Katie

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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…

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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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2018 // What The Year Taught Me

Tomorrow is New Years Eve. It always comes a week after Xmas but seems to surprise me each year. I get so caught up in it almost being Christmas that I forget it’s the end of the year as well.

I’m really not interested in going out and getting shit faced to bring in the New Year. My urge for partying reduces each time the hangover feels worse. 

As we wave goodbye to 2018, I realised it’s been quite a good year. I’ve camped (in an actual tent) for longer than 2 nights. And (kind of) enjoyed it. I’ve moved house. I’ve survived through mock GCSE stress and I’ve seen my youngest go away on a school trip which had ZERO parental contact. I’ve started a new business (I was going to add the word ‘little’ in there, but I’m not doing that anymore) and I’ve sold out of stock 3 times over. I’ve instagrammed the shit out of events, and come off social media for a while to save my sanity. 

We’ve had the Beast from the East, the hottest summer in forever and almost the World Cup. I even cried at a Royal wedding. The husband has flown a helicopter (may have swooned a bit) and I lost a beautiful person from my life. 

But what have I actually learned this year? 

I’m Happy With Myself

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to change something about myself. Always had that little voice in my head that starts a sentence like “once I’ve done/got/changed/lost (insert word here) I’ll be happy…..” 

But, 2018 Kate has learned that this is a big fat lie. 

On the rare occasions I did change something, lose weight, or whatever, I was straight onto the next thing I felt I needed to change. It’s a never ending cycle of self sabotage. 

The only way to actually be happy is to just do it. Appreciate everything you have, everything you are and just bloody enjoy life while you have it. Follow your heart, and your intuition on things and you can’t go far wrong. I’ve always ignored my intuition, only to regret it when things go wrong. But now, when my gut is telling me something, I try to listen. 

I’m not, for one second, saying I’m perfect, far from it. I want to get healthier, for healths sake, in 2019. I want to find a yoga class I can go along to, not because I want to photograph myself doing a downward dog and get all the likes, but because I want to use it to chill the fuck out. But, who I am right now, before I make any changes, is just as fine as who I could be at the end of next year. 

 

You Don’t Have To Share It

Bloody social media. I’ve had a real love affair with it in the past, wanting to post everything and anything. When stories came to Instagram, it took me a while to appreciate it, but then, when I realised I could post my unedited (and more real life) life on there, I was all over it like a rash. 

Lately, it’s been more of a chore than something I enjoy. Finding the right photo, being at the right event, posting at the right time to get the right amount of likes to beat the god damn algorithm – has all equalled a big fat eff off to Instagram. The amount of effort it takes to get the right image has completely battered the original concept of Instagram being, well, instant. 

I’ve been using social media for La Lune London, but my personal page has taken a back seat. I still love nothing more than scrolling through my feed, watching my favourite accounts on stories and getting inspiration but I don’t feel the need to post my ENTIRE LIFE on there anymore. 

No doubt I’ll get sucked in again soon, but for now, I’m enjoying being social in real life.  

Life Is For Living Your Way

Do it your way. It’s the only way you’ll be happy. Visit the places you want to visit, eat the food you want to eat, style your home and your wardrobe that makes your heart sing.
 
Who cares what anyone else is doing? Their life is their life. Yours is yours. Trying to live your life to please, or even get approval from someone else is like a ticking time bomb. 
 
Say no when you want to say no. As long as you’re not hurting anyone, why should you put yourself in situations that make you feel unhappy, to please others? Turn down the guilt (still working on this one!) there’s SO much guilt, everywhere! From what you eat, to what decisions you make. At the end of the day, you have to make yourself happy. No one else can do that for you, and you certainly can’t make anyone else happy if your life is miserable. 
 
For me, that means saying no to invites when I need to. Using my favourite cups everyday & burning the candles every evening, no matter how expensive they are. Wearing skinny jeans and trainers every day of the week, growing my hair despite being nearer 40 than 30. Crazy prints, mismatched interiors, loud music, no diets and no hangovers. I love to read my ‘hippie’ books, believe in manifestation, the power of the moon and crystal magic. I want to grow a herb garden, which we’ve named the witch patch. I love journalling and spilling my guts on here. It all makes me happy. It doesn’t work for other people, but then I don’t expect it to. And if they’re any kind of friend to you, they won’t expect their way of thinking to work for you. 
 
Let your freak flag fly! 

Happiness Is The Key

At the end of the day (year!) all that really matters is happiness. However that feels for you. I don’t have massive goals for 2019. I don’t want to set myself up to fail. All I want from the New Year is to feel content with my life.

I really believe in speaking as if it’s already happened, something I learned from Gala Darling (read her books!) the power of manifestation, and, I think 2019 is the year that I step into that side of myself more, there’s a full on hippie living inside of me, and I’m going to let her live wild and free in the new year! Expectations, judgements, punishing myself (and others) for things that are out of our control, none of them are welcome in the next year. 

2017 was the year of hell for me, 2018 was about repairing the damage and learning from it. By my reckoning, 2019 is about revelling in the changes that have come about and stepping into a new year with happiness. 

So that’s me. The top things I’ve learned this year. There are probably a million other things, smaller, bigger, things that will occur to me once I’ve pressed publish. 

Tomorrow we’ll be seeing in the new year with a glass of something cold – Aperol for me, some nibbles and the TV. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Living my dream. 

 

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