22 Days in Europe

So today's the day. I'm currently sat in the airport, doing the usual holiday-maker thing of spending money in duty free, stocking up on snacks and buying enough magazines for the whole plane to read. But this isn't going to be like the usual holiday. Instead I'm going on this trip with the hope that it will change and develop me in a positive way, provide me with a new outlook and give me some stories and adventures to learn from and look back on.

My next 3 weeks consists of:

Amsterdam

Berlin

Prague

Budapest

Vienna

Slovenia

Croatia

I think I'm also going to take this time to break from social media and the internet. Give myself a re-fresh and re-charge from the norm. I think that could be good for everyone to do once in a while. The only exception is that I may post a few snaps on Instagram from each country, but only as a source of logging pictures ready for the blog posts! Plus it also ensures I have a bank of pictures if my phone/camera were to get lost. But aside from that, I will be 'social media free' for the next few weeks; an added challenge/change.

...I think its time to start my book..

Love, B 

Out of the Comfort Zone

I honestly don’t know where the past few months have gone. It's all been such a whirlwind. It’s kind of scary, but exciting at the same time because, as cliche as it sounds, I’ve had the real feeling that ‘the world is my oyster’ since completing my degree last month. This is very poignant as I am soon to begin my travels around Europe.

This trip has been in the pipeline for a long time, having been mentioned and debated here and there for over a year. Then it was decided around September last year to start considering it more seriously. This summer seemed like no better time, what with finishing Uni and all, this trip is the perfect chance to celebrate, relax and do something different before embarking upon the 'real world' of work. I'm sure this trip will give me the travel bug, as travelling seems to do that to everyone. So hopefully in the not too distant future I will have other opportunities to see other parts of the world too. But starting with a 3 week journey around Europe seems perfect for now. I also thought, why go so far when there are all these countries right on my doorstep that I've never been to!?

Me being me, I need organisation and I need to plan. So although a degree of spontaneity has been left for when we arrive in each country, the flights, tickets and accommodation have all been booked in advance. Although there must be something intriguing about just arriving in a foreign country without a clue of where to stay and what to do, I decided I would rather know the ‘where to stay’ bit, and just leave the ‘what to do’ for on arrival at each place. I hope that after this trip I will be brave enough to just rock up to a new place, but baby steps!

This past week has been about last minute purchases and piling everything up ready to pack. Not having things laid out neatly in the suitcase, ready to be hung up and displayed nicely in a wardrobe was a distressing thought to begin with... But I’m getting used to the idea of living out a rucksack for 3 weeks. I think it’s only natural to feel a little anxious about this sort of trip, but the nerves are turning into excitement now, especially when the tickets finally arrived the other day!

22 days. 7 countries. 1 large backpack. ‘Challenging’ is an understatement. Although I’m not jet-setting around the world for 6 months, cramming 7 countries into 3 weeks is still testing as it's not like anything I've done before. It’s safe to say this trip is pushing me outside my comfort zone – but that’s exactly why I want to do it, and I can’t wait to see what it holds. I’ve been very lucky in the holidays I’ve had, and as amazing as they've all been, I feel it's time for a change; time to do something that will inspire and develop me a bit more than the usual trip abroad.

Check back on Tuesday where I'll be posting a bit more before leaving for the trip!

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Mixing Stress and Fun

Are you having the time of your life? Pun: wholly intentional! But seriously, are you? It's a question we all hope we would instinctively say 'Yes' to. 'Yes, I am having the time of my life.' But whether we actually are is something else entirely, and it's a challenge to feel like you are all of the time.

Sometimes I think I'm not fulfilling my time with enough in order to answer Yes. I can blame the fact I am really busy with completing my degree, and the same goes for other people whose time is filled with different mundane tasks that have to be done. But I'm starting to learn that you have to live in the now, and actually make the best of any situation you are in, even if you are in a gloomy tunnel struggling to see the light at the end. If you can fulfil yourself with positivity and good memories, even in the most stressful and boring of times, then imagine how much you can be fulfilled when those less-inspiring tasks are completed and the daunting bridges are crossed. 

My recent trip to the theatre inspired this post, as it made me realise how much of a good time you can have alongside the stresses going on elsewhere, and we actually need rewards for our hard work, otherwise how do you motivate yourself to get over the next hurdle? Amongst the deadlines and pressures, there was light! And oh boy, what a show it was. My favourite film came to life right in front of my eyes and it took my mind away from everything else, and Yes, I can say I was having the time of my life! This outing was a special treat, but I aim to fulfil my time with even more moments like this from now on, because I want to be able to say 'Yes' to that question a lot more often, don't you? 

Stop waiting, and start having your time now.

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Friday Night Style

By day or night, I like to mix up classy and casual in most of my outfits. I put together this combo for a friday night theatre and dinner outing. 

I would wear this in the day too, by just swapping the heels for a nice pair of ballet flats or sandals.

Top: Pull & Bear: £9.99 (RRP £14.99): Same style here

Trousers: H&M: £14.99: Similar style here

Shoes: New Look: £17.99: Similar style here

I had been looking for a long sleeved, more casual style cropped jumper for a long time, so when I came across this one in the sale the other day at Pull & Bear, I couldn't resist. It's thin enough to get away with in the english summer with shorts, but could still be layered when its cold. It's a nice length (not too cropped), and the material is so soft. Pull & Bear is such a gem of a store, I loved everything in there, it has to be a new favourite. Go take a look!

   The necklace is also a new purchase. I always feel a bit guilty buying myself jewellery, even if it's not that extravagant, but especially items like statement necklaces. So I used a River Island voucher to purchase this lovely pastel and floral number. I think it brightens up the black top nicely, and will also be great with pastel outfits for summer. By coincidence it matched my nails too, bonus!

Necklace: River Island

Clutch: Dorothy Perkins

Ring: Pandora

Silver Bracelet: Tianguis Jackson

Black Leather Bracelet: Pandora

Nails: (I bought this polish in Spain, but BarryM have one similar)

I'm trying to get into a habit of pairing items differently to create new outfits, to avoid just buying new clothes for the sake of a trend that I'll only end up wearing once or twice. Although it's nice to keep up with fashion, you also have to wear things for yourself. Make the most out of your own wardrobe, keep it simple and portray your individual style.

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Escape the Routine

We all tend to get caught up in the mundane routine of everyday life. Yes, we have our responsibilities and our priorities, but sometimes it’s worth putting that aside and making a new priority for a moment, in order to break away from the norm and feel a little more free.

I’m not talking go to the airport with your bags packed, passport in hand, pick a destination and get on the plane (however, one day I will do this!). I mean the really simple things. Like go to a village you’ve not been to before and have lunch in the local pub. Or go for a long walk in the countryside, just getting lost and exploring.

These things may not appeal to everyone, but that's all the more reason to do it. Do something different with your time.

Escaping from the norm and taking your mind away from everything, even for just a few hours, can do the world of good. Take some time out, put everything else to the back of your mind, and do something for you. 

P.S. Let me know if you do get on that plane!

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Replacement Snack

Now that Spring is almost upon us, it's nearly time to ditch those winter-warming foods and start making salads and fresh fruits a more regular occurrence. Why don’t you give this smoothie a go as a mid-morning snack or as a healthy alternative to those afternoon tea and biscuits we instinctively head for?!...

I am no expert, and I tend to make up the recipes as I go along, but I found this one simple to do and really tasty so thought I would share it. Also, the ingredients aren’t fancy; they were fruits lying around the kitchen that needed to be eaten up, so you might find you already have them too!

Ingredients:

Handful of blueberries

Handful of grapes (halved)

1 banana (sliced)

A few apricots (quartered)

Almond milk (a splash)

Cinnamon (a sprinkling)

Equipment:

Blender - 'Kenwood Smoothie 2 Go' is the one used here

Instructions:

1.       Chop up the fruit

2.       Put it all in a blender

3.       Pour over the almond milk (enough to cover fruit)

4.       Sprinkle the cinnamon

5.       Put the lid on (v. important step!)

6.       Whisk

7.       Pour

8.       Eat/Drink

Fruits do have a lot of natural sugars, so these types of smoothies shouldn’t be a snack that is over-indulged or used as a whole meal replacement, but instead see it as a ‘healthy treat’. A treat that is full of more goodness, freshness and energy-boosting ingredients than a chocolate bar or packet of crisps will give you. Smoothies tend to keep you fuller for longer as well, unlike unnaturally-sugared treats that leave you craving more and then leave you with an energy-slump an hour later. Nasty buggers. So stick to the healthy stuff as much as you can and you will soon see your taste buds change and your footsteps will head for the fruit bowl instead of that little shelf in that corner cupboard that stores all of those ‘just in case’ naughty goodies!...

Enjoy!

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The No-Fad Fitness

A healthy body starts with the right mind-set. Health and fitness should be something you want to commit to as a lifestyle choice, not a quick-fix diet or mad rush to the gym for that 'summer body'. Instead I've chosen to make things more simple, free and easy to fit in with everyday life. For some, that may involve going to the gym, a class or a swim; that's great, I have no objections to that as I have paid my fair share of gym memberships in the past, and occasionally if I fancy a different type of workout, to change things up a bit, then I will pay as I go to attend a class perhaps. But all I really need to workout on a regular basis is pictured below; kettle bells, a mat, water and kit. Done. Well, the hard bit comes once the exercise actually takes place, but getting yourself started is made much simpler by no monthly fees, no need to put aside hours of your day, no excessive amounts of equipment, no worrying about what you look like (...the list is endless)... it’s just you,  your motivation and some loud music in the comfort of your own home. 

I understand the idea that paying for a membership can be your motivation to exercise as you don’t wish to see your money wasted. I was once this person. But now, health and fitness is a lifestyle choice. So not only would I spend thousands on a gym membership if I intended to have one for the rest of my life, but I also thrive more on the fact that I am my own motivation, not the direct debit from my account, but me and my goals. That's part of the challenge.

The workouts I do usually last between 25-45 minutes depending on whether I’m going for a heavy or light session, and 90% of what I do involves these weights. I won’t go into full details of the kettle-bells, as that can be a whole post in itself, but they are so versatile and effective (a thank-you to my brother for purchasing these for me and introducing me to them!). In addition to at-home kettle-bell workouts, I do go for the occasional run if it’s a nice day or I’m in need of a real de-stress. Running, or brisk walking, in the fresh air clears the mind and works wonders at putting you in a better place if you're feeling a little stressed, tired or down. 

For me, my workout regime is not only cost-effective but 'fitness-effective', as I can really push myself each time without feeling self-conscious. Win-win. I never do exactly the same workout, so there will be plenty of posts coming up about the different routines I use, which can be tailored depending on your level of fitness by opting for different sized weights. So invest in some of these and get going on the path to a better version of yourself.

If you’re an exercise newbie then I hope I can inspire you, and if you’re a fitness fanatic I’d love to know what you do to keep fit and healthy as I’m always open to new routines and tips.

Don’t let yourself be saddened by the Monday blues; get outside or get squatting(!)... start as you mean to go on, release those endorphins and have a great start to your week!

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