Day out at Sea Life London - DoMoreWithAvios | LIFE

Hello!

"see them being fed, swim under the sea, float near us and waddle about!"

I hope you're enjoying the bank holiday! Of course it has to rain (in London, anyway) on the day we have off! Luckily, there are so many things to do inside, including going to the Aquarium! I popped down to London's Sea Life Aquarium this weekend and had a blast! Oh, and to add to that, you could go for FREE. That's right, free tickets to anything is great, so read on to find out how. 

The thing with London is that there is always something to do, I'm talking the Shrek Attraction, London Dungeons AND the London Aquarium being neighbours to each other, so you can only imagine the other things you can see in London besides that street, let alone other things around the world!

We saw so many fishes including spotting tiger sharks swimming right past us, and every time we see a tank of fishies, my nephew would say 'Nemo, Nemo, Nemo!' - although ironically, when we got to the actual clown fishes and 'Nemo', he didn't utter the word! His and my favourite part of the aquarium? The penguins!! We got to see them being fed, swim under the sea, float near us and waddle about! I ended up buying a cute pink pearl bracelet with a penguin on it for memories (which I'm currently wearing as an Anklet FYI ;) )!

In terms of how you can get a free ticket, just do your groceries, go on holidays and adventures as you would normally and you can earn points with Avios, which you can then spend those points on more holidays, days out and even a chance to upgrade your economy ticket to business class! You can join and collect points via Avios Travel Rewards programme or British Airways Executive Club.

What I'd do next? Maybe take a trip to New York, or even go to a nice Afternoon Tea (Read: Afternoon Tea in London). Luckily, you can invite a friend to share the points with you, so you're not left doing it alone! Check out Do More With Avios for more!

Tell me, do you have a favourite Sea Life Animal? 

G.B.F, Gay Best Friend | MOVIE

Hello!

"a feel-good, humorous film that was super fun to watch!"

If you've seen this post, you'd know I'm a bit of a Netflix fan. Hey, I'm a LOT OF A Netflix fan. Not only because of the incredible quality, but also because of how easy it is to access on the telly.

I have a few shows that I like to keep up with on there, i.e. PLL, but then there are times when I fancy a movie. They don't have the newest of films, and some of which I've never heard of, but it's nice to click on a title I wouldn't have if it didn't exist on Netflix. This was one of them.
G.B.F was the title and I had no idea what it was about. Sure, there was a little description, but who really reads them anyway (okay, I do but this was not one of those times!)? Well, "why click it then?" you ask, because Allison from PLL is in it and I thought I'd give it a shot.

I didn't know G.B.F stood for Gay Best Friend, and the movie was about the first guy in a high school in America to come out. It wasn't a serious documentary or anything, it was a feel-good, humorous film that was super fun to watch!

The protagonist is gay and accidentally came out. He wasn't ready for the entire school to know, as he was one of those people that like to stay on the DL, but it all happened so fast and before he knew it, he was one of 'the populars'.

It's a typical high school drama, American chick flick kinda film and I really enjoyed it. In the world we live in where homosexuals are able to finally feel comfortable, which they should, it's nice to see it from a different perspective. Don't get me wrong, I don't really have much to say in this whole debate, and I wasn't planning to watch an entire film about it, but I do agree that every one deserves to be whoever they want to be, and it shouldn't be much more complicated than that. I don't even know why it is - just let people be.

Anyway, it's a movie that's super light-hearted, feel good and will make you laugh - what more could one ask for? Sure it may not be the best movie of all time, but if you're looking for a simple movie that's readily available on Netflix (and you're a PLL fan), give this a shot!

Tell me, what do you look for in a movie? 

Patience, Breathe, Think Happy & Believe | QUOTES

Hello!

"I know it's all about being calm and collected, but also not giving up."

During this time of year, quotes are a great reminder to keep one on the 'Be Calm and Positive' bandwagon. As it is exam season, you'll probably be seeing a few of these on here - and who knows, maybe it'll benefit you to clear your head and remind you of the good things, even if you're not taking exams.

source, source

Patience is an aspect many often forget about. I know I do. It's all about letting go, having less control and just understanding that things will happen the way they're supposed to - so just let it be. The quote above really does bring the idea of patience home, and sometimes, we just have to accept it. 

source, source
"it'll benefit you to clear your head and remind you of the good things"

Roald Dahl, ah the famous Roald Dahl! What wonderful things he said, and things I totally agree with. Happy thoughts WILL shine.

source

This one's a little different - it almost changes the entire mood of the post. I know it's all about being calm and collected, but also not giving up. 

Best of luck to those taking exams, and those not, I hope you have a great week anyway. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more quote posts on here sometime soon - but if you feel like you would like to read some more now, and you want to be on the positive boat, here are some links:

Smile, Be a Dreamer & Bloom
Be Bright, Truthful, Positive
Fight the Fear
Cherish the Days

Tell me, any exam tips you have rolled up your sleeves? Share them below :)

Little Venice, London | TRAVEL

Hello!

"a beautiful little area in London that doesn't enough credit."

If you follow me on Instagram, you'd know of the 'mystery' blog post that has 24 pictures. "24 Pictures in ONE blog post?" I hear you say. Yes, you read that right, and this is it!

A new segment that might be somewhat of a thing on here in the future (who knows, hey?) is being introduced today. I don't know what you think of the whole Travel blog thing, and I don't actually follow any travel blogs, but it seems an interesting idea! So, I present you... Little Venice, London.

A little event was being held inside the boat - how cool?! It is also called 'The Floating Classroom', it's a pretty nice view for a student, isn't it?

These were actually the public toilets - the building looks so pretty and the potted plants on the top are just adorable!

The boats are so quirky!

I don't know why but this picture makes me think of minions...

Think they're real people? Think again.
(At first glance I thought they were real... *embarrassed emoji*)

They were such beautiful, white buildings - I couldn't get over how gorgeous it all was!

The building to the right is where our Afternoon Tea was, it's the Colonnade Hotel. See that post here.

Finally, on the way back home we spotted this little shadow figure in the underground station. It's Sherlock Homes... guess the station!

Little Venice is a beautiful little area in London that doesn't enough credit. So, if you are in London, and the weather is nice, then definitely pop by the canal in Little Venice (we went to Warwick Avenue Station and made our way).

So tell me, are there any places you've been to that doesn't get enough credit? Also, what do you think of the travel series? 

Afternoon Tea in London: The Knightsbridge Garden Hotel

Hello!

"I was a little disappointed as all they really needed was to stock up on the Twinings"

Living in London my whole life and never gone out for 'Afternoon Tea' - a disgrace? Quite possibly. Well, this is no longer a valid statement as last weekend, I did go out for Afternoon Tea and I can honestly say, I'd do it again.

"a pleasant mix of sweet and savoury to mix and match, and not get too sick of the same flavour"

Take the train to Knightsbridge and a mere 5 minutes walk later, pass the beautiful buildings and a huge poster of Cara Delevingne on the wall of Burberry, you see a white shop which looks calm around the hustle and bustle of the christmas shoppers on the high street. You enter into a room of utter silence. The wooden floors give a natural vibe and the monochrome outfits of the waiters suggest an ordered environment. After being taken to the room, you choose your table and are given an option: Champagne or Juice. From the picture above you can tell, I chose the latter.

"a cake stand with food and a cup of tea - alongside chatting with good company, it was a great day"

The juice tasted something poured out of a Tesco Value carton - not exactly the best thing in the world, but that's okay. The main beverage of the day was the tea, of course. Given a tea menu and asked to make a selection - I didn't know what to choose. Going with a friend meant you could choose and share more than one type of tea, as each order meant an entire teapot of the flavour. She went with English Breakfast and I felt something a little different: How about the Pomegranate White Tea, I asked. A little while later the waitress returned and said they're out. I was a little disappointed as all they really needed was to stock up on the Twinings tea bags, as that is what they used. Earl Grey it is, then, I responded. 

"jam and butter on the side of the scones was a nice touch"

Out came the cake stand with one layer of sandwiches, one of cakes and bakes, and of course a layer of the traditional scones. It was nice to share as it meant getting a bit of everything without having to finish it all and be extremely full! There was a pleasant mix of sweet and savoury to mix and match, and not get too sick of the same flavour. My favourite of them all was the brownie - dense and full of flavour. 

"never gone out for 'Afternoon Tea' - a disgrace? Quite possibly."

A nice little table on the side, with a view of the high street, a cake stand with food and a cup of tea - alongside chatting with good company, it was a great day. Overall, it was pretty simple, with regular service to see if there was anything else we wanted, and the atmosphere being calm, relaxing and just lovely.

"I did go out for Afternoon Tea and I can honestly say, I'd do it again"

Unfortunately my earl grey tasted extremely lemony, possibly because the previous tea in the teapot must have been lemon flavoured and not washed off properly. That tea was undrinkable, but due to an entire teapot being given with each order, we shared the English Breakfast, with still some to spare.
The jam and butter on the side of the scones was a nice touch, meaning we didn't have to ask for anything more.

On the whole, a lovely experience, a relaxing atmosphere and a nice area in London. Although I wouldn't go to the same place again, simply to visit new places. Would I go out for Afternoon Tea again? Most definitely!

Tell me, is Afternoon Tea something you formally have everyday, or do you grab a quick snack if you feel a bit peckish?

RECIPE: Healthier Blueberry Muffins

 Hello!

"get a couple of ingredients... and throw them all together - simples :)"

The same question pops up time and time again, during this point in the week: What's happening in the weekend?! Well, here's an idea that is super fun and super yummy! If you're a total sweet tooth like me, you could never resist a chance at cake, and when you're offered a slightly healthier version - well, why not?

Click HERE to Download

There ya go! Just save a copy, get a couple of ingredients (most of which you may have at home) and throw them all together - simples :)

I hope you enjoy-  and what fruit/toppings would you put in?

TGIF: Movie's in the Cinema

Hello!

"a movie this weekend sounds good."

Another Friday and I'm sitting here watching last weeks re-runs of X Factor, thinking a movie this weekend sounds good. Looking at the movie listings, these are the three caught my eye:

"It's action packed and science-y!"

Although it's been out for a while, the storyline of this is quite cool! It's about someone who unlocks their brain potential to 100%, other than the average 10% that everyone else uses. It's action packed and science-y! Trailer link HERE.

"We've seen the likes of golf movies: Happy Gilmore... Now it's Cricket's turn!"

The sports movie of the year. We've seen the likes of golf movies: Happy Gilmore, american football: The Blind Side and even basketball movies: High School Musical. Now it's Baseball's turn!
Trailer link HERE.

"Oprah Winfrey helped create this movie - it must be good!"

This is the one the foodie in you may be the most excited for! Mentioned in this post, Oprah Winfrey helped create this movie - it must be good! Trailer link HERE.

Out of the three - which would you go to watch? 

5 Reasons You need Pyjama Days

Hello!

You may still be on summer break, may just have started school/college/university again or may be doing whatever you're doing on this fine Friday but the question is: Are YOU a fan of Pyjama Days?

"they're mentally, and physically, called for... and here's why"

Pyjama Days are usually Sundays, but can obviously be any day that fits in your schedule, yet there's something about them that is just... satisfying. For me, Pyjama Days are literally relaxing, watching YouTube videos or Telly, having a few treats and just... chilling. :)

So, although Pyjama Day's may not be the most productive days, they're mentally, and physically, called for and needed, and here's why:

1. They set you up for the week
When you have a rest day, it makes you feel rejuvenated and ready for the more productive week ahead. So, taking a step back is definitely the way forward!

2. Catch Up with Yourself
Having a non-planned day can allow you to catch up with yourself, in terms of little things that may need organising, catching up with your favourite TV shows and just doing what you want to do, not what needs to be done.

3. Actually allows you to Relax
During the week, stress can really build up, and what better way to release it then a nice pyjama day, with basically a do-nothing, stress-free, comfortable day!

4. Call it Official
I know some people who like to stay in pyjama's until they need to change into proper clothes, but for me, this isn't feasible. The reason being is that I feel somewhat 'lazy' if I stay in Pyjama's ALL the time - so having a nice shower in the morning and putting on actual clothes (not PJ's) makes me feel as though the day has really started, so having Pyjama Days, it makes it official that it is a day to relax, not just any other day.

5. A Chance to Appreciate Your Productiveness
This one may seem a little far fetched, but it's true all the same: when you have a day which is, lets be honest, not productive at all, it makes us miss the feeling of doing something productive - hence overall, making us more productive people!

So, do you have Pyjama Days, and what's your favourite thing about them?

Weekly Roundup #7

Hello!

Another Friday, another week coming to an end. Is it just me or do you feel that in winter the time seems to speed by, and generally you don't get much done... and you're tired all the time. Okay maybe the last one is just me. ANYWAY, these are some snaps I took recently that roundup... my week!

Favourite Quote: 

HOW CUTE is the Elephanté! Elephants are cute in general! Oh, did you know, an elephant has 5 toes, but not all the toes have nails! Fun little fact for you, there. 

Check out Motivational Monday for more quotes!

Favourite Proud-Moment:

Yes, that's right - I hung that baby up all by myself. My desk is a mess, but that's what happens after some hard work - I did clear it up soon after! Okay, I didn't paint it or anything so I guess I shouldn't be as proud as I am about it, but I actually hung it up - and it's centred in the wall and I used a screw. Gosh I deserve a medal ;) 

Fashion Finds:

Finally, I did a LOT of shopping recently and found that I needed to order another set of hangers in order to fit these in my closet - which there is still a lot of room for more! I don't have that many items of clothing but do mix and match everything so I can get LOADS of different outfits from different combinations of clothes! 

For this seasons trendy outfit ideas click here

Anyway, that's it!

What is your proudest moment from this week?