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Monday, February 6, 2012

Overpacking Intervention

what I found after my shower one morning
perhaps I should implement a "no playing in Mommy's closet" rule

My closet is woefully small. The only things keeping the tears at bay are that Ryan has his own (matching, woefully small) closet on the other side of our room, and my wardrobe is, unfortunately, fairly small itself.

Abbey doesn't see the deficiencies in my closet and insists on playing shoe store and clothes store during naptime lately, in addition to her old favorites, makeup store and jewelry store.  Her ability to strip hangers and sweep shelves clean in record time make my mini-closet even more hazardous, especially when I'm in the midst of wardrobe evaluation.

I guess it's time to toss the maternity clothes, but I can't seem to part with my wedding shoes.

Despite a mish-mash of clothing lacking in key pieces (how do I not yet own a cute blazer?), I'm cobbling together my packing list for Blissdom, and I'm once again aware of my need to learn to pack.

I haven't even added the things I'll need for the rest of our week-long jaunt to Nashville, and my list is reading like a Christmas song.

12 Toiletry Products
11 Types of makeup
10 Pieces of jewelry
9 Workout items
8 Undergarments
7 Shirts and jeans
6 Pairs of shoes
5 Makeup brushes
4 Cardigan sweaters
3 Casual dresses
2 Fancy dresses
and
1 Fully loaded tote bag

My nerves are gathering together in the packing section of my brain, compensating for my other worries about the trip by trying to guarantee I have choices about what to wear.  I know it's not about the clothes, but I feel more comfortable when I feel pretty.

Hopefully by next week I'll have a better grasp on what I actually need and what I'm bringing as a security blanket. 

And I'll try to leave those things at home.

After all, I need room in my suitcase for the fabulousness of the Handmade Marketplace.

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23 comments:

  1. I have a top/ bottom ratio rule when I pack: for every one bottom, I bring 3 tops that will match. For shoes, one comfy pair that goes with everything and one fancy pair for those 2 fancy dresses/ outfits. To save on more space, instead of bringing 2 dresses, bring one, and find a pretty top to go with nice, dark jeans for a night out. Same jeans can be worn in the daytime!

    For toiletries, where possible, I find miniatures of my regular cleanser and moisturizer - saves space! I also keep makeup simple - neutral lip gloss, one pretty lipstick, a small 6-color eye palette, blusher, mascara.

    Good luck with the packing! :)

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  2. You also. Red to leave room or take another bag for swag. Trust me. :)

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  3. Need to leave room... That's what I get for commenting from my phone!

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  4. The thought of packing for a blog conference is more intimidating to me than the thought of actually attending. They seem like such fashion shows! And I'm not always entirely confident in my fashion sense. Plus, I'm with you in that I always feel more comfortable when I'm feeling pretty and self-assured in my appearance. 

    That said, how exciting that you're going to Blissdom. I'm almost-but-not-quite a little jealous - blog conferences aren't quite on my "to-do" list this year. Maybe next year. Baby steps. :)

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  5. Oh, I way over-packed for BlogHer. I haven't even thought about what I will wear to Blissdom but looking forward to shopping a bit for the occasion!

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  6. Just bring a really big suitcase and plenty of change if you need to go to the laundry mat. See you soon! 

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  7. Sigh.  And sigh again.  I wish I were going with you.  But I can't WAIT to hear how it was!

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  8. i recently "culled the herd" in my closet and have a very woefully small wardrobe. And not really any money to buy clothes for Blissdom.  So we shall both see what happens :)  love the honesty in the picture sharing, as well as describing what happens to your closet during naptime!

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  9. I am the worst when it comes to overpacking! I have had to pay at the airport because my suitcas is too heavy one too many times. Ha!

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  10. Oh, I know!  And I'm driving to Nashville, so I don't have to worry about that.  I am REALLY going to go overboard.  Sigh.

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  11. But you're coming??  You can borrow one of the seventeen extra outfits I seem intent on packing :)

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  12. Missy, I wish you were coming, too.  One day...

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  13. Giggle.  Yes.  A giant suitcase!

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  14. You'll have to let me know what you find!

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  15. I am nervous :)  About the going AND the packing.  I am pretty sure the people who say I shouldn't worry about what to wear have much better wardrobes to work with ;)

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  16. You should come pack for me ;)  (if only that were possible, right?)  That is absolutely great advice!  Thanks Alison.  Now to implement it...

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  17. So true story...
    We went to Vegas for 3 days and I packed enough clothes for a month...because I secretly wanted to live there...kidding...maybe...anyways we get to the airport and the airplane person said "Your bag weighs too much. You are going to have to pay another 90 bucks!"....gulp.
    So we emptied out our suitcase cramming everything into our carry on.
    We made it by a pound.
    Yeah, so I'm with you.

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  18. I am already freaking out about what to pack. Then again, I still need to shop for those things too. Ugh!

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  19. Oh you will look fabulous!  Can you believe that I don't own a cute blazer either?

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  20. Enjoy your trip, and don't worry too much... bring what you want!

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  21. I like that link up. I'll have to stop by next week. Now don't get rid of the wedding shoes. I don't know how long you've been married but my are from '97 - borderline hideous to look at - half a size too small now even if they did come back in style for me to use them. Yet, I'll keep them forever. 

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  22. Um yes, I am queen of overpacking. Except for when I went to haiti. On that trip I took the flats and comfy clothes literally--only to find out that half of the group brought things for the dinner that were not flats, and not just comfy.  That is what I get for underpacking! And you my friend, will look fabulous--- and will have a great time, regardless of what you are wearing! 

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  23. I so relate.  I'm so wishing for you to feel beautiful and prepared for the conference.

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