Hi lovely reader! Happy Saturday! As you can tell from the title of this post, I wanted to put together a list of some of my favorite books for those of you looking for ideas of what to read this summer. I also focussed on books that aren't necessarily brand new in the hopes that they are easier to get a hold of. I often find that as people start releasing their must reads for the summer months the books are newer and on so many people's lists that they become impossible to get! So have a scroll and hopefully you'll find something you might like!
For the person who is all about that Personal Growth,
For the person who loves a bit of Christmas in July,
For the person who loves a good heart warmer,
For the person who loves a book that makes you think,
For the person who believes "Young Adult Novels" aren't just for young adults,
Giving this book honorable mention because apparently it is all over TikTok so it may be harder to get but it is def worth the read! I read it right after it came out in 2014 and it is still one of my favorite books!
Hi lovely reader! Happy National Relaxation Day! The idea of slowing down and unwinding may seem a lot more near and dear than it ever has for some and for others the idea of taking a moment to exhale may seem farther away than ever. This year has forced many of us to slow down and realize of how much of a "go, go, go" society we have become. But I also know that for many, especially for our amazing essential workers, there has been no slowing down but instead a new gear has been shifted into place and these people are working harder than ever. So with that in mind I wanted to create a list of five things that I like to do to find some inner peace and relaxation, whether you have only a few minutes to spare or a whole day. I think that the most important way to relaxation is to do something that you want to do so please do not force yourself into something that society or I list as "relaxing". If you've tried yoga and it's not your thing, don't force yourself into doing it and get frustrated thinking "This is supposed to be relaxing! Why am I not relaxed??". You do you! The concept of asking myself "What do I want to do right now or today?" had become so foreign to but once I started consciously asking myself this question I felt so much better internally and more at peace with how I was going about my day. So take a look at this list and see if any of these options stand out to you and if not just try to take a moment and ask yourself what you need in this moment.
1. Do Some Yoga
I know that this is probably at the top of most lists for "ways to relax" but yoga has really helped me with finding a sense of relaxation since I began practicing regularly about a year ago. It helps me to focus on the present moment and forget about everything else that is going on in my life for the time that I am on my mat. I have created a playlist for a 45 minute flow which I have linked below and is available on my Spotify.
If you are newer to yoga or want to give it a try I highly suggest checking out "Yoga with Adriene" on YouTube. She has a massive catalog of videos for all levels, time frames and does monthly classes that build on each other. Check out some of my favorites below,
2. Go Outside
Fresh air can work wonders! If the weather is nice, venture outside! Go for a walk and put on your favorite playlist, grab a book that you've been wanting to read and sit on a socially distanced picnic blanket in the grass at your local park, even taking your lunch break outside if you are able to can give you a little boost and a feeling of being refreshed for the rest of your day.
3. Bake Something
As I said earlier, everyone's idea of a relaxing activity is different...I know for some of my friends baking equals stress and frustration so again, if you know it's not for you, try something else! For me baking has always been relaxing because it requires focus which keeps my mind from racing about everything else going on. I have linked a couple of my favorites recipes that I have shared on the blog below.
Take a seat somewhere comfy, put on some nice background music, get out a notebook and a pen and just write, paragraphs, bullet points, anything. This is something I've started doing since the pandemic began and it really has helped me mentally! Sometimes you may feel like you have nothing to share and then three pages later you'll realize you actually had a lot to unload. You could write about your day, your mood, whats going on in the world and how you feel about it, a prayer or a message to someone you wish to connect with or even a past event. Releasing things onto a page can truly feel like a weight has been lifted and that your mind has been cleared.
5. Watercolor Painting
Trying to find creative outlets is also something I have done during quarantine. I used to draw and paint all the time when I was little and as I got older I fell out of the habit as many of us do. So before lockdown began I found an old sketch book and bought some Crayola watercolor paints and started researching tutorials on YouTube. The feeling of painting and "doing art" felt so nostalgic to me, it made me happy and reminded me how much creative outlets can be stress relievers! I've linked a few of my favorite tutorials below!
I hope these tips help you to have a peaceful "National Relaxation Day"! If you have any suggestions of other ways to de-stress feel free to leave them in the comments! Xx
Hello lovely reader! The other day I was trying to get my little space on the internet organized, sorting photos, deleting old notes, etc. and discovered deep in the depths of my drafts a "What I Got For My Birthday" post from two years ago! I went through what I had and pretty much all of the items are still available and are products that I still use/like and if not I shared alternatives that are similar! I thought I would share it with you today as a "Draft Find". Enjoy!
This exact birthday set is no longer available but they do have a 2018 version!
Hello lovely reader! Happy 2018! Definitely going to take some time to get used to writing that! I hope you all had a fantastic holiday season and New Years. Today I wanted to share some of my favorite gifts that I received for Christmas with you! I have done these posts in the past and always feel the need to say that this is in no way a "showing off" write up nor is it written with any intent to be flashy. These are some of my favorite posts to read from other people and I enjoy putting them together as well. I love to share things that I like with others so that you might enjoy them too. So that is where I am coming from when I personally put my posts together! I will try to include as many links as possible to the pieces that are still available (they are not affiliated links with me either, aka I am not getting paid if you buy any of them). Enjoy!
Hi lovely readers! "The most wonderful time of the year" is almost upon us and I am so excited! I cannot wait to start doing all things Christmas but am enjoying the fall while it lasts! The leaves have been extra gorgeous this year and the weather has been ridiculously nice for this time of year. To wrap up the fall I wanted to share some of the things that I have been loving this past month with you all.
IJOY Soul 360 | This purchase was made somewhat on a whim as I was still using my iHome speakers from YEARS ago, cord and all and was beyond due for an upgrade. I picked this speaker up at TJ Maxx one day not having done any prior research and I was pleasantly surprised to find that this speaker is really nice! It's small enough that it is easily portable and the sound quality is great. The battery lasts long and is able to be charged by usb which is convenient. Of course the bluetooth element is the best part, no cords no mess. I also like the sleek and clean design.
"New Rules" Dua Lipa | Staying on the topic of music, I have had this song on repeat since it first came out. Not only do I love this song, but I am also a fan of Ms. Dua Lipa. I first discovered her when I was living in London and "Be the One" was being played everywhere! Her vocals are so now and unique and effortlessly cool. I love the beats and mixes of her music. The "New Rules" video is classic California vibes mixed with modern tones and flamingo flocking.
"Flicker" Niall Horan | "The Thrill of It All" Sam Smith | Last for music, I have been loving these two albums. First "Flicker" is Niall Horan's debut solo album (former or current One Direction member, depending how you look at it) and it is the perfect soundtrack for taking a long drive on a fall day. Easy smooth music with lots of guitar and lovely lyrics. "The Thrill of It All" is Sam Smith's sophomore album...he is back and better than ever. A voice that cannot be matched, this album will take you to church. His vocals are so unreal and you can feel and hear the honesty in each and every song!
Dynasty | I'm not usually one to get into scripted TV series but Dynasty has got me hooked. The fashion is to die for and I am all about Fallon's quick comebacks and remarks! Also a fan of Liz Gillies and think she is perfect for to play her character. The show is a modernized version of the 1980s soap and while I wouldn't really call the 2017 version a soap it does have it's drama some corny and predictable but this weeks episode had me full on immersed and featured quite the plot twist! You can catch up on the CW's website.
Duolingo | It has always been a goal of mine to learn a second language. I took the basic Spanish classes that are required in High School but retained basically nothing and have always wanted to learn French. So last month after hearing a guy speaking French in the grocery store, I told myself it was time to start learning! Duolingo was the first and top rated website when searching for a free outlet and after using it for the past few weeks, I can honestly say that I feel like I'm learning. The way it teaches you is really fun and makes each level feel like a game or a challenge to complete!
Reviews.com | This website is great if you are someone who wants to read reviews and get the best products in their category but doesn't want to do all the digging and constant scrolling. You can simply type a product category or scroll to the bottom of the homepage and choose one and they will give a page with the best products and runners up. But whats is even better is the amount of research and explanations they give as to why they say things are the best. You can get the 30 Second low-down or scroll through the whole page to get more details. I've also been using it a lot recently for holiday shopping.
Hoop Earrings | Short and simple, different shapes and sizes, I like them and enjoy pairing them with street styles or more dressed up looks.
Pumpkin Pie Larabar | Last but not least, these Larabar's have been my go-to this month when I am craving a sweet snack. They are non-gmo, gluten free, vegan, diary free, and soy free and have super simple ingredients making them a healthy "safe" snack. They do actually taste like pumpkin pie and the texture mimics it as well! And now for December it's time to stock up on the gingerbread and snicker doodle flavors! What have you been loving this month?
Hello lovely reader! I hope you are having an enjoyable and eventful summer! I've been back home from London for about two months now and haven't really stopped readjusting or reminiscing since. I'm thinking about doing a series of posted related to studying abroad/international travel, as I have lots of thoughts and tips for those of you getting ready to embark on some amazing journeys this fall or spring. For today's post I wanted to share a few bits and bobs that I have received and purchased since being back. None of them really quite go together, but the majority have an underlying London theme, some accessories, a new bag that I have been wearing everyday, and a few little home pieces.
"The key to heaven", slight exaggeration but not far off for me! I was given this by a family member shortly after returning home and as soon as I saw the name on the pouch I knew it was going to be class. The key ring is a gorgeous blonde gold and is so simple and nice. Inscribed on it is the Victoria Beckham logo as well as the address to the flagship store in London.
Sticking with the purse accessory theme, I was also given this chic Rebecca Minkoff black leather coin purse. The size is really nice because its big enough to fit cards and some folding money and can clip to your keys which is super convenient for when you're running a few errands or going to the gym and don't want to bring an entire purse.
Okay so how freaking cute is this little guy. I would just like to say that as would be expected from Burberry, the amount of detail and quality that goes into even their smallest products is unreal. From the logo on the buttons to the white leather straps and chains, his ensemble is not that far off from those of the Queen's Guard that I saw a few months ago. Mr. Regimental Thomas Bear Charm among the other version of Thomas Bear is most definitely my favorite.
This bag has been my bag of the summer and my buying it was 100% meant to be. Flashback to a few months ago where I was really wanting a circle shaped bag and looking through all the shops unsuccessfully. After returning from my defeating excursion (overdramatized but accurate) I gave my mom a call and was telling her how I really wanted a bag like this, couldn't find one, blah-blah-blah, and then hung up, only to get on instagram and have this beauty be the first thing on my feed. So of course my heart skipped a beat as I hopped over to the Matt & Nat website to learn more about this bag, only to find out that 100% of the proceeds go to a charity of your choice and being a Matt & Nat bag, the interior is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles, thus appealing to my sustainability love and becoming an immediate addition to my life. The Hope bag was literally an ultimate win for me. There are 10 different charities that you can choose from, my choice being the "Keep a Breast Foundation" who are a non-profit organization with a mission to empower young people around the world with breast health education and support. As I've mentioned before breast cancer is something that has directly affected my family before and is a cause that I am very passionate about, so I was thrilled to have that as an option!
Now for two room decor pieces, the first being this "smart" little block sign from Home Goods. Which is a lovely addition to my bedside table and goes along with a pillow on my bed that reads, "Do you have any idea who I am?"...lets just say I have big dreams.
Last but certainly not least is this tin tea box that I picked up in Notting Hill. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is one of my favorite stories and I love the original artwork as well. As you will know if you have followed the blog for a while I am a massive fan of quotes and on each side of the tin is a different quote from the book. It was the perfect momento type piece for me to get and I keep it on my desk now as a catch-all.
