Over packing the key to sucesful packing.

Overpacking is definitely a pet peeve of mine. I hate it, it’s wasteful and unnecessary and generally it’s down to not organising my list properly.

This holiday to Les Deuce Alps I only over packed slightly but it still rankles me. I could have just packed one jumper instead of 3, I could have just worn it a few times instead of 3 different jumpers that I wore once.

Perfect packing list

They key to perfect packing is a list and also packing cubes. They really are. When I write my list I like to think in out fits. What goes with what. But also I love a packing cubes Gavin mocks me for them but I find them essential.

Making a list is easy, you just need to know what you are doing and if you are going out out! Because we were going snowboarding I knew that my main priority was layers and keeping warm. This is my ninth year in the slopes so believe me when I tell you that hotels, bars and restaurants all have the heating on. You will always be warm when you are out but it’s getting from a-b that you need to focus on.

Oh baby it’s cold outside

Layers, you need layers and you also need to think practically. A pair of gloves is essential on the mountain but also off. You need a pair to keep your hands warm but also to protect them if you slip on the ice or snow. Cutting up your hands on a slip or trip is not a great idea!

Hats and scarves! So they have proven that it not true that majority of your heat comes out of your head however if you are completely wrapped up except for your head then it’s going to cold so pack a hat any will do! Scarves aren’t a must but you can use them as an accessory and keep warm. Win win for everyone.

The coat

Me and Gav generally don’t take extra coats with us. We use our snowboarding coat for day and night and it was only a mistake this year when the weather was cold and wet. We only had one night of issues but it was enough to make us think that next year we may take a thin waterproof that we can layer up with a hoodie underneath.

Again you will need to coat to protect you if you slip but also because it’s bloody freezing! We had snow, rain and hail! We needed our warm coats.

Safety first people

I have already written a blog on safety stuff so I won’t repeat myself! If you don’t look after yourself then you are a danger to everyone else!

But beginners need:

Sunscreen: no matter the weather it’s an extra barrier for your skin

A helmet: you head is a watermelon you hit it hard you die or brain damage. Be smart and protect your skull.

Goggles: visibility is key safety for you and fellow mountain buddies. Sunglasses are no substitute, fallon our face and tell me what a great idea they were. You can get cheap goggles online so no excuses.

Knee pads: cushioning for the part of your body you will rely on the most when boarding. As an extra you can do back armour etc if you want!

Gloves: you can’t board or ski without gloves. You can’t, cotton or wool ones will freeze your hands even in warmer climates. Invest in these. They need to be snow proof waterproof you name it. Mine have armour built in so I don’t break my wrist again.

Insurance, don’t be a dunce. No matter how smart you are and how safe there are always idiots on the mountain. This holiday we witnessed a fair few helicopters lifting people to safety and a lot of them were small trips that resulted in breaks and sprains. Often caused by others on the mountain. I knew a guy who slipped broke his back but didn’t know anything was wrong until he went and complained of a twinge. Get insurance it’s cheap compared to a helicopter flight.

Summary

Be smart. When it comes to safety then layer up. Know your limits and obey the rules.

You don’t need to overpack you can think in layers but it’s cold. So you can layer up and reuse items again and again.

You need an outfit for every night especially as all the photos of you will be out in the snow with you hat gloves and coat on. No one is impressed with heels in the snow.

Be practical and you will be fine. Plus you are in France so you will have great food and booze to keep you happy. You don’t need to overpack you just need to pack smart.

Hen do packing, what to take on a mini break

Planning, Travel, Uncategorised, wardrobe

Can you believe it. We are finally going to Madrid for my Hen do. I can wait. Madrid is one of those magical places that feels big and small at the same time.

Full of history, bars and restaurants I can’t think of any where I would rather go. I know the girls are going to love it but we are all praying that its not too hot. Any temperature above 24 degrees and there is going to be issues. At the moment it is 35 degrees.

So packing is going to be tricky!

Packing for all possibilities

Pretty sure that Becky has a few outfits for me so not sure what I need to pack. Thank fully she is letting me not Gavin pack.

I am a packing addict. It makes me happy. So the idea of Gavin packing my clothes filled me with dread. No offence to him.

I didn’t need any new items for this trip however I managed to pick up a few tee shirts from MnS in their contentious cotton range that sung to me.

Things to bear in mind. It is going to be hot and although I will wear factor 30 I still may get burnt. This isn’t good but a coverup is always useful. I will definitely want to change in the evening.

Travel outfit

Cotton trousers to travel in (Emma hill I listened)

Pink cotton Vacation tee shirt

Sports bra crop top think from Primark ( I love these)

Thin Jumper ( I get cold on planes)

Summer Jacket

The rest

My hand luggage is going to be minimal this time.

Outfits, the funny thing was when I was laying out my clothes I put far too much out! So photographing and planning this out has helped me slim down my choices.

Tropical black dress (for evenings or day)? Still deciding about this.

Pink cropped Jeans

Navy Shorts

White Tshirt that says the world is your lobster

Navy and white vest

Gold sequin Zara vest For going out out can team up with pink jeans or navy shorts for a cute look
Tropical jigsaw soft Hawaiian dress
Black tropical dress for days or nights

Accessories

Tan bag it goes with everything

Flat Espadrilles we will be walking

Tan tom toms sandals I can walk in them and they are slip on

Silver/ gold sandals for out out occasion

Pink block heals that are also cute but I haven’t worn them yet so still deciding

A cute little rope belt

My prescription sunglasses which are a must for being able to see, write draw ( don’t think I will have time) and protect my eyes.

A loose white linen shirt. If I get burnt I can drape it on my shoulders without sweating to death.

That is pretty much it.

I don’t need to take a lot and I don’t really like to take too much, plus I would like to pick a bottle of gin for the collection.

I use packing cubes to put everything in. I have even put my makeup and beauty bag in a packing cube so I can scoop it out when we arrive.

Thursday the hen do begins and I can’t wait.

Beauty products for a weekend in the sun

Beauty, Planning, self care, skincare

Madrid in the sun is glorious but I need to be careFul about what I pack in my beauty products. I need to be a bit more minalist when it comes to packing. It is only a few nights so I don’t need much and In the Frow sorted me out with a cute travel bag full of products.

what I need to pack for

Protection

Skin

Hair

Makeup ( blog)

Sunscreen & essentials

A bit over the top but I will be taking my body spray factor 30, my little diddy handy sized Lacura one which I love because it fits in my hand bag. My latest edition my Drunk Elephant SPF for my face. I will also be taking a mini can of mosquito spray just in case. I don’t like to travel any wear hot without my bug spray. Mosquitos eat me alive.

Prescription sunglasses. I bought these a few years ago and haven’t looked back.

Also have

Toothbrush
Sensodyne toothpaste
Floss
Venus mini razor in case
Ear buds for sleeping
Hair-grips
Mini Mitchum dioderant

First aid

I have my own first aid kit that I have made. It just contains pills, plasters, face shield and all sorts of things I may need.

Tech

I am just taking my iPhone and iwatch so I just need the chargers for those. I bought a Amazon multi usb plug and I love it. It means you can charge 3 usb items at once and I only need two! Also taking my European plug so I can use my charger.

Night skincare

So I am taking my Omorovitzca cleanser because I love it so much, my elemis night cream with is really indulgent but if I have any red bits of skin them this will sooth it. My matryxal from the I can be without it My azelaic acid which I use in the morning as well. I will take some of myDrunk elephant minis because I still have my Marula oil but I wont take any retinal because there will be a lot of sun there.

Day routine

Cleanser is the same

Then I will take my Mini lavender toner from elemis because its cute and gentile. I will apply my drunk elephant duo of B-hyra and CFirma. Add my Drunk elephant Spf and that should be me set for the day when it comes to skin care.

From the In The Frow Travel bag I will keep the Guerlain night mask in case I need it, the hand cream and face mister.I never really got face misters till I used this. I know that when I run out it will be replacing a long with the cleanser from Omorovizca . I will also be taking the Sleep mask and hair bobbles. I really do love this set.

Body

I have a shower gel mini from the body shop which is heaven and for my hair I will be taking my new Philip Kingsly trio, my boots cream or Sainsburies hair gel ( can’t believe it’s 50p) decanted and a body lotion for hydration.

I won’t have time for anything fancy so I will try and keep my beauty routines nice and quick.

A packing list helps

I am trying to keep it simple but I have a lot of space in my suitcase so I may through a few things in at the last minute which I hate doing!

I live by my packing lists. Planning this all out is my favourite bit and it helps me not to over pack! Although I probably still have a few too many items.

I will do a mini blog on what I did and didn’t use when I get back and see how it goes.

It will be a good lesson.

What are your essential packing bits?

What’s in your bag? My super unsexy backpack tour.

Personal Experience

Day 9, what’s in your bag, 30 day blog challenge

So firstly this isn’t my bag! It’s my good friend Abi’s bag. My rucksack is crap. When I used to run home it would always come unzipped. Once I was running and these things started flapping round my head, it was my jeans and half my cloths were strewn across the market place.

Nightmare.

Perfect half inched bag

Abi was moving to Australia and was going to through out her beloved bag pack that had gone everywhere with her. She was planning on throwing it away, I said I would look after it for her but it is the best backpack.

I will give it back I just need to find a replacement!

Anatomy of a rucksack

So starting with the front pocket I normally have my keys and head phones. Can’t do public transport without blocking out the noise of everyone else. Plus I have 30 blogs to write and the bus is the only time I have to write my first draft.

In my next pocket I have some essentials like my first aid kit! Hand sanitizers a few pens and my wallet.

So exciting hu!

Planning with planners

Then my main compartment I have my two bullet journals… my wedding one and my day to day one.

My pencil case, no idea why I have pens at the bottom of my bag. It has pretty much everything in it. I may do a mini blog on my favourite stationery and what’s in my case. You should understand that even though my case says Gryfindor I am a firm Hufflepuffion!

Warm clothes

It’s cold at the moment and my big curly hair doesn’t like hair dryers but to dry naturally so I have my blue snowboarding hat in it. So when I walk to the bus stop it doesn’t drip down my back.

I also have packed a jumper in there! I wear it to work but I get too hot on my way to work and also on the walk home. This is actually Gavs jumper and I am wearing it, I do love men’s clothes.

Makeup bag

I don’t wear a lot of makeup most days I wear just sunscreen. But if I go out or if I look like the absolute worst then I have my makeup bag. This is actually a pencil case from Primark. I can’t tell you how great it is. It opens out so you can see everything and I just love the colours.

My last makeup bag was a silver Elemis one. I have had it for about six years and it was just starting to fall apart. I hope my new one lasts as long!

Reuse

The last thing I have in my bag is a spare shopping bag well two. A plastic one and a very sexy string bag that holds an enormous amount of shopping. I love it. The plastic one is for meat and the string bag is for everything else. I also use any room left I have in my backpack.

I don’t have a water bottle as I am trying to cut down on plastic. So I just have water at home and work.

Summary

So my backpack is filled with such excitement. I actually loved writing this. It’s sad isn’t it. I love Abi’s backpack. It holds so much and when I run ( haven’t this year) and it doesn’t undo as I run.

What’s in my hand luggage

Organising, Planning, Travel

Okay this is just a quick one but these are some of my favourite blogs so here goes!

What’s in my hand luggage for snowboarding

This is my snowboarding bag. Ryan Air don’t let you have a big bag so I had to think carefully about what I packed.

Gloves

These are my cheapy Primark gloves I bought for a £1. They are a gorgeous forest green and unraveled the first time I wore them. I stitched them up and now they are perfect. I just love the colour. We have a transfer to and from the airports so we don’t meet to go far with the suitcases. But I hate pulling a suitcase in the cold.

Bullet Journal

This baby goes everywhere with me it should really have its own passport!

Goggles

These are my new goggles and they fit perfectly over my glasses so I don’t have to wear contacts. They come with a cover to protect the lense and we had to buy them last minute as my think glasses were involved in a dog chewing incident!

Book

I always take two books on holiday. I find the glare of a phone too much on a long day. I also like turning pages and physically holding a book.

Purse

This little one is perfect. My friend brought it for me for my birthday. It’s suede carries all my cards and money and is stylish too.

It can fit into my pocket and at the moment it is holding my house keys.

Socks

These are my boarding socks! They were the first pair that Gav bought me and I still use them. They are a little threadbare. But I still use them and they double up as flight socks if I get cold.

The flight is only 3 hours and I generally keep my shoes on for short flights but they are there just in case.

Stationery

What is a bullet journal without pens? I have two here a Sakura fineliner and and a lestraset fineliner. I like them both I am pretty sure one is a 3 and one is a 5.

Vitamin C

These are boots version of bercocca and are great after a night out or if you are feeling a bit low. We never really go snowboarding without them. Often I like one before I fly.

Cables

I have having to root around in a bag to find things. Cables and technology are now essential. We bought these flight bags in a pack and I love them. I normally use them for my make up and skincare. I didn’t want the fuss this time! So I packed them away in the main suitcase. In here I have my multi usb plug and cables, adapter and fully charged charger.

Most airports let you charge so I want too worried about my phone dying but it’s good to be prepared.

Tissues

Can’t travel without them. I sometimes have hand sanitiser but I left it in the main luggage.

What I bought at the airport

I always travel with a lip balm on me. My lips get dry really easily but I decided to take advantage of tax free shopping and a 20% off voucher and bought myself a lipstick, Gav treated me to this super little Chanel balm which is lovely and light!

I also bought us some new travel toothbrushes. I am being conscious of wasting plastics so tried this bamboo brush. We will see how I feel about this later!

That’s pretty much it!

My snowboarding backpack doesn’t hold too much so that was all I could comfortably fit in!

What do you put in your hand luggage?

Snowboarding Outfit planning and packing

Organising, Personal Experience, Planning, Travel

When I first went snowboarding I looked up what to wear!

I had no idea.

Gavin informed me of all the bits I needed for the trip and insisted it was better to buy better pieces. Well ten years on I still have my snowboarding coat. It has a few wears and it came in handy during the snow in Britain a few years ago. But other than a few patches it looks pretty perfect.

It’s a Betty Rides coat and I bought it in TK Maxx for £60. I didn’t even know if I would like it but I go back every year to the slopes sometimes twice!

This isn’t about necessities though that can be on another post. This is about what to pack when you are there!

So firstly if it is your first time on a snow trip then unless you are naturally gifted then you are going to fall over or tumble a lot. This means that you don’t want to pack in anything two restricting after you get off the slopes. I live in jeans I always have I find them so comfy but I won’t be taking my super skinny ones. Instead I will take ones that I can spend all day in and love it.

We are traveling with Ryan air which are a shit but cheapish airline. Normally I wouldn’t complain but the flight may be say 60 but then they charge x amount for hand luggage, x amount for a suitcase. I would rather fly with B & A or virgin but sadly they don’t fly there.

Don’t get me started on flying from Stansted either.

So I always have a travel outfit. To save space I travel in my boarding coat as this would take up so much of my suitcase.

I have a favourite Harry Potter tee that I always travel in and my roomy jeans.

No heels

Let’s talk about shoes. Ladies I promise you don’t need heels. No man cares about your shoes especially when there is snow or worse ice outside. So base you outfits around cute boots and walking shoes! Moon boots are adorable and you can make them work. You can wear trainers if it’s warmer weather!

Ski holidays are often about fun so don’t be afraid to add pops of colour and clashing items. When I first went everything was neutral. Now I love bright turquoise accessories.

Another thing you need to bear in mind is layers. When it’s cold in Britain we know we don’t cope that well. But ski towns are built for the cold. I have never been cold on a ski trip. Maybe on the mountain or a chairlift but never in the town. All the restaurants and bars are lovely and warm so layering is key.

The restaurants hotels hostels are all warm. You don’t need your thickest jumpers. Just think about how hot you get when you travel. Coat jumper tee: perfect layers. It is better to layer up then. A few thin jumpers will see you through.

Night life going out out

We aren’t really clubby people but when we are on holiday we sometimes will spend the night dancing away! Now you can dress up if you like but the majority of people will be in cute tees and hoody’s.

We come for the powder not for fashion.

No club or bar is going to turn you away because you are wearing snow boots jeans and a tee! It’s cold they understand.

It’s all about comfort! You are going to see a lot of big brands like Montclere, Canada Goose. These brands are super duper expensive but they are all about comfort and keeping you warm!

So what to pack!

Start with a list.

Try to build outfits rather than individual items. I find writing a list makes it easier to not over pack and to really think about what you want.

I do love packing cubes they make everything so much easier!

When it comes to boarding gear a list is essential so you don’t miss anything off. This also doubles as Gavs list so he can use most of it!

I think both of us has two tees we didn’t use so that isn’t too bad!

Organising is key to stress free packing.

So write a list.

Plan your outfits.

And enjoy!!

What does a girl with big curly hair pack for a trip: Skincare and grooming products

Beauty, Make Up, Organising, Planning, Travel, Uncategorised

I thought I would share with you what this curly hair girl packs for a trip. Now a few years ago my grooming products would have been Boots curly cream, sunscreen, after sun, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. Now my skincare and grooming products now take up a shelf in my bathroom Gav calls them my Potions.

I basically transformed from a bathroom minimalist to having products overload.

This is all preparation for my wedding day and also just because I need to take care of myself in general.

So what am I packing for a long trip?

Protective Skincare

Sunscreen

So this is the most important section well that and my hair care. I have thick curly hair that can drink all the moisture in the air and treble in size. My skin is pale (thanks mum) so I like to have different protection levels of sunscreen. So, I have factor 20, 30 and a 50! For my body I wear what ever is on offer but when it come to my face I wear La Roche Posay Anthelios XL ultra light fluid SPF 50+. Light on your skin and super protective.

The Seychelles can reach high temperatures: that breezy coastal air and sometime cloudy skies can be misleading. Reflections from the water mean the sun can get to you from every angle.

You need to top up all the time.

Never miss the back of your neck and the back of you hands.

Aftersun

I like to use this every night even if I don’t get burnt. It sooths my skin moisturises and this also has mosquito repellent in it so I don’t have to smell horrible when I sleep.

Mozzy spray is key to surviving the tropics. I am not taking perfume because there is no point. I hate putting chemicals into the air however none of the natural remedies work.

I have tried tea tree oil, bracelet you name it.

I was eaten alive.

Now I can handle a few mosquito bites but my body doesn’t like them. I get huge egg size lumps on them. I hate mosquitoes, but scratching drives me mad.

My Skincare Routine, with Manhattan 11.

Skincare

Day

Even though this looks like a lot of products it really isn’t. I have my cleanser and toner are both Elemis, Lovely and light on y skin. I will use them morning and night. I also have The Ordinary’s Rosehip oil which is good for soothing the skin and Matryxal which is great for wrinkles and pore shrinking abilities ( I am a convert). Tata Harper diamond moisturiser that is very light and smells like heaven. I have a small travel size rose exfoliator from Elemis which is my favourite. When my skin is ready for makeup I used la Roche Posey tinted SPF 50 which I love.

Night

For night I have my Elemis night cream which makes my skin sing with pure happiness. Burt’s Bees for my lips. Sunday Riley’s Luna for a night time treatment. Decleor’s Balm oil again for a soothing treatment. Elizabeth Arden anti ageing serum which I am saving to buy the bigger one. This stuff is ridiculously good with a ridiculous price to match.

Hair Care for Curly Hair

May as well get a gripe off my chest. If you have slightly wavy hair you do not have curly hair. I hate it on adverts when they get a model with beautiful perfect curls, call it frizzy and then straighten them. Curly hair is not the same as frizzy hair. Because if there is moisture in the air my hair will absorb it and become frizzy hair.

The different between silky wavy hair and curly hair is when you wake up in the morning you may have slightly fluffier hair. My curls have matted and felted together to create what ever shape my pillow has moulded them in. Unless I sleep on my face my hair needs to be washed or at least conditioned everyday or it looks like crap.

If you think I look like sideshow Bob before I go to bed you should see me in the morning.

My curls are full on curls. I love them but they are a nightmare. My fair is dry, frizzy, curly and prone to itchy flaky scalp. Very sexy.

This summer I have had a lot of good hair days.

I have battled with my curls my whole life and now we are in a good place. I now brush them in the shower (Controversial I know).

I have just discovered Body Shops Ginger Shampoo which smells like heaven and looks after my scalp. I may be able to start wearing dark colours regularly. I am using Muai conditioner which is hydrating for my curls. I just keep it away from my scalp.

Then I use Boots Curl Cream which is the best thing for my curls. And a comb.

Shower and grooming

Shower gel I will use whatever is at my dad’s house I am not fussy. But I have a got an exfoliating glove to help get rid of all the dry skin.

Venus travel razor is beyond cute and super sharp blades.

Hair grips and bobbles. I keep my hair grips in a large tic-tac box. I saw this hack on Pinterest and it is the only hack that has ever really worked for me.

I am also packing my foot cream and pumice stone. Having your feet exposed all day in the heat or soaked in sea water can lead to super dry feet. Lets face it no matter how small you feet are they are never perfect.

Make Up

I don’t wear a lot of make up at all. I generally don’t wear anything heavier than a tinted moisturiser. My makeup bag generally holds about 10 items but what I am taking on holiday is:

Pretty pink Lancome blusher
Blusher brush
Lancome mascara which is lovely and holds a curl
Eyeliner is L’Oreal one which helps me create a cat eye look
Elizabeth Arden eyebrow pencil
Lano lips moisturiser
Lancome pink

I am sorry if that was slightly boring. But when it comes to blogs I am really nosy. I like details and lists and just generally finding out what people pack. I find that they sometimes don’t give me enough information. Having big curly hair means that in the tropics I can sometimes end up looking like Monica From Friends . We all know the hair, yup that’s me.

So if you want information please let me know!

That it from me.

Enjoy your holidays and let me know what you pack. When it comes to shopping for products I tend to shop around to find the best price. I am not loyal to one particular shop. So this is what a girl with big curly hair pack for a trip: Skincare and grooming products hope you liked it.

Dana

For Elemis

For Lancome

For La Roche Posay