Favorites: Recent Fall Faves!
What I’m Currently Loving and Why!
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While living abroad is a blast - transitions are hard. Whenever and wherever we are packing up from one place to head to another, there’s discomfort. Leaving Lesvos is always challenging for me - I am deeply happy in our little wood-glass-masonry home, our herd of outdoor cats, our friendly neighbors, the easy pace of life here. I am at peace, safe, and we live suspended in the magic that is Plomari. Yet, heading home holds the sweetness of seeing family, the holidays and a few new things for us which is always exciting! I find myself picking and choosing my must-haves and what will stay here behind as I pack for a week in New York, a few weeks with no other clothes in Southern California, a few months with access to all my belongings which I haven’t seen in over a year and then over a month in Africa. How does one pack for that? Minimally!
I’ve learned I only truly need a handful of things and enjoy picking up whatever else I need along the way. Packing for that many seasons is a pain and America is expensive. That means I need to really only get through the week in NY and the time in Southern CA before I’m reunited with a mountain of boxes in Arizona! Here’s a few things that made it on my must-have list!
(L) the tiny gold ‘loop’ is all you see from my Experience Loops! (R) The bodysuit in square neck, rust color!
The List:
Athleta Venice High Rise Wide Leg Pants:
Before I left the USA early this year, I picked up two pairs of these - the ecru white and the regular black. They pull on easy with a wide flattering waist band, look like dress pants and wash well! They’re a bit pricey (but there’s a coupon on Athleta right now) and I would absolutely buy these again. I can fly international in them and wear them out the next night to dinner with a nice top (or this double lined bodysuit below with a light jacket pulled over). 11/10.
These things are AMAZING. I refuse to buy shapewear - I am a shape, this is what I am wearing! However, these double-lined bodysuits hug every curve and gently mold to your body in such a flattering way it would almost seem like you are wearing shapewear! I have numerous styles and colors and love them all. I don’t wear a bra with them, but you can or you can use nipple covers. All mammals have nipples and I don’t make a big deal about mine, haha!
I picked up two these a few years ago and they are something I am always grabbing from my closet. They pack down small, are super soft, are cut flattering and make me feel cozy and cute. I have the blue and the sage green colors and wear them pretty much all year!
Loop Earplugs - Experience, Engage and Quiet
I waited and waited and waited before buying these. Over time I have come to admit that I am sound-sensitive. That means I can’t handle loud noises, repetitive noises, TV sound, screaming/violence in movies, and frequently can find it hard to hear or focus in loud environments. I like noise when I choose it, but unwanted noise, especially if I’m already anxious, can send me over the edge. Z works in the evenings and the Quiets have been great to help me get to sleep - I usually take them out during the night. The Experiences are what I use most of the time if he’s playing music and I want to dull it out and the Engage version allows me to interact with others in more chaotic environments without being overwhelmed. Plus, they’re cute in!
Best Travel Items! including the best backpack for travel!
I can’t pack my backpack without recommending this workhorse for travel! I can fit everything I need for a week in here if I’m focused! This trip I’ll be packing light for international travel, but pack most of my clothes and items for California in here. I also use this when we’re on longer road trips and I need 3-4 days in a bag that’s easy to grab! Click the link for the full travel must-haves.
Let me know if you find something you like or if there’s something you’re looking for! I try a ton of things at home and abroad, and am always willing to give you my honest feedback!
