Over a week ago, my sister returned from a mini-vacation to Orlando, FL. Only thing is her luggage did not arrive with her. She contacted Spirit Airlines, and apparently her bag was tagged with another passenger’s name and destination – The Bahamas. Several days went by and she had not heard from them and her calls went unanswered. When she finally reached someone she was told “there is a 5 day waiting period before you can contact the claims department.” It was only another day or so.

In the meantime she downloaded the “Customer Property Form” from their website. Apparently she needed to itemize and provide receipts for everything that was in her luggage. Now beside the fact she has clothes, shoes, a Coach bag that she bought years ago and not a prayer of having the receipt, there were clothes she bought for the nieces and nephews for Christmas while on vacation. And oh yeah, the receipts for those purchases were where? In her luggage. So she sent off a strongly worded letter on company letterhead (she works for a worldwide law firm).

After the 5th day she called the number on the form. She told the representative that answered the call the issue with her lost luggage. His reply was “I can’t help you from here.” Needless to say she started getting a little ticked off. Then she thought to ask the question “where are you?” … wait for it in 3, 2, 1 … “India” he replied. Now she was ticked off more than a little. “How in the world do you offshore the claims department to India?“, she thought to herself. The representative starts to give her a phone number to call where they can help her. “Excuse me sir“, she says … wait for it … “that is the phone number I just called and got you!” Now she was definitely ticked.

In the evening on Thanksgiving Day, she was informed by Spirit Airlines that her luggage had been found. Exactly one week after her flight back home. This was the first time, and needless to say the last time she will fly Spirit Airlines.

Sometimes you got to wonder what people are thinking when they offshore certain functions to India. The address on the form was in Texas but the calls go to India where the person can’t do a darn thing for you — from there.

I love the luggage – and other leather goods – produced by this San Francisco-based, family-owned company.  I bought a chocolate leather shorthorn bag ten years ago that just gets better looking over time, and I don’t feel like it’s even close to being “worn” in yet.

I fantasize about some day owning this alligator safari bag, but at $15,600 – it is a dream quite far from reality.

However, there are many other very nice bags at (somewhat) more attainable prices, including products in sturdy canvas, like this garment bag ($370) and shorthorn ($600).  Both are available in other colors and patterns and are perfect for carry-on.  Visit http://shopmulholland.com.

Our "planned" purchases

Happy black friday folks!  We set out this morning – not too early, it was light out – but without the intent to buy anything really.  More or less, just to go and enjoy the experience that is black friday shopping.  The last time we did this in DC, we actually tried to get to some of the big name stores at 5AM when they opened, but not today.  Today we rolled in at about 8AM.  It was nice to sleep in .  For going into this morning without anything specific in mind, we actually got a lot accomplished.  We managed to get some door busters even though it was “late” and knock a couple of names off the Christmas list.  We also walked out with a few things that we’ve been talking about getting for quite awhile but hadn’t yet – mainly, these wonderful Samsonite carry on luggage that were 50% off at Kohls.  These have enough pockets to make both of us happy, will fit in the overheads and are something we are both planning to try to use for every (non backpacking) trip from here on out.  I found Gone with the Wind on blu-ray for maybe $9, which has been on my ’should buy this sometime’ list for a very long time.  Nick got excite bots for Wii which should be fun to try out!  And last but not least, we got some cold running gear.

It wasn’t long before our new running gear was put to the test – we got home around 11:30 and at 12 set out to drop off the cars for a point to point run.  I was proud of us, doing a long run the day after Thanksgiving – it helped me to minimize the wine with dinner yesterday and only have 1 piece of crazy pie.  Happy to say that the 10 mile run went wonderfully – well, as wonderfully as a 10 mile run the day after Thanksgiving can go – I didn’t run out of gas in the car on the way home (plus!) and we got home in time to watch the game (plus), still able to stand and walk (plus)!

Go Big Red for the win over Colorado today!  Whoohoo to Big 12 Championship game next Saturday!

Nick in the last part of World 8

This evening, we have a wild and crazy night planned.  It involves…  leftover turkey made into Reuben sandwiches and Nick getting to the final castle of the New Super Mario Brothers.  Yep, he’s been home a week, hasn’t really played this that much, and still has gone through every world and has made it to the final guy.  I can’t even describe how much that impresses me – on my solo mission, I’m still at the beginning of world 2, and he’s at the end of world 8.  I am always super excited to get to watch the end guy, and Nick always waits for me to be around to take him on.  Good stuff!

Cashew wants to go shopping

Other things tonight?  Well – it’s not cyber monday yet, but with my nifty gift list done and ready to be purchased, and with Cashew off of the computer, I think I’m going to knock out my online shopping for the boy tonight.

> RESERVE NOW

Day one of the great holiday shopping extravaganza.  In honor of Black Friday, today’s gift ideas are white, just kidding, but that would have been really funny…

Under $50

OK, can’t believe how hard it is to find cool design gifts under $50.  This is going to be a blast…nothing like a good challenge.  As my buddies from Smith College used to say, bargain shopping.

Single Cup Coffee Filter from Design Within Reach

At $34 this is oh so cool for the coffee lover on your list.  It makes just one cup, is eco-friendly and you can take it camping.  I can picture this single coffee cup on my husband’s desk at work (can’t say I picture him camping).  Shhh…don’t tell him.

Under $100

Black Patent Luggage from Pottery Barn

At $99.99 each, just squeaking under, the Black Patent Rolling Duffle and Garment Bag are so sleek for the ultra-mod girl on the go.  One hitch–when Pottery Barn marks down with 99 cents, it’s final sale and you need to be quick to purchase!

Sky’s the Limit

Black Spun Floor Lamp from Hive Modern

Who doesn’t dream of a lamp from Hive Modern?  I know I do.  This Floor Lamp for Flos can be yours for $1,740.  I envision it grounding a Family Room with bright accent colors.

Catch you tomorrow with more great design shopping!

Luggage shipping service this holiday season proven to be more affordable and more convenient, website updated with new low shipping rates: http://www.neighborhoodparcel.com/luggage_service.html

I theres a nice contrast beween cold metal and warm leather, all seems to be done in in super high quality as you would expect from Hermès.  Normally these mash-ups of materials and styles end up cheap looking, but this has a very refined aesthetic.  What I would imagine if Rimowa and Hermès had a baby.  Class.

Created by Gabriele Pezzini, Hermès Design Director, this extremely ergonomic travelling companion has exceptional functional and aesthetic qualities. Its brushed anodised aluminium shell, the interior surface of which is reinforced with carbon and Kevlar, provide unparalleled resistance to wear and tear. The luggage is subtly highlighted with two natural cowhide handles – an unmistakable reference to the Hermès travel world. The bag’s technical allure elegantly contrasts with the sensuality of its interior, cased entirely in leather. Its two handles allow for it to be carried horizontally or vertically, whilst its multidirectional wheels make for incredible ease of use.

Hermès is certainly better known for their high quality standard than for innovation, which makes the Orion suitcase certainly stand out from their regular collection. It will be released as part of the Spring/Summer 2010 Collection.

More images of the suitcase follow after the jump.

via Hermès Spring/Summer 2010 Orion Suitcase | Highsnobiety.com.

This guy has quite a funny routine. The accent isn’t bad either.. His name is Rhod Gilbert by the way..

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When Quinn’s new travel business hits a snag, she needs Flo’s patented elbow grease to help renovate and run hotels all over DinerTown! Experience a Hotel Dash as you deliver guest’s luggage, drop off room service and provide extra towels and blankets! Along the way you will use your tips to decorate and restore each hotel back to its original charm. Watch out for the mysterious mishaps and accidents that threaten your progress in this fast-paced Time Management game!

Gripping gameplay

Powerful upgrades

Go on a Hotel Dash!

System Requirements:

OS: Windows XP/Vista

CPU: 1.2 GHz

RAM: 256 MB

DirectX: 9.0

Hard Drive: 41 MB

It Takes Just A second To Say Thanks,

It Takes Longer To The Work On This.

Hotel Dash: Suite Success

I get weird ideas sometimes.  I had an urge to buy an old piece of luggage and paint something on it.  I’ve learned to just go with it and see how it turns out.  I found this bag on Etsy for about $25.  (From Mail Order Vintage’s shop specifically, if you want to search for some good stuff to alter.)  It looks like it’s never been used, so I’m not sure if I should think of it as new or vintage.

Here’s what it looked like when it arrived.  My daughters thought it was hideous, but I kind of like it’s offbeat salmon color.

I originally wanted to paint a quote on it, “Half the fun of travel is the aesthetic of lostness.”  But I got tired even thinking about cutting out a stencil like that, and the textured vinyl bag was going to give me fits trying to keep paint from oozing underneath a stencil.  Lots of curvy letters could be a nightmare!  I decided to keep things simple and cut a Twitter bird body and main section of branch from a piece of Contact paper.  I pressed it down as best I could against the grain of the vinyl.

Can you see it?

This just gave me the starting point, which I filled in with brown fabric paint, chosen because it’s flexible when dry.  The rest was freehanded after I carefully peeled off the Contact paper.  Sealed with a little matte varnish, I hope it will be durable.  In the next few months I’ll be traveling to Tennessee, North Carolina and New York, so we’ll see.

I’m happy to give something old a second chance, and happy to have a one-of-a-kind bag that suits me so well!

Tuesday Travel Tips

Pack an uni-sex shirt in your bag/purse.

While you’re at it try to pack a pair of grey or blue sweat pants too.  Try to find a shirt that would fit any of your kids.  Something any of them would wear without shame.

What’s it for?  Spills, accidents, vomiting incidents.  If you’re traveling by car, who wants to start unpacking all the luggage to get a replacement shirt?  If traveling by air,  well you’re kinda out of luck aren’t you?

If your child can spill a drink all over the front of herself, she will. (There’s some sort of Murphy’s law to sippy cups, those that work perfectly at home will suddenly not close completely on the road.)  If your child is a messy eater, he will somehow get his whole lunch over the front of him.  If your child even thinks about vomiting, (you know they can make themselves do it right?) he will.

Theres no better way to contain the stressful moment than whisking out a dry shirt and sweat pants to replace the trashed garment(s).

If you have little ones under 3, you might as well pack yourself an extra shirt too!

It’s back … fun with headlines!

Spotted (ha ha) today in wikiHow:

How to Make Luggage Easier to Spot

(click here for the real story)

What comes to your mind?

Here’s what came to ours:

Six Simple Tricks for Winter Packing – SmarterTravel.com.

After a long flight, the last thing you want to do is pull a dozen pieces of luggage off a baggage carousel to check if theyre yours, since they all look pretty much the same. The best way to avoid this is to buy unique luggage, but if youve already got luggage that looks like everyone elses, here are some ways to make it stand out.

via How to Make Luggage Easier to Spot – wikiHow.

We carry many variations of travel journal

I was going to wait until December, but I’m just too excited not to post our newest series of posts regarding Gift Ideas.  As professionals in customer service, I know myself and my fellow retail associates thoroughly enjoy bringing a customer around the store, asking questions that guide us toward the perfect gift.  That idea translates well to the blog, and so we begin our themed journeys around Oblation Papers and Press with just the right subject matter: travel.

1. Olive Leaf Paper Soap from London, 2. Embroidered Luggage Tags from Peru, 3. Map Wrapping Paper from Italy, 4. “Ooh La La” Gift Tag by Tina Givens, 5. Woodblock Book Plate, 6. Bon Voyage Preparation Sheets by Knock Knock

Natural Products, Ltd out of London begins our list with Olive Leaf Paper Soap.  Light and airplane safety restrictions-approved, these thin soap papers make a sweet-smelling stocking stuffer for travelers young and old.  Our selection of  luggage tags gives a nod to the savvy traveler, from leather to handmade pieces, each one is distinct.  Cavallini & Co make an impression with their line of antique map wrapping paper.  This is one of our bestselling items, too!

Add a little “ooh la la” from our selection of Parisian themed gifts, papers, and enclosure tags.  The studious traveler claims their collection of world literature with woodblock book plates.  And, last but not least: “don’t forget!” this list of travel reminders from Knock Knock, an itemized notepad with everything you need to remember in preparation for your next adventure.  The list is just beginning here on the blog, we’ve got many more travel-themed ideas for you and your loved ones this Christmas season.  We’d be happy to answer any questions or help you locate gifts for the people on your lists next time you stop by either of Oblation Papers’ two locations.

Find the elegant way through your Christmas list at Oblation Papers & Press

]]> http://prmprs.com/2009/11/23/found-on-ebay-vintage-hartmann-leather-suitcase/ Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:39:30 +0000 PRMPRS http://prmprs.com/2009/11/23/found-on-ebay-vintage-hartmann-leather-suitcase/

I’ve always been a fan of vintage luggage. Maybe I’ve watched too many old movies or listened to too many Sinatra albums, but when I see a piece of vintage luggage, I envision an exotic place and time, when you had to walk on the tarmac to your plane and the stewardesses still wore short skirts. When I see an old suitcase in a thrift or antique store I wonder, “Where have you been and what have you seen?” Of course, the answer could be,” I never made it out of Ohio…” But that would ruin the fun.

My latest find is a vintage Hartmann leather suitcase. The case is a perfect size for a carry on. Hartmann still makes high quality luggage and other goods, with a leather carry on costing you $500 and up.

So whether you’re going to Thailand or New York, you’ll be sure to stand out. If you never make it out of Ohio, just don’t tell me.

For the past two years, founder Monica Ralli of UrthBags in California, developed strategies to inspire people. Her goal was to create a stronger sense of eco-consciousness on our overly-disposable planet.

Monica’s company handbag materials are milk cartons, juice boxes, telephone books, and newspapers. The craftspeople are artisans from across the globe. Designers are both staffed and sourced.

To seal the hip, whimsical, smart ‘n green image visioned, Monica adds salvaged items like seashells, fashion magazines and coconuts to her designs. Individuals can shop online and minimums are reasonable for small specialty boutiques.

Another company is English Retreads in Colorado. Founder and designer Heather English gained inspiration from floating down Boulder Creek on an inner tube. One of her first bags produced in 2001 is still a classic: named Model T with seatbelt straps.

Relan is in Minnesota where they make the Elsie handbag pictured. It’s a precious small lined purse with a tire rubber handle. The exterior is made from a piece of billboard about the size of a tennis court. The billboard’s graphic pattern and colors are preserved in interesting and attention-arresting ways, then stitched together to create an innovative, functional bag.

Relan bags are designed for those who combine individual style with a sense of purpose. Companies are encouraged to reuse exhibition banners, billboards or vinyl signs. The PR program concept is for customers to place orders in advance when they see a banner they love.

This is a mini preview of many companies and methods to bag it with innovative eco style. Buy consciously, folks!

“Mankind isn’t so smart. It took us 5,000 years to put wheels on luggage.” – William McDonough

Suitcases remind me of Corrie Ten Boom’s “The Hiding Place.” The part I remember most is when she’s asking her father about where babies come from – yeah, that question – and her father did something all cool dads should do: he told her to lift his suitcase off the floor, and she, as a young girl, wasn’t strong enough to do so. And he said that that was his answer – there are just some things she can’t handle because of the weight that comes with them, and that was the case with her question. And I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I vowed that if I ever have kids and they ask me that question, and they’re too young to know, I’d do the exact same thing that Corrie’s father did.

I digress. Sort-of.

Sometimes, on Saturdays, I would commute to the suburbs to visit my aunt. And the delicious cakes she bakes. I’d bring my laundry along with me as well, because the price to do laundry is phenomenally high in downtown Chicago (well, compared to using my aunt’s washing machine, which is free). So can you imagine what (additional) pains I’d go through, if no one had thought of putting wheels on suitcases? So that’s my delight for the day: Suitcases on wheels. And who’d have believed that people only thought to do this in the early 1900’s?

Jos. A. Bank offers a wide variety of quality clothing options, from classically tailored suits and tuxedos to business casual and sportswear wear fit for all occasions.

JOS A BANK THANKSGIVING SALE! UP TO 70% OFF

Do you know what it takes to be “short sighted extreme” when packing for holiday? One pair of contacts goes on my eyes, and one extra pair in that silly plastic bag in your hand luggage – along with contact lens solutions travel pack size cordially given me by the optician.  On top of that, approximately 20 pairs of day lenses in the luggage, for which ever reason because I never use day lenses. Well. That was the contacts. Over to the glasses. One pair of glasses that can step in for contacts in a crisis situation. Also known as my “from bathroom to bed-glasses”. Or “sleeping on the plane-glasses”. One pair of reading glasses needed on top of contacts, for reading. One pair of glasses needed for reading without contacts… Got it? Oh, and at least two pairs of sun glasses which will probably mutate in India. And the suitcase contains of course more and extra contacts solutions… I think I’m sure to see this time as well!