5 Travel Tips For Planning Your Trips
As glamorous as it often looks on Instagram, travel isn't solely defined by the activity of dutifully ticking desired destinations off our bucket lists.You have your stay-cations, where you explore cities in your own home country and see more of your immediate surroundings.And you also have your obli-cations. Those real travel experiences, centred around obliged travel - such as weddings, christenings, family get-togethers and seeing your football team's away game.
The Ultimate Guide to Hvar, Croatia
If you're looking for an island adventure, without having to travel long-haul, then the Croatian Island of Hvar should be next on your list of must-see destinations.My latest trip with Jet2 marked my second time on the island - and this time, I was very excited to show my boyfriend (who'd never been before) around. For me, it's the embodiment of a perfect getaway - because excuse the cliche, but there really is something for everyone. Ticking the 'city break' box, it has plenty of culture - such as a medieval hilltop fortress and the Renaissance-era Cathedral.It has incredible cuisine and winding streets full of hidden gems, bars and shops. It offers a stunning marina, encapsulated in a crescent by the limestone buildings of the city itself.
Why I'm Taking Control Of My Health
Wellness has been the buzz-word for the past five years, with a drastic rise in individuals seeking life balance, mindfulness techniques, nutrition advice, organic foods, plant-based diets, BPA-free tableware and natural supplements.And this shift of getting to know our bodies more is undeniably a good thing. We're doing our own research and taking our health into our own hands. Whereas 'wellness' used to be something people sought after a health-scare, these days we are taking the mantra 'prevention is the best medicine' as literally as we possibly can.
The Master Bedroom
I can't quite believe I haven't even properly 'announced' this on my blog, but we've MOVED HOUSE!In mid-December, David and I bought our first home together and moved in to a very blank canvas.If I'm totally honest, the move all happened very quickly and we managed to secure a deal on a house that was much larger than we were expecting. We capitalised on the relatively slow market in our area and put in an offer that was much lower than the asking price.After many back and forth negotiations, we got the house - and in we moved.
5 White Lies We All Tell
Regardless of how honest, decent and trustworthy people we are, at times, it's very easy to bend the truth slightly and slip out a little white lie.Most of us learn through our parents, who may have told us that carrots made you see in the dark so we'd eat our vegetables, or that Father Christmas would reconsider our new bicycle if we misbehaved.White lies are an easy way out of a potential row, someone thinking slightly less of you, causing conflict or making a situation unpleasant.They keep the peace and as long as they're not used too frequently, are totally harmless and innocent.
I've Written A Book!
Yep, I can't quite believe I've just typed that - but all my Christmasses have come at once, my dreams have come true - I've written a book. A real life book with a cover, a spine and 60,000 words. Anyone who knows me personally will know that it's been my ultimate goal to publish a book. In fact, it was my very love for writing that originally inspired me to start this blog. And look at it now!
3 Unique Valentines Gift Ideas
Whether you're a V-Day grinch, a sucker for all things heart shaped or are getting ready to celebrate a Galentine's Day instead, I love the sentiment of having a specific day each year to remind ourselves that we should appreciate the special people in our lives.And if a balloon bundle, teddy and card is a bit too generic, you might be steering towards the handmade variety of gifts. I have to say - a hand-written note, card or meal is certainly a far more appreciated gesture in my books!But if you wanted to go that one step further and opt for a unique, handmade and personalised gift - then here's a couple of ideas!
7 Simple Hacks to Beating the Instagram Algorithm
The Instagram algorithm.Those three little words rattle around the blogosphere constantly and confuse even the most seasoned user of the photo sharing platform. Since Instagram launched in 2010, it has changed its newsfeed from a chronological format (where each post displays in time order) in favour of its infamous algorithm, which claims to organise users feeds based on what it thinks will be of interest.The premise of the algorithm is actually a pretty good idea. A personalised newsfeed of all the photos you'll probably like most, based on what type of content you tend you engage with, which profiles you spend the longest looking at and commenting on and what's popular with other users.
Ultimate Guide to Bournemouth
With 7 miles of gorgeous white sandy beaches, a vibrant nightlife and 2,000 acres of parks and gardens, Bournemouth certainly has a lot to offer on paper.However I still feel as though it's a hidden gem in terms of UK breaks and it's one that holds a rather special place in my heart.Because five years ago, I arrived in the coastal town as a nervous student, my belongings all packaged up in boxes, a new duvet set still in its wrappings and a place on Bournemouth University's prestigious Multimedia Journalism course.
How To Spend A Festive Day In London
London at Christmas time is simply unmissable in my opinion.The city goes all out with decorations, twinkling lights and spectacular festive displays.But if you've only got a day and want to experience a little bit of everything festive - Christmas markets, shopping for party outfits, incredible food and beautiful views, then you'll need to stick to just one area to save on travel time.And I've got just the place for you.
5 Things You Didn't Know About IBS
Digestive health.It's one of those slightly taboo topics that we always brush off as 'feeling sick' or 'stomach-ache', when in actuality, we're often referring to having spent the whole morning sitting on the toilet.Or not having gone in a week and consequently walking round with an inflated beachball in our intestines.I do appreciate why digestive health doesn't get the discussion it should. Because it's not exactly pleasant dinner party conversation. But if there was greater awareness and more of a dialogue surrounding the many issues we may suffer from in our lives that concern our digestion, then I don't think I'd have suffered in silence with my IBS symptoms for so long.
Is Instagram Content 'Art'?
Instagram started out with a relatively simple premise.A picture tells a thousand words, so why not have a social media site that communicates with photographs?In the humble beginnings of the platform, people would post grainy pictures of their breakfast (I partly blame the rubbish iPhone cameras at that point), nights out and maybe a new outfit they'd recently bought.Well, I am speaking from experience.But today, Instagram is a very different landscape.
How To Increase Your Productivity
Now I won't lie to you here and profess I'm the queen of productivity, because this is most definitely not the case.I procrastinate far too much and seem to have made a habit out of causing myself more stress by not using free hours to catch up on work and be productive. Instead I use them to watch YouTube videos and get lost in the minefield of Twitter.But hey, we all do it.
Ultimate Guide to: St Lucia
St Lucia is the Caribbean island synonymous with romance, crystal blue water and stunning mountainous backdrops - so when I mentioned to friends and family that I was heading there for a week of sun, sea and sand - there were plenty of excited responses.But it was only upon arrival onto the island, that I truly caught a glimpse of what was in store for us.The warm hospitality of the local people, the relaxed and carefree attitude that extends across the island and the breath-taking views around every corner.
5 Reasons You NEED To Stay At A Sandals Resort
Sandals is the brand synonymous with luxury, honeymoons and romance.So when I was invited on a group trip a couple of weeks ago, alongside fellow bloggers, I couldn't quite believe it.Little old me, who hadn't ever stayed in a hotel back before I started this blog, was being sent to stay at a five star luxury resort with all inclusive activities, food and fun.Er. Pinch me, please.
