I have been to a few scrapbooking retreats and hosted a couple - Congrats on getting to attend! You're going to have a GREAT time! First of all, definitely try to plan what you're going to work on and only take the accompanying papers, stickers, embellishments, etc. People that pre-plan get more done. I always overpack because I'm afraid I'll run out of stuff to work on, but I never have. Now, I usually just bring extra pictures and thought if I finished everything, I'd just sit and crop. Which I've never gotten to do! Plus, although I get a lot done, it makes me feel like I didn't because I didn't get to everything I brought to work on. And its a lot of extra lugging! You didn't explain the accommodations, so I'm not sure if you're going to a cabin type place or a motel. I usually go to a cabin retreat and we have to bring food in. Its usually really low key, and everyone is grouped up to provide one meal and some snacks. Some of the ones I've been on, people are more uptight about the meals - like everyone has to eat together. If I'm working on something or in the middle of something, I'd rather ramble in whenever I want. Also, I'm a night owl, so I'm usually the last one up at night and sometimes I wasn't up in time for the 'group' breakfast. Just see how it goes in your group, most people understand that everyone is there to do their own thing and enjoy the weekend. Ask your host about the music situation. More than likely there will be something to play music on and you can bring some CDs to share. The retreats I go on, there's always a broad age range of people, so it worked out better to play young and hip stuff later at night when the older gals went to bed. Their idea of energized music will be WAY different from yours! I always bring an i-pod to listen to as well. It helps if the group music really sucks and to tune people out if their talking starts to get on your nerves or to help you stay focused on your own project without being interrupted. Sometimes, there's also a tv and dvd player, so you could ask if you should bring a couple movies to listen to also. Some of us would mix a few cocktails or open a bottle of wine after dinner, so if you'd like to partake, be sure to pack that. You might have to ask if they have a blender if you're doing mud slides or margaritas. Some ladies are only there for this part of the retreat and to get some time away from their families. I've been on retreats where some people didn't even open a scrapbook! So just be aware of that and participate to the extent you want to in that area! We also did pampering things in the evenings. Nothing is better than sipping a glass of wine, working on your book, and soaking your feet!!! Bring along the nail polish or whatever else you haven't had time to do at home and work it into your weekend! Also bring along a pair of walking shoes to go for walks and stretch during the day, also a swimsuit if the facilities have a hot tub, moist heat neck wrap, massager or something similar for stiff necks and shoulders and the end of the day. One retreat I was at had a massage therapist you could schedule appointments with - it was AWESOME! At the place we go to, we also suggest bringing a desk lamp for your table because the lighting at night isn't the best (totally depends on your facility though). I'm sure your host has a whole list of suggested items to bring and can tell you more about the facilities. You'll want to find out if you have to share a bed or a room and how much table space you get. We tried to group night owls and morning people together in the same room or same level so they didn't bother anyone coming in and out. We would try to give people their own 8' table, but it depends on the room arrandment. You might want to tell your host that you want to all sit together. If you put two tables parallel, then push them together and slide another table up perpendicular to that, you'll have a group set up where all three will be facing each other. Usually the host puts people together that know each other, but you'd hate for one of you to be off alone all weekend! Most of all make it YOUR weekend. Its truly a time to accomplish things you can't get to at home, have a weekend OFF, and socialize with your girlfriends. You'll miss your family a TON and if you're like me, you'll have to call home three times a day to make sure they're okay (don't forget the cell charger)! But, you'll go home feeling relaxed, accomplished, and refreshed! I'm jealous! Have a great time and get lots done! I hope this helps!
