USVI-On-Line

Hi

I really like the idea that was said on here of each person bringing 3 items from home to save on money. So I was just wondering what items you bring from home?

Some of my ideas: Mayo, pancake mix, ketchup, canned tuna, oatmeal packets, salt and pepper, Old Bay seasoning.

That's it for my ideas (I'm not very creative).

Do you bring dish soap, laundry soap, or trashbags with you? I hate to bring these itmes if the villa stocks them. I also don't want to have to buy these items in St. John.

Thanks
mel

My experience is that most villas have some supplies there. Usually salt and pepper, sugar, artifical sweeteners, coffee filters left over from prior renters. I brought some spices, fresh garlic, coffee, tea and crystal lite mixes. The Villa should stock paper goods, dish soap, face soap, trash bags and laundry detergent. if you are renting from an agency I would have no problems calling to ask them if you can stop by the office to pick the stuff up. I have been in Caribean Villas store room and its full of that kind if stuff.

I would bring (depending on what you eat) Crackers, Cookies, Cereal, Instant rice and potatoes, Cereal Bars, Pringles, peanut butter, dry jello and pudding mix.
Our villa had bath soap, laundry soap (some), dishwasher soap, liquid soap for the kitchen, trash bags, kleenex, toilet paper and 1 roll of paper towels.
We are definately packing food next year.

None.

Carry-on only rules!

As far as 'dry goods', I say personal tolietries if you need them. All that other stuff...mayo ketch etc., can be picked up at any market in small amounts for just pennies more than at home.

Food to bring is Steaks, Chicken, etc...full meal basics. Don;t get bogged down in the minusha!

oh...one more thing....Coffee, coffee, coffee, and coffee!!

Coffee – 2 lbs ground, Starbuck’s Breakfast Blend
Nutmeg & grater

My whole standard shopping list is at http://www.garvin.us/STJ/Grocery_and_Li ... _List.html

There's a bunch of stuff that I check at the villa before buying:

* Laundry detergent
* Dishwasher detergent
* Dish soap
* Sponges
* Paper towels
* Napkins
* Paper plates
* Toilet paper
* Plastic cups
* Plastic wrap
* Aluminum foil

Cheers, RickG

what are you doing with that Buttermilk, buddy?

I am with Marybeth - buttermilk? Do Tell! Although I suspect pancakes considering the 5 pounds of flour and this slightly disappointments me as I am holding out for something exciting.

Rick - your website will be required reading for our Feb newbies.

We have both taken and not taken food (99% meat) One thing that we do find worthwhile are dry pasta mixes - the type you cook up with oil, milk, butter, etc.

We use them to make pasta salads for the beach and the pastas can easily be dressed up with meat and veggies for a dinner entree. The grandparents stay in at night and these make really simple dinners for them and our son.

The packs weigh nothing and are so cheap that if we don't use them, who cares.

I brought a lot of snacks like crackers, chips (Pringles so they didn't crush), peanuts, cashews, granola bars, dried fruit, trail mix, etc. Then I brought dry Gatorade mix and lemonade mix which came in very handy. I had hungry kids with and they appreciated the snacks when they were done swimming.
Our Villa was well stocked with all of the paper goods and condiments.
Grommit has a good list of what to bring so you may want to PM her, and Rick's list is great too!

Travel light-shop-Eat heavy

We tend to focus on light, dry goods, that would be pricier (or more difficult) to find on island:

Cold brew ice tea
Powdered Gator-ade (to stay hydrated)
Crystal light (individual bottled water sized packets)
Equal/or artificial sweetener
Granola/power bars/cereal bars
Pop tarts
Microwave popcorn (also a fun experiment when you leave popcorn leftovers out overnight-- talk about a transformation!)
Pringles
Cookies
The exception is PB&J (they are heavier but we bring them down anyway)
We also bring down sturdy plastic nalgene bottles (which are light and can be filled with the various packets of stuff described above)

Another tip: Each night before we go to bed, we fill up the aforementioned water bottles and put them in the freezer. In the am we take them with us to head to the beach. We drink the liquid as it melts and for the most part the liquid stays cool for most of the day.

PA Girl wrote:I am with Marybeth - buttermilk? Do Tell! Although I suspect pancakes considering the 5 pounds of flour and this slightly disappointments me as I am holding out for something exciting.

Oh, I have something exciting! How about Buttermilk Pancakes in paradise? If you want something more, then we'll have to get up early!



Cheers, RickG

pancakes work for me. can I have sliced bananas on mine?

Now that is a picture of paradise:)

Make mine with mango please!

I'll have a side of bacon with my pancakes, please.

JIM