Inspiration Station

Hello everyone. Sorry I have not been posting articles. I crawled into this little cave called 'no motivation'. Don't know if you guys have heard of it? It requires you to sleep a lot and be really un-motivated to do anything. These last two weeks have been a killer BUT I'm back so that is all that matters. Excited for the journey ahead!

Top two photos form Pinterest this week are:

Little bit of a news. This week You Tube launched it first pay-to-watch scheme. Users will have to pay to watch certain channels. Just another thing you will have to add to your monthly bill. I support You Tube 100% but I just don't know if I could be bothered having to pay for something that I have never had to pay for before. Plus I'm really sick of having to pay for every single thing these days. Getting a bit futuristic don't ya think? OMG I sound like I'm really old. I'm only 20 I swear...

Bank holiday Monday was a lovely day in York. So much so, we went to the beach.! This was my first trip to the beach since I have been to England so as you can probably imagine I was very excited. We went to Robin Hoods Bay which was so pretty! Loved the little village, so quaint  So many people out enjoying the sun which was great to see! I admit I still miss the NZ beaches. You appreciate them a lot more when you have moved to England. 

I went on a bit of a umm what do you call it ... A YOLO shopping spree, on Saturday in London. Whoops. I actually got some things I needed for a while though so its not all bad news, just bad news on the wallet front. I had also a epiphany walking down Oxford Street thinking 'Holy crap I'm walking down one of the main streets in London right now'. At that moment I was quite proud of myself. If two years ago someone told me I would be doing that I wouldn't believe them. Just like to say a big thank you to everyone that has supported me on this journey. Cheers to the guys in New Zealand. Miss you lots but I will be back soon enough to see you all. Anyway lets stop that little rant and see what I brought!

 My current boots were literally falling apart and I could not spend another week in them to much of my disgust. I found these in a little outlet shop for £14. Exactly what I wanted so I'm over the moon with happiness!

Trying to get motivated to get fit so purchased some work out clothes. I actually love sports direct. They have such cheap and discounted workout clothes. This Lonsdale London top was only $5. The other top is LA gear and was £7. I also purchased some work out tights from USA PRO and they were only £12 each. 

  Getting into the summer spirit and purchased this skirt for £12. From H&M, it is perfect for the up coming summer days. 

Two tights/pants for £20, yes please. These are from Vera Moda. They say they are tights but they are quite thick so thick enough for pants me thinks.

That is what has been happening this week. Have a great upcoming week!

Much love,

Anita Hendrieka

Calling at... Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps was the place I was most looking forward to on my Topdeck tour. The landscape was beautiful, not even photos can do it justice. Only one downfall ,snow. The village we stayed in was called Lauterbrunnen. All sides of the village were covered in a snowy mountain landscape. It was so pretty! The waterfall that, in the summer falls hundreds of meters down the mountain, had turned into a giant icicle. We didn't have long in Switzerland but I don't think you need that long if your not into the snow sports, such as skiing and snowboarding. 

We arrived in the late afternoon so we didn't really get to do anything. We walked into the center of the village where there was a ATM machine and then back to our campsite where we had a hot meal. 

The next day we had a choice of doing snowboarding/skiing or we could go on a train up to Jungfrau - the top of Europe. At 3454 meters, it is the highest altitude railway station. The view was beyond amazing. You are warned you may get altitude sickness which I think most people experience. I had the case of the sleepiness and feeling a little under the weather  If I have one tip for you it would be to take your own lunch up there because the food was so expensive. Anywhere in Switzerland is expensive. In-fact , for all you McDonalds lovers out there, Switzerland has the most expensive McDonalds. I paid about 12.95 Swiss franks ( $16.24 NZD) for a big mac combo! The temperature was about -16 degrees so bring all of the warm clothes you can. The cold air actually hurts your body and you get a instant brain freeze! 

Overall I thought Switzerland's natural beauty was dreamy. I wouldn't mind going back one day and trying tobogganing or skiing. For all you snowboarders or skiers out there, put the Swiss Alps on you bucket list!

Much love

Anita Hendrieka

Checklist For Moving To The United Kingdom | Part One

Hey everyone!

I have worked on this a long time. Gathering up all my for information and everything I have learnt, moving to the United Kingdom from New Zealand. If your thinking about moving or if your in the early stages I really hope this help you out and get you motivated to start the process or hurry it up! 

What first on the agender? Well you are wanting to work in the United Kingdom you had better get a visa otherwise its illegal. The visa I applied for was the youth mobility visa. 

Requirements to apply:

| You are outside of the UK when you apply.

| You are a passport holder of one of the following countries:Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea or Taiwan. 

| Between the ages of 18-30.

| Have the eqiuvelent of £1800 in your bank account at the time of the application.

| Have no dependents under the age of 18.

| Have not been to the UK on the same scheme or as a working holiday maker.

If you accepted into the youth mobility scheme then your visa is valid for two years from the time you arrive in the United Kingdom. 

Where to get one?

There are two options when you are applying for your visa. You can choose to go straight through the British High Commission or you can go through a agency. The British High Commission are quite tough and if you have a little mistake they will turn down your application down and you wont get a refund. If you go through an agency they help with the visa process and make sure your application is 100% full proof. They will also ensure that the visa application is completed in 3-4 weeks. Another advantage is that they book your biometric appointment for you. I went through Restless world. I would highly recommend them and would recommend considering paying an extra fee if your really want/need this visa. 

Visa costs

If your going straight through the British high commission the cost is : £200 ( $358 NZD )

If your going through restless world the cost is: $358 NZD (actual visa) + $244 NZD (payment for the restless world)

As I was pushed for time, using Restless world really helped me to get my visa on time. It took out most of the stress for me as I had already booked the plane ticket! 

Booking flights

My flight to the United Kingdom was quite expensive. It cost me $1800 NZD one way! If you want to get a good deal book in advance, I mean really in advance. Also work out the price of getting a return open ticket. Sites that compare flights can be a lot more expensive. I got my flight through STA travel, online. Maybe go into travel agents and compare prices with them. Make sure you are 100% with your flights before confirming them. Traveling hours and stopovers vary a lot! Its a big investment!

Luggage

Remember most flights will only let you take 20 kg for luggage and 7 kg for hand luggage. Pack wisely. I am going to do a Things I wish I packed post and a Things I wish I didn't pack post soon so keep checking in! I packed 15 kg so I had lots of room for extra things I picked up. Also I was booked onto two tours when I arrived in the UK and they have a strict weight limit on what you could take.

Where can I get a job?

Depending on what you want to do, doing a live in pub job or being an au pair/nanny job are the most popular. There are loads of jobs websites. The number one I would suggest is Gumtree. It has a wide range of jobs. Posting your own advert saying your looking for a job then describing what skills you have is another way to get noticed and have people contact you through your ad. Ask the people you know, the biggest way is to communicate. Email friends of friends who live in the UK. You never know if you don't try. Also print off your CV and go around to the shops you like the look of. Through restless world you can also purchase a pack where they set u up with a job when you first arrive to the UK. This is quite pricey but might be worth it if you have limited funds to go over with or are worried about getting a job in the first place. Check out the Kiwis in London facebook page. People post available jobs on there all time and also post a ad on there yourself saying your looking for work. Get the word out there!

Where am I going to stay?

Compared to New Zealand, hostels are so cheap in the United Kingdom. Use booking sites such as booking.com to find a hostel in the area you want to stay. Clink hostels are quite popular and cheap. I stayed in the clink hostel 78 in Kings cross. They were so helpful and friendly. Also quite cheap if you don't mind sleeping in the same room as 10-15 other people. Make sure you read reviews on the hostels so you get a feel of what your paying for. Paying an extra £2 might get you safer/ cleaner hostel. There is also this website called couchsurfing.org. I haven't used it myself but I have heard a few people have used it and said it was great. You pretty much stay on people couches for free. It is quite a good way of meeting new people. I'm not sure if its 100% safe. For myself, being a young single female, I didn't want to put myself in that position straight away but it might be something I might try when I am traveling with someone. You could also get in contact with long lost family or friends of friends to save money!

TIP: Bring a long padlock with you. Most normal padlocks wont fit on the cages they give you in the hostels. Make sure you lock anything and if you cant I suggest you sleep with it on your bed like I did at one stage! Take anything with you that's expensive when you go out on day trips.

So here is the first part of the checklist for moving to the United Kingdom. Next week I will post the next part to this mini series of articles. I hope this helped some of you or inspired you to make the decision!

Much love
Anita Hendrieka

Inspiration Station

Energy levels are at 0% this week but I'm optimistic next week will be a better one. I have just purchased some coconut oil off Amazon. Before I left for the UK I was using it daily and was seeing an improvement in everything so I'm excited to start using it again. I have also made a exercise and eating plan in a bid to better my health! Follow me on my journey to a new healthy Anita!  Lets get started.

My top two Pinterest photos this week are: 

I am obsessed with Glossy Box now. I got my monthly package this week and liked 80% of the products. Trying to get into the beauty 'thang'. One of my favourite things in the world is receiving letters and packages  Makes me so happy and on top of the world! Check out their website. Packaging looks fab too! I have always been put off by these sorts of thing because in NZ they are expensive but since living in the UK everything is a lot more cheaper, especially shipping. I am writing a review at the moment so keep an eye out for that in the next couple of weeks.

I don't really have much for guys this weeks as it has been a 'blah' week for me so below are some photos of the beautiful Bugthorpe countryside that I managed to capture on one of the sunny days!

Much love

Anita Hendrieka

'You Are So Lucky' Syndrome

The dreaded curse of the "your so lucky syndrome". It consists of people saying to you constantly, "you are so lucky to be traveling". 

This post is a little bit of a rant but I just want to point out to people that its not luck that I am in the position I am today. Anyone can go traveling (unless you have criminal convictions which makes it a bit tricky). I worked hard to get myself here and I didn't do it for anyone else except myself. I felt I needed to explore the world, meet new people, acknowledge other cultures and get myself out of the position I was in, and most of all find some passion. I decided in the space of a week to purchase my tickets to the United Kingdom from New Zealand. I then freaked out because the visa rules changed but I worked hard to get my tier 5 working visa on time. I worked hard at my job to earn and then save as much money as I possibly could. I then put a deposit on two tours that I had researched and looked exactly what I wanted to do. The amount of people that say to me "wow your so lucky to have a opportunity like this"...no I made this opportunity myself. I really don't see the point being stuck in one place and being unhappy about it. If your unhappy change it because no one else will do it for you. If you want to travel, why haven't you? Find the source of the problem and fix it. Don't sit around and wait for a miracle to come. My one advice for you all is make your own luck. 
Love and passion to you all, from York. x

Much love

Anita Hendrieka.

50 Things To Do When You Have Been Dumped

50 things to do when u have been dumped. Well it sounds like a pretty sad article but I want to enlighten you and give you some happy things to do rather than cry yourself to sleep every night. If you have been dumped lately then this list is for you. Enjoy.

*Take a dance class. Dancing always makes me feel a bit more happier inside so sign up for a dance class to release all those emotions.
*Book a holiday to a sunny destination. Chances are you need one right now. 
*One of the best ways I find to let emotions out is to write them down. Write all angry and hurtful points on a piece of paper then,burn baby burn la lalalala. 
*Listen to the song 'burn baby burn', really loudly. 
*Book tickets to a concert. Lady gaga here you come!
*See a uplifting movie or one that scares the crap out of you.
*listen to Katy Perry - part of me.
*Go out for dinner with your best friend.
*Make a song about your breakup then make a million dollars off the track. That should piss 'em right off.
*Spend a whole week partying.
*Find a cuddle buddy (Watch the movie Friends with Benefits).
*Move location. Leave the old behind.
*Buy a new wardrobe.
*Drive fast, on a racetrack of course. Take a professional lesson and drive out your anger.
*Work hard, play even harder.
*Delete and block your ex on every social website you can think of.
*Take a day trip to a location you have never been to, with a friend.
*Join a gym and work out everyday.
*Make a list of things to do everyday.
*After you have finished your day write three things that made you smile.
*Get in touch with a old friend.
*Get your hair done at a salon. Go for something dramatic so it is like getting rid of the old.
*Go to a day spa. Feel B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L.
*Go see your family. They are there to support you. Maybe organize a weekend with the family.
*Get a new phone number.
*Buy flowers. Just because they smell nice.
*Have a sleepover with the girls or a manly hangout with the boys.
*Find your favourite series of programs or movies and chill out with your favourite food. Don't do this everyday though, only once.
*Get a fake tan.
*Be a tourist for the day and take lots of photos. 
*Learn a language.
*Master a instrument.
*Do something arty for the day. Paint, sew, create a masterpiece  Spend the whole day doing it as well not just a couple of hours.
*Bake. Then give to friends or family. Don't eat all of it, whatever you do.
*Dress up real glamorous like a celebrity and go to town like that. You'll have heads turning, in a good way. Wear sunglasses so your mysterious.
*Flirt, flirt, flirt.
*Watch the sunrise and the sunset.
*Throw a party of your own.
*Write a bucket list. Then actually do a few things on it. Don't let it just sit there, looking lonely. 
*Go to the zoo. Animals always cheer me up a little.
*Fall asleep in the sunshine BUT wear sunblock or cover yourself up. Don't get burnt!
*Believe that you can move on.
*Do that one thing you have been meaning to do for a while now.
*Look through old photos (not of your ex) and remember what a great life you have had so far.
*Create a new hobby for yourself.
*Buy some new expensive shoes.
*Volunteer.
*Start to read a book and read a little of it daily.
*Go on a hike or a huge walk.
*Go camping with your friends.

Print this list out and tick some of these points off. Don't worry, be happy.

Much Love

Anita Hendrieka

Inspiration Station

Hey everyone!

I have finally brought another charger for my Nikon D50 camera so I can now take some really epic photographs! I have enjoyed spending a whole Sunday taking and editing photographs. I'm also thinking of buying a wacom bamboo tablet as well so I can start to play with creativity! If you have any reviews or advice for me please comment below this post. Would love to get some advice on which drawing tablet is the best. This week my blog diary was full of stuff for me to do. I have decided I am the woMAN at procrastination. Lets begin before I start to procrastinate again..

Top two pins from Pinterest this week are:

and... 

Everyone who has seen my blog and my Pinterest knows I like inspirational quotes  so check out my boards on Pinterest. The two I use most are Fantastic finds and Pick me ups. I use Pinterest A LOT. I think it is a great place to help with creative thinking. It is also good if your having a boring or just plain old bad day, and you want to look at something that will cheer you up. So many D.I.Y projects and amazing photography!

One of the funniest things I have seen for a long time. I was in tears watching these guys videos. You have to watch them, they are hilarious!

How Animals Eat Their Food

Interpretive rapping

Thanks to my brother Joe, I was obsessed with Nirvana when I was younger and I still am quite a bit, although I have forgotten most of the lyrics. I was super excited when I was looking at up coming trends and saw the 90's nirvana trend! I cannot contain my excitement. Bring on the reminiscing of the 90's.  Here are some essentials for nailing that trend this season.

Longline denim gilet in vintage wash [ ASOS, £32 ]

Millie thick jersey turn up trouser [ Boohoo.com, £15 ]

Black chelsea boot [ Fashion union.com, £18 ]

Black check shirt [ Fashion Union.com, £13 ]

French connection curb chain bracelet [ ASOS, £22 ]

Check out my facebook page and press the like button. I post on it just about everyday with motivating pictures and all of my blog posts. If you need a pick me up check it out! Hope you all had a fantastic and see you next week!

Much love

Anita Hendrieka

Why Catch A Plane When You Can Catch A Train

The list of benefits of catching a train far outweigh the benefits of catching a plane. Of course catching a plane is always going to be faster than a train. Catching a plane may be essential for business trips and fast winded weekends but for those no rush holidays why not sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Something I was astonished and thrilled by when moving to the United Kingdom was how easy it is to get everywhere by train, nationally and internationally. From London you can catch a train to Edinborough and anywhere in between. You can also catch the Eurostar to Paris for a long weekend. The list is endless of the places you can travel to. When your in Europe there are several trains that you can catch around Europe. This is why you should try out traveling by train:

It is half, sometimes quarter of the price of a plane ticket. This is because your not having to pay high taxes that you have to do when leaving a airport.

Your also saving the environment a little bit more than if you were to catch a plane as there is concerns with air pollution. 

Not to mention you get to sit back and enjoy the view. You get to see the cities/towns you go through in a different view than if you were to catch a plane. If you were to look out the plane window you find a tiny dot. Seeing the places you go through will give you a taste on places you might want to go back and visit.

There is no intense popping of ears! Argh i hate that feeling, it is truly awful!

No intense security. Plane security is so high. Liquid products are to be put in a clear plastic bag, nothing over 10ml and no aerosols on hand luggage. Its just a pain! 

There is no strict weight limits on luggage!! This is the biggest advantage I think.

This is some of the advantages of catching a train compared to a plane!

Much love

Anita Hendrieka

Wanderlust Addiction

So you want to travel? Here are some key points for taming your wanderlust addition. If you don't know what wanderlust addiction is, it is when you constantly dream of traveling and have a strong desire to travel and explore the world. Wander: to explore and lust: strong desire. We cant always be traveling due to restrictions such as money, job and weather so I have made a list of things to help you control and tame your addiction to explore. 

~ Make a traveling bucket list on Pinterest. I have a few boards on Pinterest that I add to on a regular basis. Pinterest is very addictive so be very aware that you don't spend countless hours, pinning.

~ Print out photographs of places you want to go and stick them on your wall. I wrote a post on making your dreams coming true by using a visualization technique. Read it here. 

~ Plan your dream  trip down to every little detail. Hotels, hostels, restaurants and activities  Spend the day planning the trip that you have always wanted to do.

~ Book a deposit on a future tour. This will help you to have something to look forward to. Contiki and Topdeck both have a deposit system. On Contiki you can put a £60 deposit down on your trip to book it.

~ Read up on lonely planet destination books. Go to your local library or borrow them off people. Read up on history of places and things to see. You'll also be very good at  the travel categories on those trivia nights.

~ Go into your local travel agents and grab every exciting brochure you can see. I love looking through brochures and seeing all the photography of all the beautiful places in the world.

~ Make a travel savings plan. Create something like a jar where you put a certain amount of money in each week. You could set up a bank account you cant touch for a year and put in automatic payments each week. 

~ Do day trips that are local to you, in the weekends. Travel doesn't always have to be international. Why not check out what your country has to offer first. Check out your local tourist attractions and restaurants that are recommended to tourists. Go to local beaches and live like the tourists. Sometimes we forget how beautiful our own country and even our town that we are living in, can be. Appreciate where you live.

~ Have location themed dinners and parties. Act like your in a different country if you cant be in the one you wanted. How about having a Paris themed dinner party with snails and baguettes. Don't forget the french themed music and fairy lights!

Much love

Anita Hendrieka 

Inspiration Station

Hello everyone! It has been a beautiful week weather wise for me in York. There has been sun out everyday so happy, happy, happy. April fools was in full swing as the jokes were been churned out left, right and center  I told everyone on Facebook that I was permanently moving to the UK and not coming back to New Zealand! It's fair to say I gave some of my family members a heart attack. Hope you all had a great week and enjoy this weeks inspiration station.

Top Two photos from Pinterest this week:

Google even got into the April fools spirit. They invented a new thing called 'Google Smell'. You put your nose onto the screen and it would let out a whiff of 'wet dog' or 'bacon'. I admit that I got fooled by this and left me puzzled for the a whole of two days. 

I came across a really cool website called Want Worthy. You can pin your favourite fashion items into your own list. Its like creating a wish list for Christmas and who wouldn't want to do that. 

Umberto Giannini hair styling kits look fantastic. I saw these kits in Boots pharmacy but couldn't figure out an excuse to buy it. Each kit has all the accessories that you need to create a particular hairstyle such as the "Up do"and the "vintage look". Fantastic idea, would  a good thing to do if you are strapped for cash and are going to an event. 

So there is just a few things that I found interesting this week. Hope everyone had a fantastic week and will see you next week! Bye for now! 

Much love

Anita Hendrieka