I have found the secret to packing...

For my trip to Texas I wanted to pack in ONLY carry on bags.  This is heart wrenching to me because I always over pack.  ALWAYS.  I was in it to win it & I vowed to find a way.  

Ya know how everyone tells you to roll your clothes now to pack rather than just folding them & laying them in the suitcase?  Yea-that's all well & good...but I have found something even better....

I was only taking 1 top for each day.  I was going to re-wear my bottoms.  (Don't gasp - desperate times...)  I took each top & put them in a gallon size ziploc bag...squeezed out all the air & voila.  The bottoms I took were in their own bag.

(the cheetah jacket just laid on top...I needed that after we landed.  My red dress is the bag at the bottom.  Shocking, I know...)

 I also had all my jewelry picked out.  This is an excellent idea because I'm always thinking I'm gonna wear more stuff than I do.  No more, people...  This organizer is awesome & held everything I took with room to spare.

 I was also able to get all my liquids into my quart size baggie.  It was stuffed, but it sealed...
Boo on you, tsa...

 Here they are.  Technically, yes - I used a personal item too.  UH, duh...they allow it so I'm using it.  I had ALL my clothes in the bag on the left.  The bag on the right had my jewelry, my ipad, snacks & all my paperwork.  SCORE!

Do you love my luggage?  There's a story behind it.  (Isn't there always a story?)  It's Jennifer Lopez from Kohl's.

Mom had bought me a set of luggage long before I got married & moved away.  And I love it.  However, it was made before the days you had weight limits on bags & it was made of very heavy materials.  I've had it over 15 years so it was time for an upgrade.

I picked out the new set I wanted for Christmas & mom bought it for me.  Don't ya love that?  Well-the first time I tried to use it - the handle wouldn't telescope out.  I took it back to Kohl's & they were more than willing to exchange it...however... they didn't have that set.  I hauled that luggage back there twice & they didn't have it either time.  I said to hell with that & decided to return it & put it towards another set.  J Lo is PROUD of her luggage, people & it is PRICEY.  However, I had Kohl's cash to use & the other luggage return & I had like 30% off.  It was awesome.  

After using it on this trip my only criticism is that the duffle bag (the one on the left) has a handle & wheels which is great.  BUT when you stop to just let it stand upright, it falls over every.single.solitary.time.  It got real old, real quick.  I will definitely use it again- but probably not on a flight anywhere.  

AND - if you knew about the gallon size zip loc baggie idea & didn't tell me:  #1-shame on you.  
#2-Don't lie & say you invented it when you didn't....I did...