I’ve realised I haven’t done a book post in ages, and even though if you follow my book Instagram account you will of probably seen many of these before, but I wanted to chat a bit more in depth on here than I can in a short caption.

THE BONE CLOCKS- Woah, this was a super long read and quite a difficult one to get your head around too. Even now, I’m not fully sure I understand the whole thing. It was very complex! That being said, I did enjoy it and especially the second half I was really into and I was totally rooting for the main character.

THE DAY WE MEET AGAIN- This book completely broke me! Oosh, I wish I could go back and read it again for the first time. It was just beautiful. If you like romantic novels, please read it! It’s definitely one of the best ones I’ve read in that genre.

THE KEEPER OF LOST THINGS- I completely adored this book! It had a similar vein to The Cactus (another one I loved) and it’s now one of my 5 star reads. It’s a gorgeous story so I’d definitely recommend picking it up. It kind of made me feel really nostalgic in a good way too.

ONE  HUNDRED NAMES- I was totally drawn to this book by the blurb, and it didn’t disappoint! A story about one journalist on the hunt for an unknown story involving 100 people, I was hooked the whole way through and now I want to read lots more from Cecilia Ahern.

HOW TO STOP TIME- I’m new to Matt Haig’s book, but I loved the sound of this one. Now, there were definitely parts I liked and others not so much, but I did find the overall vibe of this really a bit depressing? Maybe it’s just me, but I think it kind of went into a bit too much detail, although maybe I’m just particularly sensitive right now. I’m going to pass it on to my dad because it is a very clever story, I just wished it was a bit more heavier on the magic, and less on the emotional side of things.

Have you read any of these?

I can’t believe we’re at the last week of November, I’m sure everyone says that but it’s true. This year has gone so fast and even though this post isn’t really a ‘reflection’ post, it’s definitely had its good and bad moments that’s for sure. Anyway, before I get all reflective we still have about 6 weeks left of 2019, so here’s how I’m planning on spending it..

HOLIDAY

We’re going on holiday at the beginning of December and I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE SOME SUNSHINE (hopefully!). We last went away in February, which feels approx 92716 years ago, so I’m really looking forward to it. 5 days on the sun-lounger, reading my books, and just generally chilling out. We don’t have any holidays booked for 2020, but I’d love to go somewhere new we haven’t been before, even if it’s just a city break.

REST AND RECOUP

The festive period is always kinda stressful, but this year I’m planning on doing a lot more resting and recouping, ready for the new year to start with a bang. I do love this cosy season, and that you feel less guilty when it’s 5pm and you have no more plans for the evening! I always say time spent at home is my favourite, and that’s true.

MORE OFFLINE TIME

I’ve had a real offline weekend this past weekend and I didn’t know just how much I needed it! I spent lots of time with family and it was so nice to not be constantly staring at my phone. Definitely want more of those in these next 6 weeks and counting!

FESTIVE FUN

We are going to London next weekend for some festive fun, and I can’t wait to feel in the Christmas spirit! It’s slowly creeping up on me and we will be putting our tree up soon- I want it up for a while before we go away! I can’t wait to get stuck into those cheesy Christmas films on Netflix too. Bring it on!

How’s the rest of the year looking for you?

Can you believe we’re at the middle of November already? Nope, me neither. Todays blog post is another mid-week check in, so lets go..

What’s going well this week?

• I’ve done quite a bit of online Christmas shopping (although I’m definitely cutting down a little) and it feels so good to be ahead of the game slightly and be organised. When it gets around to December I start to freak out a little bit and panic buy, so I want to avoid that this year for sure.
• I was still sore from Sunday’s run but I forced myself to go to my yoga class last night and I’m glad I did. It’s always an hour completely to myself to check out.
• Productive days at work and then lots of cleaning the house and (trying) to see the end of the laundry basket.
• I’ve been reading lots recently and managed to get through two books last week and I’m on my way with my current read too.
• Oh, and I found orange twirls yesterday = LIFE MADE!!

What improvements do I want to make for the rest of the week?

• Maybe a little less time spent on my phone!
• Eating more veggies.
• More meditation.

How’s your week going?

I’ve made a few different lifestyle changes recently, and I realised that I haven’t really mentioned them on the blog. So that’s exactly what this post will be, an informal chat about things I’ve been doing recently to improve my life.

NEW ROUTINES

I’ve been working on a better sleep routine and it’s making a massive difference to my mental health. I’ve been putting my phone away for at least an hour before bed to stop the scrolling and read instead, and I’m loving the downtime and mental space it gives me. I’m definitely somewhat addicted to my phone (like I’m sure most of us are) so having those scheduled hours away from it are really needed. I’ve also been having a smoothie most afternoons as one of my snacks, and the added fruit intake has made SUCH a difference to my energy, I can’t recommend it enough!

NOT FORGETTING SELF CARE

There are certain types of activities that I class as self-care, even though sometimes I don’t want to do them. Writing a blog post because I know I’ll feel better, even though it’s been a busy week. Making sure I meditate enough times a week, even though I’d rather sit in bed and watch Youtube. I’ve been using the Habit Tracker on my phone where I can tick off activities on certain days and it means I’m checking in on myself, noticing when I’ve slipped up on some habits, and making the effort to keep going.

SMALL SUSTAINABLE CHANGES

I’ve only just started my Christmas shopping and buying little pieces here and there, but I’m really focusing on buying from smaller businesses this year, and only buying things I’m 100% sure will get used. The odd joke present here and there are okay, but in reality I’d rather spend a little more money supporting a small business and getting something that I can’t wait to give someone.

I feel like my views on sustainability have really changed these past few months and I’ve realised how much money I used to spend on things that were totally un-necessary. I went through my makeup collection the other day and was pretty appalled at how much stuff I had that I didn’t ever use. Now I only buy things I need and I like it better that way. Skincare is my favourite thing, and even though I might have a lot of it, it’s all products that I adore and know I’ll finish using. Dan also has a super massive clothes collection so I convinced him to go through it together and give some jumpers away to a local homeless shelter. I think 2020 is going to be a big year for me in terms of living with better, but less.

Wow, that was quite the ramble but hopefully you’ve enjoyed reading these little lifestyle changes I’ve been making recently, I have a few ideas up my sleeve of new things I want to start incorporating, but I’ll leave that for another time!

Have you made any new lifestyle changes recently?

Hows the start of your week going? It’s been a busy but fun filled weekend here so let’s get straight to the point of todays post shall we….

#1 The cookie I’ve just eaten. Dan actually bought them for himself and I’ve ate 2 out of the 5. Whoops, no-one tell him.

#2 Getting back into a routine. Ya girl loves a schedule and I’m excited to get back into a routine this week.

#3 Family time. I’ve had lots of family time this week, with going away for the beginning of the week and my nephew and sister being at home this weekend. Family time is the best time!

#4 Richmond. We went to Richmond last weekend and it was gorgeous there. It was so nice to have a little break from everything too.

#5 Charity shop books. I came home from Richmond with 6 new books! Yep, I went a little book crazy but I saw so many good ones in the local charity shop that I had to take advantage.

#6 A 5k run. Yesterday I did my first 5k run and I’m so proud of myself! I’ve been building up to it for weeks and really taking it steady as I’m not a natural runner. I can’t wait to do another one now and see if I can improve my time.

#7 Cosy evenings. It’s the perfect time of year for cosy season if you ask me.

#8 Working on a better sleep routine. The past week I’ve really been working on a better sleep routine, and it’s working! A key thing for me is to make sure I’m not on my phone for an hour before bed while I’m reading, and make sure I’m not going to bed hungry either.

#9 A few new outfit purchases. I got a few bits from Asos as I was seriously lacking in the knitwear department, so I treated myself and I’m really happy with them. It feels like a little luxury and it’s nice to have clothes that I love, that is something that is so important to me.

#10 Creativity. My creative juices are flowing at the moment and it feels amazing! I have a really special personal project coming up that I can’t wait to get stuck into.

What’s made you happy lately? I’d love to know and share the positive vibes.