Category: Reading

Kickstarting New Year; Motivation Tips & Tricks

January 7, 2024

If like the majority of people you find the start of January a struggling time to get motivated, then I’ve got some tips on how to set realistic goals and take the steps to successfully achieve them.

Whilst being ambitious and moving the goal posts for yourself in the new year is brilliant, it’s key to remember that doing your best looks different every day. So if you have particular fitness aspirations or you are learning a new skill which takes time, there will be positive days when you find yourself feeling really strong or creatively inspired, but inevitably there will also be those periods of time you lack energy or enthusiasm. Just trust the process and be kind to yourself when you’re having one of those dips in motivation because it will return.

Don’t let any obstacles become an excuse for not showing up everyday. For example if your goal is to workout 6 times a week, plan ahead and schedule your workouts, know what exercises or routine you are doing each day in the upcoming week, and have your gym gear out and ready the night before. It’s all about setting yourself up for success.

So ask yourself, what is stopping me from reaching my goals? Break it down and set achievable steps towards making your dreams a reality. The journey won’t be linear and you have to be ready for all the ups and downs along the road, but know exactly what you want, envision getting it, and never give up on yourself; a positive mindset will never fail you.

Go get it girls and lets make 2024 another year of growth, success and fulfilment ❤

Author Spotlight; Taylor Jenkins Reid

October 8, 2023

At the start of this year I set myself the goal of reading more books, as it’s not something I’ve prioritised in recent years despite my love for fiction and writing. Having seen fantastic reviews of ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’, I chose this as my first book of the year and I was hooked.

Evelyn Hugo, a fictional Marilyn Monroe type figure, enlists journalist Monique to write her memoir documenting her entire life and prosperous acting career, including the scandalous stories behind her seven husbands. As the story unfolds, I found myself captivated by the character of Evelyn Hugo and the compelling narrative had me emotionally invested until the very end.

I enjoyed the writing style of Taylor Jenkins Reid so much, that my next read of the year was ‘Malibu Rising’. This novel centres around the infamous annual party hosted by the River family, the four children to Mick Riva, a pop singer of Frank Sinatra-level fame and irresistible, movie star good looks. Set in sunny Malibu where the kids spend their days surfing and rubbing shoulders with Hollywood stars and icons who attend the party of the decade, this was the perfect summer read.

Now I’m onto my third Taylor Jenkins Reid book ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’. Having already seen the series released earlier this year I would’ve preferred to read the book first, but it was simply too good to wait. The saga of sex, drugs and rock and roll is about this Fleetwood Mac inspired band who tell their enthralling stories first hand through a series of interviews.

No doubt my next read will be yet another one of Reid’s many best selling novels; it seems every time Taylor Jenkins Reid puts pen to paper, another tremendous tale is born.

Aura Glowing; Energy Flowing

April 23, 2023

‘Be the energy you want to attract.’ These past few months I’ve been investing more of my spare time into those things which perhaps in the past I’ve put off for fear of not being good enough. However at the beginning of March I felt something shift and my creative energy was flowing again. Since then I’ve been inspired to vlog more, film my workout routines and even take on the challenge of securing collaborations for travel trips alongside my boyfriend’s business. As soon as I believed I was capable of doing all these things which constantly play on my mind, I have been able to accomplish goals I previously thought were unachievable for me.

Other habits I’ve incorporated into my daily routine is reading, journalling and positive affirmations. Being a moon child at heart, I believe the cosmic movements of the moon and the stars strongly impacts our own energy flow. The Moonly app I have keeps me in touch with the phases of the moon and also offers daily affirmations which are always uplifting and inspiring.

Remaining present and grateful is another key contributor to feeling happy and fulfilled everyday. Even if I’m not having as much of a productive or positive day mentally, remaining grateful for the little things keeps me grounded, present and thankful.

It feels great to be creating content I am passionate about and I’m excited to continue seeing where this energy flow takes me both personally and professionally. Aura glowing; energy flowing. ❤

Checkout my YouTube channel here – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn-5SAMWZAO9HdcSTzQzMRw

Book Club; Me Before You

February 20, 2022

This year I am challenging myself to read more books and reduce so much screen time spent mindlessly scrolling Instagram in exchange for reading. I have always loved getting lost in the story of a good book, but over the past few years it isn’t something I’ve been making enough time for. Together with my friend we have decided to do an informal book club in which we recommend each other books and discuss what we have been reading. First on my list was Me Before You by JoJo Moyes, a fantastic suggestion from my friend as I found myself unable to put this book down. A truly captivating love story with a heartbreaking twist, Moyes writing flows without sacrificing on detail and description to fully emerse the reader into the narrative.

My next read will be Normal People by Sally Rooney, a gift from my brother and his wife for Christmas. I’m excited to get stuck into another novel and continue my goal of reading again this year. I’m not setting out to read a certain number of books necessarily, but instead easing myself back into the literacy world with some enjoyable reads before I consider delving into the more heavy topics.

‘Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body; it keeps the imagination stimulated, active and alive.’

Sunday Coffee Talks

November 21, 2021

As the daylight hours get shorter and the dark nights grow longer, everyday seems to be flying by quicker than ever as we hurtle towards December and the end of the year already! During these winter months I enjoy nothing more than spending the long evenings snuggled up at home with a cuppa, reading a book or getting stuck into a new series. It’s all about self-care at this time of year; run a hot bath, have a glass of wine, indulge in your favourite sweet treats, just because you deserve it! Don’t forget to move your body everyday, even if it’s just a 30 minute pilates workout or quick walk outside to get some fresh air. Continue to live your life in balance and you will thank yourself later. These were just some thoughts I had this Sunday arvo as I sat and sipped my coffee… Happy Sunday ❤

Book Club; Let’s Get Reading

November 14, 2021

It’s been quite some time since I last got stuck into a good book as I’m always using the excuse that I’m too busy. However I believe reading is one of the best forms of self-care as it provides a form of escapism whilst broadening your imagination and building knowledge – not to mention it keeps you away from your phone for longer than 5 minutes! So after an in-depth discussion about all things books with my friend this week, we decided to get motivated to read again with our very own little bookclub. She has already leant me two books of opposite genres she thinks I will enjoy: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes and The Tattooist Of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. I’ve just read the first few chapters of Me Before You and I’m already hooked; I’m so excited to get lost in the fantasy world of a book again! In exchange I will be lending my friend the classic novel of Breakfast At Tiffany’s by Truman Capote as well as the marvellously written Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I hope to reignite my passion for reading again as my friend and I embark on this spontaneous bookclub idea in which we exchange recommended reads, as well as visit libraries to explore the endless choice of books to discover out there. Of course, this also gives us an excuse for the occasional coffee shop date together to discuss our books and commit to an hour or so of reading too, lost in the narrative as the world passes by around us – how idyllic ❤

Creative Flows; Ride that Wave

October 17, 2021

Happy Sunday babes! I’m finally enjoying a proper weekend wind-down following a very busy and quite frankly, stressful couple of weeks at work. With my mind so preoccupied with daily life and engrossed in my work, I’ve found myself motivated and inspired to pursue some personal projects outside of my disciplined routine. Whilst creativity comes in waves and should never be forced, when ideas do surface, I think it’s a crucial moment to ride that wave and delve into your imagination…

So with all this creative energy currently surfacing, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to meet up with a friend and bounce our ideas off each other. With a spread of nibbles and bottle of wine open, it was the ideal setup to discuss our concepts, business plans and goals for the future. Without being unrealistic and setting unreachable targets, it’s great to talk about your ideas and really define your true passion project which is within the realms of your resources. Following our little Friday night meeting, we have set each other some small initial goals and further research to support the creative process.

Now it’s Sunday arvo and I’m feeling super positive and excited about my current side hustle plans taking shape. Of course it’s important to remember that these waves of inspiration come in ebbs and flows, so always ride the wave of creativity when it does flow and don’t be afraid to dream big! Never forget – ‘Our only limitations are those we setup in our own mind.’

Day Dreamer, Night Thinker

February 10, 2021

Sometimes we have to inject a little fantasy to not die from reality…

Life is a journey, not a destination. Equilibrium will never be reached, it’s about embracing each chapter and enjoying the ride of the rollercoaster that is our existence. You are a continuous work in progress, be curious and dive passionately into your future.

The dreamers are the saviours of this world, so go to the window and look at the stars. Dreams don’t only come true, they can exceed your wildest imagination; stay wild moon child.

Soul Sunday; For the Magic Makers

January 11, 2021

For me, there’s few things more soul soothing and mood lifting than reading poetry and finding inspiration in beautiful photography. So I was thrilled to receive my copy of Sjana Elise Earp’s hardback book ‘You Will Rise’ all the way from Australia.

Having suffered from anxiety and depression, Sjana has rediscovered compassion and love through yoga, travel photography and writing. I’ve been a longtime follower of her journey through Instagram, where she shares her words of wisdom and incredible travel and yoga photos. Hence the book is a stunning collection of these pictures and her poetry collated from some of the most challenging and dark times in life, through to her moments of love, acceptance and enlightenment.

When the package finally arrived in the post, I couldn’t wait to enjoy my Sunday evening diving deep into this magical book. I set the mood with some candles, fairy lights and a glass of French rose wine to help ‘seek, soothe and soar’ into the realms of my imagination.

And of course, I dressed comfy and cosy for a cold English winter’s evening in my Puma essential joggers, South Beach cropped green hoody and fluffy socks – comfort is key!

This is going to be a wonderful addition to my coffee table book collection. Full of incredible photography as well as thought provoking and uplifting words, it’s perfect for dipping in and out of to get that dose of magic you may need to guide you at anytime in life.

As Sjana writes, this book is for the light seekers, the sensitive souls, anyone who has ever loved and lost and the magic makers. Her words dig deep into the spiritual connection we have to this earth and illuminate a path of guidance back to ones own truth.

Link to buy the book – https://www.bookdepository.com/You-Will-Rise-Sjana-Elise-Earp/9781760897864

Year End and My 2021 Vision Board

December 30, 2020

It’s that time of year again when we look back over the last twelve months and reflect upon the highs and the lows. Here’s a little round up of what 2020 has taught me:

Looking forward to 2021 now, I’ve listed out a number of intentions and goals for the year ahead…

I find a vision board with images that inspire and spark imagination helps manifest the life you want to lead.

Pinterest is the easiest platform on which to create a vision board as there’s so much creative content including awesome photography, fashion, interiors, food, art and so much more.

Thought provoking quotes and words of wisdom add depth and motivation to your vision board.

The more eclectic and random your board, the better I think. By pulling together all those things which inspire you to one place visually, helps focus our objectives and reminds us of the bigger picture when times get tough.