Making a comeback: Attempt #2 (AKA Holiday Essentials)

About a month ago, I tried to be really funny and clever and make some sort of hilarious comeback on my own blog, which basically ended in a really shoddy past about diddly squat that I was far too embarrassed to let loose on the general public. Yeah, it was pretty atrocious. So, here is attempt numero deux at making some form of 'welcome back' post that isn't completely shit.

I've just returned from a beaut of a holiday to Majorca with some friends, where I got the first tan of my entire life (whut), took part in some hilarious water aerobics, and pretty much just sat by the pool drinking cocktails all day, every day. It looked a bit like this:

Hashtag no filter. Oh alright, maybe on the first one. Anyway, since I am the universe's actual worst packer, I've been thinking all about holiday essentials, especially since I've got to pack for two weeks away at the end of August which I'm actually dreading. If anyone wants to come help, holler at me.

Since I'm whacking this out late on Sunday, I can't guarantee anything fancy or well put-together here, but we'll give it a shot. LEGGO:

• SUNCREAM. Ok, let's start with the obvious. If you're going somewhere where sun exists, you're gonna need to be whacking the stuff on. My top tip for suncream is to start high-ish (I started around 40 but I have the skin of a ghost so 30's probably fine) and then work your way down. Probably pretty quickly if you're anything like my mother.

• AFTER SUN. Another pretty obvious one, but it's a godsend of a creation, even for the slightest of sunburns. Really good for getting moisture back in the skin too and doubles as an everyday moisturiser. I've always used a Nivea one, just because it's never let me down and is incredibly moisturising: 

• EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS: Shampoo, conditioner,  deodrant etc etc. Blindingly obvious, but if you don't write it down, chances are you'll forget. Easy to pick up at the airport if you want, but I always nip to Primark for empty bottle set. Only £1 and saves spending more on new shampoos. OH, and do not forget a TOOTHBRUSH and TOOTHPASTE.

• PASSPORT and TRAVEL INSURANCE DOCUMENTS and MOOLAH. Yeah, probably naht a good idea to leave these behind.

• FIRST AID TYPE KIT. Just make sure you've got a good selection of essential medicines like ibuprofen, paracetamol, bug bite cream, Imodium and stuff like that, just in case.

• SUN PROTECTING SPRAY. I swear by Charles Worthington's Takeaways Sun-Shine UV Protection Spray for keeping my hair looking not too shabby in the heat, especially since I dip-dyed it. Spray on before you hit the pool, and again once you've been in water. The shampoo and conditioner counterparts are pretty awesome too. 

• iPod SPEAKERS: When you're getting ready for just about anything, it's always good to have a banging' playlist on, so make sure one person brings some speakers. Oh, and get someone to create some sort of holiday playlist to keep everyone happy.

• SUNGLASSES: Obviously, but essential. A cheap pair is good for going in the sea, but I think it's worth investing in a decent pair to get the best protection for your eyeballs.

• MAKE-UP. Waterproof mascara is an absolute must, so you don't look like the joker when you glide effortlessly out the pool/sea/unexpected downpours. I'd also highly recommend BB Cream, and I swear by this Maybelline one for £7.99. I don't like putting much make-up on abroad as it feels so heavy, so this BB cream is a godsend, and is perfect for putting on round the pool too, as it contains sun protection. Also, bear in mind that with a tan, your normal make-up might not fit, so don't go too cray cray. Sun protection Vaseline or Nivea Sun Protect stick for lips are also highly recommended to save from nasty sunburnt lips. 

• SHOES: Alright, here's where it gets tough for me. I normally bring abut 5 pairs too many, but on an essential level, I'd opt for some flip flops, a couple of pairs of sandals, perhaps a pair of nicer wedged heels for any nights out. You could chuck in a pair of espadrilles in you're not a sandals fan, and I've also just fallen in love with jelly shoes which are AMAZING. I have these ones from New Look, which are £9.99 and only gave me blisters at home. Sounds bad, but I walked over two hours in them (an hour each on separate days) and they didn't hurt one iota. 

• CLOTHES: Again, this is pretty subjective, but as long as you've got a couple of bikinis or swimsuits, some underwear and enough outfits to last, you'll be good to go. I always take a few cover-ups for if you want to pop out to the shops too - kimonos are a new favourite of mine, because you can also add them to other outfits to jazz them up. Perfect for a bit of cover up if it gets a bit chiller in the evenings. I always over pack outfits for choice, but a good variety of day and night options will be perfect, in case you plan any day trips and whatnot. A couple of dresses/playsuits, a couple of pairs of shorts and some tees will see you through. OH, and a good hat is a wonderful idea too. So is jewellery. AGH.

Supermarkets abroad are pretty damn good, so don't worry about food or anything if you're going self-catering. 6l of water was about 6Euros in Majorca, so stock up. The alcohol was surprisingly cheap as well, so if you forget any, ne panique pas. Just drink Sangria and Pina Coladas and forget the rest. OO, reading material - Pack a good book/magazine for pool times.

This has turned unnecessarily long and that's all I can think of for now, but I might come back to this if I think of anything more that's needed. 

Please comment below which anything you can't go on holiday without :)

Love y'all
x

My Week in Pictures #3

This is more like 'two weeks in pictures,' but I thought I'd show off the two main events that have dominated the past couple of weeks- our holiday to Tenerife (TAKE ME BACK) and my amazing graduation (AHHHH!!!!). The reality that university is completely and utterly over for good has yet to hit me, meaning I am completely in denial that I need to get some form of job (although if anyone wants to employ me, I won't say no!). Enjoy...

Tenerife

I won't describe these collages, as they're pretty self-explanatory. I'll be honest, most of my Tenerife photos are of food and drink, and it was down to my housemates to get the lovely group ones. This is a quick look at how our holiday went, from the delicious food (see tapas and ice cream) and cocktails, to the gorgeous views and just having a great relaxing time together (all together now... AWWW). 

Graduation

Again, won't be explaining but here is a snapshot of my graduation. Amazing day all round!

There are more photos of my holiday and my graduation on my Instagram feed if you fancy a ganders, with more to be added I'm sure. I'm hoping to put up a feed on the side of this blog too (when I figure out how) so keep an eye out for that :)

Enjoy your weekend! 

My Week in Pictures #2

Apologies in the rather large delay in posting this. Picasa was refusing to acknowledge I had uploaded any of these photos, so I ran out of time between finding out I'm graduating with a 2:1 (yay!), going to my last ever Summer Ball (sadface) and jetting off to Tenerife (SUN WOOP YEAH etc.) to post this. As a slight warning, this is the post that will officially establish myself as a massive fatty. Also, the next post after this will be post-Tenerife, so jealousy may ensue when I post a gazillion pictures of THE SUN. Again, just a little warning...

1. Dodgems at my last ever Summer Ball. Definitely as fun as ever

2. An artistic representation, courtesy of friends, of the three burgers in two days I consumed whilst in Manchester. The sensible part of me regrets this decision... the greedy part does not.

3. High Contrast was one of the acts playing at our Summer Ball, and a managed to grab a quick photo with him, courtesy of Anna, before his set, which was awesome.

4. Just one of the yummy £2 cocktails we found in a bar called The Font in Manchester, during a visit to my home friend Lizzy. This was, as far as I can remember, a Mudslide, which was super creamy and really moreish. You can browse the whole menu here, if you ever wanted a visit.

5,6, 9, 10. During this visit, we were also taken to Home Sweet Home, a quirky little café where we had Loaded Fries, which were a mixture of standard and sweet potato fries, topped with cheese and bacon. Unbelievably delicious and very VERY fattening. I also had a Sweet Carolina burger, which you can see at the bottom. This is a pulled pork burger, with breaded pork schnitzel, bacon and Carolina slaw. Again, DELICIOUS, and something I would definitely revisit in the future. Pulled pork is up there with one of my favourite foods in the whole world. The 'quirky' theme of the café was continued in the presentation of cutlery in a teapot, and straws in the drinks. All-in-all, a cute and recommendable café. You can peruse the menu here.

7. Our final night in Manchester was spent playing a drinking game related to the show The Bachelor. Introduced to me by Emma, this is a show you HAVE to see, especially the American version, if only to laugh at all the horrible clichés the contestants come out with. It was a really nice way to end a fun road trip up North.

8. Finally, this is an (admittedly slightly shoddy) photo of James Arthur, another of the acts playing our Summer Ball. Sadly, I was pretty disappointed with the performance, and opted to get a hog roast instead. Good shout I say.

Finally, courtesy of Emma, here one of the last photos of all my housemates together. I will miss these guys a lot, and I can't believe three years have flown by so quickly. Currently considering a sit down protest in my house as I'm definitely not ready to leave quite yet. 

My Week in Pictures #1

NEW FEATURE: Decided to start doing 'my week in pictures' that I'm hoping to routinely update, depending on how medial my week may have been. This week's is coming slightly late, so it now spans from last Monday - yesterday (Tues 5th June). 

Now Playing: Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines

1. Last Monday was glorious, so we decided to move our sofa outside into our (disappointingly not so glorious or sunny) garden. Best idea we've ever had, and I think I may consider a career move to a removal person...

2. Below this, Monday night is Q Bar night... for any Reading students, need I say more? Picture 2 is me and my housemate Prema.

3. On Wednesday, we headed to Anna's house in Gloucester, which has an amazing view (which sadly I don't have a good picture of), as Gloucester is a lusciously green and serene place which we are now all in love with. Picture 3 is the first night of late-night, Bachelor-watching snacking.

4. On Thursday, we went to Anna's family friend Julianna who gave us our first manicures for just a fiver. I loved the pink sparkly colour I went for, and Julianna did a fabulous job. Highly recommended!

5. The day we left ( :( ) we went to see the bluebells Forest is infamous for, and they were glorious. The top picture is my housemates Emma and Prema in the bluebells, and the picture at the bottom shows a close up.

6. On Saturday, we went to Surrey to celebrate our bonus housemate Lucy's 21st Birthday at an amazing party (as you can see by the champagne). Free bar, gorgeous buffet (which we may or may not have run to as soon as it opened) and loads of dancing... what more could you want?! Happy Birthday Lucy!

7. Last but not least, yesterday I went with my home friends to El Mariachi, a Mexican restaurant which has recently opened in Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge. I had spicy beef nachos, chilli con carne potato skins and spicy chicken enchiladas, all of which were delicious. However, perhaps my favourite part of the evening was the £3 cocktails (it was Senõritas' night... wahey!), so I (obviously) took full advantage, opting for a Piña Colada, a Chiquito and an Amaretto Choco Cream... or words to that effect. They were SO good, and I would highly recommend giving the restaurant a visit if you're in the area.

I'm now onto a week of job and internship applications, followed by a trip to Manchester, so I'll be posting more pictures very soon!

Simon Taylor-Davis, Klaxons, 2007

Simon Taylor-Davis, Klaxons, 2007, a photo by Rachiee Roo on Flickr.

Yesterday, I created the photo montage-y thing that's now at the top of this blog. All the photos are my own, and I had a lot of fun looking at what I've taken over the years. I particularly like this one, so I decided to give it it's own post!

General Fiasco photos

Just a few more shots from my Flickr account. These are of General Fiasco back in March. I reviewed it, and their album, for Rocklouder, which should be in this blog somewhere. I like these shots because they're "action" shots.

Flickr

White Lies, London Heaven, 7.5.09, originally uploaded by Rachiee Roo.

Finally figured out how to link my Flickr to this blog, so I thought I'd choose a music-related photo as my first post.

This is a picture of Harry from White Lies from when I saw them in May 2009. I started experimenting with putting my name on the photos for copyrighting, and I think the name here is a little too big. When I have time, I may reduce it's size to make it stand out less.

I'm looking to expand my Flickr account more, and hopefully I can share more photos on here. I love photos almost as much as I love writing :)