Happy Bagel Day Friday!
Today I celebrated with a pumpernickel with plain cream cheese and hazelnut coffee. Mmm.
I wanted to get pumpkin cream cheese, but it won’t be here till the 29th! I may have to get some when I get back from vacay!
Lunch was something magical altogether. I tried tamales for the first time! These were chicken tamales and that steamed corn outside is just lovely and totally addicting.
Hello tender corn stuffs!
***
Since this past week has been crazy, I’ve left packing till the last minute. I had to get everything done tonight since tomorrow will be busy with activities.
This meant missing out on 2 fun things:
- Friday Zumba
- Froyo with Amanda!
*very sad face*
Hubby at least forced me to have a good dinner out. But, not without me first taking an initial stab at packing up. I got a lot of the major items laid out before we headed out for eats.
He also made the great suggestion of a beer. Great way to end the week with a nice Cottonwood IPA.
Hubby and I split this HUGE platter of food at Macs: pulled pork, pulled turkey, beef brisket, beer can chicken, green bean casserole and mac and cheese…plus texas toast.
Doesn’t that mac and cheese look divine!?
We had a great BBQ dessert, too – Banana Pudding!
I’m struggling a bit with the packing, only because I need to pack for: a work conference and then a vacation – two totally different things.
Now, I wonder if I can fit all this stuff in one carryon? Hmm. Maybe if I try the ole roll-your-clothes trick, I’ll get the job done?
Here are some of my efficient packing tips for trips:
- Choose a base color scheme – brown or black – bring shoes and clothes that all coordinate – mine all seem to fit nicely in these 2 main categories and it reduces the need for extra shoes, accessories, and outer layers.
- If you can, plan outfits around what you’re doing each day of the trip. If you know you’re only going out to one fancy dinner of your trip, then just bring one dress. If the next day you’re spending at the beach, bring a bikini and cover up items.
- Pick items you can switch around between outfits in case you want flexibility in what you wear.
- Make a list, check it twice – list out your clothes (2-3 tank tops, 1 shorts, etc), accessories (sunglasses, belt, etc.), and extras (camera, USB cord, etc.) – it will hel pyou stay on track.
- Bring re-usable items. I like cardigans because they don’t get dirty as fast as your undershirts. I like to bring a couple bottom shirts/tank that can go with 1 cardigan twice or more.
- Use all your space. Stuff socks inside shoes and fill all the cracks and crevices if you can.
- If you’re trying to choose between 2 items to pack (for example, you want to bring one dress but you’re torn between 2) choose the one that is lighter and smaller.
- If you’re flying, try to use your personal item and carryon bags for all your stuff. It’s how business travelers fly and it’s much more efficient, time-saving, and cost-saving now that airlines have all those baggage check fees. Plus you don’t have to worry about lost baggage or people going through your stuff.
What are your efficient packing tips?
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
The rolling trick works every time! I never used to be able to carry on until I tried it. I also buy travel sizes of my favorite beauty products or just rely on the hotel toiletries if its a nice place
I love the hotel toiletries, too, but they are so different at each place! Plus I really like my brands. Ergh! lol
I do tend to rely on hotels for lotion almost every time since that’s a staple 99% of the time.
I’ve never had tamales but I hear they are awesome.
Good luck with packing. I hate it but I better get over it soon because we have to pack up the entire house. We’re moving in a few weeks!! This tip doesn’t necessarily pertain to packing for a trip, but someone told me to wrap all of my fragile things in my towels and clothes to save space. Great idea!
omg, try them! they’re so different. i find myself getting bored of food once in awhile, so trying something new in flavors or textures or both is awesome!
Good luck with your move!
Oh man, you don’t want my packing tips. I am the worst packer! I always bring WAY too much!
At first I thought that was a chocolate bagel and got really excited. Haha and that banana pudding looks amaazing!!
Omg, your dinner looks amazing!
I’m so jealous you have an Einstein’s near you! I tried it for the first (and only) time two years ago while visiting Indianapolis and completely fell in LOVE. Unfortunately, we don’t have one anywhere remotely close…so I’m confined to Brueggers.
Brueggers is pretty awesome, though!
I think their bagels are actually better…as in, preparation-wise and quality. That’s the word on the street at least.
I try and pack my most comfortable clothes, and for stuff that takes up a lot of space (coats, shoes) I limit myself to 1 or 2 and bring the most versatile things.
Looks like you’ve got it under control!
Throw my entire wardrobe in a huge suitcase and call it a day ; ) Fast and efficient. : )
If only it were that easy!