2024 highlights

 Well hello to you my reader chums! 2024 has been an incredible year; one full of dream-worthy holidays, business success, many special moments with my loved ones and plenty of lessons learned. I've adored 2024 with all the amazing highs and memories I'll never forget. I'm exceptionally grateful for the year I've had and everything I've been able to do - I honestly cannot believe it when I look back.

I always love to reflect on the year as it's a way to appreciate my favourite moments and achievements. 2024 has been everything, and here are my overall highlights of the year.

UK city breaks including Bath, Cambridge and Edinburgh

I've had the pleasure of exploring more of the UK this year, enjoying some city gems, including a winter break to Bath, a summer weekend in Cambridge and a spring weekend in Edinburgh. I feel very grateful to have soaked up some gorgeous gems the UK offers. I loved the architecture and overall charm Bath offered, with sweet cafes, cobbled walkways and independent shops. I loved the dated buildings, rivers and countryside around it. Edinburgh equally had that gorgeous charm and wandering those cobbled streets was everything. I couldn't get over the diversity of its different areas, the architecture, quaint shops and cafes and surrounding woodlands - so much to offer. Cambridge was what I imagined it to be; academic and striking with its impressive colleges, small city centre and the dream of punting along the river.

A gorgeous holiday to Italy and Switzerland

As many of you know, I'm obsessed with Italy and visit the country most years (I try to go somewhere new in Italy every year if I can). It's hard to pick my favourite area of Italy as I adore pretty much everywhere I've visited, from northern cities like Bologna and Verona to Tuscany and Sicily. This trip to my favourite country was extra special though as it was an interrail adventure through a couple of Italian locations and Switzerland. We explored Parma, Modena, and Lake Maggiore and then got the train to Switzerland, to visit Spiez, Brienz and Zurich. Every location was a mountainous dream and I adored every minute of soaking up landscapes, enjoying Italian food and seeing the beauty of Switzerland for the first time.

A dream trip to Canada 

I've wanted to visit Canada for the longest time and in autumn this year, we had the DREAM trip to the country. It began exploring the beautiful city of Toronto with a day trip to Niagara Falls and then, a road trip through the Canadian Rockies, exploring the wonders of Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and Yoho National Park. I don't know how to express my gratitude for this trip and seeing the wonder that is Niagara Falls and also, the impressive mountainous views of Canada's national parks. Banff is a place that will always leave a gorgeous place in my heart, I'm obsessed with Lake Loise and Moraine Lake and all the other hikes and lakes we experienced on our visit. Gorgeous waterfalls, walking on a glacier for the first time and driving through Icefields Parkway are a couple of highlights from the trip.

A successful year of my freelancing business

This year has been a memorable one for my freelancing business and I'm incredibly proud of myself for the success I've experienced. After a difficult year last year trying to build up the business, all the hard work I put in has paid off and this year, I've been blessed with some fab retainer clients and copywriting projects. I've worked with local digital marketing agencies, led marketing meetings for clients, demonstrated my copywriting skills through website content and blog copy, and connected and collaborated with various businesses. I'm proud to feel like I've made it and established myself as a business owner this year with continuous projects and retainer work. I can't wait to see what next year brings for the business!

Reading 25+ books

I love to read; it's no secret I'm a massive bookworm and have always aspired to be a published author. I've prioritised reading again this year, as part of my morning routine and whenever I have spare time as I adore it so much. I've read over 25 books this year, getting closer to 30 and hope I reach that by the end of the year. I've read many amazing thrillers, murder mysteries, light-hearted reads and some inspiring non-fiction books.

Making progress on my 6th book

My goal this year was to complete writing my 6th book this year and as the business has been so busy, I haven't given the book as much attention as I liked. However, I've nearly finished the first draft and I loved writing this tale this year, leaning into writing a different genre and sharing some of my experiences as a twin in the plotline.

Developing existing friendships and finding new ones

I will say friendships this year was an interesting topic as I've had many realisations about some friends, helping me set better boundaries. Due to this, I've found the room to search and grow friendships with new people and meet people that really get me. I've developed existing friendships that mean a lot to me and created new memories and connections with new friends.

Meeting my new baby niece

I am blessed to have such a gorgeous connection with my nephew; he means the world to me and I love being his auntie. When my sister told me at the beginning of the year she was expecting, I couldn't believe it and come the summer, I was blessed to meet my beautiful baby niece for the first time. I love seeing her grow so far and can't wait to make more memories with her.

Spending quality time with family and friends

Quality time is the most important thing to me and throughout 2024, I've prioritised spending as much time as possible with my family, best friends and partner. Whether going to their house and chatting, going on an adventure for the day, having dinner out or a walk, having deep chats and spending time is everything to me. I'm grateful for the continuation of beautiful deep connections with loved ones.

Another amazing year with my partner

I genuinely feel like the luckiest girl every single day to have a partner that just gets me, loves me deeply and makes every day memorable, and joyful. In 2024, we've had some phenomenal experiences together, travelling the world, delicious meals out, insightful chats, concerts together and the little moments of every day, loving each other's company. 

Seeing some amazing shows and concerts

I love watching live music and theatre shows; it's magical to see music and dance come to life in front of your eyes. Some highlights of concerts and shows this year include Noah Kahan, Joy Oladokun, Wizard of Oz, Girls Aloud, Choir of Man the Sausage and Cider Festival and the Nutcracker ballet.

Falling in love even more with my hometown and the community

I love where I live. I've always lived by the sea and the seaside town I live in has such an independent and positive community of creatives, and I have many amazing friends within that community. I've loved trying out new restaurants, meeting more people in the community and discovering more favourite spots.

Feeling more fulfilled in everyday life

The older I get, the more I appreciate the little things in life and learn how to slow down each day, be present and enjoy it more. This year I've gotten better at setting boundaries with other people, protecting my energy, focusing on my needs and giving time and energy to the right people.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What are your favourite moments of the year?

Thank you for reading <3

The beauty of ageing - you don't need to achieve everything in your twenties

 Well hello to you my reader chums! One lie we're often told, especially as women is we have to achieve everything before the age of 30. We must find the love of our life, get married, have kids, buy a home and have our dream career. We're meant to smash life in our first decade of adulthood - and to this day, we all believe the lie, and we all try to live up to these unlikely expectations. How can we achieve all of life's successes in one decade as well as learn to be our true selves and live wild and free lives? IT'S IMPOSSIBLE.

If you're in your twenties and feeling the pressure, here is my guide to the beauty of ageing and how you don't need to achieve everything in your twenties

The beauty of ageing - you don't need to achieve everything in your twenties

These are some reminders to hear today:

Ageing is a beautiful thing

The number of people my age or younger always dread the idea of turning 30 and getting a year older but as I grow, I realise what a blessing that is. How lucky we are to age and become wiser, stronger, more successful and make incredible memories. Ageing means experiencing more love, connection, the joy of life and achievement. It's everything; your skin shows years of laughter and experience and encapsulates what your existence is all about.

You're never too old to achieve a certain goal

I'm so tired of the 'twenties pressure' and being told I need to do it all and have it all or I'm not successful. It's the biggest lie I've ever been told. You are never too old to achieve a certain goal. You can find love in your 50s, you can go backpacking in your 60s, you can have your dream job in your 40s, you can learn a new life skill in your 70s. Life doesn't stop when you reach 30.

Your twenties are incredibly young

I'm 28 now and the closer I get to 30, the more I realise how young I am. When I look back over the last decade, how my twenties are so young. It's the first decade of adulthood - how am I meant to have it all figured out? How can I learn all the life lessons and achieve everything when I've had no proper life experience?

Life doesn't stop at 30

Absolutely not. Repeat this a thousand times, please. The minute you turn 30 and your 'wild and fun' years of your twenties finish, it doesn't mean your life is over. You have so much more to live and do - a whole lifetime to experience.

It's a blessing to see a new decade 

Ageing is the biggest blessing. Many people die young, way too young, whether through illness or tragedy. Sometimes, we should remind ourselves of the blessing it is to age and experience all the things we'd like to do in life.

You don't have to achieve the normal society expectations to live a fulfilling life

The normal expectations we're told to be happy include getting married, buying a house, having kids and living the perfect nuclear family life. But that dynamic doesn't work for everyone and that's okay. You don't need to aspire to the 'normal societal expectations', you need to create a life for yourself. This could be travelling full time, living in a remote cottage in the countryside or a stable job with little moments of joy each day. 

You get more beautiful every single year

We constantly compare ourselves to our younger selves, especially in terms of our looks. But this is just a reminder - you get more beautiful with age. Your face is full of wisdom, stories and your life journey.

You can always start over, whatever your age

Sometimes life doesn't go to plan and it can feel like the world is over, especially when we're young, in our twenties. When things break, we can fix them. When things don't go to plan, we can start again. Whether it's a job, relationship or healing from a difficult situation, you can do this.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What's the biggest life lesson you've learned?

Thank you for reading <3

Book review: 'I haven't been entirely honest with you' by Miranda Hart

 Well hello to you my reader chums! As my first ever blog post (nearly 12 years ago) was about Miranda Hart's first book, it would only be right to write a review of her latest book, 'I Haven't Been Entirely Honest with You'. As you can tell from my opening blog statement, I've been a Miranda fan since I was a teenager and started writing blogs with that opening phrase at the age of 16 - and I've never stopped. It would be weird writing the blogs without a 'reader chums' starter!

The show 'Miranda' has been a comfort to me since my teens, and I always found so much joy in watching it over again and quoting the show with my friends. I loved how the show always taught me the power of being my true self, loving who I am and how as a woman, I can do anything I put my mind to. 

Book review: 'I haven't been entirely honest with you' by Miranda Hart

Miranda Hart has always been an icon to me and still is, with her joy and showing the world the fun in life and how embracing your inner child is incredibly important, even as we get older. This book encapsulated everything I thought it would be and more - and was an uplifting, refreshing and insightful read of Miranda's personal journey.

Synopsis

'I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You' is Miranda's personal story of her journey through chronic illness and navigating the tools that worked for her. It's a personal tale leaning into the basic keys of wellbeing, learning to be your true self, embracing the little treasures in life and learning what's right for you and your life rather than what society tells you to be.

Overall thoughts

Miranda's novel was like a nice warm hug, reassuring me and all the other readers that everything will be okay. The core and heart of the book share the importance of being yourself and living authentically as you - and how that can do wonders for your mental health and everyday life.

I love how the book was the heart of who Miranda is, even with simple quirks and phrases in how she says things, and adding her favourite songs in each chapter. I love how incredibly vulnerable this book is and how Miranda opened up about her lowest moments, the simple pleasures she found and the connections she made which brought her out of herself and made each day a little better. 

This book was everything I needed to read. As a people pleaser and someone who struggles to relax or not be productive, it gave me the reality check I needed. It shared the importance of slowing down, being present and how the little things in life are the most important. Many of these lessons I've heard before but the way Miranda wrote it and her vulnerability meant so much more than any life coach or wellbeing manual I've read. It felt like Miranda's heart was on the page and I could experience her journey from the start to the current day. It's honest, vulnerable and open - which I can imagine took so much courage to write and share.

I felt somewhat lighter reading this book. There's something so powerful to hearing someone else's journey and not feeling so alone. I learned the term 'highly sensitive person' in her book and it hit me - that's me. For one of the first times in my life, I felt seen and that there are people like me who feel things incredibly deeply but also can only socialise in intentional situations, with smaller crowds of people.  

Overall this book warmed me in so many ways. I felt seen, loved and special and finished it knowing I deserved to show the world me and live fully as I should. It helped me realise how important it is to set boundaries, rest, slow down, not always be productive and not always chase success. This book taught me how special life is just by existing. Miranda poignantly shares a tale about a dark and difficult period and how moving away from her true self made her struggle more. Living authentically made life magical again.

A 10/10 read and one that'll stay with me forever.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What's next on your to-be-read pile?

Thank you for reading <3

Day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Niagara Falls is a glorious sight we all should see in our lifetime (if we have the opportunity) as honestly, it's gorgeous and everything you imagine it to be. You can visit Niagara Falls in many ways depending on where you're staying and how you want to see it.

Niagara Falls is in Canada and America, providing you with two opportunities to visit the incredible Falls and embrace the beauty from two different perspectives. I recently visited Canada and part of that trip was Toronto where we took a day trip to the Falls.

If you're visiting Toronto, here's all my advice on a day trip to Niagara Falls.

Day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto

Book your transport in advance

It takes around 2 hours to reach Niagara Falls from Toronto, depending on traffic. You can visit the Falls via a bus, private tour or hire a car and make your way there. The cheapest and easiest way for me was via a bus. If you're staying in Toronto, you can book a bus through Flixbus (or other bus companies) and hop on the bus at the central bus station.

Buses run quite often; you can find all different price options, some with stops and some that go directly there, suiting your time and budget. Our bus took around the 2-hour mark and cost around £45 return for two people. You can book seats, ensuring you're next to each other and bring luggage with you too. I found it incredibly simple and the journey was super quick; a lot of it is on those giant Canadian highways. 

Private tours will be a lot more expensive but usually, if you want even less stress, a tour does everything and all the thinking for you, helping you see Niagara Falls in a private group.

Buses are widely available, however, if you're planning to travel in peak time, such as summer, I would especially consider booking the bus way in advance. We were lucky to visit in early autumn (end of September) and only booked the bus a few days before, and we had plenty of buses to choose from.

Book your activities to the falls in advance

Similar to buses (and other modes of transport), I would recommend booking any tours you'd like to do at the Falls in advance. When you arrive at Niagara Falls, you'll learn they offer many tourist activities you can join and have the opportunity to book them there and then. However, by choosing your activities in advance, you'll have more space and time to map your data at the Falls. We only booked the boat tour in advance, however, as it wasn't too busy, we got to go on an earlier tour.

Activities can vary in prices and timings so it's all dependent on how you want to spend the day. The boat tour has to be the most popular choice and a must in my opinion. I had the time of my life being soaked by Niagara Falls as we sailed through. It's only 20 minutes long but a joyous and memorable time.

Other activities can include 'journey behind the falls', and the aero car.

Give yourself enough time to explore Niagara Falls

When you're at Niagara Falls, you'll realise it isn't a massive area and there isn't loads to do. You can spend your time wandering around the Falls itself, mooching in the gift shop and grabbing some lunch at the various restaurants and cafes. There's also Clifton Hill which is a juxtaposition to the Falls themselves with brightly coloured arcades, restaurants and amusements for families. You can find all the classic restaurant chains, cafes and endless activities to keep everyone occupied.

I hope you enjoyed this post. When are you planning to visit Niagara Falls?

Thank you for reading <3

'Let them' theory - how I've embraced it

 Well hello to you my reader chums! The older I get, the more I realise that not everyone has the same priorities in life as me and that's okay. Being an adult is busy; we all have relationships and responsibilities whether it's a demanding career or a family to look after. Staying friends with people or keeping strong family connections can be tough, and take a toll on your mental health overall.

I love to give so much to others, spend quality time with people and help in any way. However, I realised how much this takes out of me, especially the time and energy I was giving to toxic people or those who didn't really appreciate me and my time. It's a hard pill to swallow but once I learned about the 'let them' theory, everything fell into place.

If you're a people pleaser, here is my take on the 'let them' theory and how I've embraced it in my life.

What is the let them' theory?

I originally saw the 'let them' theory from Mel Robbins and it's about 'letting them' do whatever they want to do to create more control and emotional peace for you and your life. It also can help you navigate and create better relationships with people in your life.

If you have a friend who never puts in the effort or a family member you're always going to the lengths of the earth for and doesn't appreciate or respect you, this theory can do wonders in your life.

How have I embraced the 'let them' theory?

Embracing the 'let them' theory hasn't been an easy one, but over time, I'm getting better and better at putting it in place. 

The biggest way I've embraced is stopping texting people first, which may sound silly but I realised how I'm the sole reason why a lot of relationships in my life have continued - as I was always the one reaching out and making plans to see that person or check-in.

I realised by stepping back from different people, I had more energy to put into the people who were making the effort with me and growing those relationships further. It also gave me the time and energy to care for the most important relationship: the one with myself.

I think growing up as a people pleaser, keeping friends or trying to help everyone, thinking about their needs, instead of my own has had a detrimental effect on my mental health - and why 'the 'let them' theory is the best thing to happen to me. 

Embracing 'let them' theory has:

  • Allowed me to work on my own personal boundaries
  • Reduce the 'people pleaser, in me
  • Learn who the negative influences in my life
  • Learn who reciprocates my energy
  • Learn how different people work with communication
  • Prioritise myself and my needs
  • Understand more about the power of friendships and who has my back
  • Understand more where my priorities and life goals fall
  • Gain more respect for myself and my time
I hope you enjoyed this post. Have you heard of the 'let them' theory?

Thank you for reading <3


Everything you should know before planning a trip to Canada

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Canada is a dream-worthy location with mountainous landscapes, friendly folk and diverse experiences. During my trip to Canada, I visited Toronto, and Niagara Falls and spent a week exploring the Canadian Rockies. Both parts of the trip were completely different and taught me plenty of tips. 

If you're new to visiting Canada, here are my best tips on what to know before planning a trip to Canada.

Things to know before planning a trip to Canada

Canada is incredibly vast

One thing that surprised me in Canada, especially when travelling the Canadian Rockies was the sheer vastness. It's not like the UK where everything is near each other. When you're outside of a city, towns and villages aren't that close together. If you're driving, roads are long and can be 20 miles apart before you see a petrol station, shop or restaurant. With that in mind, if you're going on a road trip or travelling around, always plan for long distances and prepare with food, water and petrol.

Also, if you're planning on visiting one big destination across the country, often it's a long drive or you may have to fly between destinations. For example, I visited Toronto and the Canadian Rockies on one trip, including a flight from Toronto to Calgary and hired a car, to visit places like Banff.

Be wary and respectful of wildlife

Canada has beautiful and diverse wildlife and if you're out of a city, near the countryside or exploring the wilderness, be wary of wildlife. Bears, elks and other mammals are incredibly common across country areas, such as the Canadian Rockies and it's important to be prepared for them - and respect them. You're in their territory, their home and should be respectful. Learn the best way to travel safely, be wary and buy items like bear spray to keep you secure.

The roads are huge

I'm used to small country lanes, small parking spaces and average-sized dual carriageways in the UK and I was shocked at how wide and long their roads are. This is why you'll often find people in four-by-four cars rather than the smaller cars we have here.

Tipping culture in restaurants

One thing that surprised me was the tipping culture in Canada. It's standard to tip around 18% on each food bill (at restaurants). There's no mandatory rule of course, but it's always important to be respectful of their culture and offer the waiting staff a tip for their hard work. For service-counter restaurants, you don't need to tip as much but overall, tipping is essential.

You can split bills more easily in restaurants

Something they need to have in all countries is the ease of splitting the bill in restaurants. Across Canada, we noticed how they already have the bill split so everyone can pay their fair share of the meal, without doing the awkward, 'Shall we go halves?'.

Plan accordingly, especially in the countryside

Due to the vastness and how spaced out many amenities are, whatever you're planning to do in your day, whether it's a hike or explore a new town, research where petrol stations, food and rest stops are. Plus, be wary of distances; and how to get from A to B, as it'll make your life easier. I even found on some routes in the countryside that there was no phone signal for 30-plus miles. 

Paying with a card is the norm

I always like to learn the common way to pay in each country and like the UK, Canada was very much a paying-by-card place but accepts cash in most places too.

Don't compare Canadians to Americans

This is a polite tip to not mention when talking with Canadians. It's not friendly to compare Canadians to Americans and sometimes, you can offend them. As British people, we generally put Americans and Canadians in the same group but they are separate countries. I guess it's the same when people all assume English people are friends with the royal family. Just a light note to remember!

Look at Visa/ETA requirements

Visa/ETA requirements are essential to look up before visiting any country. If you're from the UK and visiting Canada for a short amount of time, you will only need to apply for ETA. You can do this online a few weeks before the trip so you don't need to worry about it when the trip arrives. You won't need to print anything out as it's all sorted online.  

Pack for all weathers

Canada experiences extreme weather, from freezing cold, and snowy climates to hot summer days. It all depends on where in Canada you're visiting as the country is incredibly vast, however, I'd recommend researching the average weather for the time of year you're going. For example, we visited Toronto and the Canadian Rockies at the end of September or early October. Toronto was summer weather (mid-twenties Celsius) and the Canadian Rockies were colder (5-10 Celsius). We were lucky it was pretty much sunny on our trip, however, there was some rain and temperatures varied throughout the day so layers are essential.

I hope you enjoyed this post. When are you planning your trip to Canada?

Thank you for reading <3

An itinerary for 2 weeks travelling across Canada

 Well, hello to you, my reader chums! I'm in love with Canada and constantly reminiscing about my time spent exploring the country over two weeks. During those two weeks, I was able to see three states, three national parks, and two cities. I definitely packed in a lot during 14 days, but it's very doable and a fast-track way to see two sides of the country, enjoying city life and the Canadian Rockies.

If you're planning a 2-week holiday to Canada, here's my experience of 14 days in the country and how I spent it.

2 weeks travelling across Canada itinerary

3-5 days in Toronto

Day 1 

  • Take a morning flight from the UK and land in the city at lunchtime
  • Check into your hotel, refresh yourself and plan to stay away to beat jet lag
  • Get your bearings in the city - wander around, mooch in the shops and restaurants
  • Explore Kensington Market 
  • Head back to central and have dinner in Downtown Toronto

Day 2 

  • Start your day with a boat trip to Toronto Islands
  • Spend the morning hiring a bike and exploring the islands, grabbing a drink or food at one of the local cafes
  • Enjoy a mooch at St Lawrence Market and have some lunch
  • Explore the Distillery District and wander around the shops
  • Visit the Yonge-Dundas Square and mooch Downtown Toronto
  • Head up the CN Tower at sunset

Day 3 

  • Day trip to Niagara Falls
  • You can book a tour or bus - We booked a Flix Bus from central Toronto to Niagara Falls (which takes around 2 hours)
  • Wander around Niagara Falls
  • Mooch around the bright Clifton Hill and grab some lunch
  • Take a Niagara Falls cruise (around 20 min journey into the falls)
  • Soak up the sunshine and relax, grabbing dinner before a bus back to the city

Day 4 

  • Venture outside of the city to the more rural side
  • Options for a hike or walk include: Rouge Park, Scarborough Bluffs or High Park

Day 5 

  • Enjoy the last dose of city air, whether that's going back to a favourite area or exploring the cafe scene with a book 
  • Take a late afternoon or evening flight to Calgary
  • Depending on when you land, have some dinner and head back to your hotel to rest up for the following day (I'd recommend booking a hotel near the airport)
7-8 days exploring the Canadian Rockies

Day 6 
  • Collect your rental car from Calgary Airport and drive to Banff National Park
  • Explore Banff town, have lunch and marvel at the surrounding beauty
  • Hike along Bow River to Bow Falls
  • Book the afternoon slot on the Banff Gondola and experience dreamy views
  • Head to Banff Upper Hot Springs and relax
Day 7 
  • Drive over to the Lake Louise shuttle (book in advance)
  • Explore Lake Louise, including walking around the lake and hiking up (see Mirror Lake on the way) to Lake Agnes
  • Stop off at the Lake Agnes Tea House and admire the mountainous views
  • Walk back down the hiking trail (the other route if possible)
  • Take the Lake Louise shuttle over to Moraine Lake
  • Explore the beauty of Moraine Lake and even go canoeing if you fancy
  • Stop off at Vermilion Lakes on the way back to Banff Town
Day 8
  • Head to Johnston Canyon for a morning hike and explore the lower and upper falls 
  • Drive over to Lake Minnewanka (can take a lake cruise)
  • Go back to Banff Town and explore the shops
  • Canoe along the Bow River and enjoy dinner in Banff Town
Day 9
  • Explore Canmore Town and the shopping scene
  • Dive towards Jasper National Park
  • On the way, stop off at Bow Lake 
  • Then, stop off at Peyto Lake and take the short hike (20-30 minutes) to see the lake
  • Drive along Icefields Parkway and lap up the gorgeous views
  • Visit the Columbia Icefield and Skybridge and go on an exhibition of the Athabasca Glacier 
  • Arrive in Jasper and check into your hotel
Day 10
  • Wander around Jasper Town
  • Head over to Pyramid Island and Pyramid Lake 
  • Other sights in Jasper you could see: Medicine Lake
  • Relax at the Miette Hot Springs
Day 11
  • Drive to Golden (takes around 4 hours)
  • Visit Athabasca Falls on route
  • Walk along the Golden Skybridge (many other attractions here, such as ziplining)
Day 12
  • Explore Downtown Golden
  • Head to Yoho National Park and visit Emerald Lake (enjoy the hike around the lake), Takkakaw Falls and the Natural Bridge
  • Relax and enjoy the natural air - we stayed in a cabin in Golden which I'd highly recommend
Day 13
  • Head back towards Calgary (takes around 3 hours)
  • See the Canadian Rockies sights on your way back, including returning to Banff 
  • Head to Canmore and do the Grassi Lakes hike - an absolute must
  • Return the car in Calgary and relax in your hotel 

Day 14 - Travel back to the UK 
  • Spend the day mooching around Calgary, seeing the best sights, such as Prince Island Park and Peach Bridge
  • Take an afternoon or evening flight back to the UK
I hope you enjoyed this post! When are you planning your trip to Canada?

Thank you for reading <3

City break to Toronto, Canada - the best things to see and do

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Toronto to me was like a low-key New York. Boasting giant skyscrapers, bustling crowds and endless things to see and do, it had a more residential feel than the Big Apple. I loved its various attractions, restaurants and central location to other exciting nearby sights and green spaces. 

If you're planning a city break to Toronto in Canada for a few days, here is my guide to the best things to see and do in the city.

City break to Toronto, Canada - the best things to see and do

Wander around the city - get your bearings

My biggest piece of advice for any new city is to wander around and get your bearings. Everyone has their own opinion on cities and sometimes reading travel guides, you feel like you have to follow them to a tee, rather than explore how you wish. The first thing is to leave your accommodation and gather which areas you like, what's near your accommodation and any sights you want to see on your trip. Wandering around can also help you understand how easy the city is to navigate. I found Toronto very walkable and sometimes, it's easier to walk than get the street car (if you're able to) because the traffic in Toronto can be incredibly busy.

Go up the CN Tower

Probably one of the most iconic sights in the city, heading up the CN Tower is one of the tourist things you should do. I was kind of hesitant at first because I thought like many tourist attractions it was overhyped, however, I loved it. And, as we visited just before sunset, we got to watch the city turn from day to night.

Explore the Distillery District

I loved the Distillery District; it had a unique overall look and vibe with charming independent shops, restaurants and bars. It reminded me of the Coal Yard in London with that industrial design and interesting retail scene. It's a place you can spend a few hours wandering around, enjoying some food and treating yourself to some interesting souvenirs. 

Hire a bike and explore the Toronto Islands

My favourite part of my trip to Toronto was visiting the Islands as it was a glimpse of nature amid a busy city. Getting to the islands is so simple, taking a quick boat, which is fast and cheap - only £5 each! When you get to the islands, it's up to you what you fancy doing, but there is the option of hiring bikes or a quadricycle which is what we hired. Doing this meant, we could see more of the islands quicker, take in all the views and stop off wherever we like. The islands are bursting with greenery,  endless trees, plants and water features. The islands also have some gorgeous coffee shops and outdoor eateries. 

Wander around Kensington Market

Kensington Market is a hub for quirky shops and places to eat, whether you're looking to buy a trinket or have some lunch out. I didn't spend too long here but enjoyed a mooch in some of the independent shops. I thought it would be bigger than it was, however, the few streets it covered featured vintage shops and fun cafes.

Eat everything at St Lawrence Market

This market was completely different, more of a foodie paradise. St Lawrence Market is the place to go for fresh produce, souvenirs or to grab some food and go. It had a heart of the city atmosphere and more to explore than first meets the eye. I'd definitely say to save this destination for a lunchtime slot!

Explore various neighbourhoods

One thing I loved about Toronto was its diverse appeal and its neighbourhoods reflect that. From Little Italy, Chinatown, and Little Portugal to endless types of cuisines, you can find pretty much any cultural food across the city in one way or another.

Day trip to Niagara Falls

A highlight of my time in Toronto has to be seeing the exceptional Niagara Falls! I've had this as a bucket list item for ages and finally seeing the Falls in real life was everything. As it's about a 2-hour drive to the Falls, I recommend doing a day trip to give yourself time to get there and back, enjoy the Falls experience and have some food. We booked a bus to and from the city and the journey was very smooth - only taking just over 2 hours. Niagara Falls is beautiful in so many ways and I adored wandering along and taking in the views. Another favourite part of the day was the Niagara Falls Cruise and honestly, I cannot get over how fun this was. As a 20-minute journey, the boat drives into the Falls and you get absolutely drenched - a hilarious experience, perfect on a hot day.

I hope you enjoyed this post. When do you plan on visiting the city?

Thank you for reading <3


Banff National Park - what to see and do

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Banff National Park is everything I dreamed it would be and I miss it so much already. It was one of those locations which wowed me wherever I went and I could have easily spent longer than 3 days, simply to just exist and admire the 360 views. Whether you're a mountain lover or new to wilderness exploring, Banff, Canada is a destination with low-key activities and more intense hikes.

Banff National Park - what to see and do

If you're planning a trip to Banff National Park, here is my guide to everything you can see and do.

What to see and do in Banff National Park

Banff Town

Banff Town has a gorgeous and wholesome ambience with its fairytale setting, wooden buildings and mountainous surroundings. Whether you're staying in Banff or Canmore, it's worth spending some time in the actual town to mooch around the independent shops, buy some souvenirs, enjoy the restaurant scene and wander along the nature trails.

Banff Gondola

Wherever there's an opportunity for a viewpoint, always take it! The Banff Gondola is a gorgeous experience to see Banff Town and the entirety of Banff National Park from up high. The gondola is incredibly fun to ride but also allows you to experience amazing views, especially if you're only in Banff for a short amount of time, without doing many of the hikes. You can purchase tickets to the gondola in the tourist centre, however, I'd recommend buying a PursuitPass online, as it can cover several of the other attractions in the Canadian Rockies national parks.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Next to the entrance of the Banff Gondola is the Banff Upper Hot Springs. These are heated pools, which overlook the mountains and make for a fab time to relax. It can get pretty busy here and the pools aren't massive, so I'd recommend going towards the end of the day.

Bow River and Falls hike 

Within Banff Town, you can explore some of the nature scenes and one of the favourite and easy walks is the stroll to Bow River and Falls. You can reach the falls in under 30 minutes from the town centre and the stroll is mainly a woodland walk along the river.

Canoeing on Bow River

Canoeing in Banff was a dream-worthy experience because the scenery was unreal and I'm so grateful we were able to do it. You can canoe in various places in Banff, however, along the Bow River was one of the cheapest locations we found, rather than destinations like Moraine Lake.

Lake Louise

Prepare to be wowed at Lake Louise. You can reach Lake Louise in a few ways, such as by booking a shuttle and driving yourself or by a tour bus. It's one of those lakes I still can't believe is real. The beauty is something I can only describe as WOW. The colour of the lake was crystal clear and the weather was perfect on our visit. From the lake, you can also hike up to Lake Agnes and enjoy some lunch at the Lake Agnes Tea House, passing Mirror Lake along the way.

Moraine Lake

From Lake Louise, you can visit Moraine Lake by catching a shuttle. Moraine Lake has its own unique beauty and is a completely different setting from Lake Louise. With its mountainous terrain and rocky hills, it's a tranquil spot to relax.

Vermillion Lakes

One of my favourite things about travelling around Banff and the Canadian Rockies was how there were many places you could stop along the road to enjoy lake views. Vermillion Lakes is one of those lakes you can admire from the roadside at whatever time of the day.

Lake Minnewanka

Another lake to add to your agenda is Lake Minnewanka which is surreal, just like Vermillion Lakes and a lovely stop-off. To explore more of this lake, you can also go on a Lake Minnewanka cruise (which can be included in the PursuitPass).

Johnston Canyon

Another amazing hike in Banff is the Johnston Canyon as it's a picturesque place to admire gorgeous waterfalls and rugged cliffs. It's one of those places where you can appreciate the endless trees and nature - I just loved it.

Bow Lake and Peyto Lake

If you're visiting Jasper National Park on your trip as well, on the way there (by car), you can stop off at some gorgeous lakes, including Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. Bow Lake, you can park along the roadside and witness, whilst Peyto Lake takes a small hike (around 20-30 minutes). Bow Lake is beautiful and Peyto Lake looks surreal with its bright blue water.

Drive to Canmore and Grassi Lakes 

Canmore is a nearby town to Banff that many tourists stay at because it's a lot cheaper and honestly, deserves time on its own to enjoy. Drive to Canmore and have a mooch around the town and restaurant scene, and then make your way to Grassi Lakes. Grassi Lakes is a hike which surprises me about how amazing it was. There were two different routes you could take, one that was pretty steep or a slightly tamer version. The end goal is beautiful with bright green lakes that look like magic.

Where to eat in and near Banff National Park

Good Earth Coffeehouse

I loved it in here as it had an independent coffee shop vibe, with homemade goods and local produce, offering everything from sandwiches, cakes, warm dishes and various drinks. Plus, they have a sweet outdoor area with a mountainous backdrop.

Farm and Fire Restaurant

Next door to the Good Earth Coffeehouse was the Farm and Fire Restaurant which was highly rated for many reasons. The dishes are all designed to be shared; me and my partner could choose a few dishes to enjoy together. The portions were also massive and the food - amazing quality.

Three Bears Restaurant

Considering you are in Banff, going to a restaurant named after bears is a necessity. Three Bears is very popular in the heart of the town. You can enjoy various dishes, from burgers, and mac and cheese to curries and banana splits.

Lake Agnes Tea House

If you go on the hike from Lake Lousie to Lake Agnes, you'll see the charming tea house located at the top. This place does daily specials of sandwiches and cakes, various teas and snack bits. It's a great stopping-off point after a hike but can get very busy.

Wild Flour Cafe & Bakery

Another gorgeous coffee shop with homemade goods, you can enjoy various sandwiches, cakes and desserts and plenty of fresh drink options. 

Take a Hike Market

In the heart of Canmore, this has got to be one of my favourite eating spots and I wish I could have gone here more. It has a deli set up to it but also offers hot breakfasts and lunches, such as pancakes and egg dishes.

Bridgette Bar

Another Canmore spot is Bridgette Bar, a meal me and my partner have been raving about since. With homemade pizzas and an array of other dishes such as pasta and meat options, you can enjoy loads of delicacies.

The Bro'kinYolk

Probably the biggest portion ever but I'm still thinking about the eggs benedict I had here with pesto on waffles - it was just insane. The perfect place to enjoy a hearty breakfast in Canmore.

Where to stay in Banff National Park

Staying in the heart of Banff Town and across the National Park can be pretty expensive and choosing where to stay can depend on your budget. Many people choose Canmore as it's cheaper and only a 20-minute drive to the national park. If you're driving on your trip, Canmore is an easy option, especially if you're on a budget too. You can also stay in Calgary and do a day trip to Banff as it's 1.5 hours away by car. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. When are you planning a trip to Banff?

Thank you for reading <3

Everything to know before visiting the Canadian Rockies

 Well hello to you my reader chums! The Canadian Rockies is a dream-worthy destination with phenomenal views you're guaranteed to fall in love with. I did plenty of research before venturing to the Rockies, but there were many things I learned along the way on my travels - and I'd love to share that wisdom with you.

Everything to know before visiting the Canadian Rockies

If you're planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, here is everything to note before you jet off to the mountains.

Hire a car

I found our trip to the Canadian Rockies a dream come true and it made it easier and more cost effective by having our own car. The majority of the sights you'll see when exploring the national parks are easily accessible by car and without a vehicle, you'll need to pay for a tour which often can be rather expensive. The roads in Canada are really easy to navigate as they don't have roundabouts, are rather straight and very large. 

The Rockies are incredibly sparse

One of the things which surprised me about venturing around the Rockies is how sparse everything is. It's completely different to England, where you can find a corner shop or petrol station everywhere. With the roads through the Rockies, you can go 20 miles or more without seeing anywhere to stop, apart from a portable toilet on the road. One thing which excited me was how there were stop-off points on many roads to rest and take pictures of the views - and you're likely to see many cars pull over to do just that. Because of the sparseness though, ensure you're prepped with food, water and enough gas to get you from A to B.

Download your maps

Due to the vastness of the Rockies, a phone signal isn't always guaranteed and when we travelled between Banff and Jasper, I'll never forget the sign which said 'No cell service for 150km' which blew my mind. And, it wasn't the only time I lost signal on my phone, it would just disappear at random moments because, well, you're in the mountains. I would highly recommend downloading maps, ensuring you won't get lost along the way.

Bring a refillable water bottle

There were always refillable water stations at many of the hiking places we visited across the Canadian Rockies. Bring a water bottle wherever you go because it can save you a lot of money and you can enjoy fresh, cold whatever along the way. 

Buy bear spray

Bears were one of the biggest worries when visiting the Canadian Rockies and luckily we didn't see any during our hikes or visits to the lakes, but many tourists do see sightings of them on the trails and even in the towns. As a precaution, buy bear spray and read up on bears and how best to keep yourself safe. You never know when you may see one.

Be aware of wildlife

Be considerate of the wildlife in the Canadian Rockies. It's a wild and open place and you're exploring the animals' home so be respectful of that. In the Canadian Rockies, there may be bears, elks and many other wild animals and you don't want to cause them or yourself any harm.

Bring layers and wear appropriate clothing

In the mountains, the weather can change in a tick and bringing layers is so important to prepare yourself for the cold, rain or snow. I would recommend bringing thermals, a raincoat or waterproof layer, fleeces and coats. It all depends on the time of year you visit, but at night, the temperature can drop if you're visiting in warmer seasons. I visited in the autumn and it was mild in the day, but thermals were needed sometimes and my raincoat too.

Always stick to the trail

You'll see signs for this on every trail but it's so important as you never know what's beyond the trail, such as uneven terrain and wildlife. Keep your wits about you and always be aware, you are in the wilderness.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Are you excited to visit?

Thank you for reading <3

Canada itinerary - 7 days in the Canadian Rockies

 Well hello to you my reader chums! I fell in love with the Canadian Rockies and genuinely cannot believe I got to spend a week lapping up the mountainous scenery, hiking in some of the most beautiful places in Canada (and Earth) and visiting the dreamiest lakes. It almost didn't feel like real life because everything looked like a postcard. 

Canada itinerary - 7 days in the Canadian Rockies

I could easily have spent much longer than 7 days in the Rockies because it's a place of such awe and beauty. However, if you've only got 1 week to explore the best of the Canadian Rockies like me, here's my itinerary of a 7-day road trip through the mountains. 

3-4 days in Banff National Park

Banff is the most popular national park in the Rockies for good reason as there's an incredible amount of sights you can see, especially if you're a beginner hiker or new to a mountainous destination. Banff National Park has plenty of things you can see and do to fill 3-4 days, or simply spend your time enjoying mountainous life. 

Day 1

  • Explore Banff Town- shops and restaurants
  • Hike along Bow River to Bow Falls
  • Banff Gondola
  • Banff Upper Hot Springs
  • Dinner in Banff Town

Day 2 

  • Lake Louise - roam around
  • Hike from Lake Louise to Lake Agness Tea House
  • Shuttle to Moraine Lake and explore the lake
  • Visit Vermillion Lakes and Lake Minnewanka 

Day 3

  • Johnston Canyon - hike to lower and upper falls
  • Canoeing in Banff - along Bow River
  • Explore Canmore - and have dinner there
Day 4 (optional)
  • Grassi Lakes hike - you can also add this to day 3. Or, when driving to return the hired car back to Calgary from Golden, you can visit Canmore and complete the Grassi Lakes hike then. 

2 days in Jasper National Park

Day 4 

  • Drive from Banff to Jasper National Park
  • Stop off along the way to Bow Lake and Peyto Lake (with a hike to the top)
  • Enjoy the views as you drive along Icefields Parkway
  • Columbia Icefields - a tour of Athabasca Glacier
  • Skybridge

Day 5

  • Jasper Town
  • Pyramid Island and lake
  • Relax in Miette Hot Springs
  • Wander along Beaver boardwalk in Hinton (if you're staying out of Jasper)

2 days in Golden/Yoho National Park

Day 6 

  • Drive to Golden (around 4 hours) and stop off at Athabasca Falls
  • Visit the Golden Skybridge
  • Explore Downtown Golden

Day 7

  • Explore Yoho National Park
  • Visit Emerald Lake - hike around the lake
  • Visit Takakkaw Falls and Natural Bridge 

I hope you enjoyed this post. When are you planning the visit?

Thank you for reading <3

My experience travelling around Canada

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Travelling to Canada has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience as I'm honestly still in shock at the mountainous landscapes. I always knew Canada was a country I wanted to visit but because it was a pricey trip, I didn't think it would be a possibility any time soon. However, my partner and I made it our mission this year to visit Canada and explore as much as possible in a two-week window.

Banff National Park

Canada is a sparse country which initially blew my mind, with how spaced out everything is. It surprised me that you could drive for 20 miles and only see a gorgeous landscape of mountains with no other amenities in sight. The peacefulness of life in the Canadian Rockies was something else.

My trip to Canada began on the east side of the country in Toronto. Toronto was a city that had the essence of Manhattan but without the loudness and chaotic energy. I've told many people, to me it was like a low-key New York. There were magnificent skyscrapers, endless shops and restaurants, and things to do but the heart of the city wasn't as bold and extra as the Big Apple. Toronto had a slight residential and homely feel to the city, with a bustling tourist trail of people and serene locations, such as the Toronto Islands.

The first few days in Canada were about exploring the sights in Toronto and I love the feel of mooching around a new city, grasping the vibe and energy it brings. Some favourite sights and areas included St Lawrence Market, CN Tower (watching the sun go down), and wandering around Old Toronto, the Distillery District and Downtown Toronto. I loved taking in all the views of these sights, especially Yonge-Dundas Square as it reminded me of Manhattan and the quaint shops in the Distillery District. 

Toronto Islands

However, the top thing I did in Toronto was the Toronto Islands. I love the peace nature brings and taking a 10-minute boat trip away from the city itself; being on the islands was joyous. My partner and I hired one of the quadricycles which reminded me of the Chuckle Brothers and we cycled across the islands, taking in the gorgeous views and sunshine. The islands are such a juxtaposition to the city itself; incredibly serene with endless trees, green spaces, flower gardens and water features, including ponds and lakes.

As Toronto is incredibly close to Niagara, on my trip there, I took a day trip to the town to see the famous Niagara Falls. Niagara surprised me in many ways, one, seeing the falls for the first time was a 'WOW' moment and secondly, the juxtaposition of Clifton Hill in the town, compared to the peaceful falls themselves. Niagara itself isn't massive, however, I spent a lot of time roaming around the falls (and getting absolutely drenched). The highlight had to be the boat tour into the falls where I wore the iconic red poncho. This experience was nothing less than pure joy! I cannot even explain how hilarious it was to be soaked by the falls but also marvel at the incredible beauty at the same time.

Niagara Falls

After enjoying the wonders of Toronto and witnessing Niagara Falls, the rest of our time in the city was spent with my partner's family. My partner and I then flew to the west side of the country to Calgary, starting our journey across the Canadian Rockies. We stayed the night in a hotel near the airport, picked up a hired car the next morning and started our road trip to the Canadian Rockies.

I don't think I'll ever get over the first moment I saw the mountains on the way to Banff National Park from Calgary. It was such a 'WOW' moment of the mountains, and the closer we got to Banff, the larger and more magnificent they became. It wasn't only this drive that amazed me but the drive throughout Banff, to Jasper National Park and to Golden and Yoho National Park.

Banff National Park has to be one my favourite ever places I've visited and having three days there was EVERYTHING. The first day arriving in Banff was all about enjoying the quaint town, grabbing some food and going up the Banff Gondola. We also took a lovely mooch around the town and a small hike along Bow River to Bow Falls. Travelling up the gondola was special as the higher we went, the views were even better of the surrounding mountains and lakes in the national park. Up the top, we could see the panoramic views of all levels, with various pathways. There was something magical about being in that landscape for the first time. The gondola was also near the Banff hot springs and we ended our first day relaxing, surrounded by mountains. 

During our time in Banff, we stayed in Canmore which honestly is such a gorgeous mountain town and I'll never forget waking up to the sunrise over the mountains. Canmore had many great places to eat and surrounding hikes to enjoy. On the second day in Banff we saw the most famous sights: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. This day I can only describe as magic. 

Lake Louise

The early start driving to Lake Lousie was worth it. As soon as we arrived, my jaw dropped at the colour of the water and mountains, and the picturesque setting. Lake Louise was as beautiful in real life (if not better) as everything I've seen previously online. We were lucky it wasn't too busy and got to experience the pure beauty of this glistening lake. From Lake Lousie, there's a great hike up to Lake Agnes Tea House. It was a lovely and slightly steep hike, yet along the way, there were gorgeous sites such as Lake Louise from another viewpoint and Mirror Lake. Arriving at the top was a great feeling, enjoying some lunch at the tea house and soaking in the scene. The next stop that day was Moraine Lake; another breathtaking lake which blew my mind. The surroundings here were a lot rockier, yet stunning and the water reflecting from the sun is an image I'll never forget. Another highlight that day was stopping by Vermillion Lakes on the way home - that's the best thing about Canada, you can stop off at mountainous viewpoints along the car journey.

Banff National Park was somewhere I could have spent longer than three days as the beauty never stopped. On our last day in the park, we visited Johnston Canyon, which was a tamer yet stunning walk that featured rugged cliffs, waterfalls and quaint paths. I loved the peaceful energy around the canyon and how easy it was to reach the waterfalls. The rest of the day in Banff was about exploring the independent stores in Banff and having a bite to eat. As we were incredibly lucky with the weather, this day was the hottest in the Rockies and we took advantage by going canoeing on Bow River. The sun was beginning to go down and the river was calm. An experience I'll never forget!

From Banff National Park, we made our way to Jasper National Park. On the way, we spotted two wonderful lakes, Bow Lake, along the road and Peyto Lake, which required a small hike to reach - and the vivid, bright blue lake. We also had the opportunity to drive along Icefields Parkway which is known as one of the most beautiful roads in the world. It certainly lived up to that name as I fell in love with endless mountainous scenery, from rugged cliffs to endless rows of autumnal trees. I thought the views were good one minute, and then they got better and better. The first stop in Jasper National Park was the Columbia Icefield. Canada was a trip with mind-blowing experiences and visiting a glacier was just that. I'm not over how we got to walk on a glacier and experience the freezing weather and gorgeous views.

Our time in Jasper was quieter than in Banff as we were only there for 2 days, and driving took a lot of that time, and due to the unfortunate forest fires, most of the park wasn't open. My heart went out to all the people the fires affected. Some sights were open, including Pyramid Island and Lake and Miette Hot Springs. We also visited the Beaver Walk and explored the local town.

From Jasper, our next day, we headed to Golden, which was around a 4-hour drive. This drive was just as gorgeous as the one on the way to Jasper. We stopped off along the way to take in the views, including the Athabasca Falls. Arriving in Golden, our first stop was the famous Golden Bridge. I have to admit, that bridge was terrifying to walk along, but the views were amazing. We spent our time in Golden, staying in a beautiful cabin in the middle of the wilderness - a serene setting with a fire and mountain views.

Golden was nearby to Yoho National Park and we spent our full day there exploring the highlights of the park, including Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake. I adored Emerald Lake as we took a stunning walk around the glistening emerald-coloured lake. The scenes around this were glorious and I love that half of the walk was pretty flat and the other half was slightly steep and muddy which was great fun. Takkakaw Falls was an incredible highlight as the falls were just something special and when we arrived, the snow fell one minute and the next, the sun came out and a rainbow formed over the waterfall. On the way back to Calgary from Golden, we stopped off at Banff and Canmore and enjoyed our last hike to the Grassi Lakes - which had the brightest green lake ever. 

Icefields Parkway Alberta Canada

Icefields Parkway Alberta Canada

Saying goodbye to the Rockies was incredibly bittersweet as I had the time of my life, hiking around the mountains, witnessing dream-worthy sights and living my best mountain life. 

Canada was a once-in-a-lifetime trip and I'm forever grateful to take this trip with my partner. If you're considering the Canadian Rockies, plan and book that trip - you'll never regret it.

Lake Louise

How to maintain female friendships

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Maintaining female friendships can be challenging, especially as you grow older and life paths change. I love my friends and nothing can match the richness and depth of those friendships. Years of watching each other grow, celebrating the big moments, dealing with heartbreak and making memories together that'll last a lifetime.

If you've got some amazing female friendships or have started a new one recently, here are my tips on how to maintain female friendships.    

How to maintain female friendships

     Have check-in points 

 Life is busy, especially as you get older and everyone is on different paths, whether they move countries, have a baby or get married. Weeks and months can go by fast and before you know it a year has gone and you haven't seen any of your friends in person. To tackle this and due to the power of technology, have check-in points. This could be a weekly phone call or Facetime, a daily voice note or texting memes whenever you feel the need. Each friendship differs from one to the next.  

    Communicate expectations with each other  

   We have friendships for different reasons, some we run into with every issue, some we catch up with every few months and some who are like family. Not every friendship can be the same and you shouldn't put the same expectation on each friend nor expect them to act in a certain way. Naturally, your expectations will come clear for each other and if they don't, communicate how you're feeling and how you can both show up for each other in the way that suits you mutually.

 Always enter with an open heart

Living with an open mind and heart is the way to enjoy every part of life, including friendships. One of my favourite things about female friendship is the pure love and connection we all have for each other and why an open heart is the best thing you can have. This allows you to appreciate every moment, love hard and enjoy life with each other to the fullest.

 Celebrate each other

     Life is all about boosting each other up and celebrating each other. I always feel so incredibly empowered by female friendships as they're the biggest cheerleaders. One of the best ways to maintain friendships is to always cheer each other on, even if you don't see them regularly. Whether it's sending them a text, complimenting them on their Instagram post or sending a celebratory card in the post.

 Set dates to see each other regularly           

                     It can be hard to stay in touch with female friends, especially if you both have demanding personal lives or you don't live near each other. However, putting dates in the diary regularly can mean seeing each other as much as possible and catching up on each other's life, keeping a meaningful connection alive between you both.         

  Avoid holding a grudge  

        I think as women, it's so easy to hold a grudge over the little things or get resentful if you're left out, and your friend doesn't reply or lets you down. But, grudges are not healthy at all and can only turn your friendship toxic. If you are feeling hurt or doubtful about anything, always talk it out with each other as this can prevent grudges or resentment.

 Try and be understanding of their thoughts and feelings

Being open to your friend's thoughts and feelings is the best way to create and develop a safe space and talk everything out with each other. Going into any conversation with an understanding mindset can help you deal with any situation or minor argument you've had.

Cherish every memory with your friends

Life is busy and can move so fast that sometimes we forget to cherish the moment when it's there. Whatever you're doing, whether it's a sleepover or going out for brunch, make sure you're present and put your phones away.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What would you add?

  Thank you for reading <3