Not Just a Mom

Hello and happy Monday!

How was your weekend? We had a really good one. Well, I was asleep by 9:30 on Friday night, and I predict I will do the same this Friday. Those early alarm clocks and long days caught up with me.

On Saturday evening, we went to Hadley’s friend’s bat mitzvah, and we had so much fun with our friends too.

Sunday was all about getting back into a routine including church, groceries, laundry and more.

Anyway, it’s already the second Monday of the month, so I’m linking up with some of my favorite bloggers for our Not Just a Mom post.

This year, we’ve discussed:

• Introductions in January
• House rules in February
• Day in the life (weekend edition) in March
• Cleaning hacks in April
• Pet peeves in May
• How we became a mom in June
• Top 5 favorite family activities in July

This month’s topic is what’s in my handbag…

Well, I’ve shared this crossbody/belt bag a few times this summer, and it’s been my “go to” bag all summer. (I tend to switch out bags per season –I usually carry my “hobo” crossbody bag in the fall and spring and then my bigger Barrington tote in the winter)

Anyway, this crossbody has truly fit my needs this summer.

…and what’s inside? Not much!

The white zip pouch holds my credit cards, some cash, lip glass, chapstick, and Airpods. I also always have a pair of sunglasses, a pen, my phone, and my Invisalign case…and that’s it.

I continue to be impressed with myself (haha) for packing a carry-on suitcase, not once, but twice this summer, so I’m going to share about that today too!

So, I’d packed my medium sized suitcase to go to KC because I didn’t have a smaller one for myself.

When I flew to Florida, I borrowed Trav’s carry-on suitcase, but he needed his, so I borrowed Hadley’s once we got to KC. She’d packed using packing cubes, so she just used those when I had her suitcase in California.

The kids have had these suitcases for a couple of years, and they’ve held up nicely.

Since I’m still a “chronic” over-packer, my mom let me use her “compression” packing cubes. I’d never even heard of those! She said she saw them on the Today Show and has used them for travel.

I really was able to pack a few more things because of them.

Here’s how they looked in the suitcase:

Under the biggest one, I was able to put a pair of heels (that I didn’t end up wearing), my tennis shoes (that I only wore once), and my crossbody purse.

My flip flops and flat sandals were under the other packing cubes on the other side of the suitcase.

The only “downside” to these cubes is that they aren’t mesh/see-through to know what’s in them. That being said, I was able to remember what was in each one because I still grouped clothes together.

From top to bottom:

• Biggest –5 dresses and crepe top/shorts set
• Medium –2 swim suits, 2 pjs, cap sleeve sweater
• Medium/large – 2 swim cover-ups, 2 workout leggings, 2 workout tanks, a pair of black shorts, one t-shirt
• Small –underwear, bras, socks

I also packed a long sleeve light-weight sweater and light-weight sweatshirt that I just put on top of the packing cubes.

I wore most everything – I guess I didn’t need the heeled sandals, and I probably could have done without my tennis shoes, but I wanted to commit to working out at least one day (and I did). Also, sometimes we go for hikes, but we didn’t this time. I did get a long walk in two days, but that was mostly on the beach, so I didn’t need the tennis shoes.

There was one dress I didn’t wear, but otherwise, I did a pretty good job wearing what I packed.

I also used my Walmart bag that I got earlier this summer as my other carry-on again. Honestly, this bag was packed full and kind of heavy, but it fit right on top of the suitcase when I pushed it through the airport.

I even got lucky and on the flights back to KC, there was room in the overhead bins for both my suitcase and my bag, so I had a lot more space to stretch my legs.

In my travel bag:

I bought these clear zip travel bags last summer, and they’ve come in handy for all of us when we travel.

• White jewelry pouch
• Two books, Word search book
• White cosmetic bag – makeup, medicine, deodorant, toothbrush, etc.
• Brush and curling iron,
• Clear zip pouch – chargers (phone, Kindle, watch, and portable charger)
• Kindle
• Clear zip pouch – skincare products
• Sound machine
• Then- I usually wore my cardigan, and put my hat on top of the bag

Overall, I know it’s easier to pack in the summer because the clothes are lighter, but I’m so glad I figured this carry-on suitcase out. It was so nice to just get on and off the plane…especially when we landed in KC after midnight!

I can’t wait to read others’ posts about what’s in their handbag…but bear with me as I’m sure this week will be hectic getting back to school with students!

Next month’s topic is about sharing our hobbies. We hope you’ll join us then too whether you are reading our posts or blogging.

Today definitely feels like a Monday; we still have two more work days, and then the students come on Wednesday.

Thanks for reading,

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