It has been a hot minute since I last put up a blog post.
About two months ago I started working full time in a dream role - it's creative and I work with the best team - but my time to write on my little corner of the internet has dwindled, as I expected and accepted it would. As I've settled into the job and found a little more routine when it comes to a few smaller jobs I'm continuing as a freelancer, I've found the time I have left is spent with friends and family and before I know it weeks have passed and I've not picked up the camera to film or opened my laptop to blog.
Eager not to lose the source of so much creativity from the past few years, I'll be blogging and filming when the time feels right and I have something to say or photos to share - very natural with little schedule, so bare with me. But, that's the where I've been and why over with! I'll quickly get your up to speed on a few goings on.
May and June were full of beaut weather (which is continuing now, HELLO heatwave!) and fun weekends, so I wanted to share a few snaps with you from the last few weeks or so. I'm jetting off to Mallorca on Sunday, so I'll have all the summer, packing and holiday vibes for you v soon.
One hot sunny Sunday was spent celebrating birthdays at Henry's house. After al falling in love with a life changing cake (it's not dramatic, it's true.) at a party in February, I got in touch with the lovely Mary Ann, who made the cake to get a surprise one made for Jo and Jasmin's birthdays. It went down very well and we were all pretty satisfied with our carrot cake fix afterwards!
xxxx
Eager not to lose the source of so much creativity from the past few years, I'll be blogging and filming when the time feels right and I have something to say or photos to share - very natural with little schedule, so bare with me. But, that's the where I've been and why over with! I'll quickly get your up to speed on a few goings on.
May and June were full of beaut weather (which is continuing now, HELLO heatwave!) and fun weekends, so I wanted to share a few snaps with you from the last few weeks or so. I'm jetting off to Mallorca on Sunday, so I'll have all the summer, packing and holiday vibes for you v soon.
MAY
The first weekend in May was a looong, hot one. We drank gin catching up with friends, sat around the fire pit until the early hours toasting marshmallows, ate a damn good lunch at Henry's grandma's house and relaxed in the hammock to get some shade. Dreamy and so chilled.
One hot sunny Sunday was spent celebrating birthdays at Henry's house. After al falling in love with a life changing cake (it's not dramatic, it's true.) at a party in February, I got in touch with the lovely Mary Ann, who made the cake to get a surprise one made for Jo and Jasmin's birthdays. It went down very well and we were all pretty satisfied with our carrot cake fix afterwards!
JUNE
The start of June meant one month until mine and Henry's first holiday, so there's been a lot of organising going on this month. It also saw trips to Mercato Metropolitano, an amazing street food place near London Bridge - gin from Jim and Tonic and prawn Pad Thai was a winning combo for me - but it's got anything and everything you could possibly want + there's a photobooth which I'm always a sucker for.
I decided it was time to bring back the blonde for Summer and I'm so happy with it. I'm always torn between going back to dark brown, my natural colour but every time Summer rolls around I just want it to be bright and beachy.
The sale of our Grandma's house finally went through and we said goodbye to the home that had been in our family for over 60 years. My mum cut some of my Auntie's favourite flowers from the garden before she left - it had flowered just in time - a nice surprise left on my desk when I arrived home from work that evening. They're delicate, beautiful and smell incredible.
and that's a little round up of the last two months for ya! I felt like I needed to get you to speed before I dived on in with holiday posts. It's been a real shift for me, but I couldn't be happier and I look forward to fitting in my time to write, photograph and edit when I can. Quality over quantity.
I found time to pick up the camera and vlog, too. Have a watch.
I found time to pick up the camera and vlog, too. Have a watch.
xxxx
Post a Comment
A slightly late April Favourites! Style, candles, podcasts, Netflix, lifestyle and beauty faves - all things I really loved throughout the last month.
Don't forget to subscribe so my videos pop into your subscription box every week!
xxxx
I know, I know - it's been weeks since I last tapped away at my keyboard and shared a little slice of my life with you. This year I've been working really hard, a lot has changed and things are really exciting (I'm sure I'll share a little more when things have settled a bit. Soz to be so secretive.)
April has been full of fun moments and my phone is full of happy snapshots from the month, so I thought I'd go back to basics and share them with you.
Starting with a sunny Friday spent strolling around Notting Hill at the start of the month. It was the first real hint of Spring we had after the what seemed never ending Winter. I took a gazillion blossom photos, we walked miles and enjoyed the sun.
For my little brothers birthday, I promised him a trip to the science museum. He'd been eagerly awaiting our trip since November and I finally managed to sneak him off for a day in his Easter holidays (the kid is hella busy!) Spending a day with the baby bro I've watched grow into a hilarious and charming little man was the best. The Wonderlab was out favourite bit, so much to see and do!
Celebrating this Wonder Woman's 30th birthday. Polly is the most inspiring and fun-loving babe I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. She quite honestly is a shining light to everyone lucky enough to know her - celebrating her turning flirty 30 was the best!
Summer rearing it's head a little early and bringing a beaut Spring Heatwave. After the Beast from the East taunting us so close to the end of Winter the heatwave was a warm (or should I say hot?) welcome! Basking in the sunshine - with a rhubarb G&T - was nothing but glorious! That weekend we lazed in the garden with the pups and friends, celebrated a birthday and I took photos of yet more blossom because I'm totally predictable (but just LOOK at the colour of it!)
April has been full of fun moments and my phone is full of happy snapshots from the month, so I thought I'd go back to basics and share them with you.
Starting with a sunny Friday spent strolling around Notting Hill at the start of the month. It was the first real hint of Spring we had after the what seemed never ending Winter. I took a gazillion blossom photos, we walked miles and enjoyed the sun.
For my little brothers birthday, I promised him a trip to the science museum. He'd been eagerly awaiting our trip since November and I finally managed to sneak him off for a day in his Easter holidays (the kid is hella busy!) Spending a day with the baby bro I've watched grow into a hilarious and charming little man was the best. The Wonderlab was out favourite bit, so much to see and do!
Mayhem at the Macaron Masterclass with The Crow Kitchen. After doing some photography work with them recently, myself and Hen's family took part in a masterclass to learn how to make macarons. It was madness with a lot of laughter and so much fun. A vvv. good girls day! (Surprisingly me and Em make a baking dream team, who knew?!)
Celebrating this Wonder Woman's 30th birthday. Polly is the most inspiring and fun-loving babe I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. She quite honestly is a shining light to everyone lucky enough to know her - celebrating her turning flirty 30 was the best!
Summer rearing it's head a little early and bringing a beaut Spring Heatwave. After the Beast from the East taunting us so close to the end of Winter the heatwave was a warm (or should I say hot?) welcome! Basking in the sunshine - with a rhubarb G&T - was nothing but glorious! That weekend we lazed in the garden with the pups and friends, celebrated a birthday and I took photos of yet more blossom because I'm totally predictable (but just LOOK at the colour of it!)
Rounding off April, Henry and I spent the entire weekend together and it was just what we needed. We don't get to see each other too often at the moment and in all honesty we just wanted some quality time together. We popped back to Brighton on Saturday - our favourite place! We filled up on Mexican food and wandered the streets we know all too well. Henry ended up getting his first tattoo (eek!) but I wasn't allowed to watch, but luckily the stars aligned my best friend Charlie happened to be in Btown with an hour to kill, so we met for spontaneous catch ups and cocktails. I had an Amaretto Sour, a new fave. Hen and I headed home, tipsy heads and sore tattoo'ed arms in tow and I finally convinced him to watch The Greatest Showman with me. Absolute shock horror he actually enjoyed it! Don't think he's so keen on having the soundtrack on repeat though, baby steps...
And that's a wrap for April! There's been lots of exciting times and hard work finally paying off. I think I'll write more posts like these, it felt quite natural, simple and back to blogging basics - I like it!
What did you get up to in April?
A new favourite denim, new Spring additions and a whole haul of statement earrings to wear with every outfit through the warmer months!
What's your favourite Spring wardrobe essential?
This blog post contains an AD.
I finished university a year and a half ago, ever since I've been Self-Employed. With the luxury of living at home I thought I'd see how freelance life was (spoiler. V hard and a little ambitious post uni for me personally... but not out of the question!) Although work is ever changing for me, I have learnt a lot in this time, so I thought I'd share some of my learnings with you!
BUSINESS CARDS
They may seem 'old school' but I can not tell you how many times I've had to give out a business card! Working in music, social media and photography/videography - it's often something people are interested in and might want to know more about - having a business card on you means they've got your name and contact details straight away. If like me, you want something a little more exciting than the usual standard cards, say hello to Basic Invite*!
With a beautiful array of customisable designs and unlimited colours, finding the perfect design for you will be easier than you think. My favourite colour combination is blue and white, so this painted chevron pattern stood out to me straight away and I spent ages picking out the perfect blues. I wanted to have something that looks professional but different that I would be proud to hand over - first impressions are important! The service was simple to use, the cards came quickly and packaged safely and I was very impressed with the service.
Not only are Basic Invite great for Business cards, they also have Custom Made Birthday Invitations, Thank You cards and beautiful customisable stationery.
They ship worldwide and you can get 15% OFF with this code: 15FF5
*I have altered the image of the business card slightly to keep my contact details private.
They ship worldwide and you can get 15% OFF with this code: 15FF5
*I have altered the image of the business card slightly to keep my contact details private.
WHERE YOU WORK IS V. IMPORTANT
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the bed office is not a thing - unless Netflix, naps and online shopping counts as work? Getting up, getting dressed and working at a desk or table will make a huge difference to your productivity levels. Some days I find I need to escape out to a new setting to inspire new ideas and get me out of the house. Find a coffee shop, my favourite one is filled with natural light, has a banging playlist, free wifi and the best coffee and cakes you could ever want. This means I can set myself up for the day and when I shut my laptop and head home, I'll be finished for the day.
TRY NOT TO WORK 24/7
It's important to be aware of how much you are working. One of the benefits of working for yourself means you're your own boss and you can be flexible with your hours. If you're sitting down to work for a 8 hour day, but realistically only working for 4 of those hours, realise that and spend the four hours doing something else productive - don't force yourself to be at your laptop because you 'should' be working a full day. Also, as hard as it is - particularly if you love your job - try and make your weekends remain as weekends!
PLAN AHEAD, SET GOALS
Set yourself goals to help measure your success, they can be as small or as aspirational as you please but it will help you focus on what to work on. I tend to have yearly goals, but I split them into smaller more achievable ones to help me get there. Write them down! Can you actually remember your NY resolutions? It'll be helpful to see them daily as a reminder.
ROUTINE IS KEY
Some days I know I have to wake up and get straight. to. work. and on those days I go in hard on setting myself a routine. I mean, strict timings from getting ready to working hours to tea breaks. This way I've got a structure and it stops me from getting distracted, I know if I work for a solid hour on this job I can stop for a tea and a quick social media scroll and then get back to work after. I write this down in 'notes' on my iPhone before I go to bed, so I know my plan as soon as I'm up the next morning! I first did this when revising for my AS levels years ago and found it was a structure that worked for me when I had various different topics to work on and wasn't spending my time wisely. It sounds a bit strict but when I've gotta get my head down, it works for me.
Being self employed has been one big learning curve for me and I'm grateful I've had the opportunity to try it out before having the full pressure of a home, bills and life on top of me. I basically have no idea what I'm doing, but I'm doing what works for me... like everyone else, right?
What are your tips for working for yourself?
*Big thanks to Basic Invite for sponsoring this blog post. All opinions are my own.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)