In which I like simplifying. Sometimes.

Oh, I do like the idea of simplifying, don't you? I admire people who live Thoreau-like with few possessions. Of course, that isn't really me at all. I like luxury and convenience, and I invest in things I think will make my life easier. Sometimes, oddly enough, that means embracing complications.

Like my cosmetic bags. I always fly with carry-on only, and this means I have to pack very specifically. My liquids are decanted into veeeeery small containers that hold just enough for my trip. The rest of my chick stuff gets divided into a cosmetic bag for makeup and a larger bag for miscellaneous, non-liquid toiletries. Now, the fiddling around with tiny containers and a Barbie-sized funnel is a bit fussy, but it is SO worth not having to stand around the baggage carousel waiting for my luggage to show. But I don't really love having to sort my makeup for every single trip or play with my teeny bottles more than necessary. So it finally occurred to me--dur--to buy duplicates of all my regular things and keep my bags stocked and ready to go.

So before my last trip, I scurried around town, picking up an extra eyelash curler, comb, eyeliner, etc. to fill my bags. And when it came time to pack, I had about a spare four hours because my packing was cut down to three minutes. Seriously--just grab the clothes I want to take, toss in my two cosmetic bags, and I'm finished. It took longer to pick out my book for the plane. And when I got home, there was virtually no unpacking to do because I'll be leaving again in just over three weeks. All I have to do is top off my liquids when I have a free minute, and I'm off again. Yes, it took a bit of extra legwork to get the duplicates, but it was completely worth it--and I have spares for everything in case I run out at home.