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.

• Reoria Double Lined Bodysuits

  • 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!

• Lightweight Hoodie

  • 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!