Y'all know how much I love to travel! So when RY.com.au told me they were putting together a Travel Edit for their website, I knew I had to be a part of it!!
RY.com.au kindly sent me some travel sized products from their range, plus I used some products from my own collection, that are also available on the RY website.
One of the hardest things about travelling, is trying not to overpack. I am a notorious over packer, however I am trying to curb the habit. One of the main places where I over pack is in the toiletries department. I think that I will wear all 6 of those lippies and use those 3 eyeshadow palettes.. haha NOPE! I am barely lucky enough if I use mascara and a brow product let alone foundation, powder, and everything that goes with it. So today I am going to share my top travel essentials & tips!
Inflight Essentials & Tips:
- Use make up remover wipes like the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution Make Up Remover wipes* to help freshen up mid-flight (especially on long-haul flights) or once you land
- Bring an empty drink bottle to fill up after you have gone through security/customs, so you can stay hydrated on the flight
- Bring a multi-purpose balm for lips, cuticles and dry spots like the Lanolips 101 Ointment
- Pack some of your favourite tea-bags for a in-flight treat!
- In-flight hydration essentials:
- Gel Eye Masks like the Lonvitalite 24K Gold & Collagen Eye masks
- and a thick hand cream like the Kora Organics Daily Hand Cream
- And finally so you look put together after you get off that flight an amazing Dry Shampoo like the Sachajuan Dark Volume Powder
Overpacking? No way with minis!! You can now just about get all your favourite products in mini sized! And I mean, who doesn't love mini products?? They are just so cute!!! 50ml varieties of hair care and last up to 14 washes - so there is no need to lug around a 2 x 250ml bottles of shampoo & conditioner!! And some even come in convenient "travel packs". Like the Pureology "Step Up To Next-Leve Hydration" pack*. Also treatments and styling products come in the same small cute packaging, like the Matrix Miracle Creator Treatment* and the Evo Easy Tiger Smoothing Balm*.The same goes with skincare, super convenient trial or travel packs, containing minis of your favourite moisturisers, serums and oils. The Jojoba Company Travel Essentials Pack* contains 5 20ml products to keep your overpacking to a minimum.
Another way to save space is to pack multi-use products. Things that can be used in multiple ways, saving on the amount of products you need to take!! A small palette containing blush, bronzer, and highlighter, is always a good idea like the Poni Cosmetics Contouring Kit* which you can also use as an eyeshadow palette too!! A mascara that has the options of lengthening or volumising, so you can adjust your look from day to night is hand too. The Poni Cosmetics White Knight Mascara* has both of these options, plus doesn't smudge or leave you with panda eyes and is easy to remove. A pop of colour on your lips can make you look more put together than you actually are! A creamy pinky nude colour will always be your best friend on holidays. Plus you can always use a lipstick as a cream blush too! I love the Bite Beauty Matte Lip Crayons, as they are thin and don't take up much space!
Well there you have it, how I try to reduce the amount of products I take when I travel!! Plus a few handy tips to keep you hydrated and fresh mid-flight!! Hopefully I can get back to regular posting from now on!!
What are you travel tip or favourite destinations? I'm planning a 4 week Eurotrip for next year, I would love some recommendations!!
Note: Products marked with an asterisk(*) have been sent to Loads of Lifestyle for editorial consideration. For more information, please read my disclaimer.
As my next Japan trip creeps up (next week you guys!!!) I thought I would share with you one of my favourite cities in Japan – Kyoto!
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| Inside Nijo-jo Castle |
If Tokyo is the modern-in-your-face bustling city, Kyoto is her calm and relaxed sister! I honestly love Kyoto and its more relaxed atmosphere. Don’t get me wrong, Tokyo is super fun! But sometimes you just need a break from being in the fast lane!
Kyoto is full to the brim with beautiful Temples and Shrines, two of my favourites are the:
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shinto Shrine
Kinkaku-ji “The Golden Pavilion” Buddhist Temple
Another favourite area of mine is Arashiyama which is famous for its big bamboo groves.
If you are a foody, you will want to check out Nishiki Market – a narrow 5-block long shopping street lined with various food vendors and stalls! You will see everything from fish mongers to tea merchants to Japanese pickles. Most of the produce is locally produced or procured. One of the best meals we had, was just off Nishiki Market, hidden behind a unsuspecting door, and amazing Tonkatsu restaurant!! We will definitely be heading back there!!
Of course, you can’t go to Kyoto without heading to Gion and trying your luck at spotting some Geisha or Maiko (trainee geisha). We didn’t get a glimpse of one, however we went out to dinner to a very very nice (and expensive) restaurant for my birthday, and we ran into a Geisha as we were leaving, and she was very kind to let us take a photo.
It was my birthday while we were in Kyoto, and my boyfriend James organised for us to do a Japanese cooking class! I am so glad he thought to surprise me with it, as he know how much I love to cook! It was a Bento Box themed class, and we made 4 dishes (Teriyaki Chicken, Tempura, Spinach with Sesame Dressing and some rolled Sushi) which you can see below. You then get to enjoy them after slaving away in the kitchen all morning!
So there you have a very small snippet of my trip last year! I was actually pretty slack with taking photos, but this year, I am going to step it up, and come back with a updated post later on!!
Let me know if you enjoyed this photo diary and if you would like to see more from my last trip or my upcoming trip!
I fly out next Thursday, and if you would like to see what I get unto whilst I am over there, don't forget to add me on Snapchat (@loadsoflifestyl)
Can you believe it? It is already halfway through November and Christmas will be here before we know it!! This year I have put together a little gift guide for the ladies or anyone really, as some of these I'm sure that the men in your lives would love too! Or maybe just to spoil yourself?? I have split it into 4 categories as I am sure that the person you are buying for will fit in there somewhere!
Beauty Obsessed
Give the gift of quick and easy straight hair with the Remington Keratin & Argan Oil Nourish Straightening Brush – RRP $99.95*
Their choice of the perfect nude lip with the NYX The “IT” List – The Naturals 5 pack – RRP $24.95
And something to wash all their hair worries away... Make Hair – Hydrate Trio Gift Pack* - RRP $65.85
And finally what beauty obsessed lady wouldn't want a gift voucher for a facial and/or massage to their favourite beauty salon.
The Traveller
A traveller always need an endless power supply for their phone or tablet - Verve Portable Powerbank 2600mAH - RRP $17.99
101 uses for this ointment, from dry lips and cuticles to cracked heals and soothing insect bites! Lanolips 101 Ointment - RRP $18.99
Have you ever tried to sleep on any mode of transport or a hostel? Your traveller friend will love you endlessly for a Slip – Silk Eye Mask – RRP $45.00
Travel sized products are always handy! Mecca To Save Face SP50+ Superscreen 30ml - RRP $18, Batiste Dry Shampoo 50ml - $4.95
And finally a subscription to Australian Traveller or International Traveller Magazine - 6 issues for $37.95 - too help plan their next getaway!
And finally a subscription to Australian Traveller or International Traveller Magazine - 6 issues for $37.95 - too help plan their next getaway!
The Fashionista
A beautiful coffee table book dedicated to the queen of fashion Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World Of A Fashion Icon by Megan Hess - RPP $29.99
A signature perfume to give your loved one? Try the Chloe Signature EDP 75ml Set – RRP $170.00
Classy and classic Monogrammed Pouch – RRP $89.00 – 99.00 – The Daily Edited or Mon Purse!
Or a Timeless Time Piece - Daniel Wellington - Classic Sheffield - RRP $270
Or a Timeless Time Piece - Daniel Wellington - Classic Sheffield - RRP $270
The Foodie
Let your inner chef out with the Le Creuset Dune Shallow Casserole Pot 30cm – RRP $433.00
Or a voucher to attended a cooking master class of their favourite cuisine would go down well!
A subscription to Gourmet Traveller, Delicious or Donna Hay Magazine - from $23.50 for 4 issues for constant inspiration every month!
A true foodie would love to receive a beautiful knife to help them prepare all those special meals - Nakiri Vegetable Knife
What are you planning to get your loved ones this year?? I will be in Japan just before Christmas, so most of my gift to loved ones will come from there!!
What are you planning to get your loved ones this year?? I will be in Japan just before Christmas, so most of my gift to loved ones will come from there!!
Note: Products marked with an asterisk(*) have been sent to Loads of Lifestyle for editorial consideration. For more information, please read my disclaimer.
Konbanwa! or Ohayōgozaimasu! Depending on when you're reading this! As some of you may or may not know, ever since returning to Japan last year, I have fallen back in love with just about every aspect of Japan.. Cooking, shopping at Daiso (a lot!), heading to Japanese grocers when I visit Brisbane and stocking up, even purchasing a Japanese rice cooker purely because they cook Japanese style rice better!
So when my friend and fellow blogger Kate from The Minted Blog tagged me in a post on instagram about a Japanese candy subscription box, I knew I had to get it!
Tokyo Treat is one of the many Japanese Candy subscription boxes on the market. It has 3 different levels of boxes with price ranges to suit all.
- Small - $14.99 USD/month - contains 5-7 full sized items
- Regular - $24.99 USD/month - contains 8-12 full size items & 1 DIY candy kit
- Premium - $34.99 USD/month - contains 13-17 full sized items, 1 DIY candy kit, 1 drink & 1 special item
However each box can be made a little cheaper each month, if you choose to prepay on 3, 6 or 12 month terms. The company is based in Tokyo, so you know you are always getting the freshest and most authentic treats.
The July box theme was "Anime Characters" so most of the treats had something to do with anime or had cute little anime characters on the packaging.
Included in this box were:
Pokemon Gummies - 3 different flavoured gummies, which can be mixed together to create new flavours. Flavours Pink - Grapefruit, Yellow - Lemon, Blue - Lemonade.
Milk-Flavoured Potato Chips - the strangest thing in this box! They apparently contain the same amount of calcium as a glass of milk, not 100% about this but they do have a milky/creamy taste to them, I actually quite enjoyed the weird flavour combination. The smell of them was a little off putting. It smelt like slightly off milk powder.
Shrimp Crackers - these were delicious! They had a strong shrimpy/prawn taste to them, similar to the prawn crackers from a Chinese restaurant, however a lot more crunchy and salty. These would go down a treat with a beer or two.
Pocky - Brazilian Orange (Limited Edition summer flavour) - I thought it was going to taste like Jaffas or something similar, however I forgot Pocky make their flavoured sticks on a white chocolate base. They smelt a little like passionfruit and tasted like them too. It also had a citrusy hit!
Soybean Flour DIY Mochi Rice Cake - I haven't actually made this up yet. But Soybean flour is usually roasted, and has a wonderful nutty flavour. My host family in Japan showed me how they dip their Mochi (pounded rice cakes) in Soybean flour and it is delicious.
Calpis Gummies - Calpis is a un-carbonated soft drink, that has a milky and slightly acidic flavour. I haven’t actually tried it, but I will be when I head back at the end of the year. These gummies are super soft and have a sugar coating. They have a yoghurty flavoured soft centre, however it all tasted the same to me. They were edible, but not something I would by again. Hopefully the drink tastes better!!
Cocotama Snacks - A strawberry and milk flavoured snack, so basically
strawberries and cream! These little pink love hearts were super sweet and
super tasty! I could continue to eat these for life. They have the texture of a
twisty (but without the cheese.. duh!)
The box also contained; Thomas & Friends Chocolate Pretzel Sticks, Anpanman Ramune Candies and Fortune-Telling Chocolate Pills.
At around $35 AUD for the box, and this month contained 10 items, it worked out to be roughly $3.50 per item. Which isn't too bad considering the box has free shipping worldwide. At Daiso you can expect to pay around $3.50 for a box of pocky for reference. I definitely think this is a super fun way to try out treats and snacks from other countries and I currently have the August box on its way!
Have you tried a candy subscription box before? I think I am going to try another company for September to see how they vary!
It has been two weeks since I got home from Japan.. boo! I thought I would put a post together about the make-up I took with me.. And what I actually used!!
I managed to cut it down to the basics.. But I still didn't use a few things I bought along for the trip!!
So today I am going to tell you what I took, and what I actually used (and roughly how many times I used them) whilst I was away!!
Face Products:
NARS Tinted Moisturiser - St Moritz - used 3 times - mostly for going out to dinnerHourglass - Mineral Veil Primer - used 3 times
Urban Decay - All Nighter Setting Spray - used just about everyday! It was so humid, and it was lovely and refreshing to spray all over!!
Benefit - Roller Lash - I used this everyday! I love this mascara! It is total HG status!!
Anastasia Beverley Hills - Brow Wiz - chocolate - I only used this once I think..
Benefit - Gimme Brow (not pictured) - medium/dark - I used this every in conjunction with Roller Lash for a little definition!!
Palettes/Powders:
NARS - Virtual Domination Palette - with 3 blushes, a bronzer and a highlighter it was the perfect choice to take away with me! I used this most days to add a little colour to my face!!Too Faced - Chocolate Bar Palette - I used this once for my birthday dinner, probably could have left this one at home!
Hourglass Ambiant Lighting Powder - Dim Light - I only used this a handful of times, and probably could have left it at home too!
BECCA - Shimmering Skin Perfector (Pressed) - Opal - I used this most days to give me a little bit of a healthy glow!
Lips:
MAC Lipstick - Lady Danger - I wore this a couple of times, its one of my favourite lip colours! So I couldn't not take it!Maybelline - Colour Drama Lip Crayon - Nude Perfection - I wore it once, and got a lovely complement from one of my new friends Amanda but still only wore it once!
NARS - Lipgloss - Orgasm - I wore this pretty much daily as a nice gloss finish to my everyday look
Rimmel London - Oh My Gloss! - Love Bug* - I didn't wear this at all, could have left this at home!
Bite Beauty - Matte Creme Lip Crayon - Tatin & Glacé - I didn't wear these at all! Even as pretty as they are, they could too have stayed at home!!
And to pack it all up and take it all with me I managed to get my little hands on the Mecca Cosmetica Jetset travel bag (I'm pretty sure one of the last ones in Australia - it came all the way from Perth!! Thank you MECCA customer service!!)
Have you ever over-packed for a holiday? Let me know your holiday staples, so I can try to pack more efficiently for my next trip!!
Mel x
As always, between posts you can find me:
I recently found my discs with our pictures from my family holiday to Kenya and Mauritius in 2007, so I thought I would give you a bit of a photo diary of our time there!
*NOTE: this is a very picture heavy post, please be patient if it takes a few moments to load!!*
If you ever get the chance to travel to either countries, definitely do it!! You will not regret it!!
First off, we had a week in Mauritius, it was so beautiful, and I definitely would love to go back one day!!
We then flew from Mauritius into Nairobi, Kenya and started a one week safari tour around Kenya! Unfortunately I was a naive little 18 year old and didn't take notice of where we actually went, however the one I do remember is the Maasai Mara, with the beautiful Maasai people!
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| Our Wheels for the Week!! |
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| View from one of our lodgings! |
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| ahhh 18 yo me... thank god I've grown up! :) |
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| One of the MANY flat tyres we had! |
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| Having a lion this close to you was unbelievable! Resting in the shade on a very hot day!! |
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| What can you see?? The only Male Lion sighting on our trip!! |
We brought lots of books and supplies for a local school!
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| Maasai Sunset |
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| Mt Kilimanjaro |
Back in Nairobi we visited the Giraffe Centre and hand fed some endangered Rothschild Giraffes, from their breeding program.
Mel x
As always, between posts you can find me:
