5 Ways to Find Relaxation in these Stressful Times | National Relaxation Day 2020

 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.

"The Best Cookies" - Inspired by Ben's Cookies
Chewy Chocolate Cookies with Melty Candy Bar Bits

Eton Mess

Crushed Meringues with Cream and Strawberries

DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies
Delicious Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

4. Journal

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

Sparkling at the Brits | OOTD

Hello lovely reader! For all you fabulous people across the pond, today is an exciting day in the world of music because tonight is the Brit Awards 2018!! Last year while living in London I was lucky enough to make one of my dreams come true and attend this legendary event in music. I had the best time and it was an incredible night that I will never forget. To anyone attending I hope you have a fantastic evening and to those who wish they were going like me, you can watch the show live on YouTube and if you get the AXS channel they are playing it this evening! So as an homage to that magical night I thought would share what I wore with you all.

Blouse: Original-H&M (no longer available), Similar on ASOS, Cute alternative on Zara

Sequin/Velvet Bomber Jacket: Original-Primark, Similar on ASOS, Rebecca Taylor (what mine may have been "inspired by")

Black Skinny Pants: Original-TJMaxx (no longer available), Similar on ASOS

Boots: Original Anne Klein (no longer available), Similar on ASOS, Similar ALDO

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform? Xx

What I Got for Christmas 2017

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!

-Zara Jacket - Currently on Sale!
-Zara Sweater
-LCF T-Shirt
-LCF Hoodie
-Ellesse Leggings

-Cheek to Cheek CD
-Anthropologie Planner
-First Wives Club DVD
-Eloise at the Plaza DVD
-JBL Free Wireless Earbuds

-Sam Edelman Circus Hand Lotions -Couldn't find online
-Molton Brown Body Wash Set
-Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact

What were some of your favorite gifts? Xx

"Vienna Waits For You" | Stressing About the Future

Hello lovely reader! I hope you are doing well. This is kind of a spur of the moment post but I feel that it may be something that many of you can relate to. Lately I have been feeling very stressed, stressed about the future. The decisions that I am starting to have to make and consider are definitely "adult-life" decisions. From looking for internships in the fashion industry and thinking about how this will affect my career path goals, the future is starting to seem more daunting than it did maybe a year ago.

I think a lot of this stress comes from pressure I put on myself, I dream big and have high aspirations for what I want the future to bring, and now that the time has come to start choosing the stones that I will use to create my path, I'm worried about making the wrong decision. I've always been so excited to get out of school and get into the industry, pedal to the medal ready to go, but now that these times are approaching, I feel afraid to shift the gears and drive. Self-doubt starts to creep in, I want everything to work out but I know that the future is unknown. The countless stories I hear from people who are in the industry about how their career path was no where near what they thought about when they were in school is something that I have to keep reminding myself. My parents and those around me are continually telling me to calm down and slow down with all my worries and thoughts of the future, stay present and enjoy where I'm at now. So keeping all of this in mind, the other day I was driving and the song "Vienna" by Billy Joel, (Ariana Grande's cover to be specific) came on. I have always loved this song but as I listened to the lyrics line by line, I couldn't help but think they well were perfectly describing exactly where I was at and how I was feeling. When I got back to my apartment I looked up the meaning behind the song and found this,

• On another Howard Stern appearance Joel said that the song came to him very quickly, in what he called "a Promethean moment." Describing his message in the song, he explained: "It was an observation that you have your whole life to live. I lot of people in their 20s think they have to get it all together by their 30s and they kill themselves trying to get the golden ring. You have an entire life to live. The lyrics, 'slow down you crazy child' - in other words, you have a whole life. We tend to put older people away, and it's all about young people. Well, wait a minute, why do I have this whole lifespan? What's the point of it? Some people will get there sooner, and some people will get there later. Slow down, you're going to be fine. No matter what you do, be good at it, and whenever you get there, you get there." -Source

Mr. Joel's explanation of his song could not describe what I had been needing to be reminded any better. The feeling like you've got to have it all together, yup pretty much me. This is one of the reasons why I love music, I have loved this song for years but it wasn't until the other day that it truly had meaning to me and I felt like I "got it"! It was perfectly describing what I had been feeling. Yes, the future is coming, but all my worries about what my life is going to be in the next five years and ten years needs to slow down! Things will happen as they are meant to and I will get to where I'm meant to be when the time is right and how it is meant to happen. I also remind myself that I am blessed to have the opportunities that are causing me stress! There are two quotes that I have learned that I truly believe and try to remind myself in times when I let worries about the future takeover,

I invite you to take a listen to the song and check out the lyrics.

Ariana Grande's Cover


So if you have felt this way I would love for you to share your experiences or advice for other readers! And if you are currently feeling this way, try to remind yourself of those two quotes and remember the lyrics of Mr. Billy Joel! Just be, the future will happen as it is meant to and in its own timing. Xx

Style the Icon | Farfetch and Apple Music

Hello lovely reader! Happy Monday! I have some exciting news! As you may know I am a fan of Farfetch and a few days ago I was invited to participate in a competition in celebration of Farfetch's new Apple Music partnership and six current style icons in the music industry. They are the very first brand to blend Apple Music with their website and app and there are two playlists, Songs from the Shoot and Tune Tuesdays. 

The style icon I chose for these inspiration boards was Harry Styles but I wanted to take his style and transfer it into women's wear. I know a lot of people have labeled him the heartthrob and yes he is very good looking but he also has shown that he has a very keen eye when it comes to fashion. His style is one that has evolved over the past six years. He is quite fashion forward and a risk taker, with skinny jeans and printed tops being a staple, and you can't forget the chelsea boots! His high fashion picks are ones to watch.

(Starting on the left clockwise) Blouse, Blazer, Blouse, Jeans, Boots

(Starting on the left, clockwise) Sweatshirt, Coat, Sweatshirt, Boots, Jeans

Jacket, Jeans, Boots

Which pieces are your favorite? Who of these six style icons fashion choices would you take inspiration from? Xx

Cheeky Quote Tuesday

Little bit different today, a video rather than a photo. I loved this song on the album and after seeing the video, I love it even more. Such a beautiful message within these lyrics. Xx

May Favorites | 2016

Hi lovely reader! Happy June!! It is time for summer to get into full swing and I don't know about you but I am ready. May was a pretty busy month, with school finishing up, exams, and then a trip to New York, I am ready for things to slow down a bit. I've got some new favorites to share with you and also some summer staples that I know I have mentioned in the past, everything from fashion to food, and even a guilty pleasure TV show or two!

Favorite Fashion Piece: Stylish Sneakers

These shoes are my absolute obsession for the month of May. If you have an Instagram or a Tumblr, you will have seen these Adidas Originals everywhere! I know for me, everyday I would get on social media I would see at least three posts where someone would have these minimalist loving monochrome obsessor's dream. I had wanted them for a while and when I got them the rush was fantastic because I had all the outfit ideas already planned out in my head. If you ask anyone who knows me, they know that I have a weakness for shoes, especially a cool pair of sneakers. I love being comfortable and still looking fab. 

As mentioned above, I love a good flat and for that matter a nice flatform as well. I always get lots of compliments when I where them and even more shock and awe when I say that I found them at Target....yes Target, and Target clearance for that matter. They can dress a look up or down depending on what they are paired with and who doesn't love a good sparkly shoe every now and then. It makes you feel like a kid again with the whimsy of it all!

Favorite Songs:
Dangerous Woman | Ariana Grande




fOoL fOr YoU | Zayn

Favorite Multi-Purpose Cosmetic Item: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer

This moisturizer has worked out great for the summer so far. It has SPF 15 in it so if I know I am going to be outside, I make sure to put an even coat on my face and I have yet to get sunburnt while wearing it.

Favorite Guilty Pleasure TV Shows:

There Goes the Motherhood: Even though I am far far away from hopefully being a mother one day myself, I have gotten so into this show! I just find it super interesting to see how the different lifestyles of these ladies and their families. I also like it because it's not as "intense" as some of the other Bravo reality shows.

Rich Kids of Beverly Hills: Ok so this is polar opposite from the show above but I still freaking love it. I mentioned it in my June favorites last year and Season 2 is here with some new faces and the documentation of planning a wedding. Everyone on the show is so distinct and funny and yeah, guilty pleasure.

Favorite Apps:

PhotoWonder: It is a fantastic photo editing app

Snapchat (My two favorite filters are the flower crown and the star crown princess looking one, but the original one, not the one that gives you a beauty mark and makes your face look fuller)

Favorite Throwback: Disney Channel airing some of the 100 Disney Channel Original Movies

All the childhood throwbacks

What have been your favorites this month? Xx

What I Got For Christmas | A Delayed Haul

Hello lovely reader! I hope you are enjoying your January 2016! This post is one that I have done previously and it is also something that I always look forward to reading from other bloggers. I don't know why we all find this so fascinating but I am definitely one of those people who like to see what other people got. Even though "What I Got For Christmas" posts have become quite popular I still find it necessary to say that this is not in anyway a post of showing off, like I said earlier it is just a way to share things that I like because maybe you will too.

First I will show you what I got in my stocking basically it's a bunch of treats and I was quite excited to find these goodies. I got two holiday edition Cliff bars, which are my current favorite flavors, one being spiced pumpkin and the other iced gingerbread. I also got a package of Cadbury chocolate because they are my absolute favorite chocolates and a pack of holiday edition goldfish also another favorite. And finally I got two Pepperidge Farm treats one being a mini pack of the Milano cookies and another mini pack of the chessman minis.

This first item I received is this Alex and Ani bracelet. These bracelets are a fantastic go to gift because they come in Darius finishes and each charm has a special meaning behind it. They also look super cute the more you get because you can stack them. My mom and cousin absolutely love these bracelets and have a fair few. This was my first one but definitely not my last.

 Next are two books that I received both the fashion themed and absolutely hilarious. I have started reading tales from the back row and it is interesting and entertaining especially for someone who is interested in working in the fashion industry one day. The second book was more of a joke gift but it is actually a really nice book that I saw online a bad a month ago it is a nursery rhyme book but all the lyrics have been changed into fashion related theme this and situations. The illustrations are gorgeous watercolors and the nursery rhymes are quirky, cheeky, and fabulous.

Now onto some makeup, my best friend sent me this "Lorac Pro To Go Palette". I have been using it for the past couple weeks and I would definitely recommend it. The colors are great being that they are neutral. I have been using the brown shades for my every day look but you could also use the darker colors to create a smoky eye more suitable for the night time. The pigmentation of the colors is great and they blend very nicely. The pallet also folds up, as you can see, to become compact, perfect for throwing in your day bag or for a weekend trip.

As I have mentioned before lipstick has quickly become my current makeup obsession so when I opened this I was quite excited and ready to try all the different colors. I had never used Clinique lipstick before so I was interested to see if I would like it or not and I can honestly say that I do. I have been wearing the first and fourth lipstick from the left the most lately, both being more neutral and lighter tones but I am excited to try some of the bolder colors as well.

Now let me begin by saying that when it comes to celebrity perfumes, I am usually quite the skeptic, however, I was given a sample of this at an event and I genuinely liked the smell! It's sweet and light and a more girly scent, but not overwhelming. The bottle is also nice, so if you haven't next time you're out give it a spritz and a sniff!

Yes, I joined the marble laptop bandwagon. I had seen these all over Tumblr and Instagram for months and was so happy when I opened this! I know a lot of places are offering them now, but mine is from a website called UNIQFIND. They send you a clear laptop case and the marble contact paper and then you apply it to the case. It's super easy and I'm pleased with the end result!

Me receiving these two CD's will come as no surprise to many of you as I have raved about both of these artists recently. I have listened to each of these CD's multiple times and I think they are fantastic. Both Adele and Alessia are great storytellers who portray messages that many people can relate to. My favorite songs on these albums change daily but currently off 25 my favorite is "Remedy" and from Know-It-All, "Stone".

Cute, comfy, and cozy. I love Adidas sweatshirts and I can't wait to wear this one. (Also a bit of a monochrome fan....90% of my closet being black, white, or gray)

Saving the best for last, I got a sewing machine! Words can not describe how thrilled I was to open this present and see what I had received. If you are a beginner sewer like me, I would highly recommend this machine. I am currently working on sewing a cape and it has been running so smoothly *knock on wood*. There are so many things I want to make and I cannot wait to create!What did you get for Christmas?? Xx