I'm back again with more packing insight! If there seems to be an excessive amount of packing-related posts across any of my social media platforms, I apologize. Packing is just something I enjoy. I like reading about it, writing about it, watching videos on it, and everything in between. However, I don't think we talk about packing over here a lot and I've learned a ton of new stuff from what type of suitcase to use to what should actually be going in your bag to how to maximize space. This post is also coming at a great time because spring break is coming up soon. Let the packing begin!

The first step to packing is picking out your suitcase(s) and any extra bags you may need. Typically you only need 1-2 suitcases. Anymore than that I consider an excessive amount. Unless the trip is a couple months rather than days or weeks. For most trips, I'd recommend a carry-on suitcase but there are instances where you need a larger suitcase as well. I have two carry-on suitcases. One is a soft-sided Vera Bradley suitcase with 365° wheels (meaning the spin every direction instead of remaining stationary). The other is a hard-sided CALPAK suitcase also with 365° wheels. They're both great options but at the moment I'm leaning more towards my CALPAK carry-on. I find that it's got a little bit more room and extra compartments.

Now, what's actually going to go in that suitcase once you've made your decision? Everything you want to take and wear but not your entire closet. For a week-long vacation, you only need a few pieces of clothing from each category. Four tops, three pairs of pants, 1-2 jackets/sweaters, 1-2 pairs of leggings and shorts, a couple pairs of shoes, 2-3 dresses for the ladies who prefer dresses over pants or just like dressing up, and all your needed accessories and toiletries. But how am I supposed to live off of that for a week? Mixing and matching! Too often, people overpack on extra things when they have an outfit for each day plus any outfit changes. Mixing and matching takes away all of that and it allows you to really play with styles.

The last thing is actually putting it all into your suitcase. You can fold like normal, roll, or use packing cubes. Rolling is the best way to put away clothes because not only does it save space but it prevents wrinkles too. In my personal opinion, packing cubes are my favorite and if you get some, they'll change your life. Packing cubes are devices that are used to store your clothes in a much simpler way. You just roll your clothes and put them in the cube. A packing cube may look tiny but it's got a lot of storage. I recently just got a set of packing cubes from CALPAK in my spring FabFitFun box. The pictures online did not do them justice. They're huge! Packing cubes are super inexpensive as well. You can find them pretty much anywhere for around $20. My cubes are really nice because they're spacious, have a carrying handle, a back zipper compartment for more storage, a space for labels, and a mesh covering so clothes are visible and can breathe throughout the trip. I'll probably utilize all the functions but you should buy yours based on needs for that trip as well as future ones. Once your clothes are situated whichever way you like best, add in everything else you'll be taking. By now it should only be shoes, toiletries, accessories and extra items like a curling iron or straightener. The final thing I would put in is a laundry bag. This way any dirty clothes can be separated from the rest of your stuff.

That's all for this week! I want to do travel-based blogs sometime each month. Let me know what you'd like to see! Maybe one all about flying on an airplane, travel companies, or travel budgets. Don't be afraid to say what you want here. Make the most of what's left of February and I'll see you in March!
-Caroline:)
Instagram: @carhill765 and @fashionfunandextra
Facebook: Caroline Hill and Fashion Fun and Extra
Podcast: Convo's With Caroline
Twitter: @carolinegh16
YouTube: Caroline Hill
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FabFitFun: I'm a #fabfitfunaffiliate now! Get 20% off your first box by clicking my link and using my code SPRINGLOVE at checkout!

Let's all take a moment and realize that it's Friday. This week I've felt like I've been wandering around in a haze so I am ready for the weekend. However, we're still a few hours out and to fill that time, we're going to talk about something that keeps me partially sane. Stationary. You're probably wondering, "We came here for stationary....really?" Which would be true if this was written by anyone other than me, the resident stationary geek. This week we're going to discuss all types of stationary. The best to buy, places to buy for cheap, the best way to utilize stationary for the longest time possible, and some other realms in the stationary world. If you don't like it, you can stop reading but this makes me happy and I need some happiness right now because this week has been impossible and has felt like getting stuck in quicksand. But enough talk about my mental state. We're here to talk stationary.

Types of Stationary
You may or may not know this, but the amount of stationary in the world is wild. It's everywhere and you use some form of it at some point everyday. There's something for every need but here are the ones you need to take a look at. Lined stationary is the most common. It's standard for lists and basic everyday needs. There's also blank stationary that's nice for random times you need to jot down notes. I especially like the kind with little illustrations and designs because plain stationary is boring. When it comes to cards, I like to get ones that are personalized with the first letter of my name or the ones that have a sleek design. Just don't buy ones that are too busy because those are not the most eye-catching. A staple in my "collection" are notepads. I have so many and they all vary in size but they're handy to have around. I carry on in my everyday bag, my backpack, there's a couple in my desk, and when I travel, I always throw one or two in. Notepads may seem unnecessary but when you need to write something down really fast they're nice to have. Same goes for notebooks. You can never have too many.  If you want, you can go all out and get the fancy stationary with a letterhead personalized to you with all the bells and whistles. From gold foiling to being made out of card stock. That might be a little much but the option is there if you ever want it.

Best Places to Buy
Stationary is sold anywhere and everywhere. The trick is knowing where you going to get the best prices because some places sell it for crazy amounts that aren't reasonable. The best places to shop that I really like are Hallmark, Target, Vera Bradley, and Walmart on some occasions. At all of these places, you can buy any type of stationary for between $12 and $15. Typically, I start my search at Hallmark because that's a lot of they're inventory then on to Target because they have a huge section just for this and they're normally really nice choices. They don't look cheap and tend to hold up really well. Vera Bradley is  actually an accessories store. They sell bags and suitcases and a few clothing pieces but there is some stationary in the stores. The design/style is really creative and the stationary actually matches the prints on their other products. I put Walmart on here but I wouldn't recommend it unless you're in a bind. Walmart stationary is fairly generic and some of it is a little cheap looking but if you really need something it's a good place so you avoid breaking the bank majorly.

How to Prolong Stationary Life
Yes, this is actually possible for those who tend to go through it like Kleenex. Here is my tip to you. Only use a new sheet per week. I have a lined pull off notepad on my desk as well as a single sheet cube. Every week those get updated unless I have so much to remember and I have to change it out in the middle of the week. However, sometimes I still use the same sheet for up to two weeks especially when it's a slower period of work and not needing to get a lot things done. Another tip is only use 1-2 stationary items a week/at a time. This is especially true with notebooks. I've had a composition note book for about three years and I just ran out of pages yesterday. Another reason to work through things at a pace is for your peace of mind. Trust me, you do not want a million pieces of paper rolling around with potentially important notes or to-dos. 

I hope you found this interesting or at least somewhat funny to read. Again, my week's been a rough one so I really wanted to do a chill blog. If this wasn't really your thing, next week's blog (the last blog of February by the way) will be something I think everyone will find fun and helpful. Thanks for hanging through this week with me and I'll see you next week!
-Caroline:)
Instagram: @carhill765 and @fahionfunandextra
Facebook: Caroline Hill and Fashion Fun and Extra
Podcast: Convo's With Caroline
Twitter: @carolinegh16
YouTube: Caroline Hill
Pinterest: Caroline Hill
FabFitFun: I'm a #fabfitfunaffiliate now! Click my link and use code SPRINGLOVE to get 20% off your first box! This season's box is filled with items you don't want to miss!

It's that time of the month for new book suggestions! I've almost reached the end of my bookshelf so in April we'll all be experiencing entirely new choices together. On another note, has anyone checked out the latest section I've added? When you go to the drop down menu, there is a tab called "Let's Chat" next to the blog. I created this so that we could all talk more and you'd get extra content between blogs. Tell me your thoughts when you get a chance.  Let's get reading!

#5: A Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
Where are all my poetry lovers at? A Long Way Down is written in free verse poetry style which also makes it a really fast read if that's what's you're looking for. The book set up also adds to the drama of the plot. The entire book takes place in an elevator. Will's brother Shawn was recently shot in a gang fight. Will decides to go avenge his brother by killing the man who shot him. However, this elevator is no normal ride. On the way down the eight floors of the apartment building, Will meets ghosts from his past who are key in his decision on whether or not to take the shot.

#4: Sincerely by Courtney Shienmel
Sincerely is actually two books in one, told from two different perspectives. Sophie and Katie are both 11. Katie lives in California and Sophie in New York. As a class assignment, they become each other's pen pal. When Sophie's best friend leaves her behind for the older middle school crowds, Sophie confides in the one friend she still has. Katie. Across the country, Katie is dealing with a similar problem. She is really excited to work with her best friend Jake but he starts to notice other girls and misunderstands Katie's feeling. Confused and lonely, Katie turns to the one person she thinks will understand. Sophie.

#3: A Dog's Journey by W. Bruce Cameron
Remember, A Dog's Purpose? This book is a continuation of that story. He starts out the book as Buddy but then is reborn as Molly to look after CJ, the granddaughter of his last owners, Hannah and Ethan. CJ is now 11 and takes an immediate liking to Molly. She adopts her but after a car accident caused by CJ's stalker boyfriend Shane, Molly is killed accidentally. But not to worry because she is reborn as Max! Max finds his way to CJ and reunites her with her childhood friend Trent, whom she later marries. CJ, Trent, and Max visit Hannah and Ethan at their farm where Ethan recognizes Max as Bailey (Max's original self) and shows CJ a trick that proves it. After a peaceful life, Max dies but is again reborn. This time as a therapy beagle named Toby who works at a care center for the sick and injured run by nuns. He finds CJ again when Gloria is admitted to the hospital where Toby works as a therapy dog because she is dying. Toby learns that CJ has aged and Trent is dead. CJ admits to Fran, one of the nuns, that she is dying because of a suicide attempt that destroyed her kidneys. CJ decides that she wants to go through with assisted suicide. Fran and Toby are there to comfort her in her final days. Many years later, Toby dies. This time he is not reborn but is brought to heaven where he reunites with his previous owners. I may have just spoiled the book a little but it's to good to leave things out.

#2: The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall
This book may seem familiar because the first book in this series was included in one of my previous book club posts. Set a few years after the original book, the Penderwick family is caught in a winter funk. Spring seems near but snow always seems to cover up the sun's rays. Batty, the youngest is having a particularly hard time and refuses to talk to anyone in the family. But comfort always comes from the most unexpected places and this story is no exception.

#1: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms by Meredith Rusu
Shortly after the death of their mother, Clara and her sisters are each given a special gift she left behind for them. Clara's gift is the most intriguing. A small box that needs a key to open it. She finds the key but it is attached to god string and is constantly moving. She follows it and soon discovers a parallel world filled with wonder and imagination. However, danger lurks close by and Clara doesn't realize it until there's almost no time left. This book is also a movie and if you have a Disney+ account, you can watch it anytime you want. 

That's all for this week! I hope you found something new that you want to take a look at in the future! Make sure to check out the new section that I talked about in the beginning as well as my podcast and YouTube channel in the next couple days! A new podcast (the season 2 premier!!) will go up on Friday at 4:00pm CST and I have two new videos that'll come out this week and next! Stay tuned and I'll see you later!

-Caroline:)
Instagram: @carhill765 and @fashionfunandextra
Facebook: Caroline Hill and Fashion Fun and Extra
Podcast: Convo's With Caroline
Twitter: @carolinegh16
Pinterest: Caroline Hill
YouTube Caroline Hill
FabFitFun: I'm a #fabfitfunaffiliate now! Click my link and use code SPRINGLOVE at checkout for 20% off your spring box! It's not one you want to miss!

Happy Sunday! Another week is over and I'm so glad. This one has been weird because I haven't had that​ much energy and on top of that, Friday's snow did not helping my mood. But something that does help my mood is what we're talking about today! Planning! More specifically, party planning. Valentine's Day is in five days and there's so many fun things you can do when it comes to Valentine's Day parties. The other great thing about Valentine's Day specifically is if you have a huge party or small get-together, it doesn't have to be some huge spectacle. With that in mind, let's get planning!

Venue
Party planning is so much easier when you work down the "Party Pyramid". Before any event can take place, you need somewhere to play host. You could do it at your house or an entirely different place. When you're deciding, take into account the following factors. Guest list size and the mood of the overall party. You want to have plenty of space so people don't feel crushed and you want to make sure the space correctly emulates the mood you want. Is it more fun and relaxed or a little more formal? For Valentine's, if you go outside your house I would pick a smaller venue. It doesn't cost as much and Valentine's parties typically are smaller so why would you need a ton of unused space? Just keep that in mind.

Invites
Now that the venue is taken care of, it's time to let everyone know! Invites are a key part to the execution of a party. One, they tell people it's actually happening and two, they give off a vibe to the invitee. If they look cool and chic, they're most likely to say, "Oh, my god, yes! Let me RSVP right now!" However, if your invite is not appealing or coordinated, they're most likely to say, "Oh, I have something going on that weekend. Maybe next time." Invites may not seem that important but they really are so put some effort into them.

Decorations
I have seen many parties crash and burn very fast. Why? The decorations. You want the decorations to be eye catching and something not a lot of people have seen. When you repeat a lot of common trends, things tend to get boring much faster. Aside from interesting, the decorations also need to be durable. Droopy decor can lead to a droopy party. Pinterest is a great place to look for inspiration but you should give making your ideas a chance. Another pro tip. Don't make your decorations too "love central" because that can just get to be too much. Especially if that is something you really want to avoid.

Menu
The food you serve depends on the type of party you're throwing. Typically, you wouldn't have a four-course meal if it's a small, fun party. You also wouldn't serve snack food/small dishes if you're throwing a more formal party. With Valentine's Day, you're probably going to have a menu of easy foods such as cracker combos, kabobs, sweet treats, and other small things.

Entertainment
Entertainment for Valentine's Day can be a little harder to decide on because there's really no musical theme associated with it like there is for Halloween or Christmas or New Years. But that can also be a lot more fun because the realm of possibilities is endless. Plus, you can even experiment with live performances from music to magic to whatever else you or your friends love!

I'm sorry that this week's blog was so late but next week will be out much faster! Can you guess what it is? The hint is books! See you later!
-Caroline:)
YouTube: Caroline Hill
Pinterest: Caroline Hill
Twitter: @carolinegh16
Podcast: Convo's With Caroline
Instagram: @carhill765 and @fashionfunandextra
Facebook: Caroline Hill and Fashion Fun and Extra
FabFitFun: I'm a #fabfitfunaffiliate now! The spring box is officially being sold and the products included are awesome! Get yours by clicking my link and using the new code SPRINGLOVE at checkout for 20% off your first box!