2019: September Favourites

@imaniclovis

You have no idea how excited I am for the weather to start warming up! Summer is definitely one of my most favourite seasons & I'm so ready for it!

This month's favourites is going to have a slightly different format to all previous favourites that I've done before but I'm just trying a few bits & pieces out before making an permanent changes which will hopefully happen in the new year!

September has been a pretty relaxed month but my skin on the other hand hasn't be too happy! The duo products that have been making my skin chill out & clear up is the Essano Clarifying Clay Mask followed by the Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion. I have found these two products have been making such a huge different in my skincare routine. The clay mask helps draw out any impurities but also helps with keep my skin hydrated with ingredients such as Shea Butter, Aloe Vera & Rosehip Oil. Cetaphil's Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion is great for after I've unblocked pores & removed all dirt & toxins as it's non-greasy, fragrance free & won't contribute to pores blocking. It provides everything you could possibly need in an everyday moisturiser.

For the longest time I've been a big Maybelline mascara fan & I definitely tried my fair share. I was looking a trying something new, because why not, when the Clinique High Impact Mascara got gifted to me. This was about three months ago & I've been using it ever since. It's definitely a beautiful mascara which adds instant volume, length & definition to the lashes. It's definitely a product I'd think about repurchasing.

At this time of the year is when I'm hair seems to be the driest. No matter what I do to it, wash it or style it with, I'm still left with dry, terrible looking hair - until I tried this product! Pantene Pro-V Ultimate 10 BB Crème For Hair has been a lifesaver. It moisturisers, detangles & de-frizzes leaving hair looking so healthy! It's a leave it product that doesn't leave hair looking oily or feeling to heavy. It's versatile as it can be used on dry or wet hair, long or short. Will definitely be picking up another one when the times comes to needing it!

Back in July when I posted about the books I had read so far this year I mentioned a couple of books that I wanted to read next, well this isn't either of them but it's just as great! I'm currently reading 'History Is All You Left Me' by Adam Silvera & while I'm not that far into it, I'm bloody loving it! I cannot wait to give you my full thoughts & opinions once I'm finished it!

For movies this month I've got two that maybe you haven't already seen. They're both on Netflix & are super easy to watch. Both have incredibly stories behind them & they're the kind of movies we can all learn from. Southpaw & Single Mum's Club! If you've already seen either of them, let me know what you thought!

B x

When Growth Is At A Standstill & You Feel Like You're Getting Nowhere

@socialcut

Most of us will go through difficult & trying times at some point in life. Times that will throw us off balance. Things that will change us. Things that will sometimes make us feel almost as if we're slowly losing everything that makes us the person we are. 

Going through one of those major life changes, feeling like you life & growth are at a standstill, can be very disheartening. Especially when it seem like that only one going through it, while everyone else seems to be growing, improving & moving up in their lives. When I experiences this, it took a huge toll on my confidence, motivation & drive. 

I've always been very goal-oriented & had a huge passion for self-growth & personal development. When I found myself experiencing just how 'real' life can get, I wasn't ready. I went through life with my head in the clouds & always thought that it would never happen to me. I found myself having to deal with a lot of things, for the very first time. While you have doctors, nurses, lawyers, friends & family walk you through period of your life like this, what I wasn't prepared for was my self-growth, motivation & drive to come to a standstill & finding myself feeling as if my life was moving backwards. I wasn't prepared for my never-ending need for progress & improvement to remain strong while at the same time being unable to do the simplest of things. 

After experiencing those setbacks, you're left thinking, so where do I go from here? How do I start over? 

Stop Looking Back 

You ain't going that way! Always thought this was one of the most corniest 'motivational' quotes, however every word of it is true. 

If you've ever experienced a major setback in life, at some point you're probably going to find yourself thinking, 'I just want to go back to normal.' Well most of the time when life hands you lemons, you can't help but think back to those better days. I've wasted so much of my time on looking back, visiting memories from previous years. I would try to fill my life with the things that used to be apart of my daily routine but those old routines weren't me anymore. It took me a very long time to realise that things will never be  the way they were before. Because things change & that's just the way life works. I finally understood that my obsession with getting back to my 'old self' was hindering my growth & recovery. What it is you've been through, whatever you're working on overcoming, stop looking back. Whether it's the 'good old times' or past failures & mistakes - you can't continue to grow if your days are filled with you reliving the past. 

Get Some Perspective 

Gratitude is one of the things that helped me get through some of my toughest moments. Even when it seems like life is falling apart, you can still find things that make this life a little better, easier, more pleasant or joyful. 

I know that it's a chiché thing to say but the point is it works. As you spend more time paying attention to the 'good' things & people in your life, your perspective will begin to shift. The trick is to make gratitude a daily habit! 

For A Minute, Forget The Big Picture 

Breaking up bigger goals into smaller, daily tasks has always been my favourite approach to self-growth. Looking at the 'big picture' can often feel overwhelming & sometimes even impossible. This is why focusing on small, actionable tasks works well. It's less intimidating. 

Well, when shit hits the fan & you feel like you're losing control over everything, you kind of can't help but think of that big picture. Things then go in a downward spiral & you end up in a vicious cycle of negativity & discouragement. So, forget about the big picture for a moment. 

Shift your focus on those smaller, attainable goals; things you can get done & accomplish today. I find this a really powerful way to bringing yourself back on that track of habit & routine. 

Check In With You

There are days where you'll feel strong & motivated enough to work on your goals & make good progress, days where you'll feel unstoppable. There will also be days where you'll feel drained, defeated & weak. You can't always give 100% to everything you do especially when you're trying to get back on track with your self-growth goals. 

Take time to check in with yourself & pay attention to your feelings & emotions. Make this a daily habit, especially when you're getting ready to work on specific tasks. Once you make that effort to tune in with yourself more often, you'll be able to recognise the change in your mindset. You will learn when it's okay to push yourself a little harder & when it's necessary to be gentle with yourself. Nourish that relationship you have with yourself as this is something that no one else can walk you through. 

The whole process of self-growth, personal development; the process of making plans & goals a reality, is incredibly fulfilling. It's also just as complicated & challenging. I think that growing, learning, improving & discovering yourself is one of the most amazing parts of life. Seeing yourself grow & make progress is incredibly gratifying. When you suddenly find yourself facing a great deal of doubt, hopelessness & uncertainty, it's so easy to begin feeing lost. If you find yourself needing to get back on your feet, remind yourself that it takes time. Celebrate every single small victory, every small achievement. Whether it's finding enough strength to get out of bed or finding the courage to leave a toxic relationship. One small goal. One small victory. One day at a time. 

B x

How To Have The Best Quarter Four

@socialcut

The next quarter of the year is the final quarter & we all know how stressful that can be, especially with Christmas ending the year on a high, or a low depending on how you spend it. This year, make the last quarter the best ever & don't end the yer with another unfilled New Year's Resolution.

This post has two of my top tips for making the most of the next & final quarter of 2019. Let's leave 2019 how we intend to begin 2020. 

Get Organised A Head Of Time 

To truly make the most of the next quarter, you need to get your life organised. Make a note of the important dates coming up, set yourself some killer deadlines, give yourself a stern talking to & decide how you're going to work on your personal goals. 

Set Yourself Personal Goals 

In this quarter, take better care of yourself. Simple things, like workout more, prep your meals & you'll start to feel changes in yourself. This is the time to do all those things that you promised yourself you'd do but then left at the wayside. Enroll at the gym, starting prepping your meals, paint your house or tidy your bedroom. Whatever it is, with the right mindset & plan of attack, anything is possible. 

B x

A Few Motivational Quotes To Help You Get Through The Week

@socialcut

Next week, fresh start. Ready to jump out of bed & kick butt? Just in case you need an extra dose of motivation to face all those appointments, deadlines & meetings, here's a selection of great quotes to help you get through the week. 

"If I stop to kick every barking dog, I am not doing to get where I am going." - Jackie Joyner-Kersee 

Because you know, good things happen to those who don't give up no matter how hard it becomes & if you stop & argue with everyone along the way, you definitely won't get there. 

"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Stuffer now & live the rest of your life as a champion.'" - Muhammad Ali 

No one is born a champion. You have to work hard & be ready to do everything you can to achieve your dreams & goals. 

"It's not about time, it's about choices. How are you spending your choices?" - Beverly Adamo 

Every choice we make has an impact on our lives, even if we might not realise it immediately. Make sure you are making the right choices & going for what's best for you & not others. 

"The power you have is to be the best verison of yourself you can be, so you can create a better world." - Ashley Richards 

Being yourself is hard sometimes. Being the best verison of yourself is even harder. It takes effort & a great dose of courage, but the sooner you start working on yourself, the more you will like the person you're becoming & so will the people around you. 

"Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose & imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of common place, the slaves of ordinary." - Peter Lindbergh 

Be yourself no matter what. Embrace your weirdness. 

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." - Marcel Proust 

Beauty is all around you. Sometimes all you need is a fresh approach to the world. 

"I love to see a young girl go out & grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch. You've got to go out & kick arse." - Maya Angelou

And that perfectly sums it up! Go get em' ladies & gents! 

B x 

10 Things You Can Do To Have A Productive Weekend

@stilclassics

The past couple of weekends I've ended up having the Friday off which has provided me long weekends where I'm able to simply get things completed & checked of my checklist. 

I don't often have these so I wasn't use to having so much time on my hands but I managed to get so much done, it felt so good going into the new week with a clean slate, clear space & a productive mindset. It's very much like that cheesy saying, 'a Sunday well spent, bring a week of content'. 

Have A Good Clear Out

Is there been a space that you've been meaning to clear out? Maybe your wardrobe or linen cupboard? Now's the time to do it! When clearing out cupboards & wardrobes I always rediscover things I'd forgotten about but it's also a fantastic opportunity to donate any unwanted items to second hand shops. 

Have A Good Tidy 

I usually reserve time on the weekends to put things back in there homes that haven't quite made it back throughout the week. I try & spend 15 minutes each night doing this but there's always more to be done by the time the weekend rolls around. 

Go See Friends 

I love spending time with friends whether that's catching up over coffee, a dinner date or just chilling at home watching movies. Even just sending a text to someone I haven't spoken to in awhile can make feel a lot happier. 

Exercise 

Exercise is one of those things I hate thinking about but then once I've actually done it, I feel great! An early morning walk can help start your morning off on the right foot. 

Plan

Sunday's are usually the days where I sit down & plan my wee heart out. This is generally for the following week, I might do some finances bit & pieces but I will also spend some time working on my website. Usually this is just brainstorming ideas for when it comes time to get my next months editorial calendar sorted. 

Photos 

This one fits into the planning side of things but organising what photos you think you might want to upload to your social media or along with blog posts could be something you could do which would save you time during the week. 

Social Media Accounts 

I never really thought about this until it was mentioned to me by a friend but it can be nice to take sometime to sit down & update your social media. Making sure profile pictures match, bio's are up to date. You could even look into changing up your pictures on your Pinterest boards. 

Good Ol' Pamper Time 

This will be something that varies between people but on Sunday's I'll take time to pamper myself & ready myself for the coming week. It'll generally include a bath, hair wash, shave & moisturise, mani/pedi, face mask & so on. 

Do One Thing That You've Been Putting Off

There is usually at least one job I've been putting off for ages & when I've actually completed I was seem to wonder why I didn't do it sooner? Make time this weekend to do it! 

Me Time

If you're truly shattered, then it's time to put away the cleaning products & have some me time. Whether it's having an early night or settling down for an hour with a book, whatever it is, do it! Having 'me time' is so good for you & your mental health. 

These are just a few of the things that make me feel like I've had an productive weekend & have my life together, ready for the next week. But of course, chilling on the couch is just as productive sometimes when you need a good rest. 

What do you like doing at the weekend that makes you feel ready to tackle the week ahead? 

B x 

3 Things For Yourself

@stilclassics

Normally Sunday's are my days for rejuvenation before the up & coming week but as I was putting this post together I wanted to emphasise the fact that you can do anything for yourself on whatever day you wish! Taking care of yourself is so important & try & do at least one or two things per day just for myself. 

So, here's just three things I've done for over the past week & I'm sharing them to give you some ideas & hopefully inspire you to take a day off, completely, & cater to your needs. I'm thinking of turning this into a mini series, so if you feel like your 'you' time is missing keep an eye out for the next installment! 

Relax

Whether you start your day or end your day with a hot bath, when was the last time you decided to take one, with no agenda to get out? Take your good ol' time with this one my friends. Full the tub with salts, florals & scrubs. Take all that stress that comes along with a busy week & let it melt & steam away. Light some candles, close your eyes, breathe deep & relax. 

Prep 

So, you're super duper clean & relax from your bath, your cuticles soft & prepped. Now is the perfect time to paint your nails a sweet hue to sass up the week ahead of you. When your nails are fresh & colourful it's just...nice. It makes me feel a bit more put together. 

Reward

Give yourself a gift. Think about what you want & need at that exact moment in your life & reward yourself. This gift doesn't have to be expensive, just thoughtful. For example, if it's a bit grey & rainy outside & you want to add some colour into your home, reward yourself with some fresh flowers. Fresh flowers never fails to bring happiness in my space, they just instantly make me happier. 

B x 

Mastering Time Management

@stilclassics

We all like to be kept busy but there are times when the workload can become too much. Minutes go by like seconds, it doesn't take long before you are completely overwhelmed by the list of tasks you are never going to have time to complete. Take a deep breath & have a look at my top tips for mastering time management. 

Plan Your Day

There is nothing more satisfying than sitting an with your morning cup of coffee & your diary in front of you, with everything already set out, ready for the day ahead of you. Looking at everything you need to complete sets you up perfectly for the day. Set goals that you know are realistic & strive to achieve them. 

Checklists 

Everyone can be pulling your in a thousand different directions throughout the day so it's important to have a checklist in place so that you're able to visualise exactly what you have to get done & how much you have already got done. Writing it all down has always been a massive help to me when it comes to organising my time & priorities. 

Avoid Distraction 

It's human nature to favour one task over another but time is managed so much more effectively when you are productive with it. Try to avoid those oh-so-tempting message pings from your phone where possible. 

Ask For Help 

With all the will in the world, we are only human & cannot always get everything done. If you spot a struggle & ask someone to help you out it will take the pressure off & free up your time. 

Tackle On Thing At A Time 

You might have a million & one things to do but you can't do them all at once. Take each task one at a time & you will complete them much more effectively. 

Use Your Breaks Wisely

Your break doesn't mean checking your emails! Use your breaks/downtime effectively & you will be far more productive when it comes to trying to focus on work. 

Know What's Urgent 

Prioritising tasks can make your to-do list that little less daunting. If something doesn't need to be done today then don't fret about it. Use your time wisely & complete today's deadlines only! 

Reward Yourself 

What a better incentive is there to get things done than rewards yourself? Whether this is a coffee break during the day or a big glass of wine at the end of the day, it will definitely help your work-mindset! 

B x 

4 Everyday Ways To Stop Taking Things For Granted

@thoughcatalog

Start living life to the fullest by learning how to not take the little things for granted. You know, that 'stop & smell the rose', that's what I'm talking about. There are so many moments that are easily overlooked & the potential to optimise every day is there, you just have to know where to look for it. I've put together some easy ways to gain more satisfaction, seize the moment & take advantages of easy pleasures.

Stretch In The Mornings 
Mornings can be the most hectic part of the day & people often don't take a moment to realise how much of a blessing it is to wake up with all the exciting potentials that await them. Instead of rushing out of bed, open your eyes & do some simple stretches. Start with your legs, then work your way up. Fresh off with a deep breath & start the day off on the right foot.

Stop For Coffee & Talk To The Person Next To You 
If you make a coffee pit stop throughout your day at some point, it's likely you've routinely shuttled in & out with your coffee in hand on autopilot. Instead of rushing to your next destination, whether it be in the office or elsewhere, take advantage of the moment & strike up a conversation with the person behind you in line. Making that connection will leave you feeling great for the rest of the day.

Candid Photos 
Weather providing of course, I try & get outside everyday. Whether you live in a big city or a small rural town, there's inspiration all around you. We could always use a little more inspiration throughout our days so go crazy & get snapping at your surroundings. Once you get home, revisit the photos you took. You might surprised by the moments you've captured throughout the day.

Enjoy A Sweet Snack Break With A Work Friend 
Steaming ahead all day long can be exhausting & you deserve a break between all your hard work. Stop what you're doing & encourage a friend to do the same. Go for coffee & cake or get outside for a walk.

B x

Habits That Kill Productivity

@thoughtcatalog

So many distractions, so many goals & so little time. Doesn't it sometimes seem like the more you try to focus on getting things done, the less productive you end up being? For example, I'm a notorious list maker & I swear that some days I spend more time creating my schedule or to-do list, than I actually do on completing those tasks. 

The point is, productivity has always been a work-in-progress kind of situation for me & I'm guessing that some of you may share this experience. Life happens, things change & then they do, you have to work around that stress or other life advents. Busy doesn't always equal productive & the important thing is to focus on working smarter, not harder. 

Lack Of Routine

Building positive & productive habits & sticking to a routine is what has helped me tremendously in improving my productivity. Sometimes we have to take a step back & evaluate our current circumstances & customise our routines to suit our lifestyles. It doesn't mean you're boring or predictable, it just helps you keep organised. 

Not Getting Enough Sleep

Ever feel like there aren't enough hours in the day? Is there always seems to be something else that you want to get done before you go to bed? Somedays we even forgo sleep or put off going to bed to do something else. Other times we toss & turn for the first hour or so because our minds just won't turn off. 

Not getting enough sleep can effect your memory, cognitive performance & will impair your ability to concentrate. If you feel like this is something that you may struggle with you should try working on developing better bedtime habits. Go to bed at the same time every night, keep your bedroom cool & dark. 

The To-Do List That Never Ends 

The never-ending to-do list is one of those productivity-killing habits that I can often be guilty of but other times I find it very motivating. If I know that I have a big day & my task list is as long as my arm, I'll highlight the most important three or four tasks that need to get completed. Anything else I get completed is an extra bonus. The key is to keep you expectations realistic. Sometimes it's not going to matter how long you spend at the office or how long you work on something, you can't get everything done in one day. Don't put too much pressure on yourself & remember that there's only so much you can do in those 24 hours. 

Digital Technology

It's mean to make our lives easier & more productive but occasionally, it does quite the opposite. Checking your email every time your phone chimes, checking your social media accounts at random times or getting distracted by having multiple tabs opened on your laptop are just a few of the habits will kill your productivity where digital technology is concerned. Your productivity flow gets broken a little every time you pick up your phone or find yourself aimlessly scrolling on your laptop, even if it is just for a minute or two. Of course, some distractions can be beneficial, say if they're related or match you task. 

Perfectionism 

If you struggle with perfectionism chances are that you have the 'all or nothing' attitude. This very much use to be me but after I got sick I had to kick the 'all or nothing' attitude to the curb. The 'all or nothing' attitude is when you're never happy with 80% or even 90%, there's no in between, everything you do has to be absolutely perfect. There is also a lot of fear of failure & anxiety involved. All of this combined can affect your productivity in a big way, trust me on this one. The key is to focus on your goals & tasks, rather than that fear of making a mistake. Perfectionism is a hard one to overcome but you can start by changing your perspective & realising just how often you use it as an excuse not to complete your goals. If I can do, then you sure as hell can too. 

Lack Of Stress Management

Stressful events & situations, both big & small, can easily throw you off your track. When your mind is filled with worry & anxiety, your productivity will drop, in addition to affecting other areas of your life. This is why it's so important to know who to manage your stress & deal with it in a healthy way. Yoga, journaling,  meditation, physical activity & taking care of yourself in general will help you cope with suddens tress better. 

Failure To Prioritse & Lack Of Discipline 

When it comes down to it, lack of discipline is one of the key habits that kills productivity. There will be days when you don't feel like getting things done, days when working on something that's important to you is really the last thing you feel like doing. Motivation usually comes & goes in waves & you can't always rely on it to be there. When you lose motivation, you sometimes also lose your willpower to be productive, I know I do. Focus on building habits that will help you become more discipline & prioritising tasks is one that hugely helps me. Use your will power to build habits that will improve your productivity, rather than depending on motivation. 

One of the things that helps me the most when it comes to replacing bad habits is the realisation that you simply can't just 'stop' or 'get rid of' those bad & unproductive habits. Instead, you've got to focus on replacing them with good, positive & productive patterns.

B x 

Simple Weekend Reads

@fabiolapeñlba

Sharing others working & encouraging other writers around the world who are creating content is a really heart-warming thing to be apart of. I think you will enjoy this collection of articles that I've hand-selected for you this weekend. 

Brands You'll Love If You're Obsessed With Glossier - Blank Itinerary 

"There's probably a 100% chance you've heard of Glossier. You know, that beauty brand that every low-maintenance, no-makeup makeup lover is obsessed with." 

Career Advice I'd Give My 20 Year Old Self - A Beautiful Mess 

"I don't have a time machine, but if I did, here is the career advice I would fo back in time & tell my 20 year old self Emma. Many of the things I'm about to talk about are things I also look for when I'm interviewing for new positions at our companies. So they don't just apply to 20 year olds either." 

10 Positive Changes To Make To Your Life In 30 Days - Career Girl Daily

"Making changes to your life is easier than you think. You just need to know where you want to start making changes & then simply, do it. Don't over think it." 

This Trick Helps Me Organise My Work When I'm Super Busy - Career Girl Daily 

"Having a lot to do is fulfilling, it gives you something to work on & something to look forward to. And a huge sense of achievement when you've smashed it. Running CGS London, focusing on my fitness & health goals, saving & socialising is a lot." 

The Most Up Lifting Podcasts - The Stripe 

"I still do listen to a lot of political & newsy podcasts but we are leaving those out today as sometimes we just want to full good, gain motivation or just be entertained. There is nothing wrong with that. I look at my media consumption the same way I look at my life...balance is important. You can still care about world affairs but also want something a little lighter. And that's when I like to put on an uplifting podcast." 

B x

Why The Habit Of Gratitude Will Change Your Life

@thoughtcatalog

Gratitude is a popular concept these days & maybe you're even rolling your eyes at the very mention of it. Gratitude is actually quite a simple concept, be thankful for what you have, but often one we forget to practice. For some, being optimistic & thankful comes naturally. Others have to work harder at it. As with anything that requires practice, it needs to be done consistently to have an impact. Gratitude can transform our entire perspective & with that, our whole lives. 

I'd like to make a small suggestion that could be powerful if you often forget to practice gratitude. Start a small daily habit. Just a few minutes per day of journaling, mediating on gratitude or just thinking about what you're grateful for in life. Do it every day, with a reminder, and see if it changes anything. Don't rush through it, don't do it mindlessly, really try to feel gratitude for everything you list. 

The thing is, you're going to have bad moments in your life & it's okay to feel bad about them. But it's also important to remember that even the bad things make life as complex & interesting as it is. Life would be extremely boring without challenges. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is that this small habit, concept & change in your life will impact you more than you can ever imagine. 

There are a bunch of articles that I'll link below that are really insteresting & share different perspectives on gratitude & gratitude practices. 

The Struggle Towards Gratitude 

The Transformative Power Of The Gratitude Habit 

How To Practice Gratitude 

B x

How To Enjoy Your Own Company

@thoughtcatalog

For some reason, we do not often spend time with ourselves. You may have binge watched your favourite show for half the day but have you ever spent nearly as much time by yourself in a public space? We seem to forget that we don't need a person by our sides to be able to have a good time. 

There are a couple of posts I wanted to share with you today that are about enjoying your own company. I found them really helpful & they shed an interesting perspective on spending time with yourself. 

Why You Could Be Better Off Alone; Darling Magazine

"There is often a stigma attached to being alone. For some reason it is seen as socially unacceptable to do things by yourself. As soon as we see someone by herself, we sort of assume there's something wrong, something they've done a repel other people. Why is it always presumed that people don't want to be doing things alone? This type of thought can lead us to believe that we cannot go somewhere unless someone os with is & when no one is available we would rather not attend that go alone." 

5 Reasons Why You Should Spend More Time With Yourself; Career Girl Daily

"Spending time with friends & family is always good but spending time with yourself is sometimes even better. Just you, your thoughts & whatever you want to do, with no obligations, no other opinions or plans & no pressure from anyone. It is not only relaxing, it's also proven that alone time is good for you.

So, it's okay to say to friends that you don't feel like going out or watching a movie together. In case you still don't feel convinced, we give you 5 reasons why you should spend more time with yourself." 

8 Things To Do Alone...For A Change; Free People 

"The idea of solitude has a somber ring to it; the thought of being alone can bring about memories touched with lonely sadness, while thoughts of being surrounded by others can bring memories of joy. But solitude, like all things, truly depends on the way you look at it. 

I, for one, absolutely love being alone. Some of the best times I've had are the ones whey I've been in no one else's company but my own. I always enjoy hanging out with myself at home & I equally love going shopping alone. I find that I'm productive & relaxed & I always make sure to remain just as silly as when I'm with others."

B x

September Master Task List

@socialcut

Happy September! Spring is finally upon us & I'm so excited for the warmer weather. I haven't got too many wild plans for this month but there are a few things I'd like to get done.

More Reading 
I've put the books down recently but I'd like to get back into reading on a daily basis. Reading is something I do when taking some time for myself. I did start reading 'Small Great Things' by Jodi Picoult so I think I'l start back with finishing that & we'll see where we go from there. Hopefully I can get some more books ticked off my list!

Get Back Into Masking
Face & hair masks are at the top of my priority list when it comes to skin & hair care routines. Dehydration & congestion is one of my biggest issues when it comes to my skin. There are a few different masks which I mentioned in a post, linked here, that make a huge difference with both dehydration & congestion. I really need to get back onto the bandwagon when it comes to using them. With my hair which is really just a curly, frizzy mess most of the time, I find when it becomes dehydrated it becomes less manageable & never left with a defined curl. Hair masks are my favourite way to keep my hair hydrated & in really good condition. I cannot wait to see the result, both in my skin & hair by the end of the month.

2019 Editorial Calendar
By the end of September I'd like to have a rough idea about the posts I'm looking at writing for the next three months. This will give me a good opportunity to get ahead with the writing & photography side of things but also start planning for some exciting things in 2020.

2020 Goal Setting 
I know it's a little early but I'd like to start putting together some ideas of what I'd like to achieve in 2020. It might take a wee while but it's one of those activities I think I'll really enjoy doing.

Apply For Uni 
This is a big one & one that I'm so excited for. The application process is a long one so my goal is to start getting the ball rolling as early as possible & make sure I have everything I need. I'll keep you updated!

What are your plans for September?

B x