Yearly Archives: 2013

taking some time

14th February 2013

It probably hasn’t escaped people’s notice that I’ve not been having the best of weeks. Whatever I blame, be it “winter blues”, “being a woman” or “just a shitty week” what I hadn’t done until yesterday afternoon was admit I needed a bit of a break and some me time. I like to think I always need to be busy to be ok, often this is true and I thrive on the buzz of being occupied but sometimes what I really need is to take a step back and just indulge in some peace and quiet and calm.

It’s not something that comes easily to me, being able to just sit and relax but over the years I’ve learned a few tips and tricks for un-winding.

1. Tea. I am a hardcore coffee drinker but when I’m stressed out even I have to admit that tea is best. There is something so soothing and calming about tea and this from Whittards couldn’t have arrived at a better time. My favourite for relaxing is the Jasmine variety but all of them are amazing and the Moroccan mint is super soothing on a stressed out tummy. My handy little tea pot keeps the leaves out of my brew and I’m going to keep the tins for jewellery/bits and bobs storage after. I’m not a dainty tea cup person when it comes to hot drinks. The bigger the better as far as I’m concerned, my favourite vessel is my “Espana” mug, hunted down and bought back from last year’s adventure to Spain. I can’t wait to see what I bring back this year…no injuries I hope, but to be sure I’ll be taking out travel insurance this time such as Age Concern UK Travel Insurance

2. Meditation. I was a sceptic for so long but now I am regularly found taking some time out just to breathe deep and zone out. If you haven’t tried it because you think it’s too “airy fairy” I urge you to rethink.

3. Mindless tasks. Sorting a tin of buttons, playing a pointless game, window shopping for *the* perfect gift for someone even if their birthday isn’t for another six months. Fill my head with a trivial task and I can easily lose a couple of hours of my day without thinking of anything else.

4. Baking. Anyone who bakes will understand this.

Once upon a time kitty cuddles would have been on this list too but Mae is going through a difficult teenage rebellion and time spent with her is far from relaxing!
What do you do when you need to get away from it all and relax? What am I missing?

xxx

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dolly girl

14th February 2013

Dress: Pearl Lowe for Peacocks (really old now!)
Tights: Tesco (and far better quality than the CK ones from yesterday)
Boots: New Look 
I’m not sure why but this dress always makes me think of dolls? I have a strange mind and I’m not afraid to make it public. I’ll never not love this dress, snapped up for £10 when the Bristol Peacocks sale was closing down. I took a chance watching it drop in price and managed to find one left in my size the day before the store closed it’s doors.
Happy Valentines Day to those who make something of it. For me it’s just another day and perhaps in years to come I’ll change my mind but for now I remain cynical! Instead I’ll talk about my great love for Les Miserables. I’m hopeless at films, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve been to the cinema since I started this blog. I just don’t have the attention span or enthusiasm about most films to bother going as inevitably I end up fidgeting and getting on people’s nerves. I’m the same with DVDs at home too, I just seem incapable of sitting down and getting in to a movie…I am getting a bit better when at home though and have found myself broadening my horizons.
So, needless to say I was hesitant about going to see Les Mis, especially as it is such a long film. The cinema was packed, I was in a vile mood and I just wasn’t looking forward to it much.
Eating my words right now. For the first time in my life I was utterly captivated by the screen. I was so engrossed I forgot about the popcorn I had artfully hidden in my bag and didn’t fidget or get up for the loo six thousand times either.
I’d actually go and see it again given the chance. 
Anyway,
work beckons. I’ve been drafted off of reception and in to phlebotomy. I love that I never know what I’m doing one day from the next…it makes my job that extra bit better.
xxx

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a touch of sparkle

13th February 2013

Dress: Tesco via ebay
Tights: Calvin Klein (don’t waste your money, they ladder so easily)
Boots: Miista
Shallow as it sounds I’m a firm believer that sometimes all it takes to feel a bit better is a bit of sparkle and some killer shoes. Enter this dress, which I scored bnwt for about £3 on ebay. The sequin collar adds just enough sparkle to know I’m wearing it without being overwhelming for day time. The drawstring waist means I don’t care how bloated I look and as for the shoes…what can I say? They are my feel good favourites and I am so glad my foot now allows me to wear them. I love the attention they attract and the look on folk’s faces when I tell them that I only paid £6.50
I’m so tired it’s unreal. A mad morning at work yesterday, a late night at the cinema and being on the early early at work this morning means I’m considering begging one of our doctors to hook me up to a coffee IV. I’m not sure what is going on at the moment but work is utter chaos (and secretly I love every single second of it).
Well, I’d best get moving. More on my thoughts about Les Mis tomorrow when I have a bit of downtime in the afternoon!
Happy mid-week, who overindulged in the pancake stakes? 
xxx

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check, mate.

12th February 2013

ASOS jumper
NewLook trousers
Kate Kanzier loafers
The is one of those outfits what worked out better in my head than it did in reality. Shortly after seeing these photos I changed back in to jeans, which wasn’t much better but live and learn, this jumper makes me happy and right now I’ll take all the happy I can get.
A huge, massive, super duper thank you for everyone who was there for me yesterday during my “bad day”. I think every so often people need a good breakdown to clear out the system and appreciate what they have and yesterday was my day.
I’m not sure what else I can add to this post, it’s one of those that had potential but kind of fizzled out in to nothing, but I’m posting it regardless because I have nothing else in reserve. I’m spending so much time focusing on the negatives at the moment- of outfits, of my body, of the world around me that it’s dragging me down. This needs to change. I can’t keep blaming “winter blues” forever. It’s time to stop looking out the flaws and seek out the good instead.

I’m off to see Les Mis (finally) with my Mum tonight, perhaps not the cheeriest of films to go and see but I’m really looking forward to it despite hearing mixed reviews, who’s seen it? What did you think?

It’s PANCAKE day! Who’s participating?
xxx

P.S. I really am sorry for being so miserable. I promise normal service will resume, probably by later today, I can feel the fog lifting.

P.P.S. Congratulations to Clemmy, winner of my little giveaway!

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B-eat Eating Disorder Awareness Week 2013

11th February 2013

We all know someone, be it a friend, family or yourself. Spread the word. No more silence. For more on Eating Disorder Awareness week and what you can do spread the word and raise funds visit the B-eat Website.

As for me, I know far too many “somebodys”. Myself, some of my best friends…this will always be a cause close to my heart and I just wanted to spread the word a little. xxx

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