If you are planning to relocate to Washington state, you will want to do a little research on the options for cities you are considering. You will need to think about things like cost-of-living, weather, location in the state, and so much more.

When you begin to plan your move, think of the job opportunities in your new city, as well as the housing options. Consider other things like your hobbies and whether you prefer a larger city or a smaller one. Take in account all the variables of your life when considering which city you want to call home, and consider the following best cities in Washington state.

Seattle

The most obvious city, and the city you probably think of first when you think of Washington state, is Seattle. If you are hoping to move to a big city, Seattle is your pick for Washington state. While it is not the capital of the state, it is the largest city in the state and actually all of the Pacific Northwest.

If you are looking for a job, you are in luck in Seattle. There are many companies with headquarters in the city, including Amazon, Starbucks, and Microsoft. For sports fans, Seattle is home to the NFL’s Seahawks, MLB’s Mariners, and the NHL’s the Kraken. 

Seattle also has amazing art, culture, and music scenes, and is even considered the birthplace of grunge. Seattle has a lot of things going for it, and if you are looking for a great big city in Washington, Seattle is the obvious choice. 

Spokane

If you are looking for a city in the eastern part of the state, consider Spokane. The eastern part of the state is significantly different from the west, where most of the major cities you associate with Washington are located. Notably, western Washington is very rainy, while eastern Washington has a warmer and drier climate. Spokane specifically is protected on either side by mountain ranges, making the weather unique for the region.

If you love to be outside and relish outdoor recreation, Spokane is a great Washington city for you. You can ski in the winter, and hike and raft in the summer. There are several local ski resorts to enjoy. Spokane is a departure from the rainy western part of the state if you are looking for something different.

Bellevue

If you want to be near Seattle in a city with a similar feel, think about a move to Bellevue. Bellevue is situated right across Lake Washington from Seattle and can be considered a suburb or satellite city of Seattle. 

The city is known as a technology hub and has a bustling downtown for big city-lovers. If this sounds appealing to you, there are plenty of Bellevue houses for sale. If you like the idea of living in a busy city without actually being right in Seattle, give Bellevue a try.

There are many exciting cities to consider if you are planning a move to Washington state. From Seattle and Bellevue in the west to Spokane in the east, there are options that can meet everyone’s needs.

Destinations that can be travelled to via train can limit your carbon emissions before you even arrive. However, there are some cities that stand out from the rest with green spaces, electric transport and eco-friendly accommodation and activities. Here are some of the top destinations that place an emphasis on sustainability to create a better environment for everyone.

Copenhagen, Denmark

As a city that has won the title as the world’s most walkable and bikeable city several times, Copenhagen is considered by many as one of the top sustainable destinations in the world. Nearly all of the larger venues and hotels in the city have a 3rd party eco-certification as it aims to become the first carbon neutral capital city by 2025.

Copenhagen has also just finished the expansion of the metro’s City Ring that connects all parts of the city within 12 min. ride directly to the airport meaning you can be as carbon neutral as possible visiting this gorgeous city.

Where to stay: Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers

This hotel takes the title of Denmark’s first carbon neutral hotel building. To obtain this result the hotel has cut down energy consumption via innovative solutions such as the largest building integrated solar panel park in Northern Europe, the first ever groundwater-based cooling and heating system in Denmark, intelligent light saving measures and water saving measures.

What to do

• Take a bicycle tour of the city
• Dry slope skiing on the Copenhill, the world’s cleanest waste-to-energy power plant
• Visit Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world
• Experience urban farming at an oyster opening workshop in a sea farm

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Another city that comes to mind when thinking of bikes is of course Amsterdam. Transport around Amsterdam is some of the most environmentally friendly in the world, with bicycles, canal boats, trams and e-scooters making up a large portion of the way people get around.

And with great train links throughout Europe, Amsterdam can also be travelled to using low carbon methods which significantly decreases your carbon footprint before you've even got there!

Where to stay: Hotel Jakarta

Hotel Jakarta is said to be the most sustainable hotel in the Netherlands. The construction uses natural wood as the main building material and nearly no non-recyclable products. There are also a number of energy-saving measures implemented such as collecting rainwater for the subtropical indoor garden, solar panels that transform solar energy into electricity to heat the shower water, and a warmth and cold storage system that regulates the temperature in the hotel.

What to do

• Cruise through the canals collecting plastic waste with Plastic Whale
• Cycle tour through the city
• Visit Anne Frank’s house
• Dine at Restaurant de Kas, a green house restaurant serving organic ingredients grown onsite

Iceland

As a country that heats 85% of all houses using renewable geo-thermal energy, and provides nearly 100% of its electricity from renewable energy sources (73% from Hydro, 27% from geo-thermal), Iceland is one of the top destinations that can provide for your trip in an eco-friendly way.

Iceland is also home to The Blue Lagoon, a geo-thermal spa that is rich in a unique combination of natural minerals, which gives the lagoon its soft, milky aquamarine colour. Enjoying a bath in the warm water of the lagoon, surrounded by black lava is the perfect way to relax without harming the environment.

Where to stay: The Retreat by Blue Lagoon

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland encompasses a subterranean spa, a geothermal lagoon, a restaurant that reimagines Iceland’s culinary traditions, and a 62-suite hotel encircled by the Blue Lagoon’s mineral-rich waters. The Retreat is a place where guests can leave the world behind and enter a timeless realm of relaxation, rejuvenation, and exploration.

What to do

• Relax and unwind in one of Iceland’s geo-thermal spas
• Enjoy a wildlife tour in a kayak, getting up close and personal with Iceland’s most iconic wildlife
• Hike up an icelandic volcano
• Plant trees to offset the carbon emissions of your trip
• Enjoy fresh hot bread at a geo-thermal bakery

Costa Rica

Tourism in Costa Rica has increased over the last couple of years, and with the country now letting in double vaccinated individuals from any country enter, it’s a great option for an incentive trip further afield.

Costa Rica is widely recognised for its sustainable tourism and its effort towards being more environmentally friendly. It actually was voted the second most sustainable country in the world by the World Energy Council. 99.2% of the energy Costa Rica uses is renewable, 78% from hydroelectric and 18% by geothermal. A quarter of the country’s land has been turned into protected parks and reserves, which is no surprise considering 51% of Costa Rica is forested.

Where to stay: El Silencio Eco Lodge

This 4 star hotel gives the illusion that it is floating like a cloud in the rainforest, and is situated near the Poas Volcano. You will definitely be able to disconnect at this hotel as you are surrounded by a tropical forest, waterfalls and wildlife. El Silencio features an array of sustainable programmes and initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint. It also aims to give back to the community through local employment opportunities, local purchases and energy conservation.

What to do

• Hike a coffee plantation of Costa Rica
• Turtle conservation project
• Tour the Canopies
• Snorkel around the Island
• Soak in the Perdido Springs at The Springs Resort
• Go bungee jumping at the old Colorado River Bridge

Oslo, Norway

Oslo has been voted in the top 5 most sustainable cities in the world, and has one of the biggest targets of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. As with other Scandinavian countries, the air and water are one of the purest and it is surrounded by nature (particularly the Fjords).

Another great thing about Oslo is that it is a gateway to exploring other beautiful and natural parts of the country. This includes a hike to Frognerseteren and Vettakollen, or a day trip to Bergen where you can find the Sognerfjord.

Where to stay: Hotel Bristol

Located one street down from Karl Johan in the city centre, the Hotel Bristol has earned its eco-friendly certification by using sustainable energy, environmentally friendly suppliers and limiting waste. The hotel has a gym, meeting rooms and conference facilities and has over 250 guest rooms.

What to do:

• Visit the Nobel Peace Prize Center
• See an interesting collection of sculptures at Frogner Park
• Join a walking tour around the city to learn about the history and fun facts about the country
• Take a fjord cruise
• Kayak through the fjords with evening BBQ and overnight stay

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is becoming one of the top European cities for travel and it’s not hard to see why. The diversity the city, and country of Slovenia offers makes it perfect for anyone who is interested in nature, history or adventure.

The capital of Slovenia has previously been ranked the #1 European Green capital, and is also a beautiful location to visit in the Spring or Summer months. The city centre has been car-free since 2018 and provides locals and visitors free access to a bike-share scheme. There are also tons of green spaces including a ‘Bee Trail’ which consists of 4,500 hives placed around the city.

Where to stay: Zlata Ladjica Hotel

This 5 star boutique hotel is located just by the river, one of the most picturesque spots in the city. They are also aiming to leave a minimal environmental footprint, by ensuring that all the food and drinks they provide in their hotel are locally sourced and in-season. They use minimal plastic throughout the hotel and it’s also good to note that the tap water in Ljubljana is perfectly safe to drink. So much so that you’ll see plenty of water fountains around the city.

What to do:

• Visit/Hike Lake Bled
• Try one of their innovative tours such as the ‘Moustache Tour’ , Taste Ljubljana food tour, or the Beer Experience
• Visit the abandoned Hotel Bellevue
• Contribute to a wildlife conservation project

If you want to find out more about these destinations or interested in finding out more about sustainable destinations, get in touch with Zentive Agency at hello@zentiveagency.com. 

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* This post was written together with Zentive Agency as a collaborative piece*

I always thought I'd find New York overrated, but when I went it actually exceeded my expectations. It makes sense why so many movies and TV shows are filmed here! The big apple can be a big and overwhelming place, but once you get a hang of the subway system you'll be surprised how easy it is to explore the districts and pack a lot into your trip. If you're flying from London, you can reach New York in 8 hours, and sometimes you can get flights for as little as £300.  If it's your first time visiting NYC, here are 10 things you should experience on your trip.

1. See the Statue of Liberty

We'll start the list with one of New York's most famous landmarks, the Statue of Liberty. To reach her you'll have to take a boat tour, the journeys are 1 hour and take you through some other landmarks and Ellis island. I recommend getting your ticket online so you don't have to queue up in person, and if you can find a sunny day in your itinerary for it then even better!

Get your ticket: NYC Cruise around Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (£22)

2. Visit Coney Island

If you're a Lana Del Rey fan you would have heard her quote this place in a number of her songs. I definitely felt like I had been transported back to the 50s here and loved the whole aesthetic. There's also a small amusement park here but if you're not feeling very adventurous, it's also a great place to just stroll along the promenade with an ice-cream. 

3. Snap photos at famous filming locations

4. Walk along the High Line

Found in Manhattan, the High Line is an old unused railroad converted into a public space and features art and clothing stalls. It was definitely one of my favourite things we stumbled upon! You can enter through Gansevoort to 34th Street and it takes you through to Chelsea. 

5. Visit the MOMA and MET museums 

Even if you're not a massive fan of art, these two are must sees when you're in New York. The Met is the largest art museum in the western hemisphere and houses over 2 million works of art. The MOMA focuses on modern art and is where you can find the famous Starry Night painting by Van Gogh. 

6. Choose from one of the many cheesecakes at Junior's

We walked 30 minutes just to eat here, and it did not disappoint. Junior's is NYC most famous cheesecake establishment, and offers over 20 cheesecake options. I went for the apple crumble cheesecake but the red velvet one was a close contender. 

7. Visit the 9/11 memorial museum 

The former site of the World Trade Center is now dedicated to the victims of the attack and the efforts that went into saving lives that day. There are some heartbreaking exhibits including phone transcripts from the people that were on the hijacked plane and stories about the individuals that lost their lives. There were also interesting manuscripts and documentation of the terrorists, such as their applications to get into flight schools in the US to prepare for their roles in the attack. 

Get your ticket: 9/11 Museum Entry Ticket (£22)

8. Walk across Brooklyn bridge 

9. Watch a movie in Bryant Park

On Monday nights throughout the summer, free classic movies are shown in Bryant Park. You get the perfect backdrop of the skyline and it's something free to do if you're reaching the end of your budget!

10. Climb the Empire State Building 

Toronto is a cultural hub that has everything from arts to sciences and history: and bringing your kids here is a great way to introduce them to everything the world has to offer. Although it can be an expensive city to visit, try to fit in at least a couple of these activities while you visit!  

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Legoland Discovery Center

The Legoland Discovery Center in Toronto is one of a small but cherished number of Lego amusement parks worldwide.

In this park, you can play with your child in build and play zones, enjoy two different Lego-themed rides, a softer play area, a 4D theater, the world's Largest Lego flag made of Lego bricks, and stop into the gift shop.  You can even build custom Lego people based on you and your child so you can remember the day for years to come!

Ontario Science Center

The Ontario Science Centre is a massive and beautiful museum that focuses on science and technology.  These thousands of exhibits, including interactive ones your kids can get hands-on with, you can spend a whole day getting lost in here.

There’s even a cafeteria with delicious and affordable food so that you can take a break in the middle of the day for a tasty lunch.

Toronto Zoo

This zoo, covering just over a square mile of land, has thousands of animals, covering hundreds of species to wow and amaze your children.  They can grasp at the sheer size of rhinos or be entertained by the monkeys and penguins.  Every exhibit is informational, so they can learn about animals from all over Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia while walking just a few feet.

There's plenty of seating and food available, too, so this can be a great place to spend lunch and walk around.

Royal Ontario Museum

This museum of art, culture, and natural history is the largest in Canada.  The exterior looks like a gorgeous art piece and the interior is full of constantly changing exhibits, so you'll never see the same museum two summers in a row. 

This museum is massive, so your children can walk out their energy while learning about the country and its art and culture.  This can be a great break from looking at real estate in Toronto, don’t be afraid to take it! 

Canada’s Wonderland Amusement Park

If you're intrigued by seasonal fun and incredible roller coasters and rides: Canada’s Wonderland is the place to go!  If you live in the area, you can buy gold passes to go whenever you want.

Although the food in the park can be pricey, if you come right after lunch and leave before dinner, you can save that money.  There are tons of things to do here, and it's a popular weekend spot for families who want to get out and spend time together!

Toronto has something for everyone, including kids!  This is an amazing city full of endless entertainment, fantastic views, and fun that never stops.  If you have the chance to stop in and enjoy yourself, try some of these locations so that your kids can have a great time while they're in town! 

Now that we've entered the new year and we're seeing the end of the chocolate selection boxes and family parties, one of the things on our minds is getting back on track with our health and fitness. I can't say I've been having many breakfasts over the festive period, either because I've been too full from the night before or because I've slept in until midday. That aside, I am a breakfast person and it always sets the tone for your day if you start with something nutritious but also filling. If you're looking to increase your daily protein intake, here are 5 high protein breakfasts you need to try. 

I recently purchased a digital scale which is great for measuring stuff like oats if you don't have measuring cups. When making these recipes I don't measure everything exactly (like cacao powder/nut butters) but I might measure a spoon the first time and if I know a teaspoon of almond butter is 90 calories then I'll just eyeball it next time. You can also use a handy conversion tool that allows you to convert any measurement if you're not sure what the equivalent is. Especially if you're looking at recipes that are UK/US tailored. 

1. Chocolate & Banana Baked Oats

I've been obsessed with this lately, especially because it feels like you're having dessert for breakfast. I use a a rectangular ceramic dish and throw the ingredients into a blender before adding the mixture to the dish. Remember to add around 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. I then put it in the oven at 180-200 degrees for about 20 minutes (or when it's baked to your desire). I find that if you let it set for an hour the inside will solidify more. 

Protein: 36.5g Fats: 13g Carbs: 40g

2. Cheesy Scrambled Eggs on Toast

I've probably been alternating between baked oats, this and Weetabix for the last month and a half. I've been loving Biona's Rye Bread and my favourite is the chia & flax seed one. I find a lot of people either love or hate the texture but find that it adds a bit more 'oomf' to your meal. You can jazz up your scrambled eggs however you like, and I definitely don't go light on the garlic powder. The trick to the perfect scrambled eggs is to move the pan off the heat before the eggs are fully set.

Protein: 23g Fats: 18g Carbs: 35g

3. Protein Pancakes

I'll warn you now, these won't look as attractive as regular pancakes. The fact I use chocolate protein powder in mine also means that people always assume they're burnt lol. There are a number of ways of making protein pancakes, and you can play with the ingredients to see if you prefer using eggs or bananas (or both). 

Protein: 39g Fats: 13g Carbs: 51g

4. Apple & Cinnamon Porridge/Oatmeal 

Protein: 34g Fats: 14g Carbs: 48g

Protein: 41g Fats: 16g Carbs: 53g

I hope you've enjoyed this post and have at least found one recipe you like! 

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* This is a collaborative post but all words and opinions are my own *

 Your twenties can be the most defining decade in your life, because it’s a time where we usually have to make the biggest life choices, but can also afford to make the most mistakes and learn from them. It’s usually when we have the most opportunities and obstacles thrown at us, but also the most memorable experiences. I wanted to reflect back on my twenties so far and share the best life lessons I’ve learnt up to now. 

2. Adopt good money habits

3. Pay attention to who you give your time to

5. Remember that ‘this too shall pass’

6. Learn to love your body

While earlier, removing excess hair used to be a women’s investment in her self-care and aesthetics routine, today, men are buying different hair removal options for diverse needs & wants. Men are becoming more particular about getting a defined brow line or cleaning irregular hair growth around ears and behind the neck. Further, hair removal in men has grown beyond the scope of work requirements such as in the case of swimmers, models, or gymnasts, etc. But more and more men are drawing towards shaving hairs on the backside, chest, armpits, and around the genital area for hygiene and a clean look.

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