Packing Light

Okay, I'm off to Kenya today!  Because we'll always be on the move while in Kenya, my husband and I decided to only take a backpack a piece!  We will be there for 2 weeks, so that means we had to pick and choose the essentials!  One of my blog followers had a great idea for me to do a post about how I would fit everything I needed!  It was fun to pack, I've got to say, and thanks to Of the Fountain, it's here for everyone to see!  Speaking of going to Kenya, that also means I won't be blogging for the next couple of weeks.  I will be back mid-June with lots of pictures and stories to share, though!  Look forward to all the blogging material I'll get while I'm there:)
Here's what I packed:
- 3 Dresses
- 2 pairs of shorts
- 1 pair of pants
- 5-6 tank tops
- 3 shirts
- 1 small first aid kit (bandaids, medicine, etc)
- 2 swim suits
- 1 plastic bag of liquid essentials (all travel size, of course, because of airport security rules).  This included sunscreen, shampoo, conditioner, shave gel, toothpaste, and bug spray.
- 1 pair of flip flops
- 1 pair of leggings
- 10 pairs of "unders" and a few sports bras

First, I laid everything out and organized.  This made me get rid of a couple of extra shorts and dresses (yes, I actually originally had more than what I listed, if you can believe that)!

Next, make sure you have the true "essentials," like your first aid kit and toiletries.  I can live without my favorite pair of shorts if I have to, but I can't forget my anti-malaria medicine!!

Make sure you have a good size backpack.  This one isn't too big - small enough to feel comfortable carrying around all day long, but larger than your average school kid backpack.  It is Deisel brand, and we bought it online for about $50.

Then, ROLL all your clothes.  This makes them small and compact.  I put the larger rolls in the bottom to give it a good base.  Don't forget that you can also fill the sides of the bag along the zipper!

It all fits!!  Now if I can just get it zipped, it will be a success...

SUCCESS!!  On my way to KENYA!

Treasury Tuesday.... On Wednesday!

Sorry I missed Treasury Tuesday yesterday.  But, who says we can't post Treasury Tuesday on Wednesday, right!  :)  With planning for my upcoming trip and this being my last week at work, things are getting crazy!  Speaking of which, my trip is what inspired today's treasury! Enjoy:)

'My African Adventure' by impactjewelry

This treasury is inspired by my upcoming trip to Kenya - I'll be flying out on Sunday!

Handmade Shoulder B... toriska $54.00	4-piece organic OFF... smilingtreetoy... $37.00	Vintage Rolling Sui... BrightWall $72.00	Vinyl Wall Decal - ... SheynStudio $69.00
Almost a Unicorn - ... opart $21.00	Mens Boonie, Safari... TurtlecreekPro... $24.99	LUX african safari ... Chipie26 $30.00	zhoezzy.com 100 Per... zhoezzy $62.99
SALE ... Be Still... thecanvasheart $100.00	Les doux et durs af... zsazsazsu1963 $29.00	Paperbag Culottes beeliciouss $33.00	Enjoy the Journey T... papertrailstud... $4.50
Wood Post Earrings ... TribalStyle $16.00	Chiffon Jungle Gree... BohemianPrep $36.00	Leopard....Necklace... Textilemonster $15.00	Afurika peaceimagesjew... $30.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

10 Days and Counting...

In 10 days, I will be on my way to Kenya!  My husband and I are celebrating our 5 year anniversary with the biggest trip of our lives so far.  We started planning almost a year ago, and I can hardly believe it's only 10 days away!  We are going to be in Kenya for 12 days.  It takes a full day of travel to get there and a full day of travel to get back, which puts us at a full 2 weeks of much needed vaca.  While we are there, we are mixing it up and doing a variety of things.  Of course we'll do a few days of safari.  Hope to see lots of animals!  We are also going to get a bit of the culture, get to walk around with a local Masai warrior and meet villagers, visit a local orphanage, do some philanthropy work in a village (I think we've decided we're going to barter for a goat to give a family:).  We are going to visit a tea plantation or two, and we also are getting the amazing opportunity to meet and visit with a child that we have been sponsoring for several years.  He lives on the coast of Kenya, so we'll get some beach time while we're there!  It is going to be so amazing, and I just won't want to come back!!
 The other day, we practiced packing our bags (I know - silly:).  We are only taking one backpack each, considering we will always be on the move.  The hotels will have laundry service, so we'll be taking full advantage of that!  Things I keep reminding myself about - Buy plug converters!  Don't brush my teeth with faucet water (that's always hard to remember).  Start taking garlic pills ASAP! 

Sopa Hotel

Masai Villagers

Can't wait to see this view!

Tented Camp Hotel