Thank you to every single one of you who voted for me in the Matalan Style project…I’m elated have received an e-mail saying I’ve won…actually, I think the reaction is more gobsmacked!
The next round has started to pop along to Matalan’s blog and vote for the next winner ; this month’s theme is Colour Blocking!
Thank you again! Normal blogging will resume next week, this week been far more chaotic than anticipated!
xxx
Posted in matalan
I caved and bought the Clinique chubby stick from my beauty wishes post. Seeing it in person at the counter in Bath I realised it was indeed a must have for me. My lips are terribly dry but this is moisturising and adds a pretty, sheer tint of colour.
At £14 it’s probably the most expensive lip product I own, but damn I’m hooked. Already.
And just because I have little else to post about…
(he was wanting a chin rub, I was wanting a photo)
…oh to be a cat!
xxx
Optimism; “hopefulness and confidence about the future or successful outcome of something; a tendency to take a favourable or hopeful view.”
Are you an optimist? A glass half full kind of person? I’ll admit I never used to be, up until 18 months or so ago I’d look for the negative side of any situation and fixate on that, ignoring any small glimmer of hope that may be lurking.
So what changed?
I got sick. And stuck. It’s not a great situation, but weary as I was something clicked. I started planning for the future; writing list upon list of things I wanted to do, see and buy. I turned every situation in to a joke and refused to believe that things weren’t ever going to change.
And like magic,
things DID change. In a way they never had (despite my best efforts) over the previous 8 or so years and half hearted attempts at getting better.
That silver lining and never dying belief that some way and some how things were going to change (they could hardly have got worse) made me stronger and more willing to fight. I relished in every achievement and slowly but surely made progress.
I hate to sound preachy, but right now I’m living my dream. The small things I used to take for granted; shopping with friends, picnics in the park, cake with my grandparents, being able to walk, work and ride my bike I appreciate all the more.
I’m no longer ill. Or at least, I am a damn sight better than I have been for years, but there are still situations where this applies.
Work, for example is stress central right now. And for a lot of you dear readers, exams are a big worry.
Take five minutes to take a step back. Take some deep breaths. Make a list of what you want to do when this has passed (and invariably, it will)
and most importantly, no matter how big or small, look for that silver lining. I promise you it is there.
I’m writing this post in conjunction with Paul Smith and the launch of their new fragrance called Optimistic, although to be honest, everything I have written in this post has been waiting to be shared for a while.
I know I shouldn’t dwell, but I cannot believe how much my life has changed for the better, and I truly believe in the power of positive thinking.
To celebrate the launch of the fragrance (for men and women) Paul Smith are running a couple of competitions via their facebook page
Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Do you believe in the power of positive thought?
xxx
Posted in life
Firstly, apologies for yet another scheduled post. Someone got a little “yes” happy when overtime shifts were being offered up and is now regretting her decision just a little. I’m a little bit stressed, a lot bit tired, and generally this is a harder than anticipated time of year for me.
Anyway, on to the main post. CONVERSE. I believe this is my second converse dedicated post but after taking the plunge and buying my first pair in years I suddenly need more. More more more. Oh pay day, won’t you hurry up?!
(Major kudos to Becca for the comfort tip. Heel gel pads = no rubbing or blisters. Becca = foot saver).
All Star Vagabond Flag Hi
All Star Slim Music Cuir Ox (I could probably pass these off for work shoes!)
(all shoes and photos via Spartoo)
So my fellow converse fans, which pair are you currently lusting after?
I know there is a lot of stress going on right now with exams etc, so if anyone would like a post on relaxation tips etc, just shout.
xxx
Posted in shoes
The last time I bought swimwear I was 17 and it was a bog standard, funny shade of purple tankini from BHS.
It had never really occured to me that finding the right swimwear might actually make me feel better about wearing it in public places (er, that’d be my back garden if we ever get the weather for sun bathing) until Simply Beach contacted me asking if I’d like to take a look at their range of Bikinis
When I’ve looked in shops before I’ve been put off by the fact everything seemed to come in sets, and separates were somewhat lacking in style. I am not well gifted in the bosom department finding a top to fit is something of a nightmare, being able to shop by bra size made the experience much easier!
I went for this little number
which has the added bonus of being convert able AND padded, making me look much better endowed than I actually am. There are also a wide range of bottom styles on the site; I prefer something that sits a little higher on the waist, and isn’t shorts or tie side.
What I’m trying to say is that this site has something for everyone and a huge range of beach clothing and accessories too; with brands such as Sea Folly and Speedo. The service was fantastic, with easy checkout and fast but cheap delivery- I placed my order on Thursday evening and had it by Saturday morning for the grand sum of £1.99!
So if you are heading on holiday, getting in to swimming, or like me just like to laze in the garden I’d head off to Simply Beach now.
…now if only someone would send me a holiday.
What does your dream bikini look like?
xxx
Thank you to Simply Beach for the Bikini. Although I was sent the product in exhange for this post it in no way impacts my view.
