You guys seem to really enjoy these ‘5 things to do this weekend’ posts (see my others here & here), so today I wanted to do an edition where if you get it done, your future self will love you for it!

1. CHANGE THE BEDDING. Yep, I’m starting off simple. I know that it can be such a drag, but the way I see it it only takes what, 15 minutes max? And is there any better feeling than getting into bed on a night when you’ve got fresh bedding and clean pjs on? IS THERE? I pop on a Youtube video and it’s done and relatively pain-free before I know it!
2. GET APPOINTMENTS BOOKED. When you become an adult, no-one lets you know that suddenly your mum just ups and has you make your doctors appointments yourself. Just me? Whether its a check-up, dentist appointment, or ringing the insurance company when they decide to add £200 onto your car bill, get it done and it takes all the hassle off your back.
3. PAMPER! I’ve got to add something fun onto the list haven’t I? This is totally optional of course, but I always feel so much better when I’m all prep and primed with new nails, toes, and clean hair.
4. GET INSPIRED. With a busy week-day, it can be hard to feel any creative juices flowing when you’re working then coming back to sort out the house. The weekend is a perfect time to order some new books on Amazon, have a switch around of the decor, start a new challenge, or do something out of your comfort zone. I really want to change up a bit of our home decor that’s around, but because we’re saving I just decided to move things around a little and it’s really done the job!
5. DON’T STICK TO YOUR SCHEDULE. Yup, that’s right. It’s me telling you to actually throw out the rule-book and go wild. My term of ‘wild’ is deciding to watch another episode of Netflix and not go to bed and read. But in all seriousness, change can feel amazing, and reminds us that we’re alive.

Do you plan on doing any of these this weekend?

I’m still a long way to where I want to be, but I feel like since posting every other day for the last couple of months, I’m on the way to creating a really great set of regular readers of this ol’ blog. My blog tips always go down so well (thank you guys) and I really wanted to create another one!

MIX UP YOUR CONTENT

If you don’t have a blog niche, like me, I mentioned it in this post, I always think it’s a great idea to blog about different topics. I love reading blogs that have such a variety of posts about all kind of things, and I know that I for one will always click on a post if its something unique that I haven’t read before. The most unique posts of mine have always done much better than expected, and I think its refreshing to see people posting content that isn’t their usual. It also gives the person reading much more of an idea of what you may be like in ‘real life’, I find personal posts much more connecting than reading about favourites, for example.

ALWAYS ASK A QUESTION

Creating an engaged audience can even occur in the comments of a post, sometimes it’s where you get a great tip from a fellow blogger from, or just someone letting you know that they know what your going through on a personal post. I always end most blog posts with a question, as it encourages the reader to get involved and leave a comment to reply to.

BE ENGAGING YOURSELF

I see a tweet every day about how rubbish some social media platforms are at engagement, and while that’s usually true, I often wonder if people are engaging with others themselves? I definitely wouldn’t expect anyone to leave me a comment on a post if I never did it to anyone else. Sharing the love is always appreciated, just be genuine with it.

STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF

This would probably be my number one life tip if I’m honest! Even if you aren’t getting an engaged audience at this moment in time, please don’t try to copy someone else who does. It’s often not the posts that are getting the views, but that people are invested in that particular blogger, no matter what they write. One day you will definitely get there, and people will keep coming back to read your content! Just keep at it, and it’ll happen.

Do you have any tips for creating an engaged audience?

It’s been a hot minute since I updated you guys on products I’m trying out, and because these are some of my favourite posts to read I thought its about time I got you updated.

The first two products I actually won in a giveaway! I’ve only used the Dr Jart Beauty Balm  once so far, but was honestly so impressed. It says its a hybrid between makeup and skincare, and it actually gives a surprising amount of coverage. It’s extremely natural looking on the skin and the fact that it’s only £8.00 from Boots means I will *most likely* be repurchasing.

I have a love-hate relationship with rose scented stuff, because I don’t like the powdery ‘granny’ smell, but this little guy is nothing like that. The Rose Salve  seems to be a popular product in a beauty lovers world and I can totally see why. I will go as far to say that it’s becoming my favourite lip balm ever. Yup, I’m going with it! Have I mentioned it also smells like an absolute dream?

I recently become an ambassador from the Botanics range in Boots, which I’m so excited about! They sent me a few products to test out including the Face Scrub & Radiance Balm. I’ve only used the products a couple of times, but the face scrub is one thats super gentle, which is great for my sensitive skin, but still does a great job on removing dead face skin *ugh why did I just say that?*

The radiance balm is becoming another favourite as it doesn’t feel tacky or greasy, just leaves the skin looking really dewy. Plus, its actually super watery which I didn’t expect but that means it doesn’t clog my skin up at all and leaves me with no breakouts, yay!

Have you been testing out any new products recently, I would love to hear what?!

I definitely didn’t grow up as the most confident person, and have struggled with it a lot. I feel like over the past year I’ve become more confident in myself (albeit I’m still not all the way there), and it’s all down to these little things..

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS/SELF-TALK

The way we talk to ourselves is so so important. I really try to work on talking positively and being kind to myself. I regularly do affirmations which always makes me feel better, I don’t read them out loud, just saying them to yourself in your head works too! Even if we’re in a situation where we are the ones to blame, try to work out the positives and what you’ve learned is always a good thing.

FAKING IT

Sometimes the best way to be confident is to fake it. I’m a fairly shy person in real life, but in situations where I feel nervous I always cope better when I’m putting on a confident front. In some cases my BF looks at me really surprised when he sees me being very confident and chatty in social situations, because it’s what I’m far from. It’s not trying to be something you’re not, it’s just a little boost if all else fails.

YOU DO YOU

We all have those little things that give us confidence. For you it may be rocking a red lip, for me it’s wearing something I’m comfortable in. Maybe you have to give yourself a mini pep talk before an important morning, if it works, do it. I like to imagine the situation I’m going to be in going well, it really comforts me. This sounds silly too but confidence really does start to improve when you get a bit older. Maybe its the life experience you have behind yourself, or you get more familiar with situations.

LIST YOUR AMAZING QUALITIES

It sounds a bit cheesy doesn’t it? But I really rate it. Honestly, I have lists of things I like about myself in my phone & notebooks, and once I start writing them down I always feel a bit more of pep in my step, and that actually, I’m pretty awesome. 😉

How do you gain self-confidence?

I’ve had several ups and downs on my ‘body journey’ but without going into too much detail, I’ve had long periods of time going from binge-eating for comfort, to really restricted eating and lots of over-exercising. I really do think this part of my life is somewhat finished now and it makes me so sad to think how I treated my body.

Over the past year I’ve really developed a balance with my relationship to food and exercise- and that’s mostly down to yoga. I practice it in some form almost daily, and it reminds me to be kind to myself, to know when to push harder and to know when to slow down. It makes me a more happier person. There’s so many yoga and fitness/balance inspirations out there that help to guide me on my way, so I’ll be sure to link them all down below.

Yoga isn’t just about doing stretches in lycra, its much more than that. Its kind of like a lifestyle. Being kind to your body, and treating it well in all ways.

I recently read a tweet that says the famous motto ‘you never regret a workout’ which personally, I find so triggering. I might be the only one here, but when I hear that it brings back old thoughts and unhealthy patterns. The way I see it, if you’re denying your body rest and the nutrients/fats it needs to function, then working out on top of that is so dangerous. I just wanted to add this in here incase anyone else out there feels the same, your not alone! Rest days are also key, never feel guilty for letting your body recuperate.

I’m so much more kinder to my body now, and whenever I see one of my family members over-doing it in general life, I always like to remind them that you only have one body. Its so so important to cherish, nourish and look after it.

I hope if your reading this after you haven’t worked out all week and just ate a Mcdonalds, girl thats totally fine. We all deserve treats. Never feel guilty about food. I’ve been down that road, and I know its just not worth it.

_____

Links:

Zanna Van Dijk

Jessica Olie

Yoga Girl

Yoga With Adriene

Cat Meffan

My post about not weighing myself anymore