Budapest- The reviews are in.

So had my second trip of the year to Budapest in Hungary, with my best friend. Whilst it sounds very similar to Bucharest, where I have been before, with Hungary and Romania bordering each other, these two city breaks couldn't be more different.
Abi and I have been on a city break before, so we knew what we are like. Thankfully she still thought it was ok to go on holiday with me. This time we were much more prepared when it came to the trip. We started looking for what we wanted to go visit a good two weeks before we went, and we started loosly planning our days there when we were there, still able to stay much more flexible.
Another interesting thing I found about Budapest was the amount of american tourists that were there. It felt like there were more american tourists there than there were british. It didn't bother me, but was quite surprised when you consider how far away the USA is. It did make me realise though how lucky we as europeans are. We have the option of having a mini break away to a different country, where most flights are barely more than 3 hours long. Some people don't have that luxury.
Before I get into the details of my trip, another thing I noticed was the pride of Hungarians and their food. You never wanted to try any other food, because there was so much choice of hungarian food that you never needed to. I bought a hungarian cookbook, so that I am able to attempt to recreate some of the amazing food that I tried whilst out there.
Day One
Abi and I had a pretty early start, with a 6am morning flight from Gatwick. We decided to get ourselves Budapest cards for the trip and got them at the airport. We got to our hotel at roughly 10:30 with our room ready, so we were able to go straight into our room and drop our stuff off, freshen up and get out into Budapest. We did get ourselves lost to start with, but once we understood where we were, it was much easier to work out our routes and what we were doing.
We spent the afternoon looking at St Stephen's Basilica, and went to the Panorama point as well. Even with my fear of heights, it was lovely to see the beautiful views of the city.
This was the point we both realised that Budapest was quite an expensive city. We needed to be a bit more crafty with our spending, and change some of our plans. Because of this, we decided to eat somewhere local for dinner. Also
meant we could have an early night to relax and catch up on some sleep.
Day Two
Went to the Hungarian National Museum in the morning, where we ended up spending a good two hours. There was so much different history to look at, it did scramble my brain slightly!
So after lunch we decided that we had explored a fair amount of the Pest side, and went over to the Buda side. We mainly used the castle bus on the Buda side, as it was free with our Budapest cards. We explored a craft market, and then headed over to the Budapest History Museum for the later afternoon. After feeling all museum'ed out, we headed back to our hotel, and decided to go back over to the Buda side again for dinner at Marxims.
After realising that a large glass of wine was only costing me roughly £1.50, we had a brilliant evening ending up in Mc Donald's with Mc Flurry's. Classy birds we are XD
Day Three
We were all museum'ed out from yesterday, so took a slightly more laid back approach to the day. We decided to travel further south and stumbled across the Central market that we were both interested in. One of my favourite parts of the trip. We did plan to take the water bus to say we had been on the river, but there was something that always happened to stop us from getting on.
So instead we decided to have a pit stop for a drink and head back over to the Buda side. We used the castle bus the most this day, going to the Fisherman's Bastion, saw St Matthias church, went to the 3D show about Hungarian history, the Hungarian flag, and Mary Magdalene tower.
Later in the afternoon we went to Szamos chocolate cafe and museum for a look around, and headed back to our hotel to get ready for our last night; where we went to Ven Hajo for dinner.
Day Four
Had a lazier morning having breakfast and getting packed ready to go. We decided to go back to the Central market to grab some more bits, and take advantage of the traditional street food that they had to offer in there.

To round it up, I really enjoyed my time in Budapest, and appreciated the history of Budapest and Hungary. It really would be a waste to go to this beautiful city and not be able to truly immerse yourself in the history and the wonderful food they have to offer. I would go back there in a couple of years time to be able to do all the things that we didn't get a chance to do this trip. A couple of tips if you were thinking of going:
- Take a fair amount of money. I took £130 worth for three nights, but ended up changing some of my left over Romanian currency to bump it up. I would recommend at least £175. Weirdly though the drink was pretty cheap. One night we got a glass of wine for under 50p!
- Get the Budapest card. Worth the investment if you are going to be seeing a lot of the different sites, and the map you get given is a godsend regarding metro stations.
- Watch out for the service charges out there. They add on a percentage to your bill as standard. Even when you just get drinks.
- The castle bus is brilliant, unless you can see a big group trying to get on. These are small buses, so one big group can take up a whole bus. There are buses over there as well that you can use that would be just as helpful
Some recommendations for your trip:
* Get a hotel slightly nearer to the centre of Budapest. Will save you time getting in and out
* Central Market is a really nice place to go for shopping and interesting presents.
* Marxim is a brilliant pub restaurant with that rundown sarcastic communist feel.
* Ven Hajo is a wonderful restaurant on the danube. Beautiful food and views of Buda.

Well that has rounded up Budapest, now the big trip to come- India!

Drag and Lush- the best medicine there is.

So after a really rough start to the year, this week has been one of the most healing of weeks I could have.
I am on new drugs that do make me very numb and very spaced out. The only way I can describe to people who haven't been on these types of drugs, is that its like having emotional blinkers. Your body doesn't allow you to feel your emotions to the fullest, especially the bad ones. It also unfortunately gives you a bigger appetite. Not exactly great when you are trying to lose weight, and maintain the weight loss that I currently have at the moment. So I have decided to give myself a bit of a break. Not be very bad as such, but just ride the food storm through. I'm going to try and exercise a bit more, and really top up on the free foods, speed and protein.
So whilst on my first week of tablets, I had a night out already planned to go see Trinity Taylor and Aja from Ru Paul's Drag Race season 9. I am a major Trinity Taylor fan, and the minute I saw she was coming to the UK I jumped at the chance to get tickets, and get to meet her afterwards as well. So I bought two tickets assuming I would be able to find someone free to go with me.

Divina De Campo

Well that never happened. So I thought no, I am still going to go. I am not missing out on the opportunity to meet my queen. I also really needed to get away from everything for a night. Do things by myself.
In the end, I watched Judy at the Arts Theatre for the matinee (definitely go see it. Amazing show.) and then went back to my hotel to get ready to go back out. I could feel I was on the verge of a panic attack, so rung my best friend, who made sure I got my bum to the gig.
I am so glad I went. I was so anxious going by myself, but once I found the room it was all going on in, I was able to calm down and attempt to enjoy the evening.
Got to see Divina De Campo as our host to start with. Very quick on her feet with the crowd, and the voice. Heard her do Barcelona. Stunning. Was able to get really near the front for all three queens.
I always knew I was going to love Trinity. So nutty I loved it. Aja made me a fan that night. Her lipsyncing is stunning. I was just in awe the whole time.
Getting to meet them afterwards and getting Trinity to sign my merchandise was just the cherry on top of the cake. They were both so sweet and kind.
I was just so proud of myself that I was able to go by myself and rid myself of my demons for a night. I felt like my meet and greet was my reward.
I would definitely recommend going to a holy trannity run show as well. So well organised, and so well thought out as well. Every base had been covered. I would definitely go again, and do intend to if any of my favourite queens were local to me again.
The other part of my London trip was my spa treatment at King's Road Lush. I got some spa treatments when I used to work for the company, so it's nice that I get to use them after I have left. I have always heard such good things about the comforter, and I was able to get a last minute appointment. I don't believe in coincidence. It really felt beautiful to feel properly pampered. To feel completely calm (especially as I had a mild panic attack on the tube on my way there), and feel like I was in the right place at the right time. It gave me so much clarity of my present situation. Sometimes you really have to go through a rough patch to be able to learn from your mistakes; to learn what you will and won't accept, to realise how strong you truly are, to know that everything will be ok in the end. At the end of my treatment, my wonderful therapist actually random acted me. All you lush workers know how much that means. I will be going back there soon for my hard days night treatment, and can't wait to book it in.
After my treatment, I decided to go out for lunch before heading back home. I received a wonderful message from someone who went to the show after seeing my instagram post from the night before.
Random acts of kindness kept me going and persevering throughout the day. I didn't have a panic attack on the tube on the way back. It's the little things.
So I suppose in the end, I want you to know that words make such a difference in people's lives. Make sure they are good ones.

Bucharest- The (slightly late) round up

So I know this is a bit late off the mark, but I promised myself a year of travel. I also promised myself to keep the blog up to date a bit more often, so here goes.

So did my first trip of the year with my uni queen to Bucharest. Now I have done a city break or two before, but I found this very different from any other I have been to.
Firstly I was very lucky that the friend I went with used to live in Bucharest, so we could basically say what we wanted to do throughout the holiday, and he would plan the route/day as to where everything was. Also handy as he knew the city, we didn't get lost, and could speak fluent Romanian.
The other part of the trip I found was very different was how Bucharest seemed to be a city of opposites. You would have some beautiful buildings, and then another moment a derelict building. The poor and the businessmen/women. The traditional Romanian food, with the big chains dotted around the city. It added a different charm to the place, a very unique touch that I haven't got from other places I have been to.
Day One
After an early start, we got to Romania about 1:45, and spent the day getting round Romania, enjoying our fabulous hotel (I will take full credit for our brilliant hotel. Just saying.). I tried traditional Romanian food, and getting a general feel for the city. You do notice the tale of opposites in this city very quickly. We went out again that evening to use the metro for the first time, to wander round the shops and get some supplies. Very handy having a shopping centre shut at 10pm. Also they do nice macarons. Just saying.

My queen enjoying the sun <3

Day Two
Got a lot of stuff done this day. Went to the Natural History Museum, (word of warning: you have to pay to take photos. Don't get caught out.) Ventured out to Herastrau park, where we just chilled out and enjoyed the 22C sunshine. Stuffed our faces full of gorgeous food at lunchtime, visited my friend's old flat, went to the white church, and hung out at the Romanian Atheneum. We didn't bother venturing too far out for dinner, as apparently I had to try this meal at KFC, and we had been pretty busy throughout the day.
Day Three
Went to the History of Romania Museum, where we spent nearly two hours wandering around, enjoying learning about Romania. One of my favourite things is learning, especially about places I am travelling to. My favourite museum in the city. Enjoyed eating Italian food in the sunshine, and wandering around finding little bits to take back for the family. I had also been looking at all these gorgeous patisserie's throughout the city, and finally gave in to temptation and tried some baked treats. Nom. That is all.
Day Four
On our last day in Bucharest, we were able to go out early after breakfast for a last wander around, buying from the patisserie, getting those last minute souvenirs, and stumbled upon a handmade and antique market. Bought some beautiful handmade jewellery, a good reminder of the trip and a unique way to remember Romania.

All in all, Bucharest was an interesting and very different city. Would love to go back in 20 years time to be able to see how much it has developed. A couple of tips if you ever want to go....
-You don't need to bring very much in the way of Lei, it is cheap out there. Admittedly I made a decision not to drink when I was over there, but I don't think it would make much difference. I took £150 worth with me. Probably only needed £100 max
- If you are using the metro, you can get a multiple journey ticket which will save you a fair bit of money. I think it was 10 Lei (£2) for 10 trips.
- There is no map of the metro, so plan your route before you go
- You don't need to know Romanian before you go, but if you can pick up a couple of words it helps
- If you like trawling through duty free, the airport is in Euros. Make sure to bring Euros as well as Lei
- If you want traditional treats to take home, there is a carrefour supermarket that will have it all for the best price

The balcony of our hotel room

Also, my recommendations:
* La Mama is the main chain of Romanian food if you want something traditional (cabbage rolls are particularly nice)
*Capitol Hotel is where we stayed. Brilliant location to be able to explore the city, and good value for money
* Patisseries. Everywhere. Do it.
* Hard Rock Cafe in Herastrau park is brilliant. Would recommend going for their lunchtime menu if you want a good deal

Time to now plan Budapest!

The ups and downs of motivation

So I have had an amazing week back on plan slimming world style. Kept within my syns every day, tried out new recipes, and really have got my mojo back, enjoying being on plan again. 

Slimming world coronation chicken

Got on the scales at group, thinking yes! Bang this one of the of park. Nope. Maintained. 

WHAT THE BLEEDING FUCK.

I literally got off the scales wanting to hit someone/something. After all this time not quite being on plan it's actually more disheartening when you have been on plan and didn't get the loss you wanted. But carry on I shall. I could have quite easily eaten my weight in cookie dough, but I had already decided to have tuna pasta when I got home. So glad I did.
I think this week I am going to go back to all those favourite foods that I always really enjoyed eating, and keep that motivation, which is much easier with the great friends you make in the process. For example this morning I went out with one of the girls, and just enjoyed having a good old chin wag whilst enjoying a morning walk. Body magic without even feeling like that was what we were doing. Hopefully this week I will get a good loss. My only 'problem day' is Saturday night, where I am going out for dinner and then going out clubbing afterwards. The plan is to eat really healthily and well with a big breakfast to start with, so that I can use all my syns on the food and drink of an evening. The other danger area is the day after hangover food, so I think if I plan my food for Sunday, I'm less likely to stray off plan.

Weetabix with sliced banana and a choc shot

Dirty chip shop curry. Filth.

The other really lovely thing about this week is being able to keep my resolution of self love going in the right direction. The plans have slightly changed- in March I am going to Bucharest with one of my friends who used to live and work out there. Will be amazing to have someone in the know to go with to get a true insight into the city. Still haven't booked the holiday with my best friend in May, but we are just going to be looking for deals when they come up. October is getting booked soon, and if all goes to plan, will be going to Peru. Looking forward to going to a place that is really different and unique. I don't like going to typical holiday destinations, so this will be perfect.
Also this week, I had my lush spa treatment at Bath Spa. I find when I am struggling with myself, having that time to have a proper relax and pamper always helps me get my confidence and mood back to where it needs to be. I was going to have the comforter treatment, as I haven't experienced it yet, but I could only get availability for Synaesthesia. Definitely the right decision in the end. I have had two of these treatments before, and have always enjoyed that little protective bubble that you come out of your treatment with. This one however, I don't know whether it was because I was at a different spa, or what it was, but I really felt I got transported back to the magic of that first synaesthesia treatment. The massage bar word I chose was perspective, and the alice in wonderland bottle I chose was forgiveness. They give you a bubble bar and a massage bar of the same fragrance (perspective) to help transport your mind back to that calm state. I have definitely been using the massage bar as a moisturiser every day since the treatment, which has really helped me to lift and keep my mood where it needs to be. It has also been a really nice way to calm my mind when I have started to get anxious or stressed. As I am prone to overthinking, this has been really helping me to think of things in a much more productive way, rather than it spiraling out of control.
Hopefully this will make new grooves and will see the results long term.
This journey of slimming and self love is long, but in the end it is worth it :)

Getting my Mojo Back

So as you well know, I have been losing weight with slimming world since the end of May with brilliant results that I am very proud of (check out My Instagram to see more of that). I have been yoyo-ing since the beginning of the year for different reasons, but with the help of a friend and my awesome consultant Sharon I have started to get my mojo back.

Today my friend and I went to Chichester to help her find some clothes, as she has also lost a lot of weight and wants to be able to show it off. It was amazing the amount of shops that have been opened up to us now that we have lost the weight, which has been one of my personal goals. It made me enjoy shopping again and feel much more girly. There was one nemesis shop though that always annoyed the hell out of me when I was much bigger. Topshop. The shop where unless you are a small size 16 you had no hope of getting through the door, let alone try any of that shiz on. I think it bothered me especially when I was a teenager at college, with all these magazines having topshop stuff that I couldn't wear, and see all these other girls always want to go in there, because it was 'the shop' to go in.

Well I walked back in there today just to see what I had been missing for all these years. Apparently nothing. I have been missing out on nothing. None of it is my style, nothing really jumped out at me at all. Now, my 16 year old self can feel at rest, knowing that she didn't really miss out on anything. I definitely had a style all of my own at college. This probably all seems stupid now looking back, but as a 16 year old who was a bit tubby, everything mattered. Now I know when I pass by I am not missing out on anything, even though I can fit my ass in their clothes if I wanted to.

I have also been doing loads of slimming world recipes today, which has really started to bring my motivation back. My favourite of the day would have to be the coronation chicken sandwich filler that my best friend heard about from her group, Because who doesn't like coronation chicken??

The lovely heartwarming bit of my day was I got a card through the post from my slimming world consultant wishing me a good week. I'm very lucky to have an amazing slimming world consultant in Sharon, who helps us smile through the really difficult bits. It has joined my other bits on my inspiration wall, which I use to make sure I keep going.

I'm having to start IOU's for my terramundi pot, as I never have £1 coins when I need to put them in the pot, but I can only see it as a good thing. On the flip side, it definitely shows when I am feeling down about myself. Made me realise that I can have days where I feel great, but a lot of days where I put no money in there at all. So my next aim over this week is to find things that I am proud of to make sure that I put some money in my pot every day.

New week, new challenges. New week, new goals. 

Here's to a new week.

What a start to the year!

So this blog might end up taking a different turn. I will not be posting my updates on my social media, this is my own personal space, where I can just write what needs to be said. If someone else reads it and it is helpful, brilliant, but this is going to be done for me.
I have realised that I need to take a journey to love myself. I need to take a journey to not beat myself up over everything. I need to take a journey not to overthink everything. And dammit, I really want to go travelling. I want to see the world. I want to grow in myself in all forms.
So here are some plans.
Whilst I was visiting my best friend, I saw this terramundi pot and had to buy it. Now, every time I have a really positive thought about myself, when I'm proud of myself, when I look at myself and think 'you look bloody amazing' I put a pound in the pot. At the end of the year, I'm going to smash the pot, and see how rich I get from my own self love and my own self worth.
I do have another pot I need to buy, which is my overthinking pot. I have an unfortunate habit of overthinking, and beating myself up over everything. So every time I stop myself from overthinking, every time I stop beating myself up, I will put a pound in. What will be very interesting is to see which pot fills up quickest.
Next plan is every time I am on holiday, I want to use my time wisely. In March, I am going away with my friend to Canterbury. Hopefully this will lay some demons I have to rest. Canterbury is an absolutely wonderful place, and am really looking forward to seeing how my old uni stomping ground has changed. If I see people that I know there? Fine. I have my best friend to back me up, but also I need to learn to back myself up as well. Most of the time, things are never as bad as what I made out in my head, and its like I wasted all that energy on something that actually never happened. So that has to stop.
Next holiday is May, which is my birthday week. I intend to invite all my mates downtown for a proper night out. Something I haven't actually done on my birthday since I was 20, and haven't gone out properly in Portsmouth since I was 18. This needs to be done. I need to get hilariously drunk, be irresponsible, be a young person again. Now I'm not saying you need a drink to have a good night, but I just want to cut loose.
Then there is October. If all goes to plan, I will be heading with a friend to India, somewhere I have always wanted to travel to, and get to eat curry continuously for two weeks. Get to see the sights and amazing culture, and say yes, I have been there. This for me is the big one. I have never been on a long haul flight before, so I have to make it a good one.
This year is going to be my year, I can just feel it. I have no idea what the future holds, but I know I need to start doing what makes me truly happy. I need to stop having regrets, and I need to live my life.
Here's to 2017! xx