We all need to input into our own selves, whether that’s establishing a self-care routine or saying no to an invite every once in a while, creating time to do what suits us is essential. And finally, we’re starting to realise that.

Today I wanted to chat about some positive habits that you could incorporate into your life if it’s something you’re after, and this might give you the inspiration to make a positive change.

have a wind-down routine

Lately, I’ve started a different bedtime routine. I used to have a bath around 8pm (lets be honest it was more about 6pm), laze around in my pyjama’s and then retire to bed at about 10pm to read and watch Youtube videos.

Now, I change into loungewear when I get home, but have a bath before bed around 10pm, apply some Sleepy body lotion by Lush, and read before going to sleep instead of scrolling on my phone. I might have a quick scroll before I start my book but that’s it! I’m really enjoying it and it seems to be a calming routine that’s working for me.

posting less but enjoying it more

Due to personal reasons, I had to stop posting every other day on the blog and twice a day on Instagram. I’m still sharing and writing, but at a more slower pace which feels a lot less pressure.

I probably spend a little bit more time offline, but I’ve noticed when I have the chance to log on, I enjoy it SO much more. I am more active and actually WANT to be there, instead of just going on as a force of habit. I’ve realised that you don’t have to stick to anyone else’s timetable or routine, but adapt with what works for you, it doesn’t have to be regimented.

 ditching the to-do list

I know this is kind of taboo, and I get it because I am a fellow list lover too, but sometimes there ain’t anything as stressful as seeing a massive to-do list of things you are telling yourself you *have* to get done in one day. Lets be honest, they verge on ridiculous.

If you don’t want to go the whole hog of scrapping a list all together because you thrive on routine and being organised (like me), then only put two or three things on your daily agenda that you really need to do and are urgent, leave the rest for another day when you aren’t as busy. This way it feels so much more manageable and you end up getting even more done, as you feel less pressured that you don’t have a massive mountain to climb.

Will you be adopting any of these habits?

When Coast* send me over this absolutely gorgeous dress as part of their new Wedding guest range, I had to sit patiently and wait for some decent Spring weather to finally roll around so I could somewhat do it justice. I mean, this dress *deserves* some sunshine doesn’t it?

With that in mind, I realised how much I cannot wait for Spring to arrive, and I’d thought I would share a to-do list for us all to join in with over these lighter months. Let’s not let them go to waste, especially since Winter lasted FOREVER.

• Have a picnic! I know it’s not going to be *that* warm, so bundle up lots of cosy jumpers, blankets and a bag full of yummy food, and enjoy the afternoon rays.
• Get your creative juices flowing. Have a blog post brainstorm, think about a new Instagram theme, or just take your camera outside and see what you come up with.
• Browse Pinterest for some fresher, lighter meals for this season. I always think it’s such a good place for food inspo!
• Stream-line your makeup and skincare. I always think the best part about going into a *slightly* warmer season is that I can adjust my beauty routine accordingly. In comes the tinted moisturisers and out goes the foundations! More letting your skin breathe with hydrating coverages, and less clogging with rich heavy moisturisers that we desperately needed for our dry chapped skin a few months ago.
• Plan some family time in your diary. Now that it doesn’t get dark at 3pm, I’m planning on getting in my loungewear at a slightly later, more appropriate time, and spending some hours having some quality time with my loved ones.
• Look at your wardrobe. Do you need some more colours in there? Is it looking a bit.. cramped? Whether that’s going shopping for some new additions or decluttering your clothes, you’ll feel better after!
• Mix up your exercise routine. I’m planning on doing lots more walking these next few months now it’s hopefully a little bit warmer out there, and I really want to start swimming again too.

• Plan some outdoor activities! Whether that’s a family bbq, a game of tennis or even just walking a little bit more, enjoy the weather.
• Change up the home decor. Buy yourself some fresh blooms and start introducing some lighter colours into the house. I’m thinking lots of pastels and yellow.
• Get inspired. Everything starts to feel a bit lighter when Spring rolls around, so make the most of this time and download some new podcasts or change up your Instagram theme.

Do you have any plans for this Spring?

*Gifted item.

I find beauty posts the easiest to whip up when I’m not sure what to write, so that’s a back-story of how today’s post came about!

For this post I wanted to have a little chat about the products in my makeup bag I’m loving lately, incase a) you were interested and b) you needed enabling for a trip to Boots..

Lets start with the foundation, Rimmel Match Perfection. I’m sure I’m extremely late to the band-wagon with this one, but I feel like it’s worth mentioning incase there’s anyone out there who hasn’t tried it yet. It’s my go-to for when I want lots of coverage if my skin is misbehaving and I want to not stare at it every time I look in the mirror. It doesn’t look cake-y or heavy on the skin at all, but it stays around a long time.

I’ve been using Glossier Stretch Concealer for a few months now and I really like the sheer, natural but build-able coverage it gives. You can always go in with more depending on how many hours you managed to sleep. It’s quite an oily texture which might take a while getting used to but that means it’s super hydrating under the eyes and doesn’t crease whatsoever.

Along with the concealer I’ve also been picking up the Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk for my cheeks. I still find this product a bit messy to use, and I can never manage to squeeze out the right amount of product, but I keep going back to it for the lovely flush it gives and the fact that it blends into the skin so easily, no brushes or sponges needed. It has the most natural finish which means I don’t mind the mess it makes as much.

I bought the L’oreal True Match Highlight before Christmas and over the last couple of weeks it’s become a firm favourite in my makeup bag. I even use it as a eyeshadow! Even though it can look a bit intimidating (it is basically silver) on the skin it just gives a subtle glow that isn’t ~wham bam in your face I’m a disco ball~. Plus I’m pretty sure it’s going to last me ages too.

After hearing all the hype about the Tanya Burr Selfie Lash I decided to give it a go and see what I thought. Honestly, it was a pleasant surprise because this stuff lives up to ALL the claims. You only need one coat for amazing length but applying two definitely makes it look like you have false lashes on, in a good way of course. Definitely worth a try.

Have you used any of these products?

You know those days when you’ve been sat refreshing Twitter and Instagram ALL day, usually without even realising it? Or it could be you’re struggling with something and engaging/interacting with others is something you just purely do not have the energy for at the moment? Heres what I do when it happens to me…

TAKE TIME OUT

It’s an obvious one, but the first thing I do is put the bloody phone down. Even better, turn it off. Even if it’s just for the majority of the evening, you need to take a step back. I know when I feel like this I get really bad headaches just from staring at a screen for so long, so maybe try un-winding with a hot bath and enjoying the company of your partner or family for the rest of the day. After some self-care you’ll feel ready to get back online again and see what the Blogosphere is up to.

CURATE YOUR FEED

Now you’ve recovered from the overwhelm but still feeling a little ‘ugh’, you need to start thinking about the people you currently follow. Are they positive influences in your feed or do their pictures trigger something in you? Everyone’s content changes and I don’t think there is anything wrong with unfollowing if you can’t relate to them anymore. If this feels too harsh, you could always send them a kind message explaining where you’re at currently, and that you mean no harm.

Everyone has the control over what THEY want to see. Make sure it’s inspiring, not discouraging.

ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES

The final thing I would advise after feeling social media overwhelm, is to establish boundaries. This can mean choosing a specific time that you allocate only to engaging with others, and then logging off and getting on with the rest of your day. I know that I for one have to be quiet strict with myself sometimes so I don’t fall down the hole again, so I try to not scroll before bed and read a book, and will sometimes leave my phone at home if I’m going out for a few hours so I’m not distracted by it.

At the end of the day I think social media is a luxury for us all, and it should add to our lives and enhance it, not subtract and make us feel bad, tired or drained.

You are in charge.

Do you ever feel social media overwhelm?  

For most of us, home is the place we look forward to coming back to after a busy day at work, or a trip abroad somewhere. It’s the place where we feel most comfortable, and a place for us to rest, reflect, and recharge.

For todays post I wanted to talk about creating a calm environment in your living space, and a few tips how to do that without spending a fortune.

CANDLES

Since having my own home, I’ve really enjoyed coming home from work and lighting a few candles around the house. It signifies the end of the working day for me, and a chance to fully relax and have time to myself doing what I please.

I usually get mine from places such as Homesense or TK Maxx, they always have a huge selection of different scents and brands to choose from.

FLOWERS

Picking up a fresh bunch of flowers makes such a difference to my mood, and I love having them around the house. They definitely cheer me up being the first thing I see on a morning.

Unfortunately we don’t have any local flower markets here so I just try to pick some up from the supermarket every now and again, although it’s very tempting to get them weekly I must say, especially because they are a pretty good price!

A QUIET CORNER

I dream one day of having a cosy little reading nook, curling up with a book one afternoon overlooking a great view. Although that may be a while off yet, I still love creating little areas of the house that feel welcoming and inviting.

It could be a nice armchair with gorgeous blanket, or a little side-table filled with your favourite products in your bedroom.

RITUALS

We all go about our day having our own small rituals, most of the time without even noticing it. I always make my tea leisurely and potter around the kitchen, spend a decent amount of time over my evening skincare, or laze around in the tub using a body scrub.

These are all moments I look forward to and I really think they make a big difference to your wellbeing.

Moments of calm are sometimes hard to come by, but they are always there if you look hard enough.

How do you create calm at home?