By now I'd say that all three of us Mice could pass as pro packers! We've clocked up a fair few holidays between us and can pretty much pack with our eyes closed!
Packing to most is that dreaded chore which stands in the way of the true holiday excitement! So we thought why not share our wisdom to try ease the ordeal with 3BM's top 3 tips....
1. NEVER share a case with a boy!
Packing alone is bad enough but the prospect of sharing a case with a partner can cause no end of stupid comments and ultimately arguments...not ideal just before a supposedly peaceful break together! Do you really need another pair of shoes? Why have you packed hair straightens - I much prefer your natural beachy look?! I've only got one pair of swimming shorts surely you only need one bikini? All of these common statements prove that men know nothing, will lie to get their own way and should always take their own case!
2. If in doubt don't pack it!
There's nothing worse than getting to check-in and being told you're over the baggage limit and must pay a ridiculous excess or remove the offending heavy items immediately! Actually scrap that, it's even worse to pay the extortionate fee and then return from holiday with a case full of unworn outfits!
Be decisive, if you're unsure if you'll wear it, you probably won't and always outfit build as you go! It doesn't have to be physically trying on options (although if I'm doing hand luggage only I'll often go to these slightly divaish extremes!) but there's no point bringing that skirt without a top that goes with it and so forth!
3. Always pack with a glass of wine in hand!
Over the last few years when our travelling seems to have peaked, we always try our hardest to make the packing chore last as little time as possible but be as fun as possible! A big glass of icy Marlborough sauvignon blanc, fun music to get you in the holiday spirit and a super pre-holiday feast to look forward to at the end of it, always helps us complete the task a lot more quickly! In fact, if anything, it becomes part of the fun lead up rather than a boring job on the to do list!
It's as simple as that...with that in mind, check out my holiday essentials which I'm actually packing as I type (wine in hand of course!)...
Papaya Gold Paw Paw Balm
I can't go anywhere without this magical ointment, it's basically Mary Poppins in a tube! It treats burns and dry skin, acts as a lip balm, soothes eczema, cuts and chafed and chapped skin... you name it, paw paw does it! I somehow managed to mislay mine on my latest trip to Portugal which of course was a total disaster...one teeny, tiny tube multitasks so hard that it renders so many other products redundant!
The Perfect Pair of Wedges
For me the perfect pair of wedges are priceless...comfortable to wear, easy to balance in (no matter how many cocktails you drink) and somehow manage to be dressy but casual at the same time! I've already blogged about these before but my gold Zara beauties have come up trumps on every holiday so far this Summer!
An Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Bikini...
Seeing as 90% of most holidays are spent in a bikini I feel it's pretty crucial to invest in some good ones. Firstly those that you feel nice in and secondly ones that can withstand a few outings in the sea without stretching and bobbling immediately.
I fell head over heels for this Estuaries canary yellow number...I'm loving the flattering fit, multi textures and the vibrant summery hue is an added bonus! The brand uses thick, great quality fabrics that give amazing support and wash really well! I'm a total convert to spending a little extra to feel that much nicer!
My NK1 LED Travel Lamp...
It's no secret that NK1 have converted me to be an at home shellac addict - if you missed it check out my post here. Gone are the days of chipped nails and constant re-painting...I'm fully dedicated to a 30 minute session every three weeks! I know it sounds ridiculous but it simply changes your evenings, I used to have to reserve a night every week to come home and sit on the sofa patiently painting, waiting, painting, waiting and then smudging as soon as I got into bed - ANNOYING!! I now have perfectly shiny nails after 30 mins every few weeks with no annoying drying time!!
There will always be those moments where you scrub the dishes a little too vigorously or lug your suitcase a tad aggressively and eventually a chip or lifting at the edges will appear. When you're at home it's quick and easy to repair with your LED lamp however it's defiantly too large to pack in your suitcase! So once again NK1 have come to the rescue with their travel size LED lamps - super light, speedy, small and perfect!
A Secret Stash of Beach Chick Lit...
It's the one occasion when you can devour stereotypical feel good chick lit with no judgements whatsoever! Who really wants to be reading heart wrenching stories or hardcore historical novels when the sun is beating down and the cocktails are flowing?! I know I'd much rather be reading about the New York adventures of beautiful socialites being chased by drop dead gorgeous millionaires!
A Selection of my Favourite Beach Dresses...
Regardless of what I think I'll wear, I always end up in a bikini with an easy beach dress in the day followed by comfy flowing maxi dress in the evening.
After non-stop cocktails, champagne and copious amounts of delicious food (calories don't count on holiday - FACT) it's not about tight fitting outfits is it?!
A few of my trusty favourites are...
And last but by no means least...
My Beauty Essentials...
I'm definitely not someone who wears a face full of make-up to the beach, instead I go for the au naturel look but with a few small additions for the evening to jazz things up!
I find it especially necessary for the worst stage of the holiday, tan-transition...everyone must have experienced the horrible time when you're freshly exfoliated ready for the beach and waiting for the tan to come out! After day one in the sun you've turned an awkward beige (or even pink if you're not careful) and every outfit looks pretty disastrous making bronzer your only saviour!
So...I always have my beauty essentials on hand to cater for those times and to make me feel that bit nicer in a beachy way!
Firstly and most importantly everyone needs a trusted suncream, us Mice are loving Hawaiian Tropic Satin Protection - it smells of a heavenly coconut dream, is water resistant and easy to rub in...perfect!
A super fresh summer perfume is a must - if you didn't see my post a few weeks ago my current obsession is Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo...
Nothing will budge my new Benefit 'They're real! push up liner' (you actually need a special gel to remove it)...BUT believe me no amount of sweating or water splashing will make your eye line falter!!
After a hard day in the sun it is essential to rehydrate your skin, I'm using Elemis Hydra-Balance Day cream at the moment which is super light but keeps my skin moisturised all day long...
Finally for the evening to add a little pizzazz to a natural look I have two favourites which come everywhere with me. My MAC Mineralize Skin Finish to sweep across my cheekbones and Clinique's Chubby Stick in Heaping Hazelnut to keep my lip moisturised and also adds a hint of colour...
And that's it....I'm ready to go!
