I’ve been on the podcast game for quite a while lately. They are a massive part of my daily routine, whether that’s when I’m walking the dog, emptying the dishwasher or doing some painting. They feel more relaxing than a YouTube video, which you have to actually watch, and a lot less annoying than having the radio on (just me?) Plus if you choose correctly, sometimes it feels like you actually have friends over for a coffee!

So, lets get on to the most important part: what I’m listening to lately:

Fearne Cotton ‘Happy Place’

I know I’m very late to the bandwagon with this one, and I have no idea why because I LOVE Fearne, so of course I love her podcast too! I’ve listened to three or four so far, and they’ve been super interesting to hear about different ‘celebrities’ real lives. The production seems very laid back and relaxed, and every guest I’ve heard so far has felt really authentic and open.
One to listen to: Tom Daley & Lance Black.

Deliciously Ella podcast

I’ve always liked everything Deliciously Ella is about, but I have to be honest and did think this podcast might be too preachy for me, and in turn, probably make me feel bad and like I wasn’t doing enough. In fact, it’s nothing like that at all! It’s all about trying your best, which is different for everyone. Ella and her husband Matt, speak about health and well-being in such an approachable way, and after every episode I’ve left feeling very inspired.
One to listen to: They are all amazing, but the one that sticks out the most to me is with The Happy Pear.

Letters From A Hopeful Creative by Sara Tasker and Jen Carrington

I enjoy both Sara’s and Jen’s individual podcasts, but I love this one they do together. They work so well together, and whenever I’m feeling a bit fed up with the internet, I tune in and leave feeling my own kind of motivated. I love how they speak about different topics that I can relate to, and they always remind me that I can build an online life that’s different from the rest, and one that works for me.
One to listen to: I can’t possibly choose a favourite! They are all just as good as the other.

The Fringe of It with Liv Purvis and Charlotte Jacklin

This podcast is like a big comfort blanket for me! It feels like you’re joining two friends for a chat over a cuppa, and it never fails to cheer me up. I discovered this quite late to the game and I’ve loved catching up with all the episodes. I find them both super relatable, and I love how the episodes tend to be pretty long too. Each one is a catch up on their week, and then a discussion about a different topic.
One to listen to: Discussing Life Lessons & Advice, and Discussing Influencers and Life Online. 

Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert

A lovely internet friend mentioned this podcast to me after I asked for recommendations and I love it. I’m a massive fan of Liz Gilbert anyway (Eat Pray Love, is probably my favourite book of all time and the first thing that got me into meditation) and I read Big Magic this summer, so it was obvious that I was going to really like it! Each episode is with a guest and they discuss topics about creativity, inspiration and life lessons in general.
One to listen to:  “The Thing That You Are Seeking Is Also Seeking You”.

What podcasts are you listening to lately?

I’ve been spending quite a bit of time lately thinking about the things I would like to change. You know, the usual healthy habits that you still need to work on, like making sure you cook new dishes or try and use less plastic.

I find Autumn a huge season of reflection for me, and since I’ve got you here, I thought I’d tell you about them in the hope that I stick to them!

Go on more dates with Dan

Once you live together and you’re not in the honeymoon phase anymore, everything becomes a bit more adult, the bins need taking out, the dishwasher needs emptying etc etc. But we only have one life right? And I want to prioritise more fun! Especially as a couple, I think it’s really important and letting your hair down can only be a good thing. It doesn’t have to be super fancy dressed up venues either, just going out for a pizza or bowling and spending time really connecting together.

More self-care

When the days get darker, I always find that I need to up my self-care. Whether that’s long baths and face masks, or getting out for a walk for the much needed vitamin D, it’s vital for me to keep my spirits high and my general well-being feeling good. Even when you don’t feel like it at the beginning and the first step is a massive struggle, I always feel so much better for it afterwards.

Post more content

I ideally would like to post a lot more on Instagram (5x a week) and maybe one extra blog post, but thinking about it I’m not sure how easily I’ll manage it! Especially because I like to put a lot of effort into my Instagram photos, it can take quite a while to it to get from the idea to the finished picture. Everything feels quite busy in my life at it is at the moment, but maybe after working things out and establishing a better routine it might feel more manageable.

Be kinder to myself

I feel like this is definitely a life-long journey, but over the past few weeks I’ve come to realise just how negative my self-talk can be, even without me realising it. I tend to berate myself for not doing the things I think I ‘should’ or feel guilty for living life a little differently, and not the regular 9-5. I’ve bought a new book all about this by Louise Hay so I’m hoping this might help, I’ve already started reading it and I’m really finding it useful so far.

Is there anything you want to do more of?

It’s time for another happy things post! Sit down, grab a cuppa, and get cosy!

1. Gilmore Girls revival. Even though I’ve only just finished watching the series, I still wanted to watch the revival immediately! I was kinda gutted to find out there’s only four episodes, but because they are 90 minutes, they kind of make up for it. I’ve heard mixed reviews, I’ve only watched one ‘season’ so far but I’m loving it, it’s so fun to see everyone 10 years later too!
2. Getting our wedding video! It’s been a long time coming, but we finally received our wedding video last weekend and it is so dreamy! It’s so so nice to watch the day back and relieve all the magic again.
3. Alpha H liquid gold. This stuff is golden, I swear, it’s not just a brand fluke. Unfortunately it is pricey, but luckily for me my sister had loads that she acquired in her beauty advent calendar, and they don’t work for her skin so she’s passed them onto me. I use it every other night and it’s magic.
4. Still getting my walks in. When the weather gets grey, I tend to avoid getting outside more, even though I know it works wonders for me. I’ve set myself a goal to go on at least a 20-30 minute walk a day, and I’m proud of myself for keeping it up so far. Fresh air is the best cure!
5. I’m going to have a nephew! My sister and brother in law found out the gender of their baby the other day, and it’s a boy! So, so exciting.
6. Blogging event. I finally went to my second ever blogging event, hosted by Moonpig. It was such a great way to spend a Saturday, we whipped up Christmas wreaths, Santa Sacks and I even learnt how to make a mocktail! I always feel quite nervous beforehand, but once I’m in there I tend to settle in quite quickly, and it’s nice to chat to different people and socialise. To see what we got up to, have a look here.
7. Doing lots of reading. If you’ve seen my recent reads post, you’ll know that I’ve been spending quite a lot of time reading recently and I’m loving it. Reading is super relaxing to me and picking up new books makes me so happy!
8. Learning the piano. I made it one of my November goals to practice learning the piano, and I’m really proud of how it’s coming along. I find it really therapeutic and rewarding too.
9. Spending valuable time, resting. As I mentioned in one of my latest posts, I’m in a season of rest right now, and I’m loving spending time at home all cosy and snuggled up! It feels so refreshing to not be going 100mph, and I’m trying to focus on seeing the bigger picture. There’s no rush.
10. Dr Who. I’ve never really watched Dr Who previously, but seeing as it’s female lead this year, I decided to give it a go and I’m so glad! It’s really good and the episode with Rosa Parks was just incredible. Highly recommend!

What things are making you happy lately?

When I think back to last Autumn/Winter, I was running around frantic all over the place to fill my time with exciting weekend plans, putting all my eggs in making content and trying to be liked and be the same as everyone else. If she’s going to a Christmas market, I must go to one! If they’re uploading every day, should I do that too?

Now, I feel like I can reflect back on that time with a greater sense of peace. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my days (sometimes weeks) but on the whole, this year has been a massive learning curve for me. I’ve learned what I need to do more of (have a routine, not too much time by myself or I feel down) and what I need to do less of (pushing myself to do things I don’t want to). That’s also not to say that I’ll never feel overwhelmed again, but I know the things I need to do to get myself back on track- see my well-being toolkit post for that one.

Instead of desperately trying to jam-pack every day with things I should be doing, and then feel burned out afterwards, I’m having a season of rest.

This doesn’t mean that I sometimes don’t worry that I’m not being productive enough (I definitely do) or that I’m being lazy compared to everyone else, but I know at this moment in time, it’s what I’m craving the most, both physically and emotionally. I’m not sat on the sofa all day everyday, but I also don’t have any busy weekends planned, and that’s A-Okay by me.

After a wonderful, magical and extremely busy summer, I know that I now need time to focus on myself a little more, and to rest and recuperate doing things that fill my cup back up.

For me that means lots of walking and making the most of this daylight, stretchy and gentle yoga, afternoon runs followed by pyjama evenings, and doing all the creative hobbies that I adore like painting, taking photos for Instagram, and embroidery. Eating hearty food. Spending time with family and cosy candle-lit reading. Some days that might end up in me being bored and wishing we had adventures to go on, but for right now, rest looks good to me.

Are you in a season of rest like me too?