December Goals
Wednesday, 11 December 2019
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Showing posts with label Lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lifestyle. Show all posts
Wednesday, 11 December 2019
December Goals
Wednesday, 6 November 2019
November Goals
November Goals
Wednesday, 6 November 2019
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Wednesday, 16 October 2019
Autumn Bucket List
Autumn Bucket List
Wednesday, 16 October 2019
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Wednesday, 9 October 2019
October Goals
October Goals
Wednesday, 9 October 2019
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How did we get here? I blinked in June 5.7 seconds ago and now we’re in October. I’m not complaining though, after the hottest summer on record (which is truly terrifying) I’m ready for my absolute favourite time of year, autumn.
Wednesday, 5 June 2019
June
June
Wednesday, 5 June 2019
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Here we go again. A new month means new goals doesn’t it? Doesn’t it?! Usually, yes, but not this month. This month I’ll be doing something entirely different. This month I’m just going to let myself be.
Lately, I've been experiencing what I can only assume is burn out, or a close approximation of. I'm tired, lads, really tired. And it's all the time. Now I could say that I’m going to focus on myself and go to the gym five times a week, get eight hours of sleep every night, while eating all my vegetables and nothing else, but I’m not going to. Because that in itself is pressure I don’t need.
I don’t need to feel bad about myself for not going to the gym, for choosing to lie on my bed, whilst probably eating a Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer and ignoring an episode of Game of Thrones to scroll through instagram instead. I don’t need to feel bad about myself. Full stop. Whether that’s for not doing things I’ve said I’m going to do or just in general. I don’t need it.
The truth is I'm not very good at relaxing, every moment I have is dedicated to something, whether it's this or my youtube channel or my actual job, my brain is always whirring. I am always doing something. I need to get comfortable doing nothing. Even if it doesn't come naturally to me.
I don’t need to feel bad about myself for not going to the gym, for choosing to lie on my bed, whilst probably eating a Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer and ignoring an episode of Game of Thrones to scroll through instagram instead. I don’t need to feel bad about myself. Full stop. Whether that’s for not doing things I’ve said I’m going to do or just in general. I don’t need it.
The truth is I'm not very good at relaxing, every moment I have is dedicated to something, whether it's this or my youtube channel or my actual job, my brain is always whirring. I am always doing something. I need to get comfortable doing nothing. Even if it doesn't come naturally to me.
So this month I will be reminding myself that it’s okay not to aim for something. It’s okay to let myself be and not strive for a goal. The world won’t end if I give myself a break and just stop beating myself up for not being who I want to be or not being good enough. Even if it’s just for a moment. It’s okay. I’ll be okay. I hope you are too.
Have a good month x
Have a good month x
Wednesday, 8 May 2019
May Goals
May Goals
Wednesday, 8 May 2019
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May is here. May. We're so far into the year now that before we know it it'll be Christmas. I know, I know I say the same thing every month - it annoys me too - but if I didn't set my monthly goals I don't think I'd really notice the passage of time as much, but I do, and time is just disappearing. I feel like I just sat down to write my April Goals and BAM we're already in May. Anywho, let's talk about my May Goals, shall we?
Write everyday
I love writing, I’ve always loved writing. But it can be really hardwork. Especially when you write for a living, which I do. Honestly, the fact that I get to say that is beyond amazing, however it does have its downside, because when writing is your job, it becomes a job, something to be ticked off a list. It can take all the joy out of it and, depending on the size and scope of the subject matter, it can be really, really fucking hard. And boring. Recently, I’ve become a bit jaded with writing. The love hasn’t gone but I’m struggling. And because of that struggle I don’t want to do it, putting pen to paper, or fingertips to keys, feels like an insurmountable challenge. The only thing I can think that will help is to write more. Specifically write more for the sheer joy of writing, write things that are just for me, so it doesn’t matter how shit they are. I put a tremendous amount of pressure on myself and my writing and I need to take it off and just write. It’s genuinely the only way I think I’ll be able get over this particular bump, and it’s the only way I’ll get better. Writing is a skill and I need to cultivate it, and the only way to do that is to write more.
Finish Game of Thrones
Guys, it finally happened. I’ve started watching Game of Thrones, and more importantly I like Game of Thrones. I really like Game of Thrones. It’s so good. The hype was real. Who knew? Luckily, the entire back catalogue is on NowTV (*not spon) just waiting for me to watch it. Unluckily the first six seasons are only there until the end of the month. Herein lies the problem, I do not have the kind of binge watching mentality that a show like Game of Thrones almost demands from its viewers. I just don’t. I left it at uni alongside my ability to concentrate on one thing for more than 45 minutes and my fondness for neon coloured tights. Watching 56 hours (I’ve nearly finished season two) of GOT in just over three weeks is going to be a real challenge. A real challenge. I genuinely don’t think I’ll manage it, but damnit, I’m going to try. Wish me luck.
Read more
I actually read quite a lot. It took some time, nothing kills a love for reading quite like an English degree IMO, but I’m finally back in a place where I’m reading fairly regularly - I’ve managed to get through 17 books so far this year - however, reading is always something that I want to be doing more of. Especially because it’s so intrinsically linked to writing. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the Wonder Woman of Fleabag and Killing Eve fame, said in her Vogue 70 questions interview that reading is the best way to get over a bout of writer’s block, and I can actually see where she’s coming from. I know when I read a particularly good book or piece of journalism it galvanises me. It makes me not only want to write but to pour all my efforts into writing something good, and that is why I want to read more this month.
What are your goals this month? Xx
Wednesday, 17 April 2019
April Goals
April Goals
Wednesday, 17 April 2019
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Chill out
It's only recently occurred to me that I work really hard. I mean, really, really hard. It's never occurred to me before that all the extra work I do outside my actual job - blogging, youtube, writing, filming, photo taking, editing, pitching, freelancing - isn't actually normal, other people don't do that. I mean, a lot of people do but a lot of people don't. What I'm trying to say is I'm not very good at doing nothing. Even when I am doing nothing and trying to relax I'm doing something OR I'm worrying about all the things I have to do. Basically, I never relax ever. So for the remainder of this month I'd like to chill the fuck out and take the pressure off myself. I don't want to be constantly worrying about all the shit I have to do. It'll get done, it usually always does. I don't want to worry about things for the sake of worrying and I also don't want to feel guilty every time I sit down to watch Netflix or to read or listen to music, these are the things that make life great, and guilt is such a useless emotion.
Get back into the gym
Not a year goes by when this isn't a goal, I swear I'll be saying it when I'm 80. I have such a love-hate relationship with the gym. I love it once I'm there but it's the getting there that's the actual problem. It's never as hard as I think it is but I build it up until it becomes this insurmountable challenge, and I just can't bring myself to go. It's a mental battle more than anything. What makes it worse, so much worse, is that I know just how good doing regular exercise makes me feel. It has such an immediate impact on my state of mind and it makes me feel good knowing that I can do things that I didn't think I could. Knowing that I've pushed myself to work hard makes me feel amazing. It's just getting there... that's the problem.
Eat better
Again this is something I've talked about a lot on here. I've made no secret of the fact that I eat like an unsupervised 5-year old at a birthday party, just skips and sour apple chewits for me, thanks. I'm exaggerating but only just. Case in point I'm basically existing on peanut butter toast and tea at the moment, and whist I truly believe that smooth peanut butter is the Lord's work, I should definitely try to get a vegetable or two. One of the main reasons I want to eat well is that I've noticed just how much the food I eat impacts my energy levels. I know this is a totally obvious and completely ridiculous observation but seriously, I'd never noticed before. I had some pick n' mix the other and my energy levels dipped so low that I immediately wanted a nap.
What are your goals for the month? x
What are your goals for the month? x
Wednesday, 13 March 2019
Little things that make me happy
Little things that make me happy
Wednesday, 13 March 2019
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Now I realise that it’s not realistic to only do things that make me happy, and despite appearances I'm not a terribly selfish person, self-involved sometimes but mostly not selfish, so I can accept that sometimes I’ll have to do things I don’t want to, like getting the bus to work, but what I can do is incorporate little things into my day to day that make me happy. Here’s some little things that make me disproportionately happy.
Fresh flowers
Audrey (my dog)
Candles
Kat Von D lipsticks
Drinking a cup of tea while it’s still hot
The Sunday supplements
Live music
Having too many books to read
Guitars
Biffy Clyro
Sleep
Music
Crumpets
Crumpets
Records
Biker boots
Long walks listening to podcasts
Fresh notebooks
Netflix
Fresh notebooks
Netflix
Dog walks
Magazines
Good pens
Good pens
Ducks
Skincare
Baking
Aromatherapy Associates shower oils
Food
Really good journalism
Trashy crime thrillers
Costa dates with my bestie
Chocolate brownies
Daffodils
The seaside
Cool mugs
Lego
Documentaries
The Simpsons
Musicals
Instagram
Lamps
Cool mugs
Lego
Documentaries
The Simpsons
Musicals
Lamps
Hot donuts
What little things make you happy? Let me know xxxxx
Wednesday, 27 February 2019
March Goals 2019
March Goals 2019
Wednesday, 27 February 2019
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I never ever know how to start my monthly goals posts. I could go super basic, which is the option I usually plump for, and marvel at the passage of time, or I could come up with something original. Option A it is. Guys! It's basically March! We're nearly a quarter of the way through the year. Seriously! I'm hoping this fact will shock me into action, because I haven't achieved everything I'd wanted to by this point.
Wednesday, 6 February 2019
February Goals 2019
February Goals 2019
Wednesday, 6 February 2019
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A new month (FINALLY! January lasted forever) means new goals. I didn't set any goals last month because I made the decision that instead of a laundry list of resolutions I was just going to let myself be. Yes, there are things I want to achieve, but ultimately my main goal for this month, this year, this life is to accept myself, warts and all, because it's something I should have done a long time ago.
Wednesday, 2 January 2019
New Year, New Me? No thanks
New Year, New Me? No thanks
Wednesday, 2 January 2019
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Hello! And welcome to my first post of 2019. How are you? It's been a while! I hope everyone had a lovely festive time and are ready to take this year by the horns and make some magic happen. I know I am.
Wednesday, 5 December 2018
True Crime Podcasts I’m OBSESSED With
True Crime Podcasts I’m OBSESSED With
Wednesday, 5 December 2018
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Instead, I've been embracing the bleak midwinter - be more emo, Lauren, I dare you! - and consuming all of the true crime podcasts that I can handle. Come January I'll regret this grinchiness but for now I'm quite content being a ghoul and listening to all these grisly crime podcasts. It's the worst kind of voyeurism, luckily, due to the sheer volume of true crime podcasts in existence, I'm definitely not the only one who finds murder fascinating. Anyway, if you like me aren't quite ready for Santa Claus to be coming to town - literally, never, ever thought I would type those words - then here's a list of some of my absolute favourite true crime podcasts to keep you busy.
Set in the rural Irish town of the same name, West Cork explores the grisly murder of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier, a French holidaymaker, who was found brutally beaten to death just two days before Christmas in 1996. Hosted by husband and wife team; Sam Bungey and Jennifer Forde, West Cork is a compelling and addictive listen. It's fascinating and sad and intriguing and strange and I couldn't stop listening to it. It blow my mind, especially when considering the sheer amount of research, time and attention to detail that went into it. I've listened to it twice now - sidenote: I've listened to most of these twice! - and it's still just as surprising and devastating the second time around. It's amazing!
Escaping NXIVM (pronounced Nexium) is the first season of Uncover, a CBC podcast hosted by reporter Josh Bloch. It tells the story of Bloch's childhood friend Sarah Edmondson, who was heavily involved in and escaped from a cult. It is as batshit crazypants as it sounds. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, I just think you need to go and listen to it because it is fucking insane. It's also a superb example of awesome storytelling. It's bizarre and compelling and actually really quite scary. When Bloch was explaining how the cult worked and the ideas and theories that it espoused there were some things that I could see myself buying into... it's fucking weird!
Dirty John is one of my all time favourite podcasts. I don't say that lightly. Produced by The LA Times and Wondery, Dirty John is a fascinating and horrifying story told by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Christopher Goffard. Goffard - who is in possession of the most soothing yet irritating voice I've ever heard - investigates the titular Dirty John, real name John Meehan, and his relationship with Debra Newell, who he marries and ultimately tries to con. It's full of sickening twists and turns and is incredibly frustrating at times, mostly because Newell, whilst a victim, isn't particularly likeable, so it's hard to be on her side. Having said that, it's completely addictive and I was hooked from the first episode. Also it's set in Newport Beach, as in the one from The OC. So cool!
Hosted by Hedley Thomas, a seasoned reporter at The Australian,The Teacher’s Pet is an examination of the disappearance Lynette Dawson, a devoted wife and mother, who vanished in January 1982. Lynette hasn’t seen since and is widely believed to have been murdered by her husband, Chris, so he could be with his school-girl lover. It’s a horrific story that only gets worse the more I listen, I haven't finished listening yet, but it’s also fascinating and sad.
Narrated by medical journalist Laura Bell, Dr Death investigates Dr Christopher Dunstch, a neurosurgeon with a hideous track record of making ghastly mistakes, leaving his patients paralysed, in terrible pain or dead. Is Dunstch really just inept? Or does he have deadlier motives? Like Dirty John this is an addictive listen. It's difficult to listen to in places because it does go into quite a lot of detail about how much damage Dunstch inflicts on his patients and the awful things he does to them in surgery. But it's brilliant. And terrifying.
What are your favourite podcasts? Send me your recommendations x
What are your favourite podcasts? Send me your recommendations x
Wednesday, 21 November 2018
November Goals
November Goals
Wednesday, 21 November 2018
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It's November. I'm just gonna let that sink in for a minute. November. It's not even just November, oh no, it's nearly the end of November. Where has this month gone? Where has this year gone? I just... I don't know. Anyway, this month has been a super busy one. I've moved house, I've done other things too but that's the most important thing. Anyway, while it's still November I should probably set myself some goals, even if I only have nine days left of the month to do them...
Be present
I’m one of those people who’s either constantly reminiscing about times gone by OR fantasising about the future. I never, ever think about the present, because I kind of just see it as a means to an end rather than something that should be embraced and enjoyed. As a result, I live my life almost completely inside my own head. And recently it’s occurred to me just how sad that is. It’s really fucking sad. It means I can’t enjoy anything, but I also don’t want to miss out on my life because I'm spending all my time thinking about how it could be rather than enjoying it for what it currently is. I've always had a really overactive imagination and am something of a fantasist and these are good things, IMO, but the challenge is keeping those things whilst also keeping myself firmly grounded in my present? Answers on the back of a postcard...
Declutter (again)
Guys! I've moved! It's been a really busy couple of weeks but I’m happily ensconced in my new room. Side note: I have a gallery wall! You can’t know how happy it makes me. Anyway, even though I’ve moved out of my mum’s now, I still have a ton, I’m not joking it could easily be a ton, of stuff at hers that I need to go through and either pack up or get rid of. Luckily, I quite enjoy a good sort out. Unluckily, I don’t want to actually do it, but you know, needs must.
Apply myself
I’m one of life’s muddlers - evidenced by the fact that we are 3 weeks into November and I’m only just setting my goals now - I just muddle my way through, with the constant feeling that I could be doing more, that I have the potential to do really cool and amazing things, but never quite managing it. Let me tell you it is no fun thinking that I’m not achieving the things I could be.
I think there are probably three things responsible for these constant feelings of inadequacy. 1. I can be quite lazy. I’m a human sloth that likes sleep and netflix. 2. Social media. I think it’s quite hard to be happy with your lot in life when you constantly compare yourself to others on Instagram. Which I do. ALL THE TIME! 3. Time. I don’t have a lot of it and I probably don’t make good use of it.
For the rest of the month/year I’m going to apply myself to the things that matter most to me, learn to prioritise so I don’t waste time I don’t have on bullshit things I don’t care about and make time for the things I do care about. It’s gonna be a tricky one, especially now my favourite time waster, I’m a Celeb, is back on our screens!
Book my driving test
It’s taken two years of lessons, with one particularly memorable lesson where I turned the wrong way on a roundabout, got spooked and burst into tears, but I think (whisper it) that I’m finally nearly test ready. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still not a fan of driving, but it’s time. Plus it will save me so much time! Just need to get the bish booked now!
Start Christmas shopping
For someone who loves Christmas as much as I do, I always leave my Christmas shopping until the last minute. Thank God for Amazon Prime. Except not really because we know there’s a human cost, despite how bloody convenient it is. Anyway, to save myself the hassle of running round the shops on Christmas Eve I’m planning to make a start on my Christmas shopping, even if it's just a few bits and pieces. Anythings better than nothing. Sidenote: who else cried at Elton John x John Lewis ad... because I was a wreck!
What are your goals for the rest of this month? xxx
What are your goals for the rest of this month? xxx
Wednesday, 31 October 2018
Autumn Reads
Autumn Reads
Wednesday, 31 October 2018
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If you love a slightly trashy but compelling crime novel (my fave!) then look no further (is that a pun?!) Told from the perspective of both sides, No Further Questions is a courtroom drama, about sisters, Martha and Becky, who are embroiled in a court case, where one of them - Becky - stands accused of murdering the other’s baby. Despite the quite dark subject matter, not going to lie I don’t love reading about children being murdered, I was completely consumed by the story, which drew me in from the very first page and kept me reading until the bitter end. It’s a fantastic read.
What Would The Spice Girls Do? by Lauren Bravo
What Would The Spice Girls Do? is an exploration of the Spice Girls and their undeniable impact on pop culture and, not to be overdramatic, the world. More importantly, it's about the Girl Power generation and how we grew up.
I was only five when Wannabe came out and set the world on fire, so I am a fully paid up member of the Girl Power generation and a former Baby Spice wannabe. I grew up with the Spice Girls. I was obsessed with them. I loved them! And I loved reading this book because of that. Reading it was so nostalgic, because I lived it all. I was obsessed, I had the dolls, I had the photo cards, I had the Impulse body spray, I ate the crisps and I even had an unofficial blue Spice Girls t-shirt that my mum got me from the market. And you probably did too.
Now even if you didn't love the Spice Girls - you did, you know you did! - it's still a fascinating and hilarious read. It's whip-smart, hilariously funny and stridently feminist without being preachy. I'm a total Lauren Bravo fangirl, and the way she writes is just *italian chef finger kiss* It's brilliant.
Set inside a Women's Clinic in Mississippi which has been taken over by a shooter, A Spark of Light is an incredible book about abortion and the different arguments on either side of this very contentious topic. Starting at the end, the story works backwards and is told from multiple perspectives, including that of the shooter. It's very cleverly and sensitively done, but it's also incredibly well written. I'm reading it at the moment, and I'm about half way through but I'm finding it to be a really compelling read. It's utterly addictive and compelling but thought provoking and incredibly relevant. I think it's amazing and I can't wait to find out what's going to happen.
You don't have to be a fan of Lily Allen's - I wasn't particularly, I am now - to think that her autobiography is a spectacular piece of work. It's honestly incredible and I wasn't expecting to be as emotionally invested in it as I was. My Thoughts Exactly is Lily's answer to all the tabloid stories and trolling and all other horrible bull shit she faces on a day-to-day basis. It's her story told in her words, and those words are bloody brilliant. She's very open and honest, to the point where it's painful at times, but she's also funny and warm, and her story is really moving. I loved it.
Okay, so this is the only one I haven't read yet, but it's next on my reading list. Lately, like the rest of the world, I've become a bit obsessed with Busy Phillips. Her autobiography, This Will Only Hurt a Little, from what I've heard, is funny, brutally honest, refreshing, heartbreaking and awesome. I cannot wait to get stuck in.
So those are my reading recommendations, what are yours? Let me know xxx
Wednesday, 17 October 2018
October Goals
October Goals
Wednesday, 17 October 2018
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Time has just slipped away from me these past few months. Everytime I think I’ve got a second to slow down and take a breath, another three weeks flies by. Honestly, cliched as it may to be to start a blog post this way, and it bloody is let’s be honest, but the speed at which this year has gone is nothing short of terrifying. But seeing as we’re here, already two weeks into October, let’s talk Goals shall we?
Be happy
I’ve realised recently that I spend a lot of time doing bullshit things that actively make me unhappy. Things that don’t make a lot of sense. Like waiting until the absolute last minute to get up in the morning so getting to work is a stressful, rushed mess, or not eating particularly well, or most frustratingly, spending hours and hours mindlessly scrolling through twitter or instagram. It’s exhausting. And the worst part is that I’m so busy doing bullshit things that I’m neglecting to do the things that I like and that make me happy. Like going to the gym and playing my guitar. So I need to do more of the things that make me happy, less of the shit that doesn’t and maybe get a bit more sleep. That’s the secret to happiness, right?
Be organised
I’m moving house in five weeks, and I’ve done nothing. Not a thing. I’ve started buying stuff, because obviously, but other than that nothing. And I just know that the next five weeks are going to fly by. The worst part is I’ve been living in my current house for 20 years and there is so much stuff shit that needs to be sorted through and got rid of. Dreading this already.
Commit
It’s time I put my hands up and admit that I’m not very good at commitment. Not in the relationship sense, or in any other sense for that matter. My mind is incredibly changeable. I pick things up and put them down again in seconds. It’s like I’ve got the world’s shortest attention span. BUT I am quite a creative person and have tons of ideas and things that I want to do that won’t ever get done unless I actively commit to them and myself. So commit, Lauren, you silly arse!
What are your goals this month? Xx
Wednesday, 19 September 2018
September Goals
September Goals
Wednesday, 19 September 2018
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September! Oh September! I could write a love letter to this wonder, wonderful month! I know I'm probably alone in this, but I'm SO happy that summer is finally over and we're now in Autumn. Autumn is my favourite time of year. I love it! In fact,I've been so busy enjoying the past month that I haven't had a minute to sit down and write a post. But I'm back now and with a post I originally meant to upload three weeks ago. Oops.
Read more!
Reading is, and has always been, one of my favourite ways to spend my time. From when I was a really little girl and memorised all the words to Dear Zoo so I could read it to myself, right up until I chose to do a degree in English Literature, and essentially murdered my love of reading. It’s no fun reading book you have to read! Especially when one of those books is Moby Dick! But recently I’ve read one or two INCREDIBLE books - Promising Young Women by Caroline O’Donohue, I Stop Somewhere by T.E. Carter and Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton - that have completely reignited my love for reading and books. I also read a piece in The Times, cuz I’m so fancy, by Laura Freeman that was completely incredible. She argued that immersing yourself in books and art and music is actually better for mental wellbeing than meditation. And I completely agree. Meditation has never worked for me, my heads not a particularly safe place for me to be, but reading has always settled my mind, and calmed me. So for both my mental health and just my general development as a human I’m going to be hitting the books pretty hard this month.
Up my guitar game
I've been playing guitar for over two years now and I've totally plateaued. I can play and I sound alright but I want to be really good. It doesn't help that I've let life totally got in the way of me playing, I used to play everyday for hours but lately it's more like a couple of times a week, if that. I want to learn at least one new song before the month is over, and *whisper it* try Drop D tuning. All the best songs are in Drop D.
Book driving test
I passed my theory test back in July and have been throwing myself into my lessons because I just want to be able to drive now! It's been two years! This is the final hurdle and I'm terrified but it's about time.
Start packing/declutter
Big news folks! I'm moving! I'm not sure when because I'm moving into a shared house, but I'm pretty sure it will be sometime in October/November. Which means I have some serious clearing out and packing to do. Better get started!
Gym
I'm ashamed to admit just how long it's been since I last went to the gym. It was May. I need to go back. I sleep so much better when I'm exercising, I feel better both physically and mentally and it's just a really good thing that I need to make sure I'm doing.
Not much new for this month, which I suppose is good because we're literally three weeks into it but they're all still worth a try and manageable. What are your September Goals?
Wednesday, 1 August 2018
August Goals
August Goals
Wednesday, 1 August 2018
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Another month has just completely flown by. This time in a blur of intense heat, near constant sweating, all of the birthdays and if I’m honest one too many twister ice lollies. July was a busy but really good month, but I have to say I’m really glad we’re into August. It feels like we’re finally on the home stretch people! Just one more month and then summer will be over! I can’t wait.
Live better
I know, I know, this, or some variation of this, is a goal every single month and yet I continue to be a nightmare human. I don’t sleep enough. I don’t drink enough water. I don’t eat particularly well and some days I just exist on Jaffa Cakes and Hula Hoops. And it’s catching up with me. I’m perpetually knackered, knocking back endless mugs of tea and bottles of Coke Zero - which is way worse for you than normal Coke by the way, but has less calories - just to keep myself awake and honestly, I look and feel like shit! So my main goal this month is a fairly simple one: Drink more water, get more sleep and maybe eat some vegetables. I swear one of these days I’m actually going to achieve this goal, and on that day I will go to sleep promptly at 10:30 and get up at 6:30 feeling refreshed and human, whilst starting the day with a hot water and lemon. Maybe that’s a bridge too far....
Get motivated/work harder
Lately I’ve lost my mojo a bit, and with it my motivation to do anything during the day. I blame the recent - and hideous - heatwave! (I’m not a summer person, can you tell?) It’s melted my brain! It’s miserable. Luckily, and perhaps for the first time ever, my blog hasn’t suffered but the rest of my life has. At the moment it feels like I’m stuck on a treadmill and getting absolutely no where. It feels like I’m achieving nothing between the hours of 7am and 10pm. I know that’s not the case, but it’s a really shitty feeling. Something definitely needs to change.
Stop people pleasing
This goes hand in hand with working harder/total lack of motivation. I want to, and do, work really hard but I want to do it for me, not for other people. So much of my life and my working day is doing things for other people that I shouldn’t be doing and don’t have time to do. It is, quite frankly, exhausting. I can’t please everyone and trying to is a waste of my time and energy!
Take no shit!
Just no more. I don’t need anyone else’s bull shit. I have quite enough of my own, thank you very much!
What are your goals for the month? x
Wednesday, 25 July 2018
Mini Supermarket Beauty Haul
Mini Supermarket Beauty Haul
Wednesday, 25 July 2018
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On a recent trip round Sainsburys I was shocked to discover that their beauty offering was looking really rather good, it looked better than I'd seen it look in ages as a matter of face, and there was a whole host of brands, that I'd never normally associate with Sanos, that I was desperate to try. Naturally, I couldn't stop myself from having a rummage and before I knew it I was at the self-checkout, debit and nectar cards in hand, shouting IT IS IN THE BAGGING AREA, YOU BELLIGERENT BITCH! Anyway, here's what I bought.
Mane 'n Tail The Original Body Shampoo and The Original Moisturiser Conditioner - £5/£5
Originally developed for horses, no I'm not joking, Mane 'n Tail promises longer, stronger, thicker and fuller hair. And I want all of those things! It also smells lovely. Now, I'd been wanting to try these for a while, I've heard very good things about the leave-in conditioner, which they didn't have, so when I saw the range in Sainsburys - I went in for Gyoza and came out having spent £60 on beauty products and haribo! - I snapped them up. BUT after having a quick peruse of the ingredients I'm slightly concerned as the shampoo contains 'high lathering cleansing agents' which means that it definitely isn't SLS-free, so might actually be quite drying, which I really don't want. However, the 'micro-enriched protein formula', whatever that means, also contains moisturisers and emulsifiers, so I'll just have to try it out and report back. The conditioner claims to leave the hair looking visibly thicker and healthier after just one use and contains natural oils to nourish the hair and scalp, as well as moisturisers to prevent drying and protect the hair from sun damage. Honestly, it all sounds great but I'm a bit dubious, blame it on the SLS-es, but have you ever seen a horse with bad hair? Apart from the one on the internet who was given a really dodgy haircut, obvs. Poor thing.
Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Gentle Daily Micro Polish Wash - £10
I've been looking for a new everyday face wash, after finishing my Skin Regimen Anti-Pollution Facial Wash, which I loved, when I spotted this jaunty, orange offering from Super Facialist. Designed to brighten the skin and boost radiance whilst gently cleansing the skin, this daily facial wash is formulated with vitamin C, antioxidant-rich ferulic acid and plant-based micro beads to remove dead skin cells, as well as dirt and impurities to reveal 'a fresh, glowing complexion'. It has a light gel-like texture, which I really like, and an absolutely incredible citrus-orange scent, which smells almost exactly like the Mandarin soap from The Body Shop. Very excited to try this, which I will be first thing tomorrow morning!
Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil - £11
As a beauty journalist by day and a beauty blogger by night I'm in the very lucky position where I sometimes get sent beauty products. So its very rare for me to repurchase things, because I have a lot of unused skincare, just waiting for its moment in the sun. I think that says a lot about how much I like this facial oil, because I did repurchase it and I bloody love it. Part of Super Facialist's Vitamin C+ Brighten range, so it has that amazing orange scent, Skin Renew is formulated with vitamin C (duh), olive, grapeseed and rosehip oils, as well as vitamin E and passionflower and cucumber oils to gently cleanse the skin. Once worked into the skin it transforms into a milky emulsion which leaves the skin feeling smooth and hydrated, but most importantly, clear of any make up, dirt or impurities. I strongly recommend this if you like cleansing oils because its one of the best I've come across. Second only to the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, which will always have a very special place in my heart.
What have you been buying lately? xxx
Wednesday, 18 July 2018
Managing My OCD at a Festival
Managing My OCD at a Festival
Wednesday, 18 July 2018
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I’d like to preface this post by saying that one of my biggest pet hates in life is people, who don’t suffer with OCD, saying "Oh I'm a bit OCD" or just casually referring to their 'OCD' like it's nothing. It's not nothing and it fucks me off like nothing else. Liking things to be a certain way does not mean you have OCD, maybe you have OCPD (Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder) but casually referring to a real illness as though it's no big deal, or something to be laughed at really sends my blood boiling. It's the only area of my life where I have no sense of humour, because it's not fucking funny.
Wednesday, 11 July 2018
5 SONGS I'M CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH
5 SONGS I'M CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH
Wednesday, 11 July 2018
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If you've met me like ever or even briefly glanced at my instagram stories then you'll know that music is a major (not sorry for that pun) part of my life. Always has been. I love it and because I have excellent taste, in my opinion, I thought I’d share just five of the songs that I'm currently obsessing over. Enjoy
I've been a fan of the 'Mac since I was 14 and my Dad told me I looked like Stevie Nicks (I don't, but it's still the nicest thing he's ever said to me), but I've only recently discovered this song, after watching 1997's The Dance. Written by Nicks, originally for the band's iconic Rumours album, Silver Springs is an angry, sad and bittersweet look at her epic and effed up relationship with Lindsey Buckingham. It's incredible. Gorgeous and brutal. I love it.
As obsessed as I am with the original, and trust me I am, Sheryl Crow is a goddess, I think Haim's cover might actually be better. I know, I know, I didn't see that one coming either, but it's an incredible cover, and the arrangement is awesome! Having said that it is just a great song, Haim cover or no, the lyrics are stunning and powerful, and my god they're so relatable. If the future Mr Lauren is reading this, I doubt it but you never know, then listen the hell up because this song explains everything you need to know about me! Also Haim's cover of Shania Twain's That Don't Impress Me Much is awesome and you should definitely listen to that too!
After I saw The Killers in November last year, after waiting about 10 years, I completely fell in love with their latest album, particularly this song. On the right/wrong day, usually one when I'm PMSing, Rut has the power to reduce me to a sobbing mess. It is beautiful. And sad. And hopeful. And I fucking love it!
I first came across The Menzingers at the backend of last year, when I was in Florida and I heard them on the radio while I was in the back of an Uber, and they've become one of my very favourite bands. They haven't knocked Biffy off the top spot yet, but they're up there. Anyway, I love and repeatedly listen to most of their songs - being basically in love with the Rented World album which is incredible - but lately I've been listening to After the Party, both the album and the song, loads. After the Party is nostalgic and wistful and completely fucking awesome!
You weren't expecting to make it through this entire list without at least one Biffy mention, were you? Their cover of God Only Knows is perfect. It's emotional, heartwarming, joyful and utterly gorgeous. It is all of the heart eyed emojis and then some!
What songs are you loving right now? Any recommendations for me? xxx
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