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.
I have been calling myself a Chill Mom™️ since having Jack and now I’m realizing that I’m even chiller with Rory. (Like is birth order really less about sibling order and more about the version of mom you’re born to?) I’ve been just rolling with Rory’s infancy and I’m so much happier. Maybe it’s just that I’m more tired with a toddler too, or know that it’s going to go by so fast, or just have more confidence… probably a combination. I feel less obsessive and less stressed out by the details. I’m “making it” without having to fake it. As an example, today I noticed I hadn’t tracked a single nap- just watching sleepy cues and trying to get to a “good enough” pattern as Rory’s naps consolidate. Is he following a ~perfect~ nap schedule? No. Are we thriving? Frankly, yes!
(If you want to read my original Chill Mom post, comment “chill mom” and l’ll send it to you via DM!)
We came, we saw elephants, we ate ice cream 🐘🦒🦓 @ashleybrooke and I always talk about how we became FAST friends. Somehow we have been right there with each other during some of life’s worst moments… so it’s extra sweet that we now get to celebrate the good ones! Watching our boys play together, a little baby in a stroller, and another baby on the way… it’s everything we dreamed of.
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!
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.