Bikini Weather - Haul

The sun is shining and although I may not be quite brave enough to don a bikini in the garden just yet, there is no denying that swimsuit season is right around the corner.

I purchased a few new bikinis for my Moroccan adventure in February - at the time I never had a chance to show them to you, but now seems like the perfect opportunity!

I adore swimwear and like most girls have an urge to buy a few new suits each year which can be an expensive habit.  However, I am happy to say, these beauties come from that shop that I have extreme love/hate relationship with - Primark.  At just £3/£4 for each separate, in extremely cute designs - they have once again delivered the goods!

I love the ability to buy separate sizes - can anybody these days honestly fit in a generic, one size bikini? - and the added little details such as the gold hardware on the nautical themed suit.  I am also happy to say that after a number of swims, they appear to wear beautifully... 10/10 in my book!

Although I bought these in early February, I have seen them in store very recently along with a few other designs that I have got my eye on too.  Have you spotted any cute swimwear recently for the new season?  Let me know!

xxx

Summer Series: Packing

Not that you'd know it from the weather (Typical UK), but Summer is officially here and many of us will be packing up and jetting off to warmer climes for sun, sea and sand.  For me, it's 8 days and counting and the fear is setting in....

WHAT THE HELL DO I PACK?!

 Here are some great tips I've picked up along the years (3 months in Australia with only 15kg was no mean feat..!) and some new ones I've heard recently....

CLOTHES 

• Only take what you really love to wear.  That dress that 'may look nice on the beach/with a tan/at sunset' will probably make you feel just as bad when you put it on abroad as it does in your own bedroom.  If you've never rushed to put it on at home, why take it away for your special few weeks?
• Keep rolling - it's honestly a godsend!  Cuts down on space... and creases too.
• Apart from jackets/blazers - as learnt from this month's 'Red' - lay inside out with the arms tucked in...genius!
• Plan - If you're really organised, you can plan your outfits.  Not down to the last detail but if you have 101 summer dresses, take your favourite 10 and you're sorted!
• Colour co-ordinate - If you're not that organised or simply have just run out of time, just choose items of all the same colour palette and you'll be fine - everything will go with everything else!
• Cover Up - Always take a light jacket or hoody, even if you're hitting the tropics.  There will usually be an occasion where it gets slighty chilly.  A pashmina is a great alternative that can be used as a blanket on the airplane too, where they are all too fond of arctic temperatures.

SHOES 

• Be realistic - you may plan to wear a different pair of heels every night but chances are, you'll stick with your faithful sandals - you feet are on holiday too!  Even if you're going to Ibiza - nobody wears heels...I've done it and instantly regretted it!
• One pair of havaianas, sparkly sandals, wedges and heels should be more than enough for even the worst shoe addict!
• Neutral colours will go with everything but brights are great for making a statement - go with whatever you're comfortable with.
• If you're on a city break or know you may be walking last distances occasionally, take an old pair of pumps that you know are broken in already.  New shoes will probably give you blisters - not what you want on a holiday!

TOILETRIES

 

• Take minis or not at all - Most toiletries you can get anywhere.  Unless you have a very specific need for a product, just save on room/weight and buy when you're out there! 
• Be realisitc - again!  You're on holiday!  Will you really be spending hours exfoliating, moisturising and deep conditioning your hair?  Probably not.
• Think outside the box - Conditioner is great for shaving your legs with and a light pair of exfoliating gloves will turn any old shower gel into a scrub and you can just throw them away at the end of the holiday. 

EXTRAS 

• Share - If you're going with friends, agree to share hair tools/books/toiletries and even clothes if you have the same style.
• Be a lightweight - If you have 20kg allowance but your suitcase when empty weighs 5kg, you're immediately at a disadvantage.  Try and find the lightest one around!
• Take advantage of the hand luggage allowances.  Usually this is 10kg which if you pack right, is a lot!  But remember to have your liquids in a clear bag under a total of 1L. 
• Always check the weight of your luggage before you leave!  The airlines are rip-off merchants as we all know!
• Accessories are your best friend - jewellery, especially large earrings, can completely dress up an ordinanary outfit and take up hardly space or weight.

And most importantly....

• LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES!  If you know that last year you took specialist hair serums for in the sun/a different belt for each outfit/5 pairs of pyjamas and 10 pairs of shoes (...yes, I admit it - I did just this) and ended up living in the same bikini and pair of flip flops for a week, don't make the same mistake again.  This year - bikinis, havaianas, tanning oil and a few dresses are all I'm pretty much taking.....leaves more room for the duty free Vodka ;)

If you have any more tips - please let me know! xxxx

IN & OUT #2: Holiday Edition

I got back from 2 weeks of Spanish bliss late last night and although I am freezing back in Blighty, I am happy to be home...mainly at the prospect of shopping - I missed Boots.  Sad, but true.

For now.....

IN

• Nivea Young Tinted Moisturiser - I've used this basically every day for 2 or 3 years now and I'm still totally in love with it.  It evens out my skin tone and allows me to blend my face and neck - which never tans - together.  If I want more coverage, I simply mix in some foundation with it, slap it all over my face and I'm good to go
• Jungle Formula Insect Repellent - If you are prone to mozzie bites like me - about 15 per night - you need this in your life when you go abroad!  I've come back with 2 bites - a complete record for me!
• Calypso Dry Oil SPF Spray - If the thought of rubbing greasy sun tan lotion on every few hours fills you with dread, pick up this baby from Superdrug for mere pennies.  If sprays on evenly, dries instantly, smells lovely and keeps you safe in the sun whilst tanning  - a sure fire thumbs up from me!
• French pedicured toes - I do love brights on the toe nails but every once in a while it's nice to tone it down and go for a chic french polish. 

OUT

• My natural hair - Although it's about my desired length now, I cannot stand it's texture.  All messy, wavy and frizzy...without tongs/straighteners in my life I resemble Monica in that Friends episode...you know the one I mean....
• Over packing - Hands up who had to sit on their suitcase to get it to close then wore approximately 5% of what you took????
• Pigging out - That half a stone I lost to go away soon went back on with chocolate croissants and Tango for breakfast every morning, followed by constant eating from then on....Back on the wagon now - I can substitute eating with shopping - sounds good to me!