Packing is the often the greatest cause of anxiety for First Timers, so please take
some time to organize what you’d like to bring. I recommend packing one or two
outfits per day - in case you want to change from the business casual clothes into
something more evening appropriate or you spill something horrible on yourself.
Keep in mind the average temperatures for San Diego in early March are a high of
66 and a low of 53.
Here is a suggested list that I put together. It is neither all-inclusive nor required,
in fact I don't own or use many of these things! However, this will give you an idea
of what to think about packing. Please tailor them to your own needs:
Clothing The Essentials
1-2 outfits per day
- At least one semi-formal to formal dress and shoes (Saturday evening Installation Dinner)
- One red, white, and blue outfit (Saturday morning Membership Breakfast)
- Pantyhose, Stockings, Socks
- Shoes (at least one pair of comfortable walking shoes, heels, to match outfits, poolside flipflops, slippers)
- Sleepwear (It is not uncommon to visit with friends in their rooms after a long day, so lounging pajamas are really nice)
- Undergarments (bras, strapless bra your fancy attire might require, panties, slips)
- Outer garments (light coat, sweater)
- Bathing suit
Accessories Going from Hum Drum to Va Va Voom
• Jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings)
• Belts
• Purse(s) (Do you need one for your more formal outfit?)
• Glasses
• Sunglasses
Image Enhancers Because there will be a camera!
• Breast forms/adhesive
• Corsets/waist cinchers
• Hip pads
• Wig(s) and wig accessories
• Hair accessories (bobby pins, scrunchies, barrettes, hairband, scarf)
• Fragrance (cologne, perfume)
Toiletries An extravaganza of cleanliness
• Dental tools (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash)
• Hair products (shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, hair spray)
• Hair tools (brush, comb, curling iron, straightening iron)
• Razors (electric, hand, face/body)
• Shaving gel/cream
• Tweezers
• Antiperspirant/Deodorant
• Hand/Body Lotion
• Soaps (face, body, hypoallergenic)
• Lip Balm
• Sun Block
• Contacts (lenses, storage case, cleaning solution)
• Moisturizer
Medicines/First Aid Keep yourself feeling good!
• Pain Relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen)
• Vitamins
• Band-Aids
• Antacids, Beano
• Prescription Drugs
• Visine
Cosmetics Put your best face forward
• Skin (foundation, concealer, loose powder, compact powder, blush, bronzer)
• Eyes (eyeshadow, eye pencil, eye liner, mascara, false eyelashes/adhesive
• Tools (makeup brushes, eyelash curler, mirror, pencil sharpener)
• Lips (lip liner, lipstick, lip gloss)
• Clean up (makeup sponges, eye makeup remover, wipes, Q-tips, cotton balls and pads)
• Nails (nail polish, polish remover, nail file, nail clippers)
Extras You might want to bring...
• Electonic Devices (Cell phone and charger, camera and batteries, MP3 player,
PDA, laptop and power cord)
• Drivers’ license
• Cash (especially some spare change and $1 bills for tipping)
• Credit cards
• Keys
• Directions/addresses/maps
• Friendship/business cards
• Journal/notebook/book to read
• Ear plugs
• Facial tissue pack
• Mints/Gum
• Plastic baggies
• Sewing kit
• Lint brush
• Safety Pins
Final thought: You're not going to be in a remote area, if you forget anything there
are convenience stores nearby and two very large malls for your shopping pleasure.
If you are going on the preconference tour, you'll be visiting Horton Plaza, which is a real shopping experience.
I can't tell you very much about the BIG SURPRISE on Friday after the General Session. All I can say is that we have been practicing for weeks! You won't want to miss it - so listen for the announcement about where to go. So far its been called wacky, silly, funny, whimsical, and extraordinary.
