Some people pack up their entire closet for a vacation.

Me? Not so much. I roll the opposite way — the lighter the better.

I like paring things down, and having a carry-on that I won't get charged $200 for. So for my upcoming trip to Oregon, I've managed to get my makeup and clothes down to the essentials. I'm packin' only hoodies and the beauty stuff I can't live without. The one item I have a co-dependent relationship that won't make the trip: my blow dryer. This is an amazing sacrifice. I love this thing, maybe even more than my own children. OK, I do love it more! I admit it!

It's the reason I won't camp. Well, that plus the whole "nature is my toilet" thing doesn't do much for me, either. Some comedian used to joke that he had a house, so why would he want to pretend he didn't have a house? Exactly. But back to my dryer.... The T-3 is amazing and my hair doesn't ever look the same when I use something else. But, it takes up a lot of room with that diffuser attachment, so I'm leaving it behind. I shall miss it.

What I am packing......

In the makeup bag:
• A sample size of MAC's tinted moisturizer. Pretty good. It's got SPF, although I always layer with more, and it's fairly sheer, so it just evens out the skin but doesn't spackle it.
• Tarte cheek stain, which is just the best. Blends well and lasts FOREVER.
• Anastasia matte brow highlighter just to add a little something to the peepers.
• Fresh's Sugar tinted lip treatment. It just adds a touch of color for a natural look and feels so moisturizing. I've actually worn this down to the point that I need to buy another. That never happens with lip stuff — I tire of it before I run out. Good stuff.

As for clothes, I've got a silk-cotton-cashmere blend hoodie (pictured), long fleece hoodie, striped hoodie, a plain purple long-sleeved tee (for variety), jeggings and fleecy leggings.

I think I'm set.

Alas, I won't have phone service or Wifi, so after a good two months of daily blogging, Some Hot Dishes will hit a standstill. But, I will start running a giveaway tomorrow, just to be a good sport.