Packing Tips, Q&A with Adelade, Adventurous Paper Products
Packing Tips, Q&A with Adelade, Adventurous Paper Products
Apparently this is a travel newsletter?? With some fitness so we have the energy to DO those travels!
Don’t want to be a hot mess on your next trip?
The suitcase I bought from Bentley luggage at the Central Station in Montreal for $20, 20 years ago finally broke. The wheels came away from the suitcase and I was basically dragging it on the ground. I still have to buy a replacement suitcase. I was totally put off by a hard side, but so many of you love it and had such good tips about it. I could tell a lot of you are just as passionate about packing and organization as me so I thought I would crowd source more hot tips.
My tips:
-So many of you love your hard sides I might convert, but to date I’ve purchased this luggage which is both within Air Canada’s strict carry on guidelines and packs 45 litres… almost as much as the Away or Monos Pro Plus. I’ve been on a plane where someone has shoved their pro plus in an overhead bin and it wouldn’t close. The plane almost couldn’t leave because it wouldn’t fit and they couldn’t find the owner (they were in a different part of the plane). Because of that I’m pretty wary of any ‘super sized’ carry on.
-I now include an empty duffel bag. I used an old MEC one in LA, but have upgraded to this packable version, which has great reviews, a variety of colours and sizes. We pack so tight that once we get to our destination it’s a nice place to put our shoes and dirty laundry. It very much came in handy when we packed in a hurry to evacuate at Jasper! I did check this in at the end of my last trip, and it was fine. If you want to be fancy, Paravel also has a version.
-Super nerdy, but I may a copy of ALL of our necessary documents in case we lose anything. I keep one version at home and take one in my carry on. Peace of mind.
I have so many more tips but I’ll hand it over to my readers and save the rest for another time!
Reader Tips
Kristen Facciol:
After many years and many trips for different reasons (vacation, business, solo, and with a kid in tow), I’ve finally refined some approaches to make things feel a little less stressful:
-Travel Planning: If you have flexibility and control of your dates there are some things to keep in mind… weekends are usually busier and more expensive, BUT not everything is open during the week. It really depends on where you’re going and what you want to do! Returning home on a Friday allows for some time to unpack, do laundry and adapt a bit before heading back to work on Monday. Coming home on a Sunday always feels like sheer chaos, especially if travel is delayed in any way.
- Before you travel: Make a modular packing/to do list and share with a partner if applicable. Figure out what you need depending on the purpose or destination, collaborate and check things off as you go
-Packing: If flying, make sure you have a day/night worth of stuff for each traveller in your carry on just in case your luggage doesn’t make it. Upon arrival, I like to unpack everything and repack as I go once done with an item. This makes departure much smoother!
- Favourite products: I am a huge fan of packing cubes for separating out stuff per person or purpose. We use a variety of brands, but colour coding per person works well. If traveling with a young kid, I could not recommend the SlumberPod enough.
Anna (mom of 3):
Diaper Bag: Pack as usual including a change of clothes. If you are travelling with babies or toddlers you can bring liquids such as hot water in a thermos for use in formula, and fruit pouches. Each individual pouch will be checked at security so be sure to allow yourself extra time.
Change of Clothes: Pack an extra change of clothes for your entire family in your carry on. Yes, including you. (Michelle’s note: I once had a particularly bad experience and went through a change of clothes for me, and TWO change of clothes for each kid - it happens).
Wet Bags: Pack extra clothes in these which are re-usable and washable. They save your clothes in case of spills but also are a great way to store dirty clothes. (Michelle’s note: Anna told me she likes Bummi’s brand wet bags or makes her own)
Medical Records: Keep this handy in your carry-on luggage.
Carry on: Organize by importance. Pack things you might need for easy and fast access.
Jeannine:
Space saver vacuum seal bags with a pump! We only travel with carry ons (family of 4).We take the pump for the return trip, and it doesn’t take up much room in the suitcase.
I recommend Away for luggage. They offer hard shells in a variety of sizes. And colors! They have one divider that is hard and you can use it to compress your stuff and the other side zips up. The divider also has pockets. They also give you a bag for the suitcase to store it in as if it was a fancy purse and they give you a special cleaning sponge. (Michelle’s Note: I was also recommended Monos but only the matte colours)
Ziplock bags! They are perfect if you travel with kids - or just want to plan outfits. Packing cubes are awesome but you cant really see what is in there) and that’s where the ziplock bags come in handy. We packed this way when we travelled to Greece. I had a wedding and different locations and certain clothes were for a certain place.
I like airtags because I know where my luggage is... yes, now Air Canada has tracking in their app, but I don’t really trust them. We had a situation where my luggage was at the airport in Hamburg confirmed via my air tag but Air Brussels claimed they had no idea where it was. And I mean.. it seems so easy for people to just grab a suitcase and leave. I also recommend air tags for the kids for a similar reason (Michelle’s Note: I can’t tell if she’s joking about air-tagging the kids or not lol)
Emma F.:
Packing cubes are a necessity! If the company that makes your suitcase makes packing cubes, I recommend using those since they're designed specifically to fit their luggage. If not...
Check your discount stores for more less expensive packing accessories. Marshall's, TJMaxx, and similar stores often have travel accessories for less than you'd find online.
I can't live without my cord organizer. I've seen this one recommended more than any other. (I have a Vera Bradley one I don't like, but it does the job.)
Phone power bank. Anker is the best I've used. It charges quickly, has enough power for at least one full charge, and doesn't overheat. (Absolutely do not get Casely-they charge so slowly and almost always overheat.
Q&A with a Fitness Professional - Adelade LaFontaine from AGM Fitness
My name is Adelade LaFontaine and I am a Certified Personal Trainer and Behaviour Change Specialist working online and in-person at PWR Studio located in Westmount, Montreal.
I specialize in helping women over 30 start strength training with a focus on functional training to help them feel the benefits in their everyday lives so that they actually want to keep going!
I use behavior change strategies to help my clients stay consistent and work through challenges instead of quitting or reverting to old behaviors when things don’t go according to plan :)
You can learn more about my programs at www.agmhealthfitness.com and find me on Instagram @agmhealthfitness
What do you say to people who expect a quick fix? So much of our life is now instant from instant movies to next day delivery. How do you manage expectations?
When people expect a quick fix, I try to be as honest and realistic as possible. The truth is, this should become a habit that integrates into their lifestyle, not just a short-term solution. Quick fixes, like training 5-6 times a week with a restrictive meal plan, aren't sustainable and often lead back to old patterns.
One session a week is better than nothing, but it won’t bring significant change. Focusing on small, consistent tasks is key. By making small, manageable nutritional changes and 2-3 strength training sessions a week, you’ll start feeling better in just 2 weeks or less, and in 3 months, you’ll start to see real progress. That’s why I design my programs as a minimum 12-week commitment—to build consistency in and out of the gym and achieve lasting results.
A lot of people are interested in fitness, but not everyone turns it into a career. What was the moment or reason you decided to do this job.
I remember a particular moment in my first fitness job in 2017 as an intern where I coached someone through their first push-up. Being able to coach someone through something they once thought was impossible was amazing. This woman was so proud of herself and it sparked something inside of me. I knew that I wanted to make more women feel this way about themselves.
I put that dream aside to continue my career in event management until COVID forced me to pivot out of live events. My own personal mental and physical health was declining and I realized something needed to change.
I used my newfound free time to get my Personal Training Certification and started hosting online classes during a time where women were seeking community and also trying to take control of their health in the best ways they could.
Any advice you wish you’d gotten at the start of your career?
You don’t have to be perfect or know everything to get started. Other trainers will know more than you and that’s okay. Learn from them. Also that it’s okay to be a quieter, laid back trainer (this was something I was always worried about because I’m a shy person). Not everyone has to be an in your face, super bubbly hype type.
What’s the ideal amount of exercise someone should aim to get? Is there an area to prioritize?
Approximately 150 minutes a week or more is ideal with 2-3 of those exercise sessions days being strength training (which you can do in 30-45 minutes). The rest can be any combination of walking, running, swimming, cycling…things you enjoy. I don’t like to give a daily amount because some days it’s okay to just sit on the couch and do NOTHING.
What do you think the biggest fitness BS is?
Anything that involves getting a “snatched waist” or 30 day weight loss/quick fix challenges.
If you had 3 hours more per day what would you do with it?
Probably more of my own self-care. It’s easy for us trainers and coaches to tell others what to do but it’s tough when it comes to listening to our own advice (eye roll emoji). Specifically, I’d focus on yoga, stretching, and journaling.
If you could do a workout with anyone, who would it be and why?
Jake Gylenhaal because doing anything (even a workout) would be enjoyable while looking at him!
Do you have any exciting plans for AGM Health & Fitness?
Yes! I’m about to launch my first online coaching program for women over 30 who want to learn the basics of strength training from home and more importantly, how to stay consistent and change behaviors for good.
This might be the first program where women are supposed to “fail” in order to practice new strategies for overcoming obstacles and committing to the process.
Where can we find you?
I work out of PWR Studio in Westmount, but I also work with clients online, offering personalized, holistic coaching that goes beyond just workouts. I specialize in helping women over 30 build sustainable fitness habits and overcome gym anxiety. You can read more about my program offerings here. All programs start with a free consultation which you can book here.
Whether you're looking for in-person training or want to join my online beginner strength training program, I’ve got you covered. I am currently accepting waitlist sign-ups for the group program starting mid September 2024. Plus, you can take the first step today by grabbing my free Beginner’s Guide to Strength Training.
I can’t wait to help you make fitness a part of your lifestyle without the overwhelm or fear of failure. Let’s find a routine that works for you and your unique lifestyle. :)
Thank you Adelade!
Wildly - Paper Products for the Adventurous
I recently came back from Banff where I stumbled across this cute store that carried a ton of stuff from the Canadian company Wildly.
It’s mostly focused on the Canadian Rockies but also sells stuff like Camping and Climbing journals and cute cards. We got the Banff poster and I can’t wait to hang it up.
Have you ever had a memorable meal in an airport? Usually we think of airports as the bastion of terrible food (Pork & the Pickle at YUL anyone?) but apparently it’s not always like that.
Are leggings dead? I hate to get rid of anything for a trend, but I like the idea of moving on from leggings, I have to be honest.
Books I’ve Read
If you’re into Greek Mythology try this one (thanks Vagg for the recc). We also listened to the podcast Greeking Out for about 12 while we did our massive circumnavigation of the rockies (we were evacuated from Jasper due to fires and had to go through BC to get to Canmore).
If you’re into lead characters of very popular books that you will never like try this or this.
Jessica Nabongo is the first black woman to visit every state, continent and COUNTRY in the world. Her book The Catch Me If You Can is an inspiration and aspirational look into some of her favourite countries. I love it because it really makes me look at places I wouldn’t have considered or would have looked past and think maybe I could go there! (Just what my mom and husband want to hear ;)
Anthony Bourdain - World Travel: An Irreverent Guide is a bit odd. It’s a travel guide mostly written by Laurie Woolever, who assisted Tony and helped him write another book. So… it’s written posthumously. It’s an odd mix of advice on how to arrive and get around the country (seems like there are better places to find that info?), some essays, quotes from his shows and his favourite restaurants at each location. It really does feel like someone pulled random bits and tried to put something together. Honestly, just watch the shows which you can find for free on YouTube. If you do want to know more about Tony I highly recommend In The Weeds by Tom Vitale which gives a MUCH more better glimpse into the behind the scenes and who he was.
NOTE: I’m not sure how to link these books. I originally didn’t want to link to a store but I realize not everyone has a Good Reads account and maybe you have to have one to follow through on the link? Let me know.
Take Me There
Cute design, gorgeous location, great food - Austria’s never been high on my ‘must return’ list but this hotel may make me think twice.
Want a fun activity? Every kid likes a different cake? Head to Megateaux in Verdun where you choose your base, frosting and topping. They also have other backed treats. There’s no real sign but a sandwich board to keep an eye out for it!
Accio Cup is a cute café near Concordia selling a variety of unique asian and non-asian treats like cheesecake with a twist, crookie (cookie-croissant mashup) and teas. I had the rice yoghurt drink and loved it but my husband absolutely hated it so I guess that one is to taste.
Royalmount is open with about 50% of the stores open now - many will open later in the month and more will open in 2025. First half hour of parking is free, and you get an extra free half-hour if you download Royalmount’s parking app. It’s $2.50 per half hour after that or take the metro which is linked by a 200m skybridge. My quick take aways:
-Le Fou Fou - a European style food hall with 12 dining options and four bars
-Rennaï - a 36,000 square foot multi-brand beauty space including Canadian exclusives like Victoria Beckham
-Public art trail
-Largest LEED Gold retail project in Canada
-An aquarium (!) will open in 2026
And no… I haven’t been and have no idea when I will go!
-The Main’s Best New Restaurants in Montreal September 2024
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Michelle Little is a photographer who specializes in family, maternity, newborn, headshots and boudoir. I offer studio, in-home and outdoor photography. You can see her website here and get in touch here.
I also have an insanely popular photography newsletter you can sign up to here for news, mini session announcements and more. Once a year I giveaway a free studio session to a lucky subscriber (maybe that’s why it’s insanely popular?)