For the past year and a half or so, I have tried to improve my packing skills. It hasn't been easy, and I'm not even sure if I can say it has been successful. It wasn't until Alt Summit in January (with its set schedule and photo ops that suggest you look good in several different outfits per day) that I finally figured it out. You have to pack specific outfits for specific occasions--did you know that?

Until recently, I've just thrown all my favorite things into a suitcase and hoped for the best, which usually resulted in me wearing three of fifteen pieces and wondering where in the world that white top that I didn't bring could be, while marveling at how I ever got all of that stuff to fit in my bag in the first place.

So, because one successful packing experience obviously makes me an expert, and because I'm currently on a trip, I thought I would share a short list of packing tips with you.

1. Seriously, make a list of each thing you're doing and what outfit (accessories, shoes, the whole thing) you'll wear for it. 

2. Pack the things you wrote down, and then add two or three pieces (shirts, skirts, dresses) that aren't on the list as backups in case you change your mind once you get there.

3. Roll clothes instead of folding them. It's space-saving and they won't wrinkle.

4. Pack small, travel-friendly toiletries, like the Venus Snap (available at Target). It's a mini razor (with the Venus Embrace blade) that comes in an adorable little compact case and has a water activated ribbon of moisture, so you really don't even need to pack shaving cream! Having one less thing to bring is always nice.

How do you make packing (and travel!) easier?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Reebok.

My biggest complaint about winter in Minnesota isn't necessarily the constant sub-zero temperatures, it's that the ice and snow on most sidewalks has completely hindered my running. I've found a few trails that seem pretty clear and not too slippery, but to be honest I'm just too scared to risk it. Running on a treadmill is not my favorite thing to do, so I've been spending my time jump roping or treadmill walking on an incline, which for some reason is less boring to me. But Reebok recently sent me a pair of Reebok ZQuicks, and they've got me excited about getting back out there.

The shoes are inspired by hi-performance, Z-rated tires--and the outsole delivers control, traction, and speed. They fit like a glove and are super light, with a no-sew upper and internal bootie that hugs your foot and makes you feel incredibly secure in the shoes. They're breathable and sleek while still being supportive. And they're bright and fun enough to remind me that winter won't last forever.

You guys, it's Valentine's Day week and Rob has agreed to model for a sponsored post on my blog. Romance is everywhere! I am so going to marry that guy.

Rob's style is casual and laid-back, which I love. He has a lot of really soft tee-shirts and a collection of great-looking sweaters. He's almost always in nice jeans, unless he's in a pair of flannel-lined khakis, which he got for Christmas and loves. Because he's such a tall guy, we're always on the hunt for shirts that are long enough, so when Hanes offered to send us a pack of their ComfortBlend tees (available at WalMart), I jumped at the opportunity. And so here we are.

These tees are super soft and durable enough to wear on their own, but since it's winter in Minnesota, he's been mostly wearing them under his sweaters. They have a wide variety of colors, but the Navy Heather (shown above) is my favorite.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.