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.

New Hair!

I've had long blonde hair for pretty much my whole life, a testament to my beach lifestyle, usually highlighted by the sun and wavy from the sea. But with my new life here, I thought it was time for a change:

Chocolate brown and just below my shoulders. It was definitely time for a change, and I haven't missed my blonde locks too much yet. I'm not very drastic when it comes to my hair, so even this very natural a d classically layered 'do took some courage on my part! Basically don't expect a post of me rocking a pink pixie cut anytime soon (though major props to the ladies who own that look!).

I have a confession, I usually don't dye out of the box, but with my current budget that was my only option. I used Preference by Loreal and it didn't seem to damage my hair at all. The most embarrassing bit is that I'm rubbish at hair dye (just ask one of my best friends, I somehow managed to dye her hair like 6 different colors once, it turned out about every color than the one of the box) so I ended up letting my boyfriend do it! And he did a really good job! And here I thought I'd never have any beauty help living with all boys!

Day in the Life of an Intern

Oh the glamorous life of an intern, early mornings, making tea and coffee, getting stuck with the jobs no one else wants, spending a lot of time pretending you know exactly what you are doing when you have no clue, all this for very little to no money. And only if you are lucky graduates, because in many industries competition is fierce! One interview I attended had over 100 application within a few days of the ad. Even worse, sometimes you're competing with people with a few years experience. It's hard to even find a place to start, and when you do, it's even harder to make ends meet, especially if you're like me living far from home with a rent to pay (oh hey weekend job!).

Er, cup of tea anyone?

Actually I can't really complain too much.  Yes I'm broke, and yes I work in what I'm pretty sure is the least glamorous part of London (the view from my office is of two cheap takeaways, some graffiti, and a dead tree with about 50 pairs of trainers in it). But spend my day managing the company's social networking, designing the homepage, and even got to assist with a photo shoot not long ago. I've rarely spent my time making cups of tea or dealing with angry bosses, and unlike some bigger places, I get a lot of input and responsibility. The commute from Surrey is the worst part, but I wouldn't ever trade my cosy quiet house here, and I'd be lucky to have a place the size of my wardrobe for the same price in London. This is a peek of what my day is like

5:50 drag my not a morning person self out of bed and make an sorry attempt at getting ready. Highlight of my morning is my housemate always has a cup of tea waiting for me and my boyfriend usually gets up to have breakfast with me (again why I refuse to move)
6:57 Get on the bus, I could actually take the next one and get to work on time, but sometimes it decides not to show up. I don't know why.

7:25-7:35 stand on the train platform debating whether to freeze but have more of a chance of getting a seat or take my meager pocket change and get a coffee. Even if I'm the first person on the platform I'll inevitably have to fight about 10 middle aged men for a seat. Usually I lose and end up standing barefoot holding my heels for the next 40 minutes while they smugly read their newspapers. I've gotten crafty though, yesterday a man pushed in front on me and started taking off his coat and I slipped into his vacant seat, whipped out my book and looked at him really confused like I'd been there the whole time. I'm quick, small, and wearing uncomfortable shoes, don't mess with me.

8:15-8:50 London, hope there aren't tube delays. Sardine myself into a train. It's ok though because I'm usually one of the last people left after awhile. Most likely because no one want to go to that part of London.

9:00 sit at my desk and pretend to do something important. Usually I'm just reading emails from my mom...

I spend the rest of my day doing graphics for the web page, which will usually get revised about a hundred times while my boss decides what she wants, and because I am relearning photoshop after not using it for a year. Essentially this is how I role with internships, I act lie I know what I'm doing when 9 times out of 10 I have no clue. I keep this up until lunch time and have my home brought sandwich.

There's always a point after lunch where I run out of stuff to do and go back to looking like I'm doing something important. Usually I'm researching stuff to write about for their blog, which usually turns into me reading articles on fashion websites and calling it work. Ill usually get another project later in the day, like coming up with a new social media contest. It's all fairly easy really and they give me a lot of free range. Everyone is pretty nice there but it's also weirdly quiet all the time, except when my boss is in the room. Sometimes she sits in and stands over my shoulder when I'm doing graphics. Which is a little nerve wrecking considering I'm trying to hide the fact I've forgotten a lot of things on Photoshop since graduating over a year ago, and usually means everything takes about three times as long to do. Usually I leave at five, and hightail it out of there so I can make my last bus at 6:30pm home (which is ridiculous) so I'm always that person who looks like they can't wait to leave, not my best habit.

Another commute home. Usually by the time I've eaten dinner and washed up I'm exhausted and ready for bed, what have I turned into? I've felt a bit bad lately because my night owl boyfriend usually wants to hang out, watch a movie, ect. But I'm so broke and tired I'm lucky if I can stay awake through a TV episode. He got quite used to when I first came over here, the first two months I was settling in and then I was just working at a shop on the local high street through the Christmas season, I had a lot more time and money on my hands.

Handbag of the Month

It's no secret that I have a major handbag problem, if I made more money I'm pretty certain my closet would be overflowing with bags of every size, style, and color.

I LOVE satchels, perfect bag to go anywhere. Plus they keep all my stuff way more organized than a slouchier bag (I have such a bad habit of digging through my purse for anything, especially my phone).

I've got my eye on this one this month from The Cambridge Satchel Company:

I've fallen in love with the Cambridge satchel company, especially the new Chelsea collection with colors inspired by the British Chelsea Flower Show. It comes in cream, honeysuckle, lavender, and sweet pea. Gorgeous pastels, they look like Easter eggs! I may just have to invest in one, the design is very classic and I don't see it going anywhere, plus nothing compares to a beautifully well-made bag like this. I expect this is going to end up in my wardrobe even if I don't have any money! I just need to decide on a color, but I think the sweet pea one is calling my name!

Valentine's Day

I'm very glad to be having a relaxing weekend after a good Valentine's Day. It started out a bit stressful as I got off from my internship way late though and nearly missed our dinner reservation. My boyfriend texted me finally around my lunch hour to tell me to meet him at Covent Gardens, which is my favourite part of London.  I love it.  We had dinner at Bistro 1, the food was really good, I'd definitely recommend the homemade fish cakes, I also tried a bit of Matt's spinach and goats cheese pancakes which were really good.  The restaurant had a lovely cosy atmosphere and the staff was really great, we were on a bit of schedule and they got us our food really fast.

We were in a bit of a rush because Matt surprised me with tickets to go see Shrek the Musical afterwards.  I've only ever been to one West End show, which was Wicked on my 24th birthday (so amazing!). I've been wanting to see another ever since, though Shrek wasn't in my top 5.  I actually really liked it though, if you like the Shrek movies you'll like this.  It was lighthearted, silly, and just what I needed after a long day.

So it ended up being a really good Valentine's Day, probably the best one I've had!