Cheap and Cheerful Date / Day Out Ideas

Some situations that I have faced recently, have left me convinced that you don't always have to spend a lot of money, in order to have a good time. Whether it be days out with your partner, your friends or your family, there are so many things that you can plan and organise, that cost next to nothing, but leave you feeling full of happiness. Now that the summer is drawing to a close, dark nights are creeping in, mornings are getting colder. But there are still lots of things you can do with your time, that are so inexpensive. Here is my list of recommendations.

Picnics
Pack up your favourite food and drink bits, chuck them in a bag. Pack a blanket and some plastic plates and cups, and you're all ready to go. I'm sure there will be many places near to you that you may have overlooked, that would be perfect for a picnic. A hill with a view? A park near a lake? Or even, just on a bit of grass outside some city buildings make for the perfect picnic.

Be A Tourist In Your Own Town
Go for a little wander, see what you can find. There may be some hidden gems that you weren't to know about before. You never know what you may find. I did this a couple of weeks ago and it made me fall more in love with my immediate surroundings, and left me feeling grateful for where I call home.

Facebook
One thing that Facebook is good for, is seeing what is on in your local area. There are many different types of events advertised. Things like concerts, gigs, music venues holding specific nights, food festivals, fireworks. Pretty much most things. I went to an outdoor cinema last month, and that was super cheap and cheerful. Was a lovely evening and such a cool way to watch a film!

Walk
Go for a walk somewhere close to home and explore.

Road Trip
If you can, why not go for a road trip? Get a good spotify playlist going, one that you can sing along too. Open the windows and sing at the top of your lungs. Sometimes the best part about travelling or visiting a new place, is the journey that it takes getting there. That was always the case with school trips, driving too and from a place on the bus haha.

What are your favourite cheap and cheerful day out ideas?

Amber X

Exploring Dublin

She’s back.. From an unexpected break from my little space here on the internet, which I do apologise for (although let’s be real, none of you probably noticed). Life just got in the way as it can do, and time slipped away before my eyes. Everything’s all good. Just one of those ‘I wish I had used my time more wisely’. Oh well.

Towards the end of February, Sam and I took a trip to Dublin for a couple of nights. The reasoning behind the trip (if we ever needed one) was to see the band, Jungle. It worked out cheaper to fly to and stay in Dublin than to travel into London to see them there. Which is just craziness!?! But hey, an excuse to take some time exploring another city. Being my second trip to Dublin, I had a few ideas of what to expect and what there is to do, although we still managed to squeeze lots in.

The first day was spent walking through Phoenix Park. We’d both seen so many photos on Instagram of the wild Deer that seem to inhabit certain areas of the park. They seemed so friendly from the photos - people were able to get super close, were able to take selfies with them and were even feeding them carrots! It felt like we were wondering round forever, but we did eventually find the deer, literally as we were about to give up! That evening was the Jungle concert. If you’ve never heard any of their songs, go search them on Spotify! The atmosphere was one to remember and the venue was like nothing I have experienced before. Jungle played in the Olympia Theatre which is quite old fashioned and seems like it was made more for theatrical performances than musical ones.

Dublin Castle, The Book of Kell’s and the Guinness Storehouse were what we did on the second day of our trip. The castle wasn’t one of my highlights of the trip, although I do love venturing around places filled with information and history. The Book of Kell’s is located in Trinity College and was just breathtaking. “The Long Room” as it’s known, is stocked up with books that are organised in the most organised way. It reminded me of a real life version of the Hogwarts library or Belle’s Library in Beauty and The Beast. That evening we spent climbing each of the well thought out floors of the Guinness Storehouse. I've never been a fan of Guinness if I'm being honest - the only time I'd ever think about choosing one over another drink is St. Patrick's Day. However, whoever discovered that Guinness doesn't travel well couldn't be more right. It is so much smoother over in Ireland. We had 2 pints at the Storehouse and went for more after our tour was over. We even had a pint with our faces printed on the top! I'd 1000% recommend going to the Guinness Storehouse if you ever find yourself in Dublin. 

Other than the planned events, we wondered and visited museums, bars, and some amazing restaurants. It went far too quick. If I ever return to Ireland, I'd LOVE to go to the coast, and explore the little fishing villages for one. They look beautiful!

Have you ever visited Ireland?

Amber X

Where To Go at Christmas Time

There are always plenty of things to go out and do or see in the run up to Christmas. So much so that it can be slightly overwhelming and stressful to try and fit in everything that you want to do. I'm sure there are events that may stick out to some of you, but if you're still unsure on how to spend your free time as Christmas approaches, here are some ideas of things that you could be doing...

Visiting Garden Centres
I can tell what you're probably thinking... Amber, really? But garden centres are the best places to go to feel all kinds of festive. They are filled to the brim with Christmas decorations, lights, ornaments, foliage, and even things like craft kits, or cute little cafes.  Whether you wanted to pop in just for a look, or you are looking for something specific, try your local garden centre - I'm sure you'll be completely surprised!

Christmas Markets
Nothing beats walking around with a bobble hat, a knitted scarf, and a hot chocolate whilst browsing all of the little wooden huts, filled with yummy treats, and hand made goods. Christmas markets bring all of the Christmas festive-ness, and are a great place to go with friends or loved ones.

Visiting Christmas Lights
If you live in an estate, or live close to one, there will most definitely be houses covered in Christmas lights. Going for a walk and spotting all of the houses that look like Christmas has thrown up on them, is another thing that you could do to feel festive. Where some houses like to keep it subtle and others like to go a bit further and raise as much as they can for charity - go and see which lights are your favourite.

Starbucks and Costa
Treat yourself to a once a year, Christmas menu drink. If you get a coffee, tea, hot chocolate etc, on a daily basis, then why not switch it up and have something Christmas inspired! Not only that, but the Christmas cups are adorable.

Where's your favourite place to visit around Christmas time?

Amber X