Lifestyle // Tuesday Treasures #2

Here's the second edition in my Tuesday Treasures series and I'm sharing my latest Internet favorites with you all! I'm always super excited to make new discoveries,so here are the newest bits and bobs that I've been watching,reading,wanting and laughing at.

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After binge watching season 2 of Orange Is The New Black, I'd been looking for a gritty comedy-drama to watch to fill the Netflix void.Like most things I've enjoyed watching,I have heard so many great things about this show,and I haven't been dissapointed so far! It's really well written and the actors are so believable.Bryan Cranston plays a troubled middle aged man who gets into a bit of a pickle (I won't spoil it for you!) very well,I've only ever seen him in Malcolm in the Middle,but he is a very versatile actor.I'm a bit slow on the uptake as there are five seasons,but if you're into crime dramas full of suspense and dark comedy then I'd check it out!

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I've just discovered some beautiful illustrations by a Mexican artist called Ilse Valfre and I'm really glad I came across her work! I love quirky illustrations,and these adorable and wonderfully drawn characters are really striking.I'm looking to buy some art so it's great that she has an online store where you can buy clothes,accessories and prints all covered in her offbeat style.

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When I scroll through Instagram,I definitely notice a bit of a pattern going on! I've seen a Starbucks cup have tons of like before,throw in a cute cat and artsy food shots,and you're a fully fledged IG addict! Satiregram is an account full of witty sentences about our favourite and most cliched Instagram snaps.

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This beautiful bunting necklace is just too adorable for words! I love subtle jewellery that you can wear with everything,and this is a great budget piece at only £12.You can buy it from Ji Ji Kiki which is an awesome independent online store selling wonderful vintage bits and bobs.I had the pleasure of hearing Emma,the lovely owner of this shop give a talk at the South West Blog Social,she's so genuine and hard working!

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I don't really know how I'd describe my interior design style,but I love anything cute,vintage and completely unnecessary! I've seen little deer figurines all over the internet and on blogs recently,and I think they would add a lovely touch of kitsch to any home.I reckon I'd be able to find some in a charity shop,that's going to be my next mission.

There's more!

If you need any proof that elephants are awesome,here are 22 photos of them making the world a better place.

I keep wanting to play the indie horror game Slender, but I keep chickening out! Has anyone had a go? I'm a big fan of first person survival games.

This hilarious video by Brett Domino will show you how to make a pop hit song

SimplyNoise is a great site that plays white,pink or brown noise which is great to relax your mind or help you concentrate.

Taking myself back to my tween and teen years with 31 things that always got '00s girls in trouble.I think I was surgically attached to my GHD's.

What are you loving this week? I'd love some more things to check out!

Lifestyle // Sunday support series

"We can't help everyone,but everyone can help someone" -Ronald Reagan

For as long as I can remember I've always been the "Agony Aunt" of the group.I love nothing more than sitting down with a cup of tea and listening to other people's problems.I think there's something very therapeutic and refreshing about taking the time to help people and support them in finding some positive solutions.Having suffered from mental health problems,I know how having someone can talk to can make all the difference.That's why I'm starting the Sunday support series, so that I can offer my advice and support to you all.I'm not a therapist and I if you're going through some rough times I would suggest going to visit your Doctor but I'd love to be a listening ear to anyone who needs it.

I've set up an ask.fm account which you can visit here and ask me questions anonymously.I will then spend the week reading them and publish a post with all my answers every Sunday.Please don't feel embarrassed or awkward when sharing your problems,I'm sure that I've either experienced them myself or heard it all before.Of course this will be completely anonymous unless you want to to state your name,it's all up to you.Any abusive or threatening messages will be deleted,but we already  know not to feed the trolls don't we? If you would like to chat to me privately,then please feel free to email me at whimsicalmrsw@outlook.com,anything that is sent to my private email will not be published.

I'm really excited to be able to be there for you all as you've all been so wonderful and supportive to me,I will make sure to answer your problems as fully as possible.I hope this works out and that it will become a regular feature over here.

What do you think?

Recovery // How to handle diet talk

Did you know that research suggests that women can spend 18.9 years of their lives on diets? (source) So it's only inevitable that eventually someone is going to tell you about their latest weight loss plan in great detail.I think it's become so ingrained in our society now that it's considered normal and healthy to diet.Talking about weight loss has become a way for people to bond,and nothing unites people faster than a shared struggle.However as a person in recovery,I could do without hearing about how "bad" you were when you ate that cupcake.Of course I don't blame people for talking about their diets,they offer the exciting prospect that when you finish them you'll be thin and gorgeous,it doesn't work like that but I have no room to talk! I'm trying to learn that my life should be about exploring opportunities and ideas and not getting caught up in what other's are doing.I completely support people's right to do what they want with their own bodies and lives,but I'm talking about how to avoid and handle the often non stop chatter surrounding it.

1. Remove yourself from the situation

I know this isn't always possible,but if you're able to it's a good idea to try and move away from certain conversations.Protecting your mental health and/or recovery is more important,and if you feel like certain people or discussions are affecting that then some time by yourself might be helpful.I try to find a hobby to pass some time until I feel more comfortable,blogging is such a great way to vent! Other ideas might be listening to music,tidying up or watching cat videos on Youtube (would recommend.)

2. Change the subject

If you're not able to go somewhere else,subtly changing the conversation to another subject can really help shift things towards a more positive direction.For example if someone says "urgh I shouldn't have eaten that burger at McDonald's,I'm so fat" you could say "I thought it looked quite nice,did you see (insert name) there? I find that if you mention another aspect of their evening/outfit/food or whatever they're talking about the diet talk often ends there.

3. Be understanding

These days talking about dieting and weight loss is as common as discussing the weather,and you can see why in today's society.The constant sexualisation and objectification of women in adverts can really distort what both sexes think is the right way for a body to look.Of course,all sorts of mental health problems and/or unhealthy behaviour can come from not being able to match up to these standards.Diet propaganda is displayed on our TV's and magazines 24/7 and there's never a break from it,so you can understand why some people may be swept away with the idea that they too can be the "perfect ideal".Whether or not you agree with their diet,you probably know what it's like to feel insecure so a quick "I'm always here if you need to talk" might go a long way.

4. Talk to them

Sometimes people can be oblivious to what they're saying and how it can affect other people,it's quite easy for people to get wrapped up in their little bubble! If it's really getting to you,having a quick word with them could make all the difference.Something like "I'm trying to change my mindset and learn to accept my body without dieting,I'd really appreciate it if you didn't mention your diet all the time." Making sure that you're honest and open with them is definitely the right way to go,seeing as that's what all good friendships should be based on!

I've found these ways of dealing with diet talk really effective,obviously you can't censor people and their going to say what they want to,but that doesn't mean you can't say how you feel or have to be in a negative atmosphere.



Do you have any tips to deal with diet talk?

South West Blog Social // What I learnt

I had such an amazing time at the South West Blog Social last Saturday,so good in fact that I actually forgot to take many photographs (I'm such a bad blogger haha) I'm so happy that this part of the world is holding such great events,and it was really inspiring to hear wonderful advice on everything from getting published to learning how to accept advertising.It was held at Oddfellows which is a very funky looking "gastropub"just off the beaten track.

It was great to be able to actually meet bloggers in person, it felt quite surreal actually! I managed to find a band of lifestyle bloggers to eat Pizza with and chat about all things blog related.It felt so nice to be able to talk about Twitter chats and post ideas without people looking at me like I have a third eye!

If you're ever in Exeter looking for somewhere to eat or go for a quick drink,I'd definitely recommend Oddfellows. They even cater to the non drinkers amongst us,this mocktail was absolutely gorgeous! It came in a jar too,so it's perfect for Instagram addicts.I'll let the four cheese and chutney pizza speak for itself, I think it was bigger than my head! Not only did I leave with a full stomach, but my head was buzzing with ideas and the wonderful feeling that I'm doing the right thing by following my passion.I think this was a great opportunity to learn more about the world of blogging,and I left with lots of new information.Here's what I took from the day;

1. There's always something to learn

Blogging is a hobby that you can take down many different avenues and there's always something new to learn. I've seen people's amazing photographs from the event, and I'm going to try and improve my photography skills. I've only got a Nikon Coolpix, but I've read some great tutorials online on how to get your pictures up to scratch.

2.Bloggers are as unique and different as their blogs

It was wonderful to see such a variety of people of all ages and from all walks of life.It makes me so happy to think that I'm part of a community that is so accessible and friendly.I was really inspired by all of the interesting and open stories and ideas that were bouncing around the room.

3.It pays to challenge yourself

Honestly,I was really nervous on the train ride over,but I figured I should try to get myself out there and promote what I love and enjoy.Initially I felt quite uncomfortable,but I'm glad I stayed because I met so many wonderful people!

4. Every day is a great opportunity

Saturday made me realise that I should really push myself to seize every opportunity that comes my way. Everyday is an opportunity to ask questions and find inspiration, it might not always come straight away but sometimes a fresh outlook can make all the difference.

5 People can be so generous

This event was kindly organised by Jodie Dewberry over at http://alajode.com/ and supported by many sponsors who provided wonderful goodie bags for us (future post coming!) It must have taken so much hard work and dedication to get this to run without a hitch! Also,I really admire the speakers who offered such wonderful advice and happily answered any questions we had!

I'm definitely going to try to attend as many events as I can,hopefully there will be lots more going on in Devon in the future.It's definitely been an eye opening and fun day,I really hope that the South West Blog Social runs for many more years to come!



Have you been to any blogger events before? Did you enjoy it?

Music // Ultimate Blogger's Playlist

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For the past couple of days I've had terrible writer's block,it's so frustrating when all the thoughts are there but you can't get them into any sort of order.In cases like this I like to get a playlist together that puts me in a good mood and inspires me to get writing! I must have been living under a rock because I've only recently discovered Spotify,but I'm really enjoying using it as a way to boost my motivation and discover new music.

The Warm Up

I like to set up an area where I can blog comfortably,which often includes many cushions and a big mug of tea! I've put together some songs that have a wonderful mix of catchy and feelgood lyrics that should help you to get motivated to produce your best content yet! Who could resist singing to Mr Blue Sky? It's the perfect song for Summer.I'd really recommend Noah and The Whale too if you're into indie folk, fans of Bombay Bicycle Club or Mumford and Sons,this would be a great band to check out.

The Main Event

By this point you've probably written a little bit,but your concentration might begin to flag! This is the time that I might have a little break,but if I'm feeling productive I often power through with some tracks that help keep me going.These songs are great for inspiring your ideas and emotions to get together and do some writing.I've heard Pharrell William's "Happy" a million times already and I still love it,I should really watch Despicable Me! Ben Howard has some lovely music too,he also used to live in my town and go to the same secondary school as me,although not at the same time sadly!

The Wind Down

Writing can be really draining when you put your all into creating something you love.I think it's a great idea to relax with some easy listening music and take some time to rest your brain.I've only just discovered the first song which is a cellist group cover of Coldplay's clocks and it's so beautiful! Also, you can never go wrong with some Jack Johnson to mellow you out.

I've spent a lovely evening arranging my playlists.It definitely appeals to the side of me that loves organising,I should work in an office.Of course,all of the songs belongs to their respective artists,I can't sing for toffee and I'm no Beyonce! I hope you enjoy them,let me know if you'd like me to create any more,I'm thinking of starting a regular music feature.

What songs are you enjoying at the moment? Do you use Spotify?

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?

Fashion // Stripes & Jeans OOTD

This is a very exciting post for me to write because it involves getting out of my comfort zone and facing some body issues! I haven't worn jeans for around 9 years,and each pair I've owned in the past have been filled with memories of me starving and unrealistic expectations.I must have walked in and out of Primark two or three times before deciding to pick these jeans up,but I decided that I have to challenge myself so that I can continue to tackle any negative thoughts!

Stripey Boyfriend Top £3

Black "push up & pull in" skinny jeans £13

Black leather bag £12

Brogues £10

All Primark

Now I know that this stripes and black combo isn't going to win any creative fashion prizes,but I'm really enjoy the monochrome look at the moment,and I'm trying to channel my inner French woman.I'm not used to wearing jeans,so I feel like my legs  look like sausages busting out of their casing,but they are actually quite comfortable.They feel really well made and I'm sure they'll be a feature of many future outfits.I love the slouchy cut of this top and it'd be perfect for dressing up or down.

I'm finding it quite hard to accept my shape in jeans because I often wear dresses or other loose clothing,but I have to realise that I am normal.Some people are a size 6 and some are a size 36,but everyone deserves to be included in fashion and feel good.This outfit has definitely inspired me to be more bold with my clothing choices and break out of my comfort zone every now and again!

What clothes do you wear when you're trying to shake things up?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Lifestyle // Why I love blogging

Last nights lifestyle (#lbloggers) chat was really interesting as always! We were talking about "big" and "small" bloggers,the difference between them and what people think is important about blogging.For me personally,it's the interaction.Writing is blog is actually quite a brave thing to do,as you're putting yourself out there and saying "this is me and these are the things I enjoy" and I really like the positive and accepting community that comes out of that.

As well as loving reading comments,messages and notifications,I really enjoy taking the time to sit down and respond to them.Not just a one word response which seems similar to sending someone a text saying "K",but a thought out comment that might continue more conversation and ideas.If someone can take the time to write me a comment,then I can take the time to reply.There is nothing nicer than waking up and realising that real people actually want to respond and talk about something you've wrote! Real people who have ideas,opinions and dreams and want to share them with others.

If anyone wants a creative and healthy outlet then I'd really recommend blogging.It's great because it's on your terms and it can be whatever you want it to be.It's done a lot for me in many ways; my writing and grammar have improved,I feel more confident in what I have to say and it helps me feel less "stuck" in my own mind.That's pretty good seeing as blogging is relatively cheap and doesn't have to cost a thing!

P.S If you're wandering why the white of the screenshots is dull,it's because I use a computer program that adjusts light to help me sleep.I'll review it soon!

What's your favourite thing about blogging?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Recovery // A letter to my body

It's safe to say that like a lot of people, I have felt very disconnected from my body for most of time.To me,my body has just been a jumble of mismatched parts that I've often said belong to different people.I've spent too much of time criticising and over thinking my appearance when in reality, I think most people are more concerned with their own lives and not my weight/hair/makeup.I had some therapy last year which I found really helpful in getting me to see things from a different perspective,and some exercises included writing to yourself and/or you body in order to address issues and learn to become more comfortable in your own skin.I'd thought I'd share with you a few of my "hang ups" and how I'm trying to turn my thoughts around.

Dear eyes,

I'm sorry that you've cried so many times,I think I made you wake up too many mornings all bloodshot and grey,when you should of been glowing and full of life.I can't believe I used to go online and research coloured contacts so that I could be the perfect blue eyed blonde that I'd always wanted to be.It was with you that I got to experience my wedding and my newly improved life with all of the vibrancy that I had wished for ,and I'm forever grateful for that.I'm very lucky that you're in good health and I'm going to make sure that I look after you more.If I knew what eyeshadow to wear,I'd dress you up all the time! (I'm getting quite good at eyeliner flicks.)

Dear Thighs,

I spent so many hours as a teenager Googling "thigh exercises" and using horrible 80's style exercise equipment like  thigh toners until exhaustion,in order to achieve the "perfect" thin legs.It was never enough though,I have a horrible memory of walking into my GCSE exams and people making comments about my "thunder thighs" and I wanted the ground to swallow me up.I'm so sorry that I tried to mould you to fit what other people told me you should be.It's only recently I've been able to wear shorts (albeit pyjama shorts at home!) but I'm getting comfortable with the idea that my thighs are great friends! 

Dear freckles,

I still remember how much it stung to cover you in lemon juice and hope that that I would wake up and you would be gone.Also why are you considered an "imperfection", along with stretchmarks,scars and blemishes?  (all of which I have or have had),it's easy to see why I've felt like I've been made entirely of flaws.I would painstakingly apply layers of foundation to you and pray that it stayed on day,only to be embarrassed if someone mentioned you.I think it didn't help that I didn't see other people with freckles growing up,but I was so inspired when the lovely Jade Thompson won BINTM! Now I try not to wear so much foundation and make sure to wear SPF so I don't burn (which would be constantly.)

I know some of these things might appear really insignificant,but I think we really look at ourselves under a scrutinising microscope sometimes and it's easy to not to see the bigger picture.I am not my eyes,thighs or freckles but I am a person who has dreams and ambitions and I'm not going to let how I feel about myself sometimes stop me from doing what I want all the time.

This has been very therapeutic! I'd love to hear anyone else's letters to their bodies.

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

                                  

Lifestyle // Blogger's perfect lives

via Coverbooth.com

In this post I'm going to be talking about the inspirational blogging mindset and how this can make people feel inadequate or like they need to go on millions of spending sprees in order to meet certain "standards".I am in no way talking about a particular blog or person so this isn't aimed at anyone!

I love reading blogs from writers all over the world and from all walks of life.There is so much to learn and explore that I could spend hours reading people's musings and looking at their pictures.Scroll for too long through,and sometimes I can start to feel a bit down.There are pictures of perfectly placed cups of tea framing high end beauty products,or a person who has a seemingly perfect home peppered with artsy creations and a wardrobe of beautiful vintage clothing.I think that some blogs definitely seem to sell a "lifestyle" which I don't have a problem with as it's no different to a magazine,but it can leave you feeling like there's something missing in your life or blog.

I do think it's important that we realise that bloggers are only people.They might watch Jeremy Kyle in the mornings,or perhaps they hate doing the laundry.Whatever it is, perfection doesn't exist.Of course,it can look very convincing,but human's by nature aren't perfect and that includes bloggers too.

Everyone has different budgets and that is apparent in everyday life,but in the blogging world it seems magnified and thoughts can sometimes pop in my head."Why can't I have that?" "It would take me months to save up".I probably could buy it,but it's not in my nature too so I focus on budget beauty.If you're into high end products then that's great! If bloggers review and talk about both then readers have a wider amount to read about.

The Internet is a huge place with room for everyone.If you like to talk about high end fashion then do it! Are you interested in the Paranormal? Share your passion.Someone is bound to read it and be grateful for the information,it might even inspire them to start writing.

Theodore Roosevelt said "comparison is the thief of joy" and I couldn't agree more.Let's hold each other up and enjoy our community,but remember that things aren't always as they seem! (When I'm taking pictures I often have my slobby "house" clothes on.)

Beauty // Shower essentials

I'm definitely a creature of habit and I love my morning routine.There's nothing better than feeling fresh and ready for the day, and I've found these products always help me start the morning on the right foot.I use these religiously and I will be making sure that I repurchase them again.

Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub (£5.50 from Boots)

I've been loving Sanctuary products since I received a gift box for Christmas,they're really affordable yet they have that luxurious look.This scrub is really gentle and doesn't leave my skin irritated or red.I suffer with Keratosis Pilaris,which is rough and bumpy skin on my upper arms and this really helps combat that and keep my skin smooth.It's perfect to use in the morning because it's got a gorgeous citrus scent that is really wakes me up!

Radox Moisture Soak (£1 from Poundland)

I do love a nice bubble bath.A few candles and the water at just the right temperature (boiling hot) and I'm happy.The downside of having regular hot baths is it can leave my skin feeling dried out,luckily this bubble bath really helps to put the moisture back in.It creates loads of comforting bubbles and fills the room with a sweet and inviting fragrance.You really don't need much either,I've had this for a good few months!

Nivea Harmony Time Shower Cream (£1 from Poundland)

This smells absolutely gorgeous! It's almost perfume like and leaves my skin smelling faintly of rose petals and sweet almonds.The formulation is very creamy so it would be brilliant for people who suffer with dry,tight skin (like me.) 

Gilette Venus Razor (£7.99 from Boots)

I don't use these everyday (I alternate it with cheaper razors) as I think that  Venus razors and the new blades can get pretty pricey,but I love the results.I can get a close smooth shave and it doesn't drag across my skin and cut it up like some other razors have done.Armpits can be notoriously hard to get completely shaved because of the awkward shape,but I find that these leave no fuzz behind.There are normally quite a lot of offers and deals on Venus products so I'd keep an eye open to see if they go down in price. 

I'm always keeping my eye out for new products,but I always go back to these.I'm not a fan of fussy or complicated bottles (I'm very clumsy) but these do the job!

What products are you loving at the moment?

Recovery // Why you should stop counting calories

via Pinterest

*Trigger warning for talk of Eating disorders and weight (numbers included)*

As I'm sat here typing this, I'm eating a bagel covered in Peanut Butter and Strawberry jam.This is an everyday occurrence now,but this time 14 months ago (in the beginning of my recovery) I would weigh and calculate every morsel of food.I remember using the scale to weigh lettuce and having to check it repeatedly to make sure it was accurate.My history with calorie counting is far too lengthy to talk about in this post,but I thought I would share my experiences with you.I know it can be hard when you always hear people say "urgh this is so bad , it has x/y/z calories".You can't really blame people though,magazines are covered in eye catching titles claiming that the latest celebrity is so much happier and healthier on this diet that has a 99% chance of being restrictive.I thought I'd share with you my tips on how you can move toward a more natural and way less stressful relationship with food.

1.Buy food that doesn't show calorie information! I think I had some bakery bread in the freezer for 6 months because I was too scared to eat it.However,since recovery I have been able to expand my cooking knowledge and try out some wonderful new food.I like to think of it as experiencing food like a child would,they enjoy all the colours,flavours and textures that their meals have to offer without judgement or attaching labels.

2.If you struggle with associating calories and how many you have with guilt and other negative feelings,I have some really helpful affirmations that help me get through my emotions.

"I trust my body"

"500 years ago people didn't count calories and they were absolutely fine!"

"I am allowed to enjoy this food and nourish my body"

"I am feeling sad/guilty/anxious and that's OK and it will pass"

"I am trying to create a healthier relationship with myself and food"

3.Try to get out of the mindset that low calorie=healthy and high calorie=unhealthy.Foods like Peanut Butter (one of the foods I really struggled with),Olive Oil and some fish contain high levels of fats that are great for brain function and skin. Whereas lots of low fat or sugar substitutes often contain more additives so that it appealing and tastes nice.Having a good mix of everything is often the best way to make sure that you're eating well.

4.Listening to your body is one of the greatest tools in stopping calorie counting.Learning to recognise hunger and fullness signals (especially when you have disordered eating) can be very difficult.However,this is a learning process.Initially I had to count calories to make sure I was eating enough but when I reached a healthy weight my body was able to tell me what it needed more reliably.There is no shame in eating when you're hungry.There is no shame in eating full stop.

5.This leads me on to my next point, making sure you eat regularly.Not eating often enough can often leave people quite irritable and it can mess up your hunger signals.I always eat 3 meals and 2 snacks,but whatever works for you is great! Make time for food and enjoy getting to know your body and what it wants (you might learn something new.)

For me,when I was restricting my food intake,other areas of my life also became limited.Therefore,it would make sense that when those rules slowly became lifted,I was able to experience life much more vividly.I understand that everyone's lives are different,but I really hope this helps or at least makes you think about calories and your relationship with them.After all,there are much more important things to worry about.

Do you count calories? Let me know your opinions and experiences! 

Best of the web // Productivity

I love coming home after a long day and seeing what's new online.Recently though instead of looking at cats on Youtube,I've decided to use my time more productively! I've found some great sites that haven't only helped me,but other people too.What better use of my time? I've found so many that I'm going to make a series out of this because I think you're going to find them useful.






 freerice.com

Freerice.com is a wonderful site where you can improve your vocabulary and help feed hungry people! A word will come up and you've got to pick the correct meaning.Each right answer means that 10 grains of rice have been donated through the World Food Programme.The questions get harder and it's actually quite addictive trying to see if you can get more grains.I definitely think this is more productive than Candy Crush!

Coffitivity

This website has really improved my productivity and thought processing.I just plug in my headphones and I can hear the realistic sounds of a Coffee shop.Apparently,this atmosphere is really good for helping inspire creativity and helping you focus.When you think about it,that must be true as it's very common for people who are writing to come and sit in a cosy Coffee shop.There are 3 background noise to choose from; "Morning Murmur","Lunchtime Lounge" or "University Undertones" which is great as there is one for every mood or time of day.If you're finding it hard to concentrate on blogging,work or studying I would definitely recommend playing this in the background.

29a.ch (Nebula creator)

This site is a bit unusual but I've found it really useful in helping me stay calm during anxious moments.It's very simple to use as all you do is pick colours and drag your mouse around the screen.This creates a really pretty Nebula that you can customise.I find the simple actions and colours really calming,kind of like watching fish.It's a great activity to just take your mind away for a few minutes and distract from any negativity.



I'll be adding more sites as I find them,the Internet is full of weird and wonderful things.Do you have any sites that help with your productivity? 

Bucket list // 30 before 30

Things have been going really well recently,I've been feeling much more well in myself and I've been thinking of what things I want to achieve in the future! I've seen other blogs do "bucket lists" where they write down what they want to complete in their lives and I think they're a great way to keep focused.I decided to do a 30 achievements by 30 list.This gives me a whole 7 years to see how many I can tick off.I couldn't decide as I have so many,but I narrowed it down to my "must dos"

1. Swim with Dolphins
2. Donate my hair to charity
3. Visit London
4. Get a mortgage (easier said than done!)
5. Have a flat/house decorated exactly how I want it (I love cosy homes with plenty of throws and cushions.)
6. Help feed and bathe Elephants (I wanted to ride one but after researching it seems unethical.)
7. Start a family
8. Stay recovered from Anorexia
9. Have a pet (preferably a pug if Sam would agree!)
10. Visit America 
11. Stay in 5 (or more) hostels
12. Cook a three course meal from scratch
13. Keep up with blogging
14. Take a dance class with my husband
15. Be in an audience for a TV show
16. Try to reduce/control my anxiety
17. Stay up all night to watch the sunrise somewhere pretty
18. Visit Bora Bora and stay in a over water hut
19. Have a good skin routine (I want to stay looking young!)
20. Go Ice Skating with Sam
21. Pay more attention to staying hydrated (I get horrible headaches)
22. Visit Italy (Rome or Venice!)
23. Wear classic clothes not trends
24. Water-ski
25. Hot air balloon ride
26. Donate food to food bank/homeless charity
27. See Pandas at Edinburgh Zoo
28. Visit the other countries in Great Britain 
29. Expand my cooking knowledge (I'm good at my favourites but I want to cook some "dinner party" type food.
30. Work on becoming more optimistic

So there is my list! I tried to include a good mixture of long and short term achievements,as well as ones that don't cost the Earth.I'm going to create a page with these on so that I can be reminded and write posts about them as I go.

What's on your bucket list?

    

Poundland bargains // Maybelline Forever Strong Pro Polish Review

Another post in my Poundland bargains series and it's another nail varnish! What a surprise.This one really interests me as it claims to last up to 7 days,which is great for me because I hate getting even the tiniest chip.It makes a lot of claims with the name "forever strong pro" but I decided to try and out and opted for neutral shade "Porcelain beige".

I don't have enough neutral colours in my nail collection and I was after something I could wear to formal occasions or when I need a more subtle look.The Calcium and Iron has been added to help achieve a rich colour and shine.I Googled what silica does in polish and apparently it allows it to be more evenly distributed. 

I found that the brush was the perfect shape to get to the edge of the nails and the polish had quite a thick consistency.I needed to apply two coats to achieve a full block of colour,but it looks lovely with just one.

 I was worried that a nude polish might look quite orange and unflattering on my pale skin but I am very happy with the finish.Beige can sometimes be quite boring and drab,but this colour is really versatile.It's a lovely shade of milky coffee and it really helps my nails look more polished.It is a glossy polish but I applied topcoat to add extra shine.This will definitely become one of my favourites!

What are you wearing on your nails at the moment?

Recovery // Tumblr thinspo debunked

*Trigger warning for photographs & discussion of Eating Disorders/weight*

I love Tumblr as much as the next person.It's a great place to get style inspiration,read interesting stories and catch up with friends.However scroll a little further and you'll notice a few photographs that aren't all they seem.Thinspo or "thinspiration" is defined as "photographs or other material intended to provide inspiration for Anorexia as a lifestyle choice".I can't even begin to discuss how angry these make me! I think they are really toxic and do nothing to break the stereotype that eating disorders are only experienced by thin white women.Please note,I have nothing against any body type,we are all worthy of feeling pretty and special whether we are fat,thin or anything in between.The problem I have is with the media and "pro ana" supporters promoting negative self talk and diets.

Lots of these images were inspired by this (in) famous Kate Moss quote.

via Tumblr

This quote always makes me think.Personally when I reached my "goal weight" I didn't even care about how being skinny felt.I couldn't feel! Also I think that lots of things taste better than being skinny.Freedom from self hatred and a healthy relationship with food taste 1000x better than skinny could ever feel.

via Tumblr

I hate this kind of faux motivational BS.Your stomach doesn't even know what applauding is.It's very easy to lose sight of the actual science when you're faced with these so called "inspirational" images.Not only do these images shame any body type that doesn't fit this "ideal" that is generated by the media,it also shames people for feeling one of the most primal instincts,hunger.

via Tumblr

Urgh I don't even know where to start with this.I hate the ignorance that Tumblr and the media display,they seem to think that Anorexia is a diet that can be picked up and dropped as they wish.Also, drinking only Diet Cokes and coffee whilst smoking cigarettes will not turn you into a fragile little Effy Stonem clone.It will make you tired,depressed and resentful.Pretty girls are made of determination,strength and happiness!

One thing I have noticed is that pro-ana and "thinspo" messages definitely prey on the vulnerable and try to either shame them into feeling inadequate, or post motivational quotes saying that they too could be just like this! They sell dieting and weight loss as the answer to everything.Don't like yourself? Lose weight.Want that boy to notice you? Slim down.It's just another form of advertising for a lifestyle that isn't attainable,we shouldn't treat it any different to the more obvious advertising.The only difference is that thinspo is made in people's bedrooms and not boardrooms. 

To counteract all of this negativity I created my own "Anti-thinspo" photo.

 I know that people are more aware of these materials now,and they are slowly being taken down.If you do see anything that you are concerned about then I would report the content to the admins of the website.I hope this has helped put things in to perspective a little more,it's amazing how little people can think of how a few words can affect people so much.


Have you ever come across anything pro-ana related? What did you think?