January Favourites & Life Update
For the first time in what feels like months, I feel creative and inspired. I’m not quite sure how or why but I’m not going to complain. Perhaps it’s due to the shift in the content that I am consuming? Or maybe my brain has finally accepted the creative affirmations that I have been repeating day in, day out, in the hope that my creativity will arise from the deep depths of within. Today, is that day, and I’m going to take the feeling in my stride; I don’t know how long it’s here to stay.
To kick start this new urge to ‘create,’ I thought that I would share not only a life update but also some “January” favourites.
Life Update
So, life update. Where am I? Who’s around? What’s new? Well, not much and very little. But then again, isn’t that the answer to everything during the UK’s third and hopefully last lockdown.
This month, my flat has become a home. Small tweaks here and there have created little bubbles of happiness amongst days that feel the same. I’ve added my own prints, which will be available on my Print Store very soon. I searched high and low for a vintage vase to house my dried flowers, both purchased from Etsy and that has yet to arrive. Deliveries have started to slow down (ah, self-employed finance joys) so awaiting these little gifts to myself is abnormally exciting. I will be sure to share them when they arrive.
I’ve spent minutes, rolled into hours, flicking through the pages of travel and interior magazines. There’s nothing like a moment of escapism to a tropical destination whilst lying in the bath and forgetting that you’ve been perched in the same water for over an hour. It’s not quite the Mediterranean ocean, but we continue.
Alone time. I guess that’s to be expected when you live alone during a pandemic. There are down days and there are up days, but all and all, being alone isn’t terrible. It is a struggle sometimes, to the point where I say goodnight to the spider in the corner of my room, but hey, at least I’ve been allowed to get to know the real ME. I would like to think that I will never get the opportunity to live alone again (wishful thinking for a future husband) so I may as well make the most of it now. Living alone means being able to cook the food I want, listen to the music I want, and go to bed and wake up when I want - and I’m telling you, that’s a big one. I’m a firm believer that one needs to know and love themselves before allowing someone else to, and I am most definitely deep into that journey.
Work has been an emotional rollercoaster. January was a real slump. Another lockdown to get through as a small business owner? Pffft, do I have to? Tears, tears, more tears. Telling myself constantly that I can get through it. And here I am, moving into February with a small collection of clients that I truly adore. I’m not sure if I could have said that in Feb 2020, so that’s something to celebrate. The plan for the rest of the year? More clients that align with who I am and will allow me to create something beautiful for them.
Yoga, meditation, gratitude, manifestation, and moon rituals still play a huge role in my self-care routine. I speak about this topic often on my Instagram, but these tasks have really helped me to keep my mind and body calm and grounded. I’ve noticed an incredible shift in my mental wellbeing and awareness since practicing the above. I honestly can’t believe it took a pandemic and a month window of feeling “depressed” to be welcomed into this way of living and positive thinking. As soon as you practice it, you will feel it.
Anyway, that’s enough of me rambling on - now to share some of January’s favourite books, tv shows, products, and activities.
Book - The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osmon
The Thursday Murder club is honestly one of the most enjoyable books that I’ve ever read. Who would have thought a group of retired od fogeys trying to solve a murder alongside the police could bring so much joy? It comes a no surprise that popular comedian, Richard Osmon is the author, considering the number of times I giggled at the characters. Richard has a true gift for delving into the personality of each character, and my goodness did it make me want to go and make friends with some retired folks. During a pandemic is the best time to read this book as you won’t want to put it down! It’s gripping, hilarious and there are of course, moments of sadness too.
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Tv Show - Marcella (ITV)
Now, who doesn’t love Marcella? After a year away from our TV, Marcella made a comeback on ITV for the third series. Utterly gripping, yet incredibly dark at times, Marcella had me glued to my TV from the first episode, despite not quite understanding what was going on. It seemed that the whole of the Twitter population didn’t understand either, but I promise that it will begin to unravel in episode 2. Stay with it! If crime & drama is your things then Marcella is a MUST.
Photo Series - George Bryne’s Photographic Love Letters
George has a real talent for turning dull spaces into incredible visuals. Based in California, he set out to create imagery in medium format on the places that called out to him. I felt the connection to this series because I believe that the world can be seen through tinted glasses, and some of the most beautiful spaces are right in front of you. George’s series has inspired me to put together something a little similar to my hometown, Truro. Watch this space!
Delve into the beauty of Photographic Love Letters.
Podcast - The Wing Woman
My heart broke a little when Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes announced that The High Low podcast was coming to an end. I needed to find a replacement. Recently, I came across The Wing Woman podcast, a podcast created by best friends Charlie Graddon and Frankie Gowan. The podcast covers a selection of interesting topics, recommendations, and just general chit chat. A conversation between two friends that wish I could jump into!
Health - Lumity Anti Aging Supplements *gifted
I’ve been taking the Lumity Anti Aging Supplements for 2 weeks now and I can sure feel a difference in my focus and energy levels, as well as my hair, skin, and nail condition. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to tell you if this is definitely due to the vitamins because I’ve also had more sunlight, sleep (this could be due to the supplements!), and less alcohol. Despite this, I think that the supplements are definitely contributing to my good mood & creativity!
Lumity Supplements deliver multiple benefits with targeted 24/7 nutrient-rich support. I take three tablets in the morning and the evening which work in tandem with the circadian rhythm at a cellular level to support the body’s very different needs throughout the day and night. There are multiple benefits from taking Lumity Supplements and they are scientifically proven to support healthy aging.
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Course - Ana Lui Photography
I was over the moon when Ana announced that I had won a place on her Photography Workshop. I had been following Ana for a few months and found her work and lifestyle incredibly inspiring. Ana is on the Conde Nast Traveler Masthead team, lives and works in between Ibiza & Mallorca, and hosts photography 1-1 and workshop sessions for aspiring photographers. The first session was based on the technicalities of photography, and the second focused on manifestation and positive thinking - something that I am very interested in. I’ve started manifesting in my business and have already welcomed exciting results. Thank you for having me Ana, I loved every moment of the workshop!
Follow Ana on Instagram.