Another month, another roundup. (I feel like I always start these recaps in the same way, ha ha) We've mix of purchases and gifted items this month. I won a giveaway and got a new Aurate necklace and received a bag from a brand I am now an affiliate for. I also fell victim to the Marshalls clearance section when my mom wanted to quickly stop in. Grabbed a couple pairs of shorts for $10. I wore one pair this past weekend and the other pair is coming with me to Disney!
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
MY PROGRESS
Clothes:
- VERMONT Sweatshirt in light gray via the Weston Village Store ($20, retail $50)
- *NEW!* Nicole Miller abstract floral print shorts ($4 via Marshalls, retail $30?)
Basics:
- *NEW!* C&C California Grey Shorts ($6 via Marshalls, retail $30?)
Shoes:
- None yet
Handbags:
- None yet
Accessories:
- Apple Watch 8 Midnight Aluminum Case with Elderberry Sport Band (gift from Christian)
- *NEW!* Aurate Pearl Lariat Necklace (won a gift card on Instagram)
Activewear/Swimwear:
- None yet
Gifted from Brands:
- Aetrex Maui Orthotic Flip Flops in Matte Black
- Aurate Crossover Ring in Yellow Gold
- Aurate Toi et Moi Gemstone Mini Vintage Ring in Yellow Gold with Amethyst and Citrine
- Aurate Birthstone Baguette Studs in London Blue Topaz
- *NEW!* Day Owl "The Backpack" in Jam Red
- *NEW!* Day Owl "The Cord Pouch" in Nocturnal Black
Spent in August: $10
Spent in 2023: $30
Spent in 2023 - counting ad money: $30
I was recently introduced to Day Owl, a sustainable company that makes bags out of recycled plastic bottles and other landfill-bound materials. In each product description you can see what sustainable materials were used to create it. Christian has been really into backpacks lately, researching pros and cons for hours, so he was excited to be able to test this out as well!
They sent me "The Backpack" which is made from waxed canvas made from 25 recycled post-consumer plastic bottles, plus 100% recycled polyester lining and trim, algae based foam, water repellent neoprene, and conflict-free metal YKK zippers. It has 18L of space, can fit up to a 16in laptop and a 750mL water bottle in a side pocket. There's even a pocket on top where you can store your phone or keys for easy access. (They also have a Slim Backpack if you want a smaller option.) Day Owl also sent over their Pouch for storing cords, electronic accessories and other small items. You can buy The Backpack + The Pouch together for only $156.40!
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| Packed with some room to spare for a couple souvenirs |
Let's use the Day Owl backpack and see what we can pack for a weekend at Walt Disney World! The bag is technically a little big to use as an Avelo personal item measurement-wise, but I may risk it! I read they don't always check the size as long as it looks like it will fit under the seat. It will definitely work for Southwest, which we fly with pretty frequently.
It fit everything I need to bring with me for our 4 days (5 if you count our departure day.) My plane outfit is jeans, a tee, sandals and a sweater that I probably won't even need. I always like to have a sweater in case the evenings get cold. I packed pretty light - 3 tees (I may buy one there,) 2 pairs of shorts, another pair of sandals and my small Mickey bag to carry around the parks. I also fit in my toiletries, makeup, other necessities and packed up The Pouch with my various charging accessories, small portable charger and airpods.
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| Packing for a long weekend at Disney in a backpack [Mickey tie-dye shirt, Sword in the Stone Tee, EPCOT Food & Wine 2022 Tee] |
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| Bottle Pocket - using for an extra pair of sandals |
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| Flat Front Pocket. Putting my toiletries in for easy access at security. |
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| The Pouch |
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| The Pouch full of phone and watch accessories. Still room to spare! |
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| Two more things to add, easy fit! |
There is a space for a laptop in the back but, since this is such a short trip, I won't be bringing mine. As seen above, I used the water bottle pocket on the side for my extra pair of shoes since I won't need a water bottle. Pretty handy! I also won't be using the luggage strap this trip, but that is another super handy feature!
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| Spill-Resistant Bottle Pocket lined with water-repellent neoprene (this is an 18oz Yeti Rambler) |
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| “it’s big enough for a wine bottle and strong enough for a wet umbrella.” |
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| Padded Laptop Pocket (fits up to 16" laptop) |
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| Luggage Strap |
A few more detail shots showing off other features of the backpack. Lots of handy nooks and crannies to use!
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| Organized Interior |
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| Cord Straps |
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| Various sleeves for organization |
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| Grab handles with button closure for easy pickup |
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| Floating Top Pocket for glasses, chapstick, etc! (my slim sunglasses storage case) |
*I was gifted the backpack & pouch but was not required to post about it. Purchases made through links in this post will earn me a small commission. My opinions are my own. *
