Packing 101

As many of you have already asked me "What in the hell are you packing? What in the hell are you packing in and you're sure as hell bringing a pair a of heels, right?" I answered these questions by saying, "I'm taking tons of lululemon, a 22 inch suitcase, and one pair of heels." Or so I thought.

As I began packing I felt good, no, I felt great! I learned a trick from my mother years ago on how to roll every piece of clothing to maximize all space in the bag. My articles of clothing lay on the floor and I was very confident I would have room to spare in my "nice size" suitcase.  As I start to fill the suitcase I immediately begin to sweat. Oh shoot! I forgot my beach cover up, that perfect JCrew tee, my cashmere wrap, maybe now I need my puffy vest, and what about my tall flat boots, I think I have to have those.  I stare at my suitcase with total disgust as I realize what everyone realized from the beginning.....how is Courtney Tobon going to pack in a 22 inch suitcase for a year? for some reason it never dawned on me that packing would be one of my biggest problems.  After meeting my husband I had to change my excessive packing ways.  I could no longer take a second suitcase for just my shoes!  Traveling with Miguel I had to have a carry-on and full size hair products were out of the question, however I conquered these feats.  I thought I had become an efficient packer, even a light packer. Really, how was I having this problem?!?!?

As I added my forgotten pieces and continued to pack, to my surprise, I didn't have to give up many items, but I did have to sit on my bag to close it.  At this moment I have 7 t-shirts, 6 pairs of pants, 5 tank tops, 4 jackets/sweaters, 3 dresses, 3 pairs of of shoes, 2 swimsuits, 1 pair of jeggins and a partridge in a pair tree :).  To me this does not sound like much, but unfortunately it is.  We would like to have some wiggle room in the suitcase just in case we want to buy a souvenir. The question is what do I give up? Help!