Day 13: How to Pack a Carry-On Bag for a Business Trip

So yesterday we learned how to pack your small carry on bag for a 4 day business trip....now we move onto the larger carry-on! Also my work is very BUSINESS CASUAL, so I'm sure not every woman can fit all she needs into two bags, but I sure can!

Checklist for the larger carry-on: Jeans (go with your favorite pair), jeggings (wear on plane), black pants, gray pants, flats, running shoes, brown boots (wear on plane), long cardigan(wear on plane), 3 fun shirts (always bring your favorite plaid shirt), 3 tanks (1 can double as workout wear) sleepwear (boxers I've had basically since birth and comfy t shirt), workout clothes (1 tank top, 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of yoga pants) 4 work shirts, overnight bag, make-up, bag for jewelry, bras (1 neutral, 1 black...wear one on plane as planes can be very cold and you don't wanna be nippin') swimsuit, sports bra, socks, undies, brush, chargers, work folder, 2 scarves (not shown) straightener (not shown).

Rule #1) Check the weather. I once got stuck in California during one of the worst thunderstorms they've had in ten years, without boots. Not a good time. Also don't forget to check the weather when you return. 3 feet of snow with only converse to shield me from the elements..had to shovel my car..once again...not a good time. I learned to always wear boots when returning to Denver International Airport, cuz you just never know!

Rule #2) Invest in a good carry on. Sturdy but lightweight, and most importantly, one with 360 degree wheels (this is a lifesaver I promise you)

Rule #3) Bring a couple of shirts that can function for both work and play.

Rule #4) Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin. Sorry for the Limp Bizkit reference but I had to make a statement. I cannot stress this enough..easy to shove and pants don't get AS wrinkled.

Rule #5) Layer chargers under layer of clothes. This apparently makes it easier for the security people. All about making their lives easier....and letting them see my sexy body on that there scanner!

Rule #6) Tuck, Tuck, Tuck, use the rest of your space on the outside of your clothes for your scarves, belt, overnight bag, jewelry bag, straightener, and makeup. Tuck it in there..

Rule #7) Remember the swimsuit...nothing better than a nice swim or hot tub soak after a long stressful workday.

And there you have it! 2 bags!

 And the last two rules:

Rule #8) Eat a large breakfast/lunch/dinner. You never know when a fight delay can occur, and airport food is the worst thing on this planet..and highly overpriced! Paying $12 for a dried out cheeseburger is never desirable.

mmmmmmm huge lunch!!!

Rule #9) Be comfy, but most importantly, be cute on the plane. You never know if your dream man is going to be sitting next to you. Or at least some sucker to buy you a drink.

apparently I'm angry about going to Tulsa...just look at that face!!

Day 12: How to Pack Your Small Carry-On Bag

So I got some news last week...not good, not terrible I am going back on the road for my job. Traveling sales for a few weeks, maybe more. This is going to mess up my blogging as I am typing from Muskogee, OK. I will still try to do something different everyday, but I'm afraid there's not a whole lot happenin' around these parts (if you happen to live near Muskogee, I mean no offense, please give me some insights on what I could do!)

If there is one thing I did learn from traveling sales, that's how to pack a suitcase! This particular trip is 4 days long...piece of cake I tell you!

Start with the basics: Small Carry On Bag
All airlines allow one carry on (small rollie suitcase) and 1 small carry on bag. (this can be a backpack, large purse, or box, whatever just as long as it fits under your seat)

I prefer the large purse option as it is versatile to serve as your carry on and a cute option for going out after work. I stick with black as it goes with everything.

My Checklist for Small Carry On Bag: sunglasses, wallet, Ipod (not pictured), reading material (always a good book and a magazine), chargers for all my devices, tissues, my little black bag (contains chapstick, lip gloss, small brush, etc), little red purse, checkbook, planner, 3 oz or smaller containers in a clear plastic bag, cell phone, dum dum sucker (duh) cell phone, and laptop. 

Lets go over the Rules, shall we? 

Rule #1) Make sure you have a comfortable strap. This I learned the hard way the first time I traveled. I took the strap off my ugly computer bag and stuck it on my purse...its padded and wonderful when you are carrying around 10 or more pounds.

Rule #2) Bring a small purse for going out/out to dinner after work. This little red one I got a Rue 21, a million years ago, it is perfect size. Next put your essentials you'll need inside easy access to (I.D., boarding pass, cell phone) in this smaller purse so you're not fishing around in the large one and holding everyone up in the security line, kapeesh?

Rule #3) Charge all devices before you leave (cell phone, ipod, computer, etc) nothing worse than finding out your Ipod is dead when stuck next to a screaming toddler.

Rule #4) Remember the Sunglasses. I forgot these once on a trip to California. Early morning sunlight does damage to your retinas, trust me!

Rule #5)  When they say 3 oz, they mean 3 oz!!! Please, please, please, do not be that person in the security line that "didn't know" about the 3 oz rule. Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you know about this freakin' rule.

 There you have it! If i think of any other rules I will let you know. Tomorrow we move on to the larger carry on!