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

Thoughts on Blogging

Well I have hardly been a prolific blogger these past few months. My blog has remained in the back of my mind through all of the quiet periods, like an old friend you can not talk to for years, but know that when you do catch up it'll be like things never changed.

Things do change though, and I know I've definitely changed as I've progressed through my thirties, and I'd love to start writing a blog that reflects that. 

There are some truly beautiful blogs out there in the world - so many in fact, that it can become overwhelming. Particular for an over-thinker, which I most definitely am. It's easy to decide that because my life will never be the perfect picture of beautiful clothes, worn in amazing locations, surrounded by rose gold accessories that I should give up the blogging game. 

But, honestly, that's not the life I want. I want to look at some pretty items I have a hope of being able to afford, I want to be creative and make things (irrespective of how crappy they may turn out to look) and I want to have fun and write about whatever is interesting me at the time. 

The little blog in the back of my mind has been trying to whisper to me for the past few weeks that perhaps if I feel like that, then other people might too, and might still be interested in reading my space in the blogosphere.  

I think I'm going to listen this time. Life outside of the world of my chrome book is difficult at the moment due to the health of someone I love very much,  but then life can difficult. The truly horrific events that have taken lives in the UK recently seem to suggest that the world has quite literally gone mad. Blogs sometimes neglect to mention that, with the chant of 'only ever be positive' ringing in our ears from so many different lists of blogging tips. 

I'm planning to have a little bit of a re-fresh around these parts - some new post ideas, and just a renewed attempt to make this a space that reflects more of life. I'm planning more posts that involve more writing...my thoughts on things and lessons I've learnt. For I have learnt many! There will still be homeware and crafts a-plenty though...never fear!

If you've taken time to read this little outpouring then thank you. It's really appreciated and makes my heart feel that little bit fuzzier. I hope to see you again soon. 

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

Collection Crush - Easter Tableware at Marks and Spencer

I don't really decorate for Easter. Which is ridiculous really...chicks and bunnies and pastels...oh my. Marks and Spencer may change that this year when it comes to Easter dinner...because the gorgeous retro prints on their Easter plates this year are so ridiculously cute and nostalgic. Here are a few of my favourites from their Easter range this year (follow the links for more info)...

1. Easter Side Plates

2. Leaping Bunny Sticks

3. Bunny Candle Holder

4. Easter Egg Platter 

On Catching Bugs...

Adorable print by TheNerdyFamily on Etsy

Soooo...yeah...I've been battling a really tough virus for a few weeks now - honestly not sure at this point what it was, but it left me really tired, dizzy most of the time and just feeling generally 'bleugh'.

Sorry for the silence around these parts. I've been wiped out most evenings and not able to write a coherent sentence (I know, I know...what's new?). I'm really happy that I'm starting to feel more like my old self..and itching to get back to blogging...and crafting...and...well...anything really!

As you'd probably imagine, things have been fairly quiet at home so I have very little to report. I have been catching up on some TV so I'm planning a post on some of the best of those. I've been totally out of the loop with new Spring home ware releases, so I'm going to go and catch up on those...and try to resist splurging by writing some Collection Crush posts instead!

This post is just me dipping my toe back in the blogosphere...in the past I've found that after I've been away from my blog for a little while for whatever reason it can be hard to get back into writing - it feels like a failure. I'm not going to fall into that pattern this time. It's not a failure, it's a temporary blip!

Take care for now, and I'll see you very soon!

xxx

Sunday Best - Wearable Sewing Accessories

I'm spending more time on sewing and embroidery projects at the moment to try and help with keeping calm (I find trying to move house so stressful!), so I love the idea of having accessories that are also functional! Here are a few pretty but functional sewing accessories I found in my online travels...

This is the items that inspired this Sunday Best collection. A gorgeous leather bracelet that is also a tape measure? Yes please! You can find this bracelet and lots of other absolutely lovely sewing accessories over at Beyond Measure. 

This needle minder ring by Frozen Star Handmade on Etsy is a perfect and pretty way to make sure I stop losing my needles (which I do more than I care to admit). 

This thread cutter pendant from Sew and So is equal parts retro and useful...and I'd never need to worry about losing my sewing scissors again (yep...that also happens more than I'd like to admit.

And lastly...this pincushion ring by TeenyTinyVintage on Etsy is also really pretty and useful...I love the fact it comes with two tiny floral needles as well!

Ok...I'm going to go and do some embroidery now (if I can just find my sewing scissors and a needle...)

Bye for now!

xxx

Collection Crush - Thornback and Peel

My love for animal themed prints continues and this week I'm very happy to have discovered the gorgeous prints of Thornback and Peel. I couldn't decide which print I loved the most (bunnies...pigeons and jellies...hens and carnations...too much amazingness) so I've picked my favourite 4 prints. If you'd like to find out more follow the links below. I'm starting to build up a bit of a homeware wishlist in case we do buy a new home (which is something I'm equal parts scared and excited about) and some of these prints are definitely being added.

1. Blackbird and Bramble

2. Chicken and Carnation

3. Rabbit and Cabbage

4. Pigeon and Jelly

Bye for now!

xxx