What I Wear On A Plane

BONJOUR!

I’m off on a little jaunt soon and wanted to find new carry on luggage and ultra comfortable gear for those long-haul flights. Here’s what I went looking for.

• A couple of pairs of pants, one light & one dark

• Long sleeve T-shirts

• A couple of hoodies with centre front zippers. Easier to take off rather than pulling something over your head and elbowing the guy next to you.

• A slip on shoe, great for all day walking

• A large cross body bag

• A pull along case

Everything had to mix and match so I could create at least 6 different outfits for traveling and lounging around in. Here’s what I found.

Straight leg pants from Zara with side pockets.

Long sleeve cotton and elastane T-shirts from H&M and Black Skechers shoes.

Hoodies from H&M in two different style. The fabric is an elastane/cotton combination so they’ll keep their shape. These were a great find at around $30 each.

I came across this large ultra light micro-fibre bag on the luggage stand at my local boot-maker. It can be carried or worn cross body. Perfect for holding my headphones, laptop, notebook, water bottle, lip balm, moisturiser and chocolate for the movies! The pull along case was an unexpected find at one of those ‘Hot Dollar’ discount stores. I love it because it’s strong yet unbelievably light weigh and has zip-up compartments inside.

All ready to go! Co-ordinated and comfortable.

A few more 3 piece combinations.

I love to travel in black but will change into the cream pants and a fresh top as soon as I reach my destination.

And for me, a scarf on the plane is essential. Why does the air conditioning have to be soooo cold? I can’t wait to share with you my adventure in next weeks post.

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Get Packing!

Every so often I discover a product that I not only love, but can’t imagine why I hadn’t discovered it sooner. My latest find has revolutionised the way I pack my suitcase. Perhaps you’re already using this system. They’re called, Packing Cells, (also called packing cubes) and they make packing and accessing your clothing while traveling a breeze.

Below is a photo of how I used to pack. I’d start out with good intensions - everything neatly folded. By the first night of the holiday I’d have clothing everywhere as I searched for a particular black top amongst all of the other pieces of black clothing. (I wear a lot of black when traveling).

Enter the Packing Cell System. By using zip up bags in a variety of sizes, you can compartmentalise everything. I put pants in one bag, tops in another, a small one for swimwear and underwear while keeping shoes separated from clothing. One bag for gym gear and another for those odds and ends like a hairdryer, straightener and hair brushes or accessories like scarves, gloves and belts. I also throw a couple of spare bags. Great for storing holiday purchases or laundry.

Packing cells also make it so much easier if you’re in a different location every couple of days. Simply leave the items you need the most on top.

No more pulling the whole case apart just to find that one thing! And it’s amazing how much more space there is in my case - which leaves more room for shopping. Here are a few online stores that stock Packing Cells and other travel accessories.

• Zoomlite

• Lightinthebox

• Kathmandu

• Target

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

She Wears The Pants!

Spring had sprung here in Sydney so it’s time for a splash of colour. Pants in a floral print, stripped, repeated pattern, decorative swirls or checks have a way of shouting “FUN!”.

Add a t-shirt, an oversized man’s shirt or neutral toned top and away you go. You can also add a jacket for an air of formality. Here are some of my favourite go to looks from my wardrobe.

Three quarter pants from Zara.

Full length pants in a blue and white stripes from Witchery.

Three quarter kick-out pants from Veronika Maine.

Classic straight leg stripes from Zara.

Vintage wide-leg palazzo pants.

High waisted floral pattern repeat pants from Zara.

Finally, three quarter straight leg stretch pants from Zara. And when you’re wearing pants, changing your heel height can transform your look from causal to dressy.

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Easy Chicken & Vegetable Pie

I've been asked for this recipe so many times that I thought I'd share it with you. Leave out the chicken if you'd prefer - works just as well. What makes this recipe so delicious is the crunchy pastry top, but no heavy pasty base.

There are 4 parts to this pie - a variety of vegetables, 1kg of chicken thighs chopped, white sauce and a pastry top.

Chop a large sweet potato into 2 cm cubes and microwave for about 5 minutes until soft. Chop and saute - 2 onions, 2 carrots, celery, capsicum, a red chilli and 2 cloves of garlic. Add broccoli. peas and corn. Drain the sweet potato, add in with the other vegetables and allow to cook on a low heat. Add salt and pepper and some fresh rosemary.

Stir in the chicken pieces and allow to cook while you make the white sauce. Add 100gm of butter to a pan, melt and add 1/2 a cup of plain flour. Allow butter and flour to bubble and thicken then add 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of chicken stock. Keep stirring over a medium heat until you have a creamy firm white sauce. Add a little more milk and chicken stock if it's too thick. Add the white sauce to the chicken and vegetables, mix well and cook for 10 minutes or until the chicken is almost cooked.

Pour your chicken, vegetable and white sauce mixture in to a dish and place one sheet of puff pastry on top. Stab pastry with a sharp knife and place in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes on 200 celsius.

All that's needed to compliment this pie is a leafy green salad. 

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Creating Space For Shoes!

You can never have enough space in your wardrobe and our shoes can take up more than their fair share.

With the help of a nifty little product called the Shoe Holder, I've finally got around to recalibrating how I store my shoes. I brought packs of 6 from Howard's Storage World, but I've seen them advertised online at various places.

This little device is easy to assemble and can be adjusted to accomodate the heal height.

I've literally doubled the number of shoes I can hold on my shelves. Hmmm....which mean there's room for a few more pairs. What a cheery thought!

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Creating A Floral Arrangement

I love flowers! A mass of sunflowers in a jug, lilies in a glass vase or a small posy of sweet peas on my bedside table.

Every now and then I do a more formal floral arrangement. It's far easier to do than it looks and it's fun. Here's what you need. Buy a couple of bunches of your favourite flowers and a bunch of foliage. Choose flowers that have a fairly strong stem.

And some floral foam, also called oasis, which you can buy from most discount stores. 

Cut the foam block to the required size and sit it inside a plastic frame or take-away container. Place the foam block inside a plastic dish. Pour water all over the foam block and allow it to stand for about 10 minutes so the foam can absorb the water.

Lay your flowers out so you can reach them easily. You'll need gardening shears or sharp scissors to cut the steams of each flower on an angle. This makes it easier to push the stems into the water filled foam. For this arrangement, I ended up using a round dish with the foam block attached - they're about $3 to buy.

Step 1 - Use the green foliage to create the initial shape of the arrangement. In this case, I'm going to make a rectangular shape.

Step 2 - Then add the larger flowers to give height in the middle and length to the ends.

Step 3 - Lastly, push the remaining flowers into the oasis, making sure the plastic dish underneath becomes hidden. Use any left over bits and pieces to fill any gaps in your arrangements. When completed, stand you arrangement in the sink and give the foam another good soaking.

Finally, place your arrangement where you can enjoy it every day. For me, that's on the table outside my kitchen window. If you water the foam block regularly, your arrangement will last for ages. 

Or better still........give your beautiful floral arrangement to someone you love! xx

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Before you go - I've just found these photos of an arrangement I made for the holiday season last December. Seriously, this is so easy to do and now you know how. Enjoy.

Happy Holidays! xx

Black and White Simplicity

Yesterday the morning got away from me and before I knew it, I was running behind schedule big-time. With only 10 minutes to get dressed and be out the door I had to choose quickly and appropriately for my upcoming meeting. There was no time to fuss or iron anything. Solution? I went for a classic black and while look, one I've worn all my adult life. 

Black and white is an easy fashion staple to pull together. Here are a few of my favourite interpretations.

One of my all time favourite actor's, Diane Keaton, rocking the same look. She must have got my memo!

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Creative Kids Who Care!

While walking the dog last weekend, I came across this lamp post and it stopped me in my tracks. The writing is a little difficult to read so I've written out the text for you.

Top poster

Top poster - Environmentally Friendly. You can help the environment by not using plastic bags. Bio: We would all appreciate if you would put any rubbish in a nearby bin and pick up after a dog or pet with environmentally friendly bags. Thank you for understanding!!! Please tick here if you care. It’s up to our generation to save the world! By Stella and Lucy

Bottom poster - Tones of plastic finds its way into the water. It’s up to you to stop that. The neighbours of Balmoral would appreciate if you reduced the amount of paper you use. We can save the world if we work together!!! Please tick here if you agree. We really need help to save the world. By Stella and Lucy

What a thought provoking message. I agreed, so I ticked the box. But I hope these girls feel they are not alone in their care for this beautiful world of ours. We're with you Stella and Lucy! 

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Photographs and Memories!

I'm totally inspired!

My neighbour Maggie has told me she has 24 years worth of photos spread out on her dining room table. She's finally made the commitment to sort out years of photographs and memories into photo albums. You know, the ones we all used to put together before we went digital. Some of her gorgeous photos she'll turn into coffee table style books, which theses days, is so easy to do online. Pick a theme - the renovation, parties, travel in a foreign country, the camping trip, friends, summer holidays - the list is endless.

We all have photos languishing on our computers, most of which we will never really get to enjoy. So, while these nights are still cold in Sydney and staying in is a preferred option, I'm taking up the challenge and going through all my printed photos and those on my computer - the ultimate trip down memory lane. Want to join me?

I freely admit I love looking through photo albums, recalling all those, "remember when" moments. Like the many adventures I had with my beautiful Appolossa mare, Jazzie. We were a team for 10 years. What a horse! And isn't that what life's all about - our wonderful memories?

Enjoy your creative life, Jules 

Fits Like A Glove!

A few cold Sydney winter mornings and I'm reaching for my favourite gloves. I bought these black suede gloves many years ago in Paris and always feel very 'Euro" when I wear them. Isn't it lovely wearing something that brings back happy memories?

Glove styles rarely date, they last for ages and are easily carried in your coat pocket or handbag. And of course, keep your hands as warm as toast.

Just like a favourite pair of shoes, I love the way gloves soften over time and mould to the shape of your hands. And a pair of gloves is a great way to finish off a winter outfit. Now, for a stroll down the Champs-Elysees.........where's that beret of mine? 

Enjoy your creative life, Jules

Click HERE to read a little bit more about wearing a beret.