Five Things

by hitha on May 10, 2013

1.  I suffer from incredible FOMO (fear of missing out).  I had it when everyone seemed to be snapping up the 3.1 Philip Lim satchel, when my friends are all hanging out while I’m traveling for work, when everyone gets tagged into a post that I’m DYING to do.  Instagram and Twitter are my worst enemies during a particularly strong case of FOMO.  My old cure was to buy myself something new – my new cure, much less expensive, is to throw on a guilty playlist and have a solo dance party.

5-things-about-hitha

Oh right, context.  I’ve been a fan of the “Five Things You May Not Know About Me” that’s spread through the blog world as of late, and was thrilled when my sweet friend Courtney tagged me.  With one down, here are four more things you may not know about me:

2.  Though I got married in 2010, I have yet to make my wedding albums (it was a three day affair, so multiple books will be required).  My husband and I have also never watched our wedding video, but given that it’s over 3 hours (a bona fide Bollywood movie), I think you’ll understand.  (see more of our wedding here!)

3.  My husband and I argue over who is a bigger sci-fi nerd (that’s science fiction, for you non-geeks) on a regular basis.  He claims it’s him.  I’m a firm believer that only the geekiest have seen the entire series Babylon 5 - multiple times.

4.  While I may wear my headphones to emit the “don’t-bother-me” signal, I sometimes don’t play any music so I can eavesdrop on neighboring conversations.  I do this more often than is probably appropriate.

5.  My cure for a bad day is my supremely cheesy boy band playlist, this epic peanut butter-caramel-cookie dough ice cream delivered to our apartment, my most beloved yoga pants (that are wearing dangerously thin), and re-reading Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? or watching one of the Amanda Bynes trilogy (What A Girl Wants, She’s The Man, and Easy A).  I sometimes feel like I haven’t grown from my 18 year old self.

And because I’m an oversharer, here are some honorable mentions – I eat Mexican and Thai food weekly, at the bare minimum; one of my life goals is to have a cocktail named after me; I can quote the entire original Star Wars trilogy, complete with R2D2 beeps; as much as I loved living in Seattle for college, there’s no way I’m ever moving back; I used to judge couples I was distantly acquainted with by their wedding website and the contents of their wedding registries.

It’s hard to find bloggers that haven’t already participated in this, but I’m tagging Annie, Jessica, Usha, Carolyn, and Eva.  And YOU – COMMENT below with something you’ve rarely shared with other folks.  I’d love to know!

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5 Reasons To Book A Portavi Session

by hitha on May 9, 2013

It’s been a little over a year since I launched Portavi Company.  I’m not going to lie – it’s been rough.

But I’ve never felt more passionate or determined to help you all pack faster and travel better.  And I realize that I’ve never explained how Portavi works, or when and why it’s best for you.

And since the heavy travel season is upon us, I’d love to share with you how Portavi can help you enjoy your trips more – because really, who has time to waste on packing and agonizing over what to wear?  I know you don’t.  Here’s how a Portavi session works:

portavi-how-it-works

Easy, right?  You get to hang out with me and “see” my minuscule apartment.  Sometimes, my husband even makes an appearance.

But why should you book a session?  I’ll be honest – it’s not for everyone.  If the tips I provide on my blog are enough for you, that’s AMAZING.  But if you tend to overpack for trips, are stuffing another pair of shoes in your suitcase as you run out the door, or are sitting on your suitcase to make everything fit – I’d love to help you.  If your family members are forever frustrated by waiting for your bags at the baggage claim, or roll their eyes when you ask them to help you lift your suitcase – a Portavi session may be right for you.  And hey – they may be even willing to PAY for the session.  Here are 5 more reasons why a Portavi session may be right for you:

portavi-5-reasons-to-book-a-session

If you’re vacationing in a new-to-you spot this summer, or visiting multiple cities in a single trip, or just want some help to pack better – I can help.  And I really want to.

I’m also working on a number of Portavi Guides that will be coming out in the coming weeks.  If there’s something you’d like to have, please let me know!

I’d love your feedback – would you purchase a Portavi session?  If so, why?  And if you wouldn’t, why?  Please COMMENT below or SEND me an e-mail – I read every single one of your comments and really appreciate your feedback!

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En Route With…Molly Bernadette Miller

by hitha on May 7, 2013

Molly needs no introduction – as one half of the immensely popular (and one of my favorite blogs!) A Piece Of Toast.  APOT, as they affectionally refer to it, is a healthy mix of pure eye candy and thoughtful, well-written posts.  While Molly and I have only chatted over e-mail, I can attest that she’s one of the sweetest people I’ve (digitally) met, and I’m so glad she was happy to participate in the ERW series.  Take it away, Molly! 

Molly Bernadette Miller APOT

Molly Bernadette Miller
Blogger, A Piece Of Toast

I’m a notorious over packer… I go somewhere for a weekend and it looks like I’ve packed to be gone for two weeks.  Every time I pack I try to plan outfits for each day and what I think I’ll be doing but it’s the “ohhh maybe I should bring this top, and this sweater, and these pants as a back up,” that gets me into trouble.  I need to just tell myself no!  I’ll probably never be a minimalist but hopefully I can be out of the “overpacker” category at some point in my life!  If I’m going away for a weekend and driving there I always grab a roomy weekender duffle and rely on smaller bags (makeup, dirty clothes bag, shoe bags, etc.) to keep me organized.  For flights or longer trips I have an ancient Kipling roller bag that holds much more than it looks like it would.  For duffel bag packing I’m into folding my clothes but for a rolling bag I have to roll stuff – it seriously saves SO much room and keeps things really organized and accessible.  I like to make lists before I pack with a run-through of how many days and nights I’ll be gone and what I anticipate doing each day – they I try t jot down an idea of what kind of outfits I need to bring.  But honestly, packing is typically a last-minute effort that happens late the night before I leave.  I do my best under pressure!

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