What's in My Travel Makeup Bag

I am notorious for over-packing for trips.  I like to have options - translation, I have commitment issues - so you might as well stick my picture in the dictionary under "serial over-packer".  Then when I see the stuff I never even touched, I think to myself that I'll change my ways.  We both know old habits die hard though, so you can guess it's right back to square one for the next trip.  Surprisingly, I am pretty good about sticking with the essentials when it comes to packing makeup.  Maybe it's because I got this adorable new makeup bag, or maybe it's because products can be so versatile.  Either way, a pair of shoes can only function as a pair of shoes, but an eye shadow palette can garner multiple looks. 

Here's a peek inside my makeup bag for my most recent trip to Chicago, what I did and didn't use, and what I wish I'd brought!

The Goods:

Foundation - Estee Lauder Double Wear

Concealer - Revlon Color Stay

Powder - Cover FX Matte Setting Powder

Highlighter - Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Blush - Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

Brows - Anastasia Brow Powder Duo & Clear Gel

Eyeshadow - Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

Eyeshadow Base - Nars Eyeshadow Primer

Mascara - Benefit Roller Lash

Lipgloss - Mac Lipglass

Perfume - Elizabeth and James Nirvana

Makeup Bag - Rifle Paper Co x Le Sport Sac via ModCloth

The Dish:

Of course I applied foundation, concealer and powder everyday for a flawless base and because I knew I was going to be taking photos.  The weather was nice and cool so I didn't have to worry about it melting off of my face, which was nice!  I would have changed things up if that had been the case, but thankfully I could stick with my usual routine.  I dusted my highlighter and blush on each day as well to round everything out. 

But after filling in my brows, I decided to forgo the eyeshadow.  I brought the Naked Basics palette with me because it is such a travel-friendly option, but with our early mornings I decided a little bit more rest was worth it.  Once I swiped on a few coats of mascara I was ready to go out the door.  If I hadn't worn foundation at all, I would have definitely done my brows and lashes if nothing else.  Always remember, brows and lashes. 

I added lip gloss the first day (which was also the cooler of the two days, and most of our time was spent in and around downtown) but didn't bother with it the second day and just used lip balm instead.  You really have to find what balance works for you here, depending on what activities you'll be doing and the weather.  Since we spent our second day at the parks and Navy Pier, I didn't think lip gloss was terribly necessary.  

Ultimately, deciding what makeup to pack for a trip is up to you and your taste.  If you love rocking a full face every day then by all means do your thing!  Or, if you hardly wear any makeup at all, then don't feel the need to cake on the products just for the sake of photos.  Or maybe you're like me and fall somewhere in the middle, in which case you'll probably stick with most of your usual routine but make some shortcuts here and there.  The moral of the story is, don't make your trip all about makeup and focus instead on all the fun you'll be having!

What makeup do you pack when you travel?

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According to Amanda: The Dos + Don'ts of a City Vacation

When it comes to vacations, there are two main options - one where the goal is rest and relaxation or one where the goal is to see the sights.  About a month and a half ago I went on a trip with my sister to Destin, Florida and you could probably guess that our number one priority there was to enjoy time on the beach.  I haven't been on a trip to a big city in a long time, so I was really excited to soak it all in.  City vacations require more structure and planning than a beach trip, so I thought I would share my tips and tricks for having a successful trip!

Do have a plan for each day.  Whether you want to be as detailed as an itinerary with times or just want a simple layout of your day with key places to go, a plan of some sort is a must.  It will help keep you on track so that you get to see all of the major spots on your list.  Also, keep in mind location of each sight.  You don't want to go zig-zagging all across the city from one place to another.

Don't overfill your days.  On our first day exploring, we didn't wrap up our last activity (a boat cruise on the river and lake) until after 9 PM.  Part of this was because they were running behind schedule, but nonetheless, we ended up having to take the next latest train back to our hotel because we missed the one we planned to catch.  We also had to grab fast food at the train station (not the most ideal situation) because everything around the area was either closed or would have taken too long.  The next day we called it a wrap earlier than planned because we were still wiped from day one.

Do take advantage of public transportation.  The beauty of a big city is public transportation and how quickly it can get you around town.  We stayed in a suburb and took the train in each day, and then used the subway and buses once we were there.  They usually offer deals, like a 24 hour unlimited pass or a pass for however many days you need, so that you don't have to keep paying a fare for each trip.  It's not only cost effective but also will save you a lot of walking.

Don't try and walk (or drive) everywhere.  I don't think you could pay me to drive into Chicago, let alone around downtown.  The glimpse of Chicagoland driving I did experience was more than enough and made me very, very thankful for minimal Louisville traffic.  And when it comes to walking, you will get tired quickly, unless maybe you're a pro athlete.  You can't really appreciate how much walking it takes to get around a big city until you've done it, so trust me and my mom's Fitbit count on this one. 

Do wear comfortable walking shoes.  Some walking is inevitable because the subway and bus won't always let you off right where you need to be.  I went with my Keds and those did pretty well for me for two days, but I could tell that if we had spent another day walking I would have been miserable.  Sometimes you have to prioritize function over fashion and this is definitely one of those instances.  And hey, tennis shoes can still look stylish with the right outfit!

Don't think you can get away with sandals.  Just trust me, don't do it.  Unless you are staying in the city itself and have the opportunity to change clothes before say, dinner, then don't do it.  No matter how comfortable your favorite sandals are, you won't be thinking that so much when you have a blister on your heel (or sore feet from lack of support).

Do take a camera to capture photos.  With smartphones these days, you're probably already set with this one.  Of course you'll want to capture shots for Instagram (wink, wink) but if you have a real camera I suggest you bring that as well!  When you're on a trip to sight-see you'll want photos to look back on from time to time.

Don't make photos your top priority.  Sure, you might see that perfect shot and want to snap it, but don't forget to live in the moment too.  I am a firm believer in the importance of experiences and viewing your trip through a camera lens the whole time is just not the same thing.  

PS - You can read all about my beach tips here!

PPS - Y'all.  I have to share a funny story from our trip up into the John Hancock building.  We chose to go to the 96th floor lounge as opposed to the 94th floor observation deck, mostly because the line was shorter and you could get away with spending a little less money for the same view.  As we were standing in line, waiting to be seated 96 floors up in the air, my mom and I each took a turn in the ladies' room.  There were floor to ceiling windows in there and a lot of people were going just to take photos!  As I was standing there looking out, a girl asked me if that was downtown out there.  I stood there for a second because I honestly wasn't sure how to respond.  She said she was from Cleveland, and didn't know.  Now, I'm from little ole' Louisville and I knew that it was downtown.  Rather than make her feel silly for asking (because I'm pretty sure she was serious), I just nodded my head and said I was pretty sure it was.  My mom and I definitely had a good laugh about it afterwards!

xoxo,

Amanda

Instacation Roundup {Chicago}

I took my mom to Chicago for her birthday and we had a blast!  Other than rain on Friday when we got there, the weather was absolutely perfect.  As in 70 degrees and blue skies, just a light jacket and you're good to go.  We stayed at a hotel out in the burbs and took the train into the city each day, which was quite the experience in and of itself.  It was fun to do for our trip, but definitely made me appreciate my hometown of Louisville even more.  It's funny how we can take little things for granted like having a car and being able to get basically anywhere around town in 20 minutes or less.  I don't think you can fully grasp the lifestyle of living in a major city like Chicago until you step foot there and experience it firsthand.  I had always thought of myself as a city-type gal, but now I'm thinking I am more suited for suburbia, or at least no where much bigger than good ole' Louisville. 

We hit up all the major tourist spots this time around, including the John Hancock building, Millennium and Grant Park, the Navy Pier, a boat cruise, and Wrigley Field!  And according to my mom's Fit Bit, we logged more than 40,000 steps over the course of our long weekend.  Let me tell you, I was definitely feeling it by the end of the trip.  Maybe this will be the motivation I need to get into the gym ... maybe.  Next time, because there will be a next time, we want to explore more of the neighborhoods and local spots that you don't really get to see downtown!  

I am so glad that I got to make this trip with my mom and see all the sights, but nothing was better than seeing Louisville's (much smaller) skyline as we were coming down 65.  Home sweet home.

xoxo,

Amanda

According to Amanda: Five Reasons Why I Love Louisville

 Every time I travel to a new place, no matter how exciting it may be, I'm always reminded of how much I love my hometown.  With my recent trip to Atlanta (more like a month ago at this point, when did that happen?) I realized I may not be such a big city person after all.  Now I'm sure somewhere like NYC or Chicago would be a little different because you literally can walk everywhere, but Atlanta is more of a sprawled out city.  Dealing with the traffic and figuring out where the heck we were going was interesting to say the least, all the more reason why Louisville has my heart.

Before I jump into my list, let's address a very important topic - the proper way to say the darn name.  For some reason (I can't imagine why) this is always an issue whenever I tell someone where I'm from.  I'm typically asked to repeat myself several times, and then I just say it's where they have the Derby, and the light bulb moment happens.  It's

Luh-vuhl

, spoken as one swift, fluid word.  Say it with me now ... Luhhh-vuhlll.  Don't dare say "Louis-ville" or "Lewis-ville" or you'll be marked as an outsider for life.

Now that we've covered that, let's get to it!  Here are five reasons why I love my hometown.    

1. It's the northern-most southern city, or southern-most northern city, depending on how you look at it.  What does this really mean?  Louisville is kind of in the midst of an identity crisis, but that's totally ok.  It's got southern hospitality and charm, with the fast pace of the north.  There's a small town feel, yet there's always something to do (that does not involve a Wal-Mart parking lot).  You can also pretty much get anywhere in about 20 minutes or less.  What I'm really trying to say is that here, you pretty much get the best of both worlds.

2. There's a plethora of local shops, restaurants, and businesses that Louisvillians love to support.  Some of my favorite neighborhoods are the Highlands, Crescent Hill, and NuLu, so if you ever have a chance to visit, I highly recommend you check them out!  You can easily walk the streets and discover something new with every visit.  As much as I love the mall, I love shopping and eating local even more!

3.  Two words - Kentucky Derby.  What most people know as the most exciting two minutes in sports, Louisville knows as a three week festival.  It kicks off with the biggest fireworks display in North America and ends with the big race, with endless activities to do in between.  Basically, the whole city is in party mode for three weeks and it's kind of amazing.  Next to Christmas, Derby is my favorite time of the year.

4. Two more words - Hot Brown.  This is the most delicious thing you can ever eat.  It's an open-faced sandwich smothered in cheesy goodness with turkey, bacon and tomato.  Many restaurants around town offer up their version, but the original was created at the Brown Hotel downtown.  This is a must-try if you're ever in the area.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

5. College sports are life.  We have one of the greatest rivalries in the country, and pretty much from birth you either bleed red for the Cards or blue for those yucky Cats.  When the two teams meet in football and basketball, the whole state shuts down to watch.  It's quite the spectacle, but an amazing one at that.  Some of the crazies can get out of control with personal blows, but most people understand that it's all in good fun.  Just don't tell me you're one of those fans that will cheer for the other team if they're not playing each other.  Sorry, it just doesn't work that way. 

What are some things you love about your hometown?

xoxo,

Amanda

According to Amanda: Tips and Tricks for Traveling with Just a Carry-on

So you've decided to take the plunge and go carry-on only.  Your first thought is probably "how the hell am I going to cram everything I need into a 45 linear inch bag?"  Before panic mode ensues, take a deep breath and think of the $50 bucks you're probably saving (not to mention the time waiting around to check the bag and pick it up from baggage claim).  Now think of what else you could buy with that $50...makeup, a new handbag, food, drinks...you get the idea.  That should put your mind at ease a bit. 

Trust me, with my recent trip for work I was very nervous about surviving with just a carry-on size bag.  If you look up over-packing in the dictionary, my picture would be right there.  I managed to make it work, though, and wanted to share my tips and tricks for all of the other serial over-packers out there.

1.

Make a list

(and check it twice) of everything you

need

to bring, from clothes to toiletries to electronics and other miscellaneous things.  This way, when the time comes to actually pack your bag, you can mark things off and not have to worry about accidentally forgetting something.  For toiletries and makeup especially, I mentally walk myself through my morning and night routine and write down each and every product I use.  Then, a day or two before the trip, as I use these products, I keep them out and to the side so that when the time comes to pack, everything is right there.

2.

Pack exactly what you need first and foremost

, then see if you have room for extras.  So, if you need four days worth of outfits, plan out just that many outfits and not a single extra shirt.  If you still have some room left after everything is packed, you can throw in some "just in case" items.  Speaking from experience, I know that it may be hard to not give yourself options, but if you take the time to do this a few days before your trip you should be perfectly happy with the clothing you've chosen.

3.

Roll your clothes

rather than fold them.  Not only does this conserve space, but it also keeps clothes from getting as wrinkly.

4.

Use a tote bag as your second "personal item"

and bring a small purse that will fit inside that, plus other things.  I like to keep my liquids in this bag to have them handy at security, plus electronics and anything else I want at my feet rather than in the overhead bins.  We all know how much of a pain those are to get to, especially if you've got a window seat.  You could also stuff an extra shirt or pair of pants in this bag if it won't fit in your main bag.

5.

Save up any travel size products

you get your hands on through the year, so that you can have your favorite things in the appropriate sized containers.  I like to store mine in a plastic tote under my sink so that I can easily sort through it went the time comes for a trip.  Remember, the TSA requires liquids be 3.4 ounces or less and fit in a quart size zip-lock bag, so you have to get crafty to be able to bring everything you need.  Target also sells empty TSA-compliant containers that you can use.

6.

Take advantage of hotel amenities

provided in your room, such as lotion, shampoo, and body wash.  This can help cut down on the amount of liquids you bring with you, meaning more space for other things.  And by the same token,

buy liquids that you need more of when you get to your destination

.  I think sunscreen would be a big one for this, because chances are a small little tube of that will not be nearly enough anyway.

7.

Always keep a luggage tag on your carry-on bag

, because you never know if it may end up being checked at the gate or even checked through to your destination once you get inside and through security.  I had this happen on my recent trip, because the plane was small and could only accommodate a certain number of roller bags versus 3 times as many passengers.  So yeah, there's that.  But hey, I got to check my bag for free and since it was the return trip I didn't really mind.  Plus, it was nice not having to lug that thing around.  I did, however, keep my tote bag with me and that had everything I needed when I was waiting for my connecting flight. 

I have to mention, I really wanted the title of this to be "The High Maintenance Girl's Guide to Surviving with Just a Carry-on" but I decided on something a little less stereotypical.  While I'm not afraid to embrace my high maintenance tendencies, I know everyone might not be so open and honest about it.  No matter how long you take to get ready or how much crap you lug around with you, I hope my ideas will help make your next trip a little bit less stressful.

What are some of your tips for traveling efficiently with just a carry-on?

xoxo,

Amanda