There’s a difference between enjoying going out shopping and being a shopaholic. Enjoying going round all of the shops and trying on new clothes is amazing, but when you find yourself in a position where you can’t help but overspend and you’re always in debt, it can become a problem. A problem that can be hard to break out of alone, and more often than not a debt that has been accrued through overspending on unnecessary items is hidden and unknown to those closest to them for a long time. If this is something that you struggle with, then here are some tips on how to break the habit of being a shopaholic.

Force yourself to think before making a purchase

Much alike being on a diet, a great piece of advice is to force yourself into thinking about whether you really need to buy what you’re holding onto. Giving yourself at least ten minutes to properly think about it before heading to the checkout is often a perfect chance to regain clarity and more often than not, you will find that you put back that dream handbag that you don’t really need.

Unless you know that you’re going to need to use your cards or cash for essentials like food or travel, leave your money at home so that you have no way of spending the money. A simple, yet effective way of stopping yourself from spending. If you’re really looking to break the habit, it might be a good idea to cut up any cards you have spent on so that it’s impossible to do it anymore.

Paying off your current owed money will help you concentrate on never getting back into that position again. Consider borrowing money so that you can pay off all of your debts and then concentrate on paying back just one thing each month. Take a look at these small personal loans, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your troubles could be eliminated!

Another way of stopping yourself from indulging in new pieces of clothing that you don’t really need is to find yourself a hobby. Hobbies can take your mind off things and they don’t have to cost the earth, if any money at all! Think about what else you enjoy doing and pursue it as a hobby and before you know it you will have forgotten all about the need to go out shopping. Take a look at this list of hobbies that are completely free and see if any of them take your fancy!

Finally, tell someone about the issues that you are going through so that you can gain some support to turn to if you’re feeling like you might break. The support and understanding of a loved one can help massively, so don’t keep it a secret!

It's been a long time since I posted a proper outfit. But here we are again, wearing my beloved old shearling jacket, this time paired with my "to go" thing: beret. This look is like from one month ago, when I was home, very spontaneous. My hairstyle looks completely different now, like my whole life. Next week I'm starting Masters here, and I am beyond excited. Everything new and challenging, starting from language and ending with the course itself. I believe, is gonna be alright, or at least, fingers crossed.

I'M WEARING: 

Shearling Jacket - Bershka 

Leggings - River Island 

Bag - Asos 

Beret - Ebay

SHOP MY LOOK:

Windham is situated in the Catskill mountains and its history extends back to 1798. It is the perfect place to visit for rest and relaxation, as it is so beautiful and peaceful. There is an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants serving fine food. If you are looking for true relaxation the Windham spa is worth a visit, it is popular with both locals and tourists.

It’s incredible how only two hours takes you from the hustle and bustle of New York City to lush green mountains in the summer, which become a ski destination in the winter.

Windham Mountain as a ski resort

Windham Mountain resort offers the best skiing facilities within a 200 radius of NYC. The premier resort has its own team of snowmakers, which makes the most of what mother nature has to offer. This means that optimum conditions can be created and maintained.

Skiing isn’t the only winter sport offered you can also experience snow tubing and snowshoe hikes make the mountains accessible to everyone.

Whilst Windham is only a two hour journey from NYC it is worth staying to really have the time to appreciate everything there is to offer. Consider a Ski House Rental so that you can enjoy the many apres ski parties.

Windham mountain is suitable for both families and first time skiers as there are many tuition packages available to choose from.

Catskill mountains

The Catskill Mountains have so much more to offer than winter sports. If one thing is for sure it certainly draws out the adventurer in its visitors. There is the opportunity to experience the Catskill Mountains whilst traveling at 50 mph on the fastest, longest and highest zipline in North America!

If more sedentary pastimes are more your “thing” you may prefer fishing, camping and hiking in the stunning scenery the Catskills have to offer.  

Dining

The Catskills region offers culinary delights to suit all tastes. There are heritage influences to the cuisine available from its Italian, Irish and Polish settlers. The area boasts its own winery and fresh produce is in abundance from the many farms in the area.

So, if time allows, extend your trip to New York by exploring the many attractions the Catskill mountains and Windham has to offer. You will be sure to return to the daily grind of life, fully rested if a little exhilarated! There are many ways to book your flights and accommodation, a search on the internet holds the key to a plethora of information. Another good source of contact would be tourist boards, which will give details on the area.

There's gonna be the part II of course. I'm back in London and already miss the gorgeous view of this hotel, the fresh air, the snow and mulled wine of course. It's hard to get back to real life after these superb holidays, isn't so? 

SHOP MY LOOK:

You can’t get much more quintessentially English than the Cotswolds. Rolling hills, picturesque villages, cosy tearooms and village pubs make up this spectacular area of the country. If you are planning a visit out here yourself, this guide is for you. Here are just a few of the must-see sights and must-do experiences that you can enjoy during your travels here.

Explore Blenheim Palace

One of the grandest and most famous country houses in the whole of the country, Blenheim Palace is a magnificent structure that also has more than 2000 acres of gardens to stroll around. As the birthplace of Winston Churchill, it is also one of the most important historical sites in Britain.

Picnic by the River at Bourton-on-the-Water

With its tiny river running through the centre and small bridges criss-crossing over the top, Bourton-on-the-Water is without a doubt one of the Cotswolds’ most famous and pretty villages. One of the best ways to enjoy it on a sunny day is to pack a picnic and watch the villagers and visitors enjoying the relaxed pace of life. One of the top attractions is a model village which perfectly replicates the life-sized one.  

Get Up to the Highest Point

The highest town in the Cotswolds is Stow-on-the-Wold, and it is a pleasant place to enjoy the views of the surrounding area. There are plenty of cafes and pubs where you can relax and soak up the atmosphere. It is another place where history happened as right here is where the final skirmish of the English Civil War took place.

See the Slaughters

Lower and Upper Slaughter bear two of the most unusual place names in the whole of the country, and they are both within easy walking distance of each other. Make sure you are wearing your wellies if the weather is a little wet as you will need to walk across a ford to get between the two.

Walk Along the Cotswold Way

The Cotswold Way runs 102 miles from the northern town of Chipping Campden down to the city of Bath. You could start at a hotel in hotel in Evesham before heading over to the trail. Along the way, you will take in some of the most beautiful countryside the area has to offer. On at least one morning, you should make sure that you get up early enough to see the sun rise over the Cotswold Way.

Though it is a little bit outside of the Cotswolds, it is worth taking the trip over to Stratford-upon-Avon to see Shakespeare’s birthplace. Inside, you can take a guided tour and find out everything currently known about the world’s most famous playwright. While you are here, make sure to visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the house of Shakespeare’s wife, and also have a drink in The Dirty Duck nearby to the Swan Theatre which is where many of the Bard’s plays were performed.