a list of things to take with you before you leave. It will definitely help you organize your trip well.

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