November In Review

Hi, What a month, it's been so busy. I'd say this month had two very defined events which would be the Bonfire weekend and my trip to London last weekend. In between these two events I got some serious reading done and I'm now on track for my Goodreads challenge (I hope it stays that way).

Goals for November 8/10

• Give my car a check before Winter hits
  
• Read, read and do more reading
• Go to a bonfire
• Continue enjoying blogging
• Start planning for Christmas
• Eat Bonfire food
• Buy an Advent Calendar
• Plan a trip away
• Go to the cinemas
• Make my home cosy for Winter

Bonfire night this year was so much fun. I went to an organised bonfire and firework display which was great, the bonfire is so big you don't feel the cold. On the big night I had my family round and ate all the yummy food over our incinerator bin and set off some really tiny rockets, it was so fun. I planned a trip to London with my bestie to go see Young Frankenstein (which was very good, highly recommend) and while we were there we got tickets to see Phantom of the Opera. So I didn't go the cinema but I saw two London shows so I'm crossing that goal off.

I've had to de-ice my car so many times this month and the temperature has definitely dropped so I'm glad I've sorted out my car. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't do more blogging this month but I have been busy doing other things. I bought a Lindt Advent calendar which I can not wait to start opening tomorrow. After last year and my very bare Christmas tree I've gone a bit mad buying baubles. I haven't made much of an effort to change anything around the house but I think the house will be much more festive in the next few days!

What did you do this month?

Sam

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7 Tips To Get Your Car Winter Ready

Hi, If you read my goals for this month you'll know that I'm planning on sorting out my car before the winter weather really kicks in. Having a car and being able to drive yourself about is great but also comes with responsibilities. To make sure that you keep yourself and others safe, in the months to come, it makes sense to make preparations. Below are some tips and reminders so you can make sure you and your car is winter ready.

Tips To Get Your Car Winter Ready

Check Your Tires

During the winter months the roads can become dangerous if your cars tires aren’t up to scratch. Check the depth of your tires tread, make sure to replace worn out tires. In the UK the legal tire depth requirement is 1.6 millimetres on 3/4 of the most central part of the tires.

Under the Bonnet
Check your oil level and make sure that everything is topped up and add anti freeze where required.

Clear Your Car Before Driving

Whether your clearing misty windows or a nights down fall of snow, make sure your car is clear and you can see before setting off on a journey. Make sure all your windows, license plates, mirrors and lights are visible to other road users.

Stock up on Winter Supplies

Stock up on de-icer for those cold mornings when you need a quick solution. Get yourself a ice scrapper and other gadgets that will make the winter months more manageable.

Prepare for Emergencies

You can easily get stuck in traffic so make sure your phone has enough charge and a spare battery pack incase. During the winter months it’s a good idea to keep a blanket or warm clothing in your car. A drink and snacks are also a good idea.

Check the Weather Forecast

It might be fine when you leave for the day but checking the forecast gives you a heads up of that strong wind or heavy rain due for your evening commute. Knowing what’s ahead means you can prepare and make your journey safer.

Drive Carefully

Even with all of the checks and pre-planning your journey may well still be dangerous so be careful. When roads are wet braking time is increased so take it steady.

Do you have any tips to add?

Sam

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Why I Count Calories

Hi, Weight loss is a funny thing to blog about, you're so in danger of offending or giving bad advice. I debated writing this post but decided to write it from more of a personal prospective rather than self help. Just remember that everyone is different and what I personally find beneficial for myself may not be right for you.

Why I Count Calories

Why I Started Counting Calories
Simply I like to snack a lot and I'm not active at all, this combination means calories can quickly add up. I'd got to my heaviest of 9 stone 6 pounds which on my petite frame is heavy. I'd noticed all my favourite clothes being a lot tighter and was making a conscious decision to wear baggier clothing. My doctor even commented that I'd put on weight during my last visit.

My Weight Loss Goal and Progress
I figured this post is pointless without me sharing my personal experience of calorie counting. I've been counting calories daily since the start of July which is now about four months (I thought it was longer). In that time I've managed to lose a stone and I'm feeling so much happier about how I look and feel. My rate of weight loss works out at about a pound per week, the loss was totally down to what I've been eating as I've made no change to my activity levels.

How I Track My Calories
I use the MyFitnessPal app to count my calories. You set a target weight and a rate in which you want to lose the weight. I don't think it's the most scientific on calculating your daily goal but it's also based on your activity level. Once you've set everything up you then simply follow the target calories. You log your daily intake by scanning barcodes and looking up ingredients, it's really simple.

Why I Think It's A Positive Thing To Try
I know a lot of people are against calorie counting because of the idea of under eating and it's a valid point. I think it's only an issue though if your not learning to eat the right foods that are both filling, healthy and low calorie. You might loss weight if you stick to your goal and only eat junk food but you're going to be hungry and your body will lack the nutrients it needs. It's all about educating yourself about portion control and reassessing your diet long term.

What Have I Learnt

• Calorie counting doesn't mean restricting, it's about healthy swaps and planning ahead.
• Going over your target calories doesn't matter in the long run.
• It's not a quick fix, it's an educational process and a lifestyle choice/change.
• A kitchen scale and other measuring devises will become your best friends.
• You can still socialize and enjoy restaurant food.
• I like eating calories more than I enjoy drinking them (so much less alcohol).
• I'm so much more interested in cooking and trying new things.
  

I think there's a lot more I could say about calorie counting but I don't want to ramble. I've found it a helpful and positive experience and while I'm now going to increase my calorie intake to sustain my weight rather than lose it I'll continue to track my calories so I don't over indulge too often.

Please let me know what you think about calorie counting?

Sam

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Monthly Mini Goals | October

Hi, Long time no blog! so why the absence? Well first my computer broke and then well I fell out with blogging and gave myself a break. I can't say I had a digital detox because I've continued to read lots of blogs and been watching Youtube a little too much. I honestly wasn't sure if I wanted to come back to blogging but here I am giving it another go.

A Quick Catch Up
My last personal post was back at the start of June so in total it's been 122 days or 4 months since then, it's crazy how fast time goes by. I'll share the highlights from the last few months because I think it's nice to have posts to look back at as a diary.

June is so long ago now I can't think of anything that happened worth noting. July I went on holiday to Filey on the east coast of Britain for a few days to celebrate my boyfriends birthday. This was kind of the second reason I stopped blogging because it was time away from the screen and then I found it hard to come back. August was a weird month as we visited three churches in under two weeks. Once for a wedding (my cousin's which was lovely), a funeral of a distant relative and finally to witness the Christening of my Niece. Finally September the month we are just saying goodbye to was pretty chilled out. I went to see Mother! which is a crazy and mind scrambling film but very good, you just have to watch it with an open mind. I also went to my second wedding of the year for a couple we've been friends with for years and they did everything so for them it was perfect.

Goals for October

• Enjoy the change in the season
  
• Work on a DIY project
• List unwanted clothes on Ebay
• Read three books
• Eat less meat
• Share a recipe
• Get back into blogging
• Comment on lots of blogs
• Carve a Pumpkin
• Set a TBR list for the rest of the year

I haven't even talked about the fact it's now Autumn and Halloween is looming. Here's to blogging again and making the most of the month ahead. I felt that finally sitting down and writing one of my monthly goals posts would give the motivation to actually have another go at blogging and I'm looking forward to creating content, I always find the winter months easier to blog about.

Are you enjoying Autumn?

Sam

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Monthly Mini Goals | June

Hi, I think the weather has finally got to the point where you could consider it summer. June has the the longest day of the year so it must be summer now right? Well I'm trying to be more adventurous with my outfits to make the most of this lovely nice warm weather, but British weather is so unpredictable.

Goals for June

• Do a book unhaul
• Read four books
• Have a BBQ
• Do an outfit of the day post
• Enjoy the sunshine
• Do something to the house
• Make a cocktail
• Buy Paramores new album
• Share a recipe
• Plan a day out

I love fashion and it's something I'd love to blog about more but I'm really camera shy. I feel like I could take photos of an outfit without being too personal but that would be of someone else and I'm not sure my boyfriend has the eye for photography (but I haven't made him try so watch this space).

I have so many books I no longer need so I'm thinking an unhaul of books is a great way to make the most of having a clear out (inspired by Imogen's unhaul post). After last months slow reading and lack of time I need to up my reading and so I'm setting myself a four book target. I want to tidy up the garden some more (the grass needs cutting so badly). I'm thinking that a BBQ with homemade cocktails in the sun is a must this month.

I've been loving Paramores new album and I don't know why I haven't bought it yet so that needs putting right. With the better weather I would love to have a day out even if it's just a picnic at the local park.

Are you getting better weather? Any plans for the month ahead?

Sam

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May in Review

Hi, This month has flown by and I can't believe I'm already writing this post (I'm sure I say this every month). Time passing me by is reflected in my lack of posts this month, I just haven't had the time. I haven't done any reading either which means I've got some catching up to do but that's what days in the sun are for.

Goals for May 6/10

• Survive a hen party
• See Guardians of the Galaxy
• Post five times this month
• Cut down on my fizzy pop intake
• Get to 200 Pokemon on PokemonGo
• Start a DIY project
• Book a trip away
• Review my cruelty free progress
• Try something new
• Work on my Pinterest boards

I finally went to see the new Guardians of the Galaxy film, which was so good. It was a really good film and the story was very unexpected, I managed to avoid the spoilers. I don't think it was quite as good as the first one because that was such an unexpected favourite. I've been on a bit of a health kick this month and made a big effort to avoid fizzy pop and it was pretty easy to cut out. I've also been trying a lot of new healthy recipes. One of my favourites is a seafood noodle soup concoction I made, it tastes so good.

As mentioned above I've been a bad blogger and so I've failed two of my goals. I've not posted five times and I didn't review my cruelty free products but I'm still planning on doing this as soon as possible. I did however complete my PokemonGo goal of getting over 200 Pokemon, I'm now at 204, new Pokémon include Muk, Sunkern, Milktank, Clefa and Bayleef.

The highlight of the month was my weekend away in Newcastle for my cousins hen party, I'm happy to say it was a lot of fun. We went to it’s a knockout, had a cocktail making class, karaoke booth and partied the night away. A very busy and tiring weekend and then Huddersfield town A.F.C only went and won the match at wembley, putting the cherry on the top of the hen party weekend. I haven't book a trip away but I'm feeling good after this last weekend, it's been discussed about having a cheeky holiday in the sun with my sister.

How was your month, did you do anything new?

Sam

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7 Tips For Meal Planning

Hi, Do you ever get home from a long day at work and you have no idea what to cook or find the fridge is empty. Well today I'm talking about how much easier my life has been since taking a little time each week to plan meals. I plan my lunch/Tea for Monday-Friday, leaving the weekend open to spontaneity/takeaways.

Tips For Meal Planning

Bonuses of meal planning

• Meal structure can lead to a healthy rate of weight loss.
• Having a list will make shopping quicker.
• A weekly menu takes the stress out of cooking.
• Sticking to your list will stop spontaneous purchases, saving money and calories.
• Helps you use up left over foods or things coming close to there use by date.

How to plan a weeks worth of meals

Tip 1. For breakfast and lunch try to keep it simple. Buy ingredients that will work for a few meals, a 500ml carton of yogurt, to have with frozen berries, will last you the week.

Tip 2. To plan your weekly meals start by looking at what you already have. Meal planning makes it easier to use up meat from the freezer or veggies left over from the previous week. Using up ingredients you already have lowers your weekly food bill and reduces food waste.

Tip 3. Using any ingredient you have found, work out the meals you want to eat for the next five days. You don't have to have anything fancy just stick to the foods you know you'll look forward to eating, this will stop temptation to change your meal plans later in the week.

Tip 4. When buying fresh plan meals that will use ingredients that are usable over a few recipes. A good example would be eggs, you have to buy a minimum of 6 so plan to use them before their use by date.

Tip 5. Write all your ideas down in no order and then work out what sides you would have with your choices, to keep meals interesting try to have a mixture of rice, noodles, pasta, vegetables or bread as a side. Now work on your final meal order.

Tip 6. Once you have your meal ideas write a shopping list of all the ingredients you need. Sticking to the list will help to stop spontaneous purchases which will save you money and stop the temptation to buy that bar of chocolate.

Tip 7. Make your meal plan visible, write in out in a place you will see it, I have a black board for this very reason. Seeing your daily meal will remind you of any preparation required (like getting the meat out of the freezer).

When meal planning remember it's only five days and then you get to start again next week. Keeping a record of your weekly meal plans and rotating them makes the selection of meals even quicker.

Do you think you would meal plan?

Sam

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Monthly Mini Goals | May

Hi, Another month, another set of goals. With today being a bank holiday I'm trying my hardest to get ahead with blogging this month (emphasis on trying). I feel this month is going to be a busy one for meeting up with people and celebrating, also an expensive one. The weather is definitely on the warmer side and I want to make the most of it, I'd love to have my first BBQ of the season.

Goals for May

• Survive a hen party
• See Guardians of the Galaxy
• Post five times this month
• Cut down on my fizzy pop intake
• Get to 200 Pokemon on PokemonGo
• Start a DIY project
• Book a trip away
• Review my cruelty free progress
• Try something new
• Work on my Pinterest boards

At the end of the month I'm going to my cousins hen party weekend, we're off to Newcastle. I'm both looking forward to it and a bit scared (it's been a long time since I've been on a night out). I've never been on a hen do and I've got those classic images of willy straws and too much alcohol. I'm sure the experience will be full of new things but I want to set out and consciously do something new this month.

I'm really looking forward to seeing Guardians of the Galaxy and need to hurry up and get my butt to the cinemas. Are you still playing PokemonGo? I'm currently at 199 Pokemon in the Pokedex, I'm so close to 200. I'd also like to cut down on how much fizzy pop I drink, it's become a really bad habit.

From the perspective of blog goals I'd like to post at least five times (more would be nice). I'd also like to work on my Pinterest boards more (for DIY and home interior ideas) and somehow work it into an interesting blog post. I also really need to look at what I still need to change in my daily routine to be more cruelty free (would you like to see how I'm doing?).

Have you got any plans for the month ahead or tips for hen party's?

Sam

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April in Review

Hi, I started this month so well with posts and then life got in the way and it's been a bit quiet on the blog since. April has flown by and I don't feel like I've really achieved anything astounding this month but these posts are such a motivation boost.

Goals for April 7/10

• Buy some flowers/Plants
• Start decorating our living room
• Finish Pokémon Sun
• Have a day trip
• Go to the cinemas
• Start selling unwanted clothes
• Try a new hair style
• Finish three books to stay on target
• Drive somewhere new
• Try a new recipe

My love of playing PokemonGo (yes I'm still playing) inspired me to take my car on a little road trip to go stock up on Onix candies at a local nest point (I use The Silph Road to locate nests). It was the first time I've used a SatNav in my 7 years of driving and it was equal parts helpful and annoying, but an experience. Talking of Pokemon I finally sat down and finished the elite four on Pokemon Sun, now I'm back to working on my Pokedex.

I didn't do any decorating of the inside of the house but we did have a weekend of gardening which included cutting the grass and trimming the hedges (which we plan to remove asap). We also purchased some slate to cover some unsightly flower beds we don't want to maintain. I've bought some big planters and planted some low maintenance plants which I love.

For my day trip I jumped on a train and went to Manchester to see my friend from London. We had a fun day of shopping and cocktails which went by way too quickly. I used this day as a reason to try and do something new with my hair and decided to go for a half up half down look which I think looked really pretty.

I'm yet to start selling my clothing because I can't seem to find the time to take photos (must get this done!). I went to the cinemas and watched Beauty and the Beast for the second time and it was just as good as the first. I've not quite finished my third book of the month but I'm too close to not include it.

 How was your month, did you do anything new?

Sam

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10 Fun Things To Do Offline

Hi, This post is going to be the biggest contradiction because I’m technically suggesting you stop reading blog posts to go do something that doesn’t require the internet. I’ve got a selection of ideas for fun things that you could do that require neither the internet or a screen.

10 Fun Things To Do Offline

Go For A Walk
Get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and scenery. Use it as a reason to try that new coffee place or find a hidden wonderland in the great outdoors.

Do Some Baking
Get creative in the kitchen and you'll have something yummy to enjoy. Maybe pick a themed bake or test a new recipe.

Look Back At Photographs
It's always fun to have a look back down memory lane. Looking at your younger self is always a blast from the past.

Make A Scrap Book
Any excuse to buy all the pretty paper and decorative things to create something to show off. Use photos you've found while looking through the family albums.

Call Someone
Make some time to talk with someone and catch up on each others lives. Why not meet up face to face and turn your phone to airplane mode. 

Have A Bath
Preferably with lots of bubbles and brightly coloured water. Light some candles and create a relaxing space.

Read A Book
Multitask and read a book while in the bath or chill in your favourite reading place. Travel to a new world or get caught up in a mystery.

Colouring
There are so many colouring books that you're bound to find one you love. Reverting back to simple pleasures is one of the funnest things to do. 

Learn A New Skill
Learn an instrument or start a new hobby. Crafts are a great way to spend time offline and you can even end up with gifts or home ware when your projects are complete. 

Play A Board Game
Everyone has a favourite board game, dust it off and spend an afternoon pretending you're having a power cut.

What's your favourite thing to do offline?

Sam

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10 Saving Tips From A Lifetime Saver

Hi, I’ve always saved my money. I don’t know why but from a young age when I started getting money for my birthday I might have bought something small but the rest would go into my saving account. I should really thank my parents for setting me up a saving account in the first place. I have a thing for watching the numbers grow higher and higher, I get way more pleasure from that than spending it. I spend money, I'm just picky about what I spend my money on and I'm always looking for a bargain.

10 Tips For Saving Money

Get A Savings Account

Online banking makes saving so easy. Open up an account and simply move any money left over at the end of the month, this is a great way to build savings.

Budget

With bills and rent it can be quite easy to find your money disappearing. In order to save you need to budget your money to allow for there to be something left at the end of the month to put away.

Set Saving Goals

Motivation is the key to saving, having a goal amount and setting a time limit will help you reach your saving goals. You could use a visual saving chart to watch your money grow.

Have a Loose Change Tin

Having a special place to store cash is great as you'll appreciate and associate the physical act of saving as a positive action. The tin should preferably be one that you can't dip into easily.

Pay With Cash In Store

This is a great tip to stick to a budget while out shopping, by withdrawing your spending budget for the trip and having to physically hand over money you'll make better choices about your spending.

Always Look For Discounts

If you are making a purchase no matter how big or small always do a voucher check. I always check for in store vouchers if I know I'm heading on a shopping trip. Alternatively a quick look online normally reveals a code for shopping online even if it's only a free postage code it's still money saved.

Do You Need It?

One of my key saving tips is to think about a purchase and decide if you really need that item. Chances are you've got something very similar at home already. If you decide you must have it that's fine but make sure you are getting the best price possible.

Pay Outright

Anything that incurs a fee for paying in monthly installments I have always payed in full so I don't have to pay the added interest. When you look at something like car insurance this makes quite a big difference.

Bulk Buy On Offers

Buying expensive items like shampoo while they're on great deals saves lots of money in the long run. If something is half price I buy double the amount of product so it will last me twice as long. 

Use Store Loyalty Cards
Delay shopping for some items until you can get money back via bonus on loyalty cards. Around Christmas is a good time because you'll likely need to spend the money anyway but you can build rewards and get money back to spend at a later date.

I hope these tips are helpful and have inspired you to maybe set a saving goal. Small changes to your spending will all add up before you know it.

Do you enjoy saving? Do you have any tips you would add?

Sam

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Monthly Mini Goals | April

Hi, We’re already into the fourth month of the year scary. I’m not complaining though because the weather seems to finally be getting a little warmer and it’s filling me with motivation to get some home renovations underway. I don’t have anything planned for the month ahead but I’m sure life will end up being busy.

Goals for April

• Buy some flowers/Plants
• Start decorating our living room
• Finish Pokémon Sun
• Have a day trip
• Go to the cinemas
• Start selling unwanted clothes
• Try a new hair style
• Finish three books to stay on target
• Drive somewhere new
• Try a new recipe

I think April needs to be the month we finally get our home renovation underway as we’ve now been home owners since September and not much has changed. By accident the outside of the house has taken priority but the changes we’ve made have made the house so much more usable.

I hate driving, I don’t mind doing the everyday commute to work because it’s a route I know well but the second I have to deviate I get so much anxiety. I want to push myself to get over this by going a different route every now and again and to try and drive to more new places. I want April to be a month of trying new things so I’d like to find a seasonal recipe and try some styles my hair because I’m so lazy with it.

I love having something to look forward to and at the moment I don’t have anything planned so I need to fix this. I’m going to start by organising a day out somewhere local and then looking into a little holiday for later in the year.

Have a great month, have you got anything planned?

Sam

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March In Review

Hi, Wow March was a busy month. With both my birthday and Mother’s day there’s been lots to celebrate and time has just run away with me when it comes to blogging. I love these monthly posts because it makes me look back and reflect on all the good things that have happened and I realise just how much I’ve done.

Goals for March 6 /10

• Enjoy my birthday
• Eat sushi
• Do something creative
• Enjoy blogging
• Spend more time outdoors
• Sell some of my unwanted things
• Learn a new skill
• Have an internet free day
• Plan something to look forward too
• Catch a party Pikachu on Pokémon Go

The month started with my Birthday rolling around and me turning 28, which is a little scary. I spent two days in York enjoying eating and drinking too much to celebrate. We discovered a new bar called ‘The Stone Roses’ which is now our favourite and we’ll be heading back next time we’re in York.

My friend is a Disney fanatic so he prebooked Beauty and the Beast tickets ages ago for us to see the film on release day. I loved every minute of it and even though you know the story I was captivated right until the very end, I don’t have a bad word to say about it. We had lunch at Zizzi’s where I got the most delicious pizza.

Last weekend me, the sis and our mum headed into Leeds for a day of girly fun. We started on the Prosecco a little too early but had an awesome day enjoying the sun and doing a little shopping. I picked up a few bits from Lush that I can’t wait to try.

For the month ahead I need to look into Ebay and start selling my old clothes. I also need to start a creative project and I’ve got a whole house that needs decorating so I’m going to be kept busy.

Have you seen Beauty and the Beast yet? Anything fun happen this month?

Sam 

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5 Tips For Stopping Nail Biting

Hi, Today I’m talking about my bad habit of nail biting and how I plan to stop it for good. I love nail polish and I’d love to have long elegant nails I can paint in all the colours of the rainbow but unfortunately my nails are gross and I prefer not to draw attention to them. I don’t think I have the best nail bed shape to begin with so I don’t think my nails will ever be perfect but I’m going to challenge myself to grow them.

Tips for Stopping Nail Biting

Stopping The Action
Nail biting is a habit and with me an unconscious one, I bite my nails while I’m watching films or generally not paying full attention to my actions. The key to stopping a habit is recognizing it and actively making an effort to alter your behavior surrounding the trigger. Once you’ve made some progress the reward of longer nails should spur you on to continue with your new good behavior.

Deterrents
If you require a further reminder to not bite your nails why not invest in some of the nail polish with the deterring taste. Alternatively you can wear a pair of cotton gloves. This one might sound strange but you won't bite your nails after a few times of getting fluff in your mouth.

Strengthen Nails
Once you’ve mastered stopping nail biting you need to give your nails a helping hand with growing strong so they can stay nice and long. This can be done with products and with a healthy diet. Using a clear strengthening polish is a great way to support nail growth and may aid in stopping the nail biting. Nails are made up of keratin which the human body produces, by eating healthy foods you can boost the production of keratin.

Work Towards A Goal
I’m sure a lot of people set out to grow their nails for weddings etc. I’m going to set a target date and photograph my nail growth to record how well (or badly) I do with my challenge and I’ll report back with my progress. I’d love to have long nails by the time I go on a hen do in May, a few months should do it.

Reward Yourself
The biggest reward will be your new long nails but there's no harm in buying a little treat to make the most of your good efforts. Buy a new nail polish or something which compliments your hard work.

So there are my tips for stopping nail biting, wish me luck because I am going to need it. I'm looking forward to all the pretty nail polishes I can wear during the summer.

Are you a nail biter?
Sam

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8 Packing Tips For A City Break

Hi, I've booked me and the boyfriend a night away in York I wanted to share with you my packing tips. We will be heading to York via public transport so we will have to carry our luggage most of the time until we finally arrive at our hotel. I plan on taking a small rucksack which I will be using over the weekend because they're so spacious and more comfortable to wear.

Packing Tips For A City Break

Make a list
I always start packing by making a list of everything I need to pack. This allows for planning and eliminates the chance of forgetting anything important. I always pack things like train tickets first.

Check out the weather
Pack for the weather and climate of the place you are traveling to not where you are leaving.

Be Strict
I'm the worst at packing for wearing clothing in the future, I never know what I'll want to wear and then I want to pack everything. If like me you pack too much you'll regret the weight later. Work out exactly how much you need and then plan your outfits.

Choose the Best Bag For the Job
I'm taking a rucksack on this journey but depending on how you're traveling or how long you're traveling for a bigger or more mobile bag might be a better option. 

Day to Night
A good tip for space saving is to try and wear outfits that are transitional between day and night with only a few changes like jewellery or footwear. 

Wear Comfy Footwear
Generally when I'm traveling or know I'm going to be carrying extra weight I think it's really important to protect my feet by wearing comfy footwear. I personally live in Dr Martens which are so supportive to feet when worn for a long time, plus really fashionable.

Pack Light Items
You'll be lugging all this stuff around so pack as light as possible. I think dresses are a great option because it's a one piece outfit.

Take Travel Sized
Another way to reduce the weight of your bag is to take travel sized cosmetics or if you're only staying one night forgo them as much as possible and take advantage of what's available at your hotel.

I hope these tips are helpful as starting points for when you're trying to pack. I think these tips become more helpful when you are traveling for a longer time and a further distance but are still really relevant.

Have a great day!

Sam

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Monthly Mini Goals | March

Hi, It's march the best month of the year! Only joking it just happens to be my birthday month and the time of year that nature starts to wake up from it's winter slumber so I can't help but like it a lot. I'm looking forward to all the blossom trees flowering as it's just so pretty.

Goals for March

• Enjoy my birthday
• Eat sushi
• Do something creative
• Enjoy blogging
• Spend more time outdoors
• Sell some of my unwanted things
• Learn a new skill
• Have an internet free day
• Plan something to look forward too
• Catch a party Pikachu on Pokemon Go

It's my birthday on Monday so I will be enjoying cake and maybe a few too many drinks. I've got a little trip to York booked and I can't wait to go and visit the beautiful city again. Just hoping the weather perks up a bit and we at least get some warmer temperatures so we don't freeze while we are there. I've got Yo!Sushi planned for my birthday celebrations and will be making the most of the blue Monday menu.

I want to spend more time outdoors and for me trying to catch a party Pikachu is the perfect reason to spend some time finding new places to explore. After my big tidy up I've got a lot of clothes which I need to sell but require the motivation to set it all up, need to think about the money.

I want to create something and I'm thinking some sort of home decor would be really fun and if it works out I might even share it on here. With this I might need to learn a new skill or I will make myself learn something new. This would be the perfect distraction to keep me away from the internet for 24 hours.

Have a great month!

Sam 

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February In Review

Hi, When I sat down to write this post I thought I'd done really badly with my monthly goals turns out I didn't do too bad. Blogging on the other hand was a bit of a failure this month but I expected as much. I'm glad February is over as it means we are closer to spring time, I love that it's still light when I leave work now. I'm making the most of all the Daffodils in the shops as I've got a few vases full dotted around the house already.

Goals for February 8/10

• Watch three films
• Read three books
• Start a decor mood board for my living room
• Remember to make pancakes
• Do at least five blog posts this month
• Have a massive tidy up
• Do something nice for someone
• Try a new recipe
• Save some money
• Do something new that scares me

This month I watched Nerve (which was so different from the book), The original Westworld film which the series is based on and Allegiant the third film in the Divergent series. I've managed to start reading a third book this month so I'm going to give myself that goal, reviews will be live in a few days. I tried a new recipe and did something nice by inviting my parents round to try it.

Today is pancake day and I had pancakes for breakfast, I always have lemon juice with sugar on mine. Last weekend I finally had the massive tidy up I've been putting off and our bedroom has been reclaimed from being a dumping ground for stuff, I found lots of things I'd misplaced.

The most exciting thing I did this month and something that really did scare me was going Go Karting. I came last in every race because everyone I was with was an utter speed freak but I still had a lot of fun. I did get a fastest lap up on the leader board of the day when some of my fellow racers didn't so I didn't drive that slowly.

This month has been a blast! What are you having on your pancakes today?

Sam 

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Pros and Cons of Blogging

Hi, I’ve been having a bit of a blogging blip and haven’t posted all month. I feel very guilty about this and my blog has never been far from my mind. It’s amazing how fast a couple of weeks can slip by. While I’ve not been very active online I’ve been trying to get my act together behind the scenes so I’m at least a little ahead and I plan to make March a much more active month. I don't have any intention of giving up blogging any time soon but I put together a list of pros and cons about blogging to weigh up if it's worth stressing over.

Pros and Cons of Blogging

Pros

It’s a very creative outlet
Blogging as a hobby is a great way to keep creative, the constant need for ideas and putting together of posts fulfills my creative side.

Get to connect with lovely like minded people
The blogging community is a really lovely one and friendships are waiting to be made.

It’s inspiring and motivational
Reading other blogs is so inspiring and blogging gives me motivation to do more.

Pushes me to make more of my time
Blogging requires content so I try to make the most of my time to actually have something to talk about, since starting blogging I read so much more.

Can be heard by a large audience
If you have something your passionate about you can openly talk about it and educate others.

Looks great on a CV
Blogging shows that you have a wide skill set that in most cases are really relevant to working roles.

Cons

Hard work
Blogging is without a doubt a huge commitment, it takes up a lot of time and requires a lot of effort. 

Living life online can be an invasion
This varies depending on how much you put online but blogging can be an invasion on the boundaries of offline and online life. 

Requires constant attention
Blogging is never ending, but you're entitled to set your own seclude and take holidays. If your not writing a post your planning them or promoting them.

Unpopular opinions
You can't always say what you think because you might get a backlash of negativity but sometimes it's worth the risk. 

Popularity contest, number counting
While people might deny it blogging is a bit of a popularity contest and you can't help but feel bad when someone unfollows.

Overall I think the pros outweigh the cons and that is the reason that while blogging can be hard and frustrating at times it’s not a hobby I would stop any time soon. It's important to do whats right for you and work to your own goals and no one else's.

Have you been feeling conflicted about blogging?
Sam

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Monthly Mini Goals | February

Hi, The beginning of February is going to be busy for me so hopefully I'll get some posts scheduled but I somewhat doubt it. I'm going to be working at a trade show with my full time job and I'm a little worried about the whole getting the train all the way there on my own but I've done it before so I'll be fine.

Goals for February

• Watch three films
• Read three books
• Start a decor mood board for my living room
• Remember to make pancakes
• Do at least five blog posts this month
• Have a massive tidy up
• Do something nice for someone
• Try a new recipe
• Save some money
• Do something new that scares me

Other than the work trip I have no real plans for this month but I'm sure things will happen that are unexpected and exciting. I want to have a tidy up of all the clothes because I just have too many. Might be a case of waiting until it warms up a little and then reviewing what I have for the new season and get rid of all the worn out things.

Seasonal goals include remembering to make pancakes on pancake day (Tuesday 28th) and to do something nice for someone to reflect that it's valentines (and it won't be the bf). I've got into watching films again and I'd like to make sure I'm watching as many films as possible this year.

Have you got any exciting plans for the month ahead?

Sam 

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January In Review

Hi, Time to look back at the goals I set back at the beginning of the month. I haven't looked back at my goals since I wrote them which honestly means I was destined to fail. How can you work on a goal you don't remember, main thing to remember for next month I guess. It's been a busy month for me for no real reason other than I've been making the most of my time or fallen into some sort of routine that just consumes it.

Goals for January 5/10

• Learn to used and love the bullet journal
• Make a step towards some home renovation
• Do something different
• Lose the Christmas weight I've gained
• Start planning for my Birthday
• Look for a challenge to take part in
• Go for a walk
• Invite my parents round for a meal
• Make sure I have at least one pamper night
• Have some screen free time

So while I might not have completed many of my goals I still got loads of things done this month which at least leaves me feeling somewhat satisfied. I think the best thing I've done this month was getting my birthday trip to York booked so I've got something to look forward to in the near future.

The bullet journal is a work in progress, I love the system and how easy it is to keep track of things but I've been so precious about it rather than just making a mess and using it to it's full potential, I'm working on it. I've also used the system at work to track my tasks and it's made a world of difference.
I've printed off an A4 with a box for everyday of the working week and a box for future tasks and a watch out for section.

Home renovation came in the form of finally getting our driveway done so we have somewhere to park the cars off road. This was something we where waiting to get done but sadly our car was broken into and burnt out so you know we wanted to take the temptation away with the new car. I can honestly say we are feeling the pitch this month as it has been a very expensive one.

I've made a real effort to give myself screen free time this month (which is partly why I haven't blogged so much). I've got loads of reading done which is good and I've had time to have a few extra relaxing baths and spend a few nights at the cinema (I've seen Passengers, Rouge One and La La Land).

I've realised that I really need to go outdoors more, I blame the cold weather. I really love going for walks but I just don't have the motivation to actually leave the house in the first place at the moment, roll on spring. I haven't really been trying to lose weight but I'm more inspired to start getting back into eating healthier meals by batch cooking.

Did you have a good month? What films do you recommend I see next?

Sam

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