Quote of the Week!

January for me has been: struggling to readjust, eating very unhealthy and just getting through. Already there has been 6 days of February and it already feels like more of the same. I'm not very motivated and I'm still dealing with low moods and anxiety but I feel like there are lots of us feeling the same.

Have patience. Don't give yourself a hard time for having bad days, weeks or months. Allow yourself to feel and believe in better days.

Katie Daisy

This is a lovely print I came across on Pinterest. I do love discovering beautiful, inspiring art. Have you come across any inspiring pieces? Care to share?

Quote of the Week!

How are you feeling lately?
I get waves of sadness now, and again. I think it's fear in disguise. I'm scared of what is ahead of me but I'm hoping that I have nothing to be fearful of. I really want to believe that good things are right around the corner and that I need to just travel along my own path without doubting my every step. We'll see where I end up!

Here is my quote of the week by the very great, Dr Seuss:

You're off to great places.

Today is your day.

Your mountain is waiting, 

so get on your way. 

-Dr Seuss 

What mountain is waiting for you?

 

Love list

Hello!

During my time off, I have had some (lovely) time to internet browse and to get inspired by super-cool bloggers. I would love to be a super-cool blogger but instead I bring you a positive post with a list of loves. So today, I have a list of some things I want to do, some things I want to buy and some things that I just love.

1.#LovetoRead

Elle Luna, The Crossroads of Should and Must

Source: topista

I came across this on pinterest and now I feel like I NEED to read it. Has anyone read it? I would love to know your thoughts.

2. #LovetoHave

A nice long bath with this Brightside Bubble Bar

Source: Lush 

3. #LovetoDrink

Green tea, lime and mint fruit cooler from Costa

Seriously yummy; try it!

4. #LoveonTwitter 

I really love this picture that @FreePeople tweeted:

Source: @FreePeople

5. #LovetoListen

Biscuits- Kacey Musgraves 

This is just one of those songs where you can't help but LOVE every lyric; catchy, country and creative! 

Source: Tumblr

 What are you loving lately? Any recommendations?  

Quote of the Week: A Sweet Summer

Some people see Summer as a chance to get away; to jet off to some lovely unjourneyed location to have a little taste of bliss for a week or more. I'm not going to lie the idea of escaping to holiday in France or Italy does sound lovely to me but I can't let it ruin my summer of being home. Yesterday I sat in the garden gazing at the clouds floating amongst the sea of perfect blue. It was a perfect day to get snapping and take pretty pictures.

Here are those pictures (edited to look even more picturesque) along with one of my favourite quotes:

 

"With freedom, books, flowers and the moon, 

who could not be happy?"

Oscar Wilde 

 

 

Quote of the Week: Eat, Pray, Love

Hello again!

I haven't blogged in a while because work has really gotten the best of me; I've been too tired to do anything! However, I am now on summer holidays so I can finally pace myself and do more of the things I want/need to do.

This week's quote of the week comes from the book Eat, Pray, Love. This book is full of quotable quotes and really is full of wise words so picking one quote was not very easy.

 I loved reading this book and I would read a chapter at a time when I needed an escape and some words of comfort. Anyone who reads this blog will be aware that I do struggle with anxiety and sometimes depression- as much as I want to be positve sometimes my energy or aura won't allow me to be. This book was a true recollection of a woman who was not in a good place emotionally, mentally or spiritually and plans a journey to Rome, India and Bali to discover and practice the art of pleasure, the art of devotion and the art of balance. I was transported to these countries alongside her and I felt such an escape from my own worries and insecurities. I would like to think that one day I could do something like that- go on a spiritual and physical journey- but for now I think it's best I take little steps to improve my self.

Anyway onto the quote....

I chose this quote as I feel that it highlights our own uniqueness as people. None of us are the same. We are all different. We experience different experiences and we even experience the experiences differently. I sometimes feel bad when I am so different to everyone else, when I am not at the same 'stage of life' as people my age, but I really shouldn't. I need to learn to 'take whatever works from whenever you can find it, and keep moving toward the light'. 

Have any of you read this book? What are your favourite quotes from the book? 

Quote of the Week: Strength

For a while now I have been quietly wishing for more strength.

Anxiety often makes you feel weak, incapable and small and so I wished to be a little stronger.
I wanted to be resilient. To be able to bounce back from any difficulty. To move on from upset. To be a little stronger than I felt I was.

Sometimes anxiety and depression can both seem to be words that contrast with strength. Some people feel that you cannot be both a depressed person and a strong person. I feel like you can. I feel despite my negative patterned mind that I am getting stronger. That I do have strength within me. Anxiety and depression still live within me but they live together with strength.

We are stronger than we know.

Here is a reminder for everyone:

Hello again and Hello Spring!

Hello!

It's been a while since I last posted. At first it was because I wasn't in the right mood to blog. I didn't feel my best and I was feeling quite stressed and down. Then, it was because my laptop broke :( I do miss my little netbook but I now have a new laptop which is quite nice as it is fresh. A fresh start.

Although, I currently have a blocked nose and feel quite shivery I am really excited for SPRING!! That is, days that feel like spring: sunshine, light nights, flowers and the feeling days shall be brighter in more ways than one!

So, to welcome Spring with open arms, here are some spring related pins from pinterest:

Source: molliemakes.com

Source: Unsure found on etsy.com

Source: etsy

Source: http://www.sandytoesandpopsicles.com/printables/free-spring-printable/ 

 

 

 

 

 

What are you looking forward to this Spring?

Inspiring art: Stella Maria Baer

 I am a fan of the moon. I love the beautiful light it shines in the dark sky. I love how it is a reminder of things greater than our little worries nagging away at our turbulent minds. I also love when I see pieces of art that capture the magic I see in the moon. Today, I found an artist named Stella Maria Baer that does just that. Below are some of her paintings and words are not needed to describe their beauty.

All images source: www.stellamariabaer.com

"The moon is a friend for the lonesome to talk to "

Carl Sandburg

Quote of the week

Hello everyone!

So, sometimes the world sucks. Sometimes you need a good cry.
Sometimes:

"You cry a little, 

and then you wait for the sun to come out. 

It always does."

Liebster award

Hello everyone!

Today's post is a little question and answer post as I got nominated for a Liebster award by Lidija
If you want to know more about this award, head over to her blog and read this post

Anyway, here are her questions:

1.Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because I enjoy writing and I wanted a little space where I could write any mumbling thoughts, worries, ideas or interests. I wanted a place I could come to and write about anything and everything. I also hoped I would meet other bloggers who I shared things in common with. 
 
2.Fashion or beauty? Why?
Fashion because it can change your entire day. How you choose to dress says a lot about a person; fashion gives us an identity, a personal style and confidence. 
 
3.Favourite make up brand?
 I usually try different brands but I did buy myself a benefit foundation lately so, for now, I'll say benefit.
 
4,Favourite trend of 2014?
The tartan trend. Here's a blog post I wrote. I love the tartan scarves too. 
 
5,Your expectations for 2015?
I try not to expect too much for the year but wait and see what it brings my way.
 
6. What's your dream job?
I've always dreamed of being wealthy enough to be able to volunteer on various projects working with children in need. Not having to work for money but to work purely to help. 
 
7. Likes and dislikes?

Likes: music, the moon, family days out

Dislikes: tomatoes, airports, Sundays

8. Your favourite quote?
'My religion is simple. My religion is kindness' 
 
9. Who is your inspiration? Why?
Kind and positive people because I want to be more like them and I want the world to be filled with more of them.
 
10. Where would you like to travel and where would you like to live?
I've always wanted to tour America but I'm quite happy living in Wales.
 
11. Your favourite band/singer? 
One Republic

I am supposed to now nominate 11 other bloggers to answer my 11 questions below, however, as I don't know many bloggers yet I nominate whoever happens to read this post. Yes, YOU! 

Here are my questions:

1.What is your favourite blog?                                     7.What is your favourite TV show?
2. What is your favourite quote?                                   8. Do you own any pets?
3. What is your favourite song lyric?                             9. Savoury or sweet?
4. Best piece of advice you've been given?                   10. What is your favourite movie?
5.Do you have a favourite book?                                 11. Tell me one crazy ambition?
6.Which celebrity inspires you? 

Hello January

January always marks an end and a beginning. I read somewhere that January is named after the Roman God Janus who had two faces; one to look into the past and one to look into the future. I feel that this is very appropriate for January as I personally always find it a time of reflection, of the year that has past us by and come to an end, and a time of worry for the year ahead.

I had a good 2014. A very good 2014. I grew and developed and learned new skills. I faced challenges and overcame them. I had fun with family and friends and I stored some great memories. Thank you 2014!

2015  I am a little scared. What's in store? I still feel incapable. I still feel weak. What if I can't handle it? What if something awful is going to happen? WHAT IF, OH NO, I CAN'T, NOT ME, WORRY, FEAR, SADNESS.

The funny thing is I felt this in 2013 looking forwards into 2014 but.... I had a good 2014. A very good 2014. I grew and developed and learned new skills. I faced challenges and overcame them. I had fun with family and friends and I stored some great memories. Thank you 2014! 


So this is my quote of the New Year from Erin Hanson who I only discovered today. She writes with such beautiful spirit; check her out here 

 My wish this year for all of us is that we try not to worry about the what ifs of the year but instead let us have a year full of glorious and happy present moments. Let the year be filled with love, light and peace!

Quote of the week!

Sunday afternoon listening to John Mayer sing from my record player- lovely.

Whilst listening to 'Great Indoors' these lyrics jumped out to me.

I've been thinking lately: what is my calling in life? and my answer: I really don't know. I wish I could be on the path towards my passion; I think with that passion my struggle with anxiety would be a little more bearable because I would have something to focus on- something I needed to do. I hate that my anxiety holds me back from being a really awesome version of myself. I don't want to be scared all the time- I want to go outside and explore!!
 Anyone feel the same? What are your passions/dreams/goals?

Shake it off!

Sooo I struggle with anxiety, worries and my messy mind. I am an overthinker and an overanalyser. I cannot flick that switch off. Anyone feel the same way?

Well I'm not claiming that one song will solve all your problems but I am saying that sometimes singing along loudly to an upbeat song with lyrics that you make relevant to you can make you feel good! Even if it is for about 4 minutes!

That is why my Song of the Week and Quote of the Week is: Shake it off!

A couple of months ago I bought this memory board and I was excited to fill it with lots of lovely, positive and happy things.

Well I haven't really done that...yet. So I thought I would attach the message: shake it off to remind me that I need to stop thinking lots of bad, worrisome thoughts and I need to just shake them off!

Firstly, I got my paints out and divided an A4 page into 4 and painted each part a different colour. I do not claim to be an artist; I was just painting for me. Once dried, I decided I would use the bold pink card and I wrote with a black fibre tipped pen the words shake it off.

Here it is:

What should I write on the other colours? Any words that motivate you or make you feel better?

Also, have a read of this if you need more convincing why 'shaking it off' can help you feel better:  http://moodnudges.com/shake-it-off/

5 Lovely Facts About Sunflowers

Sunflowers are beautiful, beaming flowers that just make you smile once seeing them...right?

Here are some lovely things you may like to know, or may know already, about sunflowers

1) Sunflowers are a combination of individual flowers joined together
"Sunflower heads consist of 1,000 to 2,000 individual flowers joined together by a receptacle base. The large petals around the edge of a sunflower head are individual ray flowers which do not develop into seed"*

2) Sunflowers track the sun's movement
"A well-known sunflower characteristic is that the flowering heads track the sun’s movement, a phenomenon known as heliotropism" *

3) Sunflowers attract birds
If you have sunflowers in your garden the birds will be attracted to them as they love sunflower seeds*

4) Sunflowers inspired one of Van Gogh's most famous paintings
Van Gogh made seven different versions of sunflower paintings. He felt yellow was an emblem of happiness and in dutch literature, the sunflower was a symbol of devotion and loyalty.
Read more about this here

5) Sunflowers are a symbol of peace
Sunflowers are used  in a campaign for a world free of nuclear weapons and nuclear power.
When Ukraine became a nuclear-weapon-free nation in 1996, US Defense Secretary William Perry declared that “sunflowers instead of missiles in the soil would ensure peace for future generations” (Source: ICAN)

*Facts found here: amazingandweird.com

Do you know anything about sunflowers?

Quote of the week!

A year ago, I was in a shop when this book/album appeared to me. It wasn't the quote "People change, memories don't" that compelled me to buy it but the beautiful illustration of the camera.

At the time I wasn't in the best spirits and I thought one day this could cheer me up and I could use it to store happy memories that I've spent with people I love.

Yesterday I started doing just that. I filled a page with pictures and started sorting through my pics to see what else I would like to include in this book.

Anxiety is hard and draining and it takes all of your brain and focuses it on negativity and worry but forcing your brain to remember happy memories you have had can have such a positive effect on you. Sometimes it's hard to think of happy days but try to remember those happier times and believe that there are many more happy memories waiting for you to make.

Quote of the week

 

Happy Monday everyone!

What do you think about this quote? 

 Do you have any favourite quotes?

Quote of the week!

Hi- it's summer! I have a lot of time off before I go back to work and instead of finding something 'worthwhile' to do, i.e. getting a summer job, volunteering etc., I am going to truly do something worthwhile.
 I am going to look after me.

I normally worry all over summer. I worry that I am wasting time; that I should be doing something to help my career or I worry that I will have no career and that I am doing nothing to help myself. Well, this summer, I vow to do neither. I am going to try not to worry about me, my career and my life and whether I will be okay or not, and I am going to try to be positive and happy.  

I am going to try to fight this depression that I sometimes find myself immersing in and I am going to do things that make me happy. I hope to drink more water, go for more walks, eat healthier and to enjoy the simple things.

So, here is my quote of the week which serves as a reminder of what I shall try to do each day:

Also, as I was looking for a quote this week, I came across this work of art on Pinterest (don't you just love that site?) and I thought it was a lovely, uplifting piece that I had to share on my blog. The creator Lori Portka has a page on etsy with lots more lovely pieces -Take a look!

 

(Source:  May You Wake up with Gratitude by Lori Portka )

P.s This is my first Weekly Wishes Link up! :)

Quote of the week!

Hello! It's Monday again...sigh.

My days consist of a positive thought and feeling okay turning into a hundred negative thoughts and feeling like I can't cope. I'm sure that really I am doing okay, more than okay in fact; I am doing good! but sadly I never allow myself to recognise that.

Last week, I went for a walk full of my anxious thoughts and I stopped to admire the wonderful wildflowers growing. I love nature. Simple things like wildflowers can be enough to take your mind off worries for a few seconds and to appreciate the good things in life.

So, this week's quote was inspired by these beautiful wildflowers and was found on pinterest. I rewrote the quote and did a little wildflower doodle :) I feel like we need to allow ourselves to grow, to grow free and to be brave and to blossom in our own time. We are all different and we grow at different rates.

Do you have any flower quotes you would like to share? Please do!

Quote of the week!

Hello! Mondays are always hard. Those Monday blues- ych!

Sometimes you just need a pick me up or a few words to make you realise you are okay. You will be okay. Breathe. Smile. Take it step by step. Go slowly.

So here is my quote of the week to tell you just that:

P.s Thích Nhất Hạnh is a Zen Buddhist monk and there are lots of wonderful quotes by him if you would like a read sometime

Quote of the week!

It wasn't hard to choose this week's quote of the week. Since I first heard this quote (in my A level Buddhism class) I have carried it with me as it, again like last week's quote of the week , is very me. Kindness. We should all follow this "religion". Do you agree?

What are your favourite quotes? care to share in the comments below?