5 Pubs of Dublin

First off, I just have to say that I couldn't actually narrow it down to 5... So there will be honourable mentions at the end ha. Also, I've been in Dublin for just about three months now! & the amount of pubs I've visited is around the 50 mark, to be fair though, everything in Dublin seems to revolve around pubs. Even when not drinking, meals are spent here. Pubs are meeting points, can always be counted on for delicious food & of course, a good time usually follows. Not to mention, pub crawls. It's safe to say I genuinely love pub culture here & no I am not an alcoholic to clear that up right off the bat. So my top five?

Obama was just necessary.

Sweeney's
32 Dame St., Dublin
Three floors, different bands & musicians play on each floor throughout the week. Mostly folk, indie & rock. Few cheap beers on tap as well which is always a plus! Can be quit crowded on weekends but is chill during the week for a relaxing pint... Also, great people!

12 Pubs of Xmas

Twisted Pepper
54 Middle Abbey St., Dublin 1
Brilliant coffee & vintage shopping by day, craft beers & cocktails at night. The upstairs smoking area is known to be a favourite for many. On the main floor there's usually gigs going on & in the basement there can be anything from reggae to electronic nights. They've had some pretty solid DJs come in from around the world. The Pepper is definitely worth a visit if you want to dance.

Get on your dancing shoes.

The Bernard Shaw
11-12 Richmond St. South, Dublin 2

Probably my all-time favourite pub for a relaxing night, chatting with friends. The street art outside is incredible & inside is home to one of the best beer gardens in Dublin. Absolute favourite part of the Bernard though is the pizza bus out back (in the beer garden), where you can eat on the top floor & smoke hookahs. Always a good crowd & they have DJs come in as well. This has been pegged as quite a hipster place, but the people inside are far from pretentious. 

The Bernard Shaw

Street art outside.

Workman's Club
10 Wellington Quay, Jamestown, Dublin
Spent New Year's Eve here for 2014 when The Hot Sprockets played & had a wicked time. Been on less busy nights as well & it's just as great. It's sort of like one huge house party, set in a cool apartment type with different rooms & DJs, bands & musicians playing in each. The outdoor terrace is also a plus for smokers as it's quite spacious, heated as well. Sort of bohemian-esque, always a decent crowd. It's also joined alongside Bison Bar, a solid whiskey bar with quite an impressing menu. I'd recommend doing the tasting if they're offering it at the time, as they can be funny with when they'll do it.

NYE '14

The Wool Shed
The Parnell Centre, Parnell St. Dublin 1
An Australian pub, always a riot to be had here & more of a sports pub. Great for watching any type of sporting event as there's always a good crowd & there are even bleachers inside the pub. Also, wicked pub food! I'd go here during the day for a catch up with friends or evening for a more lively time. Music is always decent, last time I went they were playing a selection from the 80s which is always okay with me. Being Canadian I feel quite at home here for some reason, maybe it's because there's no Canadian pubs in Dublin.

Yep, Dallas Green. I died slightly.

Other haunts... Whelan's for laid-back gigs & just a guaranteed good night, Gypsy Rose for some of the most down to earth bartenders & regulars (alternative/rock in the basement, solid for dancing), The Long Stone for a classic Irish pub & all three, Fibber's, The Living Room & Murray's, as they're all connected in the back by a beer garden. Lastly, for proper clubbing I'd go with Grand Social or The Button Factory.

I'd love to know if any of you have favourite pubs in Dublin?! Or even whichever city you're all in... & of course, cheers!
xxx

'You're So Lucky!'... My Perspective

It's been about a month & a half since I boarded my plane to Dublin in the Toronto Pearson Airport. There are days where I wonder what life would be like if I stayed at home... If I had chose to finish my last year of school. If I was still working full-time to pay off my student debt. If I was spending my earnings on partying every weekend instead of paying off that debt. If I was still settling for guys who, deep down, I knew were not meant for me... & friends who led to more stress than well-being. I think of the what ifs, the could haves & maybe even the should haves & can genuinely say that while of course I miss maple syrup, hockey & snowboarding, this move to Ireland is possibly the best decision I've made in my entire life.

Maybe I'm being melodramatic with that statement, but in the month & a half I've been here I have been smiling for no reason, stopping dead in the street to admire my surroundings & have met others with the same passion for travel I have, who I am entirely grateful for. I worked ridiculously hard to make this dream happen, with more pitfalls than usual along the way. I honestly cannot say that luck played any part in this process. 

U ARE ALIVE*, Street Art, Portobello

The visa offices in Canada went on strike, delaying my visa. Due to this & my refusal to buy cancellation insurance (in fear that this meant there would be a possibility the trip wouldn't happen), I lost a flight. This meant delaying my move & working for another month in a job I honestly dreaded. This also meant finding another job in Ireland... I chose Dublin. Realistically I could have kept with my original plan & visa application for Belfast, but chose to start entirely over. Why? I can't say I'm sure. But I do not regret the decision whatsoever & instead am happier than ever that I put myself & my poor fam through the agony of overhauling my game plan. In the excitement, I also left my laptop with airport security. Needless to say, this is why luck did not play a part in my move abroad.

The seafront of my new home

To be completely honest, I'm not alone among many others who've stories I've read, in the fact that I tend to be peeved when the comment, 'You're so lucky!' is made. Going after your real passion, putting your all into making it come to life & giving up an easy, comfortable life & the potential for a well-paying career in order to do so, is not luck. I chose travel over what was expected of me & many other twenty somethings. I was expected to finish school, settle down with someone from high school, plan my career goals & begin investing into a home. What would've been missing in that life? Happiness.

I may not finish school until I'm 30... I may not find a guy who's willing to accept the fact that I don't want to settle down. Hell, I may never stop travelling. I may have broken my Mum's heart & I may miss my brother & Bourbon on a daily basis... Also, my friends. I may spend all of my money on experiences & not possessions. I may spend my Summers backpacking instead of renovating a new home. But, I will meet people with gorgeous souls. I will gain a pound in each country I visit discovering incredible food. I will be so exhausted from flying I will sleep on airport benches. I will learn how to say thank you in every language I'll need. I will take the bus home at 9am, not having slept, after a night out with new friends. Now that, is what I call lucky. Cheers!

& remember... 'If it is important to you, you'll find a way. If not, you'll find an excuse.'
xxx

Oh Canada!

So I've fallen off the face of the Earth lately in terms of blogging... Due to a valid reason though of course. I've been in Dublin now for a month this Wednesday & can easily say I'm enjoying every second of it. Before I get cheesy though with my love of Ireland, I'll just say that being an expat always makes me appreciate my home country, Canada! What I'm missing...

A Trenton Police badge in the oldest pub in Ireland... Trenton's close to where my Mum lives.

Kraft Peanut Butter & Dinner, need I say more?! Though I did find what looks like a sketchy box of Kraft Dinner at one of the grocery stores here, at 4 Euro a box I think I'll pass.

Maple Syrup... All the 'Canadian' ones here are made in Ireland haha, but s'pose I'll survive! My first Irish breakfast with the fam, they literally gaped, mouths wide open gaped, at the fact that I poured maple syrup over their hard work. I'm determined to get the kids hooked already... Hahaha.

As much as I miss Canadian food, you can never go wrong with a home cooked Irish dish from what I've learned. Bangers & mash is my current favourite.

All Day Breakfast Buffets! I've yet to find one, but if anyone at all knows of one in the Dublin area I will buy your breakfast. Seriously though. Also I haven't found anywhere who does decent pancakes yet, so it's a good thing I'm a pro at home made. When I think about it, the pubs may just make up for it though & that's a bold statement...

Canadian Whiskey & Beer. I've found a few labels at the Celtic Whiskey place on Dawson Street, which is actually incredible for their selection, but there are still a few I've yet to find... Kokanee anyone? Guinness will happily do for now.

Swear one pint always seems to turn into ten though, a vicious cycle ha!

Poutine! No-one knows what it is here?! Not even my American friends, so I'm determined to make it for them at xmas... One major food group for Canadians that can't be replaced.

Timmy's of course. Though I've heard some Spars have them, I'm still on the hunt. I was actually debating on whether I should make a day out of it or not, too far? Not for good coffee.

Driving... I do miss having my own vehicle dearly. Also, trucks. Real trucks. I miss them too. Luckily the public transpo is something Europeans do well.

Sephora. Boots will do, but it's no Sephora. Though my wallet's not complaining whatsoever & I definitely have a soft spot for British cosmetics.

Snow/Ice Hockey/Snowboarding is one aspect I miss about home that I probably always will. Being able to go night riding on a whim & drive 15 minutes to the hill is now considered a luxury. Thankfully I have trips already planned to Norway (booked!), Austria & Finland for the season or else I'd probably go mad. 

A photo of our backyard my Mum sent me.

The palm trees here are lovely though & oddly enough I'm in love with the gloomy/drizzly weather. Also, I've been walking about in a t-shirt these past few days! IN DECEMBER. This is unheard of back home. Come to think of it I've got a few funny stares here, but it's warm. Rugby will never replace ice hockey for me, but I can deal! Already love the atmosphere rugby creates here, literally everywhere. When New Zealand won against Ireland the other weekend there were literally men in tears at the pubs, was brilliant. No sarcasm either.

Am I the only one who thinks it's bizarre & incredible cool that Ireland has palm trees? How did I not notice these on my last trip?!

Lastly... Medical Care!!! 50 Euro for a visit to the doctor here?! Um, no thanks, think I'll suffer. I admit Canadians are spoiled when it comes to our health & I'll always be grateful knowing that my friends & fam back home are well taken care of. They're the biggest part of what I miss back home & to add more sap to the mix, I'm ridiculously lucky to even have people I can say I miss. Bisous.

Seemed fitting.

Can I just end this by saying that as much as I already do & will miss Canada, the accent & genuinely nice people here make it easy to call Ireland my new home. What do y'all miss?! When you're an expat, when you're long-term travelling or even on vacation? I think it'd be interesting to know everyone's home comforts depending on where they're from & where they are now. Also, I have to add that I found it incredibly hard not to fill this entire post with hilarious Canadians memes. Google them for your own enjoyment, please! But I will leave you with this...
xxx

The Expat 15

Okay, before I start this post can I just say, how in the f!@# do people blog every day of the week? I'm finding it hard enough to find time once a week! Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love blogging so far, but anyway... I'm just going to go ahead & blame it on the fact that I'm working overtime to pay for a few setbacks to do with Ireland (more on that later). No worries I AM still on my way there in just under a month! Onto the post.

Pinot, just because

So as the move comes closer, I can't help but be the pessimist that I am & dread the one part of travelling I can't seem to escape - the weight gain. As a general disclaimer, I gained 15 pounds in Paris... & no I was never 'fat' (whatever that even means in today's ridiculous society), but it was a noticeable difference on my 5'2" frame. I was not leading a healthy lifestyle & did not feel good, looks aside. Of course, most of my weight gain came from drinking wine along the Seine, eating baguettes at the corner bakery on a daily basis with Juliette & making a ridiculous amount more of wonderful memories, which I would take over a few pounds anyday. Saying that, I feel as though I shouldn't even have to explain myself anyway, so disclaimer over.

Fast forward, my brother's reaction said it all. Upon coming home, 'Woah, you've gained weight!' were his literal first words to me, after not seeing his baby sister for six months. Feelin' the love Jessy. In that moment I probably could've strangled him, being traumatized & at the sensitive age of 19... But looking back on it now I find it quite hilarious, how I'm not sure.

My exact thoughts at that moment...

So enough with that probably unnecessarily long intro & onto my kind of semi-plan as to what I'll be doing during the next few years of travelling in order to stay healthy. Hopefully some of you will find this helpful or interesting, as I'm sure I'm not the only one with a love of foreign beer & ham & cheese crepes at 3am. Also, I'd of course love to hear any of your stories regarding the 'Expat 15'... Including advice, actions plans, etc. so please do share!

Taken just left I left for Paris

Food
Since returning from Paris about two years ago now, I've actually taken up gluten-free & dairy-free eating. To be frank, it was absolute & utter hell in the beginning. I was moody, hungry & basically miserable. But the benefits have far outweighed the beginning. I have clearer skin, am lighter, more energized & am experiencing less migraines as a whole. Of course I am not going to picket this lifestyle to anyone; it is work... A lot of work. I'm also not going to lecture anyone on the benefits, as well, it would probably bore the hell out of you (if I haven't already) & if you're curious, there's always Google! But I will be keeping this up as best as I can during my travels! One piece of advice, read the book Skinny Bitch. It's written in a witty way to help get your ass in gear.

So what do I eat? A lot of spinach. Haha... But in all honesty mostly leafy greens, fresh fruit & veggies, fish & plenty of nuts, seeds, quinoa, black beans & tofu! It's not actually as disgusting & bland as it sounds. Also if anyone would like any detox or recipe recommendations I have plenty!

Side note: I am not perfect & I do enjoy the occasional cappuccino... & plenty of steak. Also, I will never, ever give up bacon. Sorry, not sorry.

Fitness
I'm just going to be real & start off with saying I hate the gym, no despise it. I do not advocate it. But of course if it is your thing, by all means kudos to you! I just can think of a million other things I'd rather be doing than sweating my ass off indoors while wearing spandex, next to girls on the elliptical that can easily last an hour (how?!)... Especially when travelling. Most of my cardio is from sightseeing & taking public transit, chasing foreign men, etc. etc. (ha, not funny?) as well as plenty of late night dancing... & though I don't believe in the gym, I do believe in: Walking my dog, yoga, blogilates & just general living!

I wish I had a better photo illustrating the weight gain, but thanks to clothing choices & staying away from bikinis, this was the best photo I could find! I find you can see the difference in my face especially.

Drinking
Not going to lie regarding this topic, I generally do drink quite a bit more when abroad because well, what better way to experience a country & meet locals?! But since coming home from wine country, I've taken quite the liking to the red stuff. I'm pretty sure a glass (or bottle) of Shiraz or a Cab-Merlot is the way to heart. Anyway where I'm trying to get with this is that since I've switched from Guinness to red wine I've both lost weight & experienced less severe hangovers. I actually have my hangover cure down pat, if anyone is even the slightest bit interested!

I do drink quite a bit less as well (maybe once or twice a month now, as opposed to 2-3X a week) which of course helps. During my last trip to Ireland I found it incredibly easy to order a Guinness or Bulmer's with literally every meal I ate & will NOT be doing this while living there, as I'm almost positive I'd end up a good 50 pounds heavier by the end of my two year visa.

I s'pose that's all I have for now! Not really sure I want to take my blog the lifestyle route, but I definitely can write more on these topics if anyone would like. I find that although talked about a small amount in the travel blogging community, it's definitely not a huge topic. Myself, I love reading posts like these, so let me know what you think! Constructive criticism greatly appreciated & I'll leave you with this beauty of a photo. Talk soon!
xxx

My love of 1L bottles of tequila beer lives on

Upcoming Travels!...

Inspired by a travel planning post on From There To Here, I've decided to get my s!@# together (for lack of better words) & set up at least some sort of schedule for my travels this upcoming year. This will  a) keep me stoked, b) keep me organized & c) keep me accountable. I imagine it could eliminate some stress as well, although I wouldn't know because I've never been much of a planner with regards to... Anything in life. I've always been the laid back, plan as I go type of traveller but I think I may actually find planning fun. Well at least that's what I'm told! So I'm giving it a try & I've also categorized my adventures (quite proud of that) so here goes... & of course plans are always changing, but wish me luck!

Side note: During most of my European travels I'll be staying with friends who I met during my year in Paris, otherwise I'm sure this list would be quite a bit smaller... & some of these destinations I will be re-visiting for the 2nd or 3rd time as well!

Weekenders
Scotland
Living in Ireland, weekend trips to Scotland will be quite convenient. I have family living here, as well as one of my best friends who I met in Paris, who will (hopefully) be here at some point during my two years! She's in Australia at the moment, so if I don't see her in Scotland I will be seeing her in Australia for sure.

England
Likewise, England will be easy for weekenders. I have plenty of family here too & so far Brighton & Oxford are top on my list of destinations. I imagine I will be taking many trips to London too, being one of my favourite cities!

Abbey Road, London, England

Week or Two Longs
Iceland
Next Autumn (of 2014) I'll be taking a trip back home (Canada) to visit friends & family, possibly even trekking out West to see my hometown girls. Anyway, on the way over I will taking advantage of Iceland Air's stopovers, spending a week here... Although I would love to make it into my plans to somehow stay longer. I have a slight obsession with Iceland, although I've never been. Iceland is probably the first country that actually made me want to start planning & that's saying something!
 
Finland, Sweden & Norway
Over the Christmas holidays I'll be going to see my friend Heidi who currently lives in Helsinki. During my trip I'll also be making my way to Oslo to visit another Scandinavian friend who I met in Paris... & of course, being a snowboarder I cannot pass up the back country riding in Sweden! Actually I'd like to snowboard in each of these countries during my stay, as the snowboarding in Ireland will be... Well, non-existant! But we will see if I actually get to. I haven't made an itinerary yet (like I said I'm terrible with planning), but have a few adventures that come to mind... Seeing the Northern lights, Lapland & Stockholm to name a few.

Snowboarding in The Alps

Holland
I have a friend who lives in The Hague who will be taking me to lesser known parts of Holland & of course one or two days will be spent in Amsterdam... I'm excited to see more of Holland though (or the Netherlands, whichever you prefer), as I have Dutch heritage. I also am a firm believer in the fact that there is much more to Holland than Amsterdam, so absolutely stoked to discover the other side!

Germany
I know I say I have family everywhere, but I genuinely do! I have family still living in Germany & will definitely be seeing them this 'round. I've only had the chance to take weekend trips over from France thus far, so am making it a priority to spend at least a week exploring Germany... & if I am in Europe at the time, I WILL be attending Oktoberfest, no doubt about that!

Pre-Oktoberfest in Canada, yes we have our own.

Spain, Italy & Greece
I've categorized these as one, but haven't decided yet whether I'll be making one two week trip or a couple of shorter trips, it'll all depend on timing! I'm trying to plan Greece with one of my Canadian friends who will either be coming over from Canada or Australia, depending where she will be at the time, so I'm hoping that will pull through! Other than that Florence is huge on my list of destinations & the rest will just be decided as I go.

Month Longs
Australia & New Zealand
I'm determined to make Australia & New Zealand happen, as I have a ridiculous amount of friends & family who have moved here yet I've still not made the trip! Also of course, I am a wino & will be eating up the vineyards (or should I say drinking?)... I'm hoping to do more diving here too because I'm making it a goal of mine to complete my Divemaster. This trip will be taken after my return from Iceland/Canada in Autumn 2014 & before my Southeast Asia trek. I haven't decided the time limits as of yet because I'm looking into actual visas so that I can possibly participate in WOOF. If I obtain a visa I'll be staying the full year.

Even Longer Longs

I want to say this is Limerick (Ireland), but honestly it could be anywhere. Yes I lost track during our road trip, my bad!

Ireland
I'll be living here come October for the next two years! In the heart of Dublin city to be exact. Of course I will be travelling all over Ireland during my time here, scattered about whenever possible. The family I will be working for has a Summer home in Wexford & I also have Irish family I will be seeing! (I know, I know, I have family everywhere it seems...) Belfast is technically Northern Ireland, but I will also definitely be making my way there at some point, though still unplanned. I've seen quite a bit of Ireland already, but I'd love to spend more time in each town this go, seeing as how I'll obviously have the time!

Southeast Asia
This has been on my list for far too long... & every other traveller's list if they haven't already been! I've always spent my time travelling while still working, but would like to do Southeast Asia with no commitments. I'll be taking this trip after Australia, so the Winter of 2014 & plan on travelling for 3-4 months. Of course, if I obtain an Australian visa, Southeast Asia will be postponed! I'd really like to take my time here though & am looking into doing my Divemaster during these travels. On my list of destinations (quite obvious choices)... Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia & The Phillipines.

Fingers crossed my diving photography improves during these travels...

So there's my list, which will occupy most of my time for the next 1-2, even 3 years. Needless to say it's not looking like there will time for school anytime soon (if ever haha... Sorry Mum!). There are of course other places in Europe I will be seeing during my time living here, but these were just the ones I know for sure will be happening. Writing this list has actually made me realize just how unorganized I actually am... Haha, which will probably never change, let's be honest. I love not having set destinations, times, or activities planned, whether that's to my advantage I'm not quite sure.

Also on my list but yet to be planned:

❤ South Africa

❤ India

❤ China, South Korea & Japan (ESL opportunity here?!)

❤ More American States (namely Alaska, Texas & New Mexico to visit friends)

❤ South America (Peru & Brazil at the top)

❤ Egypt, Israel & Jordan

❤ The Eastern Coast of Canada!

❤ A trip back to the Alps, French or Swiss for more boarding
❤  Weekend trips to Paris & the South of France to see all of my loves! (Loves being both places & people)...

 

So what about you guys?! Do you have any travels planned, even just weekender trips near your hometown? Vacations, move abroads, backpacking treks, I'd love to hear! & as usual, thank you for reading. Bisous! ✈
xxx

The Cost of Au Pairing

Getting closer & closer to the date of my departure, I'm kind of curious (& scared) to figure out the actual cost of my decision to au pair once again, this time in Ireland. I'll compare the cost with that of when I au paired in France, but to be honest my memory is pretty horrid & it will more or less just be educated guesses. This will hopefully help some of you who are thinking about au pairing yourselves! Especially because when I googled the subject, it was incredibly difficult to find any sort of information on the topic.

 

Ireland
Visa: $425 + $2,500 in Support Funds
Flight: Originally $600 one way, but I had to change the date so ended up being closer to $900.
Essentials: Unfortunately I destroyed my laptop, so I will be buying a new one, as well as a backpack for travelling within Europe & new travel adapters. Say $1000.
Savings: Will be bringing around $3,000 (which includes my Support Funds).
Total: $5,325

France
Visa: I believe it was around $200.
Flight: $700 (2-Way, family reimbursed me)
Essentials: I probably spent around $300, but on new clothing rather than actual essentials.
Savings: Maybe $500
Total: $1,000

Pretty massive different between countries, but then again the Ireland Working Holiday Visa does require Support Funds, which the Au Pair Visa for France did not. Also I will be buying practical equipment this round as well as of course bringing more in savings. I will definitely be more prepared this trip, happy to say!

Also, bare in mind that although this does seem pricey, just think of the cost of moving abroad without a job lined up, having to pay first & last month's rent right off the bat, putting down deposits on utilities, worrying about your spending until you actually can find a job, etc...

In all, au pairing is a great way to move abroad for those with less funds or with the urge to leave NOW. I will also be finding myself a weekend job to fund my travels even further, which will ultimately allow me to live on my own! Any au pairs out there?! Would love to hear your thoughts. 
xxx

Before the Adventure!

With my upcoming move to Ireland, you could say I'm overwhelmed to say the least... & somehow when I moved to France 3 years ago I don't ever quite remember feeling this stressed. I s'pose it's because this time I really have no idea if I'll ever be returning to Canada! So I figured I would try to just create a quick (hopefully!) checklist of all the things I need to do & most likely a few of them will apply to others, possibly even helping?! These can of course apply to moves, round the world trips & even just short vacations. Anyway, my list...
xxx

Oktoberfest in Canada

 

1. Passport, Visa, Driver's License, etc.
I'd suggest making sure you have at least 6 months left on your passport after the date you plan on returning home. I actually have a friend who's living in Australia (back in Canada at the moment though!) who planned a trip to Bali with a couple of her friends. Needless to say one of them's passport was to expire in 3 or 4 months & even though their trip was only a week long, they refused her entry into the country... Enough said!

Also with visas, be sure that you have all the requirements before applying, such as support funds, etc. Coming from personal experience, leaving it all to the last minute will have you ripping your hair out before you've even left! & depending on your trip you may not even need a visa, in which case, I hate you. Haha, but no in all honesty, I may do a post on my Au Pair Visa that I obtained in France & I'll definitely do a Youth Mobility Scheme post as well!

Driver's licenses, health cards, etc. are pretty self-explanatory! & be sure to make photocopies, send an e-mail with these copies & even keep them on a usb incase anything should happen during your trip.

2. The Dreaded Appointments
Visit your doctor for a physical & stock up on meds for the duration of your trip or until you can get health insurance sorted in your new home country. Research any vaccinations required & get those as well. Lastly, visit your eye doctor, dentist, dermatologist, gyno & whoever else you may be going to to make sure everything's in line before you leave.

3. Banks, Bills, etc.
Call your credit company, let them know when & where you're going! Call your bank as well if you plan on using your account, or of course there's the option of closing it. If you aren't planning on closing your account & have pre-authorized bill payments that will be coming out, make sure you have enough money in your account! NSF fees can kill you, almost literally.

 

4. Belongings
Sell EVERYTHING. Yes, I am going to quote Fight Club, but... 'The things you used to own, now they own you.' Kijiji, Craigslist, Facebook Yard Sale, eBay, there is no excuse to be owning the amount of things that we do in this society. Even have a garage sale! If you really feel the need to, or are returning after a short time (a few months to a year or two), put some items in storage. It can be costly though so I do advise against it of course. Owning as little as possible will make your travels that much better, I can promise you that.

This goes with cars & homes as well... I recently sold my baby (the Speed Demon), but I have to say I have zero regrets. If you have a lease, find someone to take it over for you & if you're a homeowner & are serious about long-term travel, I'd just suggest selling. There will always be cars & homes when you return, do not forget that.

5. Quit Your Job
Leave on good terms if at all possible & give as much notice as you can (or want to)!

& just a few other quick suggestions...

❤ Plan your trip, but don't overplan.
❤ Look into travel insurance.
❤ Bring makeup, clothing items, even food that you know you will not find in your destination...
❤ Start a travel blog to document your trip. It's also a great way of keeping your friends & fam up to date!
❤ Stop stressing! Drink a glass (or bottle) of wine while you're planning, save your money, but don't make yourself miserable by not going out with friends before leaving & let go of any worries!

15 Photos: Describing My Love of Ireland

As you know (or don't!), I'm off to Ireland once again come September... Now the last time I visited I only had a chance to visit for two weeks, but that time alone was enough for me to absolutely fall in love with the country. These are 15 of my favourites, some repeating. Also back from when I did not have an SLR, so no judging on quality please! & of course there will be plenty more to come in the upcoming year.

One word: Wexford...

The GREEN

The streets...

Wild sheep along the side of every road made for multiple stops along the way.

The water!

Colourful buildings make for charming towns, not surprisingly I have about 50 other photos resembling this exact one but in different locations.

The castles, everywhere & anywhere! Some available for tours & some just random in the countryside.

As I said! More green & castles...

The beaches, this was a particularily foggy day making for the most perfect weather (according to me at least!)

The graveyards... Such beautiful tombstones no matter how small the yard.

Had to add yet another castle, of course...

The Blarney Castle Grounds

One of my favourite castles yet, on the Blarney grounds.



 Just more wild sheep, this time I've taken over the shot, typical.

Guinness... Possibly my favourite beer, although I'm quite sure I gained 5 pounds along the way just purely from Guinness. Was not a meal had in which I didn't have a Guinness alongside.

I s'pose that's all for now! Most of these photos I've even forgotten where they've actually been taken because over our two weeks we basically just rented a car & drove all of Ireland (excluding Northern). But if you're really curious I'm sure I can pin down the locations! Also, I can guarantee more posts on Ireland, so hoping no-one minds.

xxx