That Friday Feeling...Tom Hanks, Vintage Youtube and almost vintage Friends

Hello ... it's Friday ... I'm so happy with that particular fact right now!

How has the week treated you? Mine has been super busy, and yet I haven't managed to achieve much on my to-do list. Sill...it's the weekend, so who cares, right?

Erm..me..I'll try to cross a few things off the list this weekend (the first of which is the return of motif Monday on the blog...yay)!

Here are a few things I've been enjoying this week...

What I'm listening to...

An audio book read by Tom Hanks, consisting of short stories that he wrote? Yes please! I've loved Tom Hanks since the first time I saw Big! I'm only one story in, but it was a joy to listen to, and Tom's voice is really relaxing, so it's a perfect listen for some quiet relaxation time.

What I've been watching on Youtube



Dare I say it...but I've become really bored with a lot of the vloggers I've been watching for a while. I stumbled across Jessica Kellgren-Fozard by accident, but I was instantly interested in her style, take on life and overall positive attitude. I love her vintage style, her cute dogs and her lovely relationship with her wife. Some of her videos about living with disability and sign language are super interesting. I love how Jessica mixes some really serious and eye-opening content (but never in a preachy way) with beauty and fashion posts. I also love that she introduced me to Besame Cosmetics - which was love at first sight.

If you haven't seen any of Jessica's videos I'd honestly recommend them - I found them to be a breath of fresh air...and did I mention her vintage style? Beautiful!

What I've been binge watching on Netflix...

Yeah...so there's this new show on Netflix. It's called Friends. It's about these 20-something New Yorkers...

In all seriousness...I've watched Friends more times than I can count on both hands...(and probably feet) but I was so happy when it appeared on UK Netflix recently. It's my ultimate comfort TV, and I'm enjoying spending some time with these guys again. I think there has been some Friends related backlash since it re-appeared on Netflix, and yeah, sure, a couple of jokes make me cringe now, but it's still a show with a good heart and some truly classic moments. I'm also totally loving the 90's hair and fashion.

This weekend I'll be doing some working...some walking...and some crafting. Nothing majorly exciting, but exactly what I need right now.

Whatever you're up to, have a great weekend, and I'll see you soon.

xx

That Friday Feeling - Switched at Birth, Some Big Little Lies and Barbie

Hello lovely people. Another week has flown by!

This week I've been focusing on getting back to making healthier choices - drinking water instead of fizzy drinks (diet...but you know...aspartame and all that), walking instead of driving and using Headspace instead of playing on my phone (although there has been a little bit of playing on my phone, those Tsum Tsum aren't going to clear themselves).

I'm feeling much better for making some small changes so I'm going to try to take them forward into the weekend and next week. If you have some small changes you've made which have brought a positive impact then I'd love to hear about them.

Here are a few things that have brought some extra happiness this week...

What I've been watching: Switched at Birth

Oh god. I'm addicted to this programme. Like full on 'just one more episode' for hours on end. The basic premise is that it tells the story of Bay and Daphne - two teenage girls who suddenly discover they were switched at birth, and all the family drama that follows on from that discovery. However, Daphne lost her hearing at a young age and the show isn't afraid to have significant scenes told through sign language (with subtitles). I love watching people communicate, and the different ways we do that, and have been so moved by some of the scenes. Honestly - as much as I sometimes enjoy darker TV shows, I am at my happiest watching a good family drama - and this is absolutely that.

What I've been reading: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

I loved the TV show based on this book, but I'm about half way through the book, and I'm loving it even more. I had no idea the original book was set in Australia, and I love the bitchiness and cattiness between the parents so much more in the book. I think knowing the end is going to spoil it slightly, but it's still a very entertaining read, and perfect for summer lounging.

What I've been surprised by: Barbie Fashionistas

A little bit random for a Friday Feeling, but this warmed my heart a little during a visit to Toys R Us for some present shopping this week, so I thought I would pass it on.

While peering through the sea of pink in the Barbie isle, a doll that was far curvier than the standard Barbie shape caught my eye...and then a Barbie whose face shape seemed completely unlike the usual surgical knife perfection...then a Barbie that seemed taller than most. So I did a little bit of research and it turns out that Barbie has had a make over, to include three different body shapes - curvy, petite and tall, and lots of different skin shades. This is probably old news now, but I hadn't seen them before and feel like it's a step in the right direction in acknowledgement of the fact that kids should grow up understanding we're all different, all look different, and that is something to celebrate. It's been done before my other toy lines, but not one so prominent as Barbie. Oh..and this one is my favourite..I want her outfit...

Photo from Mattel

It looks like the sun is going to be shining in the UK this weekend so I'm looking forward to some good times. Whatever you're doing, I hope it brings some loveliness your way.

Bye for now!

xx

Don't Follow the Herd

I've just finished reading 'The Cows' by Dawn O'Porter and felt like it deserves its own post rather than a Friday round-up mention.

The book follows the stories of three women, who become linked to each other in surprising (and utterly cringe worthy) ways. I won't give any spoilers away but I found the book really thought provoking about modern life, particularly for women, and wanted to share my thoughts.

It really brought home how quick we can be to judge others based on their lifestyles. It's a part of human nature to form groups with like-minded people and an unfortunate basic instinct linked to that can be to fear what is different. I try and fight that instinct as much as possible, but sometimes (almost always online) I find myself throwing a tiny bit of judgement towards someone I've never met, although not for any major reason - never due to religion, sexuality or any majorly defining feature.

I've always carried the life attitude that if someone isn't harming anyone then they should be able to live their life as they choose. I don't know why the internet can somehow change that viewpoint, but I have become really aware of that negative mentality and plan to do something about it. Any time I find myself being critical of a stranger (or a loved one for that matter!) I'm going to try to take a step back and check that little negative voice.

The other important life lesson I've taken from the book is that comparing ourselves against other women can sometimes be incredibly harmful. I so often find myself comparing my life, my achievements, my looks, my style and my beliefs to other women and equally often find myself feeling inadequate. Life is precious and shouldn't be wasted on regrets or feeling negative about ourselves. This is another area I'm going to give myself a little mental check on to try and change those thoughts into something more positive.

I love reading a book that makes me think about how I live life, and this was definitely one of those. I'd definitely recommend it as a fun read with some important messages for women everywhere - let's stop judging, and stop trying to live our lives in the confines set by other women. Don't follow the herd.

Phew...that's the most I've had to say about a book for a long time!

Bye for now

xx

That Friday Feeling - Thirteen Reasons, Cows and all the Music

My Friday Feeling this week is that I still feel a little bit under the weather, have had some pretty rubbish news and I'm in great need of some lovely things to distract me.

It's a Bank Holiday weekend here in the UK, and I'm planning to use it for some catching up with loved ones and maybe (just maybe) getting some productive things done. I'm chomping at the bit to finally get an online shop set up for selling general trinkets/ pretty things/ crafty supplies, so I'm also going to try and give myself a kick up the backside to get things moving. If anyone has some tips on how to motivate yourself to do something that is scaring the crap out of you then I'd love to hear them!

Anyway...here are a few things I've been loving this week...


What I've been reading...

The Cows by Dawn O'Porter. I'm only 30 pages in and already completely caught up in the lives of the women in the book. I truly believe in the #don'tfollowtheherd message that is linked to the book - there are too many messages pushed at us every day about how we should behave, how we should look and what path we should follow in life. It's something that is really resonating with me at the moment - to the point where I'm going to see if I can push myself out of my comfort zone and do some blog posts linked to the subject.

I'll do a full review of the book when I've finished I am really loving Dawn O'Porter's writing style and the characters are completely abosorbing, so I can't wait to get back to reading this evening (which is quite a rare occurrence for me these days.

What I've been watching...

Thirteen Reasons Why has been the most heartbreaking watch. I feel like everyone is talking about it at the moment - but if you haven't heard of this Netflix show then be warned that it is truly a difficult watch, and tells the story of Hannah Baker, a girl who has committed suicide, and the reasons that led up to her taking her own life. This show should be compulsory viewing in all schools, and although it's set in high school there are messages for people of all ages. The acting is absolutely superb throughout. I came out the end of the 13 hours a teary and emotional wreck - but with a renewed commitment to doing as much good as possible and being constantly mindful of how my actions might impact on others.

What I've been listening to...

For the past couple of weeks, the question is more what haven't I been listening to. I've subscribed to Apple Music and I'm now in awe at the amount of music at my fingertips. I think I've listened to every album from my childhood along with every album I've been a little bit interested in for the past ten years. And don't even get me started on how much I love the alternative rock 90's playlists. Amazing. It has made me realise how much our access to music has changed though. I used to save my pocket money, carefully chose one album and then listen to it on constant repeat for weeks. I cherished that music. To suddenly have access to so much music was a little overwhelming at first (yep, I sound old. As I'm writing this I am sat here realising just how ridiculously old I sound, and yet I can't stop...) and it made me wonder if albums are still cherished in the same way. I'm going to tell myself that they are.

Right, it's time for me to retire for the evening with my copy of The Cows, a blanket, and full acceptance that I am an old lady whose mind has been baffled by modern technology.

Wishing you all a very happy and relaxing Easter.

xx

That Friday Feeling - Chicago, Uncle and Books!

It's that time of the week again! Time to put your feet up and look forward to the weekend ahead (unless you're working over the weekend...which I am...but hey...it's still the weekend).

Here are a few bits of loveliness that have been entertaining me over the past week...

What I've been listening to...



Sometimes I find a song that has been around for years and just fall in love with it. At the moment, this is that song - so, so beautiful. It's on pretty much constant repeat!

What I've been watching...

Uncle - as the title suggests it's a show about an Uncle and his nephew, expect that the Uncle is completely dysfunctional, the nephew is the quirkiest kid in the world and there is one amazing musical number in every episode. I've been watching this show from episode one and absolutely love it. It's made me laugh and cry (and cringe...so much cringe) and the last couple of episodes of season 3 have been perfect. If you feel like watching something that is equal parts funny, emotional and toe-curlingly awkward than I'd highly recommend it!


What I've been reading...

Paulina and Fran by Rachel B. Glaser is the February book for the Poppy Loves Book Club. I've only just started reading it but am already hooked by the writing style. I'm hoping to do more book reviews on here now I've caught the reading bug again and if you'd like to be part of a really friendly online book club I can totally recommend this one. The online chats with authors are a brilliant way of gaining a bit more insight into the books as well. You can find out more here.

What have you got planned for the weekend? Whatever it is I hope it's a happy one!

Bye for now

xxx

That Friday Feeling...The 80's, Some Reading and Beautiful Sounds

First working week of January completed - woo! I think that having such a lovely and relaxing Christmas has made the shock of the new year and being back to the daily grind even more noticeable!

It's been a great week though, with lots of nice scattered moments throughout.

Here's a few pieces of happiness from this week:

What I've been watching:

Sing Street - This film quickly and quietly worked its way into my heart and onto my favourite films of all time list. It's a film about an Irish lad, growing up in the 1980's and dealing with all the difficulties of life at that age (and then some, to be honest), who escapes from all of the negative by starting up a band. His relationship with his brother, who introduces him to new bands, and influences the style of the band and their music each time, is quite honestly beautiful. It has some laugh out loud moments (some of the throwbacks to the bands of the '80's are just perfect) and is also touching throughout without being overly sentimental. Can't recommend this film enough!

What I've been reading:

I've joined a book group - yay! It's the Poppy Loves Books Club (more on that to come).  The first book I'm reading for it is Sofia Khan is not Obliged by Ayisha Malik. I'm only a little way in but it's already had me laughing aloud so I'm looking forward to reading more this weekend.

What I've been listening to:




I feel so sad about George Michael's passing. He was a beautiful man who just never seemed to realise how amazing he was. I've been listening to his performance at the Palais Garnier, Paris. This is one of my favourite songs of his. Beautiful.

This week I've also been trying my hand at some very simple candle making (review to follow!) and sulking that the Christmas tree and decorations have been packed away. Having a tree in your lounge should be legit at any time of the year!

Whatever your weekend holds, I hope it is a good one!

Bye for now.

xx