1 month to goooo!!!

In around a month time, we will be flying out on our adventure across the world... and I'm very excited to say the least. I cannot believe it has come around this quickly and that we have managed to save the money needed to have as much fun as possible. Although saving has been extremely difficult, I'd like to give a few tips that have made saving money this summer a little easier...

— Book flights in advanced as well as keeping an eye on them so that you can get the cheapest option.

— When it comes to shopping (particularly girls), only try to buy items which may be in use when you go away and think will they be used when you come back.

— Cancel any memberships such as leisure centre ones if they are not being used to there fullest.

— Reduce nights out...or try to pre drink lots and only take a limited amount of cash with you.

— Don't constantly eat out or buy lunch when at work, instead make some from home..this definitely saves you money in the long run.

— And finally... work bloody hard to earn as much as possible, because it is all worth it in the end when you are lying on a beach in Bali :)

Stand up paddle boarding: fitness benefits

The first time I tried stand-up paddle boarding was at a college fun watersports competition. I was entered for the stand up paddle race, even though I had never set foot on one before. However, it sounded like something I would definitely be up for as I have enjoyed surfing from a young age. I did quite well and wanted to keep doing it. Last year, my mum got the memo and I was very lucky to be given a stand up paddle board (SUP) for my birthday. This watersport has become quite popular, particularly within the summer season. This is probably because of how fun it can be as well as it becoming a fitness craze.

It is possible to use a SUP board to surf as well as paddling longer distances and going on little adventures along coastlines. I enjoy long paddles and since discovering that it has lots of positive effects on fitness whilst being super fun, I seem to replace a run for a paddle in the sun quite often. These are some fitness benefits which stand up paddle boarding has on your body:

◆ Gives a full body workout due to the fact that the legs and core muscles are being used for balance whilst the upper body is using strength and endurance to paddle the board and create movement. 

◆ Helps improve balance as this sport consists you standing upright whilst moving through water — if you have lack of balance then you may find yourself in the water a lot, however get back up and keep trying!

◆ Improves cardiovascular endurance if carried out a lot and for a long period of time. This is because it does increase heart rate if you push yourself to go further and faster.

◆ Tones core muscles such as the abdominals and glutes from the tensing motion, which is carried out for balance and movement of the board — so girls, if you are looking for a fun activity, which will also gain you that awesome toned butt and abs then this is the sport for you.

◆ It reduces any stress which has been built up because of the endorphins being released like in all physical activities, but as well as the fact that you are somewhat gliding through water with no other worries at that present time.