This is the super fancy Windows Phone 7. Behold!
Ooo. Shiny.
The idea behind the phone is that you can do all kinds of stuff with it, so you don’t have to carry so many gadgets around to stay on top of your life. As you know from the Packing Light series, I’m all about doing more with less, specifically only what you can fit in a carry-on and a backpack
Lots of you have asked me what I pack in my backpack while I’m on the road. All of my electronics go in there, so here’s my list of what’s in my “personal item” bag when I’m boarding a plane.
Digital SLR with 50mm 1:1:4 lens
Camera battery charger
Phone charger
Earbuds
Laptop charger
Laptop
Magazine
Moleskine journal
Pens that won’t explode in flight
A hard case for my glasses
A small purse that contains:
-my wallet
-keys
-phone
-and a mesh zip bag with:
+Waleda hand cream
+Burt’s Bees lip balm
+Lipstick
+Eye drops
Comfort kit with
-snacks
-teabags
-a sleeping mask
-earplugs
-an inflatable neck pillow with knit cover
How about you? What’s your bare minimum of what you need to be comfortable when you’re traveling, or working, or just getting ready in the morning? What are your tricks for doing more with less in your life?
I’m giving away one Windows Phone 7, which is worth about $500, plus all this good stuff:
-A one year XBOX Live Gold membership
-A three month unlimited Zune Pass — which lets you download and stream unlimited music and keep 30 songs forever and ever.
– A T-Mobile SIM, active until November 30. (If you’re already a T-Mobile subscriber, you can also use your existing SIM.)
To enter, all you have to do is leave a tip in comments about how you’re doing more with less. You can enter once a day, but you’ll need to cough up a new and improved tip every time you comment. I assume this helps ensure that you are not a robot. Not that I have anything against robots.
Now for the fine print. The contest is open until November 29, and as usual I’ll pick a winner using random.org. I’ll email the winner, and once he or she emails me back, I’ll announce who it was on Mighty Girl. Sound good? Great. The crazy detailed details are here, as are the bazillion (or so) other sites where you can go to enter for another chance to win the phone. I encourage you to do so.
This giveaway was brought to you by the new Windows Phone 7. Less MIA. More PTA: Learn about Windows Phone online and see it in person at local T-Mobile stores today.
http://thirdparty.fmpub.net/placement/370528?fleur_de_sel=%5Btimestamp%5D
Mighty Girl 
I took a job in a remote fly-in community that has no grocery store. Which means I have to pack everything I truly need for the five-day work-week. Subsequently, I’ve reevaluated what constitutes junk food and junk belongings.
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In my carry on I always have a pair of warm socks, a sleep mask & candy (the stuff I usually don’t let myself have) It makes flying seem like a treat.
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My husband has been out of work for a while so money is tight. Instead of eating out everyday for lunch like I used to, I try to pack a lunch instead and for every day I bring my lunch, I put $10 in my savings account. Its great!
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I try to pack as light as possible – I HATE going to baggage claim! My must-haves are a light sweater, good book, snacks like granola, a candy bar, and some gum, hand lotion and lip balm.
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I recently flew to TX for 6 days, and bit the bullet and took only a carry-on plus a personal bag — my first time ever not checking in any luggage! (And once I got there, I realized I’d packed far too many clothes!)
This year, I can’t afford to give gifts, nor am I much of a baker/crafter. Instead I’m writing postcard-sized stories and “I love/appreciate this about you” notes on some lovely handmade postcards I got for super cheap. I’ll be mailing them out once a week in Dec to friends; I’m hoping to do something similar via email for the folks who live further away/routinely have mail lost on the way to them. It’s also making me improve my penmanship before I begin this project (via practice, so I can be sure all the stories fit without losing legibility) – something I always wanted to do.
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I buy food in bulk and store it/preserve it to save money.
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I know this is hardly a revolutionary idea, but I finally see the wisdom in freezing a couple of pre-portioned meals.
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I just bought a small Sherpani XO backpack to use as my everyday diaper bag/purse. The smaller bag forced me to reduce from purse and diaper bag to one small bag. Inside the must haves include a sherpani zipper wallet that I can just grab on it’s own. My not-very-smart plain old cell phone, burts bees lip balm, Keihls lip gloss, upcycled hankies for toddler, stocked diaper clutch, extra pants and big boy underpants (ugh, potty training needs to end before the baby gets here in Feb! That will reduce a lot of stuff!) Water bottle and/or milk. Snacks. Moleskines.
For travel, I go with a camera backpack by Lowepro that protects my Nikon DSLR, computer,all the accompanying cords, potentially my son’s PeeWee PC (we haven’t traveled since getting it), moleskines, empty water bottle to fill past security, son’s medical info (he has a pacemaker).
With a fancy phone, I would skip the computer and save my back and time at security. Plus, the phone could take over for one or two books I often have to entertain the little man. He travels heavy.
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My husband and I operate with one car. It is fantastic and for those times we both need a vehicle, we have a membership to zip car.
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About a year ago I realized how much money I was wasting on books … I would buy them, read them and then add them to stacks in my house. (no used bookstore in my town) Then I re-discovered one of my favorite places as a child – the public library! I can even check out books online plus I’ve saved so much!!!
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My carry-on for planes is ear plugs, eye mask, toothbrush, deodorant, hair elastic, mascara and a book.
Everything else can be borrowed or bought when I arrive. It won’t kill you to use a different shampoo for a few days–or week. I use the travel time to wash my face with water only + give my skin a rest.
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less is more for me in terms of make-up. i learned the hard way that moisturizer, mascara and lip-gloss (or chapstick!) can be enough for everyday…
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We live in a small apartment–when we moved here we sold our dining room table, as this apartment doesn’t have a dining room. We did, however, keep our table runner (from Ecuador!), so it is now hanging on the wall as decoration. 🙂
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I third the library. I use goodreads.com to track what books I want to read and check them out online. I can pick them up and be back in the car in 5 minutes flat. If I check out a digital book, I don’t even have to go to the library.
I just got back from a 3 week European trip with only a carry on backpack but I can’t travel without a blow up travel pillow, eye mask, earplugs and a reusable water bottle. If I need anything, I can always buy it (and I usually don’t because I don’t want to carry it around).
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My husband and I just practiced doing a whole lot more with less by throwing a fun, beautiful, and practical wedding (shout out to APW!) that represented US! My advice to married-couples-to-be – focus on whatever YOU think is important, no matter how different that may be, and it will be less expensive and more fun than you ever thought possible!
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I have been cleaning out the house donating as much as possible, hopefully someone else can use it. I also am making sure santa gets the memo that I don’t need tons more toys in my house.
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My boys have lots of toys. For the twins birthday this year, we had the first friend party and we said no gifts. It actually made the party less stressful. Usually the gift opening is chaotic and then I have to find a place for all of the new toys. I got them a few lego sets and some practical items which was manageable. I am vowing to scale back at christmas also for all 4 kids.
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I am canceling all of the catalogs that come in the mail.
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We have this ugly candle holder with a bunch of wires sticking out of it. I have repurposed for washing and drying ziploc bags. Probably should have been doing that anyway…
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How I’m doing more with less: I’m saving money by driving a hand-me-down “grandma car” to save on a new car payment. I’m a recent grad so it’s a big help!
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Mascara! Then I can do it all!
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Travel must-haves: pashmina, slipper socks and gum.
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Half my life ago, I got my driver’s license (and a really, really, really, really old car). Since then, I’ve always had a car and been paying car insurance and gas and the whole thing. Where I came from, a car was a necessity.
In June, I gave my car to my dad and didn’t replace mine. I’ve been living in NYC for the past 5 years, so it’s fairly easy to get around, but I still kind of can’t believe that I’m one of those people who doesn’t own a car! And not having to worry about the car parked out on the street (or alternate side parking days) is an added bonus! Less stress!
Honestly, I’ve missed it exactly once. And I was able to get where I was going on the commuter rail anyway.
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traveling: I bring a small vial of jojoba oil to use as make-up remover and hair styling.
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I decided that fancy diaper bags are WAY overrated. I bought a backpack at Target, on clearance, for $3 and it holds everything I need for the kiddo in all of the multiple pockets.
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I do more with less by re-purposing and recycling household goods, such as reupholstering a chair or using fabric to make curtains. Thanks! This phone looks great!
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I’ve been eating all my canned goods and frozen items, which makes for some strange combos sometimes, but there’s no cash outlay!
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I visited a friend the day before she moved from Phoenix to NYC and I was shocked by the chaos. She had so much and was frantically trying to sort through and pack it. It made me think about the things I have and what I really need in my life. Less!
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When I travel I wear baggy sweat pants with at least a little bit of elastic at the bottom so they can be pushed up around the knees or calves if you get hot and their baggy so they don’t stick to you and make you feel uncomfortable. But they can also be worn with the legs pulled down to stay warm and cozy and because they’re baggy they’re not costricting so you can get comfy in any position while staying warm. They are the perfect fit and you can wear them with almost anything.
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Here is a list of things that I need for my travel backpack! Simple or useless to others but just perfect for me!
1) A novel
2) Word Search or Sudoku (any one of those)
3) My Blackberry
4) A pen
5) Chewing Gum
6) My Wallet
7) Lip pencil & a lipstick
8) Mini hair brush
9) Hand cream
10)Travelling wipes
11)A small purse which contains, my passport, my ticket & foreign money for where I am going to!!)
Have a safe & enjoyable flight!!
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I just wrote a blog post with an example of doing more with less. Rather than spend money on hair detangler for my daughter, I use watered-down conditioner from a nearly-used-up bottle. Thanks for the contest!
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My carry-on travel essentials: more reading material than I’d be able to get through in a month; shea butter (used as chapstick, cuticle cream, and hand lotion); argan oil (makeup remover/facial moisturizer); huge bottle of water; snacks (baby carrots, nuts, crackers, non-mushable fruit); iPhone; earbuds; charger; sunglasses; and a big sweater (doubling as pillow and blanket).
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I know it sounds silly, but I am really just trying to use up everything I already have…hotel shampoos, food in my freezer, canned goods. it is amazing how much stuff I have stockpiled!
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I make my own lattes at home now, and only very rarely go to a coffee shop as a special treat. Makes a big difference, and makes me really appreciate the times I do go out instead of being impatient at the line. Win, win.
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I love traveling with a sarong. Folds up small and has tons of uses on the road: picnic blanket, after shower wrap, beach towel, swimsuit coverup, impromptu skirt, carry dirty laundry, nap blanket … the list goes on.
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I find that when we de-clutter there is more peace in our home. When we have too much stuff in our space it’s like we can’t breathe. Clearing it out restores peace.
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When I travel I carry my PacSafe 100 purse (black) and my laptop bag on the plane and I do check one bag with clothes and the like.
In my carry-on travel purse, I have:
My Nokia N8 12 MP camera phone (camera seriously rocks)
a couple of pens
a small bag of lipstick (1 mac, 3 besame mucho)
a small flashlight
wallet
passport
a vintage handkerchief
a power monkey charger with solar charger option
a packet of soap leaves
a packet of rice paper blotters
toothpicks & a micromesh lens cleaner
a 4G USB key (comes in handy at odd times)
handcreme
carmex lip balm
In the laptop bag, I carry:
The computer type object
A plastic 1 gallon ziplock bag with power adapters & power cords, as well as usb
a 6′ ethernet cord in case the hotel’s wifi sucks
packets of wet wipes
Notebook
reading book
change of undies, socks, & shirt in case airlines loses checked bag
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You really inspire me to learn to pack light. It’s not one of my fortes. One of the smartest things I ever did, however, was waiting to start my breastfeeding infant on solid food until after our trip to Chicago last year. He didn’t know the difference (it was only about two or three weeks later) and it saved me from having to bring baby food, spoons, bibs, a high chair, etc. And I learned I could breastfeed standing up while walking through a Frank Lloyd Wright home! (Supermom!)
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I used to waste money on travel size toiletries, but realized that buying standard 3 oz containers from the Container Store would save me money and not force me to buy a certain brand of product just because it was in the tiny size
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I stopped trying to keep up with the family’s schedule on a paper calendar and got us all on combined Google calendars instead. Much easier!
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We have been trying to give away things that we don’t need (turns out there’s a lot!) and cooking more simply. We’ve stopped buying pre-made spaghetti sauce and started making our own out of canned tomatoes, soooo much cheaper! And, I just recently discovered the joys of homemade whipped cream. Sweet, sweet heaven.
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My stays-with-me travel bag includes:
camera + charger
phone + charger
noise-canceling headphones (not small, but earbuds really bother my ears)
laptop + charger
magazine
crossword puzzles (keeps me distracted from my horrible fear of flying) + pen
xanax (really keeps me distracted from flying fear)
glasses + sunglasses + case
earplugs and eye mask
cashmere wrap/scarf/plane blanket/awesome multi-use warmth-ensurer
fuzzy socks for cold feet
wallet + passport if needed
see-through plastic bag with:
Aveeno fragrance-free hand lotion
Burt’s Bees lip balm
saline nasal spray (for dry plane air)
clinique moisturizer (again, dry plane air)
eye drops (did I mention the plane dries me out?)
mini-tube of toothpaste + fold-able brush
snacks (usually dried fruit, almonds, cereal)
big bottle of water
gum
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Travel must have – large scarf/pashmina. Pillow/blanket/scarf/towel (in a pinch!) – I also use it to dress up a boring travel outfit!
I have also recently been gifted a Kindle reader, and I LOVE it. Usually I carry at least 2 books with me, and this lets me carry that many (or more!) and is small and compact. I can download work files onto it as well for reading on places without having to pull out my laptop, and the battery lasts forever. The newest kindle also has a web platform that lets you check email or quickly surf the web with its free 3G network or wi-fi.
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We downsized to one car and it has been great! No regrets — we save so much money! We spend more time together since we now run weekend errands together!
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One thing I’ve done is to stop hanging out in shopping areas for fun. Instead, I bring a book from home to a cafe, to the park, or just to my balcony.
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I try to minimize what I keep in my car. Only my cell phone charger, my phone and a bottle of water. No need for more distractions 🙂
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I’ve been working on making more of my own food, and spending less at the grocery store. I’m a little of a crunchy granola type, so baking my own bread, making my own baby food, and making darn near everything from scratch takes a minor time investment but is saving time, and honestly is probably better for us all. Kind of on topic.
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My family is spending the year on sabbatical abroad. We are making do with less by fitting everything we needed for the entire year into 6 suitcases (except for kitchen stuff, which came with our apt., although the kitchen is also less well-equipped than ours at home). It is so satisfying to pare down your life to the bare essentials. I’m also looking forward to leaving much of my son’s clothes here when we return because he will have outgrown most of it. We can use the space in his suitcases for souvenirs & mementos (which isn’t really doing more with less, is it?).
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Until May 2011, I live in two cities–New York and DC–half a week for each. And I’m saving for my MFA thesis film, producing a friend’s thesis, working 20 hours a week, and taking class. So my life is complex and challenging and stripped down, generally fitting in one backpack.
Things that make my life a little better and lighter and easier to carry: water bottle (pre-loaded with water by my sweetie), a trashy novel (now is not the time for great literature), my five year old red boots, red lipstick, clothing that makes me feel pretty, a scarf (doubles as a pillow), and my 500 gig external hard drive. With two pairs of pants, I’m usually good for one city.
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I know this might seem like it would lead to overpacking, but about three days before I’m set to go anywhere, I open a text file to start listing things I’ll need for a trip. With that in hand, I pare it down to my necessities and actually end up packing less. I realized a while back that my biggest overpacking issues were a result of last minute panic.
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