Botanics

I'm not one for Beauty posts, mainly because I'm usually stuck in my normal routine with very little new to share in that department. It's really useful for me to read other people's posts on beauty and skincare, but it's not often that I have anything to say back.

Today though, I wanted to share my latest discovery - a not so new, well known and trusted brand that I have recently discovered and started using. I never used to be fussy with my skin - Nivea and any old face wash did it for me. I started using Liz Earle which I did like, but then moved on to Estée Lauder and Clarins after multiple flights and Duty Free splurges. For the last 9 months or so my skin has been playing up and it's been bothering me. It's both dry and congested and I can't seem to find a good balance.

Last week I ran out of whatever moisturiser I had on the go, and in my tiny local Boots, properly noticed their Botanics range for the first time, and actually payed attention. In my opinion, the more natural the things you put on the body the better - common sense right? Botanics products are as natural and organic as possible - using plant extracts from the Royal Botanical Gardens. Also - no parabens! I appreciate that there may well be brands out there that are more organic, and even more plant based, but at the moment I can't get enough of Botanics.

An organised life

I've always been a bit of a stationary fanatic, and I think in terms of diaries and journals it comes in very useful. It's so important to have a way to record your important thoughts and notes, whatever they relate to.

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I had a filofax planner for a while which I adored, but I fancied a bit of a change this year, and found this gorgeous book from my new favourite stationary store. The only shame was the postage and the fact that it took so long to arrive, but I love it anyway! I've always had a planner or diary, I love the idea of the printable ones I see so much of on Pinterest - I think I'll check those out for next year.

I don't tend to make to do lists personally, but this planner has a really handy section for it. I'm not going to waste it on work, but I'll probably save it for when I have a trip or event to plan later in the year. I love all the little additions that come with this planner including cute stickers, shopping lists and a year planner.

Work takes up so much of my time, so I love having the fun things I do outside of work pencilled into this pretty diary. I stick to my BlackBerry only for work appointments (unless I need to travel somewhere), and then fill my planner with everything else! I think it's really important to make sure your time is divided, and having it down on paper somewhere shows that although work can take over, there are a lot of ways to have fun with the social side of things and free your mind a bit.

For Christmas my mum got me the lovely pencil case you see above - I love it so much, and it even has my initials on it which makes it extra special. I tend to take it everywhere with me.

As well as my day planner, I have this black notebook which currently holds all my random thoughts about mindfulness, wellbeing, and blog ideas. I tend to jot things down here wherever I see them, either for the site or just for myself to remind me later.

The final book below is another diary, which I am currently trying to use as a food journal. Needless to say, it's quite hard - mainly to find the time and remember to write in it, but also to see on paper what I've gone through that day! As you know, I'm trying really hard to be mindful of nutrition this year, so it's not about calories or fat, and more about how good what I'm eating is for me. My aim over the next month is to get better at this!

Psychologies

I love reading. Books, yes but magazines also. I've seen Psychologies a few times before, but I never really stopped to look at what it was. This time though, the headline grabbed my attention; Be Happier in 2015. I flicked through and decided to buy it, because it seemed to feature a lot of things I either agreed with, or wanted to learn more about.

The cover story, focusing on happiness, and the perception of happiness was such an interesting read. I think they are correct in suggesting that the stories we think should make us happy often belong to someone else. It's this idea of what is right, what is the best, and what life should be that can get in the way of what people really want. Their best suggestion was to identify the things that make you happy and build them into your routine - even if it's things as small as a favourite TV programme or talking to one of your friends.

It's interesting to think about the fact that other emotions can make you happy - ambition and purpose might not feel particularly joyful on a daily basis but if it's a long term drive then clearly it works for some people. It's not necessarily about smiling all day every day, but finding out what you want and what puts you in a positive mood. Even before reading this I believed that self discovery and identity is crucial; and making sure that it works for you.

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I wanted to share one of Psychologies' brilliant ideas, mainly because I think it would truly work, but also because I think the example they have used would work on me, and I intend to give it a try. Once again it's about building the things that make you happy into your life in some, small ways. Here's the suggestion when it's novels & reading that makes you tick...

• Put books in every room in your house
• Set your web browser to GoodReads.com
• Make a date to go to a literary event with a friend who shares your love of reading once a month
• Join a facebook book club.

I'm going to do these, as well as think of some others related to my other interests, and look forward to reporting back on how well it's working out.

Reading this turned out to be the perfect activity for a Sunday afternoon. I had a cup of herbal tea and zoned into this beautiful Tibetan healing music, and felt ready and calmed for the week ahead.

I think I'd decided to make Psychologies a permanent fixture as soon as I'd read the editor's letter. She seemed to echo everything I want my year/life/blog to represent.

"I want to focus on being happy in the now. That means focusing on the details, to create a daily routine that supports me, to be more present, love more, obsess less, and, of course, eat good food with people I adore."                          - Suzy Greaves 

My new abode

I’ve been in London for a couple of months and am now finally about to get settled in my new apartment. It’s such perfect timing for me to start my 2015 goals with a lovely new environment that’s just mine (well, and my flat mates!). I’ve been staying with family and it’s been brilliant, but it will be great to get back to what I am used to, have my own space, and do what I want with it.

My home, and my room are really important to me. I need them to be perfect and warming, because I love spending time there. I intend to get hold of a couple of things to make my new place my own, and to make sure it reflects my journey.

I’ve put together a wish list, and what I hope is a realistic one. There’s not much point on me planning to spend lots of time and money that I don’t have. I adore all the items below, and I plan to grab myself at least a few of these before I move in!

1. Belledorm Duvet Cover Set - I love white bedding. Now that I've seen that the room already has a pale bedframe and colour scheme, it will fit perfectly!
2. Vintage Collection Candle Holder - Candles in my room are a must have - this holder is pretty and minimalist. 
3. Nordic House White Mirror - I really like this company and the Nordic style. Probably from spending too much time around this lovely lady!
4. Paris map print - Probably my favourite place in the world. Can't have enough reminders or memories of this beautiful city. Looking forward to being back there later this year.
5. Glass Jewellery Box - I keep all my jewellery in its original box, but I tend to wear the same two or three things every day and then just leave them out on the side. The day I almost lost a diamond earring from my mum made me realise I needed something like this.
6. She Believed Cushion - Scatter cushions look so pretty on the bed, especially if it's a neutral colour underneath. I loved this quote.
7. Space.NK Healing Candle - A scented candle or two is a must have. I love that this is a healing candle that brings passion and happiness.
8. Safe Travels Buddha Incense Holder - I've burned incense for a long time and fancy an updated holder. This takes me back to my Hong Kong trip in October!
9. Stripe Bedspread - Again, the simplicity of a neutral room means pretty accessories. Being cozy in bed is a must.


I'll be sure to share when I'm all moved in!