The Packing Dilemma

I woke up this morning in sunny California. I looked at my suitcase laying haphazardly on the floor and sighed. One day I will learn how to pack.  I will not throw extra things in at the last minute that I don't need. I will learn to think outside of where I am at the moment and visualize what I will need in a new place and new climate. I will not fill an entire suitcase just because there is room.  And I will not frantically unpack and repack the morning of my flight.

At least I realize that I want to pack less but somehow I always pack more.  Its kind of become this dilemma that I am incredibly self-conscious about. I don't want to be the person that packs too little and wears the same thing all week, neither of which is stylish or fashionable.  And I don't want to be the person who packs TOO much and has an embarrassingly large duffle filled with bricks.  I literally rack my brains about this and have a mind war with myself in what to pack until I get out of the car at the airport. In fact this trip I almost unpacked as Andrew was letting me out of the car.

To be fair, I wanted to pack in a carry on, but for a two week trip, that is tough.  Even when you do research on Weather.com, its still hard to picture a 60 degree climate when you are in a 40 degree climate.  Case in point, I packed way too many sweaters, no flip flops, no hairdryer or toothpaste and too many varying jackets.

I am here in California to nanny for a Nantucket family I've known for a few years now.  I call it my two week paid vacation.  And man do I feel like a little Cali vacation. This past month we have been busy with finishing up the back living room, side deck and Andrew's shop. Our goal was to finish these projects before Thanksgiving and somehow we succeeded. My parents came for the week of Thanksgiving and we had a memorable week together exploring Newport and nesting at 82 Middle Ave.  Although I won't be home for these two weeks of the holidays, it is comforting to know that my sweet house is decorated for the occasion.

Clarks Christmas Tree Farm just a few miles away in Tiverton was the perfect spot to go cut down your own Christmas Tree!

My loving grandmother "Mimi" needlepointed these dining room chairs years ago. She was incredibly talented and although I admire her work (on the left), the style was just not mine.  After a gazillion stables and everyone chipping in, we finally uncovered all 8 chairs and recovered with the linen fabric on the right.

Notice the new Mahogany mantel. Andrew built this and varnished it just in time for me to cover it up with decorations. It is supposed to mimic the shape of a ship's hull. It really finishes off the room quite nicely. Be on the lookout for the new bookcase that compliments the mantel...

LL Bean catalog anyone?