Well hello to you my reader chums! Stockholm is one of the prettiest cities I've ever visited. With the gorgeous canals, pastel buildings, endless green areas and quirky old town, there is always something to see and do within its many islands. 

The city is notoriously known for its hefty price tag whilst you're there and I wanted to walk away and be like 'that wasn't true' but unfortunately it is. Stockholm had to be one of the most expensive cities I've visited, boasting prices similar to London - and that's why I would recommend being prepared to spend a little more than expected.

If you're heading to Stockholm or planning a trip, here are my 10 budget tips on how to keep your city break cheap.

Learn the exchange rate

I always find change rates deceiving when it's in large numbers and the Swedish Krona was no different. It's good to remember that £1 is around 12 SEK and so I would apply that knowledge to everything you're purchasing, which means you may need to do a little maths on your holiday (sorry about that).

Walk as much as you can (if possible)

Stockholm is a very walkable city and if you have the means to, I would recommend walking as much as you can. I probably walked most of the city on my trip and occasionally took public transport because the weather was gorgeous and even though it can get tiring, the sights are beautiful. Also, the main part of the old town and the nearby islands are close enough for walkable distance.

Utlitse the bus service from the airport

There are many different options to travel to and from the airports. I landed in Arlanda and instead of getting a taxi or the Arlanda Express, I took the Flygbussarna bus which worked out around £15 for a return. It was a little longer to get to the city than the express but was worth it for the price tag. The bus takes around 45 mins and you can catch it from the Arlanda bus station to the main city terminal which is in a central location of the city.

Take the metro when possible

If you're not one to walk lots or you don't have the means to, the metro can be a cheaper way to get around than taxis. A single ticket is 38 SEK which is around £3 and can be valid for up to 75 minutes. The metro station itself is very easy to navigate around and like London but with fewer tube lines.

Stay somewhere that offers free breakfast

This isn't something I'd usually recommend as I'm not someone who stays in hotels which offer breakfast as I like to try the cuisine on offer in the new city/country. However, as Stockholm proved to be very expensive overall, it was a blessing that the hotel offered free breakfast and I certainly made the most of it in the morning. I also didn't miss out on the Swedish buns as I ate them during Fika or for lunch instead.

Dine in cheaper restaurants (check prices before you go)

I found dining cheap in the evenings quite impossible as every restaurant had a hefty price tag, especially those of traditional Swedish or Nordic cuisine. I would therefore recommend Google search the area you're in for the cheapest restaurants and see what's on offer. As I mentioned previously, there are many islands so lots of different restaurants to choose from.

Go to food markets

I'm a big sucker for food markets, I love nothing more than trying out street food as there is always so much variety on offer. I also find them to be cheaper than dining in restaurants and in a pricey city like Stockholm, utilise the markets as much as possible such as Hornstulls marknad ( a weekend flea market with food trucks. Open April - September).

Avoid drinking any alcohol

Alcohol in Stockholm is incredibly pricey and if I was you, I'd avoid it altogether unless you want to be paying a silly amount for a beer or glass of wine. Stick to soft drink options and coffee on your trip to save ££.

Make use of the free attractions

Despite the high price tag, Stockholm is actually home to many free attractions such as the stunning architecture, free walking tours, an endless amount of parks, a cathedral, a gorgeous old town and a metro art exhibit. There are plenty of different things you can see and do for free or at a cheap price tag. Plus, the city is gorgeous, even walking around is like an attraction.

Pick which museums you'd prefer

There are quite a few museums, especially on Djurgården Island and I would recommend choosing the ones you'd like to go to as the prices really can pile up. I visited the Vasa Museum and Skansen open-air museum and both were worth the price I paid. 

I hope you enjoyed this post! Do you have any other tips?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! As many of you may know, I adore a good thriller, especially one where you don't see the ending coming and I can get fully engrossed in the plot. I love the addictive element of them and how I'm always surprised one way or another. My latest read was The Accident, a book I didn't expect to get as hooked in as I expected.

If you're looking for a new thriller recommendation, here is my full review of The Accident by C.L Taylor.

This post contains affiliate links but all thoughts are my own.

Plotline

The book follows Sue Jackson who appears to have the perfect family until her daughter Charlotte deliberately steps in front of a bus and lands in a coma - and Sue is forced to face a dark reality. Sue is desperate to figure out why Charlotte would do this and retraces her steps, realising she may not know her daughter as much as she thought. And, the answer to what happened to her daughter could lie in her own secrets. 

Characters and relationships

This book was very much focused on the protagonist Sue who told the story from the past and the present. The book flipped from chapter to chapter with the past being entries of Sue's diary and what happened to her twenty years ago and to the present day. Sue was a character to who my heart went out to. Reading her past experience and relating to a lot of what she went through, made me admire her even more, especially in the present day as she got through some terrible times. Her strength and perseverance are apparent in the search to find her daughter, despite it bringing up lots of dark secrets.

Sue's relationship with her husband Brian is realistic and wholesome. It shows what a long marriage should be like and how much two people can care for each other when they've been through a lot together. Her daughter Charlotte is spoken more about than actually to and you learn who Charlotte is as Sue uncovers parts of her life throughout the plot. To me, Charlotte is a typical teenager, testing things out for the first time, pushing boundaries, and ultimately wanting to have fun, but ends up getting twisted up in a bad situation. Charlotte's friends were typical teenagers. Ella, her ex-best friend took a while to warm up to Sue but I could just tell it was because she had been hurt from the friendship and eventually opened up. 

One of the most notable characters is Sue's ex James, which is what the majority of the past chapters are about - their relationship and what happened between them. I hated him as a character and as the plot went on, my stomach turned with what he was like. I didn't understand why their relationship was relevant at first but as the plot pans out, it becomes apparent.

Overall thoughts

Overall, I loved this book a lot! It's a book that gripped me with every page and for a while had that intrigue about it, to what the actual mystery was. Because this element was held back for so long, it made me more excited to find out what actually happened as I had no idea. I loved the pace of this book, I loved how the past and present tense were separated and the detail of each of the characters. It's a tense read, with twists and turns I wouldn't have expected. I would 100% recommend it to anyone.

One thing I would however note is that this book can be triggering and you should be mindful of that before purchasing. It contains themes of emotional abuse, domestic abuse, and sexual assault.

Ending

The ending really hooked me in and was incredible. The author of this book really did build the intensity up so much throughout the novel that the last few chapters were just genius. I love how the ending unfolded with so much drama and scary moments. But, it was a brilliant and right ending for an epic novel.

You can pick up your copy of The Accident here.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Is this book on your to-be-read list?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Stockholm is one of those beautiful European cities which has been on my list for the longest time. After visiting Copenhagen, I knew I wanted to experience more of Scandinavia and its lifestyle.

When I landed in Stockholm, I knew I was going to love this city because wherever I looked it was incredibly stunning, the canals were a great spot to ponder, its nature scene was everything and I loved how spacious and sparse it felt.

If you're planning a trip to Stockholm or unsure what there is to see and do, here is my 3-day guide to the city.

Day 1: Getting to grips with the city and old town mooching

Get your bearings on the city

I always say the best thing to do in a new city is get your bearings, figure out where the central points are and how close it is to your accommodation. This is exactly what I did first after I checked in. I had a mooch about and headed towards the main hub of the city to see what it was all about.

Visit Gamla Stan

The old town is the most renowned part of Stockholm and is the central point of everything. It's probably the most touristy area of the city, but it's exceptionally attractive with its colourful buildings, cobbled walkways and tiny alleys. Gamla Stan is a hub for a variety of eateries, cool shops and quirky coffee shops, so there is always something to look at. Plus, it's right next to many of the top attractions of the city and is easy to get around.

Head to The Royal Palace

I'm obsessed with all types of palaces or castles that I didn't want to give the Royal Palace a miss in Stockholm. It's located right in the centre of Gamla Stan and costs around £13. I would say, I expected it to be larger for the price tag, however, it was gorgeous to walk around and I loved learning about the history of the palace and seeing all the important possessions.

Visit the Storkyrkan Cathedtral  

If you've read any of my travel guides, you'd know how much I adore visiting cathedrals in new countries and cities. The Storkyrkan Cathedral cost about £3 and was super charming to roam around. I loved taking it all in and the interior has this old school look that many cathedrals hold. There's always something really peaceful about a cathedral.

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Ever since I was little, I always wanted to be a writer. I wanted to write all day every day for myself in a suave little office in my house. That was the ultimate dream and to be honest, it still is. It's a dream I'm kind of living and working my way towards.

Freelancing is something I've been trying to dabble in for years but it's only in the past year that I took it seriously, and embarked on my freelancing journey. I'm still only freelancing part-time and working my way up, building connections and clients, and I'm excited about what's to come, to make a full-time gig out of this.

If you're considering freelancing or don't know where to begin, here are 6 things I've learnt from freelancing so far.

Social media is a great help

Social media is one of the most powerful tools these days for many things including finding opportunities and jobs. Two of my most regular clients I found on Twitter and LinkedIn and honestly, that still baffles me. The more I spend on platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter, the more opportunities I'm able to find and see what's out there. I've learnt how important having a personal brand is on these sites for example because it shows potential clients what you're all about. This is why I've tried to utilise my Linkedin in following the right people and asking clients to leave feedback on my profile.

Social media is also a brilliant hub for freelancers. There are plenty of people sharing their journeys, what they've learnt, and any opportunities they have. It's these people I can learn more from, develop my craft and improve my knowledge as a freelancer.

Freelancing websites are a brilliant start

I found freelance websites a great way to launch myself into the freelancing world, especially Upwork. It was easy enough setting up my profile, adding my rates and sharing the expertise I'd like to focus on. Plus, I loved the pitching process on Upwork. It's easy to filter the jobs I wanted to find and send proposals to potential clients. I've also been a huge fan of The Writer's Job Newsletter for a variety of opportunities in my inbox each week.

The opportunities online for freelancers are endless, it's about knowing where and how to search for the right thing for you.

Believe in yourself enough to pitch

The biggest part of becoming a freelancer is having the confidence to do it. There are so many people out there trying to do the same thing and I've learnt, if I want it, I have to go for it. I have to believe in my skillset that I have enough expertise and knowledge to be a full-fledged freelancer. If you don't send the pitch, you don't know - and that's why it's so important to go for it. 

Rejection or not hearing back is normal

As I said, many people are trying to make it in the freelance world so what I learnt is to not take it personally if one, I'm rejected and two, if I don't hear back. Some clients don't have the time to respond to all of the pitches that come their way and it's okay. Don't put yourself down if you don't receive a response or are rejected.

Feedback is gold dust and can help you more than you think

Following on from this, feedback is something I've learnt to love, whether it's good or bad. Good feedback is great for pride and knowing you did a good job, however, I've found more critical feedback to be useful because I can use it to improve my craft in every way. Also, I've learnt to note down all the good feedback to help give me a boost when I need it and ask clients to share it publically for my full benefit.

To ensure contracts are written up beforehand

This is something luckily I haven't learnt the hard way. But chasing payments is probably the hardest thing as a freelancer and is why it's important to have contracts written up before hand. This helps give you evidence if payments aren't paid on time - and also one of the reasons I like going through Upwork as contracts are in place.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other things have you learnt if you're a freelancer?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Self-love is something I talk about a lot on my blog as I genuinely believe, it's at the core of everything we do. We all want to feel loved, it's human nature and that's why many of us try and seek it in other ways, however, the key is finding it within yourself first.

Whether you're struggling with self-love, looking for some advice, or simply having a bad day, here are 10 self-love reminders you need to hear.

Your self-love journey isn't linear

Healing isn't linear in every way and this is the same with self-love. Going through a self-love journey is hard as it goes against a lot of what society teaches us about self-love, as we live in a world that encourages you to think badly of yourself (hello diet culture) and how self-love is selfish. This is why when you're working through a journey of self-love, one of the reasons you can find yourself falling backwards is because of the societal influence you've had your whole life. But, those dips and backward steps aren't a bad thing, they're normal. It's normal to have ups and downs with any journey including self-love. Just know, that whatever progress you make is still progress.

You deserve to feel loved

Love is life's greatest gift and something we all deserve to feel every single day. You deserve love, so much of it, even if you don't feel like it. You deserve to give yourself so much love, the same you give everybody else. You are worthy of this level of love because you are uniquely you, and there's nobody else like you. And simply because you're human, and we all deserve to feel loved.

Loving yourself isn't selfish 

Self-love isn't selfish (say this 10 times over). There is nothing selfish about being in love with all that is you. The only person that will be with you throughout your whole life is yourself so you should love that person, more than you love anyone else really. You deserve to love yourself when you're feeling the greatest and when you're feeling not so great. Loving yourself is the number one priority.

You are strong and resilient

You are so strong. Look at how far you've already come, that in itself is amazing. Falling in love with yourself is hard and at times, can make you feel even weaker because all your insecurities will crop up, that's only natural. But in these moments, it's important to remind yourself about how strong and resilient you are to even have gotten to this point.

Your body is beautiful

I'm a big advocate for body confidence and body acceptance because I believe we all deserve to adore every inch of our body and know what we look like is the least interesting thing about us. If you're having doubts about your body, know it's beautiful. Know that, every day it cares for you, it keeps you alive, it protects you and ultimately, it's a part of you which in itself is incredibly important. 

You are trying your best 

One thing we can all do in life is to try our best, nothing more. Nobody is perfect and nobody is getting it all right. All of us are simply trying to get through this thing called life and guess whether we're making the right decisions or not. Your self-love journey is the same, you are trying your best and it's all that matters.

You are worthy of good things

Let me repeat that again 'you are worthy of good things.' If you're not feeling great, down, or like you deserve nothing, let me tell you, you are wrong. You deserve good things to happen to you. You deserve to have good people around you. You deserve to make incredible memories. You deserve to feel loved and live your best life.

You are worthy of love around you

This brings me to this point. One thing many of us have in common is we feel as if we don't deserve love from people around us or we settle for less - and this isn't right. Never settle for anything more than love. The type of love that makes you feel giddy and happy every time you think of it. This goes with relationships, friendships, and family members. You are worthy of content love and to feel cherished every single day.

You are enough

This point goes without saying but plain and simple, you are enough. You're wonderful and stunning you and the world is a better place with you in it.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other reminders would you say?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Travel is the one thing to makes me feel free, happy, and in my element. I love nothing more than experiencing new places, seeing new sights, and creating exciting memories. I had the opportunity to travel solo for the first time this year and it's an experience I'm incredibly grateful for and one, I've learnt a lot from.

If you're planning a solo trip for the first time and looking for some advice, here are my top 10 tips to know before your first solo trip.

This post contains affiliate links but all thoughts are my own.

Pick a destination that'll suit you

The world is beautiful and wide with plenty of destinations to choose from. We all have preferences on what we want from travel, whether that's an adventure, sightseeing, relaxation, or immersing ourselves in something new. When deciding on a destination, you need to choose which type of trip you're looking to book and what type of place will suit you. Then, you can have a search on prices, dates and what you can do in your desitnaion.

Map out a rough itinerary

Getting lost is all part of the adventure. However, when planning a trip, especially a solo one, it's best to have a rough itinerary. This is so you're able to do a bit of research beforehand on what to expect in terms of what there is to see, how to get around, and any must-see attractions. I would advise writing out a rough itinerary with your must-do things and the way you set out in doing those things, to make it easier for yourself when navigating a new place.

Research useful apps for your new destination

Technology is a winner and is what makes solo travel a lot easier and safer for many these days. There are plenty of apps I would advise having on your trip such as Google Maps to help you navigate around, the airline app to check in your flights, Hostel World or Booking.com to book and check-in accommodation, and Uber (or relevant transport apps to that city) to get around. Apps are a handy way to stay organised but also help you with your bearings.

Plan how to get to and from the airport

Travelling to and from the airport can be simpler than you may think. You can get a taxi if you want to go directly to your accommodation. However, at each destination, there are airport shuttles or public transport options to pick from. Research yours so you have that assured feeling when landing at the destination and setting foot back home.

Research the rules and etiquette of the new destination

Every destination has different laws to the land, whether they're to do with culture or limitations of what you can do. When you're on your own, it's even more important to be aware of them as you don't want to get caught out. Do your research and note the most relevant ones down to be aware of.

Tell people at home where you're going

Travelling solo is incredibly exciting and even though for the most part it can be safe, it's better to be safe than sorry - and this is why I'd advise keeping people in the loop of where you are going and what you're doing. This could mean sharing your location with family and friends or just sending them an update or two back home to keep them in the know.

Book accommodation in a safe and secure spot

The accommodation comes in variations from hotels, hotels to apartments. Travelling solo, to feel the safest I would always suggest picking a shared hostel or social accommodation. This is because it can give you more of an opportunity to meet people to travel around with or even get dinner/drinks in the evening with. Travel is all about meeting new people after all. If you don't fancy shared hostels, there are plenty of safer apartments and hotels to choose from - again, just be wary of your safety at all times.

Set intentions and expectations

Every trip can vary from person to person and we all have different intentions and expectations for our travels. When setting off on your trip, lay out the intentions of what you'd like from your trip and have a to-do list of the things you want to see and experiences to have. Also, set expectations that are realistic. Don't be too overly eager and pack as many things in as possible. Be aware that even though you're travelling solo, you still need time for relaxation and rest - and the opportunity to mooch off the beaten path.

Arrive during the day

For safety purposes, I would advise, arriving at your destination in the day. This is because you can find your accommodation in the light and get your bearings before you begin to explore your newfound location.

Know that you can do it

I think the biggest thing limiting people from travelling solo is the lack of belief in themselves that they can do it. Trust me when I say this, you can and you will do it. I was so hesitant to go alone but it was the biggest eye-opener and I felt so proud of myself when I returned home. You can enjoy your own company, you can navigate yourself around and you can make friends along the way.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other tips do you have?

Thank you for reading <3

 Well hello to you my reader chums! It's no secret that for years, like many of us, I've been obsessed with Instagram. I loved taking photos, sharing them on the gram, and putting every little thing on my story to broadcast to the world. It started to become a habit and turned into an unhealthy one as at the back of my mind, I would always be like 'ah I have no photos to put on Instagram.' That's when I realised, I didn't want to do that anymore.

If you're trying to spend less time on social media or feel weighed down by Instagram as a whole, here is what I've learnt about posting less on Instagram.

Nobody really cares

In the nicest possible way, nobody thinks about you and your life as much as you think of yours and can carry that weight of people's opinions of you. This is also true when it comes to all forms of social media including Instagram. Nobody cares if you post regularly, nobody cares if you post at all and I've learnt that by stepping away, previously I was trying to fulfill some non-existent expectation of staying active on Instagram and keeping up the image of 'having a fab life.' But, this wasn't necessary because I'm living a great life whether it's documented on the gram or not.

I don't need online validation

Online validation is definitely something I think many of us seek as it gives us all that short win feeling and a little boost in the day. It's a small boost that really helped me when I felt my most insecure, but that validating feeling can become addictive and really isn't healthy in the slightest. Stepping away, I've learnt I don't need online validation to feel whole or be satisfied with who I am and what my life is like.

To live in the moment more

When I was so caught up in trying to capture a photo or story for the gram, I sometimes didn't appreciate the moment fully as I was so fixated on making sure I showed it on Instagram. By not being so obsessed with taking photos, I could fully indulge myself in every moment and put my phone away. I've found myself loving life that little bit more as there was no pressure to ensure I capture it on camera. 

Instagram isn't important

I've always known how unimportant social media is as a whole compared to what matters most in life, however, I think our generation gets so caught up in its pressures, we often forget that. By not focusing on it so much, I realised that point even more and it's lifted a weight off my shoulders in a way.

Social media isn't real

This is something I always preach when I talk about all different topics including body confidence, not caring what people think of you, and mental health. Social media is something that influences all of us and it's a healthy thing knowing it is a highlight reel, and a place people only share the best parts of their life - and that's why we shouldn't compare. 

There are better ways to spend my time

I have so many big passions, so many things I love to do to which set my soul on fire and Instagram isn't one of them. I used to spend so much time finding the right picture, seeing how it matched with the feed, and thinking of a caption and now that time spent can be geared towards more important and exciting things.

I'm a lot more fulfilled with my life

Feeling fulfilled and satisfied in my day-to-day life is something I've been seeking all of my adulthood and my self-love journey had a huge part to play in finally reaching it, and stepping away from social media was the final step in that. By not having to seek validation online all the time for what I'm doing and how I'm looking, I can find that fulfillment within myself.

There are better social media platforms

I've worked in social media since I was 19 years old and throughout that time, my opinion on different social media has changed. Instagram used to be my favourite so much so it was an obsession. But now, I'm focused on platforms that bring me insight, knowledge, and inspiration. At the minute, I'm really enjoying LinkedIn and Tik Tok for many different reasons.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What are your thoughts?

Thank you for reading <3