Okay, so I know that in our manuals we have a travel kit list. And this great backpackers website has a very similar list. http://travelindependent.info/whattopack.htm

Aside from extolling the value in traveling light the site makes a good point of saying that most of the stuff you need you can buy where you go, often cheaper and more unique.

That being said, I'm a big city girl and I'd like to mentally prepare for the vanity items I won't have abroad.

Will the stores in Tabora carry disposible razors, no rinse contact solution, nail polish, a real hair dryer (not that cheap stuff they give you in hotels), and lotions?

I'm not looking for high end western stuff. Just the basics.  Thanks for all you input.

came back from matumbo, singida a few weeks ago.  it was so dusty where we were that lenses proved to be quite difficult.  i took daily contacts with me which were a great idea.  did wear my glasses quite a bit, though. 

do you REALLY need nail polish?  if matumbo is anything to go by you will be scraping the dust out of your nails every five minutes. 

Hairdryer?  in the villages there is nowhere to plug one in! Do what we did - raise money for volunteer africa by having a sponsored head shave!  no need to worry about your hair then!

if tabora is anything like singida you will be able to get the basics there. we managed to pack all the lotions etc we needed from england.  that way we wern't hunting for stuff out there. 

Head torches were a god send, although my battery ran out after 4 weeks.  handy to take spare batteries for anything that needs them. Used penknife quite a bit.  Or take a sharp prep knife for cooking.  Upt to date travel book on Tanzania - lonely planet or rough guide.

enjoy the experience.  There is nothing quite like it.  have fun