26 REALISATIONS I HAVE HAD IN 2020.
Tuesday 29 December 2020
It goes without saying that 2020 has been a weird year for everyone. In January I was flowing down a stream in Taupo, New Zealand looking at the sky and thinking to myself, 'wow life is good right now' and before I knew it I got caught in a rapid and almost drowned. So that pretty much set the tone for the rest of the year lol. That being said, it doesn't mean all 365 days of the year have been bad, just different. I've still laughed until I've cried, had great people come into my life, and made it my personal mission to try every flavour of gin at The Yard. This year I didn't write my yearly birthday post about 'realising thingz' so I thought I'd write one now before the end of the year.
1. Not everything is a sign from the universe.
2. Rental prices in Gibraltar are the highest I've seen anywhere I've lived (including London). Listening to my mum rallate everyday > paying £800 a month to live in a shoebox.
3. There is really no point worrying or stressing over things that are out of our control.
4. The grass isn't always greener on the other side, it's greener where you water it.
5. Your life doesn't have to be exciting and full of plans all the time, appreciate the downtime.
6. The best way to enjoy life is always having something to look forward to, even if it's family game night or a Zoom quiz with friends.
7. You really don't know what you have until it's gone, like the cinema.
8. It shouldn't be a battle to keep anyone in your life, friendships and relationships should flow naturally.
9. Don't base your life decisions on what you think is expected of you by society, if you don't want to get a mortgage and would rather travel or move around then do so. You're the only person who knows what's going to make you happy.
10. Surround yourself with positive energy and vibrations. If someone is giving you the opposite don't feel guilty for cutting them out of your life or limiting your time with them.
11. When a pandemic keeps you stuck at home the only thing that really matters is human connection and interactions, even if it's over FT.
12. Turns out I actually like olives and ketchup.
13. The only person you should be competing against is yourself, so stop measuring your success by where other people are on their journey.
14. Just because you're in your late 20s and still single doesn't mean you are doomed to be a spinster, life doesn't stop when you turn 30.
15. I do believe everyone that comes into your life (whether they stay or not) does so to teach you a lesson or at least, builds character.
16. Don't let anyone stop you from doing things that bring you joy just because of peoples negative comments or closed mindedness, especially coming from a place with a 'small town mentality'.
17. Take that trip of a lifetime. I had so many people tell me I was stupid for leaving my job to travel Asia/Australia for a year, and I came back and found a good job again. It was probably one of the best years of my life.
18. Open up two savings accounts, one for adult things like saving for a house and dental appointments and one for making memories. Becoming an adult doesn't mean you have to stop travelling or doing the things you enjoy, you just have to manage it better.
19. If you ever need any dental work done, plan it around a holiday in Asia. I got my emergency root canal done in Vietnam for £50 and it was probably the most modern clinic I've ever been in. It would have cost me more to claim it on my insurance!
20. As lockdown probably showed most of us you don't need the gym to stay healthy when there's Youtube, but the gym is also so great for your mental health.
21. When your friends send you song recommendations, actually listen to them. You might actually end up discovering your new favourite artist.
22. It's ok to admit to your friends when you're feeling sad or lost in life, chances are they're probably going through stuff too and waiting for someone to talk about it too.
23. You're allowed to change your mind about what you want to do with your life, no matter your age or circumstances. As long as you're not going to ruin anyone else's life by doing so.
24. Become comfortable with doing stuff by yourself, don't miss out on stuff just because no one else wants to do it with you.
25. In some situations, no amount of closure is ever going to answer all your questions. Sometimes for your own peace it's best to just let things be.
26. If this year has taught us anything, it's that no ones time on earth is guaranteed. So cherish the people around you, and don't put things off because 'you have time'.
10 EXPERIENCES TO HAVE IN VIETNAM.
Tuesday 24 November 2020
1. Halong Bay
2. Eat local
3. Sa Pa
4. Ninhvana hostel
5. Hoi An
6. Hai Vahn Pass
7. Train Street, Hanoi
8. Ba Na Hills
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Photo Credit |
9. War Remnants Museum, Saigon
10. Chi Chi Tunnels, Saigon
GUEST POST | 5 TIPS FOR SELF-CARE DURING YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE.
Sunday 1 November 2020
Having a busy schedule can be extremely rewarding, but if you don’t look after yourself properly, it can have a negative effect on your mental and physical health. Whatever life you may lead, neglecting your simple needs should never be avoided. If anything, taking care of yourself can improve your performance and productivity, which can benefit your personal and professional life. If you are finding it hard to take care of yourself due to your fast-paced lifestyle, then here are 5 tips for self-care that you can fit around your busy schedule.

Build a Skincare Routine
Follow a Healthy Diet
A Good Night’s Sleep
Discover Your Stress Reliever
Give Yourself a Break
HOW TO SPEND 48 HOURS IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA.
Friday 1 May 2020
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
Reggae Mansion Hostel (budget)
If you're looking to get a peaceful night sleep then this probably won't be the hostel for you, as they have a rooftop bar that goes off every weekend. Their shard hostel rooms still give you a sense of privacy as you get a curtain in your bunk, although getting to the (very high) top bunk whilst also trying to carry my laptop, water and book up the ladder wasn't the easiest. The rooms come with lockers and you also get complimentary basic breakfast in the morning. Rooms were priced at £5 per night.
Upper View Regalia Hotel (best views)
Where to eat in Kuala Lumpur
One of my favourite things about travelling in Asia is the amount of good food I can get for less than £10. The first thing I googled when I got to my hotel room is what dishes I needed to try, and where to try them. I had wandered to the KLCC Mall and stopped by the food court for lunch. I went to the Malaysian stall and didn't know what anything on the menu was, so I googled Nasi Lemak and though that was a safe option. It's a dish cooked in coconut milk and it usually comes with a bunch of extras like fried anchovies, a boiled egg etc. There was something on the plate that was a bit spicy, so the cucumber was useful!
Jalan Alor Night Market
Dining in the Dark KL
If you're looking for a unique experience then definitely make time for this! Like the name suggests you're immersed in a dining experience in complete darkness. I went with some people I met at my hostel and it's interesting to see how people communicate when you can't see each other, and eating without seeing what's in front of you also heightens your senses.
Tapak Urban Street Dining
Another food market that has a more international focus and various food trucks. Just make sure you come here with an appetite because I was lying like a potato in bed for hours after I left because I was so full. I bought the mac & cheese burger from 8th Street Cafe and wow, for £2.50! I also saw stalls selling Mexican food, churros and some Malaysian dishes.
Arch Cafe
What to do in Kuala Lumpur
It's relatively to get around KL with their metro system, but because I was only there for a weekend I hopped from place to place using Gojek (Asia's version of Uber) as it was cheap and would get me there quicker, and less chance of me getting lost.
Batu Caves
Petronas Towers
If you're into checking out impressive buildings then you'll love this one. The towers stand at 1,483 feet and they're pretty easy to spot, so you won't have to rely much on google maps when making your way there. Luckily when I was trying to figure out how to get a picture with them, a woman asked if I wanted my picture taken, as she understood the struggle! I recommend visiting at night too as it looks beautiful when it's lit up.
KLCC Mall
KL Forest Eco Park
Bukit Bintang
Helipad Lounge Bar
40 THINGS TO DO WHILST 'STAYING AT HOME'.
Thursday 30 April 2020
NOTE: I wrote this blog post before Gibraltar went on semi-lockdown in March, so I have added a further 20 things to do whilst we are all being responsible and staying home. I know being indoors sucks. A lot of my joy comes from having trips, festivals and social activities to look forward to, but this is not the time to be selfish. You know what sucks more than cancelling holidays and not being able to go out partying? Losing people you love. Missing out on stuff for a few weeks or months is nothing in the grand scheme of things, especially if it will help slow down the spread of the virus. I also know a lot of people depend on routine and social activities to help with mental health, so that's why I've compiled this list. Just think about how great it will feel to celebrate once all of this is behind us.
21. Look at houses on RightMove in random places around the world that you know you'll never be able to afford.
22. Make a 'future' Pinterest board full of clothes, hairstyles, furniture or whatever you want to purchase once the world returns to normal.
23. Listen to albums you used to listen to in your teenage years, it's an instant mood booster. Currently listening to All Time Low and I'm air guitaring around my room.
24. Wish everyone on your Facebook a happy birthday, now that you have the time to.
25. If like me you find quizzes and trivia amusing, head to Sporcle.
26. Have a movie night with your friends via Netflix Party - whatever you're watching will be synced and there's a pop up chat on the side to discuss.
27. Learn a language - now you don't have the excuse that you don't have enough time (I must have redowloaded Duolingo 3 times).
28. Get your friends together on Skype, put some music on and play some drinking games as if you're heading out after, but instead you're going to collapse in bed.
29. Watch all 236 episodes of Friends, by the time you're done this will hopefully all be behind us.
30. Call your grandparents.
31. Fill up a 1.5 litre bottle of water every morning and make sure you've drank it by the end of the day.
32. Take 10 minutes a day to stretch or do yoga poses, or you'll be walking like Quasimodo once you can go outside again, trust me.
33. Find out if you could be the next Taylor Swift by attempting to write a song.
34. Try and learn a new skill online - Photoshop, coding, SEO etc.
35. Read some self-development books, here's 25 of the best.
36. Help where you can - if your country still isn't on total lockdown, help the elderly with their shopping or volunteer where you can.
37. Keep a gratitude journal. Since the beginning of the year I've been writing a highlight of everyday and it helps to focus on the positive or the little joys.
38. Have a family games night. If you don't have any board games download the Heads Up app.
39. Go through your camera roll and delete all your useless photos and screenshots.
40. Try and limit your talk about the virus, unless it's breaking news. Hearing all the negativity, panic and rumours surrounding the virus on social media will just make things and your mental health worse. Stay safe and informed, but don't let it control your life.
HOW TO GET YOUR PLACE BOOKED UP ON AIRBNB.
Tuesday 14 April 2020
1. Market for your target audience.
2. Use a management service.
3. Write an interesting listing description.
4. Add little touches.
5. Use fair pricing.
10 EXPERIENCES TO HAVE IN BALI, INDONESIA.
Tuesday 7 April 2020
1. Mount Batur sunrise hike.
2. Take part in a Balinese cooking class.
One of my favourite parts about travelling is eating, of course. So I thought it would be fun to sign up for a cooking class with a Balinese family. Our hosts were lovely and there was only 5 of us in the group (two friends and me, and a couple from Singapore) which made it more of a personal experience. We made 8 traditional dishes, sampling them as we went along and then they were placed in a buffet style for us to eat later. The samples were so filling that I struggled to finish my plate afterwards, but I still ended up eating dessert after obvs.
Balinese cooking class - £14.79
3. Bali swings and coffee tasting.
You'll find there are a number of 'Bali Swing' activities around the area, differentiating in price. RealBaliSwing being the most expensive. Our driver took us to 'Intan Sari Luwak Coffee & Bali Swing Bukit' which cost us a fraction of the price, and there were also some extra nests for photo spots. We also got to sample 15 different coffees and herbal teas. There's a coffee in Bali called 'Luwak coffee' which essentially, is coffee made out of the droppings of the animal.
4. Relax in a flower bath.
My lovely best friend Daniella booked this for me as a Christmas gift and ahhhh it was heaven. You get to soak in a warm bath full of flowers for 45 minutes. The lady was also in there for 5 minutes trying to take the perfect Instagram photo for me, and she kept insisting on taking more lol. You can do this on your own with a book like I did, or with your partner.
Flower bath at the Udaya Resort & Spa - £35 (approx)
5. Hop over to the Gili Islands.
So the whole idea of us travelling to the Gili Islands was to see the underwater statues, but we were so hungover the day after that we only managed a bicycle ride around Gili Trawangan and some snorkling. Even that made me feel a bit queasy.
We stayed at Mad Monkey's on Gili T and we had our own private Tipi, and the communal showers were pretty modern. The atmosphere at the hostel was great and hosted pool parties too. Only difficulty was that the clubs and bars are on the other side of the island, which you either have to get to by foot (40 minutes), by bicycle or on a horse and carriage.
TIP: The Gili Islands consist of 3 main islands - Gili Trawangan is the most popular amongst backpackers and people looking for a bit more atmosphere, whereas Gili Air is better for a relaxing stay or a family holiday. Gili Meno is where you'll find the famous underwater statues but you can also hop from another island to get here.
Transfers to and from Gili Islands - prices starting from £20 one way depending on speed of boat you choose.
6. Visit the monkey forest.
If you're from Gibraltar then this probably won't impress you that much because we've got over a 100 macaques roaming around on the rock, but it was still a cute experience. You can find over 1000 monkeys here and the entry fee is around £4.
7. Swim at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.
If you've got a driver in Bali then they'll probably suggest this 'lesser known' waterfall which is further up north. It wasn't too busy although you might be slightly out of breath when you're making your way back up to the carpark. Whilst you're here you can stop by the Handara Gate which is a 20 minute drive from here, and is where everyone takes the iconic photo below.
TIP: Don't let the photo fool you, the water effect is achieved by the camera man holding a mirror below the camera lens - it still looks awesome though! You can also expect to queue up for a photo here, luckily when we arrived at 9:30am there weren't many people there, but when we drove passed later in the afternoon there were at least 20 people waiting in line.
8. Go Temple hopping.
If you're not very religious, then I suggest picking a few you really want to see and stick to those, or else you'll be paying for entry fee every time you enter and you can end up wasting a lot of your day driving from place to place. I'd suggest visiting Pura Tirta Empul Temple and Ulun Danu Bratan. At Pura Tirta you can 'get purified' in the water, so if you plan on doing this make sure you pack a change of clothing!
TIP: I'd definitely recommend hiring a driver, it will save you a lot of money on taxis as you can usually hire a personal driver for 10 hours for around £40 a day for the whole car. We were recommended Dessy and the service was great.
9. Watch the sunset at the Campuhan Ridge Walk.
The signage for this place isn't very clear, so when you follow google maps you might still have to ask a local nearby how to start the walk. We kind of left it too late and we were only arriving as the sun was already setting, so make sure to check when sunset is so you're not stuck in the jungle in the dark! We were also sweating buckets because the jumpsuits we bought from the market weren't exactly very breathable, so our photos didn't quite turn out as planned.
10. Eat in a warung.
AN ONLINE BIRTHDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR THE YEAR.
Monday 30 March 2020
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Browns Rosa Mer Collection - gifted |