Tag Archives: travelling

A Safe Scarf

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I have a shoebox full of scarves in various weights and colours which I wear on a regular basis. However, yesterday I made myself a new one which is a bit bit different and rather special.

It is a infinity (loop) scarf made from some fabric scraps from my stash. The particular feature that prompted me to make this was the ability to create a discreet pocket for valuables. I had seen a similar item advertised a few years ago as being suitable for travellers and I had always considered making one. 

So, I finally did it. I used a lightweight crinkle cotton as our next trip is to Hawaii so a heavy fabric is definitely not required.

You can see the zip and pocket section more clearly in this close-up. The zip was also a salvaged one from my stash. I was fortunate to have one in an appropriate length and colour.

The zip opening and pocket are large enough to hold a passport. The ability to carry my passport and cash discreetly and on my person is an important consideration when in busy public spaces when travelling.

Here is an example of me wearing the scarf with my passport in the pocket section of the scarf.

Creating for my Camera

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A couple of weeks ago GMan bought a new harness for his whipper snipper.  The old one had broken some months ago and he had repaired it temporarily but it was obviously not going to be a long-term solution.He was ready to discard the old harness but I decided to salvage some of the components for possible future projects.

I cut the webbing straps off as well as some of the plastic buckles and slides.  The straps had years of ingrained dirt on them but soaking them overnight followed by a good scrub was all that was needed to restore them to ‘as new’ condition.

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When we were away last year I came up with the bright idea of creating a strap so that I could attach my camera bag to the handle of my suitcase.  This would minimise the amount of things I needed to carry when moving through airports and railway stations.

The camera bag already had 2 flat loops on the back of it which I suspect are designed to allow it to be slipped onto a belt.  I am never likely to do this as it would be too bulky and heavy for my liking.  I used one of the shorter lengths of strap, threaded it through the two loops and stitched the ends together securely.  This is the result.

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It can now be slipped over the handle of any of our suitcases so that I do not have to sling it over my shoulder or carry it.  I still have the detachable shoulder strap which I can use if I wish.

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The remaining straps and buckles have been put away in case I need them for another project.

My Favourite Salad

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Does anyone else take notes on the ingredients and structure of dishes which you enjoy when dining out?

During our recent trip to the USA and Canada we ate at ‘Antique Taco’ in Wicker Park, Chicago.  We discovered it because it was rated as one of the 10 best tacos in the USA by Fodor’s Travel.  After reading the email containing this information, it was an absolute must-do when we were in Chicago and we were not disappointed.

The kale salad was amazing and I have managed to create something similar at home.

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This is what was left in the bowl after dinner tonight and using some for lunch tomorrow.

There are no specific quantities for the ingredients.

Curly kale (thick vein removed and finely chopped)
Finely chopped red onion
Diced capsicum
Dried cranberries (chopped)
Spiced peanuts (I buy raw peanuts and toss them in a bit of oil, chilli powder, cumin and sea salt)
Dressing

Lime juice
Red wine vinegar
Pomegranate molasses
Olive oil
Herb salt
Black pepper

Use the dressing sparingly.  Tos salad well to ensure that all surfaces are coated.

Unlike most salads, I think this improves after standing for 6 – 12 hours.

If you decide to try this, please let me know what you think.

 

Bare Necessities

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I am constantly astounded by the size of the handbags which many women carry.  On one hand, I read about travelling overseas with only carry-on luggage, yet in real life I see handbags that look as though they could be used to travel  – at least for a weekend.

I often ponder about what they carry in those huge bags.  Have we been conned by yet another bizarre fashion trend which dictates that we carry these bags?  What is so important that it has to go everywhere with us?

My bag bucks the general trend entirely.  I bought it recently in an attempt to consciously downsize what I carry.  I even went so far as to buy a smaller purse/wallet that would take up less space in the bag.

My bag
The bag has a single strap which I have at its longest length so that I can wear it across my body.  Everything that is in the bag has a purpose and is used regularly and mostly every day.

Contents:

Main compartment – wallet, eco shopping bag, sunglasses in case, pen, handkerchief

Main compartment contents
Secondary compartment – small notebook, extra loyalty cards

Secondary compartment contents
Inside pocket 1 – car keys
Inside pocket 2 – mobile phone, railpass and access pass (work)
Inside compartment (zippered) – internet stick, USB drive, other essential keys, lipstick, migraine medication

Contents of inner pockets
Outside compartment (zippered) – iPod and USB charger, USB phone charger

Outside zippered compartment contents
That is it.  I have made a conscious decision to only carry exactly what I need.   Each item has a specific place so I easily know that I have everything that I need.

This is the bag I use every day.  The only exception is a small evening bag which I use a couple of times per year.

What is in your bag?  Do you have a large bag?