Packing: Helpful tips, What I’m taking

In the middle of next week I am heading to Rome with my boyfriend, due to work and commitment I decided to pack this weekend to save time and hassle. We aren’t going away for very long and because of this we are only taking hand luggage, we are lucky because in addition to the suitcase normally allowed we are also allowed a small handbag (bag) to carry on board. This is the suitcase and bag I am taking

Helpful packing tips:

• Put adapters and plugs at the bottom of the suitcase well away from any liquids
• Roll clothes to save space (extra points for rolling them in outfits for easy grabbing)
• Pack samples for hair masks/conditioner/moisturiser etc this saves space and you may find something you love!
• Charge Items like kindles and camera’s that you aren’t going to need before you go 2 days before – that way you can pack them and the chargers. You don’t risk forgetting to put the charger in which is common when you charge the night before and rush in the morning.
• Weigh your case at home before you go!! This can save you a lot of money.
• Double and triple check cabin bag size and allowance if you’re only taking hand luggage EACH AIRLINE HAS THEIR OWN CABIN BAG SIZE
• Dress for comfort at the airport and remember security – a bracelet or necklace is fine but cover yourself in bling and everyone in the queue behind you is not going to like you.
• At security grab your stuff from the machine and go find a seat away from the queues to sort yourself out, please don’t try and put everything bag on your bag or your belt/shoes on at the end of the machine when everyone is waiting to get their belongings and find a seat. You’ll feel less rushed and everyone behind you will be grateful.
• Print out two copies of travel documents keep one copy in your case and on in your bag – that way of you lose one you have a back up!

Outfit for travelling, long comfy, free flowing river Island shirt Navy shorts (under the hat) my kimono as it’s so comfy and awesome, straw hat and sandals. I really like the button detail on the shirt the long necklace and hat add a touch of glam to the outfit for when we arrive at the other end while still being travel appropriate.

I only want to take casual outfits that are comfy enough for wandering around all day in as we plan on doing a lot each day.

This outfit is one of my comfiest the shorts are a loose cotton material (think of pj’s and you’re there) and the lace top helps to keep you cool. I think the black and white will look amazing with a pink lip and mint bag as touches of colour.

This blue swing dress will really keep me cool but the print is interesting and eye catching paired with my hat and an orange lip I think it just spells chic.

Red shorts with laser cut scalloped hem. Nothing more to say, I just adore them paired with a simple white t-shirt and focus everything on the shorts.

This is the dress I made in a previous post with I think is perfect for taking away.

This is the pattern of the maxi dress I am taking it’s pretty funky but looks stunning on. these two dresses I am taking for having food out at night a peachy coloured skater dress that I adore the embroidery on and an orange maxi dress that

To fit everything in a handy tip that you have probably heard before is to roll your clothes. I like to roll them as an outfit so each rolled item is a complete outfit I can just grab and go.

The next thing to worry about is my liquids – toiletries and make up: they all have to fit into a clear plastic bag  like this-

I decided to take foundation and concealer as we plan on eating out in some nice places during the evenings I swear by this combination it just gives me a flawless finish in case my skin decides to be very uncooperative, the brow archery is an amazing tint and pencil in one product that just tames my brows completely.

I always like a selection of pink and orange lips on holiday (and just during sumer really) this is a great selection of nourishing balms and a lip stain that I can’t get enough of. Baby lips is pretty much a staple for me for on the plane and if I like to have it for if my lips get excessively dry, the TonyMoly stain is amazing you can’t see the colour now but they are vibrant and have serious staying power, I definitely recommend them. Revlon colour burst matte balms are my favourite colours to wear in warmer weather they smell awesome and look amazing they feel silky soft on your lips .

There is also waterproof mascara and eyeliner from L’Oreal which are a staple for hot weather I haven’t tried these ones before I received them as a gift and have yet to use them – I’m quite excited to test them out.

Instead of trying to take some moisturiser out of my Clarins tub I am taking a collection of samples I have accumulated this also saves space. For my actual

This is a well worn bronzer but I love it – it’s not too dark and has a lovely shimmer to it which really gives a healthy glow to your skin.

I have the same Issue with my perfume as with my moisturiser I can’t tae the actual bottle so I’m using this travel container. I would recumbent this to anyone its not only useful for on holiday, but for everyday throwing into the handbag for perfume on the go.  You just fill it up using the pump and away you go – no pouring perfume and spilling any! I’m taking my favourite perfume with me Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb.

Next up is a boring necessity – I aways get bit and forget to take cream with me, this time it was one of the first things I packed – this cools the inflames area numbing the itchy feeling and helps heal the bite.I’m only taking a few  brushes with me and my eyeshadow pallet as I can use it to create quite a few different looks I use this as a blusher it’s NARS Andy Warhol Collection Satellite of Love – it’s a gorgeous peachy shimmer sort of a barely there, just a hint of shimmer that is perfect for a casual daytime makeup look.
My wipeable makeup bag and favourite wipes they are so gentle on the skin!

shampoo body wash and a face scrub.

Liquids all packed!

Next is my handbag that I use for necessities at the airport:I just take the basics that I need passport and travel documents, camera, kindle, headphones, phone, purse, sunglasses and a hair clip and hairbrush with mirror. Now I’m all ready to go!

Finally packed I’m taking one necklace I can pair with everything pj’s and shoes are on top and liquids on top of them in their plastic bag so that should any disasters happen and the bag leaks as well it’s my pj’s that get hit first. I put unmentionables and wires in the inside zip of the lid as they squish flat.

All that’s left is to get to the airport and enjoy your holiday!

Springing into Spring!

Like many people when I think of Spring I can smell fresh cut grass, there are birds singing and colour is joyfully bursting through the last remnants of winter. Recently the days have been longer and brighter, it’s been milder and the sense that spring is just around the corner has been lurking in my mind. All of a sudden from nowhere we have been blessed with some wonderful weather, clear skies, the sun absolutely dazzling. This has given me the kick-start I needed to finally get around to organizing my make-up and just generally my room. It has also made me break out my brighter colours as summer has re-entered my wardrobe.

The first thing I sorted through was my make-up. This in itself was a mammoth task, I have a tendency to hoard stuff thinking that I will get around to using it and I don’t – I never do. I had a serious talk with myself and got rid of loads that I haven’t worn for months or that I didn’t really like but still had in my box.  I am quite proud of myself as the result looks neat and tidy and all fits in the drawers where it is supposed to go. To give me more space for my blushes and bronzers etc. I have two very, very large wine glasses I found in a charity shop as extra storage one for my make-up brushes, the other for all my lip balms as I always end up having quite a few and then leaving them in different bags this make them easier to grab.

The next thing was sorting through and untangling my necklaces and rings, I have a gorgeous jewellery box why not use it properly? I am quite happy that I got everything in it but again I had to be harsh with myself and just face up to the reality that I can’t keep something just because it’s pretty if I never wear it.

 My nail polishes and supplies had all been in a box and rather than leaving them in the box I have stood them all in the lid. This has given me the box back as storage and makes it easier to find my nail polishes and files, as I am not constantly searching through a large box to find what I want.

This next collection are my favourite spring brights. I love wearing bright colours come spring and particularly brighter shimmery make-up or a bold lip colour, they make me feel happier and more feminine. In general spring and colours go hand in hand and I just love it. The satchel is a gorgeous mint green colour from Dorothy Perkins, Revlon colorburst matte balm in 245 Audacious and 210 Unapologetic. I also have Soap and Glory Archery which really does wonders for your brows and two blushers Mac sheertone shimmer blush in Dollymix and Laura Geller bake brulee blush in apple custard which is a lovely highlighter or just a subtle shimmer blush. I also love this wire headband, it fun and help to hide a bad hair day.