My 2016 Highlights

Well, it wasn't that bad for me anyway..

Yes I know a LOT of bad things happened in 2016, it started with the death of David Bowie, and sluegh of celebrity deaths ensuing. Then there was all the politics shenanigans in the UK & US and well, that's it really isn't it? It also ended with me breaking my phone on NYE, but HEY-HO.

Let's not focus on the negatives, here are my 2016 highlights.

Completed my apprenticeship

At the beginning of 2016, I finished my year long apprenticeship in digital marketing. When I left school, I decided that university just wasn't for me. Getting drunk 24/7 and handing in the occasional essay? I know, I must be mad. But the reality was that I just wanted to do something where I could learn whilst earning money. I did indeed learn a lot whilst on the course and more importantly I decided that whilst working in an administrative environment has its ups and downs, I'm not fully ready to commit to that particular vocation. Whilst I'm no longer in that field of work, knowing I have a qualification I can fall back on is really rewarding. 

Started Youtube

2016 was also the year which I started something that I'd wanted to get into for years, YouTube. Having spent much of my teenage years watching the likes of Zoella, Shane Dawson and Jenna Marbles - their content really inspired me to finally start posting. My videos are VERY different to my blog posts, with my blog being almost a diary of sorts and my YouTube channel is there to.. make a really poor attempt at being funny/relatable in front of a camera. I don't really promote it because I just do it for fun, but seeing people comment and leave their opinions (good or bad I may add) is really nice to see. I'd probably be at a loss without social media at this point which may sound really sad, but it's a extremely fun hobby I can't see myself giving up any time soon.

Amsterdam

Later on in June I had a mini trip with a few friends to Holland. This was the first time I'd been away without my parents and I'm nearly 21.. yep. Since we weren't there long we tried to cram as much in as we could in those few days. We visited a Science Museum  which was essentially for kids and teens but we enjoyed it none the less. We also visited other places which weren't exactly PG, but no I don't mean THAT district. The weather was also beautiful, so our trip was nicely completed with a boat trip around the city. Though based in the UK, one of my bucket list goals is to visit pretty much most of Europe. So I'm really happy I can tick this one off my list and hopefully visit again in the not so distant future.

Dick N Dom

This is a bit of a random one and again is probably just highlighting the fact I'm quite a horrendously sad individual. Unlike my uni friends who get drunk at any point in the week, I can only really go out on weekends and make the most of the club events which aren't catered for students on a Monday night. With that being said, I had the opportunity to go see two of my childhood heroes live. I'd just like to reiterate.. the high correlation between me and EXTREMELY SAD individuals. No I'm not talking about the Chuckle Brothers who I would see make a club appearance in a heart beat, I'm talking about Dick N Dom. After a friend saw that they were DJing at Pryzm in Leeds, I knew I had to go see them live. I mean, who didn't want to take part in Dick N Dom in da Bungalow?! All my childhood expectations were met, though with slightly more swearing than I remembered at age 11. I'm also convinced Dom pointed at me at, though the infusion of alcohol may have left me slightly misguided.. but shouting BOGIES at the top of your lungs is just as fun aged 20.  

The 1975

Last but not least, I finally saw one of my favourite bands live. Ironically, it was only in 2016 I really started getting into their music after listening to their latest album. Also another fun fact, I went on my own! There seems to be a massive stigma about going to events by yourself, but why not? I got to listen to some of my favourite songs LIVE without being sat with someone who isn't remotely interested asking me when the set finishes, what time the next train is, why is Matty dancing like a fish stuck on land.. *yawn*. They sounded absolutely incredible and the lighting beautifully complemented the songs. It was certainly a visual masterpiece and even if you've only heard one of their songs, I certainly recommend going to see them live if you get the chance.

What were you favourite parts of this weird old year? Let me know.

Victoria x

Amsterdam 2016!

In my last post I mentioned that in June, I'd been to Amsterdam with a few friends. We were only there for three nights and we did so much in those few days that I thought my feet were going to drop off -  honestly. 

The city in general is so pretty with lots of detailed architecture and the many canals that flow throughout the city. It's a very different atmosphere than being back in dear old Blighty, the weather was extremely warm and sunny for starters. Even when it rained overnight, the drizzle seemed to have settled by the afternoon and it went back to being extremely hot. Everyone also seemed really friendly and everything about the city had a very chilled out atmosphere, unless you'd just missed your tramp that is. 

To remember my experience, I've collated a few pictures from my trip which really stick out as memorable moments - hopefully you will enjoy them too!

The Science Musuem

 Tulips from Amsterdam

A photo posted by Victoria (@freckldfiend) on Jul 8, 2016 at 1:48pm PDT

We were there a total of four days (but the last one doesn't count as it consisted of travelling). Luckily, we managed to visit pretty much every museum/well known areas that we wanted to. NO not that area, cheeky. Unfortunately the only place we didn't managed to get into was The Anne Frank House, as the queue was longer than most rides for amusement parks I've been to. Yes THAT long.

If you're really eager to visit European cities I honestly think Amsterdam is a must. You don't have to be there long to really get a feel of the city and if you're open minded, embrace the Dutch culture with open arms. I really don't think you'd be left disappointed :)

Thinking about going to Amsterdam but don't know where to start? Drop me an email/tweet on my contact page and I'd be happy to help in anyway I can!

Victoria 

Essential Hand Luggage Items For Short Flights!

Last week I traveled to the fabulous city of Amsterdam for just over three days. The weather was beautiful and I was in awe of the scenery and architecture (but I'll get to that in another post). 

Since holiday season has well and truly kicked in for many, I've seen a fair few posts on what to take for long haul flights, but very few for short ones - it was roughly a 50 minute flight to Amsterdam and back from Leeds Bradford airport. Obviously you need to pack more for longer journeys, but I decided to compile a list for my short flight essentials.

Facial wipes: Even on short journeys, my face can be prone to getting a bit oily so I find including a small packet of wipes in my bag can really help me feel refreshed and revitalised - just make sure you've tried them beforehand so they won't react badly with your skin.

Deodorant: Unfortunately unless you're a clairvoyant, you're probably not going to be able to guess the temperature of your plane before take off. Even though most have air conditioning, it's not great sitting next to that stranger who could've done with doubling up the amount they put on that day - even worse when it's you. Save yourself the embarrassment and pack some roll on deodorant anyway for fresh pits and a better overall smelling journey. 

Entertainment: Just because a 1 hour flight is shorter than most, doesn't mean you can't feel bored very easily. If you're not taking electronics or have forgotten your earphones, always make sure you pack a book or magazine to keep yourself entertained.

Brush/comb: I don't know about you, but I find nothing worse than knotty hair getting tangled up in everything in your line of vision. No matter where I'm going, I always pack my small trustworthy tangle teezer in the unfortunate event that my hair decides to stick to everything in sight. 

Head/earphones: If you're a nervous flyer, listening to music can help calm you down and distract you from your surroundings. Whilst you probably won't be using them to watch a film, they can't also help you seem busy and unwilling to talk to the person who insists on spending the whole journey telling you about all the 'exciting' and 'fascinating' places they've been.

Lip balm/small amounts of makeup: Whilst I can't imagine why you'd wear a full amount of makeup on any flight, long or short, including a small amount of makeup in your hand luggage may help you feel like less of a zombie at the end of the flight. I also have a bit of a vivid imagination so the thought of my suitcase going missing with all my makeup inside genuinely fills me with a feeling of complete and utter dread.

Mints/chewing gum: Feel like you're getting a dry mouth and the on flight water is a bit too weird tasting to handle? Make sure you have some mints or chewing gum to hand for fresh breath so you won't be knocking out any of the flight attendants anytime soon. Chewing gum can also help sufferers of anxiety in stressful situations, so again if you feel a bit nervous about your flight - get chewing!

Sunglasses: Even if you're not jetting off to a sunny island paradise, packing a pair of sunnys means you don't step off the plane being blinded by the outside world. Also if like me you suffer from migraines and one happens to get triggered on the plane, I shudder at the thought, then a subdued amount of light can really help reduce the strength of the symptoms. Speaking of glasses, if like me you wear you have to wear them and alternate between spectacles and contacts - make sure you pack yours so you don't have to worry about any visual issues which may occur.

Think I've missed anything? Let me know down below!

Victoria