Saving Money to Travel

Saving Money to Travel

Sunday, 5 November 2017

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Money is the number one thing which puts people off travelling, not having enough, travel costs too much. It's all spending and no earning. It can be daunting leaving with a certain amount, and knowing that it has to last you x amount of time. No one wants to end up not doing things because they don't have enough money, so here are my top tips for saving money to travel.

Prioritise.

If travel is your priority, you will stop spending money on other things. You will save everything you can in order to travel. This is the trick, trust me it works. I used to spend every single penny I earnt on makeup, and petrol money. As soon as I found out that I was coming to Australia, I didn't buy a single makeup product, I just saved everything I could and it adds up so quickly.

Cut Back.

Similar to prioritising, cutting back on unnecessary luxuries will save you much more than your imagining. Buy own brand instead of branded, especially when it comes to food and daily essentials where the difference is minimal but the savings are massive. Having unnecessary beauty treatments, magazine subscriptions, daily coffees add up so fast so save these for special treats or presents from other people rather than a regular thing.

Hidden Savings.

If you can see the money you are very aware you have, the temptation to spend it is increased however if it is out of sight, it is also out of mind. Now I am not suggesting squirrelling away money in various hidden places hoping that you'll remember where you put it in months to come, but setting up a savings accounts separates money to spend from money being saved. If you have zero self control even setting up a completely separate bank account, which you simply just put money into. Don't take the card out with you ever, don't set up any kind of access to that account other than physically having to take the card and type in the pin. If you work at a job where you get paid cash in hand, buy one of those jars which you can't open until you smash it. This eliminates any risk of spending the cash before it actually reaches your bank account.

Sell.

Something which I should of done more of before I left, but I will be doing when I get back for sure. Have a clear out of your wardrobe, sell anything worth something and take the rest to a charity shop. I'm going to be selling heaps of makeup when I get home, because I have way too much. If your travelling for a long time you will soon realise how much stuff you just have at home, but don't really need. Depop, blog sales and eBay are all good ways. Getting up early and making the most of your nearest car boot sale.

Goals.

Giving yourself something to aim for, a goal will make it so much to easier to save because you can see how far you've come and how far you've got to go. While planning your trip, you'll work out pretty early on how much you think it will cost. Aim for what you expect it'll cost, plus a bit more as a buffer.

Start saving, and you'll be on your way in no time. Loads more posts coming soon on saving money while travelling, travelling on a budget and getting the most for your money!

Updating Your Wardrobe for Autumn/ Winter

Updating Your Wardrobe for Autumn/ Winter

Thursday, 19 October 2017

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I hate to admit it but it officially feels like summer is over. And as much as I hate this phrase it is officially sweater weather. I have been updating my wardrobe accordingly, especially because I haven't had a proper winter in over a year I was seriously lacking when it came to appropriate clothes for the weather. In this post I am going to share with you my staples for Autumn/ Winter and share some of my favourites.

Jumpers

Probably a little obvious, but I have been loving all the jumpers I have been seeing in the shops at the moment. Zara and Topshop have some fab ones. I think its important, although sounds a bit excessive to ensure you have jumpers of varying warmth, some thicker jumpers for the very cold days but also lighter options which you can layer with jackets and scarves etc.

Jeans

A staple in my wardrobe all year round but in the colder months I find myself wearing them the entire time. I am still loving detailed jeans, with embellishment, interesting hems etc. My wardrobe is usually quite simple so to add something that makes a subtle statement, makes it really easy to change things up. I also tend to lean towards black or grey jeans, but a bright colour or lighter pair of jeans are a great way to change up your wardrobe despite it being colder.

Boots

I am still on the hunt for my perfect pair of boots, but I think a simple pair of black or brown boots should be a staple in everybody's wardrobe. I know I am more of a trainer person but during the winter I love the look of boots, jeans and a jumper plus it keeps you nice and warm. Comfort is key with these things hence why it is taking me so long to find my perfect pair, but fingers crossed I will do soon.

Statement Jewellery
I have touched on my obsession with statement jewellery in the past, especially earrings. I find that in the winter my style gets even more simpler than usual, and by adding some fun or different earrings it can completely switch up a look. A jumper and jeans may not look too fancy, but adding some beautiful statement jewellery can add a whole new dimension and also be the focus of the entire look.

Scarves
How is it winter without a few additions of chunky scarves to your wardrobes, they double up as a mini blanket and can be properly wrapped around you for extra warmth. I love the scarves with zara and topshop always do, but am going to be looking for some more brightly coloured scarves this season to compliment my slightly more simpler colour tones in my wardrobe.

Lounge Wear
Lets be honest we are talking about the stylish side of dressing for the weather however the majority of the time I will be found in my slippers, or pyjamas, or trackies or some other variation of very warm and unflattering clothing. There are so many nice pieces of lounge wear out there, very much worth investing it as your going to be wearing it for the majority of the time.

Remember that you can scroll on all the product widgets, there are loads more products I have picked out!

What are you staple items in your wardrobe for this Autumn/ Winter?

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks

Monday, 16 October 2017

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Kat Von D became readily available in the UK when Debenhams starting stocking the brand over a year ago. I have had my eye on the liquid lipsticks for a long time but didn't want to buy any till I could go to a counter and actually try the shades on for myself. I went to the store in Brighton, and had the best service from a lovely girl who I could of chatted to for hours about all things makeup, she was very happy to let me try loads of the products which resulted in a massive haul (you can see that here).

Lolita and Ludwig were the shades I decided on after much deliberation, I knew I wanted a true nude and the liquid lipsticks do look different on the lips, when they have set than in the tube and this is why I am so glad I tried them on, rather than just guessing online.

The pigmentation of these lipsticks are insane, with a velvety creamy texture that makes it so easy to apply, feels very lightweight and you only need a small amount of product to leave a completely matte full coverage colour on your lips. The key with the application is to not rub your lips together until the product has set, this is the key to getting maximum wear out of the 24 hour technology.

Ludwig is my favourite everyday nude, I could wear this everyday and know that it would go with the eye look or outfit, finally my perfect nude. It's a nude fawn shade, compliments my skin tone and has enough colour to it that it adds something without being too bold.

Lolita is one of her classic shades, a deep rose toned nude. Ideal for Autumn/ Winter as it is slightly on the darker side. But this does look beautiful with a fuller face of makeup, or as a statement lip to go along with a simpler look.

Despite restraining myself and picking up only two shades which I knew I would get a lot of wear out of, I am now tempted to get more of the bolder, brighter shades now I know that I love the formula.

What is your favourite product from Kat Von D?

The Worst Parts of Solo Travel

The Worst Parts of Solo Travel

Thursday, 12 October 2017

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I have spoken a lot about solo travel on my blog, I promote it in fact as I truly believe the fact you don't have someone to go with shouldn't mean that you don't go at all. I love this post that I wrote here, all about Ways Solo Travel Changed me- go have a read and hopefully you'll be inspired. However in this post, I am covering the negatives of solo travel, because as with everything there are some. I feel its better to prepared and aware of them, rather than letting them shock you as they begin to happen. I still think that the positives outweigh the negatives, so do not let this put you off!

1. Photos.
Photos as a solo traveller are tricker than when you travelling with others, however not in any stretch of the imagination impossible. Sometimes its nice to have photos featuring yourself, rather than endless landscape, food and building photos as nice as they may be. The obviously solution is to ask a stranger, invest in a selfie stick or tripod depending on how serious you are. People are usually very willing to help.
Top Tip: If your in a particular busy area where you have lots of people to choose from, wait till you spot someone who appears to know what they are doing- higher chance of a nicer photo for yourself!

2. Eating Alone.
Eating alone is a skill which everyone has to master, and it isn't that bad. Nobody cares about what you are doing, they are too busy worrying about their own food. But asking for a table for one can be daunting, but people do it all the time and you won't be the first or the last. It may be daunting, but do it with confidence and no one will bat an eyelid.
Top Tip: Take a kindle, or a book with you for some entertainment when your eating and waiting. I love sitting outside when I am on my own, watching the world go by. Or keep an eye out for places with communal eating, or big tables where you don't feel at all out place eating on your own.

3. Added Cost.
As much as you may be on a budget, travelling solo is a little bit more expensive. You can't split the costs of things such as transport, accommodation if your staying in Air B&B's, food. Often travel companies offer deals for groups or pairs which you may miss out on, these costs may be small but it is a disadvantage.
Top Tip: In terms of tours, ask around if anyone else is solo and see if you can pair up and grab the deals.

4. Memories.
You have no one to share those memories with, to look back on. As much as friends and family are interested, it is nice to be able to share something with someone who really understands because they were really there. Take loads of photos, write a diary, make sure you keep them so you can enjoy them yourself.

5.Lonliness.
Maybe the most obvious one, but you do get lonely even when surrounded by people. When everyone begins as a stranger, and you just want some familiarity you do feel lonely. Something which is hard to avoid but inevitable so be prepared for it.

6. It's you and only you.
When things are going great, it was you alone which is the best feeling. When things aren't going quite as well, it is also you and only you who is going to have to handle it, solve it and deal with it. When your feeling rubbish, things aren't going as planned and theres no one there to help you out, or even just as a friendly face it just makes it that much worse. However times like this are rare, things go wrong, you deal with it and believe me you will solve the problem and then you can see just how much you can achieve.

Overall, these are small things to be aware of but don't let them put you off. There are way more reasons why I love solo travel, I strongly encourage everyone to do it and plan to continue my solo travel adventures. The point of this post wasn't to stop anyone from solo travelling, but purely to make you aware of the downsides so they aren't unexpected and you can prepare yourself for them, think of solutions and not let anything throw you off.

The Best Brunch In Bondi

The Best Brunch In Bondi

Tuesday, 3 October 2017

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I could eat Brunch for every meal, and brunch is big in Australia so today I am brining you the low down on the best spots to get brunch in Bondi, Sydney. From my personal experience, friends experiences, reviews, hours of looking at menus and checking these places out, any excuse for Brunch.

Bondi Hardware

Amazing for brunch but will also highly recommend going for lunch or dinner and enjoying their incredible cocktails along with the food. On our visit for brunch I opted for Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon, which was incredible. Brunch is only available on the weekends, and we went late morning and it was surprisingly not that busy at all. The only downside of this spot is that you don't look out onto the beach. Have a look at their menu here.

Lox Stock and Barrel
Everyone raves about this brunch spot, and for good reason too. They do in fact serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Producing delicious, beautiful food which you want to eat, making it very hard to choose from their menu. The brioche french toast is incredible.

Trio Cafe

Despite many recommendations, I never managed to eat at Trio but it will be on my list for my return. They serve anything from Porridge to Breakfast Burritos, with their dishes inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. The Mediterranean Breakfast sounds dreamy, and the perfect twist on a classic full english. Check out their complete menu here.

Speedos

Get yourself down to this place, it is always packed on the weekend so make sure you pick your time wisely and head down prepared for a short wait if you go at a popular time, however this is for good reason so do not let it put you off. I actually went here on one of my last days in Sydney, and had the most delicious brunch. The menu is incredible, offering eat in and take away, any coffee imaginable with a mix of classic dishes and some more alternative ones, as well as some delicious looking sweet treats (like the doughnuts below). I just love the overall vibe of this place, perfect for going with friends or eating alone. I went for the Lifesaver, poached eggs, smoked salmon, avocado, delicious turkish bread what more could you ask for. Check out their menu here.

Porch and Parlour
The food here is presented beautifully, and of course is just as delicious as it looks. Their dishes are very original, and more meals than a light breakfast snack so ideal for brunch. They sell things such as porridge if your after something more classic but if you want to try something different the rainbow salad sounds delicious. The green breaky bowl is incredible, and the perfect start to the day. It is a walk in kinda place so just head down and grab a table. Check out their full menu here.

What is your favourite dish on the menu for brunch?

High End Beauty Haul

High End Beauty Haul

Friday, 29 September 2017

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So it's fair to say I have no self control, but in my defence I haven't brought makeup for about a year and a half, not like this. I had the best time browsing the Debenham's beauty hall, chatting to all the artists and looking at all the new releases. It was the first time I had seen a Kat Von D counter in person in the UK, and how could I not pick up a few items along with a couple of other items I have had my eye on. Once trying, swatching, testing everything in sight!

Kat Von D has the most amazing range of high quality products, it makes it impossible to choose hence why I walked away with so much. The first thing which caught my eye and I haven't heard much about is the Lock It Setting Powder, with Micro Blurring Technology to blur pores, lock down makeup and leave your complexion looking flawless, with a translucent undetectable shade to suit everyone.
Probably most famous are the Liquid Lipsticks, and after trying so many on while hunting for my perfect nude lip I decided on two Lolita and Ludwig both nude shades, which I have been wearing daily with beautiful pigmentation which feels velvety soft on your lips despite drying completely matte and lasting all day.
The Lock It Colour Correcting Primer is another product which I haven't heard much about, but Kat Von D products are made to last and I know this will stay put all day, and keep my eyeshadows in place all day while neutralising my eyelid and creating the perfect base.

Moving onto eyeshadow, Kat Von D's eyeshadow blends like a dream, has an unreliable amount of pigmentation I literally want to own them all. Initially attracted to the quads I brought Plum and Rust to add to my collection, and with these along with the Shade and Light Eye Palette I think I have all basis covered.
The Metal Crush Eyeshadows are UNREAL, the pigmentation is insane with so much shimmer and the colours I literally want to own them all. I picked up Thunderstruck, a pearl shade with a gold undertone which can also be used as a face highlighter. Doce is a metallic copper, perfect for Autumn and Winter and something I know I am going to get so much wear out of.

Lastly the two items which I picked up not from Kat Von D were in fact what I originally went in to get, the Benefit Brightening Concealer which is the revamped version of the original Erase Paste. When this was applied to me on the counter I just loved how amazing it was to blend, without looking cakey but still offering the coverage and brightening qualities that I was looking for.

Illamasqua released their Beyond Powders and I could not wait to get my hands on them, I already want another shade which is slightly lighter for the winter months but I love this slightly warmer shade Epic while I still have a vague tan. I can't wait to test this out more.

I won't need to buy anymore makeup for another fair few months while I test all of these products out, and of course I will be sharing my impressions with you so make sure you check back for them.