How to introduce yourself to family you haven't seen in 10yrs!

Ten years ago I traveled through the skies and across the oceans to arrive in NZ all the way from the UK. 

In 5 days, I am going back on that adventure and visiting family for two weeks. Now, Skype has played a huge part in keeping in touch with family on my Mums side.

However Dads side of the family, I have barely spoken to since we left. 

So!

To avoid any awkwardness I have created a few introductions for myself.

1. Oh hi there, Glad to see you're not dead yet! 
2. Hello, I'm your grandmother. Surprise. Moisturizer works wonders, don't ya think?
3. Yep, NZ has a lot of beaches, and wildlife, yep tigers, definitely tigers. 
4. Oh you dyed your hair! Looks great. 
5. So your that cousin... 

As long as I have these up my sleeve, I think I shall successfully avoid any awkward conversations! 

If you have any more tips, let me know! 

Jessy x

How to pack for an overseas trip!

This weekend I will be on a plane to the UK! 

Exciting and incredibly nerve wracking! This is such a step outside of my comfort zone, and even though the nerves in me make me want it cancel the whole thing, I have decided to go ahead with full force! 

Now, I hate packing. I normally take everything including the kitchen sink, but I have weight limits for this trip so need to pack wisely! So I have formulated a plan! 

How to pack for an overseas trip! 

1. Make a list! Break up your list into subheadings with things like underwear, pajamas, daytime clothes, night time/party wear etc etc. 

2. Pack according to how long you are going for. For example I am going for two weeks. But I shall pack one weeks worth of outfits and just do a quick wash for the next week! This means that my bag will be light and I can pack in all my shopping on the way back!! 

3. Get separators for your suitcase. Put things into bags and label people label! This way you can find everything and no stress! Woo! 

4. Where all the heavy things. Therefore your bag will be light and you can bring more things home! 

Yes, you may be wearing 5 jumpers and 3 pairs of jeans BUT bigger picture people!

5. You can buy cute transparent bottle from places like Kmart or even online. These would be perfect for any lotions, shampoos or body washes etc etc! 

I also found a very cool app that you may find handy if you are in the same predicament as me! 

Its called 'Packing Pro' and you can get it from the Apple store! 

Let me know how you pack for a trip! 

Jessy x 

How to stress less!

Hey guys! 

In a few weeks I will be heading to the UK to visit my family! 

Yes it is very exciting!!

Yes it is going to be amazing! 

BUT. I am also very stressed and nervous. 

So this is a post, to just let you know about the different ways I combat stress. 

My Stress Weapons

To do lists! 

To do lists are my go to weapon when I am stressed out of my brains. I find that putting everything on paper, organising the chaos in my head, works amazingly. All of a sudden, I know what I need to do first, and how I am going to approach it.

Exercise! 
I am a huge advocate for walking off your stress. Take 20mins of of your day to go for a wander! Get some fresh air and I promise you, you will feel tons better.

Nap!
Nap, but nap quickly. If everything is getting just a bit too much, and you feel exhausted and totally drained. Have a power nap, 10mins of quiet time works wonders. 

Weapons to NOT use 

Eating.
DO NOT raid the fridge. This will not make you feel better or less stressed. It will make you feel fat and worse.

Binge Drinking. 
Just don't. No need. Pointless. End of.

Self harm
Once again, no need. Pointless. What will self harm accomplish in the long run? Nothing.

If you are feeling incredibly overwhelmed, or stressed, tell someone! Have a good chat to a close friend or family member. It is not good to bottle things up. When you bottle things up, and you shake that bottle, that bottle will explode everywhere, causing a mess you do not want to clean up.


A few good sites!

'A Thrifty Mrs' has a great blog post on free planners which are awesome and also freee! Check it out here

Download the app, 'Unstuck'. Such an amazing app, and I highly recommend this for everyone! It basically helps you nut down you problem and point you in the right direction. Check out their Tumblr here!

Let me know what you use to combat stress!

Jessy x

How to make carrot fries!

Hello everyone! 

This week I have been looking at yummy but healthy snacks, and carrot fries have by far been my favorite!!

So tasty and also counts as a serving of veges! 

First, chop up some carrots into sticks, and then smaller again. 

Second, toss your sticks in a bowl with a little bit of oil and seasoning

third, bake at 180c for 20-30 mins 

EASY! 

Bon Appétit!

Jessy xx

How to procrastinate properly!

Hello my lovelies!

As some of you may know, I am a great procrastinator. Somehow I will manage to find anything and everything to do, instead of completing the most important task. If this were a class, I would be the star pupil.

My to do list normally goes like this; 

• write a to-do list 
• scratch off first thing, because thats already done 
• go the toliet 
• etc etc 

And all of a sudden, I have scratched off about 20things, and I am feeling extremely successful! Hurrah! 10 points for me!

So here are a few tips on how to procrastinate properly! 

Its go hard or go home around here!  

First of all start with easy procrastination. You don't want it to be to difficult otherwise you may as well do the highest priority job first. Always start simple. 

For example, have a shower! Easy and fun. Or venture to the fridge! Again, easy and fun! These procrastinating tasks need to have an element of pleasure in them, otherwise you're wasting your time.

Once you have completed the easiest tasks, proceed to tasks you have been meaning to do for a while. This stage is often called procrastination cleaning. Clean out that wardrobe you haven't done yet, or go and clean your car! You know how important it is to have a clean car? Very!

Now if at this point you are still procrastinating, and the main important task, isnt that important yet. You may need to resort to procrastersize. Procrastination exercise. (See what I did there, Huh? Huh?)

Go for a run, or a walk. Whatever takes your fancy, your options are endless! 

And then, if you are still procrastinating, repeat again, and again!

Hope you find this helpful! :) xxx