How I Organize My Bags: In Bag Organizer Insert Review

Yes, just as you thought my organisation series had finished here comes another one! Hello there! Since my recent 'how I organize my handbag' posts for my small crossbody and medium handbags I bought this organizer insert for handbags. Let me explain, as I've said before I've always liked to think of myself as organised, but like many women my handbag/bags are often a disaster zone. As happens all too often YouTube magic occurred and I discovered bag organizer inserts. In short, organizer insert are pouches that keep everything you need all the time tidy, allowing you to transfer everything from one bag to another in one smooth move. I bought mine from WMA on Amazon. Even better, it was £3! £3 I here you ask. Yes, but it was made in Hong Kong and the shipping took over a week, but overall I am extremely pleased with this nifty gadget and would recommend it to anyone.

Here's what I keep in my organizer pouch at all times (from top left to right):

1) Lip balm: Boots Essentials Strawberry Lip Balm

2) House keys

3) Lipgloss: No. 7 High Shine Lipgloss 'Smile'

4) Antibacterial wipes

5) Soap and Glory feminine products pouch

6) Denman's travel hairbrush/mirror

7) Reusable tote bag

8) A Pen

9) A Notepad

10) My Mobile

11) Emergency medical kit

12) Lipstick: Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick 'Vintage Pink'

Carpe Diem xx

2013 Travel Series: How To Pack Stage 2: Packing

Organise everything that you want to pack in your bag or suitcase into designated piles. Start by packing towels, trousers, and tops in the bottom. Put the stuff that you will need to access easily on the top (jackets, shoes, etc.), as well as anything that might get damaged, creased or squashed.

Where possible compartmentalize your stuff into bags and containers to reduce damage from spillage or dirt. One tip I learnt last year is to roll your underwear and pack it into separate compartments in your suitcase/bag (see top left).

You can do this with the Eagle Creek Pack-It system: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eagle-Creek-Pack-It-Tube-Pacific/dp/B002YIP89E/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=6QT9LQJEIZT2&coliid=IVJUSMH5E4G6B&psc=1

Love this jewellery organiser/roll: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Umbra-Little-Jewellery-Travel-Organiser/dp/B00A9SPC0G/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=6QT9LQJEIZT2&coliid=I9U688G67A3FK

Carpe Diem xx

2013 Travel Series: How To Pack Stage 1: Prep

I think I'd describe myself as an 'enthusiastic packer'. I love travelling and going to new places, seeing new things, and I'm usually the first to start packing because it's a process I kind of enjoy as it makes me feel that I'm extending my holiday. So welcome to my 2013 Travel Series, a series of posts full of tips and tricks that I have picked up through some trial and a lot of error!

Stage 1: Prep

The key to being an organised, relaxed packer is in the preparation. Step 1 is to look up the weather forecast for where you are going. Whether you are staying at home or travelling half way across the world it's always a good idea to plan a series of flexible outfits around unpredictable weather.

Write a list of everything you will need to take with you under headings such as: 'Tops', 'Trousers', 'Underwear', 'Toiletries' and 'Electronics'. If you need to then this is the time to do last minute shopping for extra clothes or toiletries that you might need.

Finally, get out handbags, rucksacks, suitcases, etc. that you will want to pack everything in and lay out everything on a bed or large surface.

Carpe Diem xx

Makeup Monday: What's In My Travel Makeup Bag(s) - Mini Break Edition

When I go away for a three-day 'mini-break' I take my Soap and Glory makeup bag and Soap and Glory wash bag. Here's a sneak peak inside for my first ever Makeup Monday post!

Makeup Bag:

MaxFactor False Lash Effect Mascara

Maybelline Rocket Volum' Express Mascara

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer (Ivory)

No.7 High Shine Lipgloss (Smile)

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick (Vintage Pink)

L'Oreal Natural Blonde Lipstick (Nude)

Scunchi No-snag Hairclips and Hairbands

Dior Miss Dior (small perfume sample)

Boots Essentials Strawberry Lip Balm

Washbag:

Nivea Rich Moisturising Day Cream

Carex Aloe Vera Hand Sanitiser

Johnson's Facial Cleansing Wipes

Sensodyne Pronamel Travel Toothpaste

Tom's Calendula Rollon Deodorant

Boots Youth Maintain Time Delay Eye Cream

Boots Youth Maintain Time Delay Depuffing Roll-on

TangleTeezer Compact Yellow and Black

The contents of my bags of course changes depending on how many days I'm staying away and what I'm doing when I'm there, and I usually chuck extras in at the end! 

What do you pack?

Enjoy the sun and wear Sunscreen!

Carpe Diem xx

CURRENT Dry/Sensitive Skin Morning/Night Skincare Routine

Skincare routine (morning):

Wash face with water - Microfibre facial cloth (perfect soft facial cloth for preventing clogs and blemishes!)

Exfoliate (2 times a week) - Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash with Witch Hazel

Moisturise - Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Light Moisturising Day Cream SPF 15 (best formula for sensitive skin)

Lip balm - Burt's Bees Honey Lip Balm

Skincare routine (night):

Remove makeup - Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes Dry & Sensitive skin (great at working to remove makeup traces and cleansing the skin simultaneously)

Wash face with water - Microfibre facial cloth

Moisturise - Simple Hydrating Moisturising Cream (light moisturizer for lighter coverage)

Lip balm - Vaseline Rose and Almond Oil 'Rosy Lips' (protective petroleum barrier and rose scent)

Hand cream - Soap and Glory Hand Food (really soft and smells amazing, WARNING contains marshmallow!)

Having dry and sensitive skin I find it as essential to follow a good daily skincare regime. Whilst you might be not acne or blemish prone, and generally never have oily skin, it is essential to protect your skin from sun damage, durt buildup and dryness. This is especially important if you are in an air conditioned environment, such as an airplane, for more than a couple of hours. 

What is your essential skincare routine?

Carpe diem xx

FOTD: Summer Wedding "Sugar Plum Fairy" Makeup Look

Summer Wedding Face Of The Day (Pastels):

Foundation: Rimmel Wake Me Up (200 Soft Beige)

Mascara: MaxFactor False Lash Effect (Black)

Concealer: Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection 16-hour wear (2 Light)

Eyeliner: Maybelline Expression Kajal (33 Black)

Eye shadow: Soap and Glory Lid Stuff Off the Wall Flowers (Sugar Violet)

Lipstick: Revlon Super Lustrous Matte (002 Pink Pout)
Blush: Rimmel Powder Blush (004 Pink Rose)

Are you into pastels and brights this summer?

Carpe diem xx