Tuesday 23 August 2016

My top 5 apps for travelling

Top 5 apps for travel

For those of you who haven't read my previous post on travelling, you can do so by clicking here. I have decided to experience life the only way I know how, and by that I mean I have 100% decided on a backpacking trip around Australia for a year or two.

It's a daunting time, especially since I'll be going on my own. I've spent years looking for someone to travel with, begging my friends to ditch their lives here and come away with me, but no-one seems all that interested. Of course I've found people who've said they're definitely up for it, but when it comes down to actually planning the trip, they back out or don't even bother speaking to me again. To be honest, I'm glad. I don't particularly like the idea of going by myself and neither does my mum but the thought of being your own boss, and travelling at your own pace seems much more exciting to me. I know for a fact that as soon as I get out there, I'm bound to make new friends who are just the same as me (terrified of being alone in a such a large country), and I keep telling myself I'm going to be fine, which right of the back of my mind I know is true. But it's still a scary thought, especially for someone with anxiety. 

Over the recent months I've been planning to high heaven; everything from activities, to places to stay and to meeting new people. Here I tell you what my top 5 apps are for travelling. 




Pinterest is my first go to app/website that I use for my travelling plans. I have over 16k pins, and over a 100 boards. Not all related to travelling; some being gift ideas, food recipes, diy's etc but this is such an amazing place to post all of my plans, bucket list ideas etc. It's also a big inspiration board for me, and I've often found quotes on there that I've printed off to help make my own vision board. All in all, if you aren't sure that travelling is something you want to do - head on over here and I promise you, you'll be booking that plane ticket in no time at all. 




Backpackr is my second go to app. Although I'm sure it's better used whilst on the go, it's also great for planning, advice and talking to people from around the world. This app is made for solo travellers like myself which is one of the reasons I love it so much. It's like a giant forum for travellers, mainly backpackers. It's free to register, and quite simple to use. You just need to set up your profile, and away you go. Meet new people, ask questions, set travel goals, and stamp your way around the world. It's an easy concept, and perfect for travelling solo. 




My third favourite app is Depop. Yes I'm aware it doesn't have much to do with travelling, but for those still in the planning stage, this is a great app for saving money. If you're anything like me, and you like to splurge out on new clothes, bags and shoes every month then this app is perfect for you. Not only that, but you can sell your own stuff on here too. So long as you put all money you earn from it, into your savings account.. it can be classed as a travelling app too right? Just register an account, play around with your profile, and you can start earning money within hours. Also for those who like to buy new things every month, what's the harm in buying second hand/sometimes brand new stuff from others at a lower price than what you'd pay in the stores? It's also great for buying new clothes for your travels. Sounds like a great app to me! 




For those of you already on the road or for those of you who are really into planning every detail like myself, this app is perfect for you. Travelling can be expensive at the best of times, especially in a country like Australia. Hotels are crazy expensive and if you're travelling solo like myself and are looking to meet new people, hostels are perfect for that reason. It doesn't matter where in the world you go, hostels are bound to be full of travellers of all ages because it is the cheapest way to live especially if you don't plan on staying for longer than a few days. Whereas with some hotels you'll be looking at £100+ a night, hostels can be pretty low on prices and you can find some for just £5 or less a night depending on where you are. Australia is obviously more expensive than let's say Thailand but the prices are still nowhere near as expensive as a hotel. With hostel bookers, all you need to do is type in the city/country you're travelling too, select the dates you plan on being there and how many people you're booking for, and bam; it's all there. You can sort out the list from low to high prices or vice versa, by ratings and/or distance. The app also gives you reviews from those who have previously stayed there, and a map so you can find it easier. This is one of the main apps I'll be using when I hit the road and I can't wait to make amazing memories in some of these places. 




The fifth and final app I've chosen is one I'm sure you've heard of plenty of times in more recent years and that is Airbnb. For those of you who aren't so fond of sharing a bedroom with up to 16 other people, or fancy a weekend away with your friends and don't want to splash out on a fancy hotel, Airbnb is just for you. With over 60,000,00 people on here, more 34,000 cities to choose from and a total of 191 countries involved... Airbnb is where dreams are made of. Whether you fancy sharing a snazzy apartment for a week with friends, or living like a celebrity in a villa somewhere hot, then this is the app for you. Maybe you're backpacking for a year like I'll be doing, and you decide you want to stick around somewhere for longer than a week - then this is a great way to do so. Maybe split the rent/bills with your new found friends? You will find some unique accommodation on this app. Whether that be a castle or a house in the trees, this is one amazing app you just have to join. 
 


Sunday 14 August 2016

A good old catch up.


It's been a while hasn't it? 

It's been well over a year since I last posted on here, and since then a lot has changed for me. I still work at the same care home *2 years this month* - but I've qualified for level 2 Health and Social care, something which I'm super proud of and never thought I'd get round to finishing. I'm single, a lot more out going, more confident and I'm currently making plans to go backpacking around Australia in 2017. When I say that a lot has changed, I don't mean visibly... I'm still the same ol' girl but my dreams and my goals have taken a drastic turn, hopefully for the better. I've also decided to do a bit of a U-turn on my blog, and I'm hoping to focus more on my travel plans. I'll still be doing lifestyle posts, the odd recipe here and there, and lots of beauty & fashion posts but my main goal is to write about travel. 

Travelling is something I used to dream of, not regular.. it was just like a dream I had in the back of my mind. Once when I left school, I applied for a air hostess course at college, I got through but something pulled me back and I never went for it. Since then, it was always a distant memory. Something that could of been but never would be. I'm still not an air hostess, and who knows maybe sometime in the future I might be? What I'm trying to say is that, I want to travel. I want to travel for as long and as far as I can. I want to go to new places, experience their cultures and the way they live, I want to meet knew people, I want my 20's to mean something other than paying bills and going to work. 

Don't get me wrong, I love my job... but my heart aches for something different. I'm constantly making plans, dreams and goals for all the places I want to visit, and spend time in. I want to hike up mountains, and be proud that I've done it. I want to eat bugs, and live in the wild for a few months, I want to go zip lining over a jungle, I want to go on the highest swing in the world (in NZ) and have no care in the world. I want to experience everything life has to offer and I want to do it now. 

But right now, that just isn't possible. I want to do this properly. Perhaps I could just quit my job, buy a ticket and travel the world. But my anxiety tends to hold me back. I'm a planner. I need to do it properly. I'm currently in the process of saving.. it's really difficult for someone who wastes their money constantly on nights out, taxis to work and coffees from Costa. In fact, I'm finding it way more difficult than the first time I saved for my trip to Australia. It's hard, but I'll do it, and I'll do it because I want to. 

My current goal right now is to backpack Australia in 2017. It's already August, time is running out. The plan is to start in March... whether that will happen or not, your guess is as good as mine. It's motivating, and I strongly urge anyone who has the same dreams as I do, to take the steps needed to make it happen. 
Even if it doesn't happen straight away, even if your plans go wrong, stand up tall and tell yourself that it doesn't matter, so long as you're in the process of making it come true, you're way ahead of everybody else still dreaming about it.

Be sure to follow me and my journey. 



Monday 20 April 2015

Spring 2015


Spring 2015 is here and it's so beautiful. 
This year, I'd say we're quite lucky because usually in April it's raining like crazy and we don't see the sun until June/July. 
We've had such beautiful weather though. It's easy to mistake it for Summer. 

In the UK, our Summers don't get that warm. Maybe 27-30 degrees if we're lucky. So to get 22 degrees in April, it is pretty good. 

I know we've had this weather for a few weeks now, but sadly I've been stuck at work throughout it all and haven't had a proper chance to sit and enjoy it. 

Until today...
I finally have two days off, and both days are supposed to be good weather so I'm pretty chuffed about that! My mum went to do some gardening today at my grandma's, so I thought I'd go up there myself and take a few snaps. (I'm broke until payday so I can't do much else). 





I'm now officially looking forward to Summer - hopefully the weather is just as nice but hotter! 










Thursday 12 March 2015

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Review

Hey :) 

So I just bagged myself a new cleanser/make up remover and I gotta tell you, I think I'm in love. Removing my make up has always been a pain, the last thing I wanna do when I get back from a long day at work or a long day shopping, is stand in my bathroom scrubbing my face from all the dirt and grime that builds up on my face throughout the day. It's not something I look forward to doing, and I'll admit, I don't always do it. There's been many of times when I just couldn't be bothered, and so I get in bed with a face full of make up and end up looking like a jumped up little panda in the morning. That is something, that I do not recommend. Not only is it gross, it also breaks you out quite badly. Well it does me anyway. 

Anyway, I was looking online for something that could ease my break outs, that's fun to use and actually works and then I came across this cleanser from Liz Earle. With over 2,000 reviews and a 5 star rating, I just couldn't scroll past without having a quick snoop at what it's all about. I basically fell in love with it at first sight. At an amazing £15.50 I couldn't resist adding it to my basket and for once, actually buying something I so desperately needed.

When it arrived through my post box, I instantly knew I had made the right decision. It came beautifully packaged in a mint travel case with not one but two cloths. Just taking it out of the case, it looked so luxurious. No one would guess that it cost me less than £20.  

£15.50


Now for the product itself as said so on Liz Earle's website it is a 

"Multi-award winning hot cloth cleaner that quickly removes daily grime and make up to leave skin clean, soft and radiant. 

Ideal for your morning or evening cleanse, this formulation works on every age and skin type, offering concentrated yet gentle cleansing power.
Our plant-based cleanser has a two-phase action. Phase one is the cleansing. Free from mineral oil, it has a rich and creamy texture and swiftly removes all traces of face and eye make up, even stubborn mascara.
Phase two is the polishing. Polish off the cream using the pure muslin cloth to gently dislodge dead skin cells and help reveal clean, soft and radiant skin.
Naturally active ingredients include eucalyptus and cocoa butter for smoother, cleaner skin".

My review: I agree that it does leave my skin looking clean, and feeling soft. Radiant is something I haven't got from this product yet, but in saying that I haven't been using it long enough to notice a difference. I really enjoy putting this on my face, and having to use a hot cloth to wipe off all the make up. Whilst it is a relaxing procedure, it's also a refreshing one. I no longer dread having to take off my make up, and for once I actually look forward to it. The cloth itself - I thought this was gonna be a bit of a pain - having to wash it every time I wanted to use it but I've noticed that if you just wash it with warm water after every use, the make up just disappears from the cloth. Of course you must wash it after 2/3 uses because bacteria will start to grow on it, but it's good to use (in my opinion) a few times before you put it in the washing machine. 

Rating: 9/10 :) 



Friday 6 March 2015

I'm Baaack!


Lola says Hi :) 

After 4 months away, I'm finally back on the blogging bus. 
My old laptop broke back in November, and for months we've had to do without one but yesterday a good friend gave us an old computer to use and so I thought what better to do than to put up a new post. 

Quite a lot has happened since I've been away hasn't it? 
Christmas, New Years (Happy Belated New Year btw!) and recently we had Valentines Day. It's such a shame that I've been away for so long, because I had so much that I wanted to share. 

Don't worry though, plenty more to come in the next few weeks. I have a lot of catching up to do. 

 Until then, why not look at some of my Instagram pictures :)

Inspiration Board|Homemade Cookies|Leaves|Alcoholic Drink|Gingerbread House|My Mum|Chanel Perfume|Frosted Blackberry Candle|Lush Bath Bomb|Valentines Day Meal|Cucumber Water|Snow|Red Roses for Valentines Day|Me|Pizza Express|Tiger Crisps 


.

Monday 10 November 2014

Mini Haul


Every time I nip into town, I always manage to buy a few things. Just me? Probably not. 
Anyway, I picked up a few bits and bobs on my recent trip down there and here's what I got :) 


Believe it or not but I actually got these shoes for only £5 from New Look! Don't worry, I'm just as amazed as you. I always love a good bargain, don't you? They are honestly so comfortable to walk around in due to the material the sole is made up of. It's like a cushion-sponge-like material. I'm not sure what I'm going to pair up with these shoes, but I'm sure I'll find something and if not, well it only gives me an excuse to buy something else doesn't it! 

If you're looking for a good pair of inexpensive gorgeous shoes then check out the New Look Sale page now! I'm sure you'll find something to tickle your fancy ;) 

Next up also from New Look I got myself another pair of jeans... also from the Sale section. I'm not sure if they are still in stock as I did get them on Sale but if not, I'm sure you can buy something just as pretty. They fit very nicely on my hips and as I always struggle to find jeans that fit me, I was super impressed to try these on in store and have them sit snug on my hips. I think I got them for £12 reduced from £24 so yet another good bargain right there. Thanks New Look! 

I also made a repurchase of my holy grail foundation; Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation.- They've recently upped the packaging and the formula to make it a more natural looking finish, and I gotta tell ya - I think I prefer it. The old version of the foundation was quite heavy on my skin, and truth be told paired with powder, made my face turn out quite cakey. This new formula though has changed things quite dramatically. It stays on throughout the day, and to top it off, it really does look more natural. They've added a comfort serum to the product which I have to be thankful for because honestly it's made it so much better. 

The last thing I picked up from town was a £3 Necklace from Primark. I needed one to match my new dress that I wore out for my birthday, and my boyfriend kindly chose this one for me. It's now my new favourite Necklace, so much so that I wear it nearly every day! 


Have you picked anything up recently? 







Monday 20 October 2014

Manchester.


I have just come back from the most amazing weekend of my life. 
2 days away with the love of my life, what more could a girl want? 
We went to The Ainscow Hotel in Manchester for 1 night to celebrate my 19th Birthday.

Taking into consideration that the hotel only opened around a month ago, I'd say that it's pretty damn good for a start up hotel. It was perfect. 

The room was spacious - a bit boring what with grey walls and no decor but it wasn't off putting, if anything it was just a simple looking room. Just my kind of thing. We was only there for 1 night but to be fair we both wished we could of stayed longer. 




The room had two floors - One of them being a little sitting area with a spare toilet and small kitchen area, with a nice looking desk and a wardrobe (not sure why the wardrobe was downstairs though?) and up those beautifully looking stairs was the best part of the stay - the bed! It was so comfy and squishy feeling (do you like my words haha?) Honestly, I had one of the best nights sleep in a long long time. It also had a creepy looking Bible draw (I say creepy- because the draw kept opening by itself and the only thing in it was a Bible)... and it had a delightful bathroom with a walk in shower and a average sized mirror. I'd of preferred a long mirror but hey ho, you can't please us all! 


White sheets - not a good look for a girl who wears foundation eh? At least I gave the cleaners some work to do. 

Day 1: After we finally got to the hotel - we initially wanted to go shopping but decided against it and promised ourselves that we'd go the following day (which we did).

Instead we got all dolled up (well I did anyway because Ryan forgot his shirt and ended up just wearing a t-shirt *sigh*) and went out for a really nice meal paid for by my insanely kind boyfriend. (He spent so much on me this weekend - I'm still overwhelmed by it all)

We decided to go to Frankie and Benny's where we had the scummiest Chocolate Brownie Fudge Cake , as well as also having two separate's meals; mine being the Chicken Romana  and Ryan's being the BBQ Chicken & Ribs.  

I ate the chocolate cake before I got to take a picture - sorry
It was so nice there. I'd never been before so it was all new to me, and I will definitely be returning. 

After we'd eaten, we decided to go back to the hotel for a chilled out night. I don't drink alcohol so I didn't see the point in going out on the town, and I much prefer cuddling up in front of the telly to being out drinking Pepsi in the freezing cold weather. We got back - put on a bit of Celeb Juice and then went to bed ready for the following day. 

Day two - Waking up at half 8 was honestly not the most appealing part of the day. I really don't like mornings especially on a Sunday! But anyway, we had a quick shower and got ready to go for our breakfast which we got free with the room booking. I was originally going to go for a healthy breakfast - fruit and juice ect but I soon changed my mind half way through plating up and ended up with such a weird breakfast. Nice but weird. 


After breakfast it was nearly time to check out, so we collected our stuff and off we went. We went for a quick walk around the block; I picked up a Cosmopolitan Magazine and a bottle of Water and back to the car we went. 

Next stop: Intu Trafford Centre - now this was the whole reason we went to Manchester in the first place. Beautiful is an understatement. It's insanely gorgeous there. It doesn't even look like a shopping center. More like a cruise ship! 







We walked around the place for about 4-5 hours and I only got a few things (oops). Still, I'll being going again some time soon ready for the Christmas Shopping! 

I have a Birthday Haul coming up soon - so stay tuned for more! 

Thank you Ryan for one of the best birthdays I've ever had... I love you. 

xx