Friday 9 August 2013

What's in my bag

It's official the excitement has finally grabbed hold of me and is fuelling my veins. In less than 24 hours we will hopefully be landing in Pisa, where we will be spending some time before heading to Rome for a long weekend, whoohoo!!! To top this my lovely parents will be joining us and we will see them for the first time in a year, so needless to say I am one very excited bunny right now!



A year ago I was a little apprehensive about going anywhere away from home as I hadn't really stepped outside our four walls for a few years and the prospect of going to town let alone holiday, was most certainly pretty overwhelming for me. Now, because we have done it, I am feeling a great deal more confident about the whole affair and know that we can manage with my wheels and the kids. I am still aware of the restrictions that my wheels might bring, but at least I can get around and live a little, so I am not going to grumble! It is most certainly going to be an interesting holiday as not only will I be in my wheelchair, but Mum, who is currently unable to walk, due to a very bad back in dying need of an operation, will be joining me with her own set of wheels. The thought of this has conjured up many interesting thoughts, especially knowing what my Dad is like. He is still in child in so many ways and always up for having a little fun and oh so very good at planning and scheming in order to have a laugh, I love his passion for life! This time I reckon Ma and me are in for some fun and games, just think, two men and the other (better halves I hasten to add :-)), who will be holding the reins so to speak. Now that's a thought, and I am sure there will be a fair bit of scheming and pardon the pun, wheeling and dealing going on. The prospect of a couple of hours without the wives will most certainly be appealing, but fortunately we have our safety net, the kids, which might just sway matters a little, not that that will stop the temptation to see who can make it down the Spanish steps the quickest. I think it is fair to say that if nothing else, we will most certainly be providing some comedy value for those around us. Watch out Spanish steps here we come!!


The last week has been a bit of a mad rush as I am sure many of you can relate to before going away. What is with getting everything done before going away? Is it just me or are you like that to? I wanted to tick a few things off my list that I have been meaning to do for quite some time, like this label tutorial that I wanted to do a few months back now, amongst many other things. I feel satisfied that I managed to get a large majority, but not all, done and I feel like I can now finally start to relax.


Books are always the first things I try and pack and the staples include the necessary tour guides and road maps, quite a lot of books for the kids, which aren't in the picture, but there are a couple of longer stories to read to them and I don't think you can ever go wrong with Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl. My kindle, with its little case that I blogged about here, is ready for some action with The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and one of the very few books by Jojo Moyes that I haven't read, Silver Bay. Reading more than usual is the one thing I really enjoy about going on holiday.


So what does a gal put in her bag. Well for me, this is always an interesting one, maybe becos I am just plain nosey. Maybe it all stems from years in boarding school and loving Sunday nights when everyone came back after a weekend at home with new bits from home. Anyways, I love it, so I thought I would give you a little peek at a few of the bits that's gone in my bag. As for clothes, well these days with kids in tow, space is limited, especially with a wheelchair and two kids to manage, so we try and pack as little as possible. It didn't however stop me from having fun deciding what to pack. Maybe I am a little sad, but I quite enjoy this part of the packing. Do you get excited about the selection process?

 

This yellow cardigan is just the most loveliest of knitted cardies that my granny knitted many years ago and wore for so many years that I have countless memories of seeing her in this. Fortunately my parents passed this on to me when she passed a few years back and now I can shape some new memories with it as I just love wearing it.



 
Now for cosmetics, I quite like knowing what people use, so I thought I would share my little goodies with you. For my skin, I use Environ and swear by it. Even though it is a little pricey, it does last quite a long time and I honestly haven't come across anything as good as this. Their RAD sun cream is also especially good to use on a daily basis, something I really try and do as my skin got quite damaged being exposed to the sun whilst living in South Africa for so many years. Now for foundation, I love this stuff!! It has no nasties and it lasts soo long. Honestly I buy a maximum of two pots a year, if that, and they now also do a really fab mascara that I love! The foundation is a mineral based powder foundation and I love that it lasts all day and acts as a barrier to the sun. As for suncream, we always use Green People's scent free SPF25 during the summer. Largely because it doesn't burn your eyes, which I must say is a blessing with the kids and it's brilliant if you're planning on spending time in the water.  Then some L'Occitane Shea Butter hand cream that was a rather lovely pressie and I can't wait to start using it.


 

 
 

 
Now for the exciting bit, what's going in my yarn bag. To be honest I struggled with this as there are so many little projects that I would like to take with, but I know that with Ma and Pa there I am going to want to natter and spend time with them. I am however going to make the most of having Mum at hand and rope her in for some embroidery lessons whilst we are together to hopefully get a few tips from the Master herself! Do you also struggle deciding what projects to take on holiday with you?
 


Before I go I wanted to leave you with this quick and easy to make lavender wreath. After being inspired by a friend and all the lavender around, I grabbed some wire, pliers, lavender and some rosemary and got started.




 

I am going to use these couple of weeks wisely and abstain from blogging (it that's possible!). I will try and read posts if and where possible. I have however recently joined Instagram, and must say that I LOVE it! If any of you want to pop over to see what's happening on our travels, my user name is cosmosandcotton.

Before I go, if you haven't already seen The Untouchables then, please treat yourself and watch this wonderful French film. I have a bit of a passion for French films and this one is another wonderful film to add to my list of favourites. It's funny, inspirational and so very moving. Leaving you with the little posy from our garden, my Hydrangeas are finally in bloom.



Thank you for all your lovely comments over the last couple of posts, I love reading each and every one of them. You are all super special and make this blogging malarkey so much fun! Wishing you all a very lovely couple of weeks with lots of crafty happiness.

Warm wishes
Hannapat
xoxox

 



19 comments:

  1. Hannapat, your posts always make me smile! I love snooping around your packing! Your wardrobe selection is lovely for Italia - my absolute favourite country to visit, btw. You will have a blast, I am so jealous! And to see your folks, too, you will be in heaven. You deserve a splendid getaway, you should crochet bomb the wheelchairs with jazzy matching wheels...and I'm glad I'm not the only one who squeezes in yarn and embroidery into a suitcase...Arrivederci, mia amica, buon fortuna! Ciao! Chrissie x

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  2. Fabulous post dear Hannapat, you've covered sooooo much and I've enjoyed every minute of being with you, thank you!
    I wish you the most wonderful holiday and catch-up with your parents, including loads of fun - and obviously those two fellas are going to create plenty of that - and happy crafting times. All the best with your embroidery too, and it will be so nice to have an expert at hand to 'show you the ropes'.
    Looking forward to hearing about your escapades when you return, but I'll miss you while you're gone!
    Travel safely,
    Joy xoxo

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  3. Have a wonderful wonderful time!
    Let me know if you enjoy the night circus (my fave book ever)
    Xx

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  4. Oh Sti I'm SO excited for you! What a treat to have a little holiday somewhere fabulous as well as sharing it with your parents. I have everything crossed for you that it goes well & that your body holds up under the extra demands of traveling. I can't wait to see photos. I loved seeing what you're packing. I am a well known over-packer. I always take far too much & kick myself when we're there. But a girl must have an interesting variety of outfits! I have a hefty bag filled with medications too, which makes it hard to travel light. I love the yellow cardigan, how special that it was your Grandmas. I'll miss you while you're gone & I'm gone. I look forward to a proper email catchup when we're back. Much love. Xx

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  5. Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, HannahPat - Have the most WONDERFUL trip!!! Travel safe - will be here, catching up on reading of your blog, now that my traveling is done for a bit. Be safe - have fun! Tanya

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  6. Have a wonderful trip! That was a fun post and I enjoyed seeing what you'll be taking with you. :)

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  7. Hannapat you have a really fabulous time and I can't wait to hear all your adventures when you return. How lovely Mum and Dad will be with you, what a special holiday for a very special lady. It was lovely seeing your suitcase as I always wonder what other ladies pack. Love your creative bag no doubt you will bring back some super creations. I am going to have a go at the lavender wreath Hannapat, never ever attempted one before so it will be interesting. A big hug to you and speak soon
    Lots of love as always
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxx

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  8. Oh course the yarn is always the most important thing to pack for holidays. I always end up packing loads of the stuff in case I want to change around patterns. I'm totally hopeless at packing clothes though and always end up bringing far too much with me.....just in case!
    I hope that you have a great time. And that you have lots of wheelie races with your Ma!
    Rosie xx

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  9. Have the most wonderful time (you would have already left by now!). Love that you have your priorities in place with the majority of your gorgeous case filled with such lovely yarn. Looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back! Mel xxx

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  10. I hope as I'm writing this you are having a most fantastic time with your family and I'm looking forward to hearing all about it on your return! :) x

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  11. Hope you have a fantastic holiday and enjoy every minute! I love that lavender and rosemary wreath...it is beautiful.
    Marianne x

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  12. Wishing you a most lovely and fun time!! Look forward to hearing all about it!! xo Heather

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  13. How exciting! Have a wonderful time in Rome, it'll be so lovely to catch up with your family. Enjoy the Night Circus, I read that when I was on holiday a couple of years ago and thought it was a great read.

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  14. What a beautiful wreath. It's really lovely. Have a fabulous time away - I'm pleased to see lots of yarn in your suitcase! - and I hope you come back rested and happy. xx

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  15. I know that dreadful thing of trying to fit all the jobs in before you go away. Lunatic really...but anyway. Have a fantastic time in Italia! It's a beautiful part of the world for sure! xxxx

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  16. What a lovely post I love your suitcase, I hope your having a fabulous time xxx Can't wait to see the pictures when you come home xx
    Hugs Lynn xxx

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  17. I have loved reading your suitcase story especially the yarn stash. Have a lovely time. Jo x

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  18. I hope you are having a wonderful time and lots of fun with your family! So lovely that your parents could be with you too. Loved seeing what you were packing in your suitcase, and loved the gorgeous lavender and rosemary wreath too.
    Helen x

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  19. How are you, dear Hannapat? Just wanted to drop by again to say hi, and to let you know I posted about the Liebster Award while you've been away - thank you again for naming me and giving me such fun questions! Hope to catch up soon, Chrissie x

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