October In Review

Hi, Happy Halloween! It's a while since I've written one of these month in review posts and I'm not sure where to start. It's been the first October for a long time that I've not celebrated Halloween, I did buy and carve a pumpkin but that's the highlight this year.

Goals for October 6/10

• Enjoy the change in the season
  
• Work on a DIY project
• List unwanted clothes on Ebay
• Read three books
• Eat less meat
• Share a recipe
• Get back into blogging
• Comment on lots of blogs
• Carve a Pumpkin
• Set a TBR list for the rest of the year

I feel I've totally embraced Autumn this year, I haven't been on any woodland walks like I would have liked but I've really enjoyed wrapping up indoors with a cup of hot chocolate. I have bought so many new jumpers, I'm so happy I can wear because it's cool enough. While getting into the spirit of Autumn I've been enjoying getting more reading done and I've been working on keeping up with my Goodreads challenge but I'm still two books behind (oops). I've also been doing some crafts to create decorative things for my home which I think I'll go into more in a separate post.

I've been wanting to get back into blogging for a while and I was stuck not knowing what to do. I finally got past that point and I've done so much blogging compared to the rest of this year. I wanted to get back into the blogging community by commenting on blogs but sadly I've just not had time. Another thing I've not had time to do is sell my unwanted clothes, I'm so ready to just give them to charity to give myself more space.

I don't want to go vegetarian or vegan but I do want to be more conscious of my impact on the environment and my overall health based on what I eat. I've been cutting down on the amount of meat I've been eating and having more meat free meals. I've got a recipe I want to share but I didn't get round to it this month (blog post idea for the future).

What did you do to celebrate Halloween this year?

Sam

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Clocks Go Back | Make The Darker Nights More Enjoyable

Hi, Tonight here in the UK we're turning the clocks back by an hour. It's now going to be dark by 5pm and get eariler and eariler, this is both massively annoying as I hate driving in the dark and exciting as it means that it's now getting close to Christmas. There are so many celebrations at this time of year that would be so different if they where held at the height of summer. Halloween wouldn't be as scary and you'd be forced to wear your costume without the cover of darkness. Bonfire night would have to take place so late in the evening you'd be too sleepy to even watch the fireworks. One of the best parts about Christmas is all the fairy lights and decorative displays which wouldn't look half as good if it wasn't dark.


Today I'm sharing things I'm doing to make the most of the darker nights and not let it become an issue with my mood. It's a bit easier said than done when the weather is so wet and windy but I'm still seeing the beauty in this time of year when the seasons change, Autumn is my favourite time of year. While summer brings the opportunity to stay up till late soaking up the sunshine, Autumn also has it's benefits as a time of relaxation. I tend to slow down during the Autumn months before Winter properly kicks in with all the Christmas and new years parties. Below are some really simple ways to connect with these transitional months. 

How To Make The Darker Nights More Enjoyable

Take Part In Seasonal Celebrations
As I mentioned above we've got Halloween and Bonfire night to look forward too. I feel these celebrations are a kind of consolation prize for the darker nights. Embrace these events where possible.

Get Cozy

When it's colder outside there's nothing nicer than getting all wrapped up in comfy warm clothing. It's time to dig out the fluffy socks and slippers and maybe invest in some big cozy jumpers or even another new set of pajamas. Change out the bedding for snugglier nights and don't forget your blanket.

Update Your Home/Room

Changing up a room to match the season is a good way to make the season more enjoyable. Update your colour scheme or just add more comforting elements like subtle lighting to keep the darkness at bay.

Bake or Buy Nice Snacks
Pumpkin spice is everywhere right now so why not try a new seasonal baking recipe.  Alternatively try out what the shops have to offer in the form of seasonal goodies. Using seasonal ingredients is a good way to embrace the new season.

Hot Drinks

One thing about the drop in temperature is that I now want every drink to be hot. I don't drink normal tea or coffee because I'm weird but hot chocolate is a must in Autumn, preferably after a long woodland walk.

Box Sets and Films

It's darker outside so the allure to go out is lower but that means more free time to catch up on those box sets you've been meaning to watch all summer or find a new favourite. Plan a trip to the cinemas it's already dark so you're not missing the sunshine by going to watch a film.

Stock Up On Bath Bombs

Take the time to have a relaxing bath, I always feel weird having a bath when it's sunny outside like the heat of the water is wrong. The drop in temperature means I'm more than happy to have a bath and it's even better when you get to enjoy some Lush bath art too.

Get Stuck into a Book

I'm so behind on my goodreads target this year so I'm really hoping the darker nights are going to give me a reason to chill out with a book more often. It might be dark and raining outside but in a book you could be traveling the world and enjoy someone else's summer if you're missing the sun.

Start a Craft Project

Extra time means working on those household DIY projects or you could start working on homemade Christmas gifts or start a craft project just for the fun of it.

What's your favourite part about the nights getting darker?

Sam

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Lush Review | Ectoplasm Jelly Bomb

Hi, Today I've got a review I've been very excited to write as I've finally tried a jelly bomb. I think the first concept of the Jelly bomb was shown at the 2016 Lush showcase (it looked very different) and I've wanted to try it since because it just seemed so weird. If you read my recent Lush Haul you'll know that I had to make two visits to the Leeds store as they hadn't got the Jelly Bombs in yet on my first visit. I honestly would have bought more but at £4.95 I decided that one was enough to start with and so I picked the most Halloween themed Ectoplasm.

Ectoplasm Jelly Bomb

Another reason this was the first jelly bomb I choose was the scent. It's full of citrus oils in the form of Tangerine and Grapefruit Oil which is my favourite. I've read some reviews saying that their bombs didn't dissolve so I want to say that my bath was run with just hot water which might make a difference. I think the bath bomb looks quite muted in tones but once it hits the water a luminous green spews out from the jelly discs complemented by the bright purple (my camera didn't pick up the true colours).

The ectoplasm jelly bomb features a little ghost on one side, this motif is individual to the Ectoplasm jelly bomb and there are lots of different motifs across the jelly bomb range. One thing they all have in common is the construction style of a mixture of the normal bath bomb mixture along with discs that are seaweed infused. It's the seaweed within these discs that create the slime texture.

Onto the jelly! It's weird, but so fun. As a concept of slime the jelly works really well within this Halloween themed jelly bomb, I'm not so sure I'd enjoy the idea so much with a different style of bath bomb. I'm aware that the texture of the jelly is putting people off, but by the time I'd added some cold water to level out the water temperature the jelly had all but gone before I got into the bath. Have fun with it and then make sure it's all dissolved if you don't fancy being covered in the stuff. 

I can't say I found that the seaweed that creates the slime was that silky in the water like cocoa butter feels but my skin did feel really soft after my bath. The water ends up the most bright luminous green/yellow which was a totally different colour to any other Lush product I've used which was a nice change.

Have you tried any of the Lush Jelly Bombs?

Sam

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Why I Count Calories

Hi, Weight loss is a funny thing to blog about, you're so in danger of offending or giving bad advice. I debated writing this post but decided to write it from more of a personal prospective rather than self help. Just remember that everyone is different and what I personally find beneficial for myself may not be right for you.

Why I Count Calories

Why I Started Counting Calories
Simply I like to snack a lot and I'm not active at all, this combination means calories can quickly add up. I'd got to my heaviest of 9 stone 6 pounds which on my petite frame is heavy. I'd noticed all my favourite clothes being a lot tighter and was making a conscious decision to wear baggier clothing. My doctor even commented that I'd put on weight during my last visit.

My Weight Loss Goal and Progress
I figured this post is pointless without me sharing my personal experience of calorie counting. I've been counting calories daily since the start of July which is now about four months (I thought it was longer). In that time I've managed to lose a stone and I'm feeling so much happier about how I look and feel. My rate of weight loss works out at about a pound per week, the loss was totally down to what I've been eating as I've made no change to my activity levels.

How I Track My Calories
I use the MyFitnessPal app to count my calories. You set a target weight and a rate in which you want to lose the weight. I don't think it's the most scientific on calculating your daily goal but it's also based on your activity level. Once you've set everything up you then simply follow the target calories. You log your daily intake by scanning barcodes and looking up ingredients, it's really simple.

Why I Think It's A Positive Thing To Try
I know a lot of people are against calorie counting because of the idea of under eating and it's a valid point. I think it's only an issue though if your not learning to eat the right foods that are both filling, healthy and low calorie. You might loss weight if you stick to your goal and only eat junk food but you're going to be hungry and your body will lack the nutrients it needs. It's all about educating yourself about portion control and reassessing your diet long term.

What Have I Learnt

• Calorie counting doesn't mean restricting, it's about healthy swaps and planning ahead.
• Going over your target calories doesn't matter in the long run.
• It's not a quick fix, it's an educational process and a lifestyle choice/change.
• A kitchen scale and other measuring devises will become your best friends.
• You can still socialize and enjoy restaurant food.
• I like eating calories more than I enjoy drinking them (so much less alcohol).
• I'm so much more interested in cooking and trying new things.
  

I think there's a lot more I could say about calorie counting but I don't want to ramble. I've found it a helpful and positive experience and while I'm now going to increase my calorie intake to sustain my weight rather than lose it I'll continue to track my calories so I don't over indulge too often.

Please let me know what you think about calorie counting?

Sam

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Why I’ll Never Be A Fashion Blogger

Hi, With my recent absence from blogging it has given me time to reflect on what and where I want my blog to be. When I first found the world of blogs it was the fashion blogs that I read the most. I still follow all those blogs but my interests have inevitably changed over the years and I’m much more interested in home improvements and food now. My blog has never been as fashion related as I'd originally planned and after almost three years of blogging I’m yet to do an 'Outfit of the Day' post. For fun I've put together a list of reasons why this will probably never change. I did once, a very long time ago, go out to do a fashion post but it didn’t go very well and I've never felt ready to try again.

Why I’ll Never Be A Fashion Blogger

I Don’t Have Anyone to Help Take Photos

This one is kind of self-inflicted because as daft as it might sound my other half is the only person who knows about my blog. As a result my choice of photographer is limited to him and while he did try he just couldn’t get what angles and stuff I wanted in the photos. He did however take my profile pic which is one of very few photos of myself I actually like, I have to give him credit for that.

I’m Not Photogenic

I'm not hating on myself, it's just a fact that I don't have a good angle. It's something that has forever annoyed me and honestly I’ve developed a dislike of cameras as I never look like me in photos. You might have noticed that I never post selfies and there’s like two photos of my face within the posts on my blog.

I Don’t Know What To Do With My Hands

I could come up with an outfit I like but then look like a total idiot in the photos because I just don’t know how to pose. I know this is something you'd learn with practice but it just makes the whole process take longer.

Finding Locations

You don’t need to have a different location for every outfit but lets be honest it keeps things fresh. I could set up a camera against a white wall, but that just wouldn’t be keeping up with all the other amazing fashion bloggers (my aesthetic goal is clearly too high for a newbie). I also rarely leave the house to find those amazing outdoor locations.

The Horror of Taking Photos in Public

You find the perfect location and it’s right on a busy main road or in a very busy park. I’m sure if I looked harder I’d find hidden gems of locations perfect for my shy self. On my one outing I just didn’t feel comfortable and like someone was going to walk past and judge us, but why do I care? social anxiety cares I guess.

I Can’t Afford to Keep Up With the Trends

This is a part truth because with places like Primark and my own style of just picking key pieces, I could probably keep up with the trends but do I really want too? I think fast fashion is something we need to curb as it's really not good for the environment or our bank balance.

My Style is Very Basic

My outfits wouldn't be that interesting. I've got a style uniform of a pair of skinny jeans, a plain t-shirt, a long cardigan and a pair of Dr Martens. While I'd consider my style to be alternative it's been diluted over the years to me just having a very neutral wardrobe.

It’s Just Too Much Effort For Me

While I’d love to do an OOTD post I’m really just not motivated enough to put myself through the effort of all of the above issues to come to edit the photos and hate every one. Maybe this is something I should have a go at but do it on a whim while out somewhere rather than putting so much pressure on the moment.

Do you like to create OOTD posts?

Sam

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A Little Lush Haul

Hi, I ended up doing two small shops in Lush not far apart so I decided to share what I've been buying. I've got a total of four products which are all new to me. I orignally visited the Leeds Lush store to pick up one of the new jelly bombs but at the time they hadn't made it to that store. I couldn't not buy anthing so I picked up the first two items a Never Mind The Ballistics bath bomb and a Yellow Submarine bath bomb. On my second visit I was happy to see the store full of all the Halloween and Christmas stock but I restrained myself as I have way too many products I already needed to use. I finally picked up one of the jelly bombs Ectoplasm and a Rocket Science bath bomb because it was too fun not to buy.

Never Mind The Ballistics Bath Bomb
This bath bomb looks so sad in the photo because the cocoa butter coating on the top has dryed out so much the whole bomb is falling apart (I've had it about a month). This is without a doubt a bath bomb that doesn't last long in the open air, I forgot to pack it away. I love the cocoa butter bath bombs as they are so softening and it smells so good.

Lush description: These aren’t ingredients for anybody else except for yourself. Lime and sweet wild orange oils are fresh and peachy on the nose, exciting the senses and shaking up your mood. There’s no time for apathy in the bath, so this anarchic bath bomb fizzes and rolls and spews colour with no holds barred energy. Fair Trade cocoa butter melts alongside fresh bananas to soften both the water and your skin. God save the clean; this deserves a replay.

Yellow Submarine Bath Bomb
I got this one just because the design is fun and I wanted to see this little submarine tugging along around my bath. I think the colour mix with this one is going to be so nice in the tub and is a fun cheaper alternative to the classic bath bombs.

Lush description: Why take a plane when you can take a submarine? Start off in the hustle and bustle of the city, submerge and let the waves wash over you, waking up on a tropical island with coconut scent gently blowing through the trees. A cocktail of Brazilian orange, lemongrass and coriander seed oil will enliven the senses and transport you to sunny shores, until pink and yellow sunsets ground you in the most spectacular bath.

Rocket Science Bath Bomb
I think I saw this bomb on the Lush instagram and instantly wanted it. It's one of the cheapest bath bombs at only £2.95 so would make a lovely stocking filler. The blue and yellow looks like it's going to make the most awesome patterns in the bath. There's even tiny little stars in the rocket blast, can't wait to see what happens to them.

Lush description: Blast off to another world with this mix of uplifting bergamot and lemon. It’s smooth soaring to beautiful bath waters as mellow yellow fizzes with deep blue and pink. Lower onto the surface of the water, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as it leisurely glides around the bath. You'll love this to the moon and back.

Ectoplasm Jelly Bomb
I finally got hold of a jelly bath bomb and I'm super excited to try this and review it. I'm not sure if this is a Halloween exclusive product and will disapear. I picked it as it was the most halloween themed of the bunch and there's a lot of jelly bomb variations. I was also swayed into picking this one because it's full of citrus oils and so has my favourite scent.

Lush description: For soaks from the other side, launch this slimer into the water and let the gooey jelly ooze across the surface. Made from brown seaweed, it softens your skin as it goes. If you're feeling ghoulish, the uplifting tangerine, grapefruit and restorative litsea cubeba oils will have you in high spirits in no time. Take the gunge.

What have you been buying from Lush?

Sam

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Reading Roundup | September

Hi, It's been a while since I've done one of these monthly book reviews and to be honest I want to go back and post the previous books I've missed for my own reference. I'm really behind on my Goodreads challenge but I'm not surprised because I've been slow/lazy with reading. I really need to plan what I want to read during the rest of year to stay on track so keep an eye out for a TBR for the rest of 2017. Both the books I read this month where finds at my favourite charity shop for books because they are only 50p each.

Reading Challenge 24/35

How to Love

Author - Katie Cotugno

Page Count - 389

First Published - 2013

I bought this book about a year ago and finally got round to reading it. As there was such a long time from picking this book out I'd forgotten what it was about, but it's obviously a romance book of sorts. 

Reena has loved Sawyer LeGrande since she can remember. The son of her parents friends they have grown up together but Sawyer has never shown Reena any attention until one day they fall in messy love. Sawyer leaves without an explanation, leaving Reena behind. Time passes and Reena has a new love of her life, her daughter Hannah. One day Sawyer arrives back in their lives and Renna has to work out where he fits in her new life.

This book was such a fun read because of the writing style of telling both the before and present story in alternative chapters. I overall wasn't blown away by this book but I did enjoy reading it and seeing how the story developed. I don't want to give spoilers but there's so much more to this story than I've explained above. I really enjoyed how as the reader was giving little bits of information from the past that then made the present situation make more sense.

 

Elizabeth is Missing

Author - Emma Healey

Page Count - 275

First Published - 2015

I've had this book on my radar as one I've wanted to pick up and it finally turned up at 50p. I hadn't realised until writing this post but this is another book that moves from past to present. This book does it more creatively through the main character getting confused and transitioning from present to past via memory triggers.

Maud is elderly and losing her memory to dementia. She writes notes to remind herself of things but doesn't remember what they mean. There's one note however that keeps resurfacing which is that her best friend Elizabeth is missing. The present story interlinks with the disappearance of Mauds sister
Sukey when she was a little girl. Maud is trying to solve one disappearance while getting confused and trying to solve the mystery behind her sisters disappearance.

I found this book a little long winded because I didn't have the time to sit down and totally indulge. I find this is a massive issue I have with my overall reading experience, it's me not the book. Again no spoilers, there's so much more to this story and if you only read it for one reason read it because it's an insight into dementia and how it affects people.

Any short story recommendations (I've got a lot of catching up to do on Goodreads)?

Sam

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Monthly Mini Goals | October

Hi, Long time no blog! so why the absence? Well first my computer broke and then well I fell out with blogging and gave myself a break. I can't say I had a digital detox because I've continued to read lots of blogs and been watching Youtube a little too much. I honestly wasn't sure if I wanted to come back to blogging but here I am giving it another go.

A Quick Catch Up
My last personal post was back at the start of June so in total it's been 122 days or 4 months since then, it's crazy how fast time goes by. I'll share the highlights from the last few months because I think it's nice to have posts to look back at as a diary.

June is so long ago now I can't think of anything that happened worth noting. July I went on holiday to Filey on the east coast of Britain for a few days to celebrate my boyfriends birthday. This was kind of the second reason I stopped blogging because it was time away from the screen and then I found it hard to come back. August was a weird month as we visited three churches in under two weeks. Once for a wedding (my cousin's which was lovely), a funeral of a distant relative and finally to witness the Christening of my Niece. Finally September the month we are just saying goodbye to was pretty chilled out. I went to see Mother! which is a crazy and mind scrambling film but very good, you just have to watch it with an open mind. I also went to my second wedding of the year for a couple we've been friends with for years and they did everything so for them it was perfect.

Goals for October

• Enjoy the change in the season
  
• Work on a DIY project
• List unwanted clothes on Ebay
• Read three books
• Eat less meat
• Share a recipe
• Get back into blogging
• Comment on lots of blogs
• Carve a Pumpkin
• Set a TBR list for the rest of the year

I haven't even talked about the fact it's now Autumn and Halloween is looming. Here's to blogging again and making the most of the month ahead. I felt that finally sitting down and writing one of my monthly goals posts would give the motivation to actually have another go at blogging and I'm looking forward to creating content, I always find the winter months easier to blog about.

Are you enjoying Autumn?

Sam

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