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Monday, 30 October 2017

10 Easy Ways To Save For Travelling







Hello!



As you might've heard me mention before, (most likely, as it's literally all I talk about) I'm planning to go backpacking next year for a while, taking to Australia, Asia, New Zealand and where ever else I decide to venture to.
As of course, you know, travel doesn't always come cheap, so i've been spending the year trying to get a bit of money behind me so that I can get myself a beer (or a cocktail if I really want to push the boat out) on the other side of the world. Now, to be really honest with you, I'm awful at saving money (absolutely shit actually) and I keep finding myself dipping in and out of my savings. However, I recently had a little bit of a panic and I realised that the time frame from me jetting away is getting shorter and shorter and theres no extra dollar in my bank. (deffo no cocktails for me on Bondi beach at this rate) And, so, I began looking at my spending habits and at where exactly my money was going each month (Topshop, Zara, Sushi Daily, Be@One...) so I could cut down.

I've changed my spending habits a lot, and by doing really simple things, I've noticed a big improvement. (i'm still at a starting point, but it's looking promising)
So, If you're planning a trip away, and have no idea how you're going to afford it, or the money aspect is stopping you from taking the jump and having the adventure of your dreams, ya gals here to help you out!


Here's my 10 tips on how to save for travelling:





1. Make A Realistic Savings Goal


Its good to know how much you'll need so you have an 'end goal' in sight, to keep you motivated.

If you roughly know how long you're going for, and which countries you're going to explore, then do a bit of research to see how much you might spend on average. For example, an average day in Thailand (this includes accommodation, food and drink) would be about £5-£10 a day, depending of course on you're spending habits (how much you drink). So for a month in Thailand, this may cost you between £140- £280, plus excursions, travel and flights. Countries in SE Asia, are a lot cheaper however, so if you're planning to visit Australia or New Zealand, like myself, you'll have to budget more. From my research, I've found that the average is £30-£40 a day? (don't quote me on this, I'll let you know for sure when I'm out there).

By a 'realistic' savings goal I also mean don't be too over ambitious. There's no point putting away a lot of money each month if you can't afford to live happily and comfortably off the rest. This will just make you unhappy, and might lead to you 'giving up', then splurging on unnecessary things (like the Anastasia BH Subculture palette. Like I did. Great by the way).
Try making a monthly budget so you can still save a lot of money, but also find enough balance so you can treat yourself.



2. Sell Things


If you've got unnecessary (crap) things just sitting around your house, sell them!
Get yourself, an eBay or Depop account and start raking in some money. Even if it doesn't seem like lot at first, everything will slowly add up and you'll be on your way to hitting your target in no time.



3. Sort Out Your Wardrobe


Now, my biggest weakness is buying new clothes, I just love them, but this is mainly where I was going wrong with my money. All i'm ever saying is: "I have nothing to wear" or "I have no clothes" when in reality, I've got a whole wardrobe and cupboard full. Does this ring any bells?

By sorting out your clothes you can see what you really need and also what you already have! You might come across and old gem thats perfect for an occasion you've got coming up. (I just found this year's christmas party dress from like, 2014 I think. lol)
While you're having a clear out, don't throw lots away. Another mans trash is another mans treasure. SELL IT.

So, next time you're stressing about getting something new to wear, just think, 'Do you really have nothing to wear already?' and will it be worth it when you're sitting in Thailand, wanting that souvenir (or in my case spring roll) that you just can't afford?





4. Unsubscribe


Linking to tip number three (ooo what a smooth transition), to save yourself buying anything unsubscribe from fashion emails. You don't need any kind of temptation in your life.
Don't stop there though, delete your Netflix account you barely use whilst you're at it (steal your friends). Cancel your gym membership. Unsubscribe from any beauty boxes, graze boxes, or anything else you can think of! One graze box may cost you a night down Koh San Road, you'll remember when you're ninety.
  (Oh and my god if you have tinder plus, delete it now)


5. Work Your Bum Off


You're definitely going to be needing a job (unless you've won the lottery, got rich parents or you've bagged yourself a sugar daddy). If you don't currently have one, look online at vacancies for part time jobs, or go to a temp agency where they can help you.
Don't be too picky. If you don't see a career in what you're doing, that doesn't matter. You're there for travel money, so keep it in mind and work hard!





6. Surround Yourself With Travel Photos 


Theres nothing better than a lil bit of motivation in the morning, or when you've come home from a shift from hell at work, to remind you why you're doing it.
 I've placed photos of my travels around my room, changed my phone background, made a Pinterest board and bought a very cute little globe for my bedroom, which makes me remember theres so much of the world yet to see. (It also looks amazing on my shelf).
For me, this is mainly what keeps me in check and gets me motivated for work in the mornings.



7. Make Your Own Food + Drink Water


Although it doesn't seem like it, this one is the most affective.
For one week, write down everything you consume that didn't come from your household. This includes your lunch, dinner, bottles of water, Starbucks, Costa, chocolate from the corner shop (you do it, don't lie) and add it all up. You'll be shocked at how much the total is, and trust me you'll be kicking yourself for it.
Making your food at home and bringing it with you saves so much money every week, especially if you're fortunate enough to have your food shop bought for you. (literally, free food. Why wouldn't you?) And along with your lunch box, get a reusable water bottle that you can fill up. (Make the most of free drinking water while you've got it! You'll have to buy it when travelling)

Not only will making your own food be helping to get you get to the beach, it's also so much healthier for you! (gets you to the beach, and gets you a bikini bod. Two birds in one stone that).


8. Cut Back On Beauty


This one sounds a little strange, but what I mean is you should cut down on how much you're spending on your beauty treatments/products.
Whether you're a male or female, beauty is expensive and being careful could save you a lot of money. Try going natural for a while and see how much it could save you.
I'm not saying go full blown, statement feminist (hairy armpits, legs, ya know the stuff you see on Facebook) but not dying your hair, or plucking your own eyebrows, painting your own nails, getting high street makeup could benefit you massively.

 I've stopped getting my eyelashes done, started using a foundation from Superdrug (Revlon Colour Stay, you're welcome) stocked up on deodorant /dry shampoo that's on offer and started plucking my own eyebrows, which has saved me about £80 this month. In a year that will be enough for me to live like a queen for a whole month in Asia. Or that could be a complete trip to NYC!

Also, lets face it, you'll look better with a tan than you do spending £100 a month on beauty.


9. Take A Step Back


Take a step back from social events. This might be really difficult (or saving for travelling might be the perfect excuse for you not to socialise and stay and watch Netflix on you're friends account) and your friends might call you boring, but give it six months, they won't be saying this when you're jumping out of a plane in New Zealand, or scuba diving in Thailand.
Personally, I'd prefer to save my money and not go on a repetitive night out with over priced vodka, and expensive cheesy chips, and go to a night club thats literally on the beach (practically in the sea) in Ko Pha Ngan, for the full moon party.
That doesn't sound so boring does it?


Spend your money on experiences not things. Even if you're shit scared of the experience like Evangeline.

10. Live For A Bargain


Search high and low for every bargain before you buy something full price first! Whether this is shopping in the reduced section of the supermarket or waiting until the sales start to buy new clothes, every little helps!
I've been looking to buy a new camera that I can take on my travels, and I've somehow never thought of shopping for second hand cameras until now. This is a great example! I'm saving myself £300!

There are bargains everywhere if you look hard enough,  Groupon is great if you're looking for a christmas present for someone, or treating yourself to a much needed (only if needed remember) spa day. It's also good for meals out, event tickets and so much more!
Go and have a look if you think you've got the will power not to buy yourself anything.



So, there we go! From now until I go, i'm going to be saving ridiculously hard. I think it's so worth it, and the fact I get to go and do something i'm so passionate about is amazing!

But until then, you've still got to have fun and treat yourself now and again so,
Be @ One happy hour anyone?






Happy Savings!




Lots of Love,
Kate
x




P.s I'll be so grateful if you like and share this Post xoxoxox
And don't forget to Pin these photos for later!




Thursday, 14 September 2017

Iceland On A Budget - Four Day Itinerary, Costs, Packing & More!


Hello, 


It's been a year since I visited Iceland, and I must say I'm missing this trip now more than ever. It's number one on my list of the most beautiful places i've been so far, because it really is just stunning, and unlike anywhere i've ever been before. It's also one of the friendliest countries i've been to, you can ask anyone in the street for help and ninety percent of the time, they'll make your day! If you're travelling on your own, no matter what age or gender you are, you'll feel very safe here.
As it's coming closer to winter, and most people seem to book flights to go around this time, I thought it was the perfect timing to share my experience with you, and give a little advice if you're planning your trip, or simply to inspire you to go and explore for yourself!




Flights & Accommodation 


First things first, you'll need to book your flights. If you're only in Iceland for a few days, I'd recommend getting the earliest possible so you can get the most out of the day. We got some cheap flights with WOW Air, from Gatwick to Keflavik airport, which is the closest airport to fly into from Reykjavik (the city, where the party's at) arriving at around 2pm. If, like me, you've never heard of this airline before and you're a tiny bit nervous flying with one you're not familiar with, then Easyjet also offer cheap flights to Iceland. (and if you've somehow never heard of Easyjet... mate, can't help you there) The flight is around two to three hours (perfect for a nap, which is what I live for) so not long at all if you're a nervous flyer!
Also...a little tip if you're ever travelling to America, WOW Air, actually have stop over flights that give you enough time to hop to the Blue Lagoon on your way for a very cheap price!


Onto accommodation... We stayed at the Loft Hostel which you can book here on Hostel World. It wasn't the cheapest hostel we could've booked but the location is perfect! It's based in the city centre and about a ten minutes walk from the harbour. They have mixed or same-sex dorms available as well as private rooms which are half the price of a hotel in the city. Overall a great stay! (10/10 would recommend)



Itinerary & Bookings


Day One. 

Bookings & Exploring Reykjavik 

Once you've arrived and are ready to leave the airport, right by the exit (it's a very small airport, trust me there's probably only one way out) there's a Flybys stand which is a shuttle bus, leaving every hour, that will take you from Keflavik to Reykjavik. The city is about an hour away, however the bus actually takes you directly to your hostel (or hotel) so depending on how many drop off's there are, it may take longer. Another amazing thing about the shuttle bus is that they give you a free brochure which tells you all the information on the popular tourist attractions that are open this season, so you can decide what you're going to book while on your way! (or you can take the opportunity for another power nap, like I would.. did)

After you've settled into your accommodation, you can head into the town and visit the tourist centre's to book all of your excursions and trips! (If you click HERE, i've linked a similar brochure)
If you're staying at the Loft Hostel, If you come outside and turn right, across the street there is a great little tourist centre with hundreds of brochures, where you can book everything in one go!

**TIP - Booking the Blue Lagoon**

I have a few tips here for you actually.....

1. I know that's the main reason you're going to Iceland, so to avoid disappointment, book online in advance! We made the mistake of not booking online, but luckily got the last remaining spots for the day. At the tourist centre, make sure you remember to book a taxi or bus to the Lagoon though!

2. Get the earliest available spot! I think it opens at 8am, so you'll have to be up at five or six in the morning to get your bus ride there. (I know you're thinking i'm mad, 5am is still valuable sleeping time but, stay with me) The reason for getting the earliest is because theres no time limit to how long you can be there. You can make a day of it, and pay the same price as everyone else arriving later. (you won't come out a raisin at the end of it as theres plenty more to do there which doesn't involve shrivelling up in the Lagoon) Also, its great for photos when its empty. 

3. Book the Lagoon for the day you arrive or the day you leave for the airport!
The reason for this is because it'a closer to Keflavik airport than it is to the city, saving you a lot of time and money. Theres an option when you book your bus to go back to the city or to the airport which makes it very easy! Don't worry about your luggage, they've got lockers for you.

                                                             **TIP - Booking the Northern Lights trip**

My advice is to book your trip to see the Northern Lights for the first evening you're there as most companies will take you again for free if you don't see them the first time. 
You might end up going every night you're there but it is so worth it. 




After we got everything booked and picked up our tickets, we explored the city, and walked down to the harbour, where the beautiful Harpa, concert hall is. There's a lot of lovely shops and places to eat around the harbour, as well as museums. After getting some chips, we headed back to the hostel as we had an early rise the next morning! 







Day Two.                  

Icelandic horse riding & exploring Reykjavik

As we were on a budget, we decided to go with a fairly cheap horse riding excursion, which took up a lot of the day. Now if you've got a bigger budget you could swap this with a glacier walk, or using the snow-mobiles which both look incredible! There's plenty to choose from.

In the afternoon of our second day, we took into town to explore new places. There's a great chip shop on the way to the cathedral (great for a budget! This and a few cereal bars is actually all we ate on the entire trip, we were very poor). 
Now, we did have the Northern Lights trip booked, however, due to the weather conditions it was postponed to day three, so we carried on towards the cathedral, which is a hidden gem! (it's not hidden, we just weren't familiar with it) For a very small price, you can go to the top and look at the incredible views of Reykjavik! 

(apologies for my awful photos of the cathedral, It's just too big to fit it in one photo....  plus my hands were cold because i'm a twat who didn't pack any gloves)









Day Three.

The Golden Circle & The Northern Lights

So, day three we got up nice and early to go on a tour of the Golden Circle, famous in Iceland for the sights and geysir's (they are like natural mini volcanos... to be honest i'm not sure what it is, but it looks incredible). One day you have to do this trip as it doesn't cost a lot, and it will take up your whole day as theres so many incredible sights along the way, including the Gulfoss Waterfall. This is once of Iceland's most popular attractions, and you'll know exactly why when you go! However, if you're more into quiet places, and like finding hidden gems like me, there's another waterfall near the Golden Circle that you can stop off at (i'm sure if you ask your bus driver to stop off he/she will) It's called the Faxi Waterfall and I'm so glad we came across it! 

If you're a fan of Game Of Thrones, then you'll know that some scenes are filmed in Iceland, and you can actually book a separate tour for these, or you can see a lot of them around the Golden Circle. (i personally don't watch it.. to gory for me, so I couldn't tell you which points are in the series, sorry)

So after 8 hours of climbing, taking photos and napping every time we got back into the van, we were exhausted, so we headed back to our hostel for a rest, and a snack, before we were off to spot the Northern Lights. (oh by the way, if you're wondering why i'm not telling you about any restaurants or cafés in Iceland, it's because as I mentioned before, it's all very expensive, and on a budget, food can take up a lot of money that you could spend on experiences).
Our Northern Lights tour started at around 7pm, at the Harpa, where we were met with the friendliest tour guides. Because of the time we went, there was a sixty percent chance of seeing the lights,  so we tried not to get too hyped up to see them, however we'd been lucky with the weather, having clear skies all day, so very, very luckily, we got to see them! (yassss, crossed that off my bucket list)

Sitting on a little hill with a hot chocolate, not being able to feel my toes (or hands without any gloves) while watching the sky literally dance above me like something out of a fairy tale, was one of the best moments of my life so far!


**TIP- Download the Northern Lights Apps!**

Theres a few apps you can get for the Northern Lights. If you just search it in the app store, a predictor will come up, which is so helpful and tells you the strength of the lights each night, as well as what time they will be the strongest!

Another amazing app is the 'Northern Lights Photo Taker'. If you're using your iPhone camera then without a doubt you need this! I was trying to take photos before getting it, but you couldn't see a thing! Even other people with their professional cameras weren't able to capture it. (You should've seen their faces when they realised they'd paid all of this money for an amazing camera to get shots of the lights, while I was there all smug with my £1.99 app, looking like a miracle worker, coming out with all these 10/10 Instagram worthy pics) 

Here's a few pictures from day three...




These two (above and below) photos are from the Faxi waterfall! Beaaauutiful!






(also at the Faxi waterfall!)


Day Four.

The Blue Lagoon

Getting up on this morning was rather difficult I must say. I was shattered from watching the Northern Lights until one in the morning, however we needed to pack up, check out, and get our buts into that magical puddle.
When you arrive at the Lagoon, theres a locker room near the bus terminal where they can hold all of your luggage for free so theres no need to worry about what you're going to do with it before the airport. Then as you walk into the spa, you'll see the front desk where you pick up a wristband, with different colours, depending on which package you got. I believe theres four different ones to choose from, but we opted for the least expensive which came with towels, free conditioner and a free natural, mud mask to put on whilst you're taking a dip.  

**TIP- Use the Conditioner**

Make sure to take advantage of the conditioner they offer you in the changing rooms as the natural chemicals in the lagoon are very damaging to your hair, and without using it, your hair will feel dry and limp. Trust me, one nice picture in the lagoon isn't worth damaging your hair. Whip your hair up, slap on that conditioner and away you go. 


After taking endless amounts of photos (literally freezing our tits off, standing outside in a bikini attempting to get those pics) we got ready to leave and sat in the café for a while. But if you're just not ready to leave the most beautiful spa on earth then you can also make a day of it and visit the restaurant near the gift shop. You'll have to book in advance for this one. (The restaurant is definitely for those with more spending money, and so is the gift shop! Who knew a pot of Icelandic mud could be so expensive?).

We then headed back to the airport, feeling super soft and super sleepy, and that was the end of our little trip! 
Make sure you don't get too distracted in the Blue lagoon though because the busses to the airport leave every hour, sometimes later, so try not to miss your flight! (to be honest i'd happily miss my fight and live in Iceland forever).








Itinerary summary




Costs


Iceland in general is expensive and it really depends on your normal spending habits, what budget you've got etc... Here i've done my best to cut down what I spent to give you an insight, and keep in mind I did my best to do it as in-expensive as I could!



What to pack:


Clothing-

3 x thermal vests,  3 x jumpers,  2 x jeans (I took one pair of dungarees for extra warmth)
2 x thermal leggings
1 x wooly hat, 1 x scarf, 1 x GLOVES (I forgot mine, but thanks Mary for giving me one of yours, luv u)
2 x thick socks, underwear, pyjamas
1 x good pair of trainers (you may need hiking boots for some activities)


Other-

Passport!
CEREAL BARS - You'll thank me!
Go Pro / any other travel camera. 
Toiletries (travel size, make sure they are under 100 ml for the plane)




So, I think that's about it! I hope I've persuaded you to go and covered anything you wanted to know about Iceland. If you have any other questions feel free to message or email me!


Happy travels!

Lots of Love, 
Kate xx





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Wednesday, 30 August 2017

Tea & Cake at Sketch, London



Hello!



For this weeks adventure, I took to Sketch, London for afternoon tea.
If you haven't heard of sketch already, it's a themed (trying to think what theme it is right now, but I have no idea what you'd call it) dining venue. I say dining venue because there's many different rooms that have different menu's (one's a cafe, one a restaurant if you get me).
It's likely you've seen photos of sketch before though without knowing ... A white room full of egg shaped toilets, with a multi-coloured ceiling of lights, that everyone seems to be posting on Instagram. (ring any bells?... Scroll down, you'll know what I mean!) 

I'm a very big fan of afternoon tea, and I must say Sketch is up there in my top 5 places for afternoon tea in London!




What's on the menu?

The standard menu consists of four courses, but I believe the menu does change sometimes so make sure you check the website before you go. (I've linked it for you at the bottom x)

The first course consists of a small plate of caviar with 'egg and soldiers' (the little wooden spoon is just for decoration, there's real cutlery you can use.. I found this out the hard way)

The second, they will bring out a plate of scones with a selection of delicious jams and cream. Definitely my fave part!

The third is a three-tiered cake stand filled with freshly prepared sandwiches, (most are afternoon tea classics, but with a twist. For example, the standard cheese sandwich is on a rye bread witch chutney and all things fancy) (I've never seen such a posh take on a cheese sandwich in my life) pastries - both savoury & sweet, and desserts.

And the fourth course, if you're not already stuffed, they bring round a selection of cakes on a copper cart, which you can choose from. You can ask for a bag to take them away if you can't manage to finish it all.

To top it all off, you can choose from a separate menu of loose leaf tea to sip on whilst you fill yourself with cake!




How much does it cost?

The standard afternoon tea costs £58, per person, for two people (plus £10 service charge each.. I think). 
There are other's you can buy aswell, for example, they serve an afternoon tea that comes with prosecco, which of course is more expensive, (way out of my budget at the moment! gotta' get saving I 'av) but they pour the prossecco in a really fancy way, from up high. (The idea of them hiring me went out the window as soon as I saw them pouring the drinks. What a mess that would be if I attempted, ha) Or if you've got children, they offer a kids menu.
If you have any dietary needs (for example, i'm a veggie) they can cater for you, although i'm unsure if they offer a vegan menu.




Why go to Sketch?

Apart from the amazing (Instagram worthy) interior, the food is honestly delicious and is on par with the great service from staff. Although it's a little on the pricey side, sketch is a wonderful experience that would make for a great day out, whether you're on a date, a mate date or with family. I'm considering taking my mum here for mothers day as it's the perfect place!




How do I get there?

It's located just off of regent street, about a 5 minute walk from Liberty London or 10 minutes from Oxford Circus station. Very easy to get to, just walk toward the up-side down dog on the side of the building and you're there.


Spot the annoying child....












If I've persuaded you to go,
happy tea-ing!




Lots of love,
Kate

xx



Visit Sketch London here!





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Tuesday, 25 July 2017

TWENTY.



Hello! 





It's my twentieth birthday today bitchezz!
A day filled with cake and alcohol, what more could you want?
You wouldn't believe how excited I am to finally be turning twenty. I've got a new outfit, new lipstick, god knows how many layers of fake tan on, (bondi sands, from the heavens) and hair so curly I look like I'm from the 90's.
I'm sure a lot of people don't think anything of their twentieth, it's all about the year after, but for me these last few teenage years have been tough to say the least, (someone up there has been a lil bitch, or maybe karma caught up with me which is more likely lol) and turning twenty feels like a fresh start! I'm finally looking forward to what the future has to offer, and i'm excited to see what's going to happen in what's meant to be the best years of my life. (I hope it's filled with friends, cake, fitties, dogs and adventures)... (in other words, if there are any fit lads out there who can bake, owns a dog and is up for travelling the world with my pals, @ me okay x)


I've given this a little thought, and in order to make these next ten years as amazing as I hope they are, here are twenty different things that I'm planning to do, or am doing in my twenties:





1. Travel.


Right so, I've already started this one but theres so much more to come in this decade! It's the one thing I'm in love with (apart from my dog, shoutout to Brodie) I've always loved travelling and I always will. When i'm away is when I feel most like myself, Its when I'm most confident, and when i'm most happy. There's literally no place I don't want to visit, and I'm really hoping that by the time I turn thirty I would've crossed a lot off my list.
I'm currently saving for a 9, maybe 12 (maybe forever) month backpacking trip with one of my fave gal pals, and we couldn't be more excited. The aim is to start from Hawaii and then wing it and see where it takes us. Just enjoy our lives, make as many memories as possible, meet as many people as possible and be as happy as possible. I can't think of a better way to live my life to be honest than with a little backpack, an anklet, a camera, a map, a beer and maybe a nose ring so I can be the ultimate traveller.



2. Make a youtube channel.


My life is full of good content and maybe if I start filming a lot of it I can maybe catch something that I can send off to you've been framed and bag myself £250.


3. Stop comparing myself to others.


I'm so bad at this. I have my moments when I'm really confident in who I am, but most of the time I'm  far from it. I'm always stalking everyones instagram's, comparing my life to theirs even though we're so different. I always look at what everyone else has achieved, like getting their degree, or getting an amazing job opportunity, but I'm realising that everyones going at a different pace in life.  Who's to say that I won't get a degree in my lifetime? Not at the same time most of my friends have, but that doesn't matter.


4. Skydive


Yaaaas. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No no, it's just me attached to a giant parachute.


5. Find myself a career that doesn't feel like work


I've got a lot of career ideas in my head, but to be honest at the moment I'm not feeling any of them. I might study to be a midwife, maybe a veterinary nurse, maybe I'll get a marketing job, or maybe I'll open up my own hostel one day (now wouldn't that be amazing! I've planned my own hostel out in my head in so much detail its become bit of an obsession ha, watch this space) I'll be giving them all a try though because you never know! I'm really not the sort of person who can sit and do a really boring job that I don't enjoy. I don't think thats living. After all, you spend the most amount of your adult hood in your work place, so you've got to love it, or you're wasting your life.





6. Clear the toxic people


I'm very picky with my people trust me. I'm all or nothing. (If you're one of my faves then theres no getting rid of me, sorry. You're stuck with me)
 I've been cracking down on who the important people are in my life and staying away from the ones who aren't really there for me. Life's too short to be around people who put you down, and don't want the best for you. If you can't be yourself around someone then find someone who you can be yourself around, plenty of different (nice) people to meet!


7. Get a nice bum


Gotta be getting those squats in now don't I ay.


8. Save money


Save, save, save! For the future, for when I buy a house, or get married or have children or for travelling. I think it's great to save a little bit of money and future me is going to thank me so much!


9. Go to a festival


 (or two, or three, or ten)



10. Blog


I've clearly already started this one but I genuinely love writing on my blog in my spare time and i've got so many ideas for blog posts that I can't wait to write! I want to make my blog every personal still, but focus mainly on making it a travel blog, sharing my experiences and tips!



11. Spend some time volunteering


Volunteering is so rewarding I love it so much, Ive got plans to volunteer here in London, maybe on christmas day and also to volunteer in Bali!



12. Be selfish


 I'm going to do a lot more for myself from now on.



13. Run a marathon




14. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro


By the time i've trained for this marathon I should be running up this mountain.
(I'll be starting with Snowdon I think)



15. Have my own little family


 Whether it be a family of dogs, cats, a husband and children, who knows. I'd just love to have my own people (or pets) to go home to everyday.
(alright, cheesy I know)



16. Stop being so hard on myself




17. Go diving and overcome my fears


So, one of my biggest fears are sharks. I think this ones stemmed from watching 'Open Water' when I was about 7.  I vividly remember watching from behind the sofa, a man getting his leg bitten off. Not age appropriate that.
I'm really interested in going diving though, maybe in Thailand as they've got the cheapest diving courses in the world. It's just the sharks stopping me here so hopefully I can overcome this fear! (you'll never catch me shark cage diving anytime soon though, no time for that)



18. Stop moaning so much


I've only recently realised how much I actually moan about stupid things, so i'm really going to try and stop myself from now on and just get on with everything and look at the positives.



19. Eat healthily


 (can't get a good bum with no greens)



20. Keep on not taking life too seriously!


The most important one.




There's my twenty things that I'm going to keep working on and make happen.

In all seriousness, I'm so grateful that I've turned twenty, as this years been extremely tough learning how to deal with my depression. It's really opened my eyes to a lot though, I'm feeling so positive about the future.
I'm also so grateful that I've got so many amazing people by my side (I've picked you all well) to celebrate with! Love you all lots xx

Cheers to the twenties my favourites!





Lots of love,
 kate
x