My Packing List: Part 2

Hey again,

As promised, here's my madness method of packing toiletries for a trip. Keep in mind, choosing toiletries is completely personal, and this is simply my way of picking what to bring. If you're sane, you'll use a bit more scrutiny than I do...

Here we go!

First, I go through my daily routine and note what essential products come into play at each step:

• Wake up/shower time: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, loofah, pumice stone, bath gloves, razor & blades, towel, face washcloth, face wash, toner, acne treatment, spot treatment, Q-tips, cotton balls, deodorant, brush/comb.

• Make up time: face lotion w/ SPF, BB cream, concealer, eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, blush

• Hair time: hair brush/comb, leave in conditioner, hair gel, hair spray, dry shampoo, mini flat iron, headbands, mini hair ties, bobby pins

• Bed time: lotion, baby wipes (for makeup)

Next, I think about the things I use less often, but still need on occasion, such as medicine. 

• Other/misc./meds: tweezers, perfume, sunscreen, nail file, nail clippers, nail polish, polish remover, hand sanitizer, pain pills, allergy pills, band-aids (for blisters), lint roller, dryer sheets, 

After this, I toss out anything that can be easily picked up at my destination, or is too bulky to take such as sunscreen. Then I go through and rebottle anything above 3.4 oz., which is the size limit for carry on liquids, gels and aerosols. This time, I reused hotel shampoo and conditioner bottles, and tiny hand sanitizer bottles to pack some of my own products.

Once I've made sure all of the lids are tightly screwed on (and taped if they're loose), the liquids go straight into a clear divider in my makeup case (1 quart, as per TSA regs.).

Whatever doesn't fit gets abandoned in order of how easily it can be reacquired at point B, and the solid stuff goes into another section of my toiletry kit to save precious space!

Bam. So so simple.

Next time I'll show you my capsule wardrobe for the trip.

Au revoir!

My Packing List: My Method Part 1

Hello all!

Today I'm going to ramble about how I personally create a trip-specific packing list for clothes, shoes and accessories. This is the method that works for me, not universally, so try to be open-minded and enjoy!

First, I consider the length of the trip and THE SIZE LIMITS OF MY BAGGAGE. This gives me a guideline as to how many pieces of clothing to bring. In this particular case, I'll be away for 43 days, but I still need to be able to fit everything into one carry on bag.

Second, I look up the weather for my destination. During my stay in Moncton, the weather could be anywhere from low 60s to mid 80s, with the occasional rain shower. This let me know to bring a variety of clothes to fit different weather and temperature scenarios such as a rain coat, tank tops, and items that can be (un)layered such as cardigans and scarves.

Third, I list out all of the things I will be doing while I'm away from home.

• Going to class
• Walking and exploring
• Volunteering
• Going to the pool and beach
• Going out at night
• Attending a welcome dinner and completion ceremony

This helps me decide what situation-specific stuff needs to make it onto my final list, such as comfy shoes, sandals a bathing suit (or 4), and a mix of casual and dressy pieces such as a blazer and versatile dresses.

Fourth, I evaluate all of the clothes I already have AHEAD OF TIME, try everything on, and set aside what I think will work for the trip (including PJs, undershirts, and undergarments) onto one side of my closet. I then narrow the core pieces down to a neutral color palette. For Canada, I chose black, white, blue and tan. Bolder colors can be added later with statement pieces and accessories.

The 'Canada half' of my closet

Over the course of a few weeks, I move things back and fourth from that side of the closet based on several factors:

• Comfort: Do I feel confident while wearing it? Does it fit comfortably?
• Flexibility: Does it fit my color palette? Does it match with several other items including common pairs of shoes? Can it be layered?
• Packability: Does it roll or fold small? Is it wrinkle resistant? Does it require no special care?
• Personality: Does it reflect who I am as a person? Does it give off the kind of impression I would like to emit?

In this stage, I pre-pack at least one to insure everything will fit in my luggage.

Fifth, with the above rules in mind, I make a list of the other essential items and accessories I need to supplement what I already have to complete my trip-worthy wardrobe. Then, I shop! Still, I try to work around my neutral  base colors, adding pops of color in the form of light scarves.

Finally, I try everything on and create outfits! The less flexible items can be eliminated in this step, leaving only the most mixable pieces. Then, I take pictures of everything so I can remember what to put together when I'm away (and of course share with you all!).

There you have it! Stick around for more on my packing methods.

Until then, tell me how you choose what clothes to take when you travel in the comments below.

See ya!

Calendar Update

Bonjour tout le monde,

I've added a few dates to the calendar tab.

To have a look, click below.



À bientôt!

C'est L'été!

Bonjour mes amis,

It is officially summer, and I can finally breath again! No more classes, online course work, or internship hours to get in the way of my relaxing... ;)

However, I have made a few goals that I would like to accomplish before departing to Canada next month. Here they are in no particular order:

• Get all moved in and comfortable in our new house, so I don't leave any craziness or clutter behind
• Read back into the 'Tightwad Abroad' archives and make all the updates I promised to make when I first started blogging (Sorry guys...!)
• Spend lots of time with Matt so I can try not to miss him so much :/
• Actually practice my French so I'm not crushed by the 'No English' rule on the Moncton campus
• Reconnect with family members who I haven't devoted adequate time to this semester
• List all my old textbooks on Amazon
• Continue to sell things I don't need on Ebay so I don't go broke while I'm away
• Pack AHEAD OF TIME so I don't end up bringing 4 suitcase worth of stuff I won't use

Essentially I'm going to be pretty busy up until the day I leave... Luckily I'm super motivated to get things done and out of the way so I can concentrate on my studies an having a good time when I go away!

P.S. CONGRATS GRADUATES! I am so proud of all of you who worked your butt off in pursuit of your dreams and a higher quality of life. You are an inspiration! Good luck in your future endeavors and take care of your grown up a** selves!

xoxoxo