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My husband and I spend 3 months at a time living abroad with only carry-ons. I'm surprised by how little I really need.

20 October 2026 at 17:02
Man and women smiling in Amsterdam
As much as I enjoy shopping and collecting, travel has helped me realize what's really important.

Mar Yvette

  • Living abroad with only what fits in a carry-on has changed my definition of "enough."
  • I no longer buy "just in case" stuff that rarely gets used, and I've found joy in a simple wardrobe.
  • Ironically, the more I appreciate the things we own, the less attached I've become to them.

I'll admit it: I love shopping and the thrill of getting something new.

But ever since my husband and I started doing extended stays in Paris and other cities throughout Europe, I've surprised myself with how little I actually need.

We never check luggage because it's such a hassle, so whenever we get home after living out of carry-on suitcases for three months, I'll look around our apartment, open my closet, and think, "Wow, I forgot about most of this stuff."

Even though I'm a lifelong declutterer and keep our space tidy and organized, I've come to realize that getting by with only what fits in a carry-on has changed my definition of "enough."

Having fewer clothes makes getting dressed easier

Woman smiling near waterfront in Paris
A few cozy turtlenecks have gotten me through most seasons in Europe and in the States.

Mar Yvette

It's kind of ironic that going to Paris, the fashion capital of the world, is where I've ended up with the smallest wardrobe. But as it turns out, having fewer options saves me a lot of mental energy and has made me more creative and intentional about what I wear.

I pack versatile pieces that work together so I can mix and match, rewear the same few pairs of pants, and do laundry every week. Even winter trips, when I have to pack bulkier clothes, have proven that I can get by with much less than I ever thought possible.

I have dozens of sweaters at home since I'm a bit of a collector, but all I really need are just a few Quince cashmere fisherman turtlenecks.

Woman smiling in front of clothes racks
I love clothes, but I don't mind having fewer options whenever I travel.

Mar Yvette

I also love jewelry, hats, and sunglasses, and usually have multiple options based on my mood. But being away for months at a time has made me realize that I'm perfectly fine with having just a few accessories to rotate through.

Whenever I get back from one of our trips, I end up editing my closet because I realize there's so much I don't wear. Yes, it's nice to have all my clothes and accessories, but it also gets easier each time to give stuff away to friends, family, neighbors, or donation centers.

I've stopped buying so many 'just in case' items

Woman trying on necklaces with jewlelry store display behind her
Shopping is fun, but there's a difference between stuff I want and stuff I need.

Mar Yvette

It's easy to imagine all sorts of scenarios where I might need certain things, especially when traveling. (Should I pack a pair of heels in case we go to an ultra-fancy dinner? Or what if I suddenly need that scarf I haven't worn in five years?)

News flash: I've never needed something I didn't pack. It's a lesson that has made me less likely to shop on impulse.

I still love going on a T.J. Maxx run and filling up a cart while browsing my favorite sites. However, before I make a purchase, I ask myself if it's something I'll genuinely use or just something that I might hypothetically need one day.

If it doesn't pass the reality check, I don't buy it.

I'm much more thoughtful about what I bring into our apartment

Store filled with plants
Plant shopping is one of my favorite things to do, but I keep purchases to a minimum

Mar Yvette

Because we're on the move so much, being at home feels even more comforting. I love that our space is decorated with objects that spark joy, but over the last few years, I've become less interested in accumulating stuff.

Instead, I find myself appreciating what we already have — from our shelves full of books and framed photos of our family and travels to my houseplants that our wonderful neighbors take care of while we're away.

Funnily enough, though, the more I appreciate the things we own, the less attached I've become to most of them. I don't even feel much of an urge to buy things for our apartment because I know we'll be leaving again soon.

Having more options doesn't necessarily make life better

Suitcase and backpacks on ottoman
I often find myself reaching for the same bags and garments over and over again.

Mar Yvette

Whether it's my wardrobe, household items, or even food, I've realized I don't need endless options. Like, do I really need 12 types of tea in my cupboard at any given moment? Often, I'm fine with just a few bags of my go-to blends.

Traveling with just a carry-on has made me realize that day to day, I tend to stick to my core favorites and don't really need a million choices for everything. I get plenty of variety when I'm out exploring.

At home, I'm happy to keep things simple and enjoy what I already have. That's more than enough for me.

Read the original article on Business Insider

“Olhão antes e depois”: uma viagem pela memória da cidade

17 October 2026 at 07:04

No dia 10 de outubro, a exposição fotográfica “Olhão antes e depois” iniciou o seu percurso por quatro espaços do concelho, convidando a comunidade a descobrir as transformações da cidade através da fotografia.

A mostra coloca lado a lado imagens históricas de Olhão e recriações fotográficas realizadas por jovens olhanenses, num diálogo entre gerações que revela o que mudou e o que permanece na identidade da cidade.

Com curadoria de Luís Torres e integrada nas comemorações do Bicentenário da Câmara Municipal de Olhão, esta iniciativa valoriza o património, a memória coletiva e a criatividade dos jovens do concelho.

A exposição está patente até 13 de novembro, nos Mercados Municipais de Olhão, no Ria Shopping, na Escola Secundária Dr. Francisco Fernandes Lopes e na Casa Municipal da Juventude Hugo Charrão, de acordo com os respetivos horários de funcionamento.

Uma oportunidade para revisitar o passado, olhar o presente e descobrir a história de Olhão através de diferentes gerações.

O conteúdo “Olhão antes e depois”: uma viagem pela memória da cidade aparece primeiro em Sempre à Mão.

Carby apresenta o novo Volkswagen ID. Polo no Nosso Shopping

15 October 2026 at 10:07

VTM

O futuro da mobilidade elétrica está prestes a chegar a Vila Real. De 15 a 18 de outubro, a Carby – Concessionário Volkswagen de Vila Real, promove no Nosso Shopping uma exposição automóvel que terá como principal protagonista o novo Volkswagen ID. Polo, o mais recente utilitário 100% elétrico da marca alemã.

A grande atração será o novo ID. Polo, que transporta a identidade de um dos modelos mais emblemáticos da Volkswagen para uma nova geração de veículos elétricos. Com um design contemporâneo, linhas equilibradas e um habitáculo pensado para o conforto e a funcionalidade, o novo modelo combina dimensões compactas com soluções tecnológicas adaptadas às exigências do quotidiano.

Entre os seus principais argumentos destacam-se uma autonomia anunciada de até 452 quilómetros – dependendo da versão e da bateria – e a possibilidade de carregamento rápido até 105 kW em corrente contínua, permitindo recuperar de 10% a 80% da bateria em cerca de 24 minutos.

Uma experiência dedicada à mobilidade elétrica

Para além do novo ID. Polo, os visitantes poderão conhecer outros modelos da família elétrica Volkswagen, nomeadamente o ID.3 e o ID.7 Tourer, numa exposição que evidencia a diversidade da oferta da marca, desde os automóveis compactos às propostas familiares.

©DR

Ao longo dos quatro dias, a equipa comercial da Carby estará disponível para apresentar os diferentes modelos, esclarecer dúvidas sobre a mobilidade elétrica e dar a conhecer as soluções de carregamento, autonomia e utilização no dia a dia.

Os interessados poderão ainda solicitar o agendamento de test drives, a realizar posteriormente no concessionário Carby Volkswagen, em Vila Real, permitindo experimentar a condução elétrica e conhecer melhor as características dos veículos.

De 15 a 18 de outubro, o Nosso Shopping transforma-se, assim, num ponto de encontro com a mobilidade elétrica, numa iniciativa que promete despertar a curiosidade de quem pretende conhecer o novo Volkswagen ID. Polo e descobrir o futuro da gama elétrica da marca.

Com esta ação, a Carby reforça a sua presença em Vila Real e a aposta na proximidade com os automobilistas transmontanos, levando as novidades da Volkswagen para fora do espaço tradicional do concessionário.

©DR

The post Carby apresenta o novo Volkswagen ID. Polo no Nosso Shopping appeared first on A Voz de Trás-os-Montes.

AlgarveShopping promove quatro workshops de moda e beleza ‘Fashion Weekend’

14 October 2026 at 20:46

Coloração pessoal, consultoria de imagem, maquilhagem e upcycling são as quatro sessões que vão fazer parte do programa, este fim de semana, todas elas gratuitas e orientadas por profissionais. A moda, a beleza e a sustentabilidade cruzam-se nos dias 17 e 18 de outubro, no AlgarveShopping, com quatro workshops dedicados à imagem pessoal, à maquilhagem e ao […]

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