Travel Tips That Will Change Your Life

It's me, Katie!

Last week I came across this article of 40 travel tips that will change your life forever and it had to be shared. There are a few that I'm definitely going to be using on my next trip. 

First, did you know you can create an "icognito window" when searching for airline flights? It makes sense that sites like Travelocity and Orbitz cookie your searches. I'm curious to see if this really works.

I've always got a charger and my headphones in my bag when we travel - and this idea of putting them in a sunglasses case is brilliant! 

While I always take a copy of my passport with me (better to leave the actual document at the hotel in the safe and put a print copy in your purse), keeping a scanned copy on my phone is an equally good idea! 

I usually pack for Dr. B, and this trick is genius! I'll be putting his belts to good use on our next trip. 

And I'll end with my own travel tip....you may remember around Christmas a post about my collection of ornaments. Whenever we go somewhere, I pick up an ornament. That way, every year when we put up the tree, we can recount all our travels. It's one of my favorite things about Christmas. 

Any travel tips they missed on the list?

C & C Around the House

I love Christmas! The decorations, the food, the parties, finding just the perfect gift...my list of favorites about this holiday go on and on. At the top, however, is a Christmas tree. There's nothing like sitting at home staring at and enjoying the incredible fragrance of the tree. And to get that, you need the real thing. For the second year Dr. B and I headed to Pine Valley Farms to cut down our frasier fir. It's such a fun weekend adventure and sets the tone for the rest of the season. 

Here's the before and after of our tree. The key to the perfect tree is copious amounts of lights (more than you think - we've got 10 strands on our eight-foot tree) and ornaments....lots of ornaments.  

Let's talk how crazy I am for ornaments. Over 12 years ago I started collecting ornaments throughout my travels. Every place I went, I found something that could be put on the tree. Each year as I pull them out of the box, I'm reminded of all the amazing places I've been. 

Clockwise from the top: Korea, Japan, Boston, Egypt

Basin Harbor, VT, Seattle, Australia, Poland

Hong Kong, Lake Placid, St. Michaels, MD, San Francisco

London, Alaska, Costa Rica, Jackson Hole, WY

But it's not all about the tree. We've got sprinklings of Christmas all over the house - from the mantle, and the dining room table, to the front walkway. Don't miss the greeter at the door.

And, of course, it wouldn't be Christmas without a wreath! You might remember this from my earlier post on The Magnolia Company. 

Do you have any special decorating traditions?