FUJI INSTAX CAMERA

Polaroid and Instax cameras have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Many companies like Fuji took full advantage of this trend and released different variations in size and colour. For years I've had my eye on one, originally I wanted a vintage polaroid, although after comparing the models, the Instax version came out on top!

Digital technology dominates the photography world but the magic of a Polaroid can't be completely replaced surely? Using a film camera makes you consider things like composition and angles before taking the photo. Whereas with digital cameras you are able to take 100 shots and choose the best one. Going back to basics makes you take better quality images as there is no space for trial and error.

Physical Images 

You can capture a moment as it happens and have an instant printed photo. I know its common these days but I can't wait to create a full wall of photos, documenting each event and random moment in my life. Although the instant photo's are a great idea, the cost of film can be expensive especially at £1 a shot, look for deals on Amazon or Ebay I tend to bulk buy my film so I pay a discounted rate. If you're worried about the cost of film, you could only use it for special occasions perhaps?

Light weight

The newer Instax cameras are made from plastic, so unlike some digital cameras they are lightweight so it won't weigh your bag down. Although the plastic material makes it prone to easy breakages if not taken care of properly. I would suggest taking out the additional warranty, I paid £26 for 3 years cover with Fuji, even if it's accidental breakage I'll get it fixed or a replacement provided.

Easy to use

The Instax cameras are very user friendly, I've got the Fuji Instax 90 which has a few more settings so you are able to adjust to your subject whether that be people, landscapes or close ups and also modify the lighting etc. These extra settings allow you to achieve the best possible image. 

Keeping the past alive

We are surrounded 24/7 by digital technology, whether that be TV or your iPhone. Using a film camera gives you sometime away from the digital world. The Polaroid style photos are so stylish and gives that vintage old fashioned look. If you want a change from the white frame, there are now hundreds of different designs and styles like the poka dot film in the photos above. 

Consider composition, angle and lighting 

Instax cameras are not like digital cameras where you are able to take 10 photos and choose the best before printing. Polaroids are designed to capture the moment and print as you shoot, sometimes these won't be the best photos. Ensure you have considered everything from composition, lighting and angle before clicking the button, doing this will help prevent a poor quality image being printed. Considering these aspects will in turn make you a much better photographer.

Overall Polaroid/Instax cameras are a great investment and I would recommend to anyone to purchase one.

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

WHY TRAVELLING SOLO IS THE BEST DECISION

When I tell people that I've travelled solo, they are amazed like it's an unusual thing to do. I've been told that it's a brave decision to make and they wouldn't be able to handle it. In all fairness I defiantly don't have everything together, I have felt nervous, excited, scared and so many other emotions while on the move but the pro's of travelling alone certainly out weigh the con's. If you have doubts about travelling solo stay tuned and give the below a read, I might be able to convince you it's the best decision you will ever make.

Ultimate freedom to make all the decisions 

Now, this can either be considered a good or bad thing depending on your decision making skills. I'll have to admit I'm not very decisive but I manage to get by.

Have you ever been on holiday with friends and you didn't get the chance to visit that famous museum because others didn't share your love for modern art? Well, travelling solo gives you the opportunity to make your own plans, be your own boss. You can be spontaneous without having to consider others likes or dislikes, it's true freedom to do what you want on your timings.

No need to wait for someone else to go on a new adventure

If you go by yourself you can leave on your timings, if you wait for your companion who knows how long you could be waiting. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy travelling with others but sometimes when you've got a burning desire to go somewhere, you have to take a chance and travel alone. 

Meet new people

Travelling solo can be a tad lonely at times. If like me, you're not the most confident person you need to push yourself out of your comfort zone and talk to people. Yes, it's really that simple ... Talk to people, make some new friends and learn about the local culture. Don't forget to chat to the locals, they may know a few hidden places that aren't on the normal tourist track.

If I didn't talk to people on my last trip I wouldn't have met the amazing friends I still stay in touch with today. Sometimes the people you are meant to meet aren't on your doorstep, you have to venture out into the world to meet them.

There's always room for one

Ever gone into a restaurant and they didn't have a table for your party of 6? or tried to book the cheap hotel but they didn't have enough room? Well travelling alone makes it a lot easier, you can grab the last spot on tours and even in hotel/hostels.

Sense of direction
If like me you have zero sense of direction, travelling solo can help develop this skill, you're forced to use your own initiative and gage where you are. You need to pay attention to your surroundings, especially if you are venturing out on a hike or other activities. Although since I've returned home, this skill has slowly faded away because I depend way too much on Google Maps and my Sat Nav.

Gain confidence and challenge your insecurities
Travelling solo pushes you out of your comfort zone, you don't have your friends, family or home comforts around you so you're forced to think for yourself and not depend on others opinions. You learn to trust your own opinion and develop confidence along the way.

Stay healthier
Most travellers don't make the healthiest food or fitness choices, many people are in "holiday mode" and don't consider that the holiday has to end at some point. You have to adjust to the lifestyle and ensure you make better choices, especially if you're on the move for a long period of time.

When I've travelled with friends I find that if they have a little treat or a cheat meal, I feel the need to also indulge. Maybe it's because I'm easily influenced and haven't yet established a long-term relationship with a "healthy lifestyle" but it's a work in progress. On the other hand I have more motivation to remain healthy while travelling alone, I make healthier food choices and am less likely to indulge on a greesy pizza. Not only are my eating habits acknowledged more while travelling solo, my fitness routine stays on track and also I don't consume as much alcohol.

Healthy eating can also depend on the destination you choose, in countries such as Japan or Australia it can be easy to choose the healthy option as there is one. Although in countries like Italy where the only thing on the menu is Pasta, good luck!

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

TOUGH MUDDER CHALLENGE

Tough Mudder is only a week away, I can't believe how fast it's come around. After months of dedicated training, ok maybe not "dedicated training", perhaps I should of pushed myself further but hey ho you live and you learn!

Let me introduce the team, myself, Charlotte, Jess, Ben and Holly, together we are taking on the Tough Mudder Challenge. For any of you who haven't heard of Tough Mudder, it's a 12 mile obstacle course, yes 12 MILES. Yikes! I wish I had trained harder ... This will be a huge challenge we will be crawling under electric wires, climbing up the steepest hills, swinging across monkey ropes and other surprise obstacles. It will be incredibly difficult, we will be wet, cold and muddy. After all the blood sweat and tears, it will be an achievement that we can be proud to have done.

This will be a difficult challenge but we are doing it for an amazing cause. Cancer Research is always trying to find new ways to manage and treat all types of this disease. The sad truth is we all know someone or a friend of a friend who is or has been affected by Cancer. Help support this cause by sponsoring us, it doesn't have to be a lot, anything you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Wish us luck! Don't forget to donate to our Just Giving Page.

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

MAY GOALS

May is a beautiful time of year, flowers are in bloom and we occasionally see a sunny day. I say occasionally because yano, the unpredictable English weather. Last week we experienced rain, sunshine and snow all in one day but that was April so here's hoping this month we have more sunshine...

So much has happened already this year, I feel like I've achieved so much in Pole Dancing, Acting class and progressed in my role at work and we're only 5 months into the year! Over the next month I want to focus on the following 3 goals.

1. Train hard

Fitness and eating well is always on my priority list because it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although from time to time I do indulge a little too much on sweet treats, this month I can't really afford any "slip ups" and overindulge or miss a training day considering I've got Tough Mudder in less than 3 weeks. If you haven't heard of Tough Mudder it's a 12 mile Army Obstacle course, I'll be crawling through mud, swimming in cold water and climbing up the steepest hills. With this in mind I need to be in tip-top shape to finish this course without being dragged across the finish line. For the next 3 weeks I am determined to maintain a highly motivated state of mind. I CAN DO THIS!

2. Acting

I've been attending an acting class for a few months now. At first, I was nervous because I'm not the most confident person but the atmosphere is so relaxed in my class and you get the opportunity to come out of your shell. Acting is essentially reacting, this is easier said than done though. If all else fails act like a child, kids make the best actors because they don't overthink they just enjoy themselves, I'm trying to adapt this style in my classes but it takes time.

For the last few weeks we've been studying Shakespeare and was given a monologue to learn. I'm due to perform my monologue next week, yikes! I am not prepared at all, it's time to put some serious time aside and rehearse, rehearse, REHEARSE!

3. Pole Dancing

Pole is one of my biggest passions, I truly am at my happiest when I know I've got a pole lesson. The last few months I've been working on strength training, really pushing myself to learn new moves. This month I'm aiming to perfect the many moves I already know, my technique is a little sloppy at times so my goal is to look graceful when filming the moves. Practice makes perfect, so I'll continue to improve every week!

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx