Back on the Healthy Train
Good morning! After my less than nutritious food choices yesterday, I’m off to a great start this morning! I even woke up and ran 6.25 miles before work! Watch out, the healthy train is back in motion! 
(I’m such a dork!)
Breakfast this morning was dominated by Barney Butter (aka the greatest nut butter on earth). I enjoyed 2 enormous scoops with my oats today.
Also in the mix: whole cranberries, sliced almonds, and ground flaxseed meal.
For the cranberries, I added them to my oats before putting the oat mixture in the microwave. After about 2 minutes, the cranberries came out warm, soft, and tangy.
At work, I made my usual mug of java– today, Italian Roast with vanilla soy milk and agave nectar. Under my mug is 9 pages of meeting minutes that I have to type up this morning. Fuuuuun!
Over-Packing and the QOTD
So, guys, I have an over-packing problem… a pretty serious one, actually. Packing for our week-long honeymoon took me days… and I still packed way too much! Even just going away for a weekend poses all sorts of problems for me. I’m one of those people who pack for every possible occasion and every possible weather situation. This is great because I have all kinds of clothing (and stuff) to chose from, but it’s insane because I bring so much (crap) with me!
Our weekend trip to NYC is only 2 days long, but I started packing last night. I know, it’s ridiculous. However, packing has gone fairly well so far… no major over-packing issues. Last night in the middle of planning what to bring, I actually googled some tips for not over-packing, which were very helpful and might actually make a difference! Some of my favorite tips are below.
- Try to match up just enough outfits for number of days you are going on vacation. Reusing articles of clothing to make new outfits gives you a large variety with a smaller amount of clothing. One way to do this is to have the majority be staple colors such as whites, beige, browns and black. Throw in a few colored or patterned pieces to add variety.
- The easiest way to have a lot of options is to pack accessories. Shoes are too bulky to carry a lot of, but be sure to have a casual pair and a slightly dressier pair. Remember, you can buy cheap flip flops just about anywhere, and you can throw them out at the airport before coming back home. Women especially can pack things like scarves, belts, and inexpensive jewelry, which will make any outfit unique.
- Pack the clothes into the suitcase by rolling them. For shirts fold lengthwise before rolling, for pants fold in half lengthwise and then half horizontally. This allows you to fit more into a small suitcase. Be sure to keep clothes that wrinkle easily on the top.
- If all else fails, just pack as usual, then take half away. You probably will not need most of it, and unless you are trekking into rural or uncivilized areas of the world, you will be able to pick up anything you couldn’t pack.
Do you tend to over-pack? How do you prevent over-packing?
Posted by: Tina 40 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized
Tags: agave nectar, almonds, cranberries, ground flaxseed
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 10:51 am
I ALWAYS over pack! I am the most indecisive person ever, so I need to bring the most outfit combinations as humanly possible. You never know what the weather will be like, if it gets chilly at night, if you’ll be walking a lot, going out a lot, if you will fit into the jeans you just washed, I could go on all day. I went to London and Paris a year ago and brought waaaay too much stuff. I stuffed 2 large suitcases with clothes and shows and I don’t think I wore half of it. I have issues!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Shoes*
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Julie,
You’re comment just made me laugh out loud! You sound exactly like me and my packing issues!!!!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Your site was down for a few minutes- maybe because you have so many readers!!
I used to have a major over-packing problem until I started traveling for work and learned to fit everything into a small carry-on. Some of my favorite tips, especially for a short trip:
-pick black OR brown and go with just one of them, so that your shoes/belt/purse/accessories will match everything
-take dressy shoes and comfy shoes and remember that you are most likely not going to be in a fashion show, so it’s ok if something doesn’t look exactly like you want it to or if you would rather have a different pair of shoes on
-pack things you can wear twice – like dress pants or a cute blazer, you can mix them up with the other pieces of your outfit and chances are no one will notice (I have a strange fear of planning to wear something twice and then spilling something on it on the first wear…but most hotels have some sort of laundry service!)
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 11:30 am
I’ve gotten REALLY good at packing! So good, in fact, i spent a WEEK in Oregon at my dad’s house, and had nothing more than a small carry on and my purse!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 11:40 am
I’ve a quick packer. Actually I pack the day or the night before leaving, even if it’s a long trip as to China. hahha.. I think as long as I don’t forget my passport and my credit card, anything could be forgotten.
fabulous oatmeal~~
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I was a chronic over packer, too. I have combatted the problem with the following steps:
- Bring only 1 – 2 pair of pants (wearing one on the plane) – usually one jean, one dressier pant. Yes, this means re-wearing pants but really, how dirty do they get in a weekend? Wear jeans on the plane and pack only your dressy pair.
- Bring only 1 – 2 pair of shoes – again, one casual and one dressy. Wear one, pack one.
- Bring a clean shirt for each day unless you want to bring a bulky item like a sweater. Then you can probably re-use that item and only bring clean undershirts to wear with it. (Again, the sweater won’t get THAT dirty!)
- Bring only essential toiletries. This is one of the hardest for me, as I love my shampoo, but it’s not worth it when the hotels usually have pretty decent stuff. Bring the bare minimum!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Oh hell, I’m the worst overpacker, evs. Actually, I looove it because I like to take my entire life with me everywhere I go
(HUUUUGE PURSE ALL DA TIME.)
I say pack in outfits! It works the best
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 11:59 am
I always over-pack – it’s better to have too much than not enough, I say!!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
my thing is that i only pack “brown” outfits or “black” outfits – not both. that way, i only have to pack one set of purses, belts, and shoes. L)
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Tina I am the worse over packer EVER, I pack way too much shoes for every outfit, make up, person products…its absolutely insane! Then….it happened! My boyfriend began to put in perspective that no matter where I go, there will always be a wally world near by for any of my must have/need emergencies!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Tina I am an over packer for sure… good tips… good to see you fall off the healthy wagon every now and again – I love it:)
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I always overpack because I wait until the last minute to do it. Then throw in every and anything I think i may need. the times I have tried to only bring specific things – i havent had enough, so I just let myself do it now! good luck!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I always overpack, but that’s because I always prepare for the worst: weather changes, spillages etc. I know I’ve tried to change it but I just never seem to!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
we do not over pack. wear a pair of pants that you will wear again, bring one pair of shoes (so two pair, one to walk in and another if you need another pair) it’s going to be cold i would imagine so that should help you pack and you are going to be outside a lot walking around. lay everythign out and then take one outfit away is normally what i do.
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Overpacker big time! The worst part is my sister can pack in such small suitcases and she always looks great! One time, she brought a carryone size suitecase and I brought a HUGE one…I couldn’t believe we were on the same trip!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I am with you i am the queen of overpacking. But you know its helpful in that I’m prepared for everything but the bad part is lugging the heavy suitcase around. The rolling the clothes idea sounds useful I might try that for tgiving next week. As far as sticking to one color and those ideas. I can’t handle that i know its not a fashion show but I love fashion so I need some variety in my life. Which means I will prob always be an overpacker but i’m ok with that
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I am SO guilty of this problem. I LOVE options, not even weather options just options in general. The other problem this poses is shoes…I love shoes, have many pairs…I need to bring the appropriate shoes for the outfits…its bad. I think I have gotten better but still. The other thing is that sometimes I DO wear everything because maybe I’ll change for dinner or something. Harder in the winter too because clothes and shoes are bigger and take up more space
Good Luck!!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I definitely overpack. But I always make sure to WEAR my bulkiest items so I don’t need to shove them in a bag. That way there’s room for more!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I am a bad overpacker, and it gets worse when I am also packing to work out on a trip and need another whole set of clothes (or 2!) for that. I can really relate to the other overpackers who posted; when I am on vacation, I want choice! The only thing I am good at is limiting my shoes and I honestly only have two pairs I like enough to travel with, so that’s easy.
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Morning!
I am an INSANELY GOOD packer. I am not lying, and not afraid to boast! I pack a small rolly bag for Philly every time and I always bring extra goodies for the boy, plus my laptop, wedding books, and wedding binder. and shoes!
I even went to Ecuador once for an entire week with a backpack only. Including my purse, toiletries, books, shoes, emergency SLEEPING BAG etc. I am insane.
My tips:
-Wear the same outfit to and from your trip. I never rewear traveling clothes during my trips bc I feel icky in them.
-Wear the same undershirt under different outfits. In the winter that means a long sleeve basic shirt, in the summer it means a ribbed tank. Add a fun sweater or chunky necklace or big belt to change things up.
-Only bring one workout outfit and lay it out to dry in between (if you’re only there for a weekend) or wash it a few times (if you’re there for a week)
-Don’t skimp on underwear or socks! You can always use extras, just stuff them into the empty spots.
-Pack your shoes first, always. And if you have more than 2 pairs packed, you have too many. 2 pairs + the ones on your foot should be enough, even for a week.
Hopefully I can listen to my own advice when packing for the honeymoon- the interisland flight has a max weight capacity of 40 lbs, and if it’s over they have to send your bag separately by boat!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
tina, i think my comment yesterday on your wedding pictures just got lost in the shuffle, but im dying for an answer so ill ask again!
how did you do your veil? did you buy a regular one and then just stick it UNDER your hair? i cant decide what to do with mine!!! argggggggggggggggg
your pictures look gorgeous!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
I hate packing. I do it every weekend to visit my boyfriend and it SUCKS! I’m just like you and think of every possibility of weather situations/ dress code requirements for dinner and other things which always lead me to overpack.
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I am the worst overpacker. I just decided to buy a bigger suitcase
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I love your realistic take on things. We all have “those days” where we want car fulls of carbs. And it’s nothing to be guilty about! I seriously admire how you never beat yourself up, Tina. i recommended your site to a friend who is struggling with normal eating because you have bundles of self love and eat like a real woman should. I have a high amount of respect for you. You love yourself and treat your body like a queen!! This is so great for me to see, keep doing what your doing. Have an awesome trip to NYC- are you going to give a list of what you packed?
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I am the WORST packer. I start packing for a week in advance as well for just weekend trips. Its just hard to pack something and not be sure you are going ot be in the mood to wear it when the occasion arises. I went absolutely crzy wehn i went to Ireland for a week in March andhad absolutely no idea how the weather was going to be. I was also dealing with the one bag at 50 pound limit. I ended up flying over there with my bag weighing in at 48 pounds and luckily on the way back, I asked the girl was the weight limit was in Kilgrams and she told me her scale was broken and not to worry about it. I got very lucky!
When I go somewhere where I know it will be cold I try to pack two pairs of jeans max since they tend to take up the most room. I also pack neutural shoes that I know will work with most outifts.
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
oh overpacking…let me tell you a little story. i traveled through Europe for about 6 weeks and wasn’t very smart about my packing. during the week we stayed in one hotel for work/study purposes, but on the weekends we traveled everywhere. i had a huge rolling suitcase and a huge backpacker’s backpack. i couldn’t fit on the trains, i couldn’t lift my stuff into the overhead compartment, and if you gently pushed me i would topple over due to the weight of the pack. it is hilarious now, but it taught me how to figure out what i really need on trips!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Always over pack! I just can’t seem to get ever pack light. I always need way too many pairs of shoes to go with every outfit ha ha I would love to be able to only take carry on with us to Jamaica next month but I don’t think that will happen. Especially since I really want to take all my hair stuff, makeup, etc. and you can’t carry that stuff on anymore unless it’s a certain amount. Oh well!
Oh and I would normally start packing a week or more in advance but found out last time we went to Jamaica our Basset Hound got really worked up and sick when he saw me bring out the luggage and start packing. Poor thing! So this time, I will wait until the night before we leave after I have dropped him off at the kennel. I’ll be up all night, I presume.
Thanks for sharing the tips that you found.
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Tina, I love your blog and dont’t comment often but I was wondering if you are doing any sort of meet up with blog readers while you are in NYC? I live here and I would love to attend if you are. If not, no worries. Have a great trip!!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Nice run!! I keep having junk food nights too
Well not exactly junk food, just overdoses of healthy food like lots of nuts. Not sure why.
Have a great Thursday!!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Pick a small bag to pack in, and remember that souvenirs have to go somewhere too:)
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
SO MANY good tips! THANK YOU!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I used to travel a lot, and over the years, I have become a very lightweight traveler. In fact, now I have the problem of UNDER-packing! haha. Some of my tips; Pack just your basic make up. If you don’t regularly wear red lipstick, you sure as heck won’t need it on vacation. Pack lots of undies! But you don’t need four pairs of pants! Wear the heaviest shoe you are going to take with you, and pack the light ones, like flip flops. If it’s cold where you’re going, don’t take your pretty camis you “might” wear under a sweater. You won’t. And if you’re going somewhere warm, don’t pack your cute sweater. You won’t need it. annnnnd stuff like that.
Have sooooooo much fun in NYC Tina
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I always over pack, but in my own defense, you can never be too prepared!
just never know what is going to come up and need to wear, etc.
way to go on the awesome run this morning!!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Excellent breakfast. I’m still dying to try Barney Butter!
I used to be a terrible overpacker but now I’m a lot better at it. When I went to China last spring I had to make sure I made the weight limit and left it empty enough to pack some souvenirs. Like Caitlin, I pack one particular color scheme. I brought only clothes that coordinated with black and instead of bringing entirely different outfits for different occasions, I just bring a couple of layers. For 2 days I would just wear a cardigan that matches the shirt I travel in and the two I bring for the weekend. That seems to be enough and still prepares me for chillier weather.
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
hey! I just started a blog, and JUST posted about my trip to Boston and NY, sort of your cities I guess! I’m going to add u to my blogroll if u don’t mind! Have so much fun in NY, I’ve been reading your blog for a while, it’s so great and I’m so excited to have my own. Have a great day!
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Glad to hear you’re back on the train!
I think that having those junk food days are good for us, in a strange sort of way. When I get off track one day and pig out on junk food, the next day I really appreciate the healthy decisions I make even more. It’s amazing how different your body can feel, too! Staying on track every single day is pretty difficult and those “slip ups” are needed to remind us we’re human!! 
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Remember to avoid Serendipity!!! Take it from a NY native.
Caroline, what’s your food blog? I always like to read about others’ sojourns to my fair city.
on Nov 20th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I really want to try that Barney Butter. it looks so good on your site, but it’s just soOo expensive! I can’t bring myself to pay $8 to $9 dollars for one bottle.
I always overpack. No matter how much I prep ahead.
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 7:10 am
I think women tend to overpack. I always overpack but I never regret it because I always have options.