self care

January blues 1 me 0

Advice, health, self care

Last month was hard

So hard

I have never felt so low for so long, January blues 1, me 0.

I still functioned, still went to work, but my energetic levels were so low. I felt in the edge of tears all the time. I just want to be held and left alone at the same time. The sofa became my best friend again, offering me support and keeping me sedated.

I bored myself.

I can’t quite believe how low I felt. I let things slide, my house dissolved into a complete mess. I paid little attention to myself and I just didn’t care. Not finding the route of the problem was pissing me off.

I pissed myself off.

I think it was a combination of two things. I think I was suffering from S.A.D seasonal affective Disorder which means that the grey sky’s and lack of sunlight where making me unhappy but also my diet didn’t help. SAD is about a lack of melatonin that you normally.

I had an apple today and realised that unless there was fruit in my dessert I hadn’t had fresh fruit since November! The Pink Lady I had today was joyful and refreshing. I also ate too much take out and processed food. This isn’t good, it didn’t help my mental state.

What did I learn

That next year I am going eat better.

Give up Diet Coke except if I am on holiday or socialising.

Exercise more but also I won’t be so hard on myself.

S.A.D is a real thing and I am allowed to be blue.

I had a few really shit days. And that’s okay because I am getting through this. I got through it. Next year I will be better prepared!

Any tips for getting through the winter months will be greatly appreciated!

Self reflection

Advice, Dreaming, Planning, self care, Travel

This winter I have been busy. So busy I have missed out on a lot. It will be worth it if I get my bonus this year but it has still taken me away from the things I love and the people I miss. When you work in retail Christmas is your busiest time there is no doubt about it but life goes on weather you are out socialising or at home working.

Next year we are planning Christmas in January. Presents meal you name it. We will still have a Christmas meal but a less hectic one.

I love Christmas and it truely is my favourite time of year it I am just too busy to enjoy it. The week of Christmas I will be in France snowboarding and relaxing so I don’t mind how hectic it gets right now.

My head is already rocking with what I want to achieve next year.

Last years goals

Miraculously my goals last year were all hit. I had to save for the wedding, make for the wedding and look after myself for the wedding.

I didn’t hit all my travel destinations but I did travel to Madrid, Bulgaria, Jersey, France and Yorkshire. This years travel is going to be really exciting with Japan and Italy on the cards!

My sister asked me what I would do if I could do anything. I said draw.

Draw and paint.

But actually put the effort in. Sit down and practice what I love. So I am setting myself a challenge. 12 pieces of art next year that I am brave enough and proud enough to sell. That’s only one a month but it will still be a challenge.

I still have to actually do it.

I have enough paints and pencils and even pads to get started but I can’t tell you the last time I sat down and created something I was proud of.

Treating myself

I have no issues spending money on food or events but when it comes to me I wimp out. Skincare and food I don’t mind spending money on, or holidays or meals out.

But me. I stop at me. I need a new back pack and I have been eyeing up a Fjallraven backpack but for some reason I haven’t bought it. I was hoping to get it for my birthday or Christmas but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.

So I should just buy it for myself.

Why not, it’s not frivolous it’s essential and cheap backpacks don’t last.

I need one that fits my laptop and that won’t tire so I am doing my research and I want it in green or yellow.

I am also buying my first Mac. This will again be for my illustrations but I think it’s important to have a goal. This will be a an expensive bit of tech but to me it’s a necessity.

Getting the house sorted

I am a messy person and I need to get it sorted. My head and home are cluttered to the max and although I won’t be chucking out massive amounts of stuff somethings have to go. We are planning on buying a new kitchen and moving the bathroom. This is going to cost a lot so I need to start saving.

Read moreI love to read. It used to be every waking moment I would reach for my book and although I do have books on my phone I really do prefer to turn the pages so in the knew year I will write a list of books I plan on getting round to reading and a few I want to reread!

Organisation, self belief, travel and saving

I was to spend less on crap and invest more in me, my body, wardrobe, home and larder.

Less is more is my motto for next year

Elemis beauty bargain thanks QVC

Beauty, self care, skincare

If you like beauty and a bargain then QVC has some great deals. Now I sound like my mother. This deal was ridiculously good. So good my mum got one for her and one for me as a nice birthday treat.

Rose fragrance

So Elemis is one of my favourite brands and last year I tried the rose balm cleanser and fell in love. I know this smell is not for everyone. Roses always smell like people’s nan . But I am telling you it’s because nans got it right.

As a flower, roses aren’t my favourite but I can appreciate their beauty and I love there fragrance. Every time we visit a garden and there are roses you will find me having a good sniff.

Lots of fragrance mimics roses as powdery but I find them fresh with a hint of citrus. I love the smell I truely do. So this set it beyond perfect for me.

The smell is heavenly.

What’s in it

First of all the gorgeous makeup bag! I find Elemis do the perfect makeup bags and this is the perfect colours for me!! I am obsessed with this bag it’s suck a pretty colour and it will be coming away with me this Christmas!

What’s inside the bag

  • Rose cleansing balm
  • Apricot toner
  • Marine cologen moisturiser
  • Rose face oil
  • Rose hand and nail cream
  • Rose shower wash
  • Rose body cream

Do they work?

Well it’s Elemis so yes and they smell wonderful. I am trying to buy less and only replace instead of trying new things but this was a gift!

I also have the Marks and Spencer calendar to try out! I may even try and do a mini blog on it to see what I think about the products.

I have put my rose shower milk on the side ready to replace my flamingo shower gel. This will be coming to France with us at Christmas.

The details

I have used the moisturiser for years and it’s a firm favourite. My skin loves it, it feels light and moisturising which is what it’s supposed to do. It gives instant relief to my combination skin and I love it.

The facial oil

I have combination skin so I thought that meant stay away from oils. I was getting break out from trying the Drunk Elephant marula oil. So I forgot that when ever you try new products your skin may not take to them straight away and that you are probably using too much.

So I used less and had no more breakouts. Oily skin doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use oils! Just find the right one. I am hoping I fall in love with facial oil, smells so good I will let you know how I get on.

Apricot toner

Again I have used this one for years and I was sort of running low. Apparently Elemis has a two year life span before you open them. So I have enough time to use it all up. Hopefully they will bring out a rose one!

Hand cream and body creams appear to be similar if not the same as the other ones I have tried just with the rose smell.

Was it worth it?

I was lucky, this was a gift but for £48 and all these products yes it really was a bargain! I would have paid my hard earned cash for this deal. The cleansing balm akin is over £40!! And the amount of product in it is amazing, plus I will use it all.

Without sounding like my wonderful mother you really can grab an amazing offer at QVC.

The stress has eased and now I am just grateful

Advice, Personal Experience, Planning, self care

I feel better now

I do

I have been having a few rants and stresses lately. I know when family get involved it can all get a bit much but it’s important to know that they are here for you.

Mine have been amazing

And when I say my family that also includes my friends and people that are in my life.

I have said before that me and Gavin are very different. He hates excluding people and always feels like the bigger the better. He also welcomes new friends into his life all the time. I never have to worry about being late because Gav will have made a friend at the bar or on the way in.

He is so welcoming and I am but not as much. I don’t go out of my way to make new friends because the friendships I have had for years are so precious to me. I don’t get to spend enough time with them so without being horrible I don’t need more friends.

I hold them close to my heart and I would do anything for them. And I know that they would do the same.

The stress has eased. It may have to do with the fact that we have got a lot done. The list has halved. Things have been ordered and arrived and there are just a few makes left to do.

Monday is a prep day

Tuesday is a family day

Wednesday is when I completed the seating plan

Thursday is organise the house day

Friday is set up day

Saturday is the day

It’s almost here and it’s too late to worry about things that are out of my control.

Dear Mother Nature please don’t rain!!

My friends and family are banding around to make this day magical for me and Gavin. I took out my mother in law and mum for a prethankyou so that they would know how much there roles in my life mean to me.

I am feeling really grateful that one, Gav decided to marry me and two, that my friends and family are here to support me and Gavin.

Because we need it.

We need them here with us. I am starting to get excited now!

Gym skin my routine has changed

Beauty, self care, skincare

A few years ago when I joined the gym I didn’t see much improvement. In fact it got worse for a while.

But now I am training regularly and showering at home I have seen improvements. When I was showering at the gym I decided to mainstream my beauty products. Let’s face it I went from 5 items to an entire shelf.

Slimlining

I have gone too far with my beauty routines and products. I haven’t bought anything new in about 6 weeks.

I mean I wanted to, I just didn’t.

When I went to the gym I had one bag that I used and since then I have been using the same products every day.

  • Cleanser Sunday Riley
  • Matryxal the ordinary
  • B-hydra Drunk Elephant
  • Elemis Toner
  • C Tango serum Drunk Elephant
  • Azaleaic acid The Ordinary
  • SPF Drunk Elephant

That’s is!

That’s all I need in the morning.

I cleanse in the shower. I have started taking a bit longer really working the cleanser into my skin. Massaging it and giving myself a bit of a facial. I love it.

Then I go in with either my mytrxal or my azelaeic acid. The two don’t appear to like each other when I layer them so I just alternate then on a daily basis. Then I use my Bhydra and CFirma mixed together for ease.

My last layer is of course my SPF. This needs time to settle down it does make my skin appear white and greasy but it soon fades down.

I generally don’t wear makeup to work unless I feel like it or I am going out afterwards but generally I am bare faced with my skin fully protected.

Gym help

I have seen improvements in my skin from going to the gym. This is down to consuming more water but mainly it’s down to me eating less sugar.

I know that there is no direct link to chocolate and bad skin but my skin always reacts to it if I have too much which I often do. My choices in the last few weeks have been healthier.

Smarter with a few mistakes thrown in for good measure.

I am not drinking ale before the wedding! And am eating a healthy lunch every day. I still drink Diet Coke but it’s my vice!

So that’s it. After the wedding I won’t be trying as many products just repurchasing what I like and what I use.

Beauty products for a weekend in the sun

Beauty, Planning, self care, skincare

Madrid in the sun is glorious but I need to be careFul about what I pack in my beauty products. I need to be a bit more minalist when it comes to packing. It is only a few nights so I don’t need much and In the Frow sorted me out with a cute travel bag full of products.

what I need to pack for

  • Protection
  • Skin
  • Hair

Sunscreen & essentials

A bit over the top but I will be taking my body spray factor 30, my little diddy handy sized Lacura one which I love because it fits in my hand bag. My latest edition my Drunk Elephant SPF for my face. I will also be taking a mini can of mosquito spray just in case. I don’t like to travel any wear hot without my bug spray. Mosquitos eat me alive.

Prescription sunglasses. I bought these a few years ago and haven’t looked back.

Also have

  • Toothbrush
  • Sensodyne toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Venus mini razor in case
  • Ear buds for sleeping
  • Hair-grips
  • Mini Mitchum dioderant

First aid

I have my own first aid kit that I have made. It just contains pills, plasters, face shield and all sorts of things I may need.

Tech

I am just taking my iPhone and iwatch so I just need the chargers for those. I bought a Amazon multi usb plug and I love it. It means you can charge 3 usb items at once and I only need two! Also taking my European plug so I can use my charger.

Night skincare

So I am taking my Omorovitzca cleanser because I love it so much, my elemis night cream with is really indulgent but if I have any red bits of skin them this will sooth it. My matryxal from the I can be without it My azelaic acid which I use in the morning as well. I will take some of myDrunk elephant minis because I still have my Marula oil but I wont take any retinal because there will be a lot of sun there.

Day routine

Cleanser is the same

Then I will take my Mini lavender toner from elemis because its cute and gentile. I will apply my drunk elephant duo of B-hyra and CFirma. Add my Drunk elephant Spf and that should be me set for the day when it comes to skin care.

From the In The Frow Travel bag I will keep the Guerlain night mask in case I need it, the hand cream and face mister.I never really got face misters till I used this. I know that when I run out it will be replacing a long with the cleanser from Omorovizca . I will also be taking the Sleep mask and hair bobbles. I really do love this set.

Body

I have a shower gel mini from the body shop which is heaven and for my hair I will be taking my new Philip Kingsly trio, my boots cream or Sainsburies hair gel ( can’t believe it’s 50p) decanted and a body lotion for hydration.

I won’t have time for anything fancy so I will try and keep my beauty routines nice and quick.

A packing list helps

I am trying to keep it simple but I have a lot of space in my suitcase so I may through a few things in at the last minute which I hate doing!

I live by my packing lists. Planning this all out is my favourite bit and it helps me not to over pack! Although I probably still have a few too many items.

I will do a mini blog on what I did and didn’t use when I get back and see how it goes.

It will be a good lesson.

What are your essential packing bits?

The downside to negativity

body confidence, confidence, self care, Uncategorised

I have mentioned before that I got into blogging because I had to do it for work and I loved it. My work has talk me a lot about positivity!

I teach art to kids and adults and with each lesson I dread the negativity. Children especially are very hard on them selves. They turn disappointment into sadness and comparisons. My classes that have been going on longer aren’t really negative anymore. They have learned to focus on their development instead of focusing on their friends.

I often ask them if they are happy with their work and if they aren’t we decide how to tackle it next week till they are happy. As hard as children can be they don’t dwell on things if they get distracted by good things and positivity.

I was writing about how learning to draw can be daunting and then I wrote this quote down.

When I wrote it down and it made me think. Why do we do it.

Why do it do it?

I am into a lot of self care at the moment but that’s not the same as being negative about myself.

Self doubt

With work I got stuck in retail for far too long because I didn’t think my skills were good enough. I didn’t see them as transferable and did not value the actual skill set I have. Yes I had a demeaning boss but she only aided my self doubt.

Gav believed in me

My friends believed in me so why don’t I. Why are we our own harshest critic. I don’t want to be an obnoxious overconfident person but why could I not see my own potential?

Body issues

I have started self tanning, nothing severe just a nice healthy glow. A few shades darker then my white befreckled skin ( I love my freckles)

I start with my legs and work my way up. I am okay with my body. Then I get to my belly and I turn my head in disgust every time!

You are supposed to apply in a circular motion but my belly is so big that I end up swishing it around. Chasing the flesh trying to cover it in the same amount of cream.

I hate it, it’s the part of my body that I hate.

So why the negativity

I hate it

My belly disgusts me. I am trying to cut back on drink ( I still drink just not during the week (as much)) I haven’t run during the heatwave because it’s a heatwave people! But I have been walking home to burn some calories.

I am not working hard enough I know but the truth of the matter is. I am being way to harsh. My belly isn’t horrific at all.

My negativity is holding me back from helping myself and being positive. Being negative isn’t going to make me think hey get your arse in to gear. Negativity is going to make me go, your belly is already big why not have another bar of galaxy!

This isn’t something that is going to change over night but it is something I can work on and get out of the habit.

Negativity is the worst habit!

Let’s try to be kinder to ourselves!