Community Magazine October 2012

(shõ•trä) n . An outstanding homemaker [Arabic] RACHEL DAYAN Decisions, Decisions The hardest part of packing for most people is deciding in advance what you want to wear. (Somehow it seems that men don’t suffer from this affliction.) It’s important not to get caught up in the trap of packing choices for every possible scenario. Trying on every outfit in advance is usually a better idea than delaying the decision making and packing a bunch of extra outfits you’re not going to wear. If you’re the kind of person who lives in fear of not having something you need while away, limit yourself to packing one extra outfit and an extra shirt for an emergency – and then get away from your closet. It’s a good idea is to stick to a color theme, so you can mix and match outfits and limit the number of shoes you’ll need. Basic items can be worn several times, so you can bring two or three tops for every bottom. A versatile sweater can be worn with every outfit, while a belt or costume necklace will let you change your look easily. And don’t worry too much about your clothes becoming too dirty to wear, it rarely happens. Plus, you can always wipe a small stain out, and if need be, laundry service is available any place you’re likely to go. Remember, you only have a suitcase, not a closet, so be practical with your limits. Wear Your Travels Take You Shoes are bulky, and while you want to be comfortable, you don’t want to go overboard. Depending on your itinerary, try to bring only one pair of shoes for each type of activity/occasion, such as dress, walking, lounging, or beach, and include the footwear in which you intend to travel in the mix. Avoid bringing a shoe that only matches a specific outfit, unless it’s for a special occasion. Ideally, you should pack items that don’t wrinkle easily, like polyester, nylon, spandex, knits, etc. Busy prints also hide wrinkles well. If you must pack destined- to-crease clothes, fear not, as many hotels provide ironing facilities inside your room. You can also try hanging clothes in the bathroom so the steam from the shower can loosen the wrinkles. Shaatra Does It Packing Like A Pro Packing efficiently is a challenging task for almost everyone. Deciding what to bring, and figuring out the logistics of getting it all into the allotted suitcase, can be frustrating. Not to mention trying to close it when you’re done! If packing woes get you into a flight of nervousness, these tips will help you settle down and prepare you for takeoff. READER TIPS M ake sure to alternate the direction in which clothing is laid in the suitcase, so you don’t end up with a hump where the waistbands are piled up. The uppermost layer should be for folded shirts and jackets, or any crushable items. S a A. W hen I travel by car for a few days I pack in a laundry basket. It’s light and easy to carry, and later on we can fill it with the dirty laundry. Lilian S. I keep a special bag stocked with travel sized toiletries like shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste. It usually has enough to last the whole trip, and I refill as needed. M. Jema 66 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE