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.
Nothing says summer to me like finally being able to have dinner outside with our friends. We are gearing up for al fresco dining with @mackenziechilds pieces in their iconic Royal Check– the blue and white pattern couldn’t be more “me” and fits in perfectly with my summertime aesthetic. I especially love that each #mackenziechilds handcrafted piece has a unique signature of its own and no two pieces are identical. Don’t forget to use my exclusive code CARLYROYAL15 to save 15% off for the next 48 hours. Valid once per shopper. #MCPartner #RoyalCheckCollection
Move over coastal grandmother, it’s going to be a red hot summer for me ❤️💃🏻🔥 I am love-love-loving red lately and I am incorporating the hue more and more into my everyday outfits. It’s a little bolder than I typically go for and, even though I’m three months postpartum, I’m feelin’ it! 👉🏻 Leave a comment saying “red” and I’ll send you the links to my outfits featured in the Reel!
My little roar-bear and I made it through the fourth trimester together 🧸 These past twelve weeks have flown by. I can’t wrap my head around the fact that we only just met- I feel like I have known Rory my whole life.
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.
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.