What can I do now to prepare for National Conference 2010?

[raebates]

Today is June 25. There are only 21 days left until the start of Wave 3! Three weeks, people!

Okay, so you have your list done. Gather together the clothes you're planning to take. Check each one carefully.

• Does anything need a good cleaning? Check carefully for spots and stains.

• Is everything in good repair? Check for dropped hems, hanging threads, and seams in need of repair.

• Do you have everything you need to complete each outfit? Don't forget any special undergarments (slips, strapless bras, etc.). [Sorry guys. I'd include any special undergarments for you men, but I just keep picturing KG, Bobby, and the guys in strapless bras. ]​

You don't want to be at NC, in the process of getting ready, and realize that you've forgotten something or that something needs cleaning or repair

 

[ChefMichele1]

Today is June 25. There are only 21 days left until the start of Wave 3! Three weeks, people!

Okay, so you have your list done. Gather together the clothes you're planning to take. Check each one carefully.

• Does anything need a good cleaning? Check carefully for spots and stains.

• Is everything in good repair? Check for dropped hems, hanging threads, and seams in need of repair.

• Do you have everything you need to complete each outfit? Don't forget any special undergarments (slips, strapless bras, etc.). [Sorry guys. I'd include any special undergarments for you men, but I just keep picturing KG, Bobby, and the guys in strapless bras. ]​

You don't want to be at NC, in the process of getting ready, and realize that you've forgotten something or that something needs cleaning or repair

I so can't wait to meet you Rae. Your posts on CS crack me up. I seriously pop on this site when I'm having a bad day just so I can get a good laugh. BTW, do you have a drycleaning/seamstress business in your past life? Most of your advise has to do with clothing:love:

 

[raebates]

You're so sweet. If we get a chance to meet I hope you're not disappointed. No , I've never owned a dry cleaning business, but I've kept several in business. I have done a bit of sewing in my life, but never professionally. Many of my posts are gleaned from travel sites and personal experience. I've been in that spot where you go to put something on and it's got a stain or a rip. I hate that. And, nothing can ruin a trip faster than disappointment over what you're wearing.

 

[ChefMichele1]

You're so sweet. If we get a chance to meet I hope you're not disappointed.

No , I've never owned a dry cleaning business, but I've kept several in business. I have done a bit of sewing in my life, but never professionally. Many of my posts are gleaned from travel sites and personal experience. I've been in that spot where you go to put something on and it's got a stain or a rip. I hate that. And, nothing can ruin a trip faster than disappointment over what you're wearing.

Like when I went to New Director Academy last month and got a grease stain on my shirt from the airplane, then dipped my sleeve in salad dressing the first night right in front of HO celebs and had to fight for the last Tide Stain Stick pen at the hotel? You mean like those kinds of things? LOL. Since conference several years ago, I always carry a travel size Wrinkle Reducer.. . that stuff really works! Beats ironing when you're working on like 5 hours of sleep!

 

[raebates]

Are you sure we aren't related? LOL! Wrinkle Release and Oxy Stain Spray are my friends. I never go anywhere without the Oxy. It doesn't leave a ring like a lot of the stain sticks & wipes, and it works well on greasy stains. The Tide sticks say right on them that they don't work on greasy stains.

 

[etteluap70PC]

Are you sure we aren't related? LOL! Wrinkle Release and Oxy Stain Spray are my friends. I never go anywhere without the Oxy. It doesn't leave a ring like a lot of the stain sticks & wipes, and it works well on greasy stains. The Tide sticks say right on them that they don't work on greasy stains.

What is wrinkle release?

 

[chef131doreen]

If you are signed up for Bookings on Day one it;s with Friale Yan , I was at her house and ahe went over the whole wookshop with us ....... It is so worth thaking this workshop

She is awsome I learn so much from her
If you aren't sure who she is 2.5 Milloin dollars sold she is my up line

 

[raebates]

What is wrinkle release?

It's a spray you can use for cotton knits like t-shirts and polo shirts. You spray it on and tug the wrinkles out. Let it dry, and you're good to go.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 26. There are only 20 days left until the start of Wave 3! While you're checking all of your clothing to make sure it's clean and in good repair, why not see if you can eliminate an item or two. Instead of bringing different shoes for each and every outfit, can you get buy with just a couple of changes? If you're bringing sweaters or jackets in case the rooms are chilly, do you have one that will work for all three days? Remember, the less you take with you, the more room you'll have to bring stuff back.

 

[dkitten13]

Thanks for the tips - I will seek out Wrinkle Release and Oxy Stain spray!

 

[raebates]

Wrinkle Release is made by Downy. Once you've decided you like it, you can make your own. Mix 1 part Downy softener with 3 parts water. Put that in the Wrinkle Release bottle, shake, and use as directed. Works well. The Oxy spray is a little harder to find, but it's worth the search. Sometimes I can find it at Wal-Mart, sometimes at Target, and rarely at Kroger.

 

[ChefMichele1]

Are you sure we aren't related? LOL! Wrinkle Release and Oxy Stain Spray are my friends. I never go anywhere without the Oxy. It doesn't leave a ring like a lot of the stain sticks & wipes, and it works well on greasy stains. The Tide sticks say right on them that they don't work on greasy stains.

LOL. I would be very scared for you (or anyone else) that would be related to me! I need to try that Oxy stuff. Love the Tide stick and started with it a couple of years ago when my parents traveled to Italy and someone turned my mom onto it. Have 3 of them in multiple places for easy access. Another packing tip that I learned from the travel channel years ago is to roll your clothes rather than fold them (especially if you don't plan on hanging them up). You won't get "fold" marks. Also, usually most of us are 4-1 room at NC, suggest bringing a couple of extra hangers (especially some with clothes hooks). Another tip is that the wrinkle reducer will help get rid of "hanger nipples". Spray, rub, no more nipples!

 

[raebates]

Today is June 27. There are only 19 days left until the start of Wave 3! We’re going to have a lot of fun at NC. Remember, though, that this is a business trip. Get and keep receipts for everything. Most of your expenses will be tax-deductible. Why not label an envelope “Receipts” and bring it with you? It can help you keep track of everything. BTW, don’t forget to add the amount you tipped to your receipts.

 

[raebates]

I've been talking about making packing lists. I'm a natural-born list maker. I love lists. I keep my packing lists for recurring travel (like regional training and NC) on my computer. All I have to do when I start planning for, say, NC, is to update my list. I even have it color coded for things that I always have to take (like a toothbrush) and things that change (like specific clothing). I do realize that I'm not normal. Just today, thanks to one of the Kim Kommando newsletters, I discovered a cool site for those who find list making a bit daunting. It's Packwhiz.com - Packing list generator. It asks a few general questions. You can start from scratch (not recommended for non-listers) or generate a basic list. You can add, delete, and rearrange the items on the list. It even has a section for things to do before you leave. It's very user friendly.

 

[baychef]

I make lists but then I need a master list for all of my lists...then I lose that list. Yes, I am hopeless!!

Thanks for the wrinkle release idea...boy do I need that!

 

[Kim1711]

I was such a "newbie" at my first conference, I brought a different pair of shoes for each outfit! I soon learned!
kim

 

[Kim1711]

Can't wait!!!!!

 

[raebates]

I was such a "newbie" at my first conference, I brought a different pair of shoes for each outfit! I soon learned!
kim

I would imagine that's a fairly common mistake.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 28. There are only 18 days left until the start of Wave 3! Don’t arrive at NC all frazzled. Take a good look at your schedule leading up to your departure. Have you made a realistic schedule? Be honest. Can you really get everything done in the time allotted without driving yourself insane? If not, be ruthless. Eliminate. Delegate. Do whatever it takes to make sure you get some rest and a little time with your family before you leave. You’ll get more out of NC if you aren’t exhausted.

 

[PamperChefCarol]

Today is June 28. There are only 18 days left until the start of Wave 3!

Don’t arrive at NC all frazzled. Take a good look at your schedule leading up to your departure. Have you made a realistic schedule? Be honest. Can you really get everything done in the time allotted without driving yourself insane? If not, be ruthless. Eliminate. Delegate. Do whatever it takes to make sure you get some rest and a little time with your family before you leave. You’ll get more out of NC if you aren’t exhausted.

I would totally love a full day before I leave for NC to relax, but that's not going to happen. I am in total crazy PC woman in July, all culminating in 4 shows in 4 days the day after NC and then getting my knee replaced. Before NC (we leave on the train at 7:20 AM Wed morning) I have a show the Sunday before and another one Monday. And yes, if I can talk someone into Tuesday before NC, I will!

I will have plenty of time to rest in the hospital. Besides, what do they say, no rest for the wicked!!

 

[dkitten13]

Wow, Carol your my hero! I can't wait for my business to pick up like that! I only have one show booked in July!

 

[raebates]

Today is June 29. There are only 17 days left until the start of Wave 3!Here’s a great idea from Julie Ann Jones that I’ve used before. Take three index cards with you to each workshop. Label one “Wow! Do it now!” for things you can implement immediately. Label the second “Great idea! Do it soon,” for those ideas that will need a little planning and/or research before your start them. Label the third “Think about this.” That third card is for things that you think you’d like to do but will require a lot of planning or re-adjustment to your current way of doing things. When you’re sitting in a workshop and they give you a great idea, write it down on the appropriate card. This will make it easier to implement the ideas once you get back home. Remember, no matter how great the training if you don’t implement the ideas, you’ve wasted time and money.

 

[Beth1170]

I was such a "newbie" at my first conference, I brought a different pair of shoes for each outfit! I soon learned!
kim

Even with comfortable shoes, I have found that it is sometimes better to have a different pair for each day. When you are on your feet walking around alot it takes it's toll on your feet. Changing the support daily helps my feet not feel so fatigued. Just my thought on the matter. I know it takes up space when traveling so for 3 days I only take 2 pairs and switch off.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 30. There are only 16 days left until the start of Wave 3!Kristi had a great idea in years past. She made a care package to leave behind for her family. Now, The Furry Guy is used to being on his own, so a pan of mac & cheese and a few phone calls to touch base while I’m gone will be just fine for him. However, if you have young children at home (or a spouse who’s not used to being on his or her own), a few treats could help them deal with your absence and may make them more willing to let you go next time.

 

[raebates]

Today is June 30. There are only 16 days left until the start of Wave 3!

Kristi had a great idea in years past. She made a care package to leave behind for her family. Now, The Furry Guy is used to being on his own, so a pan of mac & cheese and a few phone calls to touch base while I’m gone will be just fine for him. However, if you have young children at home (or a spouse who’s not used to being on his or her own), a few treats could help them deal with your absence and may make them more willing to let you go next time.

 

[Kim1711]

16 days ...............

 

[raebates]

Today is July 1. There are only 15 days left until the start of Wave 3!Don’t forget to bring along a bit of cash for tipping. You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of singles. And, remember to tip your hotel maid. Generally speaking, a dollar a day per person is considered standard. I used to just leave one tip at the end of my stay. I don’t do that anymore. Someone pointed out to me that hotel staff assignments can change daily. The person who took care of your room on the first night may not be the same as the last night. I now take envelopes for each morning labeled “Housekeeping.” I leave my tip inside (along with those of my roommates) and leave the envelope on the bathroom counter where they’ll be sure to find it.

 

[dkitten13]

Nice tip Rae!

 

[raebates]

What can I say? I tip well.

 

[Chef Bobby]

For those of you that pack quite a bit and/or buy lots of goodies while at conference, I send home a box of things I don't feel like packing on the plane going home at the Fed Ex booth. It made the trip home easier and they charge it to your future commisions so there's nothing out of pocket.