Remember when I told you how crummy I am at packing? When we went away at Easter I packed so many woolly pieces, thoroughly convinced it was going to be chilly - and instead it wasn't. I ended up wearing a couple of t-shirts and jeans the entire time, and ignoring the warmer pieces.
Told you I sucked.
Which is why I've asked three awesome women to share their Holy Grail of packing tips with us today.
Jennifer Loiselle - Australian born, UK based handmade accessories designer:
1. I’m a horrific over-packer (think 6 pairs of shoes for a one week holiday) so I’ve recently learnt to lay everything I intend to take and halve it. Definitely pack light – it also means you can fill up your suitcase with holiday purchases on the way back!
2. Ziplock bags – I’m obsessed with them. All make-up, shampoos, sunblock, goes into these and means that I avoid any messy accidents.
3. Travelling with my 5 year old daughter recently in China who became quite ill has made me realise that I need to bring any medication I can with me. She had a very high temperature and the language barrier made it difficult to communicate what we needed which meant a very expensive trip to an American clinic!
Jasmin Lethbridge - Hair Stylist from Desmond and Molly Jones:
1. Only take your fave outfits that you know you look awesome in... I always create and pack outfits that I never wear normally and end up lugging them everywhere and suprise suprise they never get worn!! The same jeans can easily be worn 4/5 days in a row.
2. Check the shoe situation. I always get caught out with wrong shoes i.e summer shoes and it'll rain..cold tootsies not good!
3. Pack any creams/oils in a ziplock bag. Have had a science experiment happen in my toiletries bag before!
4. Get a medication box with all of the partitions to keep your jewels in.
Extra tip! If any beloved stuffed toys/blankets are coming along make sure first thing packed. No explanation needed!
Founder of toxin-free beauty e-tailer Nourished Life, Irene Falcone:
1. Get into layering with your favourite clothing staples – try Bamboo clothing, which is virtually wrinkle free and can be layered for extra warmth or warn along. The Bamboo is a great breathable fabric so perfect for all seasons.
2. Leave the bulky skin care products at home and pack the multipurpose basics! Think facial wipes, which generally come in an easy travel pack and can save you plenty of time (Wot Not do a great wipe that works as a cleanser, toner, exfoliated and eye makeup remover in 1). Also look at investing in an “Everything Balm” if you’re going somewhere cold - The Egyptian Magic is the perfect multipurpose balm which can be used for hydrating and protection for your entire body.
3. Pack the Coco-Lyte dried coconut sachets which you can add to water anywhere for an instant energy and hydration boost without having to carry around bottles of water.
In case you somehow missed it, I got a new hair cut.
Thank goodness for that.
I'd had the same hair for too long, and started to feel very middle-aged (not like a knight) and mumsy. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but for me, I was bored with my head.
Every time I think my hair starts to feel like Ross Noble's - I realise I need a cut.
Leonard at Desmond and Molly Jones basically gave me a make-over in 40 minutes and I am so stoked.
For months I'd been thinking about having a fringe, but chickened out every time. And then I reconsidered because the beauty of hair is - it grows back.
I now feel like a dog that's just been washed. That's got to be good, right?!
Aye carumba. The cool cats at Desmond & Molly Jones have put together such an awesome menu of workshops I can't even begin to tell you.
Actually. I lie. I can tell you. I will tell you. Because they are SO FLIPPING COOL!
Leonard Newton, salon owner and all-round ace guy said: “It’s about sharing ideas and being a bigger part of the community we work and live in. Desmond & Molly Jones is
more than simply a hair salon and by offering a unique variety of workshops we are opening our doors to people
from all walks of life, keeping the local spirit alive.”
I love that philosophy of sharing - and making things accessible to more people.
Well let's get to the punch line.
DAD & DAUGHTER: Matt and I have this ongoing joke about Matt's repertoire of hairstyles for Tiny. A high ponytail that looks like Bam Bam from The Flinstones.
If your man is the same - this is THE perfect way to spend a Sunday morning with the little lady in your life.
Coffees and cupcakes (no tantrums and tiaras) while you learn a range of techniques that will transform your daughter’s hair into princess locks of love. You’ll reach a whole new level of hero in her eyes! Hopefully this will mean the end of Tiny's massive dreadlocks, or brat's nest as my sister lovingly refers to it.
In this session they're demonstrating braiding, ponytailing and elegant up do's that are simple and quick to do... perfect for the Dad with a little girl on the go. Book here.
Other workshops? Heck they have so many goodies!!
BRAIDY BUNCH MONDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 7PM – 9PM
In case you hadn't noticed, I love braiding my hair, and I learnt my one braid from YouTube. Hopefully this workshop will mean I can extend my repertoire AND socialise with real people.
BLOOMING BRILLIANT FLORAL CROWNS
SUNDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 10.30AM -MIDDAY
The princess of peonies Holly Hipwell will show you how to create your own floral crown with spring fresh flowers. Plus they'll send you home with a kit so you can keep on making your own.
CURL ME UP BABY MONDAY 2ND DECEMBER 7PM – 9PM
Currently I curl my hair using a very untechnical method. Washing my hair before bed, going to bed with damp hair and hoping like crazy it curls up over night. It's been pretty successful to date, however I have a hunch this workshop will make me look less like I've had a big night out at Studio 54, and more like I've got a clue about the curl.
