The Cambridge Satchel Company

I have bought myself a lovely pink Cambridge satchel bag.

I know this blog is about Minimising Things...but I have a few foibles...

It was time to upgrade from my $7.70 brown leather op-shop shoulder satchel, to a pink, leather, hand-made, made in England Absolute Beauty.

Thank you strong Aussie $!!

Packing the Day Bag

Packing the day bag for your kids involve a lot fo "Just In Case" things. I get paranoid thinking that one day I forget something, is the day I really need it.

Packing the Day Bag has become much easier now that the kids are out of nappies. Also, the eldest (6 yrs) doesn't need a change of clothes every time we go out.

I still need:
change of clothes for daughter (3 yrs)
food
water bottles x 3
baby wipes & hankies
band-aids & Paw Paw cream
treats*

So, as you can see, it's fairly compact, and can all fit in a small bag. I am, however, going back to packing for a baby as well in February. This means...8-10 nappies a day, as well all the other paraphernalia e.g. spare clothes x4, burp towels, nappy cream, bibs, wraps, toys, sling, pram, Moses basket...

I am looking forward to going out with just a small handbag when the kids are all "growed-up". I've seen older mums do this on their way to the city or something. I've admired them in the distance. :)

*for emergencies only: long car trips, long waits in a queue etc.

Minimalist Travels

Image from Hypebeast.com (Japanese mountaineering backpacks: hobo)

I'm heading for a short OS holiday at the end of the year. I wonder if I can do it with four backpacks. Actually, it's gotta be three. One large for Huband, one medium one for me, one small one for the 5 year old.

I can't imagine my 2 year old girl carrying too much!

We are not swimming/beaching so that eliminates swimmers and bulky beach towels. And thongs. And it's mild Autumn weather so I won't need thick jackets and coats.

This is what I will be taking:

Mum
3 shirts, 2 pants, 1 jacket
3 undies, 1 pyjamas
3 socks, 2 shoes

5 year old boy
5 shirts, 5 pants, 2 jackets
7 undies, 1 pyjamas
7 socks, 2 shoes
1 hat

2 year old girl
5 shirts, 5 pants, 3 jackets
7 undies, 1 pyjamas
7 socks, 2 shoes
1 hat

Toiletries
shampoo, conditioner, comb
toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
contacts, solution
glasses, sunglasses
soap
facewashers, hankerchief, towels
nail clippers, deodrant, paw paw
cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen

Stuff
Bible, book, notebook, diary, pen
camera, charger
wallet, cash
passport, travel documents

Kids related
water bottles, snacks
nappies, wipes
pram, cotton wrap, cot sheet
medicine kit
toys, books, games, bedtime friends
colouring in books & pencils & stickers (for the plane trip)

I wonder if I can fit all this into three backpacks.

And as much as I would like to pack for Husband, he tells me he is a grown man and can pack for himself. :)

When One is Enough: One Handbag

When one can be enough, embrace it!

1 LBD
1 Handbag
1 Swimsuit
1 PJs
1 Belt
1 Winter Coat
1 Pair of Black Shoes
1 Hat

I have one Handbag.

Recently, I bought a new handbag. I had to replace my old one because the zipper broke. I was very sad about this. I had only owned it for five years. Things don't last that long!!

The new bag is pretty good...quality leather, small, compact, lovely brown, and has several compartments. The only thing is the straps are too short and it does not go over & across my shoulders. I now realise this is really annoying. I need both hands - dealing with children! Oh well!! One bag. I'm stuck with it. :)

It's funny how, for me, it was a source of secret pride that I have only one bag. But one of my good friends told me recently how she felt sorry for me because I obviously didn't have time to go shopping (too busy with little kids).

It got me thinking, why I choose to have only one bag.

I think it's because I don't want or need variety. I just want quality. And you can only use one bag at a time!

So one bag it is.

OneBag.com

This is one of all-time my favourite sites.

Since uni days I have pored over the pages, memorising the packing list, and drawing up a "wish list". I've always wanted a silk inner liner sheet!

It advocates Light Travel - which means travelling with one bag; one carry-on bag.

I love this idea. I've done it ONCE. When I travelled to Korea by myself back in 2004. It was a pretty good feeling. So light and free. While everybody is queuing up to pick up their luggage, you are on your way, hopping into a taxi, with just one small backpack on your back.

The list is pretty minimal. The best tip is minimising clothing. What is the saying? "Lay out everything you are going to take on your trip. Then half the clothing. Double the Money".

For me, three outfits is plenty. Plus you can wash as you go. Coordinating colours is the key, so everything goes with everything. I've pretty much stuck to black, grey and dark green.

Here is the list: One bag packing list

Decluttering my Wallet

It all started with a nice wallet I got for a present for my birthday. My 30th.

I started cleaning out my old wallet...getting rid of old receipts, expired cards, train tickets etc. Then I went onto cleaning out my handbag. There were about six pens in there, old lolly wrappers, and numerous coffee cards. It felt very good chucking out bits and pieces, tidying up and just holding onto the essentials.

This is the Handbag Items List:

1 Wallet
1 Phone
1 set of Keys
1 Lip balm
1 Handkerchief
1 Pen
1 Moleskin

This is how my minimalist and decluttering journey begin. With a humble wallet!