Toddler Travels

It's almost time for us to jet set, and my toddler is all packed and ready to fly! Besides her huge bag-full of snacks as well as clothing and Winter accessories, I packed her her own little hand luggage. She is absolutely excited about this and even helped me to pack it! In this post I will let you take a peek into Nuhas Trunki which can be used as a good base as to what to pack into a kids carry-on.

 

A Trunki is a childrens ride-on suitcase. It's perfect for when your kids are bored and tired at airports, as they're able to ride on steering themselves with the front 'horns' or you could even pull them along. It's a great little suitcase in which you can put in all their clothing and essentials for a plane journey and comes in pretty colours and styles! {Available for purchase at Toys R Us!} 

I have filled Nuha's Trunki up with essentials for the plane ride. Here's what I have packed in thus far (I will add on if I remember anything else until we leave, but for now I think I have it pretty much covered!)

To Nourish

I added in a variety of snacks for the long plane journeys and airport hauls. I will take out one every 2-3 hours, as snacks also serve as a form of keeping her busy! I packed in : Cheesecurls, Peanuts, Jumping Jack Popcorn, Ultra Mel sippy custard, 2 fruit juices, 1 bowl and spoon, 1 packet of 2 minute noodles, Mini Cheddars & A box of smarties (I know that I am breaking my own 'no sweets' rule by taking a box of Smarties along, but this is to be taken out in absolute dire circumstances only!) I packed all the snacks into a snack bag (in case of spilling so as to save the clothes.) If your child does not eat 2 minute noodles, it's a good idea to carry along a quick snack such as chicken pops, chicken nuggets etc. because as we know kids are unpredictable and could refuse plane food altogether - can't really blame them, they're kids but they're still human beings! It's also a great idea to carry along extra snacks even if your kid isn't big on snacking - remember that Murphys law seems to apply most to kids!

To Entertain

It's always good to tailor-make your child's entertainment pack according to their likes. For younger children, something other than the television shows and in-flight games are necessary to entertain them. I have packed play dough (certain to keep her entertained for a while!) as well as her mini mirror,  lipstick a f hairbrush - it's shocking how long this keeps her entertained!! I have packed in one of her favourite books and of course, I have also packed in her fully charged and loaded tablet which is certain to keep her entertained for hours!

To Medicate

I have packed in for fever - nurofen, for pain - stopayn, to aid in putting her off to sleep - allergex as well a chamomila tablets in case of a serious tantrum. These medicines are for the plane ride and her additional just-in-case medication can be found in our checked-in luggage.


To Refresh

I packed in a little bag of cosmetics containing essentials pictured below.

Just In Case

I also packed along two sets of clothing, a set of pyjamas and a warmer jacket and hat for stepping off into the Los Angeles chill.

Now about me and my overpacking tendencies - you've seen what I wanted to pack, now have a look below at what I really did pack -

1. 1 pair of blue jeans and 1 pair of leather leggings as well as a pencil skirt

2. 5 shirts and 1 tshirt

3. 3 pairs of boots (in my defense, two are to be left behind) 

4. 2 pairs of gloves, 2 beanies, 1 hat and 1 scarf.

5. 2 pairs of sunglasses

6. 3 jackets

7. 3 necklaces and 2 pairs of earrings

8. 1 handbag

Not bad for an over-packer, I'd say! This is my last post for the year as I am departing for a month-long holiday, I will return in January with my tales of travels, outfit posts and maybe even a special giveaway or two! Keep an eye on my Instagram page for updates on my journey and some Winter fashion inspiration.

Positive vibes & The Mandatory xoxo

Hali    

Is Winged Eyeshadow the New Gel Liner?

Move over gel liner, you're about to be over shadowed!

Ever since I came across the winged eyeshadow looks featured on Make Up Geek followed by an array of looks popping up on my Instagram feed, I have been wanting to give it a try; and finally did so today.

It seems as if winged eyeshadow will soon take-over the winged eyeliner sensation. What's great about this trend is that your imagination is the limit with regard to colours (being a neutral eye kind of girl, I will most likely stick to my nudes with a pop of smokey or little pop of colour here and there, but I am certain that introducing colour into this technique would look amazing!) I love the winged eyeshadow look, gives off such a pretty finish and not as harsh as winged liner but somehow more dramatic.

Have a look at some winged eyeshadow looks as well as some pictorial tutorials on how to achieve this look.

  

 

I gave the winged eyeshadow look a try today using the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette - a simple day-look ~ here is a step to step on how to achieve this look.

Step 1 - Apply white chocolate all over eyelid and above eyelid up until the brow.
Step 2 - Apply Marzipan to the inner corner.
Step 3 - Apply Creme Brulee to the lid, starting from the point that the Marzipan ends (be sure to blend well using a good eyeshadow brush)
Step 4 - Using an angled brush, create a wing using Triple Fudge (have a look at my previous post Winging It to see how to achieve the perfect wing) and glide your brush along the crease, stopping halfway.
Steap 5 - Blend in Black Forest Truffle to the outer corner of the eye.
Step 6 - Apply a thin line of gel liner to the eyelid (I used MAC Blacktrack) Do not extend the eyeliner outwards.
Step 7 - Apply mascara

*It is great to apply an eyeshadow primer before application, although I did not use one for this look, I sometimes do use the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.
** Too Faced has released the new Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar palette, which incorporates warmer toned colours, definitely a must-buy if you do not already own the original pallete!

Too Faced Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar

I am looking forward to trying out some winged eyeshadow techniques, I may even try a pop of blue on a day that I am feeling a bit adventurous! Being a novice, this seemingly simple look took me a bit of time to achieve; if you're planning on giving it a try, remember not to give up at the first attempt (I almost did!) Just keep thinking of the make-up mantra ~ practice makes perfect!

Positive vibes & The Mandatory xoxo
Hali

Pre-Holiday Problems

It's the most wonderful time of the year...I know, I have already began a post like this recently, but I can't help it! Every time I visit a mall and come across the tinsel-clad railings and lit-up celings; Every time I switch on the TV and there is a Christmas-themed movie showing and everytime anyone speaks to me about their travels, I can't help but sing the song in my head, over and over again (I'm sure I'm not the only one!)

I embark on my American adventure next week - but this post is not about that, this post is about everything that happens before this trip.  As my mom was putting the finishing touches on her packing (her bags are ready to be locked and are good to go!) she asks me, "Did you put any washing powder into your bag?" to which I responded "Not yet, because I haven't packed yet." The look on her face went from shock to disbelief to annoyance  - all in less than a minute. "What do you mean your bags aren't packed yet?? We're leaving in seven days!!" she said in the mom-tone that makes everyone's heart skip a beat.

This brings me to my first pre-holiday problem ~ I am a last-minute packer. I almost always forget something, so I have learnt my lesson over and over again - which is why I have decided to change this. As of this morning, I decided to change my packing procrastination and become an early packer - (yes mom, packing 6 days prior to a trip is considered early by most standards!) 

This brings me to my second problem; which believe it or not, I came to realize in another conversation with mom that I must share with you all. Again yesterday, during moms final-touches-of-packing she asks me "How many pairs of  boots are you taking with you?" to which I cautiously replied that I would be taking two pairs along (I lied, I was planning on taking at least 4 pairs along.) "What do you mean you are taking 2 pairs with you, how can you ever do such a thing, what are you going to then do with all the pairs of boots that you are still going to buy, I cannot believe that you are taking so much of stuff with you, you always do this, your bags are going to get so full, I am shocked." I added in commas to give you a chance to pause and breathe whilst reading - I'm pretty sure that she did not pause nor breathe whilst saying it. This is what she replied to my taking two pairs of boots along. Imagine if she knew how many I was really planning on taking - needless to say I did not volunteer than information (although she's about to find out as she reads this - sorry, mom.) 

My second problem - I overpack; and like most young women, I love shopping so often I end up with too much of stuff (both old and new) and too little space. I have had to leave many a beautiful clothing item behind simply because I could not possibly squeeze in another thing in. I  still remember the perfectly good black coat I left behind in London, and the pair of blue heels left in my hotel room in Hong Kong. This time, I decided that I really should not overpack just so that I will not have to leave loved items behind for the lack of space. 

On that note, here is a list of clothing (besides essentials) that I WANT to pack -

1. 1 pair of blue jeans, 1 pair of black jeans, leather leggings, 1 pair of white jeans, 1 black formal pants, 1 pair of yellow jeans and 2 pencil skirts.
2. 8 shirts (of different styles - flowy, furry, collared etc.) and 2 tshirts.
3. 1 dress.
4. 4 pairs of gloves, 4 beanies, 2 hats and 4 scarves.
5. 3 pairs of sunglasses.
6. 4 jackets.
7. 4 pairs of boots - 1 white, 1 black, 1 red and 1 tan.
8. 5 necklaces and 3 pairs of earrings.
9. 3 handbags

One day ago, prior to the two-pairs-of-boots lecture, I was actually going to pack all of this stuff. Now, I realise that I cannot possibly pack it all!

Once I am all packed and ready, I will share what the new and improved light-packer in me really did pack (A post on How To Pack Light, perhaps?)

Wish me luck ~ I hope that the hoarder in me allows me to pack as light as my mom says I should.

Positive vibes & The Mandatory xoxo
Hali

*pictures are not my own, please click on images for photo credit

Confessions of A Diaper Bag

A Day in the Life of Zac Holshausen…

Our day begins slowly at about 6:00 am, when we hear the first impatient calls of our little boy down the hall. He wakes rather cheerfully, but then he wants to play!! At about 7, he demands his breakfast, and the day begins.

Now the one piece of baby kit that I never leave home without is my diaper bag… well almost never ;)

True, if my diaper bag could talk, it would probably tell you, “I’m awesome!! I’ve totally replaced her hand bag and she takes me Everywhere!”  

But if you chatted long enough, and it started feeling like it could share some secrets, it would also be able to tell you a whole lot about me that (if you’re not a mom, and maybe even if you are) might cause you to wrinkle your nose ;)  Things like “I’ve had medicine and baby wash spilled in my pockets… more than once, and sometimes together! I have carried dirty nappies – yes, sometimes for a day or so – only for her to remember when she discovers them and she’s out somewhere with me and she can’t throw them away!! And when we go to the beach, I feel like I’ve carried the whole beach home with me, lol!”

But I hope that despite the complaints, my diaper bag would tell you how much fun we have.  We never go anywhere without books, blankets, nappies, dummies and of course Zac’s favourite teddy bear, Goodie.  I’d like to say I’ve never forgotten his bottle or food, but that would be untrue! We also always try to remember a change of clothes… for me and for Zac, but that too has not always gone according to plan ;)  And since Zac Loves to unpack this particular bag, there are often things that I’ve thought were in there that weren’t when I needed them!!

I am truly grateful that I get to spend my days with Zac, as I work from home and am able to have him home full time.  He sleeps at 9:00, and that’s when I madly rush around trying to accomplish my tasks before I hear him calling me at 11.  At 12 Zac & I sit down for lunch, and I have never met a person who LOVES Bovril like this child!!

We work in the garden, or have a swim, or run errands (Zac loves shopping!) until 14:00, when he sleeps again.  Sometimes I manage to get more work done, and then he wakes at 16:00.  If dad’s home, we pack a sundowner and head to the beach or go for a walk.  

After supper, Zac heads straight to the bathroom as fast as his little knees will carry him.  He Loves bathtime.  At around 19:00 is bedtime for Zac, and it all starts again in the morning ;)

A few things that have surprised my husband (and even myself) as they have come out of the bag have been:

- A squashed banana

- A broken tub of yoghurt

- The lost house keys

- One of my husband’s epaulettes

- And of course the stinky nappies… although that really should no longer surprise me, it still does, lol!

Yes, my diaper bag tells a lot about the Holshausens – even the sneaky chunks of biltong hidden in there for Zac by his dad and the bag of wet wipes that Zac emptied one by one and I stuffed back into the packet so as not to waste ;)  But we do have fun, and even on the days when I’ve forgotten this essential bit of kit, there’s evidence of how we improvised ;) ;) … you should see my car!!

I would like to thank Debbie for sending me this beautiful snippet of their lives - I truly loved reading this piece! If anyone would like to submit a piece on Confessions of a Diaper Bag, please pop me an e-mail and you could be featured on the blog.

Positive Vibes & The Mandatory xoxo

Hali

Marsala, anyone?

Goodbye Radiant Orchid, Hello Marsala!

 

Pantone Universe has announced that Marsala is the colour of the year for 2015. Marsala is a deep brown-red - the colour is derived from the wine of the same colour. 

Have a look at some celebrities who have rocked Marsala on the red carpet in 2014; I am certain that there are MANY Marsala inspired looks to follow in the coming year! I am crazy about Blake Livelys look seen below.

The colour of the year translates to makeup looks as much as it does to clothing. When the colour was announced, Sephora immediately released a 'colour of the year' campaign and announced that they would be releasing an exclusive Marsala makeup collection soon.

 

Other makeup retailers jumped on the Marsala bandwagon by choosing nail polish and lipstick colours that closely matched the colour. The closest lipstick that I own which matches the Marsala colour is my MARC JACOBS Understudy ~ when applied a few times over it becomes a deep brown {a far cry from my signature MAC pinks!} and I will definitely be using it a lot more in the coming year and will even purchase a lippie or two in this fabulous colour. 

Take a look at some lip colours, blushers and nail polish that closely match Marsala.

Apart from incorporating Marsala into your makeup regime, you can also rock it with your clothing. Some staples that should last you throughout 2015 include a pair of burgundy jeans/ leather pants (huge already in 2014), a burgundy handbag, a deep brown-red leather jacket and even a pair of deep red shoes. If you are not keen on trying out bold signature pieces for the Marsala look, why not throw the colour out in a scarf or sunglasses? I will be investing in these items and can't wait to share my looks with you! 

Marsala is a deep and rich hue which is a far cry from the playful purple colour of this year. From my makeup looks to my clothing, I will most definitely be trying out this rich and gorgeous colour. I love that it is not a very daring and outrageous colour, but rather one that everyone can incorporate in one way or another. What do you think of the colour of the year? 

Positive vibes & The Mandatory xoxo
Hali

*please click 'view image' for photo credits