That Little Green Island I Call Home

From Canadian to New Zealand visitors, family weddings, an epic road trip with the amazing three, pre-wedding dress shopping with Jojo, last minute Halloween parties, a forest walk with Jane, tea with Anna, an unexpected yet exciting Skype chat, a barn party, sleep overs, Jamie & Tash time, knitting, tea, tea, more tea, cooking time with myself, family TLC and reunions of all types it was a memorable 4weeks back in Ireland, that little green island I proudly call home.

With a endless amount of great memories made in such a short period of time, I am grateful that my work (yes I do work when I'm abroad, shocking eh!) allows me to go home and spend time with my friends and family.

Now that I finally have time to reflect on my trip I feel graduation deserves a mention. It was a fantastic four days in the west and a lovely way to finish my trip. I have always held my friends very close to my heart, so of course the reunion was a very special time for me as I got to catch up with some of my closest friends who I do tend to miss when I'm away. Unfortunately with some unspoken words and bottled up emotions it was hard to say goodbye this time round. Maybe that could have all been avoided, who knows. The best thing is to move on and hope the people you care about the most know it without being told. I know in my heart we will continue to stay  in touch over the years and miles, as long as they feel the same. That being said if anyone wishes to spend a lot of money on a Swiss ski pass and have amazing skiing holiday get in touch and for those of you who can't come visit, do stay in touch. I'm a big fan of Skype so make sure to add me!

Love to all and remember if you're planning to get a bus on a Sunday check the bus times out ;-)
Laura/Clover x

How to pack for 5months of snow, fun and hard work!

Congratulations, if you’re reading this it means you’re most likely joining the biggest party on the mountains, a winter ski season. Either that or you’re bored on Facebook, saw my post and now you’re checking out my style of writing and If I am in fact suggesting the right things to pack for a winter season! Got you! 

Packing for any trip can be a tedious task to begin with. It can sometimes leave you standing over your bag deciding between two items, asking yourself, “Is this a want or a need!”. Unfortunately with only 20kg of luggage allowance for five months worth of gear you’re going to have to make the compromise with yourself to pack roughly 85% need and 15% want. For instance my unicorn outfit may take up 20% of my suitcase however it is an essential part of my packing therefore making it a Need, trust me it really is! Packing four fleeces, well....that’s more a want.

I found a pretty good packing list online for those who need it and then I've added a couple extras down below.

http://www.powderhounds.com/site/defaultsite/filesystem/documents/trailmaps/things_to_pack.pdf

Top tips for future seasonaires!

•            First piece of advice; BUY YOUR SHIT AT HOME! It’s stupid expensive to buy anything in resorts, I’m talking about 130chfs/110euro for a pair of ski gloves, this bring's me onto my next point.
•            TK-Maxx. If you’re new to winter seasons and you still need to get your gear I would strongly suggest you pop into TK-Maxx and pick up all your winter gear there. Just splash out and get your jacket, pants, gloves, hats, socks etc etc like I said it's going to be about triple the price in any resort so be prepared.
•       Sun screen, lip bam with UV & moisturiser. Your lips and knuckles will crack, your skin will burn and you’ll have one nasty goggle tan if you don’t pack these!
•       Bring flipflops and a pair of shorts! I know it sounds crazy but we were in Bikinis and having BBQ’s by April.
•          You need sunglasses. I saw more sun last winter than I have in my entire life, when it’s not snowing its usually sunny so yes you need your goggles on the mountain but don’t forget to have your sunglasses for walking around town.
•      Sound system. The best thing we had in our apartment were Stefs speakers so If you’re driving out from England or Ireland it’s something to think about.
•          Leggings are great, fit nice and snug into your snow boots! Same goes for skinny jeans. 
•     You need a helmet. I know some people may think helmets aren’t very cool but trust me it  is a necessity.
•       Fancy dress. You may get the opportunity to dress up every couple of weeks however the big nights to look out for is Mardi-Gras and the seasonaire one piece decent so leave a little bit of space in your suitcase for that purple wig and one pieces.
•      Pain killers. Yet another expensive thing in Switzerland. 
•           Hot water bottle, I loved this one! For those colder nights, hangovers, ski pains and when a housemate is a little under the weather.
•      Needle and thread. 

And finally, and most importantly thing.....

• A KICKASS PLAYLIST! Sync your playlist with your skiing buddies, press play at the same time and BOOM Silent disco on the mountain! You’re welcome!

 Stick on some music and get packing.

C x