Summer

I love all seasons. I love dressing up in cosy layers in Winter, and coming home to a warm house full of festive cheer. I love watching the leaves change colour in the Autumn with a crisp chill in the hair that makes your nose tingle. Spring is like a fresh start - all these beautiful flowers and plants come into bloom.

But there's something about Summer.

When the sun starts to shine it makes you feel relaxed and positive. I want to get out of the house and do something. Hang out with the people I love, have cocktails in the sun, picnics in the park, and go on adventures.
Sometimes I feel like summer is gone in the blink of an eye. I am determined not to let this one pass me by! I will be going for long walks to places I've never been before, visiting castles, and having cocktail parties.
One of my favourite things to do however, is watch the sun set. There is nothing more satisfying that watching the sun set the sky on fire with an array of beautiful colours. No sunset is ever the same and the best thing is - they're free!!

What will you be doing this summer that you're going to remember for the rest of your life?

lynsey x

 

PS don't forget to smell the roses!

CONTIKI #NoRegrets | Review

I've just come back from Australia and New Zealand which many of you may have already seen me write about on this blog or post photos on my instagram (rhianlynsey).
I booked myself an appointment in the nearest STA agents and she suggested an organised tour. Contiki was the company that they booked with apparently. I knew these sorts of groups existed but I'd never heard of Contiki before.

So back to my initial thought, what is contiki?
'We’re firm believers that life’s greatest experiences are made better by the people you share them with. That’s why Contiki invented group travel for young people in 1962 and we’ve spent the past 53 years perfecting it. You’ll explore amazing destinations with a group of 18-35 year olds from around the world who share your passion for adventure, good times and creating memories that define what it is to be young, wild and free.' Is what it says on their website, along with their slogan One Lifetime, One Shot, Make it Count #NoRegrets

You can read all about them on their website along with following their twitter and instagram etc.

Who goes on these contiki tours?
'We're all about exploring the world with like-minded people, which is why we only run trips for 18-35 year olds, to celebrate being young, spirited and curious. You can expect to join a group of 18-53 awesome people from around the world on our Europe, Australia, North America and New Zealand trips, and in Asia and Latin America it's all about small group adventures with up to 25 travellers. Don't worry if you're not travelling as a couple or with a friend from home – though there are plenty of pairs, 50% of our travellers set off solo, meaning you'll have a ton of opportunities to make new friends.' Yes, I was one of those travelling alone, along with many others. So if you are interested in travelling, but don't have anyone to go with nor do you want to travel alone then consider tour groups like Contiki.
Obviously contiki isn't the only tour company like this to exist but seeming as I've only travelled with Contiki I'm not in a position to pass comment on them.

So you may be wondering what the tour groups are like, and what if you don't like the people you're with. Granted it is a hit or miss, but there is bound to be at least one person you get along with and make friends with. It's a great way to meet people from all over the world, and that means you can spend even more time travelling over to see them, and then returning the favour so they come to stay with you. In many cases you make life long friends. Such a nice way to meet new people, that you're forced to meet in a way.

Yes these tours can be expensive but they're also hassle free. They organise everything for you and all you have to do is get there and enjoy! It was a plus for me who isn't great at organising things in foreign countries.

They tell you where to be what times, give you great facts and information on the road (which you might not learn by yourself), they know all the best spots so can suggest where to go/eat etc, they book all your extra activities for you, and organise nights out. The Tour Managers work tirelessly to provide you with the best experience.

I will be travelling with them again; also check out Top Deck, Trek America, G Adventures, Plan My Gap Year.

Happy Travels!

lynsey x

Accessorize Tribal Seedbead Pattern Collar Necklace

You know those moods when you just want to buy something for the sake of it?
I was disappointed when I was walking around the shops and nothing was jumping out at me (although that's a good thing for my wallet) The last shop I went to was Accessorize and these two necklaces caught my eye. Very unique but I think they are super pretty! I love the detail on these necklaces.

Product code - 782432, £15

lynsey x

New Zealand Treasures - Skincare

Whilst in NZ I couldn't not pick up something beauty related! New Zealand is famous for their bees and their hot thermal mud!

I have tried the PureSource Rotorua Thermal Mud with Manuka Honey. It says that it's a soothing mask which is suitable for all skin types. I decanted this little sachet into a little travel pot which I got from Superdrug. These little pots are so handy for doing this!

 

So far I've really enjoyed using this. It has left my skin feeling super soft and brought out some of the impurities lurking beneath the surface.

If you are going to buy some of these masks, I would recommend just getting a sachet because you can get at least 5 uses out of it! Be careful where you buy them though because some souvenir shops do overcharge!

 

lynsey x

Why being single is the best thing for everyone...

If someone had told me one year ago today that being single would have been one the best thing that could have ever happened to me, I would have slammed a door in their face and balled my eyes out. After being in a long relationship, that sadly ended last year, being single was the last thing I wanted. I didn't even know how to be single!
Everyone says that time heals everything and at the time I just couldn't see the situation getting better.

One year on and I think being single has changed me for the best. I don't mean by not being with that person, and taking all the heartbreak it caused out of the equation; it's had a positive effect on me. I mean in the way I've grown and changed as a person. Which probably wouldn't have happened if I hadn't if we were still together. Simply because I relied on that person. So despite, at the time, wishing that it wasn't happening; today I see how it has changed and shaped me.

source

They say you need to love yourself before anyone else can truly love you. Not necessarily true but just being happy with yourself means you don't have to rely on the other person so much. It's like 'I don't need you in my life, I just want you' kind of situation. So that person can compliment you and your life rather than settling: to not have to be single.

Although relationships are lovely, and finding that person that makes you happy whilst you make them happy in return is probably the most incredible thing - I am now equally as happy out of a relationship. I am perfectly happy spending time by myself, and I'm enjoying being selfish at the moment and just doing everything I want to do. Not having to worry about when I see the other person, or why they haven't text me back is refreshing.
I don't think rushing from relationship to relationship is always the answer.

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Take time to get to know yourself, be happy with yourself, do some thing for yourself. Live the life you want for a while. When it happens, it'll happen. Don't worry about it too much when you're young.

lynsey x

Polagram Prints

Polagram is an app on your phone on which you can order photos off your phone. They are then delivered to you by post. They came really quickly. I was so excited because as opposed to the run of the mill 6x4, 7x5 the photos print in Polaroid style and a square. (so you can get printing those instagram snaps!)

I was super pleased with them when they arrived and I was impressed with how quickly they arrived!

After your purchase each customer is given a referal code: offering someone else and themselves £5 off their next purchase. Here's mine:- PG8RRSGK

Happy Snapping! I'm obsessed with capturing memories and printing pictures!

 

lynsey x

 

This post is not sponsered

The Simple Things

Sometimes we get so caught up in day to day life we forget to sit back and enjoy the simple things! One of my favourite things to do is to watch the sun setting. Especially on sunny days; it makes the most incredible colours in the sky. I think it's absolutely magical.

My phone is filled with all sorts of sunset-porn that I've snapped!!

I also found this quote the other day which I absolutely adore;

"Cherish sunsets, wild creatures and wild places. Have a love affair with the wonder and beauty of the earth." (Stewart Udall)

 

lynsey x