Saturday 31 May 2014

This Week #5



It's been a little while since I rounded up the week like this (I'm aware it's Saturday, I have another post for tomorrow). I think these are actually some of my favourite posts to write. It's probably just welcomed headspace.

Things have been a bit mental recently (I say this every time but it is kind of true) and now I've actually sat down and attempting to summarise, I can't quite compute any of it.





Most of my time has been spent with friends and when asked the next day (by my Dad) what we'd been up to, my reply was "youth stuff" - I don't think that one worked in my favour.

I made it big this week; my ramblings were used a two minute clip on BBC Radio 5 and my photos featured on page 4/5 in a real life magazine...  All autograph requests can be forwarded to my PA (that was a joke, please no one take it seriously... mainly because my signature is shocking).


Things have felt pretty sweet lately and I've had to stop a few times and just absorb what's really going on. It feels damn good!


This week's teaching: "I'm glad you're alive."



Tuesday 27 May 2014

17 Things In 17 Years



I like to pretend that I’m a wise individual since I’m nearing eighteen years of age, but the truth is, I do a lot of stupid stuff, and I probably will for a long time.

Nonetheless, everyone needs unwarranted advice from a complete stranger.


1. People from all around the world aren't as different as they're made out in the news.

2. To a certain extent, no one knows what they're doing...
3. Be very serious about not taking things seriously.
4. If you want a gin and tonic, have a bloody gin and tonic.
5. It's okay to disagree with criticism.
6. If your dog starts to smell like popcorn, he probably needs a bath.
7. Only buy clothes that make you want to dance.
8. Energy is contagious, positive and negative alike.
9. Smile at those who never smile at you.
10. No one can steal the way you wear a plain white shirt.
11. Salt water heals.
12. Question everything.
13. Don't believe everything you read on the internet - except this.
14. Always invest in a good pair of shoes.
15. Some days you're the bird, some days you're the statue.
16. Take pictures, often.
17. You can tell a lot about a person from the way they treat waiters/waitresses.



Friday 23 May 2014

Links Love #2


// Tools and tips for travelling.

// Rejection letters suck, but even the famous get them.

// Sophie Ward's story on finding self-love after becoming a model.

// Need a little background noise while you work? Try this.

// Still the cutest vine I've ever seen.

// A site where people anonymously post their secrets and confessions - we're all human, right?


Tuesday 20 May 2014

Music Morning No. 2

This time last month I started a four part series on my blog called Music Morning (first post here). It involves me choosing a piece of music or artist that I've been loving recently.

This morning's music love is...





It was originally my brother that got me into Jamie Cullum and I've been pretty much hooked ever since. Smooth, easy listening and with a hint of jazz (let's be honest, big band is always a winner), you can't really go wrong.

Sunday 18 May 2014

This Week #4



My oh my this week! Busy doesn't even cut it!

I spend most of Monday trying to get the indicators on my car fixed (for a price that wouldn't leave me with 40p to my name), no luck as of yet but let's just say it's proving interesting (crazy fun) to drive.


The most difficult part of my week has been finding boundaries and setting them in place, sometimes I find it tricky to let go of the sense I'm disappointing someone or being a little harsh. Annoyingly, this often leads to the exact opposite, I end up going out f my way for others (when not warranted) and am just too nice. I need to work on it and recognising the flaw is the first step - it's time to put my foot down.





Also, I've set some solid plans for the summer months and I can hardly wait! The chance to get out more, see more, hang out more is sounding really appealing and is definitely getting me through bouts of negative feelings.

For the most part, I've had a really positive week. Clouds disappearing and the sun has had a big part to play in this, it's all a little more hopeful.

Seeing friends and doing different things to my usual routine has kept me alert and interested - I'm on track.

This week's teaching: "Energy follows intent."



Friday 16 May 2014

Pick Me Ups Pt. 2

A while back I wrote a blog post with a list of things that feel good. After a great response, I figured a 'Pt. 2' was in order.

A list of things that feel great:

  • Strawberry picking.
  • A walk in the woods - sunshine peeping through the trees.
  • Having a special place all to yourself to go to when you need to get away. 
  • Reading the book that's been sat on your shelf for too long. 
  • The first snow fight of the year.
  • Swimming.
  • Time spent with your siblings.
  • Learning.
  • Beating your personal best.
  • Finding trinkets & money in the jeans you were about to wash. 
  • Family cooking. 
  • Deserted beaches.
  • The smell of the lake right after it rains.
  • Snuggling in to a giant towel after a shower. 
  • Taking photos. 
  • Waking up in time for sunrise.
  • Searching for shells in the sand. 
  • That feeling after a workout/run.
  • The smell of freshly cut grass.
  • Knowing that all is well.
  • Finding a starfish at the beach. 
  • The sound of wind in the trees. 
  • The sound of the ocean at high tide.
  • Meeting new people and having them become good friends faster than you thought possible. 
  • Finding common ground with someone you were unsure about.
  • Knowing and feeling that some person really likes you as you are.
  • When the weather is just warm enough for you to eat outside.
  • Listening to the falling rain drops. 
  • Watching the dew drops on flower petals early in the morning. 
  • Latte art.
  • Compliments and praise.
  • Taking photos. 
  • Searching for shells in the sand. 
  • Rekindling old friendships.
  • Knowing you taught someone something valuable.
  • Walking barefoot on wet grass.
  • Building a fire on the beach.
  • Knowing you did your best and it bloody well paid off.

Tuesday 13 May 2014

Beauty: Coconut Oil



After investing in a huge tub of coconut oil - mainly to use in healthier cooking - I found myself struggling to get through it.

I did a little research on the product itself to see where it was safe to use. Lucky for you, I've compacted some of its best uses (most tried and tested by me).



---

Hair:


1. Mask/Conditioner - Coconut oil works great as a hair mask! Apply to dry or damp hair, focusing mostly on the middle to ends of your locks. Then leave for around half an hour, collected in a shower cap. It's important that you don't leave it on for much longer than an hour as it can have a reversing effect, leaving your hair smelling not so sweet and a little greasy.


2. Taming Frizz - Everyone's hair can get a little frizzy sometimes and coconut oil is a great way to hide this. Take a very small amount and apply where needed. You can also use it to tame those annoying split ends.


3. Heat Protector - Before drying your hair take a small amount of the oil in your hands and tease it in to the middle to ends of your hair. Avoid your scalp/roots as it's easy for it to collect in one spot.





Body:

1. Moisturiser - Like most oils coconut is great for your skin and will work really well as a moisturiser. Simply rub it on your arms, legs, neck, etc after a shower. Your skin will be left with a dewy glow and softer than ever.


2. Skin Treatment - If you suffer from eczema or stretch marks then it's worth giving coconut oil a try. Gently soothe it in to the affected area twice daily. It will take a little while to work but the results are incredible and you won't have to use any creams packed with chemicals.


3. Shaving Cream - I'm not a fan of buying shaving cream, it's pricey and often left my skin sore. After trying coconut oil I was hooked. It's soothing to the skin and provides a close shave, meaning you stay smooth for longer.





Face:

1. Cleanser/Make Up Remover - Take a teaspoon of coconut oil and massage in to your face. It will aid in removing your make up. When used to remove mascara it leaves you with stronger, healthier lashes, after using it for four weeks I noticed my eyelashes falling out less. For the best results, move your first three fingers in circular motions of your eyelids for a few minutes then gently wipe away with a cotton pad - this technique will also work for the rest of your face.


2. Eye Cream - To use around your eyes, administer a pea sized amount to your eyelid (up to your eyebrow) and underneath your bottom lashes (stop just before your cheekbone). This use of coconut oil can aid dark circles and puffiness.


3. Face Scrub - In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with a little salt and use as an exfoliator - you could also add a few drops of Tea Tree Oil if you're blemish prone.

Substitute the salt for sugar if you prefer a softer scrub. As sugar is generally smaller it will be less abrasive.

4. Lip Balm - Coconut oil work wonders on chapped, dry or sensitive lips. Use it as you would any regular lip balm. Scoop a little in to a small tub so you can keep it with you on the go.





Quick Tips:


  • A little goes a very long way!
  • Coconut oil melts at body temperature, so rubbing the oil between your fingers will be enough.

Sunday 11 May 2014

This Week #3



This week has been:

  • Very green
  • Bright
  • Conflicting
  • Exciting
  • Full of ideas, goals and plans
  • Restless
  • Coffee fuelled
  • Chatty
  • Rewarding
  • Active
  • A little tiring
  • Passive
  • Hopeful

This week's teaching: "The more you say, "No", the more people want in."

Wednesday 7 May 2014

Travel: Bari, Italy



If you follow me on Twitter you'll know I spent the last few days with family in Italy.
Now, when it comes to travelling, I'm pretty organised... to the point where I was pretty much packed a week in advance. So when it came to 10:30am on Saturday, I'd been ready for around four hours already.




I was pretty gutted I didn't grab the window seat on the plane - hello, where is the obligatory shot of the sky?! 




We arrived in Bari by 9pm and headed straight to my Aunt's for food.
The view from the balcony was a bit soggy and grey the next morning but the life on that street was like no other.






The temptation to pick that plump lemon from the tree was very strong! I just about managed to resist. I'm hoping, one day, I'll have a little place of my own with enough room for beautiful things like lemon trees and flowers.




An abandoned, derelict cinema in Santo Spirito - it was exquisite! It would have been great to have a nosey inside but unfortunately it was all boarded up. 
Imagine turning it in to a house!





Later that night, me and a few others took the dog for a walk and somehow managed to slip in to a little cake shop - we may or may not have left with around 16 of these beauties.




Despite it being a little early in the season for blood oranges we were lucky enough to get our hands on a few. My, oh my, they were perfect!  




It was lovely to take the weekend off - no phone, internet, boring stuff - and just spend it with family. It's not often I'll have the opportunity to do things like this, soaking up the atmosphere, people, culture... and food.

Saturday 3 May 2014

Links Love #1


// In recent months I've been attempting to create an 'investment wardrobe' and I've just about got these classics.

// The architecture of this Church in Copenhagen still has me in complete awe!


// I've been using this recipe to satisfy my cravings for sweet potatoes recently - blimey it's a good 'un!


// Take 2 minutes to watch this video, you won't regret it.


// Audi teamed up with Leica and created this beauty.


// Inspiration for your quiet place - I am hooked!



Thursday 1 May 2014

On Missing You

People often say it hurts the most at night. On their birthday. At Christmas.
Apparently crying in to your pillow and clenching your fists at 2am are the romantic notions that mirror unhappiness.

But sometimes,

It's 11am on a Thursday,
you're standing at the kitchen counter waiting for the kettle to boil.

And it's the sight of sunlight absorbing dust in the air and earl grey tea that makes you miss them so much you don't know what to do with your hands.