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 
It was a revelation to me when I stopped using thingies in my hair — no barrettes, no combs, no clips. My hair is my hair, and this is how it looks.
LikeLike
The iPad is our big space-saving travel device these days. Books, magazines, newspapers, email, stereo system, movies, and white noise machine all in one.
LikeLike
I’ve been working on trying to do more with less & it’s not always easy with 2 small kids. Lately, I’ve been trying to refashion old clothes into something new.
LikeLike
Here is my second tip:
I have a few fancy dresses in jersey that WILL NOT WRINKLE. And trust me, I have done just about everything a person can do to wrinkle clothing. So, if I’m traveling those are a must. So much classier to show up in a wrinkle-free dress than say, a dress that has obviously been living at the bottom of an over-packed suitcase.
LikeLike
Except for Conan’s recent return, I haven’t missed cable or Netflix at all in 2 years. Thank goodness I live in a town with a fantastic public library!
LikeLike
I’m making toddler play clothes from my husband’s old dress shirts. There are some great free patterns for this online.
LikeLike
This is a very cool phone!! I would LOVE to win this. Not for me but for my husband. I just upgraded my phone less than a week ago but my husband is in need of a NEW phone!
LikeLike
My bag is always packed (sounds a little dangerous, no?) But it is the only way I’ll remember that I need to see (contacts), need basic hygiene (toothbrush) and communicate (phone). As long as they haven’t filled out the crossword puzzle in the airline magazine yet, I’m good to go.
LikeLike
Having a baby is SO expensive and it can get super costly to replace their clothes every few months as they grow! So, we shop at our local children’s consignment shop, Once Upon A Child, and get great used clothes for much, much less!
LikeLike
I’m going to try and “shop in my closet” until next year. It forces me to be creative with my old clothes…putting them together in a new way. Saves money and won’t take up additional space.
LikeLike
I hate paper clutter and I travel a lot. So I scan all my important documents and store them on a server or in my email box and can access them from anywhere!
LikeLike
I recently traveled to Italy with ONE bag…was so proud of myself as I am typically a ridiculous overpacker. Overpacker. A word? Hmmm.
I bring a couple of books with me, then I stash them in unexpected places when I’m done. Hotel nightstand drawers, a table at an outdoor cafe, etc.
LikeLike
We recently had a second child and became a family of four.
1) Instead of buying new things, we are reusing all of our first child’s clothes, toys, etc and then passing them onto a friend who is expecting in the spring.
2) We got rid of cable TV. We use Netflix and the library for DVDs.
3) We started buying some food items in bulk. It saves on costs as well as less packaging.
4) Signed up for electronic billing and bill pay – less mail and paper and so much quicker.
LikeLike
It’s funny – as my slightly OCD travel tendencies (read: must prepare for EVERY contingency) have become less pronounced, my daily luggage seems to have increased. Almost up until I graduated from undergrad, I carried: A wallet. In my back pocket. I have since discovered that women’s jeans DO NOT LIKE THIS. Many of said jeans died untimely deaths of hole-in-the-rear-syndrome. Now I carry a bag that I try to keep limited to: My wallet, my phone, ear-buds, pen, a small notebook, and my keys.
LikeLike
To stretch our budget, I’ve become addicted to coupons. Harris Teeter dollar double coupon week and I are best friends. Its amazing how much money you can save at the store if you set aside some time to clip coupons and stay organized.
LikeLike
The concept of simplifying my life grounds me. I’m constantly trying to get back to that simple way of life.
When packing for travel, I lay out everything I think I’ll need. Then I cut it all in half. Then, half again! That is usually what I’ll actually need. Having a small carry-on saves time and money when trudging through airports.
LikeLike
When I fly I bring a carry on and a purse.
The carry on contains my computer and all of the cords and chargers for my various electronics, plus all of my reading material.
I also carry a large purse. It holds all of the normal stuff — wallet, keys, phone — plus a pashmina that I use as a scarf, a blanket or a pillow (depending on the flight) and a zipper pouch with comfort necessities so that I don’t need to root around much during the flight.
The pouch contains ear plugs, lipstick and lip balm, hand lotion, gum, my ear phones and iPod, tissues and, if it is an overnight flight, a sleeping pill.
Having my things separated this way makes it easier to find what I need without elbowing my seatmate in the eye during the flight.
LikeLike
I visit the grocery store often, only getting enough fresh food for a couple days or maybe a week at the most. By doing this, I use up more of my produce or milk before it goes bad. I’d rather go more often than let something rot and waste my money. Plus, with roommates and small fridge, buying only what I need each time I shop frees up more space and keeps annoyances down. 🙂
LikeLike
i love travel sized make up and fragrances so even when im not traveling i keep them in my purse for a little touch up
LikeLike
To travel, I mainly bring underwear. Lots and lots of underwear. One time, on a weekend visit to my boyfriend’s, I brought only underwear.
It was better than the time I brought only a transparent vintage sequined and beaded flapper dress. And converse.
LikeLike
i kick my husband out of the kitchen, it’s easier and faster when he’s NOT helping, lol
LikeLike
I am trying to buy less package video games and purchase digital downloads instead. I have too much game clutter as it is. 😛
LikeLike
If you have an infant..
When you finish a paper towel roll, use it to make a rattle instead of buying one that they will likely lose interest in quite rapidly.
LikeLike
My travel musts for a plane are a large wrap that I use as a blanket, a bottle for water that I fill up before I get on the plane, blistex, a good book or two, some simple snacks, hand wipes and ear plugs. I can (and have!) fly for hours or days as long as I have these things.
LikeLike
I do thrift-stores! I love them, actually. It’s like going on a treasure hunt… so many useless things, and then BAM! you find a little treat that is in good condition, cute, perfect for your home and crazy cheap.
LikeLike
I have to have chapstick, especially since the plane is so dehydrating. Plus, just putting it on feels like putting on makeup, which boosts my confidence when I’m all travel-rumpled.
LikeLike
I’m in the middle of planning a wedding so I’m trying to do more for less with everything involved with the wedding. Just found invitations that come all together with the RSVP card attached. Therefore, no envelopes which keeps it greener for us, and less price because there are no fancy liners or anything like that. More bang for our buck, that’s for sure!
LikeLike
I’ve scaled down my beauty routine to just cleanser and moisturizer. I only rarely wear makeup, and only rarely rarely wear eye makeup… so no need for an extra eye makeup remover.
LikeLike
Okay, your “personal” bag made me laugh. I’m leaving for a trip tomorrow, and am making my (extremely similar) list right now! Travel is so hard — because you want to be prepared for any situation! (Or is that just me!?) I have a lot to learn about paring down, in all aspects of my life — because I really need to learn that I do *not* have to be MacGyver all of the time!!!
LikeLike
Carry on: Crochet project and hook (plastic). Kindle, I-touch, 2 – 3 trashy magazines, trail mix, gum and sanitizing wipes.
LikeLike
I love packing my tote bag for plane travel. For some reason, it reminds me of being a kid and packing a bag of fun things to do for grandma’s house. My carryon includes reading material, listening material, and a comfort kit. Also, I’m a reasonably healthy eating vegetarian, so I must include snacks…including a chocolate bar. Oh, and an empty water bottle for filling after going through security.
LikeLike
Love packing light. Whether I’m backpacking or taking a trip I take the bare minimum. As long as you can change your mindset you can live with practically nothing. At home I may use different moisturizers, hair stuff or look through all my clothes, but there is something so liberating about not having to choose between anything. Just get up and go, not spend time primping, or agonizing over what to wear. Less IS better.
LikeLike
This year, we’re doing the everyone pick one person in our family to give gifts to for Christmas. There is no need to go crazy every year!
LikeLike
Doing more with less sometimes means working on the go. Which is where my laptop and a good smartphone comes in handy. Go windows phone
LikeLike
Doing more with less: I have taken up “couponing” in the last few months and saved hundreds of dollars for my family. (I am a stay at home mom with 4 boys and cook for my family almost every night.) Getting more good, healthy food for less $!
LikeLike
I am trying to buy only edible things since I don’t really need anything else.
LikeLike
I stay organized with Microsoft OneNote, which helps me do more with less time.
LikeLike
To pack light, I have a wheeled suitcase that fits in the overhead bin and no matter where I’m going or for how long, I only allow myself the space of that suitcase. Somehow, I always manage to make it work!
LikeLike
Crockpot, crockpot, crockpot!! I want to make awesome homemade meals, but I work evenings. This way I can feed my family good food that I made (and on the cheap). Not glamorous, but true.
LikeLike
I am addicted to couponing and shopping the grocery ads – trying to spend less and use up bargain goods!
LikeLike
We’ve been cooking more at home, and, bonus: eating less as a result. Obviously, we’re spending less, but we’re buying food that can last for multiple meals. And, I’m becoming more proficient in the kitchen. 😉
LikeLike
When I go out shopping or to run errands, I try to only bring my cell phone and wallet and a recycle bag to throw groceries, etc. into. I’ve decided I can’t stand lugging around a purse while I’m shopping.
LikeLike
Doing less with more is about having some great staples in the closet that serve as “work horses” in your wardrobe. A great pair of black pants, a black skirt that can go dressy or casual. Great cardigan and a crisp white shirt. All of these can be funked up or be more classic. I try not to add anythign to my closet unless it’s a versatile basic.
LikeLike
I take the subway to the supermarket, so have to carry everything home. This helps me narrow my shopping down to just the essentials.
LikeLike
My number one space saver for a night out is to wear boots and put my keys, small wallet, and cell phone in my boots. This sounds somewhat insane, but it totally works. I wear Frye boots religiously and with keys + wallet in one 12/14 inch tall, loosely fitting boot and cell phone in the other and I am in no danger of leaving anything behind going from bars/parties/buses all night. There’s nothing worse than that pit-of-your-stomach feeling when you realize that you’ve left EVERYTHING behind–or seeing the look on your best friend’s face when she gets that feeling.
LikeLike
As much as I loved shopping at Barnes & Noble, I’ve started going back to the library to get my books. Walking out with an armload of books reminds me of when I was a kid.
LikeLike
Go for a smaller home. My husband and I have never regretted buying a small house. Less to take care of (read: one bathroom) means more time for the long list of things we’d rather be doing.
LikeLike
I’ve pared down by not taking a laptop with me when I travel. SD cards are cheap and I rely on my mobile phone to get the web fix I need. It makes it a lot easier for me to completely unplug from my job, which definitely helps me relax.
LikeLike
When traveling for pleasure, I leave my laptop at home. It keeps me from focusing on work…a bit tough for this Type A gal.
LikeLike
I have, over the past year, lost much of the use of my left hand. BUT, I am still working, cooking like a fiend, working out, designing a house, have moved in with my long-term SO and do almost everything I have always done. Most things take a bit longer though.
LikeLike