Friday, April 12, 2013

79 The Traveling Blogger

I have done a few posts in the past where I state, "and it just pops into my travel tote or camera bag".  Then, of course, that feeds the question, "Can we see your travel bag?".   Well sure!

My organizing systems and methods of course are always changing and evolving, and how I travel is no exception.  It always varies on distance, length of stay and what I hope to accomplish during my time away from the home.  Sometimes it may be an afternoon at the coffee shop, other times it may be a week away with the fam.

So, although it can slightly vary from time to time, there are a few things that stay fairly consistent.  I like to use a single tote to hold all of my work tools, my wallet and my phone.  I would rather carry one bag than twelve, so it had to be big enough for belongings, but couldn't be so big, that my back would ache ten minutes into carrying it.  I found this bag from DSW, and have been extremely happy with it.


Here is what you will typically find inside.


  • My Planner {more details on that here}
  • Some current magazine reads
  • Hand Lotion
  • Project Work Files
  • iPad
  • Office in a Pouch

In the past I have tried a few methods for keeping my itty office bits nice and tidy when I travel.  I like to fill out my planner, flag pages in magazines and within paper files, access digital documents, highlight things.... you know, all the things I would do at my desk at home.  I have tried using the pouches on the inside of the travel tote and even those cheapy pencil pouches from Target.  Nothing ever seemed to be ideal until I decided to try a cosmetic case of all things {also found at Target}.  It was the "fits like a glove" solution.  So smitten!


I call it my traveling office.  I love that it is so compact, yet due to all the pouches and slots, can hold so much.  There are three separate zippered pouches, and the back side has multiple pockets which work great for things like pens and highlighters.  Yes, even a small notepad fits inside perfectly, for all my random notes and things I like to jot down {I found it here}.


Here is a closer look to what I have inside all of the pouches inside of the cosmetic case.


The first pouch holds some of my actual cosmetic type items, such as lip balm, a finger nail clippers, a hair tie, bobby pins and headband {last three not shown}.

The second pouch works great for my techy items, such as my iPad USB attachment, mini-calculator, my headphones, my SD card and jump drive.

The third pouch works great for stationary type items, such as blank note cards {you never know when you will need to leave a random Thank You or note}, page flags, paperclips and washi tape. 

After tossing my phone and wallet inside the tote, here is a quick glance down inside, so see how nicely everything fits for simple and streamlined travel.


The bag is versatile enough that if I opt to travel with my laptop instead of my iPad, I can easily do so.  And there is one more zippered pouch inside the travel tote, which is perfect for stashing the electronic chargers for longer trips.

What tips do you have for traveling and working on the go?  Any one item you couldn't leave home without?

79 comments:

  1. I love the cosmetic case! Where did you find it??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops, sorry about that, it's from Target. :) I just updated the post.

      xo!
      Jen

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    2. What is the brand name of the cosmetic case? I would love to find something similar! I know this post is over 2 years old, but a girl can dream!

      Delete
    3. Hi Kristin,

      I believe the brand is "Contents". I have a few cosmetic cases by that brand from Target and I love them. :)

      xo!

      Delete
  2. What great organization! I especially love that cosmetic pouch you use for your work things. Where is it from?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops, sorry about that, it's from Target. :) I just updated the post.

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  3. ADORABLE! I've been researching my face off for a good bag that will double as both a purse and a diaper bag! Def looking into this one =) Love your travelling office! <3

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  4. There's a pretty good calculator app on the ipad
    https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/calculator-for-ipad-free/id398129933?mt=8

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, I will have to check it out! I am sure my iPad could make up for half of the items I carry, but I just typically use it for browsing the internet and emails. :)

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  5. Jen! First, love your blog the most! Second, did you find that cosmetic case recently? Or am I going to have to hunt for it :)

    Your blog is so inspiring!

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    Replies
    1. Hmmmm.... I would say within the last month I found it. But Target always has a bajillion great options. :)

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  6. Hi Jen,

    What magazine reads do you love other than BH&G?

    Love the traveling bag.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jenny!

      Wow, hard question. I love so many. I am honestly a giant fan of special interest publications. Although a bit more spendy, I don't subscribe to anything other than BHG, so I splurge on quarterly mags instead. They come with very few ads and pages of inspiration and add to my "library".

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  7. The cosmetic case is pure genius! And the bag - so stylish. Definitely good motivation to work on the go!

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  8. Odd question: where did you get those loafers/flats? I know it's kind of weird, but I had a pair just like that a long time ago and wore them to holes. I've since been looking for a replacement and those look perfect!

    Love all of your tips and blog. You're awesome!

    Sara

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  9. What a genius idea of using a cosmetic bag! I call my purse "the black hole" because I can never find the things that I swear I've thrown in there. I might have to use your idea and get some organization going on in there!

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    Replies
    1. My bag used to be like that all the time! My first step to better organizing: a big with light lining! I always had bags with black lining, everything got lost. With for example white linging I find my stuff way easier :)

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  10. I would love to hear about your planner as I've got a mini obsession with them =)

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  11. Awesome ideas Jen:) Your photos always make me swoon! I have to carry my techie life around with me too and I dislike hauling many bags. I created a cool bag organizer. It's a fun little DIY. I thought I'd share it in case anyone cares to see:) http://yourhappystuff.com/blog/2013/4/10/how-to-organize-my-purse

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  12. Love your pink and white scarf in the picture. Do you recall where that is from? Thanks for the great ideas as always.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sara!

      I found it during a Zulily flash sale awhile ago.

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  13. That's amazing! I'm always a mess when I travel, so this definitely inspires me. :)

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  14. You gotta have a nail filer to accompany your nail clipper..otherwise how will you file down the spiky nail tips a clipper leaves behind?

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  15. I wish my purse looked that wonderful. I have a cosmetic bag that looks like a CVS Pharmacy threw-up in it!

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  16. Where is the bag from? Is that a recent find as well? Love it!!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Samantha!

      It is from DSW, linked in the post above. :)

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  17. Omg! Totally love everything you do. Thanks so much for sharing your great ideas. You're an inspiration!!

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  18. I just love your blog, Jen! Your posts are sooo inspiring and they all have a very happy vibe off them. We probably have zero other things in common, but Iheart organizing too and your posts just give so many new hints and tips to add onto my own organizing :) Hopefully when I someday get my own home it'll be as beautiful as yours!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love this post. I've needed to create
    a bag like this for a long time. Looks
    like a weekend project for me.

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  20. Great idea using the makeup bag for traveling office essentials - going to have to do that! www.styleoyster.blogspot.com

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  21. I just bought the bigger version of that compact case from Target!! I'm going to use it for my toiletries when I travel. I am in LOVE with that print.

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  22. So smart! I have to find a better system for my purse--my always starts out organized, but between kids, receipts, meetings, etc. it ends up looking like a war zone! Thanks for sharing your system! Have a wonderful weekend!

    ~Abby =)

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  23. I'm a pouch addict. I have a bunch leftover from my baby days, my favorites are from Lexie Barnes and Ju Ju Be! I really like the idea of a cosmetic one though. A lot of times mine are hard to zip because they have to be slim at the top, and I tend to overstuff!

    When we travel travel, like back home to New Jersey, my carry on is pretty much all pouches; a food stuffs pouch, coloring/small notebook for my daughter, iPod/cell phone pouch, book and glasses etc. my favorite bag is the Lug Cabby Social Tote. Carries everything!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seriously, love that! Pouches are so great for keeping everything separated and simple to find. :)

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  24. Love the bag very cute & using a cosmetic case as a walking office is genius!

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  25. I love this! I used to have a cute bag from 31 Gifts that I kept magazines, calendar, etc in...until one day someone called me a "bag lady" because I always had it. That was it. I stopped. But by goodness if YOU do it then so can I, right :)

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  26. Love your bag! Followed your link and they only had green left! :/ I'm definitely trying your cosmetic case tip. Thanks!!

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  27. Jen i just love ur blog! Will def be using these ideas for summer traveling!!

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  28. You are so organized and like you, I also love to buy large bags so I can easily stuff all the things I need inside. A pretty small bag will not be good enough if you are traveling all the time. By the way, the bag from DSW is perfect for summer! I love it.

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  29. Love that! I use a cosmetic brush bag for my pens as well, and empty mint tins are perfect for paper clips. One thing I'm surprised you don't say you have is a little retractable tape measure, my "must-have" right after lip stick and a pen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I totally have a couple of those around the house, I am totally throwing one in my bag! :)

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  30. Love it! Perfect for some great purse organization. And where oh where did you get that great earphone pouch? Mine are constantly getting tangled up in the bottom of my purse!!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Rebecca!

      I used a leftover Q-Tip container, you can snag the details here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/04/organized-music-to-my-ears.html

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  31. where is your wallet from? looks cute!

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  32. Where did you get your iphone case at? I love it!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Carmen,
      It is a Lily Pulitzer case from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B0CSEQY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B0CSEQY&linkCode=as2&tag=iheaorga-20

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
    2. Thanks so much for sharing!

      Delete
  33. What's the actual brand of the cosmetic bag? If a person were trying to find it on Target.com? :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's made by "Contents" however, I am having a hard time finding the exact pouch on their site. Boo!

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
    2. After a little researching, it's the Morgan Paisley Beauty Organizer by Contents and runs $16.99.

      http://www.target.com/p/morgan-paisley-beauty-organizer/-/A-14529742#prodSlot=medium_2_20&term=contents

      Only bummer is it's only sold in stores. Looks like there's a black bag online though! :)

      Delete
  34. Love this post! Organizing my purse/bag always seems to be one of those organizing things that "isn't working" and I end up with a jumbled mess again. Thanks for the cute inspiration (as always).

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love the cosmetics case idea, and I'm definitely trying it!

    Can you please share where you got your iPad case from? It looks so sleek and pretty and mine's looking a little worse for wear. Time for a new one!

    -Megan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. H Megan,

      Thank you! It is from Target, but I got it on clearance about a year ago and haven't seen the same one since. I think they still have a lot of great options though.

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  36. Hmm, this was indeed very organized, I love the pouch…

    Love,
    Alva@UK Holiday Home

    ReplyDelete
  37. I just picked up the bag at Target, so it's definitely still around! It was $16.99.

    Also, the q-tip case idea for earbuds is GENIUS.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Holly @ Haleighanna's Hands

    I loved this post. I am an event planner by day and, well, a whole bunch of other things at night. I have a "planner" bag that I grab each time I go on the road to an event. In it are my earbuds, writing utensils, pain reliever and anti-nausea meds, etc. All those things live in that bag so that I can pick it up and go. I also have a notebook that always have the little things I need to do a show.

    Then there's the art journal stuff that's already backed and waiting to go wherever I do.

    There is nothing better than an already half packed bag.

    ReplyDelete
  39. What a great idea to repurpose a make up case as a travel organizer! Love it! I feel the need to organize my purse now...

    Whitney

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  40. Great blog post. I too have a tote bag that I carry with me for when I am away from home. Your tote bag is so cute.

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  41. Absolutely love the idea of using a makeup case for something other than makeup! Thank you for the wonderful idea. I really enjoy your blog and I'm glad I came across it.

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  42. I spy something polka dotted in your bag! I love polka dots!! What is it and where did you get it from?

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  43. Thank you so much for this post. I'm on my way to SNAP tomorrow and these are great tips for packing my traveling office!

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  44. found that cute little cosmetic bag after 2 trips to target! it IS the perfect size & the inside pouches are great for keeping everything organized!!! thanks for the great idea!!! ;)
    www.frommylittlepinkcouch.blogspot.com

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  45. LOVE the bag but its sold out. If anyone knows of another source please let me know. Can't find it anywhere online.

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  46. I am a professional organizer and have not thought of this one. I love it! Thanks for sharing.

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  47. Just thought I'd let everyone who really like the traveling office bag know that I found one very similar to this one at Target.com. There were 2 different colors. Here is the link:

    http://www.target.com/p/sonia-kashuk-floral-print-beauty-organizer/-/A-14332435#prodSlot=medium_1_25&term=cosmetic+bag

    I've ordered mine already! Can't wait to get started on putting this together for myself. I really really loved this idea Jen! Thanks again for posting about it!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love this! I used to have a cute bag from 31 Gifts that I kept magazines and ...I'm trying your cosmetic case tip. Thanks!!

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  49. That is a really cute bag! It's really important to stay organized- makes everything so much easier. I love the office in a pouch idea, too.
    You should check out www.thegraceship.com for other options- they have beautiful laptop handbags that are awesome for travel, especially for bloggers, since they all have a built in compartment for your laptop.
    They also have lots of organizational compartments, and a spot for your phone, papers, pens, and business cards.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love this! As a college kid and a blogger I am always traveling to class, to my apartment, and taking trips home to my family. I love the way you keep everything organized.
    Have you ever done a blog post about how you use your iPad to help with organization and blogging? I would love to see that :)

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  51. I carry a travel bag even when I'm just running errands. It comes in so handy.

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  52. Wonderful inspiration on a travel blogger bag. I definitely need to put one together and I love that cosmetic case as a small office/pencil pouch. (maybe its just the beauty blogger in me saying that but hey :P)

    -Melissa
    www.glamourgirl220.com :)

    ReplyDelete
  53. I love this idea. I have been searching and searching for the perfect way of organizing my purse. I have bought organizers that fit in the purse but they never work or at least work for me. I love this idea. I am off to Target to see if I can find a cosmetic bag like yours. Thank you again for posting this.

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  54. I hate to ask... but, do you still use your pouch? I have been looking for this pouch for ever... would you be interested in selling it?
    Love your Blog by the way!!! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I do still use it frequently. :) It is manufactured by Contents and typically sold online or at Target. I apologize, I hope you can find one similar.

      Delete

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