TIPS FOR TRAVELLING LIGHT

In 4 short days I will be leaving to attend not one, not two but three events/holidays in a row. I will need to have everything in one suitcase only weighing 10kg for 2 weeks! It will be tough but it's a challenge I am willing to take on! 

My first stop is Lockerbie, Scotland for my uncles wedding, I've been looking forward to this for months. Although there have been some complications since I couldn't fit into my jumpsuit I was planning on wearing. I've been on a massive health kick working out and choosing my food wisely to ensure I can wear my beautiful jumpsuit! It's working, I've lost 5 pounds by simply choosing the healthy option! If I continue at this rate I'll have no problem fitting into my outfit! Second stop is only a short train ride away from Lockerbie, I'm travelling to Edinburgh for 5 days to meet up with my Australian friends who I haven't seen in over a year. This will be an amazing opportunity to catch up and explore a new place together. Final stop is a week in Barcelona and I couldn't be more excited! I've been told nothing but good things about this beautiful city and I cannot wait to explore and experience this for myself. It's going to be difficult to fit everything in a 10kg suitcase for 3 trips but it's definitely doable, as long as I pack correctly!

1. Pack plain pieces that can be swapped and changed to create different outfits.

2. Be open to wearing things more than once.

3. Consider packing pieces that can be worn in the day and at night.

4. Two pairs of shoes is enough, a day pair and night pair. Although in my case I'll have 3 as I intent to keep up my fitness so I need my trainers.

5. Only take a carry on, then you won't have the option to over pack.

6. If you're going to a beach destination 2 bikinis is enough.

7. Lay all your clothes out before you begin to pack and eliminate about 40% of what you have put out, you won't need it all! 

8. Pack travel size toiletries, better yet if you're not fussy buy them when you arrive at your location.

9. Check to see if your accommodation provides hair dryers and possibly straighteners before you pack yours, failing that maybe invest in a travel hair dryer. I got one for £6 from Argos and it's still going after a few years!

10. Consider what technology you need, do you really need a laptop, iPad, iPhone, Go Pro, DSL Camera and Polaroid? Well you don't, try and reduce it to 3 items. To be honest, this is what I would normally pack but I need to learn to reduce what I take. Since I'll be traveling solo for a week I want my laptop so I can keep uploading photo's and keep my little space on the blogmasphere updated, my iPhone is a given and I'm thinking my Polaroid will be a good choice!

11. Pack only the essential make up items, I personally don't wear alot of makeup day-to-day so this is easy for me. Although for those of you who struggle to decide which shade of purple lipstick to pack it's alot more difficult. Only pack the bare minimum as you most likely won't use your think liquid foundation in a super hot climate.

12. Double check the weather and pack accordingly, no need to take up space for unneeded pieces.

13. Utilise all the space, pack things in your shoes and down the side etc.

14. If your plans include different climates pack layers so you can adjust easily. Considering I'm going to Edinburgh which isn't know for its sunny days and also Barcelona that is going to be very hot I have to choose my clothing wisely!

15. Don't carry jewellery in a large box, select a few pieces and pack in a small pouch of some kind.

16. Don't weight your case down with thick towels, either invest in some travel towels that are lightweight and small or check your accommodation to see if they supply them. I purchased some great travel towels from Mountain Warehouse, they're currently on offer so its an awesome time to invest. For the beach try using a sarong as this will dry quickly and save room.

17. Pack some travel wash, this way you can wash a few things on the go for free. If you're not a fan of travel wash perhaps you should consider washing some clothes while you're away. Since I'm going to Barcelona after Edinburgh I think I'll be doing this to save room.

18. Check your airlines luggage allowance before you travel. The allowance for hand luggage can vary and you don't want to end up paying extortionate prices for checking your bag.

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

24 THINGS I'VE LEARNT IN TWENTY-FOUR YEARS

Today is my BIRTHDAY! Another year older, yet none the wiser! 

Every year when my birthday comes around I take a moment to reflect on the previous year and what I achieved during this time. You're able to accomplish so much over the course of a year and it's amazing to acknowledge exciting and memorable things that have happened. Considering how much you can achieve and learn over 1 year, it's amazing what I've learnt over the last 24 years!

1. Learn to love yourself! Now this is something that has taken me about 23 years to learn to appreciate myself as I am!

2. Travel as long and as far as you can. Explore as much of the world as possible while you are able and haven't got any major commitments tying you to your home.

3. A second language is beneficial, when I was travelling I envied the other travellers who's first language wasn't English as they worked so hard to learn it.

4. It's important to be yourself, no matter what happens don't loose your identity trying to impress or fit in with the cool kids.

5. Never take people for granted, appreciate the people in your life and pay attention to them.

6. Try or learn something new. This year I took up a weekly acting class and it was the best decision, I'm learning more about myself as we have to focus on what type of actors we are.

7. Choose your friends wisely as not everyone you meet is going to be a true friend, make sure you know their agenda before you get stuck in their drama that you shouldn't be involved in.

8. It's hard to get anywhere without taking a few risks, so take the plunge and do the things you love.

9. Be healthy, choose your meals wisely, eat some vegetables and drink plenty of water.

10. ... but also remember to treat yourself.

11. Work out on a regular basis as fitness has been scientifically proven to release endorphins what make us happy, working out can also improve your eating habits as your body craves the healthier options. I now have weekly Personal Trainer sessions, pole fitness, yoga and go to the gym. I aim for 5 sessions a week!

12. Find a form of fitness you love, for me I found pole dancing and it's become one of my greatest passions in life, I plan my week around my classes.

13. Don't believe everything you hear. Now if you're a tad gullible like me it may be more of a challenge to filter what's true and false but just remember to use common sense. 

14. We are only human, you're not wonder woman but you can do your best to achieve the impossible.

15. Set yourself realistic goals that are achievable. Do you remember SMART targets from school? Well if you apply this logic to your day-to-day and yearly goals you'll be surprised how far you can go!

16. Easy jobs aren't always the best thing, just because a job is simple and you think it's "easy money" doesn't mean it's the right decision to make. Remember to continue to chase your dreams and enjoy your job, you don't want to wake up one day and realise you're in a career your dislike.

17. Stoping thinking so much and just live! Don't overthink things, try living in the moment, and being happy for no reason. Just enjoy life as it comes.

18. Let it be and stop holding grudges, this only leads to bitterness and is a waste of your time, learn to let go of angry and resentment. 

19. Don't depend on technology! Now, I know it's difficult to live without your iPhone but try and take a few hours every week away from technology. Go on a hike, go for coffee with the people you were texting, break away from the ties of the digital world and enjoy life its self.

20. Everyone has insecurities, its not just me!

21. Don't cry over material possessions, for me this is the modern day take on "don't cry over split milk". If your iPhone breaks, yes its a downer but it's not the end of the world.

22. Stick to what you believe, don't change your opinion based on someone elses. Stay true to yourself and don't let people twist your beliefs or choices in life.

23. Learn to appreciate "me time", some people can't stand their own company whereas I've learnt to love it. It's a great feeling when you know you can survive by yourself.

24. You have to work hard to achieve your goals! Life isn't easy, no one is going to hand you the end results to your goals, you have to work hard for it. 

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

WHY WOMEN SHOULD SUPPORT EACH OTHER

Life is tough, the sad truth is that it's tougher for women than men. I hate to admit it but women tend to hold grudges, find ways to argue or be petty much easier than men. Instead of breaking each other down, we should be standing strong together and building each other up.

So many people say they would love to go back to the "good old school days", to me that sounds like a living hell. Growing up I was bullied to the point I didn't want to go to school. For many women school is a place we form our first real thoughts about society, the main thing I learnt is girls can be harsh and there is a huge emphasis on competition. Who is skinnier, prettier or even smarter. All the sligh comments and unnecessary glares that made me feel unattractive, stupid and invisible aren't needed. There are already so many guys who take the time to do this for us, why should we be putting each other down? All this competition is getting us nowhere, aren't you exhausted of the petty issues, it's draining and wastes time that could be spent supporting, encouraging and helping one another grow. I guess it's true we never really do leave school! Some of us do grow up but those habits always stay with us, whether its making a sligh remark about another girls outfit or staring and giggling. Isn't it time to grow up once and for all?

Think about the women in your life, whether that be your mother, best friend or colleague that you would be nothing without and think about how great it is to have them supporting you every step of the way. How great would it be to have that with more than one or two people? If we all throw the pettiness and judgemental habits away we could then make room for positive thoughts. We begin to work as a team and inspire each other. In the end this will only make us all stronger. "The strongest women are those that build up the women around them, instead of tearing them down."

Surround yourself with women who will challenge and inspire you to achieve your goals. Let's celebrate, support, encourage and love the women in our life.

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx