Thursday 29 January 2015

What's In My Travel Bag


I'm off to Paris this weekend and I can't wait. I'm so excited to see the Eiffel Tower, drink red wine and eat lots of baguettes and delicious pastries.


Trying to beat though winter blue, I booked a weekend getaway for my friends birthday. There's a few of us going, so it'll be nice going away with a group of us. The last time I went to Paris was for our year 7 French trip, I'm pretty sure lots of schools did this sort of trip. It seems like a life time ago, so this weekend away will be a completely different experience.

I've finally started my packing and as the title suggests here's what's in my bag:


Passport & tickets

You're not going to get very far without these, so make sure they're packed. If you're going to forget anything make sure it's not these. I'm pretty sure I double check I have both my passport and tickets 3 or 4 times on the way, although I know they're in my bag I just have to check again away - does anyone else have this problem?


Warm Clothes

Now because we're going in January/February time, it's going to be cold! So I have to make sure I've got suitable clothing to wrap up warm and packed lots of thick jumpers. Also don't forget your fluffy hat, gloves and scarf if you off somewhere cold like me.

If you're just going for a weekend away, just clothes in general are a good idea, obviously change the type to suit your destination and activities you have planned.


Makeup

 If you're girl you're most likely going to want to pack your makeup, I've tried to pack light so I've only got my basics; foundation, eye liner, mascara, concealer, blusher, powered and then a eye shadow palette and lippy incase somewhere that calls for fancier makeup.

If you're taking makeup remember makeup remover and of course your toothbrush, tooth paste, hair brush and any other toiletries you need if you hotel or wherever you're staying doesn't provide them.




The Extras

If you're going on a long journey you might want to pack some things to keep you occupied along the way. I'm taking my kindle because I'm currently reading Knife Edge, by Malorie Blackman, its the second book in the series. I'm really liking it, it's a easy read and one you can really get into.

If you not into reading there's plenty of other things you can take to help the time pass. Headphones are a good idea if you like listen to music; and lets be honest who doesn't like music. Or maybe a pack of cards, you can play with these on the journey or if you have time to spare in day or evening, they're very handy to have and you can get the tiny packs so they don't have to take up too much space.

I also have to make sure I've got a notebook and pen to hand just incase a burst on inspiration hits, I like to have somewhere to write it down. I'm still a little old school in this why, although I have an iPhone I much prefer jotting down notes in a notebook as a posed to one my phone. Although I guess my phone can be my back up.

Essentials 

Of course you can forget these items:

You phone is a must, obviously for emergences it's good to have your mobile. If you have a smart phone they're are so many reasons you need to make sure you have it. I'll be using mine as a camera for a start, to capture all the special moments and I don't have an actually camera any more as my last one broke :( and I haven't replaced it because I just end up using my phone instead, plus my phone takes up less space. You smartphone, if it has a map app can also be handy when you're lost. Although make sure you don't rack up a nasty bill and check the roaming cost before you leave if you're travelling overseas. You don't want to get a shock when your bill arrives.

Also don't forget your purse and if you have to change up any currency!



And I think that's everything I'm taking, if i've forgotten anything I'm sure I'll be able to get it in France, just as long as I've got the important things it's all good! I hope you have a lovely weekend whatever you're up to and let me know if you're also planning a weekend away, I'd love to hear what you're taking.


G x

Wednesday 7 January 2015

Crafting: Personalised Coasters


I find a personalised gift is alway a little more special than a shop bought one. The personalised coasters are easy to make and are a sure fired way to put a smile on someones face, or even brighten up your home.


First things first, here's everything you need to get started:

Mod Podge and paint brush
Cork, or cork coasters (You either cut the shaped coaster you want from a piece of cork or you can do what I did and get pre cut ones. I thought this would be a lot easier and would make sure they're all symmetrical.)
Photos
Scissors
Pen/pencil


Step One

I you decided to cut you own coaster, this will be the perfect time to cut these to the size and shape you want.

Next up you'll need to cut out your photos so they're the same size as your coaster. All you need to do is turn your photo over so you have the blank size facing up and trace around your coaster with you pen. Then simple cut around your markings.


Step Two

You'll now need your Mod Podge and this is where things can get a little message, so make sure you put down some newspaper so you don't get glue absolutely everywhere, like I almost did.

With you paint brush (I didn't have a paint brush so used an old foundation brush, which did the job just as well.. waste not want not eh?) take a bit of the Mod Podge and cover one side of your coaster.

Next take one of your photos and place this on top, holding it firmly in place while the glue dries. Once your picture has dried firmly in place, pick up your brush again and cover you photo with a layer of Mod Podge. Let this dry fully and then add another coat.

Once your coaster is dry trim off any bit that hanging over the edge of your coaster.


And there you go. Follow these steps for all of your coasters until you have a full set. I did six but you can do as many as you like.

Try with a ribbon and your gift is all set.


I made these for my Mum for Christmas. She loved then, here face literally lit up when she unwrapped them. I don't know about you but I love giving gifts I know the person will love and they're fun to make. I enjoyed going through our old photo albums and reminiscing while I picked out the perfect ones.

G x