2018 highlights

Well hello to you my reader chums! 2018 was a crazy year; it had many highs, lows and more change than I ever expected. However, it was a period in my life that has taught me so much and guided me into the next exciting chapter. The past year had many laugh-out-loud moments, holidays and days out I've adored, that I can't wait to share them.

2018 highlights


Here are my 2018 highlights...

Aladdin the musical 

The new year kicked off with a lovely and exciting trip to London, to see Aladdin the musical. Prior to the show, I also found an Aladdin themed afternoon tea at Cutter and Squidge, a quaint bakery tucked away in London's busy streets. I adored the tea; they were really creative with all the food ideas and the decoration was insane. Unfortunately, they don't do that tea anymore but offer a wizard one there instead.

Aladdin the musical

Aladdin afternoon tea

The show was a production that really blew me away. It was a combination of bright colours, electric songs, dances, and hilarious characters - we especially loved the genie.

Paris


I went off to Paris for a few days and had the best ever time. Paris really is a completely unique city and has a charm you can't find anywhere else. I fell in love with its quaint streets, adorable cafes and historic churches. It's simply a lovely place to stroll around. I did all the candid sights, visited Disneyland and explored all the backstreets. It's definitely a Valentine's we'll never forget. Find out more in my 5-day guide to Paris and 8 things you need to know before visiting Paris tips post.


Lisbon 


3 day guide to lisbon

In April, I jetted off for a few days in Lisbon with my favourite gal pals. We explored all the famous sights, soaked up the sun and drank all the wine in sight. It was a lovely few days surrounded by people I adore in a city I grew to love. Lisbon has a very quirky and alternative vibe with its traditional trams and quaint streets. Find out more in my 3-day guide.

Copenhagen 


3 day guide to copenhagen

Every year, my twin sister and I love to go on holiday together for a few days and this time we chose Copenhagen. I've always heard the loveliest things about the city that when I saw a flight offer, we decided to jump at the chance. Copenhagen really lived up to its name. It's probably one of the only cities I've visited that doesn't feel touristy at all and has the loveliest calm appeal. Despite that, there are still plenty of things to see and do, and a whole culture to explore. Find out more in my 3-day guide.

Ed Sheeran and Demi Lovato 



I'm a bit of a concert addict, I absolutely adore seeing my favourite artists live and singing along with a large crowd. In June, I was lucky enough to see my two favourite artists, Ed Sheeran, and Demi Lovato. Ed lit up Wembley with his heavenly voice and Demi brought sass to the 02. They are two nights I'll never forget and cherish in my heart forever.

Brighton


As someone who was brought up by the coast, I'm most certainly a beach baby. Being at the seaside is the most calming thing ever and my happy place, and for my 22nd birthday, I went to Brighton. Brighton is my favourite city in the UK as it has the seaside appeal as well as the city vibe. We had a lovely few days exploring, eating good food and celebrating the year of 22. Find out more in my Brighton guide.

Belfast

I went to Belfast for a couple of days at the end of July and loved every bit. It was my first time in Northern Ireland so I didn't know what to expect but I fell in love with the city, and also went on a Game of Thrones tour whilst I was there. Check out my adventure in this guide


Tenerife


In September, and as a final holiday of the year, I jetted off to Tenerife. It was one of those trips that were ever so relaxing and I spent most of it chilling and socialising, which made a big difference in doing loads of things when away and I loved it. For once, I could just de-stress and enjoy.

Twinnies Bake

Twinnies Bake

2018 was also the year my sister and I started our business, Twinnies Bake. After an unfortunate job loss, we decided to take the plunge and finally make our dreams a reality. So far, we've been loving to run the baking business and hope to do big things with it in the future. We began with our speciality brownies and have continued adding items to the menu such as cookies, cupcakes and celebratory cakes.

Passing my driving test


My biggest accomplishment of the year, however, has to be finally passing my driving test. I've been learning on and off for years now so to finally have a certificate and car to my name means the world to me.

I hope you enjoyed this highlight style post. What were your 2018 highlights?

Thank you for reading <3

8 things you need to know before visiting Paris

Well hello to you my reader chums! The famous city of love and a must-see for everyone, Paris is a city like no other. I visited last with my boyfriend in February and fell in love with the city. Paris has something for everyone; the hustle and bustle near the sights, quaint tucked away streets and shops galore. It's a large city but not too large you're unable to see it in a few days - and whether this is your first or second time in the city, here are 8 things you need to know.

8 things you need to know before visiting Paris

Food is expensive

It may sound obvious, but with any city break you can expect the food to be expensive, but Paris, however, is on another level. As it's a popular city and flocked with tourists every day, food in the city centre can be on the pricey side. Choose to stay away from that; don't dine right next to tourist attractions as that's where you'll be stuck with the hefty price tag.

Invest in a tube pass

Travel in the city is personal preference to many, however, I would highly recommend investing in a tube pass. It can be useful whether you're staying right next to the Eiffel Tower or further out in the city, as you're able to get to every area of the city with ease. Like any city, they sell them over a course of a day or a few days and cover various zones. I'd recommend the one that focuses on the main centre (I think that was zone 1-3) as then you're able to get around all the sights for one price. The tube system is similar to London's with fewer lines and is a lot easier to navigate. They also have interactive maps at each station which show the stops near the attractions.

Be aware of the scams 

It's always important to be safe and wary in a city as these are the places scams can occur, especially in Paris. My boyfriend and I got stopped a few times before we realised it was actually a scam going on - older women would come up to ask and ask us to sign a petition for a 'charity', they would then demand money and ask for more and more. You have to simply walk away and not make eye contact otherwise they can follow you.

Take advantage of free sights 

In the same breath, make sure you take advantage of free sights. Even though Paris is an expensive city, there are hundreds of things you can do for free. For example, the Notre Dame has free entry and The Louvre museum is free for EU citizens under the age of 26. The Sacre Coeur has free admission and you can also find a few free galleries. Paris is also home to many pretty shopping streets such as the Champs-Elysses, and many gardens to explore.

8 things you need to know before visiting Paris

Pre-book attractions 

Paris is a very busy city during the course of the year and especially at peak times so if you're planning on visiting then, pre-book attractions. Sights such as the Eiffel Tower, river tours, and Disneyland.

Its secluded hidden gems 

Although Paris is generally a very busy city, one of my favourite things about it was the hidden gems. I'm talking about when you walk off the beaten path and discover quaint cafes, bakeries and trinket shops. They had a real authentic feel and I loved exploring them. My favourite area was around where the Notre Dame is - the spot is full of all the characteristic things I mentioned, perfect if you were looking somewhere private to eat.

Dinner times 

Regarding eating out for dinner in Paris, many restaurants open their dinner menu a lot later and if you aim to eat around 5pm, you'll probably be the only one in the restaurant. However, this can be a good thing if you love privacy! 

Disneyland advice

One of the reasons a lot of people can come to Paris is of course for the magical Disneyland. On our trip, we took a day out to do just that - visit the park and we both loved every minute. It's as magical as they all say, with the exciting rides, beautiful castle, characters, and the famous parade. A few tips for Disney I would say: firstly, buy your tickets in advance as it can save a lot of money and time when you enter the park. Secondly, if you're travelling from central Paris via train, ensure your tube pass covers the zone Disney is in. We made that mistake and didn't have tickets for the right station when we arrived. Disney is in zone 5 so when you're buying the tube ticket, ensure to get the zone 1-5 instead of 1-3. Also, food is pricey so bring your own if on a budget or if you wanted to dine in one of the cool restaurants, book in advance.

8 things you need to know before visiting Paris

To find out what there is to see and do, and where to eat in Paris, check out my 5-day guide to the city.

I hope you enjoyed this Paris post. Which other tips do you have about visiting the French capital?

Thank you for reading <3

Review: La Biosthetique Paris vegan haircare range

Well hello to you my reader chums! When it comes to hair care, I'm always really excited to try new products, as my hair naturally is rather frizzy and dry. This means I love to find anything that can prevent the frizz and leave my hair feeling, and looking ultra silky. 

When Biosthetique Paris got in touch to try a few of their hair care products, I couldn't wait to give them a go. I hadn't heard of the brand before, however, they informed me all the products were vegan and made of natural ingredients. I love that because you have the knowledge that you won't be putting any additional chemicals onto your hair.

La Biosthetique Paris haircare

After trialling them for a few weeks I couldn't wait to share my thoughts...

Product packaging

As all the products I received were in 100ml, they are the perfect size for travelling with and taking on the go. I travel regularly, so it comes in handy if I'm trying out new products for them to be smaller to travel with. The packaging looks very luxurious and simple, the writing is clear, and the packaging feels well made.

Hair Balancing Shampoo

 Out of all the products, I wasn't too sure about the shampoo at first. It had quite a thin consistency that you needed to lather it up a lot and ensure the hair was very wet to apply correctly, otherwise, you'd need more and more product. However, I did love that it was unscented, as it meant no additional products on my hair. The bottle has a different opening compared to usual shampoo bottles like a little nib which I loved, as it meant no product waste, and a small amount coming out when you squeeze it.

La Biosthetique Paris vegan haircare

Hair Gentle Conditioner

As I previously mentioned, I'm always on the hunt for products that will keep my hair looking and feeling healthy that the leave-in conditioner went down a treat. After I've washed my hair, I'll dry it a little with a towel and spray the conditioner over the ends of my hair and brush them through. The conditioner has a lovely fresh, lemongrass scent which adds to the natural appeal of the brand. I really did notice a difference with this product - it helped my hair feel silky and smooth, that I loved running my fingers through it even more.

Hair Intense Mask

Out of the three products, the intense mask has to be my favourite  - it's literally a dream-worthy product. The steps say: apply the mask over the hair, leave for ten minutes and wash off, so pretty standard really. However, the effects are genius. The scent is exactly the same as the conditioner - similar to lemongrass and very fresh. Its consistency is ultra creamy and coats the hair very well. Once it's been washed off, my hair felt extremely soft, and that softness stays when my hair is completely dry, for a day or two.

Overall, I really loved these products. They are more luxurious than your typical high street brand and are very natural which I love. If you are vegan and looking for something a bit upmarket, I'd highly recommend - especially the intense mask. For more information, check out La Biosthetique Paris.

I hope you enjoyed this review. Have you tried La Biosthetique Paris brand?

Thank you for reading <3

Christmas present ideas for every travel lover

Well hello to you my reader chums! I'm a bit of a travel addict and love anything travel-related, that when it comes to presents I'm full of ideas. If you have a friend or partner who is massively obsessed with travel and you're still unsure about what to get them for Christmas, here are a few suggestions.

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links.

Christmas present ideas for every travel fan

Book a trip away

It goes without saying but if you want to go all out this Christmas for your travel-loving partner or pal, a trip is the right step forward. It could be a hotel stay in a new city, somewhere abroad or a local country town, whatever you fancy. Deals will be flying about all over the place for next year now - so see what you can find and create that dream Christmas present.

Book a day out or experience

If you don't have a massive budget but still want to give a 'doing' gift then an experience or day out is a perfect choice. It'll mean you also give the gift of time together as their present and doing something they love. It could be a trip to the theatre, going to a cocktail class, go-karting, to the spa, or even for a lovely afternoon tea. There is plenty of day-out ideas available and websites that offer exciting experiences.

Personalised passport holder and luggage tag

For the travel addict, a passport is kind of like their best friend so a cover and luggage tag would come in handy. There are millions of really cute designs online that you can buy, however, if you want to make it a little bit more special, get a personalised cover. You could add their name a little travel quote or their initials - be as creative as you'd like.

Travel fan present ideas for Christmas

Travel journal 

One of the exciting things about travelling is documenting it all to look back over time. If your friend or partner loves to write or document what they're doing during their travels, treat them to a beautiful travel journal. Again, you can find plenty of different designs online on places like Etsy or Paperchase.

Scrapbook/photo album

Another way to document travels is through photos. If you and your partner travel a lot, put together a photo album of all your favourite travel photos or put the photos and things you've collected along the way together in a scrapbook. I'll make for a very special and sentimental gift they can treasure for a lifetime.

Wall prints

Continuing with the photo theme, another option is to have those all exciting travel photos printed out and put into frames, as a canvas or a collage on the wall. There are loads of different ways you can present photos in your home, and it's also something you can look back on to remind you of those good times.

Scratch-map

For any travel-loving person, a scratch-map is a must. It means they can scratch off all the places they've visited and continue to tick off new countries on the bucket list. And, if they keep it on the wall, people can ask about the countries they've visited.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Do you have any more travel present ideas?

Thank you for reading <3

Helpful tips for an anxious traveller

Well hello to you my reader chums! If you're a consistent follower of this blog then you'd know I'm a massive travel addict and love seeing new places. However, things weren't always this way. A few years ago, any thought of travel made me anxious; this included buses, trains, taxis and especially, flying. It took me a while to get over the fear of travelling and turn it into something I really enjoy. With that in mind, I've got a few tips that'll help out an anxious traveller.

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links.

Helpful tips for an anxious traveller

Take someone along you're comfortable with 

The number one thing that helped me with travelling was taking some along with me. It was either my sister or my best friend - they were both my safety blanket and I felt at ease in any situation with them by my side. If you're not comfortable on your own, invite someone along, whether it's running errands or going to the city for the day. If you explain to your friends/family how you're feeling, I'm sure they'll do all they can to help you feel at ease.

Bring distractions to keep your mind occupied

If however you need to go somewhere and there's nobody around to accompany you, I'd highly recommend bringing distractions. This could be a book to read, a podcast or whichever music you wish. Calm apps are also available such as Calm.com, Headspace, and Relaxlite - I've found these massively helpful over the years.  Distractions are key as they'll switch your focus from what's going on around you to that distraction. Pick something you know will fully engage your brain, especially when it's on anxiety overload. 

Ring someone

 Likewise, if you're alone and feeling anxious, ring somebody. Having someone on the other side of the phone will distract you from travelling and any thoughts going on inside your head.

Write down your thoughts

 Like any situation when your anxiety is going crazy. writing down your thoughts can really help. It'll take them off your mind and onto paper, and allow you to think clearly about other things.

Know your route 

Another thing to do is to plan out your route and know exactly where you're going. This will put your mind at ease before you set off as you'll have every detail planned in your head that you won't need to think about it. For instance, make sure you know the name and address of your accommodation on arrival, so you can find a way of transport to reach it - whether that's by taxi or public transport.

Always have a backup option 

With travelling, undoubtedly not everything goes to plan and that's why it's important to have a backup plan or be aware of one. That way, if something does go wrong during travelling, you have something to fall back on and hopefully won't panic as much.

Travel as much as you can and keep going

The main thing that helped me overcome the travelling fear was keeping at it. I pushed myself to go on public transport, to travel on my own and fly a lot, in hope of overcoming that fear - and it really worked. Once you travel a lot, you realise how common it is and how many people do it per day. 

I hope these tips were helpful to you. What other tips do you have for anxious travellers?

Thank you for reading <3



November favourites

Well hello to you my reader chums! Winter is finally here and the Christmas countdown has begun. I love this time of year; it means wrapping up in cosy clothes, planning Christmas presents and doing all things festive. November has been a busy and exciting month, and I tried a lot of new products that I've grown to love. Just to note, a few of these products were gifted to me.

Here are my November favourites...

November favourites

Natural Line's day cream 

I've been looking for a new moisturiser for ages, something that'll feel as if it's actually thoroughly moisturising my skin, and this day cream is just that. I was kindly sent it to try out and I couldn't be more thankful. The cream has a very thick consistency and sinks into the skin rather well. It also has a very natural scent and doesn't feel as if you're putting loads of chemicals onto the skin.

Misguided 'babe power' perfume

I love trying out new perfumes and rocking a new scent. This Misguided perfume, wasn't only stunning because of the scent but how it looks. The perfume is in an actual can - how cool is that? It's a metallic pink can, and squirts when you press the lid. The scent is very sweet but super lovely and smells kind of like cherries. I love it and think it'll make the perfect summer perfume.

Kiko's lip liner in '315'

I've raved about Kiko's makeup products for years now. Everything I've tried from them is top quality and compliments my makeup looks really well, especially their lip liners. Their lip liners last on the lips all day long, and help lipstick applied on top hold it's lasting power. 315 is my favourite to wear, it's a dusky and slightly dark pink. The lip liner comes out pretty matte, and despite the consistency, doesn't go too dry on the lips - it's ever so creamy.

November favourites


La Biothetique Paris hair intense mask

My hair is naturally very curly, and that makes it both frizzy and dry majority of the time. That when I got sent this mask, all my hair dreams got answered. You have to leave the hair mask on for 10 minutes, and after it's washed off, my hair feels super silky. The scent is lemongrass so also very natural and feels like it's doing wonders to the hair.

Kiko's copper eyeshadow in '102'

Autumn/winter time is the period of the year to wear copper eyeshadows, and I love that. Copper really suits my blue eyes and brings out the colour more, that it's the perfect look for me. This single eyeshadow is everything of copper dreams; it's pigmented, blends well and is the perfect copper colour pay off. I love that you can just wear that and it looks lush.

Natural Line's basil and lemongrass shower gel 

The day cream I previously mentioned is from the same range as this shower gel. I've fallen in love with this shower gel; it's really natural, has a lingering scent and lathers up on the skin.

Driving test


November favourites

This month, I managed to pass my driving test and I couldn't be more excited! I've been doing lessons on and off for a while now so it feels fantastic to finally get that certificate in my hand and buy my own car.

I hope you enjoyed this favourites post. What are your monthly favourites?

Thank you for reading <3