Packing!

I am a textbook over packer. I've always over packed clothes, shoes and makeup! I can't help it, I always think "what if?" and half the time I don't need all of the things that I pack. Since I am leaving for a 2 week trip on Tuesday, I decided to try my bet not to over pack this time. 
I'm not going anywhere new, therefore this trip is a very casual trip where I do need to worry about packing fancy clothes or heels or too many necessities since I know if I forget anything I will have them on hand or simply buy them. 
At the same time I know that we won't be going out as much as I would if I was going on regular trips to sight see and what not, So let's see how I did on not over packing, shall we? 

First! The Clothes! 

I am a very indecisive person, therefore I usually pack extra clothes so that I have a chose and have a variety of things I can choose from. This time around, I decided to just pick really regular, casual things. Things I can wear for anything and mix and match. I have two casual dresses that I can also wear out at night. Some work out clothes since I do plan on working out. One pair of shorts and two big shirts for my pajamas. Some tops, one pair of jeans, a pair of funky pants, one pair of overalls and two pairs of shorts - regular jeans shorts, and a high-waisted pair. I also included camis with my tops. These tops can be worn with jeans as well as my shorts. (Not included is my airport outfit, therefore I'll have more options with those as well). 

Also included are my bathing suits and shoes!

I have two bathing suits, regular bikini and one with a high waisted bottom. A pair of running shoes, flats and sandals. And this is my carry on bag.
Since I tend to over pack, I decided to change up my carry-on bag. Instead of carrying a rolling suit-case that has more room for me to over pack, I decided to use a weekender bag that will limit the room I have, therefore I have to pack less. I got this bag from Target! You can just use the handles or use the strap and put it over your shoulder. 

For my shoes, I want to keep them separate from my clothes, so I just put them all into these two Toms bags.

Aside from that, I also need to pack some makeup and undergarments - panties, bras, socks. 

Because I am not using a rolling suitcase I don't have a mesh bag to throw them in so I just use an over sized makeup bag to keep it tidy, hidden away and altogether. I also have a makeup bag and an empty bag to put my dirty laundry into. Don't worry, the bag looks small but it's expandable. 

I also tend to over pack my makeup, therefore I decided to try to cut that down as well. I wanted to keep my makeup brushes and tool seperate from my actual makeup so inside my Aladdin makeup bag I have smaller makeup bags.

This way I keep my makeup tidy and together and then I can keep my makeup brushes on the outside of these bags but still altogether in one bigger bag.

These are all the non-liquid makeup. I am bringing ONE trio from Wet n Wild. That is unheard of for me! I usually need to bring at least a palette! haha I did bring a color tattoo in tough as taupe, just in case I need to deepen my eye shadow for a night time look. I have a color tattoo, one NYX blush in Dusty Rose that is buildable, one NYC bronzer, my Dream Matte powder, a NYX eye shadow that I use for my eyebrows, one black eye liner and two lipsticks. A bare minerals one in Moxie for an every day lip and a Revlon Matte lipstick in Really Red for night time look. 

Lastly, I have my backpack that I will put underneath the seat. 

Included I have my "Take Charge" (How cute Right??) bag that has all my chargers. It has my phone, ipad, and camera charger as well as an external charger just in case and some ear buds. I have my electronics (not included is my phone). I have my glasses and contacts case that also has a mirror in it. My wallet, sunglasses and liquids zip-loc bag. Unfortunately my reusable TSA approved bag has broken :( so I am back to using zip loc bags. 
I also have a mini bag that includes, my inflatable travel pillow, eye mask and ear buds all in one place! And finally, the last thing I have is my travel binder. It's pretty much a notebook I use to write about my travels and what not. 

And that's it! Hopefully that wasn't too much! ;) 

Lastly, some tips I used to narrow down my packing!

1. Choose a smaller bag so that you don't feel like you need to "fill" up your suit case. 

2. Pick out shirts that you can wear with most of your bottoms. Same thing with shoes. Make sure you can wear your shoes with more than one outfit. 

3. Don't pack a bunch of single eye shadows! Pick a palette and/or trio that has more than one shadow all in one place. 

4. Use bags or shower caps to hold your shoes so you don't get your clothes dirty

5. Check the weather of your destination before you pack 

6. Wear a scarf/cardigan/jacket with your outfit when you travel. Planes and airports can be rather cold and you save room in your carry on and also have more options! 

7. Use a wristlet as a wallet, it's not only small but you can also carry that around wherever you go.