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Upgrade From Team Checked To Team Carry-On With These Expert-Approved Tips
If you are like me when it comes to packing, you are Team Carry-On! I refuse to spend money on checking a bag, especially when traveling on a budget. I like to save money in as many places as possible and cutting out unnecessary baggage fees is high on the list. Finding ways to make packing as painless and efficient as possible was a must. Luckily, this is one place where you can save money fairly easily by carrying on your bag. With a little pre-trip planning, you can pack a carry-on intended for overnight trips with as much as three weeks of travel essentials. Sounds impossible, I know, but I have done it and learned a few things to achieve this goal.
Check out these five tips on packing and try them out on your next trip!
1.Invest in quality luggage.
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As the saying goes, "You get what you pay for." Investing in quality luggage is the foundation of being able to pack your carry-on and feel comfortable that it will last throughout your trip. Traveling can be stressful enough, but trying to move around any location with shabby luggage can be nerve-racking. Think of it like this, your luggage spends a good amount of time out of your sight. Starting from going into overhead luggage on the plane, to staying behind in the hotel while you are out for the day, almost all the way until you get back home. That bag is transporting some of the most valuable pieces of your trip so it should be safe, dependable, and durable. So, start with looking for a luggage brand that is trusted amongst other travel experts and look for the features that matter most to you based on how you travel.
For me, travel can involve anything from long layovers or delays, to interesting car rentals (one time my entire group's luggage was strapped to the top of the car during a rainstorm), to getaways that last two to three weeks. In this case, you would need luggage that could fit compactly in spaces without giving up space on the inside to pack, as well as luggage that has some special features like a battery charger for long delays. Also, your luggage should be durable enough to be handled roughly without sacrificing being able to be flexible enough to pack as many essentials as possible. Take stock of your travel habits and packing habits and research a few brands to see what fits your needs. Some brands will even let you try their luggage for a trial run to see how you like it before buying.
2.Roll your clothes to create more space.
Purchasing quality luggage with all the features you need is one of the many aspects of packing a carry-on efficiently. You still need to develop a packing strategy style. Get creative when packing your clothes into your luggage. The more creative you get, the more space you can create. There are lots of packing methods out there but a personal favorite of mine is the military roll. Rolling your clothes creates so much room and allows for you to pack more if you are an over-packer like me.
Each article of clothing can be rolled into a compact cylinder and stacked neatly on top or next to each other inside the luggage space. Geometrically, this can take up less surface area per article of clothing, leaving plenty of space to pack all those clothing options you were undecided about. I also like to take hair ties and wrap them around clothes that won't stay neat in their rolls for extra security. An added and unexpected bonus to rolling your clothes is it can help with reducing the number of wrinkles in your clothes while stored in luggage.
3.Layer your clothes.
Rolling your clothes is a great way to pack more clothing items. But, layering them is a level up in the organization game. There are two ways you can do this and save space in your carry-on. The first way is to layer similar clothing articles inside of each other. What this means is put shirts inside of shirts, dresses inside of dresses, pants inside of pants and so on. You can layer two to three items depending on the thickness of the clothing items. This will increase the volume of your clothes' roll but decrease the number of rolls, saving you space and keeping your clothes organized by type.
The second method is to roll complete outfits together. For instance, roll a shirt, pants, socks, and undergarments in one roll as compact as possible. If need be, put socks and undergarments in the pockets of larger clothing items to keep rolls tidy. If you are someone who overpacks, try this method; it can help you edit your clothing options by creating your looks before you even pack them.
4.Use purses and backpacks as packing cubes.
I am not big on buying too many accessories that make packing seem easy. Some accessories just feel cumbersome and more trouble than they are worth. I do think packing cubes are a great investment into your travel luggage game. Not only do they keep your wardrobe organized, but they also keep everything in neat small packs so nothing is sliding around in your suitcase. However, I am also a budget traveler and until I budget the money for extra packing accessories, here is a hack around packing cubes.
Use purses, backpacks, fanny packs, or any bag that you plan on using during your trip as a packing cube. Some of us like to switch bags depending on our outfits for the day but it may be hard to pack all that into limited space. As space becomes less and less, the accessories are usually where I begin to cut first. Using bags as packing cubes allows you to bring all of your fabulous bag options while giving you a way to keep everything in organized units. First world problems, I know, but you have to think outside of the box to pack optimally for a carry-on.
5.Practice packing methods.
My last piece of advice and probably the most critical is testing out your packing strategy before going on longer trips or international trips. In 2017, I challenged myself to pack a carry-on all year. I did a lot of research on luggage brands and landed on the perfect brand to fit my travel needs. Then I packed different ways for each trip as a trial run to see what I liked, didn't like, and where I could improve until I developed my own style.
By the time I was ready for my first international trip of 2018, I had my routine down. This made it easier to get packing done initially before the trip, cutting down on the amount of time it took me to pack, and editing my wardrobe to necessary items. Also, it made me more organized and cut out the anxiety of possibly losing luggage overseas.
These tips have worked for all types of trips and hopefully, they will help you on your next adventure, too.
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This New Scalp Care Line Is Exactly What Your Wash Days Need
This post is in partnership with SheaMoisture.
When it comes to healthy hair care, there are a few things that will help you achieve healthy strands: a healthy hair care regime, hydration, consistent treatments, and scalp care. While scalp care is one of the most neglected practices, it is also one of the most important. Why? Because it helps promote healthy hair growth, clear hair follicles, and remove build-up.
When it comes to creating a healthy scalp routine, it helps to know exactly what you’re up against so you know how to specifically treat it. Two of the most common concerns are dandruff and dry scalp. It can be tough to decipher which is which, but here’s a quick breakdown: dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin, while dandruff is caused by an excess of oil and yeast buildup on the scalp. Knowing that both of these are big concerns, SheaMoisture released two separate product lines to address both issues: the Scalp Moisture collection and the Anti-Dandruff collection.
Needless to say, if you tend to experience dandruff then I’d recommend you try the Anti-Dandruff collection. However, my biggest concern has always been dry scalp. A lack of moisture on the scalp can be caused by several factors like weather, age, and hair products to name a few. I’ve noticed that when I use certain gels or skip out on a deep scalp cleanse, my roots feel itchy and dry nonstop, which is uncomfortable.
The only way to relieve the discomfort is to properly wash and moisturize my roots, so I tried the Scalp Moisture collection and this is what I thought.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
First, What’s In The Collection?
The Scalp Moisture collection is a four-product line that includes a pre-wash masque, a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and a moisturizing scalp cream. Each product uses moisturizing and strengthening ingredients like aloe butter and vitamin B3 as active ingredients to provide eight times the moisture. Together, aloe butter and vitamin B3 work to restore dry and brittle hair, as well as add relief to the scalp.
Now, let’s break down each product…
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque may actually be the all-star of the collection. Using this deep conditioning masque is one of the best ways to target your dry scalp, restore hydration, and nourish your strands before shampooing.
I started by completely saturating my hair and scalp with water, then making small sections to apply the masque directly to the root. For my girls who have experience with relaxers and perms, it helps to apply the masque to your roots just like you would do with a relaxer. This way you can make sure you’ve covered as much of your scalp as possible while minimizing any breakage.
Pro tip: you can also use a color application brush to make this step easier.
After I completely covered my scalp, I massaged the product into my roots, used any excess on my strands, then left the masque in for 30 minutes. I was shocked by how moisturizing and clarifying my scalp and hair felt. One of the things that I love about the masque is the slip and how much softer it made my hair. While this is marketed as a scalp care product, it can completely transform your hair from dry and parched to completely hydrated.
In my opinion, the downside of this masque is that the quantity is too small for my liking. Truth be told, naturals go through deep conditioners faster than any other product (especially when it’s this good.) So SheaMoisture, if you’re reading this, we’d love a bigger jar.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Shampoo
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Shampoo is a gentle cleanser packed with the same moisture as the masque. The pearl-colored shampoo is lightweight with a serum-like consistency and a light and clean scent. The smell is pleasant, subtle, and not overbearing. When I applied the shampoo, I noticed immediately that it foams and lathers up very quickly, so less is more.
After applying the shampoo, I parted my hair and started at the roots to target as much of my scalp as possible. I recommend really taking the time to work the product and massage your scalp as much as possible.
Pro tip: using a scalp massager makes it easier and it feels amazing.
Once you start to massage your hair you’ll feel the product start to work. There’s a tingling sensation that might catch you off guard if you’re not used to it, but it’s not nearly as strong as other scalp products I’ve tried. I know some may not appreciate the sensation, but I loved it! My scalp felt clean, light, and breathable.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Conditioner
Like the shampoo, the SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Conditioner shares that pearly color and serum-like feel. It applies very easily while softening and moisturizing your hair. When I applied it to my hand, it gave my hands a lotion-like feel, which speaks volumes about its hydration capabilities. I also loved that the conditioner comes with a pump, instead of having to squeeze the product out – to me, it makes application easier.
I typically apply my conditioner to the ends first but because this is a scalp care product I started at the root and worked my way down to my ends. I did leave the conditioner in for ten minutes, although the bottle recommends leaving it in for three. The conditioner also provides that same breathable feel to your scalp. I honestly loved the relief.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Cream
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Cream is more of a daily relief product for your roots rather than your overall hair. It’s great for providing moisture and immediate relief to a dry and itchy scalp. Just like most of the collection, it gives a light and breathable feel – without the tingle. The applicator bottle targets specific parts of your scalp and makes applying easier.
Pro tip: I typically just squeeze the bottle to wherever I need the relief and use the tip to massage it into my scalp so it doesn’t mess up the hairstyle.
Overall, SheaMoisture’s scalp care line lives up to its claims – it moisturizes, strengthens, and provides immediate scalp relief. I definitely recommend trying the Scalp Moisture collection for an affordable way to treat itchy and dry scalp.
Featured image by Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Before I knew it, I was busting it wide open.
Okay, wait… maybe I should start from the beginning.
In 2007, I met the love of my life. I was convinced that he was my person and that I had no choice but to go through heaven and hell to make this love work. He was my safe place. He knew everything about me. He was it for me. At least, that's what I thought.
Because after ten years of breaking up, making up and on-break babies, and finding out he was cheating with someone else who wasn't the baby mama, I finally realized that this was actually not my person. I thought that was the standard because I've only seen the women in my life struggle in love. But it's not.
Black women deserve a love rooted in safety, love, joy, and abundance.
Historically, Black women have been subjected to harmful stereotypes perpetuating negative perceptions. They deserve real love that breaks these stereotypes and values them for their individuality, personality, and character rather than subscribing to preconceived notions. Black women have consistently demonstrated strength, resilience, and perseverance in the face of adversity. They deserve real love that acknowledges and celebrates these qualities, providing them with the support and emotional security they deserve.
Ultimately, love should be based on genuine connection, mutual respect, and appreciation for each other's unique qualities and experiences. Like anyone else, Black women deserve a love that recognizes their worth and celebrates their individuality while acknowledging and supporting the specific challenges they may face.
I didn't realize any of this until I started therapy in 2020. For years, therapy wasn't something I subscribed to because I had never known anyone that went to therapy. And as Black people, we have foregone that type of help because we were taught Jesus was the answer to everything. But when I had sex with the person I thought was the love of my life for the last time and realized I deserved better, I also thought about why therapy may be a good tool for me to truly understand my worth and value.
Then, I watched Michaela Coel's show, I May Destroy You, and quickly uncovered some sexual traumas I had experienced as a teenager. Her creation is a groundbreaking television series that delves into the complex and nuanced topic of sexual trauma. Through its raw and unflinching portrayal, the show explores the aftermath of a sexual assault and its profound impact on the survivor's life. Coel's writing skillfully navigates the intricate layers of consent, power dynamics, and the long-lasting effects of trauma, challenging societal norms and expectations.
With a mix of dark humor, introspection, and vulnerability, I May Destroy You provides a platform for meaningful conversations about consent, self-discovery, healing, and the strength of survivors. Coel's powerful storytelling sheds light on the often silenced experiences of sexual trauma survivors, advocating for empathy, understanding, and meaningful change in our collective agreement of consent and support for survivors.
Feeling the weight of these emotions and their profound impact on my being, I decided to embrace celibacy.
Photo courtesy of Joce Blake
It became crucial for me to redefine my self-connection and explore how my relationship with sex influenced my self-perception. Through the transformative process of therapy, I was able to unravel the tangled threads of my experiences, enabling me to discern my preferences and boundaries. Even amidst the challenging and often disheartening world of dating, I found opportunities to explore uncharted aspects of my identity that had previously remained hidden from me.
Therapy provided me with a nurturing space to discover and embrace the pieces of myself that I never knew existed, allowing me to grow and evolve on my journey of self-discovery.
Now, we're here.
I've been dating more since I moved to Brooklyn from Denver. Because for a minute, Denver had me thinking I wasn't a baddie. The dynamics of desirability politics in Denver took a toll on my self-confidence as a Black woman. The prevalent societal standards and expectations of attractiveness prioritize specific characteristics that did not align with my own identity.
It led me to question and doubt my worth, as the narrow definition of desirability failed to acknowledge and celebrate Black women's diverse beauty and value. However, I have come to recognize that true beauty and self-worth transcend these limited perceptions. Embracing my unique qualities and celebrating the richness of my heritage has empowered me to redefine my own standards of desirability, rejecting the damaging influence of external judgment and embracing self-acceptance and self-love.
Just like the universe does, I now met a man who sees me in ways I wish I saw myself.
He makes me feel safe emotionally and physically. He is a cultured hood (IYKYK) and also the kindest person I've ever known. We love balance — we need balance. Taking care of me emotionally and physically is his highest priority; I have never felt that before. Best of all, the emotional intelligence is out of this world.
Before I knew it, I was busting it wide open.
It was more than worth it because it was intentional, and it felt extraordinarily special.
I am delighted that I chose to wait and break my celibacy for someone who genuinely values me in the same way I value myself. By exercising patience and prioritizing my self-worth, I ensured that the person I chose to share that intimate connection with was someone who recognized and respected my value.
This decision has affirmed my belief in the importance of self-love and selecting a partner who aligns with my principles and treats me with the love and respect I deserve. It is a gratifying feeling to know that I made a conscious decision to wait for someone who appreciates and cherishes me just as much as I do myself.
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