Lifestyle // Why I love Selfies

A collection of Selfies from 2014 so far!

Selfie was the "Oxford Dictionary Word of the Year for 2013 and is defined as "a photograph that one has taken of oneself,typically on a smartphone and uploaded to social media".A quick scroll of Instagram,Twitter or Facebook shows you how popular the Selfie has become and I can see why! It's an easily accessible way to have fun and share your day with others.People have been taking photographs for entertainment for years,so it makes sense that it moves along with the rest of technology!

In a world where people are often shamed by the media for the way they look,I think it's great that we can portray ourselves as and when we want to and control our online image.Although validation shouldn't be sought purely based on appearance or what others think,it's a lovely confidence boost to receive feedback and comments on your latest photo.The power of the Selfie has even helped raise 8 million pounds for Cancer Research. I love how Selfies give us a peek into a person's life and day,there's no better way to find out what a person's like than looking through their Instagram feed! Also we have Selfies to thanks for such funny Internet entertainment as The Selfie Olympics and this infamous song which confirms my struggles "Can you guys help me pick a filter? I don't know if I should go with XX Pro or Valencia".

Of course there is a time and a place for everything and I definitely wouldn't recommend taking Selfies in the Office,but I really enjoy seeing people improve their self image and gain the confidence to be able to share their photographs.It can take a lot of courage to say "this is who I am and what I look like".I for one am always going to take Selfies as they're a great way to unwind and explore new ideas.I mean look at the 86 year old lady on Instagram known as Baddie Winkle,it's my goal to be like her when I'm that age.

What's your opinion on Selfies? Do you enjoy taking them?

90's baby // Playlist

I love everything about the 90's.Everybody reminisces about their childhood,and I think there was something really special about that time.I was born in 1991 so I got to experience lots of the fashion,entertainment and music.I grew up listening to a lot of ballads (so much Celine Dion and Whitney Houston-thanks Mum!) but being a child my musical tastes changed by the hour.I still love listening to my old favourites so I thought I'd share them with you!

Travis :- Why does it always rain on me? (1999)

Does anyone know what happened to Travis? They had some great songs in the 90's including this one and Driftwood.I always though they seemed a little depressing,"Oh where did the blue skys go/And why is it raining so?",but I it's a very chilled song with a lovely melody.It's a shame they didn't release more.

Jennifer Page :- Crush (1998)

I didn't really understand this song at 9 years old but I love (and still do) how easy it is to listen to.I remember it being played constantly on the radio and I loved to join in with the "sha la la la" part.

The Wannadies :- Me & You song (1994)

Yet another 90's band that seems to have disappeared off the face of the Earth! This is such a feel good song,it's definitely one for those long summer days.The lyrics are really simple and easy to follow too,which i loved as a kid.

Oasis:- Wonderwall (1995)

I love this song so much I had it as the first dance at the wedding! It's such an iconic song and the words are so beautiful.It's sung by Liam Gallagher on the main version but there are some acoustic recordings of Noel singing it that are amazing.Oasis is my hubby's favourite band so I've been getting into them more now that I can appreciate them as an adult.

Spice Girls-Wannabe (1996)

Everybody and their Mum loved Spice Girls back in the 90's (and most still do!) This was one of the anthems of my childhood.I always wanted to be Baby Spice (my hair was always in bunches) and I would parade around the house proclaiming "if you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends" which looking back was a bit dubious! The lyrics are really catchy and it definitely gets in your head.Remember The Spice Girls Movie?

Chumbawumba :- Tubthumping (1997)

With a band name like Chumbawumba you can expect something completely different! It's really easy to sing along to as most of the lyrics are "I get knocked down,but I get up again,you're never gonna keep me down".I remember this being played at parties all the time as a kid,and all of the adults who'd had a few too many would start chanting this!


I have so many favourite songs from the 90's that it would take me forever to list them.I'd love some recommendations though,so what are your top picks from the decade?

Recovery // Positive body image affirmations

Positive affirmations are a big part of my daily life.If I didn't do them I don't think I would be able to look in the mirror.Looking in the mirror is a big struggle when you don't believe you match up to societies impossible standards.Girls as young as 5 and 6 are becoming increasingly concerned about their weight and appearance.It's getting just as bad for men too,there are plenty of adverts shaming men for not being the muscular Action Man types that the media hound them with everyday.To try and ground myself in the reality and gain some perspective,these affirmations really help me to create a more positive atmosphere.

1. "I deserve to take up space in the world"

I believe this is a quote from the Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This is a great affirmation to say when you are feeling helpless or unimportant.You can be vast and brilliant and you deserve to be here as much as anyone else.

2. "I am worthy of love."

This one has helped me through some very tough times.You are worthy of love no matter who you are or where you come from.Love isn't just reserved for the successful,the healthy or the rich.

3. "Fat isn't a bad word."

You hear so many people saying "Does this make me look fat?" and the other person will say "no, you look beautiful not fat".Why can't they be both? Fat is whispered in hushed tones and shouted as taunts and I think it's unnecessary.You can be fat,you can be thin,or you can be anything in between.If you're healthy and happy then that's great.Actually,even if you're not healthy,you're still wonderful and deserve everything you could want!

4. " It is okay for me to love myself."

It isn't vain or self absorbed to love yourself and your body.You are capable of great things and that should be celebrated! When we start dictating our happiness and not the media,true acceptance of ourselves and others will come.

5."Thank you (body part) for doing (whatever they do.)"

I know this sounds funny but I find this really helpful.Thank your legs for carrying you everywhere.Thank your eyes for seeing what the world has to offer.Your body is going to be with you your whole life,so learning to honour and respect it can only improve your relationship with yourself!

Although it takes time,I definitely think these affirmations are really useful in helping to improve your body image.I like to say some when I'm getting ready in the morning,it's a great way to set myself up for the day!

I'd love to know if anyone else has any affirmations they use.Let me know!