I feel like this is the first ten day stretch where I’m not going somewhere. Packing is normally not my forte. (I stress out about it and always forget something despite seriously overpacking.) One thing that I have down pat from all my recent travels is packing toiletries.
I actually feel like packing toiletries is one of the trickiest parts about packing. Yes, you can always get what you need when you get there… but I like using my own products.
My trick? Keep the counter completely clear while you get ready, but don’t put anything you use away. If I’m leaving for the airport early in the morning, I’ll pack my shower things after I use them most likely the night before. Then I do my makeup, but as I apply each product, I made a pile on my counter which all gets added to a toiletry bag at the end. If I’m leaving in the afternoon, I’ll do the same process, but first thing in the morning when I get ready soon. (That is, I always pack my toiletries immediately after my last “getting ready” moment before my trip.)
This also helps ensure that I’m only packing products I actually use and that I don’t forget my favorite must-haves.
The next trick is having the right bags to organize everything in. I LOVE using square or “boxy” shapes for bags because they fit so much more nicely in a suitcase.
I’ve been using Stephanie Johnson products for years. I kind of love having matching sets while packing (for some reason it makes me feel more like a “real” adult ha). They’re great for fitting everything (all the essentials + the extras that you might need) and really do keep everything organized. They sent me a few new bags at the beginning of the year and I’ve certainly gotten major use out of them.
The inside of the ML Traveler is the best. Zippered pouches to keep everything organized, but they’re see-through so you can find everything super easily. And it all zips up beautifully with nice handles.
And… everything can be wiped clean with a damp cloth if something happens to spill inside. Hello, perfect. These have been really key in keeping organized and not forgetting stuff at home or in the hotel.
I use the same trick, and then I always think about what my itinerary is and whether I need anything "extra" from my daily makeup, like a bold lipstick for a night out!
I actually keep a toiletry bag packed at all times so I never have to bother packing it! When I get back home, I see what needs to be replaced, then it's ready for the next time! Saves me a lot of headache when I travel.
Somehow yesterday felt like a week, last month was last year, and last year was a decade ago… but then time is simultaneously going by so fast too. The past ten weeks have gone by in a blink! Everyone warns you it goes by fast and they’re not wrong…. The days are long but oh how I wish time would slow down a bit? Or that maybe I could bottle up a tiny bit of these precious boys at every stage so I could revisit them down the road 🤍
I have grown to LOVE baby wearing. Not only do I think it’s such a nice and cozy way to bond with baby, it’s also incredibly practical, especially when you have a toddler to keep up with too! The @wildbird aerial carrier was a treat for myself- and I’m so obsessed with it. 👶🏼 Leave a comment “wildbird” and I’ll DM you the color I have as well as my personal review of it (including some troubleshooting tips).
Some top level things I like; - it’s easy to put on! - it’s so, so comfortable (for me AND baby!) - the little flap is seamless and provides extra support while baby naps and privacy when we need/want it
This affordable rechargeable LED lamp is cute and then made even cuter with this wicker lampshade! 💡✨ No cords needed- just charge and place wherever you want. (Will be extra perfect for dining outdoors this summer!) 💫 Comment “lamp” and I’ll send you links to the LED lamp ($38 for a pair!) and the lampshade (available in a few styles- including a darling blue).
Not really in the mood to be in photos right now, but I keep telling myself I’ll want to look back on these moments and remember them. (Right?!) when I look at these photos in 10, 20, 30 years…
I hope I remember Jack “rescuing” Rory from a windy tent, not how I stood in front of my closet with tears in my eyes.
I hope I remember watching Jack roll down hills and play hop scotch and scoot down the sidewalk with his besties, not that I caught a glimpse of my reflection and didn’t recognize myself.
I hope I remember sitting outside with my friend happily watching our kids play (while watching the minutes until bedtime tick by), and not that I spent too much time zooming in and examining every new wrinkle on my face.
I hope I remember the pure joy of these early warm days with my little family whom I love so much 🤍
The weather is warming up and I’m feeling slightly more comfortable in my skin every day ☀️ Here’s what I wore last week as a mom of two. I have a two and a half year old toddler and a two month old so I need outfits I feel good in, can chase a little guy around in, AND that I can breastfeed easily while wearing. 🔗 Leave a comment with “OUTFITS” to get links to every outfit I wore!
This room is so very special 🤍 The little cars sprinkled everywhere (watch your step!). A tiny sock, never two, peeled off and tucked somewhere hidden away. Piles of books that grow almost as quickly as the little boy who sleeps here. Outgrown pants and shoes to grow into mingling in the closet. Often messy, and a little cluttered, but a little boy lives here. 🚘☀️🐶📚🧸
(Rory is still in our room, but eventually the boys will share. I can picture their little twin beds already!)
About ten days ago, I noticed that today’s forecast was looking WARM. I told Mike, “We’re walking into town and sitting outside and I’m getting a beer. Put it on your calendar.” It ended up being warmer than forecasted (almost eighty degrees!) and let me tell you, it delivered. Today felt like the beginning of The Season™: dinners al fresco, beers/fries/ice creams, and late bedtimes. Indulging in it all because the kids are only getting older and we’re the grownups (somehow) and we get to make the rules ✌🏻
Dress is @tuckernuck & sweater is @kiltecollection
@pennylinndesigns and I hosted a “learn to needlepoint” class this past weekend and it was everything ✨ Needlepoint has been such a bright spot in my life over the past five years- and it’s gotten me through some difficult times. Because it’s helped me so much, sharing this hobby with others has turned into a mini life mission of mine. To sit in a room (my beautiful office space designed by @clare.sull!) with pro stitchers and needlepoint newbies alike was one of my dreams come true. I loved seeing women chatting, meeting, and bonding over this beautiful craft 🪡 Honestly, the needlepoint world is (sadly) filled with a lot of gatekeeping and competitiveness; this weekend proved that it doesn’t have to- and shouldn’t- be this way! It’s for EVERYONE. Whether you’ve never picked up a canvas in your life or you’re working on heirloom stockings for your family, there’s room for everyone at this table.
📍 Leave a comment saying “needlepoint” and I’ll send you my go-to resources for getting started with needlepoint!
Thanks for these tips! I always tend to forget something however I've gotten better at packing over the years. PS Love matching toiletry cases.
I use the same trick, and then I always think about what my itinerary is and whether I need anything "extra" from my daily makeup, like a bold lipstick for a night out!
xo, Katie
hyperactive daydream
Thank you for sharing some tips!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
these are really cute bags!
Such cute bags! I really should invest in some travel bags… I always use a giant ziplock!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
I actually keep a toiletry bag packed at all times so I never have to bother packing it! When I get back home, I see what needs to be replaced, then it's ready for the next time! Saves me a lot of headache when I travel.