Time is precious.
Time is money.
Time shouldn't be wasted, as nobody will return you your time.
Remember when we were young and were wondering why the day is endless? Why the summer is so long away and when you get bored from one game to another?

Now, looking back, you wish you would think that way. As we grow up, we understand why Peter Pan wants to be a child forever.  Now, our days and weeks flew by that we rarely even know what boredom is.  Anyone still with me?

Because we all live once, and because there is so much to do, to see and to experience, we all should use our time wisely. Let me share with you 10 tips how to be better in your time management.



1. Plan your day and your weeks
Plan your day wisely. Everybody have different styles and habits that work for them. Either it can be downloading an app to track your goals, write down to do list or keep a detailed diary.
Plan in advance your day or weeks, even better. This will minimise you missing any important meetings, events or event birthdays. By doing so, you can properly plan your task, your locations and see the progress over the time.

2. Keep your timing
Whatever you decide to do, online or offline planning, make sure to tick it off and keep a track of it. It will help you to decide whether you have time for this meeting/event/coffee catch up or whether something took too long, so you can allow yourself longer time for a task. Always good to start of with complex issues and tasks rather then postponing them. Bare that in mind!

Moreover, be always on time! (or try to give in advance a notice if you are running late). Wasting someone's time is a pain. Recently, I have been keeping my time on the run through my new Petite Adexe Watch. Still fan of having a watch on my hand, rather than constantly looking to my phone for time. Phone can be such a distraction sometimes, as you start checking your messages, emails or scroll a bit on social media. Having a chic watch can not only act as an accessory, but also a great time keeper when it is awkward or not appropriate to take your phone out. (think of meetings or when you need to get off someone who talks a lot).
3. Spend time with who and what matters
Having few true friends is more than enough for us. We don't have enough time splitting out free time for our friends either. Therefore, spend your free time with the ones who matter to you. The ones who always stay besides you, the ones who supports you and the ones whom you trust. I have learnt that you don't necessarily need to keep in touch 24/7, because no matter what is happening, you will always get along like no time between you two haven't been missed.

4. Match your energy management with your time management
As already mentioned, start off usually with the larger and complicated tasks, because you have the most energy and your brain works fully. When the day and time passes, our concentration and energy level is lowering down. Hence, fuelled up either by regular snacking, caffeine or short walks in the fresh air.

Don't try to overstretch yourself and keep yourself up and running, because the quality of your work won't be as good. Try to learn more about yourself in terms of what works for you the best when you get tired.

5. Learn how to say "no"
Taking on too much work is good and bad. Saying "no" sometimes doesn't necessarily mean bad. It is good for both sides. If you think you don't have time capacity anymore, politely reject and focus on what you have to finish. Better to reject rather then not delivering it on time or delivering it poor, right? A day have unfortunately 24 hours from which we have to keep our sleeping regime. Therefore, it is not in our human capability to be able to do everything.

6. Delegate and outsource
Learn when and where to seek for help when needed. Ask your friends, ask your colleagues, ask your network for help, for advice, for direction or even delegate tasks down. Don't get trapped and stuck in one place, learn how to solve issues and problems you don't know.



7. Don't be afraid to take your time, and think
I feel like everybody needs days off just to have their minds rested. Not only, when they are ill or have holidays, but keeping your mind healthy is as important as your body.

Don't be afraid to take days off, or weekends alone, where you can just enjoy being with yourself, have a think, clear your mind to start off with fresh mind set. What could be worse then a rush answer or lifestyle, where people can easily get into anxiety and depressions. Living in a rush metropolitan life can be hard sometimes, and we always tend to run after something.

8. Make sure to sleep 8 hours
Sleeping is important, what more to say about that. Everybody have different sleeping patterns, just keep it healthy and allow your body to have enough sleep. Download some sleeping apps to track your patterns, if you are interested in how you doing or interested on how to improve.

9. Turn key task into habits
It is said, that if you are doing the same thing for about 40 days, it will turn into a habit. This apply to anything you do. Whether it is regular attendance to gym, learning a new language vocabulary, waking up at the same time or reading a book half an hour every night.

10. Utilise weekends
Weekends are days for not working. Indeed. However, use the weekends to maybe plan for next week, or catch up on task you haven't done. Don't just be lazy.

It has already been six months since many of us made our New Year’s resolutions. Some made long lists that contained items ranging from ‘eat better and exercise more’ to ‘get a better job and get your career back on track’. No matter how small or big the resolution is, it’s all in vain if, half into 2018, we haven’t crossed off at least a third of our promises. Now, the ‘better late than never’ rule almost always applies, and it most definitely does when health and wellness are at stake, so let’s see what you can do to achieve complete and total wellness this summer – after all, this is supposed to be the most fun, joyful and active season, so let’s follow these five easy tips and get our body and mind in the perfect shape.

First and foremost

In order to take care of your body, you first need to determine which parts of it need most tending to. Therefore, it’s time to stop putting off the inevitable, pay a visit to your physician and make sure everything is in order. A full physical examination will put your mind at ease, and if there is any micronutrient deficiency, you can proceed with rectifying the situation. Pay a visit to your dentist – this is one of the things most of us neglect, sometimes out of sheer obliviousness and other times due to our fear of the dentist. You need your choppers to be good and healthy – they’re the only ones you have, and aside from that, teeth and gum problems can instigate a number of issues in the body. Finally, take a cue from the diligent Australians who make it a priority to keep their eyesight in check and frequently book an appointment with a great optometrist in Sydney. Australians take this matter seriously and even have a standard for sunglasses as well, so as they are definitely onto something, we might as well follow suit.

A healthy plate

You might have done your version of ‘the best’ when it comes to nutrition, but there is always room for improvement. You are well-aware that health and food are inextricably linked, so step up your game and really do the best possible in this area. Foods packed with fibers, vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids are waiting for you. The recipes are easy, the food quick to make and the end result isn’t only healthy but delicious as well. Superfoods are super for a reason, and they will ensure you’re full of energy, all the good nutrients, and subsequently in a great mood. On top of that, start every day with a warm glass of water with lemon to kickstart your metabolism and feel great throughout the day, every day.


Finally, drink more water than you usually do – not only because water is your kidneys’ best friend, but also because during summer we tend to lose larger amounts of fluid through perspiration, so make sure you make up for the loss. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue and dizziness, so pack a bottle and carry it with you at all times. Stay healthy, listen to your body, surround yourself with positive people and invite positivity into your life. That is the final lesson. Now go, be safe and enjoy this glorious season.

                                           This is a guest post by Amy Mia  (Facebook / Twitter)

Take a fashion trip around the world and steal some style inspiration from other countries. With fresh colours and prints, what fashion advice can you take from other countries? Taking us on a whistle-stop style tour of the world is QUIZ. Check out what you’ll need in our country-by-country style guide.

South Africa

The nation of South Africa is a vivid nation, and great inspiration for a bold and bright wardrobe!  Take South African fashion designer Jacques van der Watt’s Black Coffee design house. The designer’s Orbit Summer 2018|2019 collection encapsulates the modernity and positivity of the 1960s, featuring bold colours and embellishments across simple shapes and styles. Inject your wardrobe with a splash of colour to channel South African vibes. Clash bold primary shades such as vivid reds with bright yellows, keeping shapes and styles simplistic—think loose-fitting tees and flared shorts. Want to add some detail to your outfit? Choose geometric patterns in classic monotone hues or incorporate bright colours. Crochet detailing is a staple aspect of Black Coffee’s collection, and crochet dresses or cover-ups would make the perfect boho-inspired addition to any summer wardrobe.

Miami

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your holiday wardrobe, take inspiration from Miami. Home to golden sands and sun-kissed residents, they know how to be fashionable in the sun! With temperatures reaching 28 degrees in the summer, Miami residents choose vibrant swimwear as they soak up the sun on South Beach before slipping into relaxed cuts as they party the night away. Think bright colours to steal the Miami style. Wear tropical print culottes, palm print co-ords and bright summer dresses. Each piece can be dressed up or down, so whether you’re taking a summer stroll or hitting up a club, you can channel effortless Miami vibes. For footwear, slip on flip flops by day before switching to barely-there heels when the sun goes down for a look that’s both glam yet effortless.

Morocco

Morocco is famous for its rich diversity and striking patterns as exemplified by the country’s outstanding architecture and detailed mosaics. When creating a Moroccan-inspired look, it’s important to retain this attention-to-detail — think detailed embroidery and intricate prints. Tile print is key to this look. This on-trend, intricate detailing is all over the high streets at the moment, so introduce it to your wardrobe through palazzo pants or even a co-ord. In terms of colours, choose patterns in rich purples and vibrant blues and oranges. Since Moroccan temperatures soar, loose-fitting, kaftan styles are essential. Choose shift day dresses in a darker tone — such as burnt orange — complete with gold embroidered detailing. Finish your look with gold or leather strappy sandals, and layer on gold accessories.

India

In India, it’s all about colour, vibrancy and pattern. If you like creating bold looks with rich colours, this is the country you need to steal your summer style from! How can you do it? Much like Morocco, India enjoys intricate embroidery and jewellery. However, generally speaking, the colour palette is much richer in India — think deep reds and emerald greens. For formal events, choose a sophisticated maxi in a deep tone with extensive embroidery. For day time dressing, a simple tunic is a great choice, providing it features some sort of embroidery. Often the paisley pattern is associated with this country, so look for ways to incorporate this into your look. How about a bold midi or maxi skirt complemented by a plain-colour vest or blouse? Alternatively, look for a paisley print bag to finish your look, and don’t forget to add plenty of jewellery.

Sweden

Scandinavian style is all about simplicity. Part of this is the near effortless blend of smart styles with casual wear, pairing sports-inspired trousers with a tailored blazer, for example. Want to recreate a Swedish-inspired look this summer? You need a combination of everyday essentials and fine tailoring. Make sure you have a great collection of plain t-shirts in white, grey and black. Wear yours with sports-inspired trousers and a blazer, or swap out your trousers for tailored shorts. Loosely tuck the hem of your t-shirt into your trousers, slip on a statement necklace and keep your hair loose and natural. Being able to layer is also essential. For an effortless look, throw over a lightweight scarf or keep your knitwear loose and wear over a crisp shirt. Don’t be afraid to go oversized either! Which country will you steal inspiration from?

Road tripping is the best way to enhance your understanding of the world around you. However, it takes a lot of efforts to plan a safe yet thrilling 4WD (4-wheel drive) road trip. Since it’s the most ideal way of exploring the nature at its best, its popularity is increasing day by day among avid travellers across the globe. Yes, nowadays everyone wants to spend some quality time away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The monotonous city life drags you away from your creativity and spirituality. You keep busy with your routine activities and that’s the reason you fail to taste the different flavours of life. Therefore, if you want to bring positive changes in your life, perhaps you need to plan a stunning 4WD adventure. I have rounded-up some really interesting tips for enhancing your upcoming road trip adventure, so you must go through them.

Don’t Panic

There is little doubt that people face a host of difficult situations during their road trips, which create a lot of problems for them. Most people start panicking the very moment they encounter a problem, which eventually prevents them from taking a viable action. Therefore, you must learn how not to panic when you encounter any such situation.

Get Ready To Tackle The Worst Situation

Since you can face any types of situations during your trip, make sure that you remain prepared to face them. However, when we talk about preparing for the worst it doesn’t mean you have to think negative all the time. All it means is you must know how to deal with a tough situation. For example, if you encounter a problem with your vehicle, you must direct all your energies toward fixing your problem. Use all your knowledge and common sense to tackle that situation. Most of the times, we fail to take the right action at the right time, which end-up increasing our problems.

Carry Essential Items

It’s very important to carry essential items so that you do not have to stop your vehicle frequently to buy them. What’s really important to understand here is, if you fail to pack crucial items then you have to spend your money to buy them. And it increases your travel cost like anything. Although you learn how to survive with minimum amenities, that’s doesn't mean you can do without basic things such as soap, shampoo, moisturiser, toothbrush, and healthy snacks. In addition to that, you should also pack a first-aid kit that contains all the basic medicines, tweezers, and crepe rolled bandages etc. Apart from that, you should also have vehicle repair tools such as socket set, pliers, wrenches, torque wrench, screwdrivers, and heel spanner. When you encounter a problem with your vehicle these tools will help you to fix that.

CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia was on my bucket list for a while now, and I was excited to plan my trip to Cappadocia almost half a year in advance. Travelling through Cappadocia is such a unique experience and you will find yourself like on an another planet. Cappadocia is known for fairy chimneys valleys, sandy rock formations, caves or attractive instagrammable hot air balloons.

Located in the center region of Turkey, the nearby cities with airports are Kayseri or Nevsehir. The central village of Cappadocia region is Goreme, where you will be most likely staying in order to discover the surrounding areas.

Cappadocia is a beauty, as soon as you will witness it through your eyes, no wonder it is part of UNESCo Heritage list.

Things to do and see

1. Goreme open air museum It is an essential stop while in Cappadocia. It is about 15-20 min short walk from Goreme, and aim for about 2h visit in there. It is an open air museum showcasing rrock-cut churches, chapels and monasteries dating back to 10-12 centuries. In addition to this, surrounding area of the museum is spectacular as well with Cappadocia's deserted rock formations. The Goreme open air museum is under Unesco heritage sites and there is an entrance fee of 30 TL. 
2.Uçhisar Castle Ushisar castle is on a tall volcanic rock, visible from miles around. The castle is located in Ushisar village, in between of Nevsehir and Goreme. Climb abot 120 steps to admire the beautiful views from the castle. 
3. Ride a hot air balloon Almost every sunrise, you can witness hundreds of balloons setting up to rise. Due to the unique Cappadocia landscape, tourists tend to book this experience. This will be unforgettable experience overlooking the spectacular mother nature. 
There are many hot air balloons companies in Cappadocia. The best is to do some research and check reviews online before booking. I recommend to book it when you get there, through your hotel, as there is no difference in booking it in advance or day before. Baskets for balloons are large, fitting about 30 people in one go. Flight duration is usually around one hour and prices starts from 160 euros per person. Bare in mind that hot air balloons trips may be cancelled due to poor weather or wind conditions. Therefore, allow yourself few days in Cappadocia to make sure that you will get this experience.
Alternatively, if you don't want to go for a ride on a hot air balloon. Don't miss the stunning views on them. Many people may be looking for what time or where is the best place to see the balloons. Balloons are set off from sunrise, so depending on your month of travelling, aim probably around 5 am. I recommend to leave your accommodation early and go to the hills early to get a great spot, as many people will be doing the same. Moreover, balloons are setting off in between of red and rose valley. Hence, I recommend to climb to Lover's hill for a view. However, balloons will be visible anywhere you are. From the roads, from your hotel room or even from Goreme's centre. 

                  
4. Discover Cappadocia valleys on horse back Other alternative ways to explore this beautiful landscape is on a horse back. I have booked my sunset tour via Cappadocia Ranch. This amazing 2-3 hours of experience with a small group of people and experienced staff will add on the sweet ending for the day. Whether you have experiences in horse riding or not, this tour is suitable for anybody. Slowly riding through rose and red valleys, you will see many more nice nature creations as well as old villages.
5. Adrenaline on ATV If you prefer more fun, you can book an ATV tour around the Cappadocia. This tour in a group and a leader will give you a great adrenaline swishing through the nature and stopping for the views. However, on ATV you will be limited with roads through valleys, so bare that in mind. Speak to your hotel to book a tour for you. 
6. Red and Rose Valley One of the nicest way to explore Cappadocia will be obviously on foot. Hiking through Red and Rose valley, you will be able to see not only the scenery, but also the old churches and small villages around. The hike around this serene environment is easy, and you don't need any special hiking tools either. Just comfy shoes, sunscreen and plenty of water will do. The best way to start your hike is from Sunset Point where you would head on your first trail in Rose valley (Güllüdere 1). There are actually two trails through Rose valley, Güllüdere I and Güllüdere II. The Red valley got its name because the pink rocks which change intensity dependng on the time of the day is just located next to the Rose Valley. Hiking trails are clearly marked. However, if you decide to wander off the trail to explore caved and tunnels, you are doing it in your own risk. Remember your way back to the trail. Time wisely when hiking, make sure to be back in the city before the sun goes down.


7. Imagination valley The Devrent valley, or also known as Imagination valley. In this valley, you won't find any cave churches, only natural formations for your imagination. It is located towards the Urgup town. As I am aware, there is no local buses going there. Thus, you will have to arrange your own transport or book through a tour. 8. Love valley Located just outside of Goreme, this valley is known for its large tall rock formations.
9. Derinkuyu undeground city Derinkuyu underground city is an ancient deep underground city i Nevsehir Province. It was used as a shelter for about 20,000 people. It is the largest excavated underground city in Turkey and is one of several undeground cities in Cappadocia. Another nearby underground city is Kaymakli. However, Derinkuyu is known for its depth, and only half of the underground city is accessible to visitors! 10. Pigeon valley What more can be said to this. Another valley known for witnessing hundreds of pigeons in flight.
11. Carpet shops Turkey is obviously famous for its traditional colourful carpets. While discovering Goreme, make sure to check some of their carpets shops as well to explore the variety of colourful colours around the shop.                  
                
12. Views from Church of St.John the Baptist This is the oldest church in the area and is located in the small town/village of Cavusin. You can easily spot the church when in the town, go towards the end of the sight and you will see signs and steep stairs up on a hill. Explore the empty church and the views of the stunning landscape around. A great spot also for a sunset gazing. 
13. Explore the ceramic and pottery culture Besides mysterious fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, pottery and ceramic is another attraction for visitors. Especially Avanos is a town famous for pottery. Visit family run potter shops and studios to explore their handmade products, great for gifts and memories!

Food & drink

While in Cappadocia, you will have endless choice of places to have a drink or eat. The main courses will be grilled skewered meat, kebabs and meatballs. Restaurants will offer variety of Turkish, Mediterranean or international food for you to choose from. 
1. Viewpoint cafe and restaurant 2. Organic cave kitchen 3. Fat boys restaurant & cafe 4. Kale Terasse Restaurant 5. Coffeedocia
                        

Where to stay?

Goreme is a hub for toursim in Cappadocia, here you can find majority of accommodation, travel agencies, restaurants or souvenir shops. Staying in one of the Cappadocia's cave hotels is an immersive experience of 21st century cave living.
During our stay we have been accommodate in a beautiful Vezir Cave Hotel Suites located just few steps away from Lover's Hill or Goreme's centre. I have written more details on my stay on my previous hotel review post. Book your stay through my Booking.com link to get travel credits to apply for your stays! 

How to get around

Cappadocia is a large place consisting of many small and large villages. Hence, there is not an easy transportation. There are couple of factors for you to think before choosing the best transport system - think of your time, budget, comfort, weather, distance of end location. Taking these in consideration, you have few options on how to get around Cappadocia: 1. Local buses 2. Cappadocia green and red tours or other packaged tours 3. Rent a car or a scooter 4. Hire a private taxi/driver 5. Hike 6. Combination The nearest airports are in Nevsehir or Kayseri. Book in advance your airport shuttle with your booked hotel. It takes about an hour from the airport to get to Goreme. Here, you can explore the surrounding either by yourself (foot/car hiring) or book various tours through either travel agencies or your hotel.

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GOREME

Cappadocia was on my bucket list for a while now and during our stay in this beautiful region, we have stayed in Vezir Cave Suites, in Goreme.

THE LOCATION

If you may or may not know, Cappadocia is region in the central of Turkey known for its fairy chimneys carved as churches and homes for refuges by early Christians. Nowadays, this mesmerizing landscape is a popular tourist attraction and many hotels in here are still in a cave style. Goreme is a central town/village in the middle of Cappadocia region and Vezir Cave Suites was located just few steps away from "center" where all shops and restaurants are and a climb away to Lover's hill, where you can admire the stunning views. Vezir Cave Suites offers airport shuttle services as well for their hotel guests, which makes it more convenient for people flying to Kaysery or Nevsehir.

Terrace for breakfast

Hotel's views

THE ROOM & INTERIOR

As I have mention already, the style of the hotel is build on caves, giving guests the unique experience of the fairy chimneys valley. Vezir Cave Suites have in total 11 rooms which ranges from size and some of them had a teracce or balcony, allowing guests to oversee the beautiful town. When entering Vezir Cave Suites, you'll find yourself in a beautiful open space courtyard where people can stay to chill, play games or have their tea time.

Our room was one of the most "cave" one and I couldn't get enough of the stone details in the room. In addition, our room bathroom had a fitted shower and jacuzzi facilities, which made our evenings more relaxing after hiking and so much walk and activities around. In the mornings, we had our breakfast on an open terrace, overlooking the landscape. What a beautiful start of the morning.

Cave room

Bathroom details

                   

THE VIEWS

As described, the hotel is located slightly on a hill, with various rooms stacked on top of each other, allowing every room to have a beautiful view on Goreme. Vezir Cave Suites have terraces as well for guests to relax or to admire the views. What was really convenient is that few minutes away from a hotel, you may get into a hill where people come to watch sunsets and sunrises.

Views from terrace

                         

PEOPLE

Vezir Cave Suites is a family run business, I had a chance to meet friendly staff as well as the hotel owner. All of them are very nice, helpful with booking trips and giving recommendations. While meeting the hotel owner, it gave me also a great emotional attachment to this beautiful little place. Moreover, we have arrived to Goreme earlier than usual check in time. However, they have let us in to check in early and they were very welcoming.

Overall, not only the visual aesthetic of the place is making the stay beautiful, but also the staff and people you are speaking with everyday in there.

Entrance

Hotel's courtyard space

Vezir Cave Suites by night

Hotel's terrace and game place