And We’re Off

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The suitcases are packed.

Two bags of luggage

The passports are tucked in my purse.  And thank God Scott’s arrived.

The new Camera + Computer Backpack is loaded up and I can tell already that it will serve me well.

Open black camera/computer backpack

In the past few days I’ve gone to:

Target for a cheapie hair dryer and a few toiletries and pre-trip odds and ends

Bed Bath & Beyond for a Baking Supplies fest.  Gotta bring things down to bake with!

Trader Joe’s

Ralph’s

Bank

Rite-Aid

Post Office to stop mail

I gave nuts.  i.e. I’ve given Skylar’s teachers their gifts

Washed and gassed the car

Made a jillion phone calls because once we get there it’s about 75 cents per minute to make calls to the U.S.

Cooked, cleaned, washed sheets, cleaned out the fridge

Clipped lots of toenails and fingernails (I swear kids’ nails grow so fast!)

Packed everything from suitsuits for Skylar and I to stevia to Advent calendars to the gifts that Santa is bringing in his sleigh.  Or that mom is bringing in the suitcase ensuring that it will be overweight and we will be paying that lovely overweight baggage fee.   Ahh, but Santa comes for all good girls and she’s been amazing this year.

And about 8765 other things.

It’s kind of mind-boggling how busy I’ve been getting ready.

I haven’t slept much.

Good thing I’ll be getting tons of sleep on that red eye tonight.  Ummm, yeah, sure.  With a 4 year old and thousands of dollars of valuables in my carry-on in either the overhead bins or at my feet, I’m sure I’ll be awake either singing the Wheels on the Bus or making sure no one robs us.  Scott will be snoring before we even take off.

So in honor of being crazy frantic leading up to our trip and flight tonight and because I know when we get there, the first half week or so is a blur and no elaborate cooking projects will happen, I decided to break in my new mini-donut pan.

Pans for mini donuts

Everyone bakes donuts in advance of an international trip, right?  Makes perfect sense.

It involves this.  It was either use it or lose it in Operation Fridge Cleanout.

Trader Joe's Light Egg Nog

The Eggnog Chai Smoothie I made with the ‘nog was good.

Eggnog Chai Smoothie

These are ridiculously good.

Donuts with eggnog glaze

Including an eggnog glaze.  Rum optional but encouraged.

Stay tuned for the recipe…

Or just make these for now.

Baked Vanilla Donuts with Vanilla Glaze

The next time you hear from me, with any luck, I’ll be here

Chains on beach of Aruba

Doing some floating and a whole lotta nothing.

Aruba beach and ocean

Questions:

1. What’s on your agenda for the weekend?

Any (Holiday) baking projects? Hope so!

2. How do you plan, prepare, or pack for trips?  How long does it take you to pack? How do you decide how much (or little) to bring?

It’s a mother’s unwritten job to think of everything from band-aids to deodorant to snacks to the favorite blankie to Santa stuff to the husband’s passport so that he doesn’t forget it.

And pack for myself, too.  That’s the easy part.

It’s packing for two other people and household stuff and thinking 3-4 weeks ahead of the curve and will I have enough child probiotics to give her in 23 days from now and did I remember cards for Scott’s birthday and did Santa bring enough on the sleigh…that is a little dizzying.

But if it got forgotten..who cares!  I try my best but if I forget things, whatever.  We’ll live.

And it just means it’s time to pour another pina colada on the beach!

Have a great weekend!

About the Author

Welcome to AverieCooks! Here you’ll find fast and easy recipes that taste amazing and are geared for real life. Nothing fussy or complicated, just awesome tasting dishes everyone loves!

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Please note: I have only made the recipe as written, and cannot give advice or predict what will happen if you change something. If you have a question regarding changing, altering, or making substitutions to the recipe, please check out the FAQ page for more info.

Comments

  1. You are becoming quite the master donut baker!!! I am impressed!

    I really could use a vacation right about now!

  2. I always feel like I’m forgetting something when I pack. It takes me a few minutes to throw my clothes together (fairly easy since I don’t have many). Usually I just have to take the time to do laundry, so that I actually have enough clothes.

    Have a great trip!

  3. Hope the traveling goes perfectly!!! Can’t wait to see all the beautiful white-sand beach photos and live vicariously through you. ;)

    I’m the type that needs a TON of time for packing. I’ll plan out outfits, make lists, and pack everything that might be needed “just in case.” Definitely learned that one from my mom haha.

  4. I’m about to go to brunch with some of my family (I guess lunch for me, since I already ate breakfast :P ), then walk around Weihnachtsmarkts…buy some food…procrastinate packing…watch a Christmas movie…and then finally pack for flying to London on Monday, Boston on Wednesday, and home on Thursday. I’m already tired, just think about it! :P

  5. Look at you, so efficient. ;) It’ll totally be worth it when you get there, and I hope you have a great transit to a great trip!

    P.S. I happened to leave a comment on J3nn’s blog, and she told me you sent her my link. THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH!!!! Sorry for the large font, but I really want to give you a hug right now. ;)

  6. Have a blast Averie. I could use a beach vacation right about now. This Holiday craziness is for the birds.

    I dread packing for a trip. It’s actually very stressful for me and I don’t ever relax till 2 days into the trip.

    Those donuts look delicious. Love the mini size.

    Jackie :)

  7. YAY for being on your way!! I wish I was tailing right behind ya.

    I love eggnog, but my tummy doesn’t. Then again, what does it love? Nothing. hahaha

    I’m writing you email, so you won’t be bored in Aruba. <- complete and total sarcasm :)

  8. Yaaayyy have fun!! :D

    Baking plans? DONE! I made shortbread cookies for Christmas presents, packaged ’em up all pretty, and stuck ’em in the freezer! :)