Surviving a Commute: it's in the bag

I've been commuting from Surrey to London everyday for the past month now with a commute that takes exactly 2 hours from my door to my desk. During that time I've discovered a few things: That if my bus, train, and the underground line are running a good service it's like winning the lottery, that any usual British politeness completely disappears where train seats are involve (oh no worries, I've been standing here first for 15 minutes in the rain and in heels, but feel free to all but push me under the train for a seat), what it would feel like to be in a clown car, and that I'm roughly armpit height (Ew...just...Ew). So I've been coming up with ways to make a commute a little less miserable. The best way I've found to keep your journey from slowly crushing your soul is to have the right stuff with you. Here are my top commuter essentials:

1. A good-sized, structured bag:

I can't seem to survive my commute without a bag that's both big enough I could fit my dog in (not that I ever would, I'm not one of those people) and organised enough I don't lose everything. I could probably survive a zombie apocalypse for a week on the amount of stuff I shove in my bag every morning, so having a good one is so key.

I have my fair share of handbags, but this one that I got from Accessorize right after Christmas is my go-to bag for work. It's big enough to fit anything I need (including lunch and sometimes even an extra pair of shoes) plus it stays super organized. In every other bag I own, whatever I need automatically sinks to the bottom leaving me constantly rummaging for my phone, train ticket, ect. And making me either late, or run into things (oh, hello there wall, nice to see you). Look for a structured bag with lots of pockets. This one has two massive pockets on the outsides, one which is a padded tablet pocket (my iPad is loving it).

2. Hand sanitizer

I don't like to think of how many germs I come into contact with on public transport every day, but a mini bottle of hand sanitizer helps me fight them off. My favourite is the Pocket Bacs from Bath and Body Works, but I can't find them here in the UK. So I've been looking for something similar here (if anyone has some favs let me know). I don't like the ones that smell like alcohol but go for a scent that is clean, light and not overpowering so you aren't gagging your fellow commuters.

3. Cosy shoes

Maybe it's because I spent most of my youth in flip flops, but I can't seem to get through a day in work appropriate shoes without some blisters. For rushing around some comfy shoes are a must, but I can't bear to be one of those people in trainers and and suit (shudder). They may have the right idea, but I need to be a little more stylish. I think a pair of Toms might just be the Cinderella slippers of my commute. Comfy, but look a bit like flats, come in tons of colors, plus they are a feel good purchase since the company gives a pair of shoes to someone who need them. All around win.

4. Healthy, easy to eat snacks

Pick something that isn't messy so you don't get it all over you and the train and go for something fairly odorless, because there's nothing worse than having to sit next to someone eating stinky food. I usually go for a granola bar, dried fruit or nut mixes, all which are easy to eat on the go and full of fiber to keep you full. I also really like graze.com which delivers a box of healthy snacks to your house or work, they all come in their own punnets so it's easy to toss in a bag. Just avoid the dips for commuter time.

5. A tablet

No they don't come cheap, but my iPad has been my sanity saver. I've got a library, notebook, TV, music, game centre, ect without weighing down my bag (especially since I love a good thick book). I do a bit of blogging, watch a film, read the latest issue of Cosmopolitan, and next thing I know I'm there. Yes you could bring a laptop, but I find even a netbook is too heavy and cumbersome for public transport. Make sure it has a sturdy cover as it will probably get knocked around a bit in the rush hour hustle and bustle.

6. Travel umbrella

Especially if you live in the UK. Unless you enjoy being soggy at work. The smaller the better so it fits easily in a handbag, although I guess you could get a full-sized one and use it to fight your way onto the train, the choice is yours.

7. Mini Emergency kit

I keep a little coin purse with some little emergency items in it like plasters (bandaids), a nail file, paracetamol, eye drops, cotton buds, ect. Whatever little mini things might come in handy. Some other things I usually make sure I have: tissues, dental floss and a mini toothbrush, Berocca, and a travel sized deodorant (here's to wishing other London commuters would bring is along with them).

8. A leak proof travel mug

I love my morning Costa latte, but getting one everyday would cost me a fortune. But I need that bit of caffeine and something warm to keep me going in the morning. Getting a good coffee mug is better for your wallet and the environment. Try finding a leakproof one (amazon.co.uk has a few) so you can just toss it in your bag.

All my essentials! Ready for another long day!

Manicure Monday

Nothing brightens up a dull Monday for me like having a fresh manicure.  Today my tips are typing away painted up in pastel blue with silver.

I picked up this Barry M polish in Blue Moon as a little Friday treat on my way home from work. It's a gorgeous colour, but you definitely need a base coat with it as its really sheer and I used a few coats to really get the most out of the robin's egg blue shade.

I like to add a little something fun to my nails, but i cant stand over the top or cutesy nail designs, so an accent nail is perfect. To me a good silver nail polish is like a little black dress for your nails.  Classy, goes with everything, just the right amount of dressy, and perfect no matter what season.  My absolute fav is Maybelline express finish 40 second in Silver Speed. It has just the right amount of shine and some subtle shimmer, and its perfect if you're like me who can't sit still long enough to let your nails dry.

Derry, Northern Ireland

I haven't had much of a chance to travel lately, but I did get a chance to go see my granddad in Derry earlier this month, so I thought I'd tell you a little bit about my trip.

Derry is not somewhere I'd normally pick for a city break, so the main reason I went was just to visit.  But the city ended up surprising me.  Northern Ireland's second largest city certainly has a reputation for its troubled past, but signs of a new unity and rejuvenation are everywhere, like the new peace bridge representing a new connection between a historically divided city.   It has certainly come a long way in recent years and has even been named 2013's European City of Culture.

It is definitely worth taking a look into the history of this city. There's quite a few walking tours you can do of the bog side, murals and Bloody Sunday, ect. I did the one of the murals, which was pretty cool to learn about, two of my second cousins took me, which was quite cool because they knew quite a few facts having lived in Derry all their lives.

No trip to any part of Ireland is complete without a trip to the pub for some traditional music and a cold pint. There's a great place called Peader O'Donnell's that is worth a visit that usually has some live music on and a pretty good atmosphere.



The city is also a great base for exploring nearby Donegal, including the fabled Giant's Causeway or a day trip to Belfast. Unfortunately it was a bit too cold and blustery for the causeway this time around and I ran out of time to go see Belfast, so maybe next time!

One of my favourite parts of Derry is the Craft Village.  It so quaint and quintessentially Irish (There's even a thatched cottage).  It's a great place to get something unique and grab some lunch.  Both the Boston Tea Party (try the apple pie!) and Cafe Mondo have great light lunches with sandwiches and homemade soups (yum!).  If you're wanting to bring back some souvenirs, there's a great little Irish shop, a place to buy Derry crystal, and my favourite was a little shop selling all sorts of things from local artists.  

There are many more glamorous cities in Europe, but Derry is definitely worth checking out if you haven't before as its definitely full of some surprises.