10 Things You Should Do In January

1. Treat yourself to a fresh new candle - I've got my eye on this basil and mint one. 

2. Declutter your inbox - unsubscribe from pesky junk emails that you delete without reading anyway.

3. Catch up with a friend you haven't seen in ages - make a coffee date and indulge in a delicious pastry too. 

4. Make time for you - whether that's half an hour with a cup of tea and a book, a little yoga session or a long soak in the tub, you deserve it. 

5. Learn something new - pick up a book on a subject that's always interested you, try a new recipe, take a class on Skillshare or try a Pinterest DIY. 

6. Chuck out clothes that don't make you feel good. There's no use holding onto a dress that was expensive or a jumper you've had for years if they don't make you feel sensational. 

7. Tackle your junk drawer - get rid of empty battries, take away leaflets, 1001 pens in various states of use and useless paperwork. You don't need it in your new year. 

8. Get outside - discover a new park, walk a dog, visit the seaside, get off tune a stop early. Just get some fresh air. 

9. Buy a new notebook - and get stuff organised. 

10. Set yourself a routine - whether it's food shop on Monday, laundry on Wednesday, date nights Friday, whatever, give yourself a routine to keep you motivated and productive.

January Perspective

Shauna Niequist

January is always a time for reevaluating your goals, and this year is no different. The shock of everything that went on with my Grandad last month really put things into perspective for me, and made me really look at what's on my list of priorities.

Now I know January is normally about New Year's Resolutions, but I find New Year's Resolutions far too intimidating, and end up failing before the New Year's Eve hangover lifts. Instead, I'm starting with goals for January, because that's much more achievable, right? 

:: Spend Less :: I'm definitely guilty of emotional shopping, as soon as I'm anxious, stressed, or upset I start spending and it's all very unnecessary. I really don't want for anything, in fact, I think I need to get rid of a lot of unnecessary stuff, so a little spending restraint wouldn't go amiss this month.

:: Appreciate More :: Or, don't stress the small stuff. Put things in perspective, and appreciate the good parts of every day.

:: Embrace Simplicity :: In all aspects of life. The simple pleasures of a cosy night in, the benefits of minimalist living, a capsule wardrobe and a life without excess. 

:: Be Confident :: Recognise what I have to offer, and don't be afraid to put that out there. 

:: Stay Inspired :: Embrace creativity, and work on keeping it! I feel super inspired right now, and I need to channel that into creative energy!

What are your January goals?

Things It's Okay To Do

To start the day on a healthy eating plan and end it with a box of donuts.

To not really understand the point of Periscope, nor have any desire to learn.

For the barista at your local Starbucks to remember your order.

To wear thermals under your new Topshop Jeans. It's cold.

To want to scream at people when they ask you when you'll be getting married.

To decline any offer of plans that involve leaving the house after 6pm.

To steal your parents/boyfriend/best friend's Netflix and Spotify passwords so you don't have to pay for your own, and then get annoyed when it's already in use.

To complain about the weather all the time.

To vehemently ignore your mum's advice, and then backtrack when you realise she was right.

To steal the duvet.

To buy Christmas pants, socks, jumpers and pyjamas every year. And wear them right through til March.

To listen to the same three albums on repeat all the time.

To like your dog more than any human.

Winter Wishlisting

It's been an age since I did a wishlist type post, and my Pinterest Board is filling up fast. I figured it was about time I chatted about the things gracing my wishlist, the ridiculous and the boring. Hey, it might even give you some inspiration for your Christmas wishlist!

Firstly, a handbag I've been lusting after for the longest time, the Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC. I love this bag so much I want it in pretty much every colour. I've got my eye on this as the perfect everyday bag.

I've been trying out some bits from H&M beauty recently, and so far, I've been majorly impressed. I'm desperate to try more, with the Overnight Lip Balm, Get A Grip Dry Hairspray, and the Hit Refresh Dry Conditioner catching my eye.

I spotted this scarf in Anthropologie last month, and after spending 20 minutes draping it around my neck and posing in the mirror, I begrudgingly left it behind. At over £50 it's unlikely to happen, but I want it so bad. Here's hoping this one goes in the sale. 

My curling wand just died, as all of them seem to do, and I'm thinking that next time I'm gonna go for the GHD Curve Classic Wand next instead, because you can't beat the reliability of GHD.

My beloved Fat Face slippers have finally died a death after one too many tumbles in the washing machine, and this time around I've got my eyes on these Ugg beauties. Because LOOK HOW COSY.

I pick up a candle from the Diptyque Christmas Collection each year, and I don't intend on making an exception this year. The only problem is, I can't figure out which one I like more! 

I'm in need of a new camera for vlogging and out and about photos, and I'm thinking the Canon G7X would be perfect.

Everything from Monica Vinader has me weak at the knees, but I especially love this ring, isn't it a beauty?

I'm on the hunt for a tote bag big enough for my laptop and work bits, that's not too big, and I've fallen in love with this beauty from Accessorize. 

The Yankee Candle Simply Home range is divine, and the Toasted Marshmallow candle has captured my love. It smells just like Christmas.

Starbucks bought out this gold mug last year, and I really regretted not picking it up, so I'm super excited to see they've bought it back again this year! 

My favourite magazine Suitcase does a monthly subscription, which would save me the hassle of scouring every magazine shop for it each season! 

A quick trip to Oliver Bonas last week left me with a wishlist as long as my arm, most notably this jewelery box, this mini rollerball, this set of copper string lights, and this copper back scratcher. I think the latter three would make awesome stocking fillers! I love basically everything in this store.

I missed out on the Too Faced Lip Trio last year, but luckily they've bought it back this year with better colours!

What's on your wishlist at the moment? 

November Bucket List

I don't get as excited for November as I do October and December, but it always ends up being a bit of a manic month for me. With Con's birthday at the start we're normally busy catching up with family and celebrating, and then that moves into Christmas prep and catching up with friends before the madness of the holiday season. Normally, I get to the end of the month and wonder where it's gone, so this time around I've made a list of little goals to achieve before December rolls around.

:: See Fireworks:: My first year in London, a group of us bundled up and braved the cold, heading south of the river to see a giant fireworks display, before wondering the moonlight Thames, and filling up on pasta at Vapiano. Last year we were too busy and I really missed it, so I'd like to relive it!

:: Go for drinks with friends :: My 'wild' night out with Katy last month made me realise I don't do enough going for a cocktail or a glass of bubbles with my friends and this needs to change!

:: Make soup :: Because it is the season! Soup is so easy to make and yet I'm totally guilty of always buying ready made from the supermarket! 

:: Start Christmas shopping :: Because December will be here before we know it!

:: Have a baking day :: Fresh snickerdoodles, marble cake and shortbread is on my list! 

:: Have a snuggly Sunday :: Complete with French Toast, Hot Chocolate, and lots of Netflix.

:: Take more photos :: Particularly with friends, Daphne leaving made me realise I don't take enough pictures with my friends! 

:: Drink Hot Apple Cider :: Because there's nothing more festive!

:: Walk in the forest :: Preferably with the dog, and with a stop in a country pub for a hot drink!

What's on your November to do list?

10 Ways To Find Inspiration

Losing your creative inspiration can happen to the best of us, sometimes because we're stressed, sometimes because we're overworked, and sometimes for no apparent reason at all. When you lose that spark of inspiration, it can seem like you're never going to get it back. And that feeling can make regaining inspiration 1000 times harder.

1. Get outside. Getting away from your desk will stop you from searching for inspiration, so it can find you. A little fresh air and time with the great outdoors can give the brain a good reboot, and get you thinking clearly again.
2. Write a love list. Sit down with pen and paper, and list all the things that make you happy. I don't know why this works, but it does.
3. Laugh. Whether that means watching a movie that makes you laugh, or coffee with a friend who does the same. They say laughter is the best medicine and they are not wrong. Whoever they are. 
4. Change of scenery. If you work from home, go work in the library. If you set up shop in Starbucks, try out a local independant coffee shop. If you work in an office, get some planning done in a conference room instead. Get out of your rut and into a fresh mindset.
5. Replace negative thoughts with positive. One of the best things we can do for ourselves is learn to recognise negative thought process, and shut them down as soon as possible. A happy mindset does wonders for productivity.
6. Consume carefully. When we lack inspiration it's easy to start consuming every book, blog, documentary you can get your hands on, but sometimes a content overload does exactly that, and overloads you. A good book, blog or documentary can inspire you, but be careful not to bombard your brain.
7. Try something new. An exercise class, a new food, a new look. Change is good for the soul.
8. Go somewhere new. A gallery, a tourist destination, a different part of town. Explore.
9. Collect inspiration. Go old school and make a moodboard, or embrace your internet addiction and curate the perfect inspirational Pinterest board. Something you can look at when you need a boost.
10. Tick off a long standing to do. Organise your desktop, clear out your wardrobe, stock up your freezer with homemade meals. Do something you've been meaning to do for a long time, it'll boost your productivity and normally, your inspiration too.

How do you regain inspiration?

10 Things You Should Do This Weekend

For some reason the beginning of autumn prompts more of a 'fresh start' feeling within me than a new year, or springtime. Perhaps it's the fact that every year as far back as I can remember, September has meant the beginning of a new school year, and I was always one of those strange children who liked going back to school. Fresh notebooks, a new pencil case, and a brand new start, for me, September means reassessing my goals, and getting organised.

I thought I'd share with you my to do list for the weekend, because it's a list of things I think we could all benefit from doing.

1. Autumnify your wardrobe. Get ready for lots of layers, cosy scarves and heeled boots. I'm dying to pull out my stack of burgandy jumpers. 
2. Indulge in some R&R. I'm thinking bubble baths, Netflix binging sessions, and copious amounts of tea.
3. Bake some sweet treats for the week. Because a drizzly Tuesday afternoon is made much better by homemade cake. I'm going to be making these flapjacks and these snickerdoodles!
4. Clean up your computer. I've got to tackle my Macbook, iMac and external harddrive. A tedious task, but one that can be completed whilst watching a movie, and will be so satisfying when it's done. 
5. Buy a new notebook. For that back to school feeling. You'd be surprised what a new notebook can do for your productivity levels. 
6. Have a drink with a friend. Whether it's a mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows, or a cheeky cocktail. Make some time for the people you love.
7. Invest in some autumnal decor. Whether it's something simple like these fairy lights, or a luxe blanket like this, make your home all cosy and snuggly.
8. Make an autumn bucket list. Mine includes taking a walk with my guy under the falling leaves, make hot apple cider and cinnamon caramel cookies, and build a fort.
9. Compile a Pinterest board of recipes to try. I'm looking for slow cooker meals, and things I can take to work for lunch that aren't sandwiches! 
10. Get a good nights sleep. Because you'll feel so much better for it come Monday.

What are you going to do this weekend?

30 Thoughts I Have When It's Hot In England

1. Oh my god why am I still under the duvet. 
2. Why are the curtains billowing when there is NO WIND AT ALL.
3. How is it 22 degrees already. WEATHER, DON'T YOU KNOW THIS IS ENGLAND?
4. I had a shower last night but I'll have another one because it's SO HOT.
5. Oh god. Better shave my legs.
6. What is the least amount of clothing I can feasibly get away with wearing?
7. Is it socially acceptable to eat ice cream for breakfast? No? Okay then.
8. I know it's hot but I still need my morning Starbucks. Better have it iced.
9. WHY IS MY REGULAR STARBUCKS ORDER CHEAPER ICED?! 
10. In the future I'm just going to order it cold and then microwave it. #extremecouponer.
11. Leather chairs + skirt was a bad idea. I think my legs are stuck.
12. WHY DOESN'T EVERYWHERE HAVE AIR CONDITIONING.
13. Maybe if I apply sunscreen at my desk I can trick my brain into thinking I'm at the beach?
14. Why does everyone have to wear flip flops when it's hot? I don't want to see your toes.
15. Best check Instagram and see what an amazing time everyone's having outside.
16. Maybe I could work from the park?
17. Realistically I know no work shall be done if I leave my desk.
18. Maybe I'll just leave work early. 
19. Why doesn't central London have Ice Cream vans? 
20. I shouldn't have worn a skirt. My legs are sticking to each other and I'm not okay with it.
21. I hate summer. There are wasps everywhere.
22. Okay, I give up, I'm going home to roll in ice. Or just, you know, shower.
23. High significant other, I missed you today but DON'T FREAKING TOUCH ME.
24. I'm really hungry but this salad will have to do because hot food is a no go.
25. Time for the third shower of the day. The coldest of the lot.
26. Maybe if I keep flipping the pillow my face will be cooler. 
27. It's too hot for a duvet. I'll just use a sheet instead.
28. How does this sheet keep getting wrapped around my legs? I'M NOT MOVING.
29. I need to get air conditioning. It may only be warm four days a year but this is unbearable.
30. I know I'm taking up the whole bed significant other, but this is the only position where no part of my body isn't touching any other part of my body. So deal with it.

Little Luxuries

Sometimes in life, you have to allow yourself a few little luxuries. Whether it's because you're having a bad day, you need cheering up, or just because you deserve a little treat.  We all deserve to be pampered, right?

A fresh bunch of blooms. There's something about having fresh flowers in the house that instantly lifts the mood. They don't have to cost the earth, in fact, I love buying flowers from Lidl. You can get a beautiful bunch for £2, and they always last me the best part of two weeks!

Getting my eyebrows done. I'm aware that having hairs ripped from your face might not seem like a treat, but I love it. I love the twenty minutes sat at Blink, twenty minutes completely for myself. I love the little temple massage I get at the end. And most of all, I love how my brows look for a month or so afterwards.

A new pen. As a writer, I've developed a small obsession with pens. My latest love is this weighty number from Paperchase. It makes writing everything from poems to the shopping list much more enjoyable.

A new magazine. After a long day in the city, I'll often pop into WHSmith at Marylebone, and pick myself up a new magazine to read whilst soaking in the bath when I get home. I love to pick up Allure, Elle Decoration, Frankie and Jamie Oliver's magazine.

Dinner from M&S. Sometimes, you've just got to treat yo'self to a delicious meal. I can totally recommend their Leek and Ham Hock Pie, and their lemon tart. And the White Chocolate Chip Cookies. Basically everything. Get everything.

A long, hot bubble bath. Preferably with candles, a Lush bubble bar and a glass of wine. You deserve it.

Things It's Okay To Do

• To turn off your emails at the weekend.
• To put the same outfit on two days in a row.
• To stay up really late because you're in the work zone, and sleep in till the afternoon the next day.
• To occasionally fall into bed and just use a makeup wipe to remove all your makeup. You can cleanse properly in the morning, right?
• To secretly like it when your cat lies over your laptop so you can't get any work done. 
• To keep a lipgloss way past it's expiry date because it was expensive and you've barely used it. 
• To have a tech free evening.
• To not be bothered with the hassle of finding a perfectly ripe avocado.
• To binge eat naughty foods when you're having a bad day. 
• To not reply to a PR email when they're rude.
• To be a tiny bit jealous of bloggers when they get sent an amazing product, or invited to an incredible event. 
• To not remember the last time you shaved your legs.
• To skip your morning skincare routine regularly because you decided an extra ten minutes in bed was more important.

The Best Things In Life Are...

Having your hair washed at the salon, complete with a head massage.
Taking off your makeup and bra at the end of the day.
Thinking you needed to top up your Starbucks card, and then realising you have enough for one more mocha.
Finding something you love in the sale, in your size.

Long FaceTime calls with the family.
Waking up an hour before your alarm.
Texts from your mum with pictures of your cat.
A fresh Krispy Kreme dozen.
When you're out for dinner and the bill comes to less than you expected.
Evenings in bed with a cup of tea, a packet of hobnobs and the latest episode of The Good Wife.
Long car journeys with the perfect playlist.
Early morning yoga.
Walking in the park when the sun is shining.
Birthday cake.

Productive Procrastination

Sometimes, procrastination is a good thing. Maybe you're losing concentration and you need a boost, or maybe you're not feeling great, maybe you're like me and you work better with less time on your hands. Or hey, maybe you just don't want to tackle that to do list just yet. 

As something of a procrastination expert, I've kind of perfected the way to procrastinate productively. I think it's a working from home thing, sometimes you just need a break!

- Pinterest. Now I know that it's easy to get lost on Pinterest and not surface for days, but hear me out here. Pinterest is also a really useful tool. For example, on my to do list this month is order new business cards, so the other day when I needed a break from writing, I used Pinterest to create a board of inspiration for new business cards. Not only was this a great, relaxing twenty minutes of looking at pretty pictures, it gave me a much clearer idea of what I want! 

-  Making Soup. Stick with me hear, I'm aware this is a weird one! Soup is SO easy to make, it's healthy, and you can make it in bulk and freeze it, so you've got a few lunches covered for the rest of e week. It gets you up and out of your desk chair, and you get to create something, which can really help boost your mood, productivity and inspiration levels!

-  Writing blog posts. Now this won't work for everyone, but as I work as a writer, I'm constantly conforming to briefs and what other people want, so when I get to sit down and create content for my blog, it's a relief, because I'm in charge, and I'm creating content I love. 

- Yoga. I know I know, I'm always banging on about yoga. But taking twenty minutes that would have been spent mindlessly surfing the Internet, and using it for a quick Vinyasa or a round of Sun Salutations is going to be so much more beneficial for your body and your mind. 

-  Reading an actual, real life book. Do people still know what these are? I'm kidding of course, but when was the last time you sat down with a real good book? I've gotten really into non fiction books recently, something I never thought I'd say, but I love taking out a bit of time with a cup of tea to learn something new. 

- Organising my makeup collection. Or organising anything really. I'm a pretty messy person, so taking the time to organise my life can only be a good thing. 

- Making lists. As a very visual human, I respond well to having things written down in front of me! I have lists upon lists, and lists of lists. I often think I'd spontaneously combust if I lost my lists. 

- Take a class on Skillshare. This is my latest obsession, what better way to procrastinate than to learn a new skill? Whether I just can't write anymore, or I want to consume something constructive whilst I'm planning my week or writing a blog post, I'm totally obsessed with Skillshare right now. I'm thinking about putting together a post on my favourite classes, if that would interest you guys? 

Sunday's Are For...

Staying in bed all day.
Spending hours on Pinterest.
Eating pastries and drinking coffee.
Painting your nails.
Re watching old episodes of 90210, Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars.
Planning the week ahead.
Coffee dates with people you love.
Lazy walks in the park.
Reading magazines, newspapers, books and blogs.
Switching off from social media.
Bubble baths.
Glasses of wine.
Doing nothing at all.

Things I Can't Wait to do After Hand In

The end is in sight, my final University hand in date is looming, and in all honesty, it couldn't come around quick enough. The last few months have been really stressful, and I can't wait to spend some time relaxing, and crossing a few things off my to do list.

Stay in bed all day. I honestly can't remember the last time I did this, it was probably about five years ago now! This is exactly what I'll be doing the day after my hand in, snuggling up in bed in my favourite pyjamas (they're from Victoria's Secret, they're snuggly and they're covered in snowflakes), no makeup, lots of cups of tea and tasty snacks. And Netflix. Lots of Netflix. Bliss.

Perfect my blog layout. This applies to my beauty blog, I just want to perfect it! 

Start an exciting project I've been wanting to work on for months. I'm not telling you anymore, but it's gonna be good. 

Spend lots of time on Pinterest. I discovered Pinterest a couple of months ago, and haven't had the time to enjoy it! 

Set up shop in a coffeehouse for the day and get loads of work done. Despite looking forward to getting rid of my work, I'm still looking forward to working? I've neglected a lot of projects since Christmas, and I'm looking forward to getting back on track. I always spy people cosied up in coffee shops with their laptops and it looks like so much fun. I do work in Starbucks sometimes, but I think it'd be nice to go somewhere different!

Organise all the photos on my iMac. A job I've been putting off for possibly years. I can't find a single thing on my computer, and I really need to fix that.

Catch up on Game of Thrones. I'm two whole seasons behind. How did I let this happen? I think I'll need more than one day in bed to catch up, but technically that's crossing two things off my to do list at once!

 Spend an entire day in the park having a picnic. And playing ball games and sunbathing and reading and relaxing.

Thoughts I Have in the Shower

This water's not hot enough.
Why am I awake?
Why is the water so weak in London?
I'm covered in water so why is my skin getting dryer?
This waters still not hot enough.
Oh my god I have so much to do today.
How is this razor blunt I've only used it once?
Maybe if I can make the bathroom really steamy my voice will sound better.
Better make the water hotter.
Nope. Doesn't sound better.
How does that song go? That one that's stuck in my head? It can't just be one line?
Ow I have shampoo in my eyes again.
I've got so much to do.
I'm not going to procrastinate like yesterday.
I'm going to achieve so much today.
Ooh Pretty Little Liars was on last night, I better watch it once I'm done.
This water is still not hot enough.
I'm not sure I like this shampoo. I'd better go to Boots today and buy another.
Oh and that lipstick from Bourjois.
And a new black eyeliner.
And maybe some new polishes from Essie.
And I could swing past the Chanel counter.
If I go as soon as I'm dressed I'll have plenty of time to work after.
This water still isn't hot enough.
I wonder if there is life on other planets.
I wonder if there are other planets with humans on.
I wonder if the people who made Battlestar Galactica are secretly government officials trying to tell us how life on Earth came to be.
I really should watch Battlestar Galactica again.
This water is still not hot enough.
Can I still use gingerbread shower gel when it's not December anymore?
I need to hurry up, I have so much to do.
Does this water get any hotter?

10 Things I Need to be Productive

I have the attention span of a gnat, and the concentration levels of a 3 year old, so getting into a productive workspace is something I find really, really hard, but it's pretty important. I've gotten into a pretty good routine in the last few months, when I've had to really crack down on my dissertation, but things have to be just so.

1. A list. Without a list I am 100% redundant. I have literally no direction or guidance whatsoever. Things have to be broken down into small tasks as well, not just clean flat, or work on dissertation. For example, my to do list right now says: write 400 words on the cultural significance of new media, organize TV cupboard, empty fridge, do a white washing load, wash makeup brushes, and photograph blog posts from 15th-20th of January. It's gotta be little tasks that I can tick off quickly and feel like I'm getting somewhere.
2. Deskspace. There's no point in me sitting down and trying to work on my bed, or on the sofa, I won't achieve a thing. I need to be sat up at a desk with everything I could possibly need to hand. I also need my space to be tidy, and look pretty. Otherwise I get distracted and try and tidy up, or rearrange things. See, attention span of a gnat.
3. Makeup. Sounds silly, but I get a lot more done if I get dressed and do my hair and makeup. I guess I just feel ready for the day (or less like I can just climb back into bed).
4. A big bottle of water. Preferably also containing a handful of assorted chopped fruit. Anything that involves me using my brain means I will need tons of water.
5. Background music. I don't understand these people (ahem, my boyfriend) who need complete and utter silence to work. I'd go crazy if all I could hear is my own brain. I like to have something chilled just playing quietly in the background, it keeps me sane!
6. Time constraints. This is partially to stop me getting bored and partially to stop me going insane. I'm not one of these people who can sit and spend hours working on the same project, I just can't, it's not in my nature. I like to split my day up into bite sized chunks and assign a task to each section. If I finish a task early, great I get time to relax, and if I reach the end of a time limit and I'm not done, I put whatever I'm doing down, move on to something else, and come back to it later. It helps keep perspective and a fresh view too.
7. Snacks. I firmly believe there are two types of people in this world, the meal eaters, and the constant grazers. I fall into the latter. I like to keep my fridge fully stocked with snacks and treats to keep me going throughout the day, and in my desk I always keep a little supply of pick me up treats, just in case the situation gets really dire.
8. Daylight. It sounds silly, but I need a good hefty dose of preferably daylight, so I have a Lumie Lamp on my desk which I basically stick right in front of my face, for when the day is a little grey. 
9. Naps. I need naps okay. I'm basically an angsty three year old, and if I don't get a nap I just totally burn out and achieve nothing. I tend to stay up fairly late because I work better at night, so I like to schedule in an hour for napping in the afternoon. No shame in that guys.
10. Something to look forward to. It doesn't need to be exciting, hell, most of the time it's not, but there are little things in everyday life that I really enjoy, so sometimes it's getting stuff done so I can go for coffee with the boy when he gets home, or going for a walk, or going for a wonder round the shops, it's even sometimes just doing the food shop. 

What are your top tips for being productive?