Packing For A Long Weekend Away

Last minute as ever, me and Mat booked flights to visit his parents in Mallorca earlier this week, we leave very early tomorrow morning and we're staying until Monday. I thought I'd share with you what sort of things I pack for a long weekend away and other tips I have for packing lightly.. Which can be a struggle for me.

I always get the basics ready first, whether I'm going abroad or travelling inside the UK. For me this is Passport, a large travel purse, IPad, sunglasses and a CD for the road. I find a large purse so useful for keeping everything together like money, tickets and anything you pick up on your travels.. This reminds me we need to print our boarding passes off!

As our trip came a little unexpected and we aren't going for too long I didn't buy any new clothes to take, instead I thought I'd treat myself to some nice shampoo and body wash. It's also a really great way to try different products as they're so tiny and a lot cheaper than buying a full size. It may come to some people's surprise but I've never tried an Soap & Glory products, so I took this as a prime opportunity. Here's just a selection of things I'm taking, suncream, Bioderma and my favourite moisturiser Lait-Creme.

I always go over board when packing my make-up, picking up crazy colours from my collection, thinking "I might wear this.. as I'm holiday".. I'm taking bare essentials this time. BB cream, concealer, a sheer lipstick, blush, mascara, bronzer and of course my ever so trust naked pallet. It's surprising what you can do with not a little, bronzer always doubles up as a great eye shadow and the shimmery colours in the naked pallet make for a super cheek highlight.

Hunting for bikinis end of season is an absolute nightmare, I picked up the polka dot one at a dance wear store in my local town, luckily it was in the sale, which is always a plus. Packing a light weight hoodie is always a good idea for cooler nights, I also use my sarong as a scarf, for evening out. A pair of sandals or flip flops is essential for any holiday, long or short. I'm taking my Birkenstock as they go with everything and aren't too heavy to take in my case.

Packing clothes is my downfall, I always take way to much. My essentials for holiday wear are shorts and light weight knits and cardigans. My favourites are these River Island shorts, that I cut of from long jeans about two years ago, they go with everything and can be warn to the beach or are perfect if your out for the day.

As well as knits and cardigans, I always pack a variety of T-shirts. I love lightweight cotton and linen tees as they always hang really nicely whatever you team them with. You can also take them from day to night simply by adding jewellery or layering them over maxi dresses. These are a few of my favourites in dusky pastel shades.

I always pack a few smarter options just in case we go out for dinner - it's always nice to dress up when your on holiday. I'm taking two dresses - I'm picking ones that I know I won't be able to wear in the winter, so I can get my final wear out of them for the summer.. especially this bright yellow one from TopShop.

And of course what trip away is complete without snacks for the car, as were flying extra early I'm sure we'll be needing the sugar.

 If you've got any tips for packing lightly or just packing in general I'd love to hear from you? Hope you all have a super weekend and I'll be back on Monday with no doubt photos of the trip xxx