Dubuque, Iowa U.S.

First stop of the trip was a town in Iowa called Dubuque. There are about 80,000 people so quite a big ‘town’. Because it was a school trip we got the opportunity to stay with families.

Our time in Dubuque was short but none the less exciting and beautiful. We had so much fun exploring this part of Iowa and everything it had to offer. Our homestay families were lovely and made this part of our trip a highlight. A really great authentic way to experience a place is from the locals and we were lucky enough to get a really great perspective of Dubuque that we otherwise wouldn’t have had without our new friends. 

audrey x

Sydney to America - Travelling

My travelling adventures started at 3.30 am when we drove to the airport. From there a long 15 1/2 hour flight from Sydney to Dallas, then an 8 hour wait at Dallas Fort Worth. From there a plane to Chicago O'Hare and three delayes on our third flight; to Dubuque, Iowa. We finally arrived in Iowa after 37 hours of travelling and a couple hours of sleep. I've already seen some amazing views and had a taste of America!

audrey x

Update!!

Now I haven't been that active recently and that's because I'm in America. I left on the 7th in Sydney and I have been in America for 2 days now. It's been pretty busy and I haven't been able to get any posts up yet. But don't worry they'll be coming through soon, about my travels. 

I'm in America for school with 7 other students. We are participating in a competition/conference called Future Problem Solving, where we have been working on a particular issue for the past year and a half. It has been a lot of work but also very rewarding, and I'm extremely grateful to be here in the US, and missing two weeks of school! 🙌

So look out for some posts on where I'm going this next month, it is all very exciting.

It was 37 hours straight of travelling and boy the jet lag has kicked in and I'm very tired. 

Audrey x

My Travel Essentials

In about 12 hours I'll be boarding a plane off to the states. I thought I would put together a few of my top travel essentials. There will definitely be lots of travelling this month. I'm basically living out of suitcase. So here there are.

Some of my favourite body skincare. The three items from The Body Shop are all mini sizes that are the perfect size for travelling. Here is The Body Shop; Mango shower gel, Mango hand cream and Mango body butter. I also like taking a mini pumice to exfoliate and help maintain my skin in dry conditions.

A must is makeup removal pads and Q tips! I also picked up these cute travel size bottles from the supermarket. They came with labels which was very handy. Of course you can just reuse and recycle old bottle and containers.

I bought a travel wallet especially for my upcoming trips. A wallet that can hold your phone, cards and money is a good investment. If you are travelling overseas another good item (not pictured) is a good secure body wallet, that can go around your neck to hold important documents, passport, cards and money. Lip balm is a must when travelling to save chapped lips and mints for a fresh breathe. We all know what planes can do to our breathe, oh gosh.

 

Mini shampoo and conditioner saves a tone of space and they are sooo cute! I always take extra hair elastics and bobby pins, because where do there go! A great idea is to take mini bottles and samples of products like cleansers, creams and other skincare. A small tube of toothpaste saves space and weight in luggage too.

If you aren't away for long, check out the sample body washes from Sephora. They come in a range of scents and gorgeous colours. Perfect for one use!

Hope this post helped any of you that are travelling soon. Safe travels to those of you!

audrey x

Japanese Cherry Blossom Gift Set

Now I'm a sucker for The Body Shop. Their products are all so good and they have such a wide variety of ranges to choose from. Their products are all affordable prices and they are available in most countries around the world (in store and shipping).

Today's post is on the Japanese Cherry Blossom range, more specifically there gift set. It is $29.95 Australian dollars and comes with three items:

- 60 ml Shower Gel

- 60 ml Body Lotion

- 100 ml Body Mist

All three products are part of the Japanese Cherry blossom fragrance range with a gorgeous floral scent that it not overpowering. It's blend of hinoki wood and floral accords make this a romantic scent, inspired by a spring day in Kyoto, Japan.

As for the products, the body mist lasts well on the skin for a good 6 hours. Packaged in a glass bottle and metal cap makes this product feel luxurious and look expensive. The body lotion and shower gel do a good job at hydrating and cleansing the skin, leaving a subtle hint of the perfume behind.

This would make for an excellent gift for someone into beauty and loves pampering themselves. I got this for my cousin and she loves it!

audrey x