Best day trips from Victoria Station.

Victoria Station is the gateway to London for millions of visitors every year. With its rail connection to Gatwick International Airport, the station receives close to 75 million passengers each and every year. Opened in 1860, it has been a vital part of the British capital transportation infrastructure ever since.

Photo credit: Lottie Griffiths on Unsplash.

Victoria Station has great connections to London's public transportation infrastructure, including the London Underground. But it's also a major rail station serving numerous cities throughout the UK, especially in the south of England. Plus, with Victoria Coach Station right across the street, it's possible to reach almost anywhere in the UK from this well-used station.

Drop off your bags at a Victoria station luggage storage, and you'll be able to pick from an astonishing range of destinations such as Bordeaux city break in France. The truth is, whatever you like to do on vacation, chances are good you can do it from here.

Photo credit: Peter Mason on Unsplash.

Dover

The first stop on our list of day trips from Victoria Station is the port city of Dover. It's just over an hour away by train, making it a perfect option for those who want to get out of London for the day without having to travel too far.

As the closest point to continental Europe, Dover has been a strategic location since Roman times. Today, it's best known as a gateway to the continent, with regular ferry service across the English Channel to Calais, France.

But there's more to Dover than just its ferries. The city is home to an impressive castle that was once used as a garrison by the famous Duke of Wellington. The castle grounds offer stunning views of the white cliffs for which Dover is famous.

There's also a lovely historic district with cobbled streets and quaint shops. Or you can simply enjoy a pleasant walk along the seafront promenade. Dover is surrounded by some of the most stunning natural scenery in England, and a walk along the white chalk cliffs is an experience you won't soon forget. That makes this a great trip for nature lovers and hikers as well as those with an interest in history or people who just want a day by the sea.

Canterbury

If you're looking for a day trip from Victoria Station with a bit more of a historic bend, then Canterbury is the perfect destination. Just over an hour away by train, this city was once the capital of England and is home to one of the oldest and most famous cathedrals in the world. The Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 597 AD and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK. It's also a World Heritage Site, and its Gothic architecture is truly stunning.

But there's more to Canterbury than just its cathedral. The city is steeped in history, with Roman ruins, medieval buildings, and picturesque cobbled streets. There's also a lively university town atmosphere, with plenty of cafes, shops, and things to do.

Whether you're interested in history or architecture, or simply want to explore a beautiful and charming English city, Canterbury is well worth a visit.

Photo credit: Orry Verducci on Unsplash.

Brighton

If you're looking for a day trip with a bit of everything, then Brighton is the perfect destination. Just over an hour from Victoria Station by train, this seaside resort town has something for everyone.

Brighton is best known for its lively seaside atmosphere. The beachfront promenade is lined with hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops, and there's always something going on. The town also has a large pier with rides and games as well as an aquarium.

The city also has a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters. There's also a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained into the wee hours.

Whether you're looking to relax by the sea, enjoy some culture, or party the night away, Brighton is the perfect day trip destination from Victoria Station.

Epsom Downs

Fancy day at the races? Then head to Epsom Downs, one of the most popular horse racing venues in the UK. It's just a short train ride from Victoria Station, and there are races almost every day from April to October.

Epsom Downs is best known for the Derby, which is held here every June and is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. But there are also races throughout the year, including the Oaks (held in May), the Fillies' Mile (September), and many more. Even if you're not interested in horse racing, Epsom Downs is worth a visit for its stunning views. The Downs offer panoramic views of London, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Windsor Castle.

Photo credit: Richard Brooker-Protheroe on Unsplash.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a historic city with a strong maritime heritage. It's home to the famous Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, which is the largest of its kind in the world. The Dockyard is home to several historic ships, including HMS Victory (the ship that Lord Nelson commanded at the Battle of Trafalgar) and HMS Warrior (the world's first iron-hulled warship).

The Dockyard is just one of the many historic attractions in Portsmouth. The city is also home to numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters. And if you're a fan of shopping, then you'll find plenty of shops to keep you busy.

Portsmouth is also a great place for foodies, with lots of restaurants, cafes, and pubs to choose from. And, of course, no visit to Portsmouth would be complete without a trip to the seaside.

Whether you're interested in history, shopping, or simply want to enjoy a day by the sea, Portsmouth is well worth a visit.

Eastbourne

Eastbourne is a popular seaside resort town located on the south coast of England. It's just over an hour from Victoria Station by train, and it's the perfect place to enjoy a day by the sea.

The town’s charming seafront is fun to walk around and the beach views are lovely. Make sure to check out the 1930’s era bandstand. The town is also home to several museums, including the Towner Art Gallery that showcases modern British pieces. Don’t miss a trip to the Redoubt Fortress nearby. Built during the Napoleonic Wars, this military-themes gallery, museum, and theater has something for everyone.

Conclusion

So there you have it – six of the best day trips from Victoria Station. Whether you're interested in history, the arts, or just want to relax by the sea, there's sure to be something for you. Bon voyage!

Spotlight | Sleek Makeup Eye & Cheek Palette.

When I first started writing about makeup and beauty products in this blog more than seven years ago, Sleek Makeup easily became one of my favorite brands. Known for their high-quality makeup with strong pigmentation, this British high street (drugstore) brand also earned a cult following for their expansive range of shades in all skin tones.

Today I am rekindling my love for Sleek Makeup with this Eye and Cheek Palette, a gift from my Mum a few months back.

Sleek Makeup Eye & Cheek Palette, retails for £10.  

This palette is called Dancing 'Til Dusk which contains four eye shadows and two blushers from Sleek Makeup's bestselling i-Divine and Blush range. Packaged in a handy-sized travel compact with magnetic closure, the palette comes with a mirror the size of the entire lid, a mini brush, and a mini sponge applicator.

What's inside the palette.

The brush and sponge applicator that comes with it.

I personally love this magnetic closure concept, because now I don't have to worry about stubbing my nails or ruining my nail polish just to get the palette open. This has always been my issue with my older Sleek Makeup palettes - they're too difficult to open! Thankfully, the brand seemed to have resolved this common issue, and most - if not all - of their palettes now close magnetically.

The larger pans are the blushers, the smaller ones are the eyeshadows.

Dancing 'Til Dusk features complementary and bold shades suitable for all skin tones. The eyeshadows are velvety browns and shimmering fawns from the Au Naturel i-Divine palette. As for the blushers, one is from a limited edition release while the other is from Sleek Makeup's current range.

From L-R: Mirrored Pink (blush), Cappuccino and Mineral Earth (eye shadows).

Mirrored Pink is a cool-toned, bright pink shade with silver shimmers. It has a pretty nice texture and glides on smoothly on your cheeks when applied. It's also well-pigmented, and has great color payoff with just one or two swipes. 

Cappuccino is a light beige matte shade. This eye shadow has a different texture, a little too hard if I may say, and it took me a few swipes to make the color noticeable in the swatches. It's the least pigmented product in this palette, and you really have to make extra effort to get good color payoff from this shade.

Mineral Earth is a deep brown shade with a hint of gold. It's shimmery, nicely pigmented, and has a smooth, easy-to-apply texture.

From L-R: Sahara (blusher), Taupe and Regal (eye shadows).

Sahara is a matte orange blusher with a touch of brown. This shade has a lovely, smooth texture and is highly pigmented. You need to be light-handed in applying this on your cheeks as the color can be pretty intense with just one or two swipes.

Taupe is a champagne shimmer with a smooth texture and good color payoff.

Regal is a cool-toned purple shade with a hint of brown. Unlike the Cappuccino, this matte eye shadow has a smooth and creamy texture which makes it easier to apply. It's nicely pigmented, and you get good color payoff with just a swipe or two.

All six shades - Mirrored Pink, Cappuccino, Mineral Earth on top,
Sahara, Taupe, and Regal on the bottom.

All six shades have great staying power, especially the blushers. Both Mirrored Pink and Sahara can last for more than six hours on the skin, while the eye shadows can stay put the entire day with a good primer/eye shadow base underneath.

Sahara on my cheeks.

Mirrored Pink on my cheeks.

Overall, I love how every shade in this palette is wearable for both night and day looks, and is suitable for most skin tones. With its sleek and sturdy packaging, this palette is perfect for traveling -and I will most likely bring this along on my next Seoul Searching trip. I'll bring my own brushes though, as I'm not very fond of the brush and applicator that's included in the palette.

Products used:
FACE: Beyond Alice in Blooming Skin Tone Sun Base,
Nature Republic Botanical Stick Concealer.
Innisfree Long Wear Cover Cushion in N23.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
Clio Kill Black Waterproof Brush Liner,
Nature Republic Pure Shine Mascara.
CHEEKS: Sleek Makeup Mirrored Pink Blush.
LIPS: Vice Cosmetics Good Vibes Matte Lipstick in Ekzaj.

Develop a Hobby with Online Bingo.

With the weather getting worse during winter and dipping temperatures preventing people from enjoying a stroll outdoors, falling prey to depression is easy. People suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) especially experience difficulty in keeping their depression at bay. According to NHS Choices, taking up new hobbies at this time of year can play an important role in keeping us stimulated and energetic – and preventing feelings of lethargy, anxiety and depression.

Thus, to keep the winter blues away it is important to indulge in a few hobbies. Here is what seems to the Britain’s favorite!

Photo credit: We Heart It.

1. Knitting
An interest that has lasted centuries, knitting is one of the top pastimes in the UK. Boosted by celebrities endorsing their love for it, it is estimated that over 7 million people knit on a regular basis. Not only is it a stress buster, but also is a great option to gift friends and family customised hoodies and sweaters for the chilly winter.

2. Bingo
Bingo seems to be the top contender this winter. While travelling to a bingo hall is tiresome, online bingo sites now offer a host of amazing games with incredible themes which can be played from the comfort of ones home. Indulging in a game of bingo also helps mental health and reduces stress. If you are looking for a good site to play at, visit GameVillage Bingo.

3. Exercise
Not only a good hobby, working out itself has multiple effects that stave off depression. When exerting our muscles or increasing heart rate, the body releases endorphins, which are known as the ‘happy hormone’ that produces the high that runners commonly experience.

4. Gardening 
40% of pensioners say that gardening is the hobby that gives them the highest satisfaction in life. While taking a stroll in the chilly weather may be too difficult, cultivating an indoor garden, or a table top garden is easy. In fact, mini gardens as a decorative item is become a new fad, one that promises to keep you occupied while earning you compliments at your office desk!

So this winter, keep the depression at bay. Take up a new hobby or pick up old ones you abandoned and use this time for self development. An idle mind is a devils workshop, as the old adage goes, is true. Get working on that hobby right now!

High Season Luxury Travel Tips.

Booking luxury vacations to exotic locations in the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Europe at a bargain price is possible. It keeps happening quite often but so many do not actually know how this is done. The secret is basically to know exactly what should be done to find discounts and bargains. Most travelers have commitments that they cannot get out of like school or work. Avoiding them is definitely a great idea but there are many other things that can be done.

Photo credit: London Perfect.

Avoid the hot travel months.
June, July and August are the most common travel months. You want to avoid them since they are almost always high season for the luxury vacations. Children do not have to go to school, weather is wonderful, and you can get rest and relaxation from work. The problem is that in most countries the school breaks happen at the exact same time. Hotel and airlines know that this happens and will always charge much higher prices. Prices are particularly high in Europe. You will want to put off the vacation or try to go on a vacation earlier. This can actually help you to save thousands. May and April are so much cheaper than July and June.

Avoiding international travel.
When we talk about luxury vacations we normally think about some exotic overseas destinations. They can be incredibly expensive. Instead of doing this, you can consider luxurious options that are located in the country where you reside. For instance, if you live in USA, people recommend this Miami fishing charter. You surely know about travelling to Las Vegas. The domestic flights will be really cheap and you can find some pretty incredible local deals if you just allow yourself enough time to search. When planning your next vacation, consider internal luxurious trips. You will be surprised to see how many great deals you can find right in the country where you live.

Proper budgeting.
If you want luxury vacations and you travel during the high seasons, never expect to pay a low season price. Prices are normally going to be a lot higher than you would expect simply because it is high season. That automatically means that an international trip will cost you more by at least $1,500. The 3 star hotels and resorts located in important tourist areas will expect you to pay the five star prices. The luxury resorts and hotels will be so much more expensive than what most people can afford. Because of this, you want to be sure you know exactly how much money you have available and you need to take advantage of the available early booking discounts, even when you travel during the high season.

On the whole, it is not that difficult to save money and afford some of the luxurious opportunities out there. Just be sure that you book in advance, research the deals available and seriously consider the possibility of travelling outside the high season months. Research is what helps you to be able to afford luxury travelling at great bargain prices.

Wordless Wednesday #130 | Happy Kid!

Sponsored Video | Knorr's Flavour of Home.

Ever since we were kids, my siblings and I would always look forward to the summer season with eager anticipation. Aside from the fact that we're on a school break during the months of April and May, it's also that time of the year when Mum usually comes home for her annual vacay. (She's a cardiology nurse in London who officially became a British citizen three years ago.)

London calling. :)

And for us, Mum's vacation would mean lots of pasalubong, shopping trips, videoke nights, weekends at the beach, and home-cooked meals everyday! My Mum makes the most awesome kare-kare (a traditional Filipino ox tail stew in a thick peanut-based sauce) in the world, and I'm pretty sure my brother and sister would agree with me on this one. Sure, my Mum taught me how to cook this dish, but I can never ever replicate the taste of her kare-kare. It's true what they say - nothing beats your mum's cooking!

Just another weekend at the beach.

In a research conducted by Knorr, results show that regardless of how much time passed, many of us still find our mother's cooking to be the greatest flavor on earth, and how these flavors can make people happy, feel comforted, and be reminded of loving childhood memories.

These sentiments are echoed in this short film, which celebrates a mother's love, the taste of home, and the power of flavor. Dubbed as 'Flavour of Home', this heart-warming film by Knorr tells the story of Carmen - a husky safari guide who works in the Arctic - and her mom, who traveled more than a thousand miles just to surprise her with a wonderful, home-cooked meal.

This video tugged at my heart and made me miss my Mum - and her cooking - all the more! We all can't wait for her to come home this May!

How about you, which of your mom's dishes do you love or miss the most? :)

About Knorr
One of the world's largest food brands, Knorr defines itself by a high standard of quality, flavour, and freshness. Sold in more than 87 countries around the world, Knorr has a variety of products including the iconic bouillon cube and soup mixes. For more information on Knorr, their products, and recipes, visit the Knorr website.

*This is a sponsored post. Thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Spotlight | Marks & Spencer Moisturizing Body Cream.

The weather has been cold and blustery for the past two days. It's a sign that Christmas is definitely right around the corner. This also means that I should take extra care of my skin, as it tends to disagree (read: dull, dry, flaky even) with the crisp chill in the air.

Good thing I have a vanity table stocked with lotions and body creams. Because you know, I really can not live without lotion. These days I'm using the Moisturising Body Cream from Marks & Spencer - one of the few things that my Mum brought home from London.

Marks & Spencer Moisturising Body Cream.

Product info at the bottom of the tub.

This body cream is part of M&S' Nature's Extracts collection - skincare products that are inspired by some of nature's finest extracts.

Comes in a 200mL tub.

The one that I have is the Fresh Aloe Vera variant, which is pale green in color and has a mild, subtly sweet fragrance. Its texture is soft and creamy, yet easily absorbed by the skin. 

Creamy, but feels light on the skin.

I like the cooling effect of this variant, and how it moisturizes my skin without the greasy after-feel. I bet this product will work well with my skin even during the scorching, summer months. 

Cruelty-free!

The Moisturising Body Cream sells for £4 (around $6 or Php280) in the UK and is available at all M&S stores. I checked their Philippine website and surprise, surprise! They have it here, too!

Have you tried this product before? What are your favorites from Marks & Spencer?

Spotlight | Nivea Cashmere Moments Cream Oil.

It's 34 degrees outside, and I'm just about to hit the shower for the second time today. Thanks to the unforgiving summer heat, I've been spending more time in the bathroom these days, more than any other place in the house. So I'm not surprised that our water bill for the month rose to an astronomical high, lol.

Today, I'd like to share with you the bath product that I'm currently using - Nivea's Cashmere Moments Cream Oil. Mum gave me a few bottles of these the last time she came home for a vacation.

Nivea Cashmere Moments Cream Oil.

It's a shower cream oil that contains cashmere extract, which is known for its conditioning and softening benefits. It also has the luxurious scent of orchid blossom, which I really love.

Shower Cream Oil.

It's also formulated with Hydra IQ - a skincare technology that makes the skin soft and smooth, and keeps it moisturized for 24 hours. This Hydra IQ technology is actually based on a study by Prof. Peter Agre, who discovered aquaporins in the skin. This discovery won him the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize for Chemistry.

Product description and ingredients at the back.

Check the label!

Dermatologically approved and pH skin-balanced, this product works wonders on dry skin, and safe to use on sensitive skin. 

Easy squeeze bottle with flip top cap.

The cream oil has a very light texture and foams quite well. You get a rich, thick lather even with just a small amount of the product. 

Shower cream oil. :)

What I love:

- The lovely scent that stays on the skin for hours!

- Keeps the skin soft, smooth, and moisturized.

- I can actually skip the lotion after I've bathed with this product.

- Just a little goes a long way.

- Affordable price. (£1.99, approximately Php 146 or $3)

What you might not like:

- This variant is not available in the Philippines.

Have you tried this shower cream oil before? What other Nivea products do you love?

Could happiness be just the thing to put a spring in the elderly’s step?

If you ask anyone of any age what they really want from life, the answer is likely to be 'happiness'.

And it seems that many Brits are well on their way to achieving this blissful state with recent research from the Office for National Statistics revealing that the average Brit rated their life satisfaction at 7.3 out of 10. This puts Britain in eighth place as the happiest place to live in the ranking of 27 countries in the European Union and also places it ahead of countries such as France, Germany and Italy.

Oxford Street in London.

The state of happiness is associated with a number of benefits for overall health and well-being, including helping to guard against conditions such as heart disease.

And the good news is that the benefits that happiness can provide aren’t limited to one particular age group. In fact scientists believe that being happy could be the key to staying healthy in your latter years.

Researchers at the University College of London have found that those people that enjoy life end up being happier and more physically active when they get older. Conversely those who were unhappy were at risk of a whole host of health and mobility issues. This group were also twice as likely to end up suffering more serious conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and arthritis.

The study of 3,200 people over the age of 60 found that happy pensioners didn’t have as much trouble carrying out daily tasks, such as getting out of bed, getting dressed or showering. The researchers also found that people that are happier throughout their lives do not decline in physical function as quickly.

Reaching later life
The research offers a ray of hope to those who are looking to take a proactive approach to their health as they age, and indicates that just having a real zest for life could put a spring your step as you enter your twilight years.

Whether you are 15 or 50 years old, it’s never too late to start making changes. Doing something different, such as joining a club, starting a new sport or travelling more could all have a huge impact on your quality of life later on.

Implementing even the smallest of changes whether you are in your 60s, 70s or 80s, such as those outlined by Action for Happiness, could all contribute to a happier, healthier new you – whatever your age. 

Homelift.

Increasing the amount of physical activity you do, as well as enjoying everything that life has to bring could have untold benefits for your well-being. Mobility aids such as home lifts from Stannah, could also help to ensure that you still have the energy to remain active and are able to move around your home freely. 

Ultimately, maintaining a positive attitude, making small changes to your lifestyle and getting the right support for your needs could all help to set you on the path to happiness and independence as you age. You never know, 60 could indeed be the new 30!

Foodie Goodie | Mars Celebrations!

No new recipe in this week's edition of Foodie Goodie (yes, that's the so-called food section of my blog). Instead, let me share with you what's keeping our endorphin high and happy these days - chocolates! A big tub of 'em! :)

Celebrations! :)

Introduced in 1997, global manufacturer Mars, Incorporated became the first confectionery company to launch a variety pack full on miniature branded chocolates. Up until that point all the twist wrap selection boxes had been comprised of specially made chocolate selections. Mars decided to change the concept and give you miniature versions of the chocolates we all know and love. And thus, the birth of Celebrations. 

Their tagline? Share the joy!

With its tagline 'Share the joy', Celebrations are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and make a great gift idea for holidays such as Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, and of course, Halloween.

Dive in!

One tub is 750 grams, which contains more or less 95 pieces of miniature chocolates. That's too much for my little man and I to eat by ourselves, so I ended up sharing the contents of this tub with Yue's friends at school.

Oh, the calories!

The selection includes Mars, Bounty, Milky Way, Snickers, Galaxy, Galaxy Caramel, Twix (my super favorite among the bunch), and Maltesers Teaser. I noticed one thing, though. The Bountys and Snickers were bountiful, while the Maltesers Teaser were quite rare. I believe there were only about twelve pieces of the latter in my tub.

Yum! :)

Celebrations are quite popular in the United Kingdom (ours were actually sent by my Mum in London), and can be bought at supermarkets such as Tesco and ASDA. I reckon they sell for around £7 - that's at least $12 or Php500 when converted. Not sure if the supermarkets here in the Philippines carry this product, though I remember seeing the jar version being sold at Duty Free.

And, since we're on the subject of chocolates, let me list down some of my favorite brands. I have a handful of favorites actually, but if I were to narrow my choice to five it would have to be Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Lindt 70% Cacao, Lindt Pistachio, Guylian Truffle Fill, and Philippine-made Theo and Philo's Green Mango and Salt. 

How about you, what's your favorite chocolate? :)

Shared with Food Friday and Food Trip Friday.

Spotlight | Sleek MakeUp Flick It Eyeliner.

I've tried quite a number of products from Sleek MakeUp and my previous experience/s with the brand have always been good. This week, I road-tested one of the newer products - the Sleek MakeUp Flick It Eyeliner, and I must say, the brand has impressed me yet again.

Flick It! :)

Launched early this year, Sleek MakeUp's Flick It is a liquid eyeliner that looks a lot like a colored pen at first glance. Haha!

Not a colored pen, haha.

It has a very fine, precise felt tip point that allows for easy control and smooth application. If you're a newbie at wearing makeup and isn't sharp as a tack when it comes to eyeliners, then this pen-type product is a good way to start.

So fine!

The Flick It Eyeliner comes in three shades - Dazzling Black, Purple Aura, and Royal Blue. What I have here is the Royal Blue, which is a very wearable shade. I was actually quite hesitant to use this at first, thinking that blue would look funny on me (I've always had this stigma that blue eyeshadow/ eye makeup does not suit me). Sleek MakeUp, however, proved me wrong.

Flick It in Royal Blue.

Another impressive thing about this product is its color payoff. This Royal Blue shade is so pigmented that a single stroke would be enough to produce a gorgeous semi-matte finish.

One stroke on the left, two strokes on the right.

Wear time is quite remarkable, too. I was able to wear this for a good 14 hours without budging. It doesn't smudge, doesn't fade, resistant to sweat and water, but can be removed easily with a makeup remover.

What I love:

- Easy to use.

- Precise felt tip applicator lets you create both thin and thick lines.

- Highly-pigmented.

- Three shades to choose from.

- Fast drying, long wearing formula.

- Not tested on animals.

What you might not like:

- I've read somewhere that the product dries out quite quickly despite keeping it tightly-capped. 

I just hope that I'll be able to use this eyeliner down to the last drop (lol) 

before it actually dries out on me, haha!

Products Used:
FACE: Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie Pore Cover,
Etude House Correct & Care CC Cream, Etude House Any Cushion,
Missha Under Eye Brightener.
EYES: The FaceShop Lovely Me:EX Design My Eyebrows,
Sleek MakeUp Flick It Eyeliner, Fairy Drops Volume Burst Mascara.
CHEEKS: Sleek MakeUp Blush in Pomegranate.
LIPS: Jordana Lip Liner in Rose, EOS Lip Balm in Blueberry Potion,
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Addis Ababa.

Sleek MakeUp Flick It Eyeliner sells for Php 475 each (a little over $10) and is available online via Beauty Corner PH. You can also check out the Sleek MakeUp counters at The Ramp Crossings Shangri-la, The Ramp Crossings Quezon Avenue, and The Ramp Glorietta 3.