travel

Week In Review (February 18 – 24, 2013)

February 24, 2013 by OrganizedJen 122 Comments

Hello, friends! I’m writing this as I rest post race at Walt Disney World with an ice pack on my left knee and two new shiny metals glittering on the nightstand next to me. It’s been one heck of a busy week for this busy bee, but also one filled with many accomplishments (or personal triumphs, as I like to call them). I’m so happy to be able to share my thoughts on the past week with you. Your continuous support never ceases to amaze me!

Cramming It All In Before WDW

I mentioned I’ve been even busier this week than usual. That’s because I did a whole lot of filming, editing, uploading, and scheduling to cover my three YouTube channels while I’m away. I knew I didn’t want to leave a ten day gap with no content whatsoever and it turned out to be quite the feat to get all I had planned ready before my departure. I am proud to say I managed to complete seven videos in advance to publish on YouTube while I’m away – one on OLJ, one on MHWL, and five on TBBB. Doing this while keeping up with my regular content posting made for a week’s worth of early wake up calls, but it was worth it. I actually met all of my deadlines before we left on Thursday for our trip. That’s always such a good feeling!

Growing Braver in New Social Situations

As some if you may know, I suffer from social anxiety, which makes personal encounters challenging for me, especially when I’m meeting people I don’t know. I’ve been doing a lot of growing and changing in this area for the past couple of years. I receive frequent requests to host meet-ups where you guys can come meet me. Just the thought of it completely terrified me up until recently. After a botched attempt at piecing together a meet-up at the Tinker Bell Half Marathon last month, I decided I was ready to actually give it a real chance. I committed to a bonafide meet-up at the race expo on Saturday with an exact time and location. No backing out of that one (which was the point)!

I actually met one nice family at the Magic Kingdom on our first night here and was shocked that someone recognized me in the crowd! (They actually were able to identify us due to Don’s “distinguishable head.” ) A couple of people found me at the race expo on Friday (which was an absolute zoo!), too. I was a complete ball of nerves for the latter half of the week leading up to the meet-up, but luckily I had Don’s hand to hold, which is always helpful. I really didn’t have anything to worry about, because everyone I’ve met so far has been incredibly sweet. I met ten people at the meet-up, which far exceeded my expectations. Thanks to all who came to visit me! I also met about five more people who recognized me during the race this morning. All in all I had an extremely positive experience this weekend meeting new people. It was such a pleasure to meet you all! Please feel free to come up and introduce yourself if you ever see me somewhere in the future.

When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going

This crazy week culminated in the Princess Half Marathon, which took place this morning. O.M.G. It did not go quite as I had hoped, but proved to be one of those real life learning moments. Sometimes life throws you curveballs and you just have to deal with them, no matter how big or small. I was coasting for the first four miles, feeling really solid and strong. Suddenly the outside of my left knee started to twinge. By mile six I could barely keep up a steady run. I resorted to a strange walk/run/shuffle combination until mile eight when the pain was so great I had to stop running altogether. Fortunately I was able to walk pretty fast without too much pain.

I had to really battle with myself and my expectations to come to terms with the situation. First I was upset that I couldn’t run the way I wanted to. My lower legs felt solid and my lungs and heart were strong, but my left knee just couldn’t deal with the impact, even at a shuffle. I managed to let go of my disappointment and moved on to sheer determination to will myself through the last five miles of walking. By mile eleven I had started to really hurt again, but gritted through it because I was just so darn close. Once mile twelve rolled around, I had entered Epcot for the final leg of the race. At this point I was filled with a sense of euphoria and walked the whole last mile with a huge grin from ear to ear. I managed to hobble over the finish line, finishing in just under three hours. Not only did I earn my beautiful Princess bling, I also picked up the Coast To Coast medal, an honor awarded to those who complete a Disney half or full marathon on both coasts in the same calendar year.

I can’t bend my left knee right now and I’m uncertain how serious this injury is just yet, but I am ecstatic nonetheless. I think the race means even more to me since I had to overcome this unexpected hurdle. I know it’s not the worst thing to happen to a person in the grand scheme of things. I am just so grateful that I was able to deal with the loss of my race expectations and set new goals on the spot. This is definitely a personal triumph for me in itself. Finishing the race with two new medals to add to my growing collection is just the icing on the cake. What a way to celebrate turning thirty! What can I do at thirty-one to top this?

This week was all about personal triumphs for me. The thing is, it’s not easy to get there, but once you do it is more than worth the effort in my experience. It’s all about the journey, friends, and I’m so happy to be able to share it with you. What a week! I hope you all had a great one. If you’ve had any personal triumphs lately that you’d like to share, please do! ((HUGS))

** Knee Update – I started recovering very soon after ice, Advil, and a restful afternoon post race. I am already able to bend the knee and walk normally just one day later. I can tell it will need a longer break from running, perhaps a couple of weeks. I wanted to thank you guys for your kind words, congratulations, and well wishes for a speedy recovery.**

(FYI – the Internet situation at the hotel has been spotty at best, so please forgive me if it takes me some time to approve your comments and get posts up on WTZ for the next week.)

Filed Under: My Housewife Life, Week In Review Tagged With: pesonal triumphs, princess half marathon, social anxiety, travel, week in review

My Travel Toiletries (Winter 2013 Update)

February 7, 2013 by OrganizedJen 37 Comments

I’ve receieved many requests lately to give an updated look at my toiletry cases and their contents. I posted a video on OLJ showing all of these things (you can find the video at the bottom of this post if you missed it), but I thought I would give a look at just the cases and a few other toiletry organization tools I use when packing. Each photo is linked to the website where you can find what is pictured in case you’d like to pick up some of these for yourself.

Eagle Creek® Pack-It® Quicktrip from The Container Store (photo source)

I pack not only my own toiletries, but my husband’s as well. I like using this Eagle Creek Pack-It® Quicktrip case for him. It is made of the same high quality, lightweight nylon material as the other items in the Pack-It® line, including my favorite Pack-It® cubes. It’s the perfect size to house all of Don’s toiletry needs for any given trip. There are two exterior pockets, which I use to separate his hair comb and razor from the main compartment contents The case fits nicely in all of our luggage. It is simple yet effective.

I require several more toiletry items, being the girly girl that I am and someone with a generally more elaborate personal hygiene routine. I travel with what makes me feel the most comfortable, which is not necessarily the same for everyone (as you can tell by the disparity between my husband’s toiletry needs and my own). I like to keep most of my toiletry items in their cases upon arrival to our destination, because I have so many small containers and items. It helps to keep the hotel bathroom neat and uncluttered.

Le Pavillion Large Natalie from Kate Spade (photo source)

I love my Kate Spade Large Natalie case. It is sturdy, water resistant on both the inside and the outside, and can hold quite a few products while still fitting nicely on most hotel bathroom counters. It also comes with a smaller size matching case that fits inside of it. This case is quite pricey ($148) usually. I was lucky to find mine on clearance last winter.

Purse Size Terry Bag with Silver Initial from Glitzy-Glam (photo source)

I have quite a few skincare products that I travel with, which I prefer to keep together in a separate case. I’ve been using the Purse Size Terry Bag from Glitzy Glam for the past few years for this very purpose with great results. It’s the perfect size to house my travel-size skincare (mostly Origins products, if you’re curious!). The inside is lined in a water resistant plastic, which is easy to wipe down and contains any leaks. It has a handy slip pocket where I secure my travel makeup wipes. I usually park this case right next to my Kate Spade Natalie on the hotel bathroom counter when we travel.

Nalgene® Round Leakproof Bottles | Translucent Flip-Spout Bottles | 3 oz. GoToob™

Nalgene® Round Leakproof Bottles (photo source) | Translucent Flip-Spout Bottles (photo source) | 3 oz. GoToob™ (photo source) All three shown from The Container Store

I like to have the travel-size versions of my toiletry staples whenever they’re available for purchase. After I use something up, I will simply refill the bottle from my full sizer version. There are some products I use which are not available in travel size versions. I have a nice selection of travel bottles I’ve purchased from The Container Store over the years that do the trick nicely. They are easy to rinse out and reuse over and over again.

Toothbrush Covers with Microban® from The Container Store (photo source)

The Container Store has a nice selection of other kinds of travel toiletry organizational items, including these toothbrush covers.

Medium Cosmetic & Small Cosmetic from Vera Bradley (photo source)

Medium Cosmetic (photo source) & Small Cosmetic (photo source) from Vera Bradley

I really like Vera Bradley cosmetic cases for my additional toiletry needs. They comes in three sizes, are lightly padded thanks to the quilted design, and are lined in a water resistant plastic. I use the medium size for the items I bring on a trip specifically for the shower. I usually unpack these items, leave them in the shower, and store the empty case in my luggage until it’s time to go home. I also use two of the small cases on any given trip. One holds my Clarisonic Mia face brush & power cord perfectly. I keep my bedtime necessities, such as cuticle cream, hand & foot moisturizer, and lip balm in the other.

Essentials Cosmetic from Vera Bradley (photo source)

Recently I started packing my hair accessories in a separate case. I like using the Essentials Cosmetic from Vera Bradley for this. It has three compartments to easily separate my different hair accessories. It’s super lightweight thanks to Vera Bradley’s beautiful quilted fabric, and folds pretty flat, which makes it super easy to pack and tuck into an out of the way corner of the hotel bathroom. I usually only bring this case on longer trips.

Mini Hanging Organizer from Vera Bradley (photo source)

Another case that I occasionally travel with is the Mini Hanging Organizer from Vera Bradley. I like to paint my own nails and usually travel with polish. This case fits all of my self manicure needs perfectly for on the go! I love the clear, plastic compartments to house all of my different nail care items. The larger pouch at the bottom can hold quite a few nail polish bottles. I usually put each polish bottle in a small size zip top bag (I’ve purchased these at Michael’s in the past) as an additional precaution from possible leaks during travel. I have had a top coat leak in the case before and it still looks good as new!

* Sadly, it looks like Vera Bradley is discontinuing the Mini Organizer, as I could only find it in one pattern in the sale section and it is sold out online. I recommend calling your local Vera Bradley boutique to see if they have any in stock if you’re interested. *

Cosmetic Clutch from The Container Store (photo source)

The last of my many toiletry cases is the Cosmetic Clutch from The Container Store. I only travel with this one when we’re going to be spending some time by the pool or beach. I have a duplicate of this case for my beach bag at home. It is the perfect size to hold several bottles of sunscreen, leave-in conditioner, a brush & comb, as well as my other pool/beachside must haves. I like how sturdy it is, that it’s water resistant, and clear for easy identification of its contents.

As you can see, I prefer to have a place (or case!) for everything even when I travel. You need to sort out what your personal travel needs are and what packing methods work for you. I’d love to know what your favorite toiletry cases are if you care to share!

* I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned in this post. All opinions are my own.*

Filed Under: Organized Like Jen, Travel Tagged With: cases, organized traveler, packing, packing organization, toiletries, travel, travel organization

The Anatomy of My Carry-On Bag

January 27, 2013 by OrganizedJen 49 Comments

If you’ve ever visited my channel OrganizedLikeJen (OLJ) on YouTube, then you know that not only do I have a great love for organization, but an even greater respect for the art of packing. I love to pack. It is something I do often, as my husband and I travel quite a bit. It is something I do well. I don’t consider myself much of an expert on anything. That is, anything except for packing. I am a gosh darn good packer, if I do say so myself (loud and proud!). This doesn’t mean that I am a minimilist packer. On the contrary, many would say I tend to overpack. I would have to disagree. Packing is a very individual thing and what one needs during travel is not a one-size-fits-all sort of deal. I tend to bring exactly what I need and a little bit extra as a better-safe-than-sorry type of gal. On any given trip I use between 90-100% of the items I bring with me. To me that signifies a well-thought out packing job. With that being said, please take in mind whenever watching my packing-related videos or reading my packing-related blog posts, that I show what works for me. You might not feel the need to travel with three different kinds of cameras, emergency clothing, or journals in your carry-on bag, but I do. To each their own.

17″ Roll Along Tote in Mocha Rouge by Vera Bradley

I am always recieving requests to post updated ‘What’s In My Carry-On” videos on OLJ. Since I have now posted SIX carry-on videos (links to all below if you’re interested) since I first started my organization channel, I decided maybe a blog post update would be a better idea. This also makes sense because I am using the same bag from the last two carry-on videos with only minor adjustments. That bag is the 17″ Roll Along Tote in Mocha R ouge by Vera Bradley (pictured above). It was a birthday gift from exactly one year ago and I have been in love with it ever since.

I love the cheery Mocha Rouge pattern. It’s easy to spot, but not overly bright.

The snapping handles are perfect for corralling extra layers when on the go.

I keep my Lug Life Undercover Bear travel pillow & a small reusable shopping bag (in case I purchase snacks) in the generously spacious front slip pocket.

The bag has two main zippered compartments, one shallow and one deep, both of which open up flat.

The more shallow of the two has a special built in “Checkpoint Friendly” laptop case. When I go through security I can just zip open this top compartment & lay it flat (as show in the previous picture), leaving my laptop safely inside while it travels through the X-ray machine. I love not having to remove my laptop from the security of this padded pouch! I do still keep a protective hardshell case on my laptop at all times. I am currently using a Kuzy Rubberized Hard Case Cover in a beautiful Tiffany blue color.

There are several pockets on the other side of this compartment that I use to stash magazines, pens, a Starbucks giftcard, and personal hygiene essentiels (filed under the better-safe-than-sorry category) for quick & easy access.

There is a large zip pocket behind these slip pockets that is perfect for keeping the folder with all of my travel documents safe as well as other flat items.

The other main compartment of the bag is much deeper and can hold quite a bit.

The flat side has two zippered compartments. The top mesh one is usually where I keep my vlogging camera (a Canon Powershot Elph 300 HS) in its 1154 Lill Studio Kari case as well as mints, gum, & a small snack (Luna bars are my favorite on the go).

I usually stash my personal journal (safe inside its Jonathan Adler case), the lock that came with the bag, and extra ziplock bags in the lower zippered compartment.

I like packing the deepest portion of the bag vertically so I can easily pull out whatever I need without having to dig around too much.

I use a variety of cases & pouches to keep similar items together, which also makes it much easier to find whatever I may need quickly. I usually pack a book or my kindle in this compartment as well.

I always travel with a Vera Bradley Ditty Bag (shown here in the matching Mocha Rouge pattern), which is a lightweight pouch lined in plastic. I keep a set of leggings or mesh shorts as well as an extra pair of underwear in this in case of emergency during travel or for unexpected delays or cancellations. I always travel with my Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones in a velvet pouch, a trail mix snack, and fuzzy socks in the case of a chilly airplane.

I use several different kinds of pouches to house all of my cameras and cords. I keep my Sony Handycam HDR-150CX, charger & USB cord in a small SORT Electronics Case. I keep my Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR camera in a Crumpler Hav en (size medium). I just posted my first impressions on this case (see blog post DSLR Camera Accessories Haul).

I keep all of my computer cords & accessories in an Eagle Creek Pack-It Quarter Cube, including the power cords, mouse, an external hard drive, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter, & a Smart Charger (for emergency iPhone battery replenishment).

I keep my iPhone charger, my two other camera chargers & extra batteries in an Eagle Creek Small PackIt Sac.

I prefer packing my jewelry in my carry-on bag as opposed to in my checked luggage. I’ve been using this Hanging Jewelry Roll for the past 6 months for travel and absolutely love it! Check for a new video soon on OLJ on how I pack my jewelry for travel.

I am a big fan of the “Walking Pharmacy,” as I like to call it, which is a case in which I store all of my daily necessities & small emergency items. I filmed an entire video on what I keep in my travel walking pharmacy if you’d like a more in-depth look.

I have been enjoying using my Louis Vuitton Insolite wallet for travel, because I can fit my phone in the large zippered compartment. I’ve attached an 1154 Lill Studio Jane Wristlet to it so I can easily manage the wallet when I need my ID for checkin & security. It’s also nice when traveling with Don to leave my bag with him at the gate while I make a dash for a water bottle or to use the restroom before the flight.

Lately I have been traveling with what I call my “Creative Necessities Pouch” (CNP). I love to make lists, plans things out on paper, and doodle/daydream with colorful pens & stickers. I keep a small pad of paper, a Moleskine Cahier Journal, sticky notes & tabs in a variety of colors & sizes, a multi-color jumbo pen, whiteout tape, magnetic paper clips, & a variety of stickers in my CNP. I’ve taken to carrying this in my larger size purses when I know I am going to have some downtime during any particular outing. It has become a wonderful addition to my travel carry-on bag as well.

As you can see, I use every nook & cranny of my Roll Along Tote. I love that I can easily fit all of my electronics valuables, and personal odds & ends in it. The fact that the bag can fit under the seat in front of me on the airplane is the icing on the cake! I appreciate having my bag & its contents right at my feet for easy access. It’s on sale right now at VeraBradley.com for a much reduced price, which leads me to believe that they might be discontinuing this model. I hope that means they will replace it with a newer model if nothing else, because it truly is the perfect carry-on in my opinion and I think that many others would agree.

If you’d like to see my carry-on videos from over the past few years, I am listing & linking them below:

❊ Summer Travel: Carry-On Essentiels (July 10, 2012)

❊ What’s In My NEW Carry-On & How To Pack for an Out of Town Race (February 24, 2012)

❊ Yet Another Carry-On Bag Video (September 5, 2011)

❊ Packing Organization: Carry-On (May 17, 2011)

❊ What’s In My Carry-On, Part 2 (November 17, 2010)

❊ What’s In My Carry-On, Part 1 (November 17, 2010)

*I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned in this post. All opinions are my own.*