5 Things I Learnt From Travelling Alone

Travelling alone was such a learning experience for me. Before my student exchange, I'd only ever flown by myself once and that was a one hour flight to another city in the my home country. Travelling 12 hours total to Singapore was definitely a step up from this and while it was quite scary and daunting at the time, I feel like I took so much away from everything that happened. I know travelling is a bit of a touchy subject at the moment, but I feel like I have so much to say about my student exchange, I just really want to throw out as many blog posts as possible while the experience is still fresh in my mind.

1. It's okay to feel lonely
As freeing as it is to travel by yourself, there's no denying it can get pretty lonely. I really missed having a familiar face sitting in the seat next to me on the airplane. When you're so used to travelling with other people, the first flight alone can be really hard. Feeling lonely is completely normal and it's totally okay. This was something I had to keep telling myself on the way to Singapore and by the time I'd landed, I felt a lot more comfortable with being by myself. 

2. Do your research
Make sure you know what is required of you at the airport in terms of travel papers and documents. I feel like this is something people do already but don't forget to check your info is up to date and if possible, keep checking that none of the information has changed up until the day you leave. I remember in Singapore, I was going to travel to Vietnam with two of my friends however there was a last minute change to one friend's visa requirements which meant she couldn't actually go. This was amidst everything that was happening with the virus so things were already very susceptible to change however it just showed me that this sort of thing does happen and that checking online is really important. 

3. You have to be adaptable
Don't expect everything to go as planned. Not to sound contradictory, but even with all the research and preparation, you can't exactly predict what will happen next. There are some things that are simply out of your control. Travelling during a pandemic definitely taught me that. Learn to be flexible when things don't go the way you want them to. The situation is not always ideal and definitely frustrating at times but I'm a firm believer in things happening for a reason and sometimes you just need to go with the flow. 

4. Don't be afraid to ask for help
When you're flying solo for the first time, there will be things that maybe your friends and family helped you do in the past so you don't really know how to do yourself. Thankfully there are a lot of other people to talk to for assistance. Normally all the airport staff and flight attendants are more than happy to help. In fact, that's one of the main reasons they're there. To point you in the right direction. Also airline companies. I remember when booking my flights home, I called my airline company almost every single day leading up to my departure. In retrospect, that may have been a little excessive however getting reassurance from them was super important to me at the time. 

5. Trust your own instincts
With travelling alone comes a whole lot of decision making. At the end of the day, it's up to you what you choose to do and how you'll go about doing it. I like to think that's one of the perks however with this comes great pressure and responsibility. There were a lot of tough decisions I had to make while I was away and I almost always went with my gut feeling in the end. Of course I liked to get a second opinion every once in a while but most of the time, I had the answer all along. 

Q: Have you travelled alone before? 

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My Favourite TV Shows

I used to hate watching tv shows. 

Maybe I just had a really short attention span back then but I used to get so bored of the same characters and storyline that I never got to the end of a series. My family got Netflix last year and since then, my attitude towards tv shows has changed dramatically. I still tend to avoid shows that exceed 5 or 6 seasons but nowadays, I'm more likely to choose a tv show over a movie and that's something I definitely wouldn't have done a couple of years ago. In today's post, I'm going to be sharing 5 shows that I love so much and would recommend to anyone and everyone. I'm going to keep the descriptions brief as I tend to spoil things quite easily. 

1. Sense8
This is a Netflix Original series and when I first started watching, I was a little hesitant at first. It took a couple of episodes for me to get my head around the main concept of the show but once I did, I was hooked. Basically the series follows 8 individuals from all around the world. Each of the characters have their own story whilst being part of one massive story as well. I think the best thing about this show was the main cast. I promise you, you'll fall in love with the characters so quickly. 

2. The Good Place
The idea behind this show is so clever. It portrays a completely different afterlife to what you're probably used to seeing. It also takes a more comedic approach which I thought made it a lot more lighthearted and easier to digest. I absolutely loved Kristen Bell in this series. She's such an amazing actress. The characters are also super loveable and very, very different from one another. 

3. W - Two Worlds Apart
This was the first k-drama I ever finished. I've watched a couple of k-dramas since this one but to me, none of them compare. The story is so unique. In a nutshell, it's about a doctor who falls into her father's webtoon and gets close to the main protagonist of the comic. It's cute and a little cheesy at times but I think that's why I like it so much. 

4. The Society
I've heard people describe this show as a combination of The Maze Runner, Lord of the Flies and Lost. It took me a little while to properly get into this series because unlike the last three, I found the characters a little harder to like. Most of the characters ended up being okay in the end though. When I first finished the series, I researched into all the different theories. There are definitely some far fetched ones out there but there are a couple that I could totally see being right. 

Thanks for reading!
Q: What's your favourite tv show ever?

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5 Creative Skills I Want to Learn

As a design student, I feel like I have a pretty good set of creative skills under my belt. That doesn't mean I'm not willing to add more though. Here are 5 skills I really want to learn how to do whether than be in a classroom environment or at home. 

1. Hand Embroidery
This is one of those things that I've been meaning to try but just haven't had the time or resources to do so. I see all these incredible designs pop up on my Pinterest feed from time to time and it makes me want to learn so badly. I'm hoping to go to my local craft shop sometime soon and pick up an embroidery hoop and some different coloured thread. Then once the mid-year break comes around, I'll have no excuse not to give it a go. 

2. DSLR Cameras
I'm definitely very capable with the camera I own at the moment but that's because it's the most basic camera ever. It used to be the whole family's and we bought it all the way back in 2012 or 2013. It still produces decent quality photos but because it's just a normal digital camera, it functions quite differently from a DSLR. I took a photography course for a very short time at Uni last year but I can't say I took a lot away from those classes. I really want to learn how to use a DSLR properly so I can take more professional looking photos for both my blog and other things. 

3. Animation
This was another creative skill that I encountered last year at Uni. We had to use Adobe After Effects to create a very short animation for one of our designs. I actually really enjoyed bringing a static image to life. Since then, I haven't had much to do much animation but I'd really love to get back into it again. 

4. Jewelry Making
A couple of months ago, my friend and I had a craft day where we made our own earrings. It was a great time! Earrings were a definitely a great introduction to jewelry making but I'd love to make something slightly more advanced like a necklace or bracelet. I really want to experiment more with wire and beading. I have so many pretty beads and charms from my childhood that I could use. 

5. Cake Decorating
I've been loving cake decorating shows recently. Some of those cakes are honestly works of art! Like things you'd expect to see in a glass cabinet in a museum. I really want to take a cake decorating course one day. Even though baking isn't exactly my forte, decorating is where I think the real fun begins anyway. I love how creative people get with their cake designs. It's so inspiring! 

Q: What's a creative skill you want to pick up?
Thanks for reading!  

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3 Great Places to Write

I don't know about you, but I always have a favourite spot that I like to write my blog posts. 

At the moment it's the dining room table in my house. It's right under a skylight so on sunny I get all that natural light and warmth. 

I feel like the location of where you write is something that can really make a difference to your writing. If you haven't found your ideal spot yet, this week's post is just for you! Here are 3 places I'd recommend writing in at least once! 

1. Library
I always feel the itch to write here. When you're surrounded by the works of so many incredible writers, it's hard to not want to put your own thoughts to paper. Inspiration is everywhere you look. I'm sure if you were to pick a book at random, you'd find at least one thing - whether that be a quote, a word or an image - that you could run with. The quiet in the library is also really comforting. Everyone is in their own little worlds. It's a great spot for those who are easily distracted by noise. 

2. Local Cafe
Cafes are perfect for those who like to snack while they work. I'm definitely this kind of person. If you don't mind background chatter or the sound of plates clanging, you should be able to write for hours here. There's always a lot happening in cafes but sometimes that sort of busy environment can help you to want to get things done. 

3. Outdoors
Natural light is really important to me when I write, as I mentioned in my intro. If I can't claim the dining room table (because another family member is working there), the balcony or front yard are just as good. If there's a park or field close by your house, you could carry a notebook and pen and sit yourself there to write. The combination of nature and fresh air are sure to start an avalanche of ideas and inspiration. 

Q: Where is your favourite place to write?
Thanks for reading!

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Blog Props, Backgrounds and Extras

Today's post is all about blog props! I love blog photography and one of my favourite parts of posting a new blog post every week, is putting together a nice set up for the photo. There's nothing more satisfying than creating the perfect layout or finding just the right combination of objects. 

Backgrounds: Use These as a Base
Patterned Paper
For a glossy effect, find paper with gold foil or holographic accents.
Chopping Boards
You'll find there are some really nice marble and wooden chopping boards out there.
Fluffy Blankets
These give off a nice textural effect but aren't too distracting to the eye.
Pretty Plates
They make a nice central prop for the rest of your objects.
Magazines
You can lay different objects across the page or use cutouts to make collages.
Confetti
For a background that really pops, scatter a layer of confetti. 

Props: Use These as Your Primary Props
Artificial Flowers
You can put them in a nice vase or lay them bunched together in the corner. 
Notebooks
Use notebooks with eye catching covers or inspirational quotes on the front.
Laptop
You can either show the laptop as a whole or focus on one aspect such as the keyboard. 
Fairy Lights
Leave a trail of soft light around the rest of your props. 
Polaroid Camera
Sit it alongside a pile of your favourite polaroids. 
Candles
These are nice to place in corners or off to the sides.


Extras: Use These as Your Secondary Props
Sequins/Beads
Especially if you've used a lot of neutral coloured props, add them for some splashes of colour.
Paper Clips
If you're not too keen on the traditional paper clips, there are plenty of other fun shapes to look into.
Jewellery
Sprinkle rings and charms around for a more glitzy, glam aesthetic.
Ribbon
You can use it to create a nice border around a certain object or just drape it from one corner of your set up to the next. 
Washi Tape
You can't go wrong with a strip of cute washi tape. 
Scrapbook Die Cuts
These come in a range of designs and styles, they'll be plenty for you to choose from. 

What's your favourite blog prop to use?

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20 Inspirational Quotes For Bloggers

I can always count on a good quote to pick me up when I'm feeling down. If I'm in a negative mood, it's always so uplifting to come across a quote that feels like it was meant for me to see. When it seems so relevant to something I'm experiencing/going through, there's no faster way to give me the happiness boost I need. Today I'm going to be sharing with you my top 20 inspirational quotes for blogging. This post is for any blogger out there who needs their daily dose of motivation. And if none of my favourite quotes work for you then I really recommend searching online yourself. Make a little list like I've done here and keep it close by because sometimes when you're feeling a little bit lost or uninspired, a few words of wisdom can make all the difference.

1. "If you can't stop thinking about it, don't stop working for it."

2. "Small progress is still progress."

3. "The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday."

4. "Success doesn't come and find you, you have to go out and get it."

5. "Don't give up. Good things take time."

6. "Believe that you can and you're halfway there."

7. "You get what you focus on so focus on what you want."

8. "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."

9. "If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you."

10. "Little by little, a little becomes a lot."

11. "Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle."

12. "To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong." 

13. "Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try."

14. "Never doubt your instinct."

15. "You're always one decision away from a totally different life."

16. "It won't be easy but it'll be worth it."

17. "Grow through what you go through."

18. "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door."

19. "You were born with the ability to change someone's life, don't ever waste it."

20. "Work hard, dream big."

Thanks for reading! And if you have a favourite quote you'd like to share, write it down below!

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10 Facts About Me

Blogging relies a lot on connection and interaction. In order to get to know you're readers/other bloggers, you have to allow them to get to know you and sometimes finding that common ground is the first step to an online friendship. I liked the idea of sharing 10 facts about myself and while I struggled a bit around the 8th/9th point, I really enjoyed writing today's post. 

1) I'm obsessed with pigs, especially teacup pigs. A teacup pig is my dream pet. 

2) I'm really bad at finishing book series/trilogies. I prefer independent novels because you know you'll get a somewhat satisfying conclusion at the end.

3) I'm very indecisive. For example, I'll spend ages in one shop tossing up between two items I want to buy and then leave the store having bought something completely different instead.

4) I was born in New Zealand.

5) I've done ballet for over 10 years of my life. I only stopped this year so I could focus on design and finding a part-time job.

6) I can say the alphabet backwards. My friend taught me a couple of years ago and it's stuck with me ever since.

7) I'm short sighted but I wear night contacts that improve my vision while I sleep.

8) I love buying room decor and spend a majority of my savings on pretty fairy lights and pastel coloured desk accessories and throw pillows. 

9) I'm an introvert. I take a while to warm up to people and can be a little awkward at times. 

10) I hate clowns, planes and going to the dentist. They're my three worst fears. 

I hope you liked this post! Tell me something about yourself down below!

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20 Random Acts of Kindness

For me, there's no better feeling than the one I get after doing something nice for someone else. It's amazing the way an unexpected act of kindness can instantly brighten a person's day. Here are 20 ways you can bring a smile to someone's face. Whether it's a stranger or loved one, your actions have the power to really work wonders on someone.  

1. Contact a relative you haven't spoken to in a long time

2. Sneak a nice little note into your friend's bag

3. Hold the door open for someone

4. Start up a conversation with someone you've never talked to before

5. Give your place in line to the person behind you

6. Gift someone a present, completely out of the blue

7. Shout your friend morning/afternoon tea

8. Write an uplifting message on a post it note and stick it in a public place

9. Compliment someone's work

10. Print out several inspirational quotes and leave them in mailboxes around your neighbourhood

11. Make a surprise visit to someone you haven't seen in a while

12. Give your change to a busker or street performer

13. On a busy bus or train, give your seat to a person standing

14. Leave a supermarket voucher in one of the trolleys

15. Tell your Mum and Dad just how much you appreciate everything they do for you

16. Bake something for someone special to you and leave it at their doorstep

17. Bring a sibling breakfast in bed

18. Smile at someone as you walk by them

19. Spend some time with an elderly person who may be lonely

20. Help someone who appears lost or in need of directions

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Blog Post Ideas With Prompts

So I decided there would be no better way to get my blog up and running, than with a first blog post all about blog posts! This post is not only dedicated to the new bloggers who - like me - are just starting out but also to the experienced bloggers who are just feeling a little uninspired today. Here are 20 lifestyle blog post ideas with prompts. Enjoy!

Your Essentials: What are 5 things you can't live without?

A Life Lesson: What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?

Your Travels: What has been your most memorable experience overseas?

Your Hobbies: What is something you really want to pick up/ learn how to do?

A Memory: What is something that you've learnt from your younger self?

Reviews: What are your most used products at the moment?

Your Goals: What are your tips for self-motivation?

Your Dreams: What do you see yourself doing in a few years' time?

Tutorials: What are some useful DIYs you can each your readers?

Resources: What are your most used phone apps at the moment? 

A To-do List: What's on your bucket list this year?

A Gift Guide: What is on your Christmas/ Birthday wish list?

Your Thoughts: What's on your mind at the moment?

Appreciations: What are you most thankful for in your life right now?

A Shopping Haul: What were your most recent sale purchases?

Your Daily Routine: What are your tips for waking up in the morning/ winding down at night?

Personal Life: What are 10 things you want your readers to know about you?

Your Fears: What is something you've done that was outside of your comfort zone?

Your Strengths: What has been your greatest achievement so far?

Blogging: What did you find most challenging about starting a blog?

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