WELCOME TO 2015

Sorry it has been awhile, I have been a busy bee, but no1 on this list will be to get back into the swing of things. Ironically in the past I would have made a list of 'New Years Resolutions', and yes like most people, this list would be made one day and forgotten the next. The ironic thing here, is that in 2014 I stuck to my New Years resolutions of working out more, eating healthy produce and drinking more water. My 2014 resolutions all sounded great but predictable, little did I know these resolutions that most of us admittedly make every year turned my life upside down, as you can probably gather from the last post I made. So before you make your list for 2015, really think about it. Yes, most people probably won't spiral into the whirlwind my mind created, but one thing 2015 should really be about is happiness, why feel guilty about not working out or eating that piece of cake, a healthy body isn't just a one man show, it needs a healthy mind to accompany it. 2015 is about balance, self love and acceptance for me. If you hate running, why put it on your New Years resolutions list to hit the treadmill 5 days a week, not only are you setting yourself up for a fail, you are not spending your time doing things you love. I found there was a lot of sadness in 2014, not just for myself, but for others, many deep and upsetting events in the world took place, it makes you realise that you only have that one life and doing little things everyday, like the passing smile to a stranger, ok might freak them out, but also might brighten their day, you never know what someone else could be going through. 2014's had many traumatic events for the world, and with the sadness that this week took place in France, we are not making a very good start, but its in times of trouble that you see how us as beings can really pull together and support one another. I am hoping 2015 is the year of conquering demons and overcoming hardships.

Anyway, in my list you won't see me striving to work out, cut out food types, and up my water intake any more (water is good, but if I drank anymore my whole day would be spent on the toilet, TMI?):

1. Consistant blogging.

2. Get more organised - make good use of my Filofax 2015 refills!

3. Work hard, making the most of my internships to hopefully startup a network of freelance work ready for graduation.

4. Explore more, I live in London right now and could only tell you about the tube stations I have been too.

5. Read more books. Kindle at the ready!

6. Become a Yogi. No, not Yogi the Bear, Yogi is the term used for "one who is adept in Yoga" (courtesy of The Free Dictionary .com). I have done the occasional bit of Yoga here and there, but I really want to pursue it further, I notice how Yoga makes my body feel relaxed and rejuvenated, it definitely makes a difference to my day.

7. Further my religious journey.

8. Keep in better contact with loved ones. I haven't been the easiest person to get in contact with since  becoming an unpaid working woman. I want to speak to my nearest and dearest (friends and family) more often now I am apart from everyone, even if its just a text.

9. Meditate. This goes hand in hand with me becoming a fully fledged Yogi. Whether it is on my walk to work or before I go to sleep, 10 minutes of Meditation a day has been proven to be a worthy source of medication and transform many peoples lives, while also being something many successful people do day-to-day, check out this article in the Huffington.

10. Aim for no less then 7 hours of sleep a day, strive for 8-9 hours. Sleep is a vital part of healthy living, I recommend listening to this - TED Talks video, it proposes some interesting facts and theories.

Let's hope I stick to these resolutions this year, I think they will be the secret for my happy 2015.

My weekly smiles #5

It's that time of the week again and oh has it been a mad one. Things are starting to get busier in work and everyone seems that bit more stressed. It is only going to get more hectic from here, so apologies if I am not posting as regularly or posts become shorter, I will be sure to keep you updated on the crazy happenings though making sure each post is a little special. Things will be less crazy after the 15th September, our London Fashion Week show date. I am very nervous but luckily my manager has confronted me about health, I managed to explain to her about my struggles. I know I haven't really gone in depth about what is actually wrong, I have always just brushed over it.. maybe one day I will open up completely to you all, but for now just know that I am fighting & improving, finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It was nice to speak openly to my boss and for her to be understanding, this is a hectic time in such a cutting edge industry and I know the last thing they need is me being ill and having to attend dr's appointments. But, talking to her has somewhat gave us a good relationship as her advice is so comforting and motherly.. just what I needed when my family is so far away. Even though this week has been busy it was hard to think of what to post just because I was so rushed off my feet, it has been a case of work-eat-sleep-repeat, but this is what I came up with:

1. Bank Holiday Monday, it was a productive day but I spent it in my lazy clothes. Check out my 'Relaxed Bank Holiday Weekend' to see what I got up to.
2. DMC (deep & meaningful conversations) in work.
3. Finally got in the Embroidery room. Hoping the Print department start needing some help soon too, I am a studio intern so I just kind of float around where I am needed.
4. Wasabi Hosomaki Sushi Bento Box. Weekend working started this week, they provided us with lunch choices of Wasabi Sushi or a Pret Salad. Of course I opted for the sushi!
5. Smoked Salmon. I have been a lover of salmon since I turned pescetarian, adding fish into my diet. This week I bought smoked salmon slices to add into my salads for work. This was the best decision I have made in awhile! Love trying new foods. However, this was great for my taste buds and not so good for my bank balance. Why is it so expensive?!
6. Church. Went to the HTB 9:30am service on Brompton Rd. It was one of those services that you think, wow he is literally talking about my life. I especially like this quote from today's speaker "The antidote to anxiety is gratitude, thankfulness gives contentment".
7. Mugs. Vintage and handcrafted I have finally bought some large mugs, they were the perfect charity shop find at only £2 each and covered in a beautiful floral print. They are so big, perfect for the morning coffee and night time hot chocolate.
8. Student Finance. I got paid!
9. Morning Porridge.
10. Autumnal fashion. Autumn fashion is my favourite, starting to make it's way into the stores. Even though I will be in the sunshine continent when it is autumn in the UK.|

Song of the week: Lily Wood & Robin Schulz - Prayer in c (Robin Schulz Remix). Gives me that Summer vibe.
Movie of the week: Sweet Home Alibama. Sunday night movie time.
Blogger of the week: Laura Jane Williams aka Superlatively Rude. Blogger of all things vagina, spiritualism and food. This girl is a super talented writer, not to mention hilarious.

A Relaxed Bank Holiday Weekend

I hope everyone has had a fabulous bank holiday weekend last week.

Being transformed into a true Londoner I had hoped to head on down to Notting Hill Carnival, where every year the streets come alive with food, music and colourful costumes for Europe's biggest street festival. 

I guess you could say in reality I am a quintessential countryside girl at heart. So instead of dancing in the streets of London's festivities, I opted for a relaxing weekend filled with many cups of tea, movies and good reads. This choice was mainly down to this being the last weekend I can relax before London Fashion Week madness starts. I will be working late nights and weekends.. so essentially I will be working 24/7. I am actually excited and I am sure I will have loads of stories for you all on the reality of interning in the fashion world in the run up to Fashion Week, as well as all the behind the scenes knowledge from the show!

But for now, let's relax... 

Woke up thankful it's the weekend.

Unwrapped my new trainers I purchased on Friday after work.

Wore my Nike Jordan's for the most part of the day, they are seriously like wearing slippers.. comfort galore!

Morning coffee is a must. The day does not start until the kettle has boiled and the coffee is poured.

Breakfast loving. Topped off my mound of weetabix with banana and clementines.

Stocked up the cupboards in preparation for the busy weeks ahead.

Errands completed, now for movie time.

Traded in my Jordan's for some fluffy socks.

Cuddled up to my bear for extra cosiness.

Got creating.

Salad bigger than my head.

It's Sunday! Time for church.

An organised Bank Holiday Monday. Meal planning in my Filofax.

Then things got messy in the kitchen. Lunches of salads, vegetables, eggs, smoked salmon, cheese crackers, fruit and an un-pictured soup for the week ahead.

Food prepping complete. Followed by Monday's humungous salad bowl filled with all kinds of goodness and drenched in balsamic of course.

Night time read.

With some chocolate of course.

Many yawns later and it's time for bed, ready to reconvene the next day as The Textile Intern working in the mad, mad fashion world. 

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Relaxing weekend of blogging and Jesus.

Happy Monday!

My week in smiles #1

Inspired by blogger Cider with Rosie I have decided to do weekly posts about what I've had to smile about that week. I think this is a great way to stay positive, especially at times when you feel like the world is against you, 
a mindset I am trying to get myself out of.
I have been presented with such amazing opportunities to work and live in London and Sydney this next year, 
yet I feel all doom and gloom because of many sleepless nights and my body is not functioning as well as it should be which is really effecting my day-to-day life.
I realise I shouldn't feel this way as I have so many things to be thankful for:

I have an amazing family, my mum is my rock, she has always supported me and her 
love is unconditional.
I have amazing friends who are always there for me, even when I haven't been in contact with them for days or weeks.
I am able to walk, run and jump.
I can eat.
I can breathe.
I am alive.
I am lucky.

Yet the small things in life seem to be getting me down and I have no right to feel this way, there is many people less fortunate than myself. They say your twenties are your best years, I want to look back on my twenties and smile, laugh and reminisce about everything good, not remember the time I spent in my bedroom feeling anxious, worrying about what I ate and complaining about how tired I am. Making myself sound really fun aren't I?

Well I am ready for change! I am ready to say YES to every opportunity that comes my way, even if it is just going to the pub or going to grab an ice cream with my friends.
I may have not started 2014 with the best mindset but I am certainly going end 2014 positively, being the best me I can be.

So I declare to everyone reading this post..

I WILL SAY YES.
I WILL TRY NEW THINGS.
I WILL BE HAPPY.
I WILL LAUGH.
I WILL JOKE.
I WILL SMILE.
I WILL BE POSITIVE.

Welcome to the first of many...

10 things that've made me smile this week:

1. Phone calls with my mum, she always knows how to brighten the day.

2. Oats mixed with natural yogurt. How have I never mixed my porridge oats and yogurt before, such a  satisfying breakfast, top it with berries and banana.. heaven in my mouth.

3. The sunshine. We have been incredibly lucky in Britain with summer sun this year, 
I love seeing everyone outside enjoying the weather, having barbecues, sunbathing in the parks, sipping on fruit smoothies… bliss.

4. My blog. I have been receiving so much support and feedback, I am truly grateful to every one of you.

5. Daydreaming about flying to Australia next month!

6. Church. I have met some amazing people through attending Church, such a great community and overwhelming love that I feel when I step into Church every Sunday, 
my relationship with God is constantly growing.

7. Coffee, all day every day. Getting me through those sleepless nights and 
early mornings.

8. Book Club. Reading is a great way to relax. I could spend hours in a good book shop, 
I love the smell, the atmosphere, the feel of an untouched book as I turn the page for the first time...
The only problem is that I always manage to get over enthusiastic and buy too many books, then I get home, pile them high and wonder when I will actually be able to finish all these books, but then the cycle starts again every time I see a book shop or discover 
a new book I would love to get my hands on - Confessions of a book-a-holic.  

9. Pineapple. This is becoming my favourite summer fruit, so fresh!

10. Discovering the instagram of @yamafujisun, who posts the most adorable puppy images I have ever seen.. here is a snippet to get your puppy senses tingling:

 

Song of the week: Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud
This song is great to chill out to in the summer sun, 'X' is simply the perfect album.
Movie of the week: About A Boy 
A classic, hadn't watched this in awhile but after it was on TV on Saturday night
I remember how great this movie is!
Blogger of the week: Cider with Rosie
Of course Rosie had to be my blogger of the week after inspiring these weekly posts. 
She has such a great lifestyle blog and is a beautiful writer.

What's been making you smile this week? :)