Start of Something New

What am I talking about? 

Uniform 000. Uniform *insert number here, is a post idea I came up with on a Saturday evening, when putting away some ironing. The base of it is simply outfit posts however, they are going to be revolving around clothes I already own and recycle again and again. There may be repetitions in pieces used or styled in new ways, but the idea is to re-use what I own instead of feeling the need to buy new things. I think too often people endorse new clothing lines (and thats great) but sometimes we as an audience impulsively buy things we simply do not need. 

Another facet to this idea is my personal body image. I'm the first to admit that I am very self-conscious when it comes to my body and often I want to hide under a baggy jumper. Other times I trick myself into thinking I'll feel better about myself if I buy that one top or splurge on that one dress, and it never makes me feel better. By posting my uniforms, I'm hoping it will highlight what I like, feel comfortable in, and what looks good on my body type: as well as highlight the things in my wardrobe that I will never use (*gulp, that could be quite a sickening result if there is a large amount of clothes leftover). 

Maybe posting photos of myself for all to see, when I'm not too fond of my body, may not be the best idea to concur this but it's what I'm choosing to do. I have reached a point where I just want to say screw it. I hate my muffin top, the way my thighs have peaks and valleys and I know the stretch marks (or lightening bolts, as my godson calls them) will plague me til my dying day -but in the grand scheme of things does that all matter? Will that matter when I'm looking back on photo albums in thirty years time? No, and quite frankly I feel its time to give up on worrying about it all. 

I can't put my finger on what has sparked this change of perspective. Maybe its where my health has taken a switch and I want to start living instead of worrying and trying to make myself feel better with material things. Or maybe, on a bit more of a personal note, my perspective has changed because my body has changed -it manifested nothing short of a miracle last year and to be honest, I don't look after it as much as I probably should. This realisation has kind of been a knife to the back, making me stand to attention and really start loving it. 

I also want to show these outfits in a very unpolished and more personal way. Don't get me wrong posed outfit posts are great but some of my favourite photos are the raw and natural ones, the ones that may be a little blurry or overexposed like the ones I have here. I also like the concept of outfits being highlighted in my everyday life and routines. For instance, the past few weekends James and I have taken the dogs out for walks each Sunday so it felt only natural to highlight my 'boyfriend-flannel-shirt-outfit' in this way. Personally, these ones of Alfie are my favourite and lets face it -he's stolen the spotlight for this post! 

I have probably rambled on enough now and you no doubt get the general idea. **I must add a final note though, that some of the pieces I will be sharing have been in my wardrobe for years and are from shops & brands that I no longer give my money to. Some of these brands I no longer shop from because the ethics and morals they have do not fit my own. Having said this, I am also trying to reduce my waste and if an item is in the style or fit that I want, and it is already in my possession, than I will keep wearing it even if the brands morals do not fit my own. The reason for this is that, in my mind, the money I spent on that item (years ago) has already gone to that brand and pumping their practises: therefore the damage has already been done. This is especially hurtful for me when it comes to make up that I have which has been tested on animals (ie. MAC lipsticks), however again my money has already contributed so not using an item would be wasteful but also wouldn't truly make a stand because its already gone to the brand. 

I hope this makes sense and I haven't just bamboozled you, but I wanted to state this important factor before posting uniforms and then trying to address these issues in the comment sections. 

I hope you enjoy the upcoming Uniform posts

Cheerio for now! 

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Things That Help Inspire Me Through a Creative Slump

Now January can be great for many reasons, most of all it represents the beginning of bigger and better things. For me January can be a little bit of a downer. I wouldn't say I get the 'January Blues' as such but I definitely feel a little off beat. The only way I can explain it is that while the new year represents a fresh start and great things to come, it also reminds me that it's still the dead of winter, we're eons away from summer and everyone is usually strapped for cash after Christmas so there's little going on. When this happens I feel as though I'm in a stalemate moment and time has stood still. My creativity and excitement for pretty much anything drifts away, and after that everything comes to a crashing halt. 

Regardless of when these moments happen, whether it be in January or the middle of summer, there are always a few things I like to do to kick me out of the funk. 

Ira Glass on the Creative process

I came across this video about two years ago and found it so enlightening and really lifts my spirits each time I listen to it. Over time it's become a ritual of mine when I'm feeling down on myself to lay on my bed with a face mask on and listen to it on repeat. I also hone in on something different each time I listen to it.  

 

 

The Crossroads of Should and Must

If you're a long time follower, you may have read my book review on the book The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna and if you read that post than you know how much I loved that book. It was an amazing read and truly inspiring. If you want to know a little more about it than head on over to my review or keep reading for a quick rundown. 

The foundation of the book is the concept of what you should do with your life versus what you must do. It's this idea that mundane tasks like having a mortgage and settling down, or taking over the family firm could be things that you feel you should be doing however, on the other side of the spectrum there are those things you simply must do. They are so ingrained in your being and soul that you think about them day after day and the bottom line is you must do it, fulfil them. Elle Luna's book opens your eyes to who you are. It involves some eye-opening exercises, stories of others journeys to their 'musts' and quotes to inspire and keep you motivated. An example drawn on in the book is the story of Mary Ellen Geist's father, who continued to play his music even while suffering Alzheimers for thirteen years. She said in a letter that even though he had no idea what he did for a living, or where he lived, and he didn't even know how to tie a tie or make his way to the stage on the day that he performed- his music however, and the performance was perfect. Now that is inspiring. And a perfect example of someones must. Something that is so ingrained on their being that even a plaque tearing apart their mind can't stand in the way of it. This concept always sets my spirits soaring. 

The Great Gatsby 

Now this is probably a bit of an odd one but hear me out. It's not so much the film its more Nick Caraway's narration of it. The way its so melancholy but also thoughtful and raw. The phrase 'within and without' truly makes me think. It makes me take a step back and assess the situation clearer: which, when you are in a creative slump, definitely helps look at the big picture and take something for what it truly is. 

The Pixar Documentary

Again, this is something I wrote a post about which you can read here but I'll still give you a rerun. The Pixar Documentary is a behind the scenes look at how Pixar happened. It is narrated alongside interviews of everyone involved including illustrators, technicians, family members, assistants, and the three main guys that kicked it all off: the creative scientist Ed Catmull, the visionary entrepreneur Steve Jobs and talented artist John Lasseter. My favourite quote from the documentary is from Steve Jobs who says 'Pixar's seen by a lot of folks as an overnight success, but if you look really closely most overnight success's took a long time'. Those words always strike me more and more powerful each time I hear them. And I mean, of course for that reason this documentary always helps me. It also helps because you get to go behind the scenes of some amazing films like Toy Story, Cars, and my personal favourite A Bug's Life. 

Now obviously these are very specific things for me personally but almost all of these things I actually heard about from other people so I think it's always good to share and maybe someone will stumble across something they feel drawn to here. And of course, there are more general things that help me get out of a funk like getting outside and exploring somewhere new. One thing in particular which is always quite interesting is hanging around with younger or older people: generally anyone who is quite an age gap away from you. That gap can really make a difference in perspective which can be eye-opening to new things and ideas. 

So those are just a few things which inspire me through a slump, what helps you? 

Cheerio for now! 

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What's In My Bag | Matt & Nat

This is such a classic lifestyle post, which I do usually steer clear from but to be honest I love posts like this. I think there's something quite interesting in seeing what people carry around with them so why not do my own post. 

First of all my bag is the Vignelli bag by the brand Matt & Nat, a Canadian brand which specialises in handbags made from vegan leather and recyclable goods (post to come on this brand, they are amazing!). I received this last Christmas, which was a total surprise because it is a very pricey bag at £125, but seen as I have used it every day ever since I think it was money well spent and the best present ever! I'd had my eye on the bag for over a year before I received it and I think it was pretty popular because whenever I managed to save the money to buy it (didn't happen often) it just so happened to be out of stock. It comes in a variety of colours but I have it in the classic black. It has adjustable straps, a phone pocket inside, a small zip compartment inside, and a zipper pocket on the outside too. I absolutely love the outer zip pocket feature on this bag. It's so ideal having this pocket there for security but also so you don't have to rifle through the entire bag to find anything like your keys or phone. Anyway, I've rambled enough about the bag so onto what I keep inside.

Purse 2x: I have two purses. One for cards and notes, and one for loose change. This seems bizarre to some but the purse I keep my cards and notes in is a red vintage leather purse which is a hand-me-down from my nan. It was handed down to her by her aunt and so there's a family tie to that which I just can't let go of. Not only that but it's the ideal purse for me. The reason I have a purse for change is that I'm so conscious of breaking or damaging my red purse (I know, I'm ridiculous but I really love it and would hate for it to break). The change purse is just a simple coin pouch which is made out of a black sturdy material.
Keys: Pretty obvious but you can't get anywhere without them.
Phone: This is usually in my hand or pocket, although I do often slip it in the outer zip section too.
Sunglasses: It doesn't matter what time of the year it is, they are always in my bag. I'm a vampire, I need those bad boys to avoid the sun!
Lip Balm x2: I currently have two balms in my bag. This one by Forever, and this one by Winky Lux.
Tablet box: for my the many supplements I am currently on.

Compact mirror: I have a models own one.

Medical Cards: I have an orange card from my local council which lets people know I am physically disabled. Usually, I am in my wheelchair but if, for whatever reason I am not, this card can let people know I am physically disabled and may need help in certain situations. I also have an ME alert card from the ME association which just alerts people to the fact that I have ME. It also has an emergency contact with it and my doctor's details. 

A pouch full of bits and bobs: This is pretty much the miscellaneous section. In here I keep some blotting papers, an Eye Refresh by Tropic, a vast array of bobby pins and hair bands, a pen, Mackenzie smelling salts, strepsils, a radar key, Hydrocortisone cream, painkillers, tweezers, solid perfume, mints, earplugs, and a fidget spinner (because everyone in 2017 joined the fidget spinner phase at some point). 

Snack: I also keep some cashew nuts or some sort of biscuit within my bag in case I need to eat before taking my medications. I also tend to get hangry. 

So that is everything I keep in my bag. Of course, every so often I do accumulate some receipts in the pit of my bag or slip a book in there but for the most part, everything listed above is what lives inside my bag. 

What's the weirdest thing you keep in your bag? 

Cheerio for now! 

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Photography: James Coleman

Magazines 2.0

In my last post on Magazines, here, I mentioned that there were three other magazines I really wanted to write about however, I didn't want to make that post too long so- here we are. Now there are three magazines, however, one of them has recently announced they will not be printing issues anymore but rather remain an online publication; maintaining the themes they covered in their printed issues but rather just publishing through an online outlet. So, what are my chosen magazines?

The Messy Heads
I mean, this should come as no surprise. My post, Inspire Me Lately, was very Messy Heads inspired. I have briefly mentioned this before but The Messy Heads are so raw and authentic in terms of their content. Not just their written pieces but their photography, layout, and contributors too. Everything is so carefully curated but also so incredibly personal and inspiring to behold. When you flip through the magazine you get a sense that this isn't a publication that is following trends or trying to live up to a standard set by society but rather a collection of individuals forging their own paths and creating lives to their own tune. It's a magazine that always grounds me and set me back to my own beat. It reminds me of who I am and what truly matters to me, and any magazine that can have that effect on me is welcome with open arms.

The Local Wolves
This nifty mag is based in Long Beach, California, however, it is available both in print and online so you can always get your hands on it. It's centred around creative minds within the world of arts, culture, and entertainment; and introduced me to such a range of innovative individuals I otherwise would never have heard of. It used to have my ultimate girl crush, Orion Carloto, as its' resident columnist which used to keep my heart swooning but the magazine is still soaring without her beautiful words. I tend to read this mag online, although I do have a few issues in my possession: in particular, girl crushes whom I love. I, of course, have Orion Carloto's cover issue, then Estee Lalonde, and The Fashion Citizen. If you are a creative or even have an interest in the creative arts or culture in general then I would definitely recommend giving this a read. The Local Wolves website has a link to follow to read online.

Betty
Now sadly, this is the amazing magazine which is no longer being published. However, fear not -they are still going to produce the same amazing content on their website. I only got my hands on two of their annual issues and I absolutely love each of them, however, it is really sad that I won't be adding any other issues to my shelf. I know it's wasteful to collect magazines but when they are as beautifully curated as this -I simply can't stop myself! Betty magazine covers a range of topics but most of all only write about things that its editors like. They relish in embracing and celebrating who they are, as well as encouraging their readers to do the same. The mag, like the website, is full of how-to guides, beauty, lookbooks, food recipes, and, my personal favourite, their travel content: which doesn't just cover foreign places and cities but also areas in England which you wouldn't usually be drawn to but that doesn't mean you wouldn't like it there. Betty is definitely the type of mag for the creative individual, looking for something unique to read.

Have you ever read any of these magazines? What do you think of them? 
Cheerio for now!

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Magazine Loves

If you follow my Instagram, then you know I love a good magazine. I'm not talking about those ones that you get a free goodie with or ones discussing celebrities and frivolous gossip but rather, ones centered around topics that interest me. Topics like sustainability, alternative living, art, travel, style, stories, and articles about people who inspire me by standing for what they believe in and going against the norm. Below are some magazines that I have been loving lately. 

Peppermint 
Peppermint magazine is an Australian publication, with its content rooted from style, sustainability, and substance across lifestyle and fashion. They showcase entrepreneurs, creative innovators and thought-provoking articles about those living their lives differently to the mainstream and in the process address and aid social and environmental issues. 

For me, Peppermint has everything I have ever wanted in a magazine. Reading about real people and how they live or have adapted their lives to help and live in the most eco-friendly way possible is something truly thought-provoking and inspiring; especially when you've been bought up thinking there's no other way than to simply keep filling landfills and use harmful products. For this reason, I would have to say it is my all-time favourite magazine. 

Frankie 
Frankie Magazine is an Australian bi-monthly magazine covering design, art, fashion, photography, music, travel, and craft. This magazine is full of quirky and whimsical illustrations. The articles are photographed gorgeously and wrote with tons of sarcasm, curiosities and sometimes even rudeness -but it's awesome! The honesty that rings through the magazine is one of the main qualities that make it what it is; a quirky, cute mag filled to the brim of inspiration, beaut photos, and hilarious words. 

I have subscribed to this magazine on and off for around two years now, and over that time have learned its' issues are a necessary item in my bag. 

Oh Comely 
Now, this is a fairly new magazine to me. I've been reading it on and off for just under a year now. It isn't one of my must-haves like the two magazines above however, I do love its' content. This magazine discusses nothing while also discussing everything. What do I mean by that? Well, in all honesty, there is nothing entirely consistent in terms of the subject matter of the articles, but still, its articles have a certain quality which warms the heart. Their articles often revolve around the seemingly mundane and yet their writers' manage to narrate the everyday adventures in a way which cherishes the little moments and leaves you with a fuzzy warm feeling in your belly. 

Popshot 
Popshot magazine has a mixture of poetry, flash fiction, short stories, and illustrations. It is smaller in size, being around an A5 size, and is produced twice a year. Each issue's content revolves around one theme in particular, with the magazine showcasing only the best of the best. I'd recommend this to anyone who loves poetry or shorter reads, along with any aspiring writers'.  

*Now, I do have three other magazines I'd love to share with you guys but rather than have this post too long -I thought it best to divide the list and produce two posts. Stay tuned for the next one! 

What magazines do you love? Let me know below 

Cheerio for now! 

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Physical Photographs

I love photos. They never change, even when the people inside them do. They just stay frozen with the characters stuck in time. 

As much as technology is great these days (-borderline 'scary-great') I miss the beauty of physical photographs. As a child, I remember my mom collecting film reels to take to the local photo shop to have developed. Weeks later we would go back and she'd come back to the car with stacks of photo packets. She'd spend so many evenings sorting them into photo albums and writing notes on the back about the occasion within the photo. What do we do now? We post them to facebook or Instagram, get some likes and comments and then that's it, they are forgotten forever. *sad

In 2015, I got a polaroid camera and fell back in love with physical photographs. Sure the quality isn't as defined but it is still a nostalgic luxury to hold your photographs -instantly, might I add. This process has spurred me to make an effort to print out my photographs and organise my own photo albums. Something to look back on, just like my mom is able to do. 

When was the last time you got your photos printed off? 

Cheerio for now! 

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5 Reasons Gilmore Girls is the best show ever

With news that Netflix is releasing four 90-min long episodes of Gilmore Girls this month, I felt it was only necessary to re-watch my boxset of the show. Around the fourth series I realized this, in my opinion, is the best show ever! There are five particular reasons I think this and so I wanted to share them here with you guys.

1. Quirky Characters: Besides the Gilmore Girls themselves, the show is full of the quirkiest characters ever created. The town of Stars Hollow truly is like a medical experiment gone wrong with all the vivid and eccentric characters. From Miss Patty and Babette, Sookie and Jackson, Michel-Gerald and Drella the Harpist, the love/hate relationship between Luke and Taylor Doose, Paris and Doyle, and let us not forget the many adventures of Kirk. I think that is one of the great things about the show -It's not just about the Gilmore Girls, Rory schooling, Lorelai's love life and their never-ending battles with the grandparents but there is always something going on with the people of Stars Hollow. Whether it's a town meeting, kirk doing something bizarre or one of the crazy festivals or carnivals they have going on.
2. Realness to the drama: From Lorelai's single mom worries and dating problems to Rory's school drama and college application, the show has a certain realness to its story lines which makes the shows storylines relatable. As fun as it can be to watch Kirk's bizarre antics in Stars Hollow (-usually something that would never happen in real life) it's also great to watch a storyline play out with a bit of real life drama to it. 
3. The Sense of Community: Just like the quirky characters, the shows sense of community really gives the series' a warm, whole-hearted feel to it. Town meetings are always entertaining to watch (especially when you don't have entertainment like that in your real life). The festival and carnivals held in the town square and attended by all. The fact that everyone pitched in to set up Rory's graduation/going away party in the middle of the night -I mean if that isn't a loving community then I don't know what is! 
4. Gilmorisms: references, sarcasm up to wazoo! I'm going, to be honest, they're some references in the show which go straight over my head and then there're others I get just like that. It can also be a little difficult to catch them at times, not just because there's so many but also because they talk so fast! 
5. Mother-Daughter relationships: I think the polar contrast relationships between Lorelai and Rory, and then Lorelai and Emily are really interesting factors within the series. There's the unbreakable, best-friend bond between Lorelai and Rory and then the love-hate, bitter relationship between Emily and Lorelai. Sure both bonds had their ups and downs but I think this is one of the main reasons why Gilmore Girls is the best series ever. 

Make sure to catch the new episodes of Gilmore Girls on Netflix, November 25. 

What do you think of the Gilmore Girls? 

Cheerio for now! 
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My New Dream Cream: Tropics Night Repair

Night Repair 

cell renewal cream concentrate 

On a recent trip to my grandparents, I noticed my nan had the Tropics night repair cream: one of the few skincare products by the brand that I was yet to try. As the trip was pretty impromptu I had forgotten quite a few of my toiletries so it was the perfect time to try it out. I used the repair cream in place of my skin revive cream which I use after my toner. 

The cream itself is of velvety consistency making it easy to apply but also incredibly silky and gently on the skin. When creams are too thick I find myself trying to spread and smear it across my face in all different directions, which can often stretch and take its toll on the skin. With this product there is none of that, it simply glides on without a fuss. 

Having been so impressed by the hydrating nature of the cream, I decided to kick it up a notch and mix with a little of the organic elixir. This is something suggested on the packaging and after using it I can see why. The combination is so luxurious and nourishing, it is honestly the dreamiest of combos. With the repair cream full of hydrating ingredients, such as Aloe Vera Juice, Murumuru Butter, and Shea Butter, as well as the blissfully calming mixture of Lavender, Ylang-Ylang and Blue Chamomile essential oils make this product the ultimate repair cream for your night time routine. 

If you would like to know more about the brand Tropic, simply click here. 

If you would like to take a browse at other Tropic products previously featured on here, please click here. 

Have you ever tried the Night Repair cream? What did you think? 
Cheerio for now! 
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All About Juice Plus

Now we have all tried those fad diets, trying to shed the pounds for that beach body, your best friends wedding or to fit into that pretty dress for the Christmas parties. However often these diets are strict, unrealistic and while they may work as a quick fix, you find yourself gaining the weight back on and more. I'm guilty of all of the above and while I have tried many of the fad diets out there, there was one I had never heard about until just recently; enter Juice Plus.

Juice Plus doesn't fall into the diet/fad diet category. While results from their products are often quick, it is by no means a quick fix but rather a lifestyle change. The mission behind these products focuses on getting all the nutrients the body needs, rather than simply shedding weight; and for this, they offer shake powder, capsules, bars, and boosters. The structure of Juice Plus works by having two shakes, two snacks, and one meal a day; though there is also various combos and plans to incorporate their bars, capsules, and boosters into your programme.

As previously mentioned, the products you can work into your programme aren't just for weight loss or management but more so to bridge the gap between what you eat and what you should be eating in a day. The capsule, for instance, is a powerhouse full of 30 types of fruit, vegetables, and berries making it easy to get all the vitamins and antioxidants your body needs. Adults take two of the berry, fruit, and vegetable capsules a day, preferably at mealtime though some do empty the capsules into their shakes to make it easier to digest. Children can also take the capsules or, alternatively Juice Plus make chewable sweets for children.

Although the shakes help lose or maintain weight, they also host a whole bunch of health benefits such as immune, skin health, cardiovascular health along with a ton of other benefits. They are also incredibly flexible as you can build up and use as much of the powder as you would like within your shakes; perfect for a good dose of protein before hitting the gym. The shakes are available in Vanilla and Chocolate flavours, and when added to plant-based milk such as almond or coconut milk are vegetarian and vegan-friendly. They are also gluten free, and free from preservatives, sweeteners, colours, and flavourings. 

The bars Juice Plus offer, just like the shakes, are perfect for on-the-go snacks or easy options for when you would ordinarily reach for a quick fast food option whilst out and about. The bars come in both mixed fruit and chocolate flavours, and both are gluten free. 

While the shakes, capsules, and bars are all great products to structure a healthy lifestyle around Juice Plus also places huge importance on still eating healthy foods in your daily routine. They do provide a list of foods you should incorporate into your meals and snacks, though rather than this list restricting what you can eat, it instead includes everyday foods that are sustainable in reaching the results you want but also keeping your body healthy and well nourished in the process. 

Want to read more about Juice Plus? 

click here, for their official site or check out their YouTube channel here. You can also check out the Juice Plus products here. 

Cheerio for now! 

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