Category: Lifestyle

What is classed as Self-Care?

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I think it would be an understatement to say that the past couple of years have been a bit of a stressful, and quite frankly, draining for us all at times. The spare days or moments I would get to myself here and there would soon be full of face masks, living off teapots and major relaxing (accompanied by binge watching Netflix). Netflix is sometimes (translation – always) enjoyed with tea and some form of treat. Whether thats a handful of Minstrels or popcorn, there is usually something to munch on. But looking back, I can’t help but wonder if it was really classed as self-care?

What is the definition of self-care?

I think self-care is an act which benefits your emotional, physical or mental health. Something which alleviates and nourishes your body leaving you feeling restored. The Cambridge English Dictionary’s website states self-care is an act of caring for oneself when they are ill or to prevent them from becoming ill. Clearly there are strong connotations pointing to health and wellbeing, and I think overall we are all aware of that: but the line between what feels good and what is actually good for us often becomes blurred.

Self-care has become very trend-driven for the past few years. These days it’s projected as more of a fad or hashtag doing the rounds on instagram. Portrayed through images of shopping deliveries, takeaways and numerous naughty treat yo’self snacks its no wonder we now assosciate frivolous online spending sprees with self-care. The root of all this comes down to two very different things: what feels good and what is good.

What feels good

For me what feels good aligns with our wants, desires, and what feels good in the moment. These things give us a satisfaction which is momentary and wears off quickly. It’s the late night takeaway, the pair of heels after you have reached a personal goal, or binge-eating junk while you marathon watch Gilmore Girls on your day off. These things are luxuries that you like to treat yourself with, and thats nice once in awhile but are they really classed as self-care? Self-love perhaps but I’m not sure I can say they fall into self-care.

What is good

What is actually good is connected to your wellbeing – your emotional, physical and mental health. Watching Gilmore Girls in the aftermath of emotional turmoil, like a break up, might help lift your spirits but you don’t have to bestow a ton of junk food on your body in the process. Instead grab a punnet of grapes to chow down on or plug the headphones in and watch it on your phone while your on the treadmill at the gym. I know it might not sound all that fun and it may not feel good in the moment but you’ll feel the benefits after and thank yourself later.

Ultimately, I think self-care is really all about making time for adopting healthier routines which will benefit all facets of our lives. Sure, treating yourself is fine and we all need it at times but lets not trick ourselves into thinking its self-care.

A few ideas for healthy self-care could be unplugging from wifi for a few hours and picking up your favourite book or mag instead, getting fresh air or exercising. Spending your Sunday doing meal prep for the following week, giving yourself an all-over body scrub or even just going to bed early. These things sound so simple and mundane but they truly are luxurious, and really epitomise self-care for me.

What do you class as self-care?

Cheerio for now!

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What a Digital Detox Taught Me

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Way back, at the beginning of 2019 actually, I took part in what I can only describe as a digital detox. I had already deactivated my Facebook account months beforehand and had felt incredibly light since scrubbing that from my brain. The difference I felt in my mind and brain power after deactivating it was insane to me. I couldn’t believe it and so, I wanted to extend that to other areas too.

Since then I have done numerous digital detoxes. I typically do them whenever I feel overwhelmed and also, whenever I’m realistically able to do one. When I say digital detox I don’t exactly mean avoidance of digital devices. I still have my phone, my computer and tv but I delete my social media apps (no insta, YouTube, etc), my tv is only for a specific amount of time in the evening, and my computer is restricted to work and emails -no browsing anything online that could influence me. The only apps that I still use on my phone is audible and Spotify, which are where I listen to a lot of my podcasts and audiobooks. So it’s not an entire detox and some would probably say that I’m cheating but it’s important to be realistic and as a housebound Spoonie, I don’t think I could commit to a full detox at this time.

Having done a few of these detoxes now, usually for a few weeks at a time, I wanted to share some things that I’ve learnt from them. Some of these are quite obvious and then others really surprised me. Even just the experience of it and how clear my mind seems during a detox is amazing and something I would recommend everyone do at some point.

How much damn time I spend on meaningless apps

I always knew I spent far too long on apps like instagram and YouTube, even apps like Pinterest and Tumblr I could spend hours on. They’re like rabbit holes into the digital abyss that would take up so much of my time and before I know it an hour or so is gone and I really need to get sh!t done. By taking all those apps away, it made it all the more evident how much of my day is eaten up by mindless scrolling – it was an eyeopener! So much so that when I did finally have my apps back it made me more mindful of my use of social media and how long I spend on there.

Facebook doesn’t contribute anything to my life

While I had somewhat realised this before the detoxes, it became ever more obvious to me as time went on. Throughout the detoxes, I kept thinking about how I use social media apps and the roles each of them play in my life. I realised very quickly that Facebook just doesn’t contribute to my life. For people like my mom and her friends, its a way for them to keep up to date with one another’s lives even if they don’t have the time to physically see one another. For me, it became more burdensome. I’d be tagged in meaningless videos and status’ that really didn’t bring anything to my life, or if they did it was a more negative tone. I’d feel like I had to comment or acknowledge the tagged posts in some way, even if I didn’t like them which would feel tiresome but at the same time I didn’t want to be rude so it also felt somewhat fake.

Now I know this perhaps sounds very ‘first world problems’ and just outright rude of me, feeling burdened by having to comment to friends and families online, but I just realised that I much prefer seeing people. By not being involved on the Facebook scene I’m far more present when I do spend time with them and I really love that. When I ask about their trip away, I enjoy seeing how their face lights up that I remember and I’m interested in them and their experience. They usually pull out their phone and show me photos of what they’re talking about and telling me their funny encounters, etc. It’s far more fulfilling for me then swiping through and simply ‘liking’ them.

Instagram inspires me but also burdens me

I think there’s different ways in which people tend to use instagram, I have friends who use it in a very social way but for me it’s a little different. I follow a lot of independent businesses, especially those with a sustainable initiative and I absolutely love following activists and keeping in touch with the different ways in which they are striving the change this world. I find these figures so incredibly inspiring but while I love this kind of content, too much of it can be overwhelming; especially if something particularly poignant is happening in the social sphere such as the death of Sarah Everard. Instagram was inundated with posts of advice and ‘what to do’s’, and there was so much conversation around this topic that needed to happen. I know personally that this event and these posts conjured so many open conversations with my boyfriend. Quite often he would send me a post he’d seen with his thoughts which would open up a discussion about it. While I loved this and to my mind these conversations are how we will change society, it can get a lot. Every so often I find instagram too much and I need to take a time out. It’s not that I don’t want to interact or stay up to date with things, and I still care about whatever’s happening at that given time, but I also need to take time out to help my own mental health and I think that’s okay.

How valuable time is

Now it’s a bit of a cliché but digital detoxes have really taught me how precious time is. I’m not talking about time in the grand scheme of things but the little chunks of time. Those 10 or 20 minutes of scrolling here and there throughout the day when you’re on a break at work or between jobs or chores, etc. Those moments all add up and can make quite a sizeable chunk when you really think about it. I didn’t realise this until I scrubbed social media from my routine for the detoxes. Instead I’d spend those little moments doing other things like getting fresh air with the dogs in the garden, reading a few pages of a book, practising some mindfulness or even just doing a little bit of knitting. I noticed not only the difference in my time but also how that time spent elsewhere contributed to my mental health. It was refreshing to sit outside with the dogs, even when it was the colder months and I really loved those moments of stillness in practising mindfulness (the daily calm tracks with Tamara Levitt on the Calm app are godsends to me).

How many important tasks I can complete instead of being on my phone

This one is somewhat linked to the one above. It’s all too easy to get distracted by our phones and let the important tasks slip by. They don’t even have to be important but even chores and little things that need doing but all too often stack up until you need a full-on chore day. Instead of browsing my apps, I got into the the routine of doing a task off my list with a podcast or audiobook on. One of my favourite chores to do is set up my stall and try do some ironing while I have an audiobook on. I can enjoy the book while ticking a thing off my to-do list -which never would have happened had I still been sucked into all my apps.

While I know this list is by no means ground-breaking, I do hope that it gives you something to think about and maybe even inspire you to try your own digital detox. Everyone is different and uses technology in their own individual ways, especially since so many had to work from home during the pandemic, so be realistic if you want to try one and don’t be too hard on yourself.

Let me know your thoughts or your experience if you’ve tried a digital detox before.

Cheerio for now!

Sustainable Shopping | Clothes

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Sustainable shopping has been on my mind a lot lately. Anyone who knows me knows I use to have a tendency to buy a lot of fast fashion, never get round to wearing it and throw it out two years later with the tags still attached to the garment. I can feel your dagger-looks and hear your huffs of anger from here. I think my routine of doing this was rooted from my upbringing and local environment. Growing up in a single-parent household, we never had a lot of spending money for the new clothes or ‘niceties‘. Through secondary school I got used to saving what pocket money I had and spending it in Primark with my friends at the weekend.

Now being older, and a little wiser, I’m aware of the impact a lot of industries are having on our planet – one of them being the fashion industry. We consume a vast amount of clothes which we probably don’t wear more than a handful of times. The items find themselves in landfills and we move onto the next.

For the past four or five years – or ever since I started reading Peppermint magazine – sustainable shopping has constantly played on my mind. It’s always there niggling in my brain as I hand over my debit card as well as when I get home with those bags of shopping laid out in front of me. Because of how this issue has played on my mind, I have got myself into the healthy habit of thinking about some of the things below when shopping:

Shop your wardrobe

Before shopping for new items, I like to take some time really analysing what I already own. I ask myself which pieces do I wear the most? Which do I feel drawn to? and then ask myself why? I analyse the cut and fit of it, the tones and textures, its’ versatility, etc. I like to do this not only to remind myself of what I own, but also to remind myself of the items I feel comfortable in and the shapes and cuts which truly suit my body. By doing this, I also remind myself of the ‘winners’ in my wardrobe. The pieces I wear once a week which go with anything and everything, and will no doubt still be in my wardrobe in a decades time.

Find your base colours

Sticking to neutral base colours for your wardrobe can help the longevity of your clothes as well as make them coexist with other items perfectly. I consider base colours to be the neutrals, so that is your black, grey, white, linen white, navy, brown, and olive tones. A great way to establish your base notes, as I call them, is by standing in front of a mirror and assessing how they suit you. Note how they make your eyes and skin glow, or does it wash you out? See if it suits your hair colour, etc but also see if you are drawn to it. Be open-minded, sometimes the colours we are drawn to do not align with what we feel comfortable in or do not physically suit us. I find that Black is a great colour because it goes with anything however, it can also be too harsh on my skin tone and sometimes appears to wash me out if I’m not careful.

Some people like to choose two of these tones, one for Summer and one for Winter however, I like having three and for me that is black, grey and navy (sometimes). I sometimes step over the line and don some olive or khaki tones, purely because I feel drawn to earthy tones and it compliments my complexion, eyes and hair colour so well. It is also worth noting that these base notes may change over time, either due to age or simply because you changed your hair colour.

Alter and Adjust

I never used to think of altering garments – I know, I’m stupid – but since making even the slightest alterations, like pinning the strap of a top, I have noticed the world of difference it makes to the fit of an outfit. Further more, even altering hemlines or the fit of an item can give it an entirely new lease of life. I know some things are beyond repair and just simply no longer work for our bodies however, whenever you can – I think adjusting items is a great option.

Add Accessories

When entering a new season, or even if you have an event coming up, don’t feel compelled to buy new clothes instead look in the accessory section. Adding a statement necklace, bold earrings or even minimal bracelet can completely change an ensemble. It is often too easy to keep adding clothes to your wardrobe – instead play dress up in front of your mirror, dabbling with different accessories and if you really feel the need to freshen things up, head to the accessory area first!

Invest in quality pieces

It is quality over quantity always! Although things can often seem pricey at first glance, in my opinion it is far better to spend a lot of money on something well made than a lot of items that are cheap and will become worn out faster. This is often the case with fast fashion so I think it is better to establish what you need and what you want, write a list of these items and spend some time looking around before buying. Really mull over each purchase and question if it is a quality product that will still be in your wardrobe in 5-10 years.

So those are just a handful of the things I like to think about and address when contemplating whether or not I want to add items to my wardrobe. I think it is really important to stop and think before you buy, and with a few little pointers, it can make the world of difference to your lifestyle and wardrobe.

Do you have any tips or tricks you use?

Cheerio for now! 

Greenwich Park

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I’ve had a never-ending love for Greenwich Park for as long as I can remember. It’s so ingrained in my childhood and who I am, but Greenwich Park at this time of the year is something entirely different. The trees take on a whole new colour palette, an array of warm tones; browns, oranges, yellows, and fading greens. Often causing shimmering shadows of sunlight on the pavement and every so often you hear a rustling noise and have to watch out as two or three conkers come falling at your feet.

Everything just changes there in autumn. The Pavilion cafe is lit by the lowering sun, the planetarium and observatory scream all things dark academia against the dried leaves, the squirrels are friendlier -often grabbing a monkey nut or two to bury for winter. The air is crisp and cool but the sun still warm enough to enjoy a stroll, maybe even some people-watching which of course, where better to do it than in a park?

I would always tease my mom about her people-watching and her ability to conjure up stories about passers-by but as I get older I’m noticing more and more how fixed into my DNA it is. As I sat taking a break on a bench there, I couldn’t help but watch all the walks of life there. Groups passing along in worlds of their own, usually with one or two four-legged folk in tow. The passing commuter, seemingly talking to himself –yes, I know he has AirPods in but I still find it so funny to see someone chattering away to themselves, or to what I like to think is an imaginary friend. The elder couple out for a stroll after lunch and the students rushing off to their next lecture. All the mums, the pram club, out in full swing; bonding over the shared struggles of motherhood. And the school classes passing through with noisy chatter, a sea of green and grey uniform littered with colourful lunch bags and a handful of grown ups apologetically smiling as they go past. Then me – the girl perched on a bench, in the knitted pumpkin beanie hat, desperately scribbling musings down with the fear of missing a moment, a memory.

If I could freeze time at Greenwich Park, it would always be frozen and stand perfectly still at autumn.

things I’ve found solace in | isolation edition pt.3

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I know, I know -I dropped off this little area for a while. This post was one of the ones that just got abandoned half way through its formation but nevertheless, I really want to share it still in hopes that it might help some of you lovely lot. I’m writing this introduction as England is in its first week of Lockdown 3.0 so I think we could all use a little uplighting about now and this might help. (*most of the things below were logged mid-late 2020).

Rachel Maksy on YouTube has always been a source of inspiration but a few of her videos in particular, have really inspired me. Her outfit videos are just amazing, this one in particular I really loved and how could I not fall head over heels with her video of making her own coraline-esque doll (I have rewatched that movie a shameful amount of times). But it has been her sunroom makeover video that has had me swooning ever since. It’s vintage feel and Swiss Family Robinson aesthetic is just beautiful and so well curated. I got all sorts of A Series of Unfortunate Events/Reptile Room vibes and could almost see Violet tying her hair in a ribbon to work on an invention in there. Anyway, I couldn’t recommend Rachel’s channel enough, especially if you love the vintage aesthetic, are really into cosplay or dressing up or just love watching a good DIY video. She is so creative and just a beautiful soul!

Jenny at wearilive on YouTube is one of my all-time faves and this year she has been a saving grace for me. I find her content so raw and refreshing, especially in times of tension or uncertainty. Her morning routine videos and moving vlogs are my absolute faves.

While we are on the subject of YouTube, I have been loving Whitney Ports reaction videos to The City and The Hills. I used to love those shows back in the day so watching her react to them with her husband now is just so entertaining; especially given how much time has passed. I think it’s also eye-opening to how much I have grown up since when I was infatuated with those shows.

lexie lombard is lyfe – podcast and videos. Now I’ve followed Lexie Lombard for some time but I’d say I only truly got into her channel in a big way during isolation when she began her isolation vlogs. She’s entirely unfiltered and seemingly so down to earth in all her videos, I can’t help but feel drawn to her. Even more so now that she has launched her podcast. I’d definitely recommend giving it a listen, and check out her YT channel too!

Orion Carloto’s film for her. Now, anyone who knows me knows that I’ve been low-key obsessed with Orion Carloto for many years so when she announced that she was releasing her second book I was ecstatic and ordered it as fast as I could. I have found a lot of solace in poetry and prose this year, especially throughout the lockdowns and this book has without a doubt been my favourite this year.

knittingggg – I learnt to knit years ago but seriously got back into it this year throughout the lockdowns. I can honestly say that it’s the thing that has kept me sane this year. I have made various bits throughout the year, including poppies for remembrance Sunday but I also made the goal for myself to make as many Christmas presents as possibly this year -which, as you can imagine, has really kept me busy.

Last but not least, The Holidate on Netflix. I can’t remember what made me watch this film but I am so happy I did. I don’t usually take the plunge with new films, I tend to stick to what I know and like and that’s that; but I really enjoyed this one. I even made my boyfriend watch it and he loved it too. I’d say its a mix of The Wedding Date and That Awkward Moment. There are so many hilarious scenes and the Rom-com element is just on point throughout.

*Right, now that that’s all out the way I can start from scratch this year and keep up to date. Let me know if there’s anything in particular that has been helping you through these neverending lockdowns.

Cheerio for now!

The One: Perfume

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I’ve always felt quite drawn to scents. I feel as though scents can often be quite personal and conjure certain emotions or bring up memories from just a whiff. Personally, I think thats quite beautiful and there’s a nostalgia within that always keeps me reaching for perfume bottles. Tresór by Lancôme always reminds me of my mom when I was little. Every time I smell it i’m brought back to the memory of laying on her bed before school, watching her sit at her dressing table, applying her face for the day. I always thought it was so grown up: her sitting perfecting her make up, putting her hair in the right place with some spray, getting her jewellery on and then that final touch with a spritz of perfume. Tresor reminds me of that.

I could list multiple scents and the memories or people they remind me of – but I won’t ramble. I remember someone once noting that they loved a scent by Dior however, it didn’t suit their skin. I heard this when I was about twelve and thought it rather bizarre. How can a scent not suit your skin? It’s not a shade of make up. A few Christmas’ later I suddenly realised what they meant. I was gifted Lola by Marc Jacobs. I already had, and loved, Marc Jacobs Daisy and Daisy Au so Fresh (which I still reach for now) but had mentioned I wanted to try one of his other fragrances. Lola was the one I tried and although I absolutely loved the scent, it just didn’t fit me. It wasn’t the heavenly scent I had smelt on my friend or even on the slip of card at the perfume counter. In all honesty, it was quite nauseating. 

Now, many years later, I feel as though I have really got to grips with what scents compliment me as well as what I personally like to wear. I like light floral scents with a musky and woodsy undertones. I love oud and patchouli, but at the same time love orchid and vanilla too. Regardless of this, nothing could of prepared me for the scent I now come to wear everyday -and that is no lie. Even if I’m spending the day in my pyjamas, sick in bed, I still spritz this perfume. 

Yes, as that header said – Sun, by Lush. I remember when I first smelt this scent. I was in Lush with one of my best friends, Hannah, trialling every lush scent in front of us when a shop assistant came over and offered her help. She pointed out her favourite scent, Sun, and explained it was a citrusy scent. I immediately turned up my nose. I strongly dislike citrus things however, Hannah gave it a go, and ended up buying a bottle. Later that evening, as we were devouring our Five guys burgers I caught a whiff of this heavenly scent -practically climbing over the table, I discovered it was Hannah’s new perfume. The citrus one that I had turned my nose up at. I turned out to love the scent, it was amazing and a couple months later Hannah grabbed me a small bottle of it for the following Christmas which I ended up carrying everywhere with me in my bag. Within a few months I’d used it all, and got another. Again, a few months later that bottle was gone. This pattern happened again and again until my birthday rolled around in the following October: when my friends got me a big bottle and in my mind I had made the ultimate commitment to this perfume as the everyday one. It was the one. 

I have also purchased the solid form of this perfume. In a compact little tub, it’s ideal to throw in my bag and touch up during the day. I also recently learnt that you can warm some with your finger tips and run it through the ends of your hair for that extra touch. I really love the ideal of that, especially when you consider the fact that every time you move that scent will stir and be heavenly again. 

Sun is, as I have already mentioned, strongly citrus. Made with Brazilian Orange oil and Sandalwood oil it is of course, incredibly strong in terms of citrus however, quickly mutes into a subtle scent that lifts the spirits. It very much is what I’d call a ‘happy scent’ – the type of scent you smell and have a little smile on your face as you feel giddy from the infusion. It truly is a beautiful scent and although I really want to try more Lush fragrances, I truly am content with this one. My one perfume go-to. 

Do you have one perfume that is your solid go-to? If so, what is it? 
Cheerio for now! 

The Great Escape

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**I’m sharing this purely to reminisce happier memories. If you’re struggling with or finding isolation hard than I wouldn’t recommend reading or looking at the pictures on this post; due to the fact that I do lust a little over our experience camping in Wales and the great outdoors in general. I apologise if this isn’t the content that you want to be consuming at the moment however, I just have been meaning to share my photos for awhile and this is the first chance that I have had. Enjoy!

Last summer, my boyfriend decided that it was time for us to take the next big step – investing in our first property… a tent. Maybe that’s a bit anti-climactic for you reading this but for us it was terribly exciting. The only problem was trying to then find a slot of time available in both our calendars to be able to get away and use it.

Although, I am chronically ill and very much reliant on those around me, I still try to do what I can. As any Spoonie knows, pushing our bodies is about the worst thing we can do however, we do sometimes fall prey to it and it inevitably comes back to bite us in the ass. I feel like that had been me for much of last year. Just about the time when I felt like I was getting my head above water, I thought I could do something and then bam -back to hibernation I had to go. And I won’t go into the details of my living arrangements here but after going through the motions of a nomadic lifestyle, along with the emotions that come with that I was beyond ready to get away.

Me and the Bearded Boyfriend toyed around with a lot of different areas to take the new tent to but we quickly decided to head back to Brecon Beacons, Wales. Somewhere that is both familiar to us and somewhere we both love. So, late August we played Tetris: Car Edition and set off for Grawen Farm.

Grawen is a quaint little farm (not sure if it’s still working) that is in a great location, being just down the road from Merthyr Tydfil and Brecon but also in the shadow of Pen Y Fan, which makes it the perfect place to pitch a tent. The farm has showers and toilets open all hours, a plethora of helpful info for visits (including those ever-important takeout numbers) as well as the friendly folks who run it. It is quite honestly the perfect place to recharge.

It’s the best thing about camping, the remoteness of it, the rawness of living, the lack of any m!ndfucks

Bearded Boyfriend, 09.07.17

One of the things that I love about camping is how grounding it is. In the fast-paced world that we live in, it is so easy to get caught up with and influenced by insignificant things. When I go camping, or not even camping but to the Brecon Beacons in general, my phone stops working, human contact becomes few and far between and through this I’m reminded of what truly matters. It reminds me of the small, inconsequential things that add to the quality of my life regardless of how silly they sound. Like going to bed in a warm and safe place. The first sip of tea in the morning and the pleasure of reading a book without being disturbed by notification sounds or the worries that I could be spending my time doing something else. Being re-introduced to the art of conversation, along with bickering and then cracking up laughing at each-other. The pleasures of driving around aimlessly until we come across a pub to eat at. Randomly pulling over to explore something we’ve only just noticed or to simply pause and take in the view. It’s pure bliss.

Camping will always hold a certain magic for me and, while I can’t wait to explore new places, I know the Brecon Beacons will have a place close to our hearts.

Cheerio for now!

things I’ve found solace in | isolation edition

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I started self-isolating mid March due to pre-existing health conditions and while I am used to spending a lot of time at home because of my health, I think there’s something very different about not being able to leave your home because of an epidemic than just simply from chronic health conditions. Because of just how much time I spend at home already, I have a variety of go-to’s which always work however, this obviously isn’t the usual circumstances. Since being in isolation I have found some new features that I’ve come to rely on through this time and wanted to outline a few of the specifics below incase they can help you.

First of all, how can I not mention Emma Hills isolation vlogs. When it comes to hauls and content such as that on YouTube I’m not interested, but certain peoples vlogs I eat up so quick! Emma Hill is one of these people. I love her vlogs as it is but there is something so raw and interesting about vlogs at the moment, when we’re all in the same boat and struggling to pass the time away. In this sort of situation people true colours come out and I think there’s something really refreshing about connecting that way. Not with sponsorships or plugging social media handles but just connecting with one another in a way that encourages and helps people through these days… the 5B’s help a hell of a lot too!

Another person who’s youtube content I have really been loving right now is Kate La Vie. Her weekly vlog vids are always welcome with open arms in my subscription box; and miraculously, she’s someone I can handle hauls with. Her home is an endless source of inspiration and she just radiates such a positivity about her, even on those days when you can tell she’s maybe having not so great a time, she still seems to have an upbeat energy to her. I also love the content on her blog too.

I always love seeing Orion Carloto’s instagram content. Her sartorial aesthetic is so satisfyingly pleasing that it makes my heart flutter a little bit (is that sad to say?). Her Youtube content is great too, although few and far between. But what has really helped lately is her book Flux. Flux is a short book of poetry in a variety of approaches including hand-written notes and diary entries too. It’s so alluringly deep that you can’t help but keep turning the page. It also is a great starting point if you’re only just getting into poetry.

I think poetry in general is something that I have found myself feeling quite drawn to right now. I have been spending my evenings curling up with a book of poetry to try and divert my mind for the current state of the world. I find it so soothing to unwind with it and a tea before I go to bed, and if truth be told I don’t think I would be able to have an evening without it now. While I love reading in general, poetry has a lightness to it. The experience depends entirely on the reader. You can either analyse each stanza, reading between the lines for hidden meanings, or you can simply enjoy the musicality of the words chosen by the writer. My evening reading usually falls into the latter, deciding to enjoy the words, imagery and emotion that it gives me; which I find so helpful when trying to unwind.

And of course, in the state of affairs the world is facing right now, I found Alice Catherine’s post incredibly grounding for my anxious thoughts. I have always found solace in her posts, naturally gravitating to her words and advice but I found this post in particular extremely helpful.

I think that’s enough to mention for today, but no doubt a ton of other things will come to my mind later on so stay tuned for another post of this kind coming your way. Stay safe.

Cheerio for now!

things I have found solace in lately

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Hey there. Now I know that everyones social media feeds have been overflowing with content based around what’s going on in the world right now, and that’s fine, but like most others I thought now would be a good time to drop this post into your lap. I always keep a post in my drafts that I can quickly copy and paste anything that I am finding particular inspiring or uplifting; and right now seems to be the perfect time for that. (Keep in mind some of these things are Pre-Covid 19.

this video: now anyone knows that I’m a sucker for some book magic so this video, as simple as it seems, was great to have on in the background as I did bits and bobs last autumn.

Music by Django Reinhardt: On our trip to Wales last August, we discovered Reinhardt’s music in a community cafe theatre in Merthyr Tydfil. Swaying to the sweet tunes a kind worker told us who it was (in an inaudible accent, no’fense) and a quick Shazam later we were downloading his music to listen to as we drove through the mountains. I have been listening to his music ever since, and was even gifted a vinyl of his for Christmas which I often have playing now.

this video, this video from the Vogue Paris YouTube channel: I love these Une Fille, Un Style videos. I don’t know whether it’s where I have been focused on my own living space that has plucked my interest in them or whether it is merely human nature to be nosey that I love them. I think a space can say a lot about the person who inhabits it, and I find it fascinating to see trinkets and what not that people feel attached to or compelled to keep with them throughout their lives.

I also really loved the fact that The Fashion Citizen returned to their little corner of youtube for a few Vlogmas videos, albeit only for a few vids. I absolutely love these girls -I say, quickly glancing up at my copy of their Local Wolves cover on my shelf. I find them so refreshingly human but also inspiring. They never put on airs and graces for the camera which I think is so hard to come by these days on youtube. I also think, having seen them grow through the years via their YouTube channel to now career women is really amazing and so inspiring for us viewers.

this post by Beth over at Toasty. I have been following her blog for years and always had an interest in what she has to say, whether it be on cruelty free beauty products or her views on minimalism however, when it came to her talking about Beauty Banks and donating toiletries she truly felt like a soul sister of mine. Having always felt compelled to help the less fortunate, I have always wanted to go one step further than physically taking my unwanted items to a food/clothes bank or giving someone a hot drink on a cold day. Her post really gave me that extra bit of info to really go forward on this path.

this post by free people. I also really loved this post by them too: Now I absolutely love Free People posts however, overtime they started to move away from the earthy and DIY beauty tips that I loved towards more branding and promotion of some of their items. Now that is great and I don’t dispute it, but these two posts definitely took my back to that more earthy and maybe even soulful time of the BLDG 25 blog.

What have you found solace in lately?

Cheerio for now!

Half-Time Check Up

JamLeave a comment

The first day of January I published this post, listing the things I wanted to manifest in 2018. As we are now in the seventh month of 2018, I thought it would be a good time to remind myself of those five things I want to manifest this year – and to check in with how well I have done so far.

Save Money

This one has been going pretty well so far *touch wood*. At the point of writing this, I have saved quite a large amount of money, which I actually owe a family member – but nevertheless, I am still really proud of myself and, even after my debt is paid, I will continue to save money. There have been a few hiccups, like with everything in life, and at times my debt has gone up a little however, I’m proud of how well I have done and will continue to work on this one.

I have had conversations with two friends of mine around the idea that when it gets to payday, if there is any money left from the last one they feel the need to spend it and start fresh for the next payday. This is something I have been guilty of in the past but the past few months I have really learned to restrain myself. Even though I sometimes do have the occasional peak at ASOS, it is surprising how once you have seen the results of saving money, you can’t justify certain purchases. I find myself thinking about everything I can do with that £30 if I don’t just blow it on one top.

Let Go (Do You Boo)

This is definitely still one I am working on, but I do feel like there have been a few times that I’ve let go and simply done what I want or feel is right. I think this one will be a work in progress.

Enjoy the Beach Hut, as much as possible

My beach hut came out of storage earlier than usual this year, and I have been down there a few times. My boyfriend and I have had a few bbq’s and picnics there which has been nice. With this glorious weather, and my uni year finally wrapping up, we have also had quite a few chances to go for a dip in the sea too – which has been amazing!

Youtube

I haven’t worked on this as much as I could have although, I have been recording snippets of our life. March, especially, we had a lot going on which I have been recording here and there so I am working on a short snippet/vignette video. My editing could do with some dusting off so this may be shabby or quite raw but I want to get into it so stay tuned!

Become More Mindful 

I think this one and the first point have been the major ones I have worked on. I feel as though I have really got in a good frame of mind with money and what I spend it on. For instance, there are a few items I am looking for; like some navy culottes to replace the ones I had to throw out. I purchased a pair a while back but they didn’t fall right on my body. Usually I would forget to send the back or just make do, but if they don’t fall right on me then I know I will never reach for them. Instead I sent them back and put the refunded money in my savings. I am still on the hunt for some Navy Culottes, along with a few other items, but I am not willing to settle for anything less then perfection and I don’t think anyone else should either.

I have also been more mindful with my living area and just my way of life in general. Eating at home a lot more over getting food from the take out or restaurants has been a huge change, as well as being mindful of the things I clutter my living space with. I have a small room at the moment, which has little to no storage space. Because of this I try to only keep the necessary items in my room -and even now, as I look around, I can see five or six things I could ditch.

So there you have it, that is how I have done so far and to be honest, I am really proud of myself. True, I do have some that I haven’t honed in on just yet but there is still plenty of time and this post has served as a gentle reminder of what I still have to work on.

How are your ‘resolutions’ or manifestations going?

Cheerio for now! 

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