Katie

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SELF-CARE // Why You Should Take Time To Recharge

Oh, self-care. Something we all deserve more of, but something that often gets put on the back burner in life that can become stressful, hectic, and make us forget about it altogether. I’m happy to see that ‘self-care’ has actually become quite the buzzword. We are seeing more and more people talking and sharing about how important it is to take care of yourself, take a break to de-stress, and have some time alone. There are so many reasons of why you should take time…

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Body Image // Working On Myself

Look at me, kind of blogging on a regular basis now, obviously got this writers block well and truly nailed.to.the.wall. 

Or possibly not but we won’t dwell on that too much. 

In my last post (she says, this is only the 3rd one she’s written this year, let’s not get carried away now) I touched on the fact that I am over diets. Clearly, this shocked a few people who know me in real life. I think the Husband even said something along the lines of “I’m fucking holding you to this, I now have it in writing”. 

Yes, he reads my blog (hiiiii husband) and yes, he swears just as much as me, an angel he is not, despite appearances. 

So I thought I’d go into a bit more detail on this ‘lil old topic, because, I’m nothing if not thorough. 

I, like most women probably, go through stages. One day I can be all kinds of feeling myself, the next I feel like Quasimodo’s uglier sister. It’s all down to hormones and whatever but it really pisses me off.

Years, and I mean years (I’m 40 in 2021 FFS) of dieting, reading the constant battering celebs get in the press if they’re not a size 6, headlines about how the latest star has FINALLY dropped 3 stone and is now acceptable to look at, can really play havoc with someones mind. 

But, towards the end of last year, something changed in my head in regards to the way I think of myself. 

Body Positive accounts on Instagram, ‘curves’ on film & tv and nutritionalists literally pulling apart the diets bit by bit to show you how fucked up they are, they’ve all helped to bring about that teeny, tiny spark in me that thinks, maybe I don’t have to be on a diet for the rest of my life. 

Body Image // Working On Myself

Wouldn’t that be fun!?

It always surprises me, but, I quite like myself actually. I’ve birthed two rather incredible humans, not died after almost dying, got through various ops, accidents and whatever else happens to our bodies as we grow, I even managed to not break my head when my dog pulled me into the corner of a wall as a kid, and everything still works. Quite well in fact. 

OK, so my stomach is not my best bit. A home for two people, a c-section and all kind of issues in the old womb has made it slightly softer than one would hope for, and, I literally cannot remember what it looked like pre-kids. I even asked T the other week and, sadly, he can’t either. I mean, I know it was flat because I got it tattooed, but that’s as far as the memory goes. 

My legs are long and fairly toned, apart from at the top of my thighs where I look like I could store some baby mice for safekeeping. Thigh pockets shall we say? (I don’t know if there even is a name for these, but pockets they shall be)

As for the boobs, amazing in a bra, not too shabby out of one but obviously they’re not as fit as they were when I was 20. 

But, so what!?

I’m 37 (38 soon in case you’re think you should start shopping for my present) I’ve been married to my ACTUAL best friend for 18 years and annoying him for 22. So he obviously quite fancies me. I’ve got two really cool kids who I’m going to take at least 50% credit for and my life is pretty bloody good. 

I like food too much to want to live on salad and low fat yogurt. Yes, I want to eat burgers and steak, double cooked fries and ALL the avocado on toast. 

Body Image // Working On Myself

I want to wear clothes that flatter & make me feel sexy, and, even if I had a washboard stomach, I still wouldn’t be wearing a crop top – have you seen how many times they have to be pulled back down again!? I’m all about the comfortable thank you very much. 

I’m going to try really hard to listen to my body this year. I used to be very anti breakfast, and would try and go as long as possible without food until lunch. When, obviously Sherlock, I’d be starving. Now, I can’t leave the house without my porridge pot to eat at my desk. I have NO idea how many calories are in it, and I don’t bloody care. It fills me up & keeps me going until I can have lunch. 

Groundbreaking! 

Some days I’ll want salad and salmon and want to go on long walks with the dogs, but some days I’ll want pizza on the sofa watching TV and probably won’t move for a good 4 hours. Both are completely fine. 

It’s really hard to switch off the guilt, you know, “I’ll eat this but then tomorrow I’ll be good and that’ll balance it out” but I’m going to try and stop myself every time I think like that. Food isn’t just “on a diet, this will make me skinny” or “having a blow out, eat all the calories” food. There’s a complete middle ground, where, so I’m led to believe, you can eat all of the food groups, whenever you want. Just by listening to what your body actually needs. 

I’m over it. I am over it. (if you said that in Rachel from Friends voice, you’re my kind of person) 

So, I’m gonna read the blogs & the books. I’m going to keep following the accounts that shout about loving yourself and I’m going to work really hard on loving myself too. And, if you want to be on your diet, I’m not going to knock you – you do you and I’ll do me. 

(also, yes, all the photos are food related – you’d be surprised at how many photos of food I have inside my phone!) 

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Beuti Skincare | Beauty Sleep Elixir Review

I’m back! And doing what I love – talking all things skincare. 

Way back in 2018 I was sent a bottle of Beuti Skincare Beauty Sleep Elixir – the name alone had my attention, beauty sleep elixir, it sounds like something that is going to wipe away years of tiredness. 

Apparently, the Duchess of Sussex is a huge fan of this wonder oil after being given a bottle by Kate Middleton, so, you know, I’m mixing with the Royals now. 

The beauty oil has 14 precious plant oils and supports skin barrier function, a key role in fighting ‘inflammaging’ which is the name given to describe the ageing of skin due to inflammation over a period of time. Sun, pollution and over exfoliation are all big culprits.  

Beuti Skincare | Beauty Sleep Elixir Review

Beauty Sleep Elixir is 100% natural and made using 98% organic oils like camellia, lavender, geranium and neroli, which makes it smell incredible and, obviously, lavender helps you to sleep like a baby which is a double bonus. 

There are various ways to use the oil, 1 pump before makeup or 2-3 before bed. I used to be very anti oil because I have combination skin, but, since learning that I was all kinds of wrong, I feel like my skincare isn’t finished at night if I don’t apply a layer of facial oil. 

Depending on my skin, and what mood it’s in, 1 pump before make up, works really well but at certain times in the month, when my face isn’t playing ball, it doesn’t help to keep my foundation on. 

At night though, it’s a completely different story. I absolutely LOVE it. I apply 3 pumps to my clean face, in a very fancy way, it says to ‘pat it into your skin’ which always makes me feel like I’m having a facial, no rubbing or dragging of the skin here. 

It sinks in quickly and doesn’t leave your face overly shiny, but it feels like it’s doing all kinds of amazing magic on your face, and you wake up with very happy skin. 

Beuti Skincare Beauty Sleep Elixir is available here for £42 for 30ml – but be quick as it sells out at speed! The power of the Duchess! 

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Making Cash, Dumping Diets & Earrings Galore

It’s already the 21st of January. Usually, this month drags it’s tired little arse and feels like it lasts forever and a day. 

Not this January. I actually can’t believe we’re already 21 days in, where in the hell has it gone? 

I started 2019 determined to have a good year, you know, when you’re watching the fireworks and you just feel full of hope and promise, a brand new, blank paged year. 2018 ended pretty damn well, and it made the transition into another year that little bit easier. 

I’m still riding that positivity wave now, despite the odd wobble here and there. 

What I’ve noticed (what we’ve ALL noticed I’m sure!) is January becomes the month of don’t. Don’t eat that, don’t do this, don’t carry on with what you’re doing. It’s all about the deprivation and I am not here for that. 

January is already the most depressing month of the year. Christmas seems like an age ago, Summer is nowhere near in sight and we’re all desperately clinging on until pay day. Why the flip do we want to make it harder on ourselves? 

Answers on postcards please. 

Instead of focussing on the negatives in my life, leaving me feeling like a big fat failure before I’ve even done anything, I’ve decided to make a list of things I want to achieve this year, attainable (I hope?) happy rewarding goals that make my 2019 feel as good as possible. 

I’m really getting into manifestation and the power of positive thinking – this coming from the original Negative Nancy is saying something – I’ve read so many books about putting what you want out there in the universe that I am starting to see how that works, and I’m feeling it. 

So, with that in mind, I thought I’d write down some of my goals for the year, it helps me to write things down (in many different formats, so I’ll be blogging, journalling, texting the old BF and telling the husband a million times a week, just to make sure) 

Make The Cash 

No beating around the bush here. Like the Rolling Stones said, I want money.

There’s no point pretending that life is all about flowers and candy floss, to live the life you want, you need to make the cash.

I’ve spent a good few years of my life looking for the “career” – that one job that you settle into and stay there until retirement. But, strike a light, I’ve finally realised that isn’t the life for me. I’m better off with my fingers in a few different pies, and, as long as I get my balancing act right, I’m able to give each of them my full attention. 

I have the IRL job, I have my blog and I have my newest baby, La Lune London which I am all kind of crazy for. Between them, I get the best of all worlds. Regular work, 3 days a week, a creative outlet and the chance to shop, curate and style a brand. I am literally in heaven. 

Now, the rest of the year is going to be about building the blog & La Lune London up to be the best they can be and living my best life babes. 

Self Care

Self Care is all about doing what you want to do, and saying a happy ‘fuck off’ to anyone who wants to make you feel crap about it.

Hot baths. Yoga classes. Eating the chocolate even though you had a piece of bread that day. Burning the expensive candles – even just BUYING the expensive candles! Eating out, having a day off, not wearing make up, whatever it is YOU want to do to make yourself feel good. Do it. Do it and enjoy it! 

Enjoying Being UN-Busy

I’m really good at being lazy & I don’t even try and hide it anymore. I am quite happy being at home, on the sofa with my favourite people. Of course, I can go to the party, but you can bet your arse I’ll be leaving when I want, get home before the ‘too drunk’ stage kicks in, and be in time for a cup of tea. 

I don’t care if being busy is seen as a badge of honour. It’s not for me. I am, of course, busy. With two kids, two dogs, 3 jobs, a husband, friends and a family there are loads of things to do, but I’m not going to make myself out to be some kind of high flying world leader. And if you’re not one of those either, stop acting like you are.

So if you’re the kind of person who likes to make others feel less about themselves because you think you win the busy award, then get yourself on your bike and toodle off thanks. 

Stop The Diet Bullshit

Oh my god I could write a book on this. I cannot tell you how sick to death I am of hearing about the newest diet, the latest star to lose 3 stone, or the best way to cook something fat free and remove all of it’s flavour. 

DIETS DON’T WORK!

If they did, there would only be one and everyone would be a size whatever they want. 

Despite knowing this, I have been sucked into the whole “maybe I should try this diet….” routine again already this year. URGH. Slap me round the face with a syn free cheesecake will you? Surprise surprise, I was miserable, my chin broke out and all I could think about was food. 

Shocker. 

Not everyone is made to be a size 10 or will lose weight following a diet. And not everyone wants to hear about what you had to eat this week. And, by constantly hearing about others being on a diet, it can trigger a whole load of issues for some people. If being a size 16 is the worst thing about someone, then I reckon they’re doing pretty good. Life is too short to be worrying about how many syns or points something has. If you want it, eat it. 

I will not go on another diet this year. If anyone hears me saying otherwise, please sort me out. I will, however, be reading up on intuitive eating and sorting my own issues out.  

All About The Mini Break

We haven’t had a proper holiday since 2016. URGH. What with work, moving house, and the fact that we’re not made of cash, holidays have gone on the back burner for the past THREE FRIGGING YEARS. No more! We’ve got two planned already, and we’re looking at a third one later in the year. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it doesn’t have to be fabulous and it doesn’t have to be abroad. All it needs to be is an adventure. 

Because I’m Happy

2019 has all the hallmarks of a good year. I don’t have any great expectations, I’m just going with it, wherever that may be. All I am interested in is being happy and having a good time. There’s always that “now I’ve said it, I’m gonna jinx it” vibe but not this year! I am putting happy out into the universe and I am expecting Happy to come right on back to me! 

(and that first blog of 2019 turned into a bit of an essay didn’t it……..!) 

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Don’t worry! We’re not moving again! Not for a long time if I can help it! But, interiors are right up there on my list of loves. I can spend hours browsing through home magazines, Instagram accounts and blogs all about home style. 

In our old home I was desperate for downpipe grey. The living area (I say area, as it was the entire downstairs space, there were no room as such) was at the back of the house and constantly in the shade, so the dark grey suited it. No amount of white paint was going to inject any light into that house. In our new home, it’s full of light, from every angle. The front of the house gets the evening light, where it’s that orange kind of glow, the perfect light for relaxing in. The back of the house, including the garden is bathed in sun until around 5ish.

Which means I am all about the white walls here. I’ve had my fix of dark interiors, I loved it at the time, but I’ve moved on. I’m fickle like that. 

The white walls means I can change things pretty much instantly. Switch the cushion covers depending on the season, change the frames on the wall, add plants, light fittings, all done with less expense than a tin of paint. Bobs your uncle, Fanny’s your aunt. 

I love the fact that the entire downstairs has real wood flooring, with 2 kids, 2 dogs and a whole load of football boots it makes it so much easier to keep clean, plus, it goes perfectly with the white walls. 

Obviously, being me, there are still a few things I’m on the hunt for. The top 5 for 2019 so to speak. 

Velvet Sofa

I will never be satisfied until I have the sofa of dreams. In my head we’re talking either forest green or navy blue velvet. Soft, squishy and more comfortable than a cloud. Also, more expensive than I can afford right now, but I’ll keep searching. I have real issues with sofas. If they look good, they’re probably uncomfortable. If they’re comfortable, then I bet they have a touch of the granny look. I’ve yet to find the holy grail, but I believe it lives at Loaf. 

5 Home Additions For The New Year

Coffee Table Situ

The situ being I cannot find the one I want. Hairpin legs. Battered, dark wood. Low level. It’s not much to ask is it? I spend hours scouring through eBay & Wayfair looking for the right one but so far I’ve drawn a blank. When I see it, I’ll know. 

Music To My Ears

For the wife of such a techy, I’m disappointed in our speaker system. I want (I know, I want never gets, but whatever) speakers in every room. Loud enough to blast your ear drums. Think singing along to A Star Is Born with all your heart while washing up. And the odd summer party. I cannot live without music. Cannot, will not. There’s not a day goes by where I’m not singing along to something. In fact, I will make an excuse to go for a drive just so I can blast the radio. I’m that woman. 

Candles Everywhere

I’m not a snob. Not anymore anyway. Pre Aldi I was all about Neom and Diptyque. Now, I’m more than happy with any of the £3.99 bargains that Aldi have to offer. The more the merrier and, at that price, I can whack one on in every single room of the house without a flicker of guilt. See what I did there? 

5 Home Additions For The New Year

Door Mat Magic

This is a difficult one. Our front door is quite low, which means we haven’t found a mat that fits there, and can have an open door swing over it. Do you see the kind of difficulties I have in life? It needs to be something pattered, preferably round and one that doesn’t need to be kicked out of the way every time you open the door to the Amazon man. I mean guests. 

There, not too extensive huh! What’s on your list of home buys in the New Year? 

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