Sunday 22 March 2015

Carry-on travel essentials

Holidays are finally coming up (at least for me - I know Americans just had spring break) and I am flying to France to ski. I'm super excited!! My biggest problem is always packing, I do it last minute and end up forgetting something. Therefore, this time I have started extra early :D Which gave me the idea to share my carry-on travel essentials with you guys. I always find it really helpful to see what other people keep in their carry-ons as I usually leave something out. Here we go:



1. Backpack
This one is obvious - you need something to put all your stuff in. I love small backpacks as they have lots of space but are still comfortable to carry. My black one is from Accessories and I adore it!

2. Wallet, Passport, tickets, etc
These are all the things you WILL NEED to get on your plane. Your wallet contains all your papers and money (!!) and without your passport and flight ticket there is no point in even going to the airport.

3. Phone
Obvious again, I mean, who leaves the house without their phone anyway?! It's a travel essential as you can listen to music and maybe, if the plane has it, connect to wifi.

4. Headphones
Music without headphones is pointless on a plane because if not everyone on that plane has the same taste in music as you, playing it out loud is not an option. So - DO NOT forget headphones!!! You will kick yourself if you do. My ones (from AKG) are perfect, they have an amazing sound quality but no one else will hear anything!

4. Laptop
I always bring my laptop on holiday because of blogging and work and don't like putting it in my suitcase. I feel like it is safer to keep it in in my carry on. In addition if you bring some films, you can watch them during long flights!

6. Gum
As a gum addict, I always have some in every bag, but they are definitely helpful to have on a plane. After a few hours in such a tiny space with the (often disgusting) airplane food you can start to feel a bit gross. Having 'fresh' breath makes you feel better immediately!

7. Deodorant
To carry on from starting to feel a bit unhygienic, having deodorant is a life saver! Prevent the extreme awkwardness of smelling horrible when you are only a few inches away from a complete stranger and put on your deodorant. Trust me, it won't be embarrassing as everyone will be thankful for it.

8. Face wipes and tissue
If you go on a plane wearing makeup, you WILL want to take it off at some point. That's when you need face wipes. Or if you got your hands dirty while eating and the airplane toilets are busy... Tissues can also help in that scenario. Moreover don't underestimate how cold it gets on that plane and coldness = runny nose.

9. Hair ties and bobby pins
Nothing more annoying than having long hair in your face for several hours. I always find it so nice to just be able to throw it up in a messy bun, so hair ties are definitely an essential. You might also need them when you get off the plane and need to make your nest of hair look acceptable.

10. Basic Makeup 
Again, if you get off the plane and need to look acceptable or just want to cover up that horrific pimple you got while on the plane (EVERY TIME) , you will need makeup. I usually just pack the basics in my carry on such as Concealer (Collection), Eyeliner (No7), Eyebrow pencil (Essence), Mascara (Benefit) and Lip balm.

11. Moisturiser
Air planes ruin my skin! It gets dry and I break out horribly. That's why I usually avoid wearing any makeup on a flight and always bring a good moisturiser (this one is from Avene and it's water based). It helps reducing the damage done to my skin...

12. Toothbrush and toothpaste
Believe me, you want to bring this, especially on a long flight. Clean teeth can make a world of a difference and gum doesn't always do the trick.

13. An empty water bottle
This might seem pointless, but it will have to be empty in order to get through security. Afterwards there are often drinking water fountains or if not tap water will work - but you will need something to drink. You can also buy it at the airport but it tends to be quite expensive. Oh and when you are on holiday, having a fill up water bottle can be super helpful!

Honorary mentions:

Books and magazines
If you are the kind of person that can't ever sleep on an airplane, you might need these. Since there is not much you can really do for several hours, it is the perfect time to finally read that book you've been wanting to read for months. Some of my favourites are Divergent, This Charming Man and Maze Runner.

Sunglasses
These can be worn everywhere at all times. Especially if you are going to a sunny place ;) Also super handy when you get off the plane and look like a zombie.

Snacks
Airplane food is almost always horrible, so I always pack lots of snacks. They also help pass the time (but of course we shouldn't do that...). Just make sure whatever you pack will get through security.

Fuzzy socks
As I said, planes get really cold so having fuzzy socks is heaven. Also they always make me feel way more comfortable...

Camera
If you are into taking proper pictures, you will want to take your camera. I like to keep mine in my carry-on as I'm scared that it might get broken in my suitcase.

Notebook and Pen
Some people love writing stuff down or doodling, so if that's you, don't forget a notebook and pen. It will stop you from getting immensely bored!


Have an amazing time if you are going on holiday! Tweet me your travel essentials, I'd love to see what you guys need when flying. Love you lots!

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Friday 13 March 2015

5 ways to de-stress

I am a pro in stressing about everything. As a perfectionist I always need to give 300% - but to what price? The stress completely takes over my life, my skin gets worse, I cry at every little thing and I don't have time for my friends anymore. But is it really worth it? Whatever you are worried about right now - is it really worth all that stress? A perfect example is way back when I did my GCSE's. I thought they were the most important thing in the world and let them take over my life. Turns out, they aren't the most important thing in life. I am not saying that you shouldn't revise for them or stress a little bit, but don't let it break you! I really regret stressing the amount I did instead of enjoying life a bit more.

Right now I am stressing again, college exams are coming closer and I know a lot of people are in the same position. So I thought of 5 things that could help people like me return to a normal human being instead of a walking time bomb.


1) Get outside
This seriously works wonders. Especially if you are revising for exams, being locked in a room for the whole day can completely poison your mind and you start to loose connection to reality. It is important to get outside and realise that life goes on and doesn't only circle around your exams. Just a ten minute walk or jog in a green space can help you reflect and get some fresh energy. It also distracts you from the continuous circle of stress that has taken over your life and gives you that well needed break. Seriously, stepping into fresh air makes life seem so much better than in your sticky room!

2) Put on some music
When I revise, there needs to be complete silence. The disadvantage: the silence gives me more space in my head for stress. So when you start to hyperventilate because you feel like it is all just getting too much, put on some kitschy oldie and turn up the volume! There are several studies proving the positive effects of music, so prevent a burn out and play that Taylor Swift song (no shame - you all secretly sing her songs).

3) Keep up a hobby
Yes, you desperately need all the time you have to revise or finish your work. However you should also have some fun every now and then. I'm sure you all have something you really enjoy, so don't neglect it in a stressful phase. That is when you need it most. Don't have a hobby? Try something new! I recommend dance immensely as it really helps you to let out all your emotions, but really anything that helps you relax and takes your mind off whatever stresses you is great. Again studies show that exercise helps boost endorphins so just go for it. Maybe you are secretly amazing at toe wrestling ;) (it exists, look it up!).

4) Eat good food
We all tend to crave unhealthy foods when we feel stressed, chocolate, crisps, cookies - I'll have it all. But instead of indulging in snacks that only make you feel worse, try some mood-boosting foods. They don't exist? Wrong. Bananas, DARK chocolate, fish, coconut and last but by no means least tea (green does wonders!) all help lift your spirits and don't weigh you down. The last thing you need when your mind is feeling heavy is a bloated stomach.

5) Watch a really sad movie
Sounds weird? It is. But believe me with this one - it works. All the piled up emotions add to your stress. Not letting them out can be very harmful so what better way than crying your heart out at the sad heartbreak story of a strong independent woman is there? Even for the guys out there, I know you all cried at 'Remember me'. Honestly, it is even scientifically proven that seeing other people's problems and thinking of positive ways out of them (which we automatically do while watching a movie) can be beneficial when dealing with our own problems. Sounds logical, right?


There's lots more tips and I might need to write another post like this when exams are knocking on the door. All of these things honestly help me, so I hope they do the same for you! Don't forget who you are and that whatever stresses you out won't be the end of the world. In the end, all that matters is that you don't forget about yourself and treat yourself with respect. You only get this life, don't spend it ruining yourself!

Good luck and tons of love!

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Comment 'Friday the 13th can't get me down' if you see this ;)

Wednesday 4 March 2015

5 Emojis that describe me

Hello. I am back from the depths of a truly stressful life and willing to give up the view minutes of freedom I have to write a blogpost. I have so much work at the moment that I feel like writing something fun, something like a tag. This was inspired by the incredibly talented Troye Sivan who made a video about the 5 Emojis that he'd use to describe himself.
I personally found it a great idea so I decided to do it myself. Here we go.


The tears of joy emoji
I am generally a very positive person and love having a good laugh. Nothing feels better than crying of laughter (apart from your bed after a long day...) especially if it is with good friends. There's this quote about how a day without laughter is a day wasted. I completely agree. (This is also my top used emoji on my phone)




The artist palette emoji
Art, photography, writing, etc. I love everything that involves being creative and I couldn't imagine life without e.g. my camera. It is a part of me that is very important to me. If everything goes well, my future job will certainly involve being creative and having the freedom to actualize my ideas.




The family emoji
Ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. This one might be obvious, but my family is a crucial part of my life. Cringey but true. For me this emoji also includes all my friends who are like family to me! Thank you for being amazing.




 The plane emoji
I HATE flying. I get really anxious and it makes my skin go horrible. So obviously this emoji doesn't stand for the plane but for why I need it. If the world was a dream factory I would just travel the world and take photographs. My life goal is to see as much of the world as possible. I am very jealous of people who earn their money through travelling, so I am aiming to do exactly that.



The cyclone emoji
Because my life is chaotic. I never know what's coming next, who the next person I meet will be, whether I will achieve my dreams. But I won't give up. I will live every day to the fullest and work hard to get where I want to be. And if something doesn't go to plan, I try again. And again. Because one day it will.




I hope you enjoyed this post, sorry if it was a bit cringey. If you send me a message on Twitter, I will tag you to do it and add your name to this post. I also nominate everyone reading this to write about the 5 Emojis that describe you best.
Love you lots!

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