april
bristol
iphone photography
lifestyle
round up
- This is going to hurt by Adam Kay (I will write more about this on my instagram soon)
In The Frow on Why We Don't Need Photoshop Our Bodies
Nobody panic on guilt
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Gilmore Girls (again, I know)
Let me know what you've been up to! I hope you had a great month too!
Love, Chloe x
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April Round Up and iPhone Photos.
What I've Been Up To:
This month has been a really busy and equally wonderful one for me. It started with my cousin having a baby so has included newborn visits. I found myself on day trips to the aquarium and the museum. The weather has been beautiful and so I've been to duck ponds, on scenic walks and enjoying pub gardens. I've eaten endless pizzas, drank a lot of lattes and caught up with friends over brunch. I've visited a farm and ate the most delicious ice cream. I drank cocktails topped with sweets and shared secrets with friends. I watched Gilmore Girls and laughed. I also have the best day visiting Wild Place, which will be up on my youtube channel soon. And spent Easter in the company of Sunshine and familyReading | Books:
-Still Me by Jojo Moyes- This is going to hurt by Adam Kay (I will write more about this on my instagram soon)
Reading | Blogs:
The Anna Edit on Mini Home Make OversIn The Frow on Why We Don't Need Photoshop Our Bodies
Reading | Articles:
Dolly Alderton: 7 Lies Millenials Are ToldListening | Podcasts:
Nobody Panic on datingNobody panic on guilt
Watching:
New GirlThe Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Gilmore Girls (again, I know)
Let me know what you've been up to! I hope you had a great month too!
Love, Chloe x
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On trying.
Something which comes alongside and usually before succeeding is trying. Something which comes alongside and usually before trying is fear. As humans, we often make assumptions about our abilities, we have a biased idea of what's realistic for us. what we are 'good' at and where we fall short. These assumptions can then play into that fear. They create a domino effect pushing down our desire to try and ability to succeed. These assumptions leave dreams and ambitions, as just that. An idea in our heads, a figment of our imagination and nothing more.
Sometimes the fear an excuse, a way for us to not put in the effort, it's our personal jail free card. It's the mindset of "I'm rubbish at that, so there's no point trying" which I know only too well.
The thing is, often it's all in my head, the idea I'm rubbish at something. Through lack of attempts, sure it seems tangible. The little effort is reflected in lack of ability which creates the illusions that I right in not trying, because the feeble attempts, without the actual work, aren't successful. But what if I stopped basing my ideas on illusions, instead looked for proof. Where to find proof? The proof in the trying. You never know if you don't try. I don't mean some half-assed occasional effort. I mean trying with my full ass. Trying until things get uncomfortable. Can I push myself to be good at something I've told myself I'm bad at? There's only one way to find out.
You can subscribe here for more newsletters where I'll be exploring my thoughts.
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I've blogged for years, but social media hasn't been my strong suit. I've convinced myself over and over I'm just bad at building a following, so haven't put the effort in.
I've written daily but imposter syndrome has stopped me feeling worthy, so I haven't sent the pitches.
I stopped sharing my poetry through fear of being vulnerable.
I set up a newsletter but was too concern about the typos and spelling mistakes to click send.
Those aren't full ass attempts. Heck, they're not even half a cheek.
What will happen when I decide the fear doesn't matter? If anything the fear an indication I'm trying and always, I'd like to be known as the girl who puts the effort in, someone who's determined and hard-working.
So, now is where I start trying. Here is where I stare fear in the face. Maybe I'll be successful, and maybe I won't, but I think the trying counts for more than we give it credit for.
So with all of this in mind... this will be my first newsletter, to give you an idea of how I'll be exploring my thoughts in your inboxes, I thought I'd post it to the blog too.
You can subscribe here for more newsletters where I'll be exploring my thoughts.
_______
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to read
My book-buying habit and need to save money, really don't work hand in hand. I'm just coming to the end of the current read (Still Me by Jojo Moyes), and I'm itching to go book shopping, however, in order to restrain, I had a little look through my bookshelf to see which ones I hadn't got around to turning pages on. There were a couple on my to-read-list which I already had to hand.
Hashtag Authentic by Sara Tasker
Firstly, this book is beautiful, it's both visual and wordy. When my copy arrived, I found pictures didn't really do it justice, in IRL it looks stunning. Sara built a very successful business and community from Instagram, of course, I'm dying to read about how. I heard an extract whilst listening to a podcast and I've got to admit, the writing is far more engaging and much prettier than I had imagined. Her tone of voice is relatable and her use of language is beautiful.
An Edited Life by Anna Newton
When Lily's book The F Word came out, I tweeted saying I hope Anna had a book on organisation in the works, and holy crap, she did. I've always admired Anna's streamline lifestyle from what I've seen online so I am excited to read her tips on how I can take my own life in the same direction.
The Multi-Hyphen Method by Emma Gannon
I have dipped in and out of this a few times, but I'm yet to read it through. I find it fascinating to see how careers are progressing and I am a strong believer we are all more than one thing. A jack of all trades isn't a bad thing, and when someone asks me about my career goals, I'm sure to reply with a list, so it feels The Multi-hyphen method was written with me in mind.
This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay
I have heard so many good things about this book. The diaries of the junior doctor seem to have pulled the heartstrings of others, so when I'm ready for a good cry, I know the book I'll be grabbing.
The Wrong Knickers by Bryony Gordon
My friend sent me this book a while ago with the promise I would love it, which I'm sure I will as I'm a big fan of Bryony's writing and I've heard so many good things so I'm excited to get stuck in.
The Bricks That Built The Houses by Kate Tempest
Another I bought ages ago and completely forgot I owned. I love Kate Tempest writing, so this should be a good one.
When I finally manage to make it through some of these books, I'm sure I'll share my thoughts either here or on my Youtube channel, so keep your eyes peeled for those! I'd love to hear what's on your current reading list!
* Affiliate links are used in this blog post.
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To Read List.
My book-buying habit and need to save money, really don't work hand in hand. I'm just coming to the end of the current read (Still Me by Jojo Moyes), and I'm itching to go book shopping, however, in order to restrain, I had a little look through my bookshelf to see which ones I hadn't got around to turning pages on. There were a couple on my to-read-list which I already had to hand.
So here's a little list of the book I'm excited to get lost in over the next few months:
Firstly, this book is beautiful, it's both visual and wordy. When my copy arrived, I found pictures didn't really do it justice, in IRL it looks stunning. Sara built a very successful business and community from Instagram, of course, I'm dying to read about how. I heard an extract whilst listening to a podcast and I've got to admit, the writing is far more engaging and much prettier than I had imagined. Her tone of voice is relatable and her use of language is beautiful.
An Edited Life by Anna Newton
When Lily's book The F Word came out, I tweeted saying I hope Anna had a book on organisation in the works, and holy crap, she did. I've always admired Anna's streamline lifestyle from what I've seen online so I am excited to read her tips on how I can take my own life in the same direction.
The Multi-Hyphen Method by Emma Gannon
I have dipped in and out of this a few times, but I'm yet to read it through. I find it fascinating to see how careers are progressing and I am a strong believer we are all more than one thing. A jack of all trades isn't a bad thing, and when someone asks me about my career goals, I'm sure to reply with a list, so it feels The Multi-hyphen method was written with me in mind.
This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay
I have heard so many good things about this book. The diaries of the junior doctor seem to have pulled the heartstrings of others, so when I'm ready for a good cry, I know the book I'll be grabbing.
The Wrong Knickers by Bryony Gordon
My friend sent me this book a while ago with the promise I would love it, which I'm sure I will as I'm a big fan of Bryony's writing and I've heard so many good things so I'm excited to get stuck in.
The Bricks That Built The Houses by Kate Tempest
Another I bought ages ago and completely forgot I owned. I love Kate Tempest writing, so this should be a good one.
When I finally manage to make it through some of these books, I'm sure I'll share my thoughts either here or on my Youtube channel, so keep your eyes peeled for those! I'd love to hear what's on your current reading list!
* Affiliate links are used in this blog post.
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At the age of 27, it's beginning to happen like everyone tells you it will, The Wedding Invitations have started rolling in. Going to weddings can be both joyful and somewhat daunting. You know how important this day is to the bride and groom, and there a pressure for everything to be right. For me, I love scouting out people wedding guest outfits, not to judge but to seek inspirations. Different weddings have different vibes, one dress might be suitable at one wedding, might not be quite right for another. Alongside knowing that the photographs taken on the day will be cherished for years, it feels important to find the perfect #ootd
I'm always happiest when I love what I'm wearing, those days I open my wardrobe a can find the perfect outfit. As a wedding guest, it's important that I feel confident and can concentrate on the happy couple, rather than if my dress is the right fit. I want my clothes to add to the magic of the day, to make me feel special. Whether you're there all day, or just to dance the evening away, it makes a difference what glad rags you're wearing. With all of this in mind when AngelEyeFashion contacted me and kindly offered to gift me some outfits from there Wedding Guest Collection, I was over the moon to see what they had to offer.
I picked out two dresses which I fell in love with, both floral number, so they're perfect for any Spring celebration I've got coming up.
I love the colours of the floral print of this dress, it adds a pretty, feminine touch. The maxi has two slits in the skirt, which really makes it flattering, and allows you to subtly show a little leg, and who doesn't want that? Initially, I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't pull off the keyhole neckline, as I've got a slightly fuller bust, I didn't want there to be a cleavage overload, but I actually found the feature to be more discreet, and really work for my body shape. The tie around the neck and waist offer more options of how to wear it. Personally, I love a little bow around the back, which pulls me in at the waist.
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Two Wedding Guest Dresses | #Gifted
At the age of 27, it's beginning to happen like everyone tells you it will, The Wedding Invitations have started rolling in. Going to weddings can be both joyful and somewhat daunting. You know how important this day is to the bride and groom, and there a pressure for everything to be right. For me, I love scouting out people wedding guest outfits, not to judge but to seek inspirations. Different weddings have different vibes, one dress might be suitable at one wedding, might not be quite right for another. Alongside knowing that the photographs taken on the day will be cherished for years, it feels important to find the perfect #ootd
I'm always happiest when I love what I'm wearing, those days I open my wardrobe a can find the perfect outfit. As a wedding guest, it's important that I feel confident and can concentrate on the happy couple, rather than if my dress is the right fit. I want my clothes to add to the magic of the day, to make me feel special. Whether you're there all day, or just to dance the evening away, it makes a difference what glad rags you're wearing. With all of this in mind when AngelEyeFashion contacted me and kindly offered to gift me some outfits from there Wedding Guest Collection, I was over the moon to see what they had to offer.
I picked out two dresses which I fell in love with, both floral number, so they're perfect for any Spring celebration I've got coming up.
Firstly I picked out this cream floral maxi...
I love the colours of the floral print of this dress, it adds a pretty, feminine touch. The maxi has two slits in the skirt, which really makes it flattering, and allows you to subtly show a little leg, and who doesn't want that? Initially, I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't pull off the keyhole neckline, as I've got a slightly fuller bust, I didn't want there to be a cleavage overload, but I actually found the feature to be more discreet, and really work for my body shape. The tie around the neck and waist offer more options of how to wear it. Personally, I love a little bow around the back, which pulls me in at the waist.
Secondly, I went for this Floral embroidered mesh midi
The second dress I went for is this one, which technically is two dresses. With a flattering black slip underneath. Over, there is a black mesh midi dress with the most beautiful embroidered flowers. There is gathering around the hem and elasticated wasted creating an interesting silhouette. The mesh material shows just enough skin, and the ditsy flowers really add a softness to the black fabric. To put it simply, I just feel really special in this dress.
Thank you so much to Angel Eye Fashion for gifting me with these beautiful dresses, I've got a wedding coming up, so I can't wait to throw on one of them to celebrate!
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Emails are strange. They can drive us insane. The notification ping of our iPhone can cause anxiety and depend on the content of one of those little digital messages, an email can make, or break your day. Seeing the increasing number next to the envelope icon on my phone makes me feel on edge, and usually, it's just filled with junk which I don't remember subscribing to in the first place. My inbox hasn't always been a joyful place, it can be filled with junk I don't want alongside job rejection letters, which funnily enough, I don't want either.
Over time I've curated my inbox, to make it something I enjoy slightly more, I unsubscribed to the junk trying to sell me things which I neither need nor want and subscribed to some of that mail I can value.
So beyond Laura, and Emma who's newsletter made me find some joy behind that little envelope icon, here are some of the other news note which adds a hint of magic to my inbox.
An Edited Life by The Anna Edit - Anna's monthly news note 'An Edit Life' is probably the most practical of the bunch. If you're someone who loves organisation and planning Anna always shares some great tips, alongside some of her favourite pieces of media she's consumed through the month.
Sunday Duvet Reading by What Olivia Did - Liv's weekly Sunday Duvet Reading newsletter is where she's has a little chat about the things she's been up to and what she's been in enjoying.
Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn - Natasha Lunn Conversations on Love is a place where love is explored through a mixture of essays and interviews. The writing is enchanting and informative.
You, Me and A Cup of Tea by Ghenet Actually: Ghenet's newsletter is great. Similar to Liv's, it's a bit of chat, perfect for reading with a cup of tea.
Freelance Writer by Sian Meades - If you're a freelance writer, this newsletter will come in super hand. The newsletter is full of links to paid writing jobs.
Let me know if you subscribe to any of these wonderful newsletters, they all make my inbox feel a little brighter.
Something I've been considering for a long time is starting my own newsletter. I wanted to create somewhere which I can allow myself to be more vulnerable in my writing to use my words to do some soul searching, and a safe space to write for the sake of writing, to explore my thoughts and practice my writing - so finally I bite the bullet, and created a tinyletter account which you can subscribe here. For now, my newsletter, Soul Searching it will go out as and when I find myself typing out my thoughts and feel they're worth sharing.
I'm a little nervous about starting this. I've been known to go back into blog posts and edit them after hitting the publish button as I'm prone to a typo or two, so I know despite my best efforts, my newsletter may not always be perfect, but as the saying goes, better perfect than finished. Sometimes I think it's about more than perfection, if I've got something to say, I should create a space to say it, typos and all (but hopefully not too many of those).
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Emails which Add Magic to Your Inbox | Newsletters I Love.
I remember the first time I found myself actually excited about emails. I'd subscribed to Emma Gannon's newsletter which at the time, went out weekly on a Sunday. I used to look forward to reading with a cup of tea on a Sunday morning, it made that once dreaded inbox, a place I wanted to visit.
I soon after subscribed to Laura Jane Williams newsletter How to Eat An Elephant, and amongst the junk, there was something beautiful to read, I found my body covered in goosebumps as I read her words on the bus.
Over time I've curated my inbox, to make it something I enjoy slightly more, I unsubscribed to the junk trying to sell me things which I neither need nor want and subscribed to some of that mail I can value.
So beyond Laura, and Emma who's newsletter made me find some joy behind that little envelope icon, here are some of the other news note which adds a hint of magic to my inbox.
An Edited Life by The Anna Edit - Anna's monthly news note 'An Edit Life' is probably the most practical of the bunch. If you're someone who loves organisation and planning Anna always shares some great tips, alongside some of her favourite pieces of media she's consumed through the month.
Sunday Duvet Reading by What Olivia Did - Liv's weekly Sunday Duvet Reading newsletter is where she's has a little chat about the things she's been up to and what she's been in enjoying.
Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn - Natasha Lunn Conversations on Love is a place where love is explored through a mixture of essays and interviews. The writing is enchanting and informative.
You, Me and A Cup of Tea by Ghenet Actually: Ghenet's newsletter is great. Similar to Liv's, it's a bit of chat, perfect for reading with a cup of tea.
Freelance Writer by Sian Meades - If you're a freelance writer, this newsletter will come in super hand. The newsletter is full of links to paid writing jobs.
Let me know if you subscribe to any of these wonderful newsletters, they all make my inbox feel a little brighter.
Something I've been considering for a long time is starting my own newsletter. I wanted to create somewhere which I can allow myself to be more vulnerable in my writing to use my words to do some soul searching, and a safe space to write for the sake of writing, to explore my thoughts and practice my writing - so finally I bite the bullet, and created a tinyletter account which you can subscribe here. For now, my newsletter, Soul Searching it will go out as and when I find myself typing out my thoughts and feel they're worth sharing.
I'm a little nervous about starting this. I've been known to go back into blog posts and edit them after hitting the publish button as I'm prone to a typo or two, so I know despite my best efforts, my newsletter may not always be perfect, but as the saying goes, better perfect than finished. Sometimes I think it's about more than perfection, if I've got something to say, I should create a space to say it, typos and all (but hopefully not too many of those).
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- I had a slight blog break as I notice my mental health suffering slightly
- My friends Hannah and Hannah came over for a Pizza Making Evening.
- It was my Mums birthday so we celebrated with a meal at Browns
- I finally got around to putting up my gallery wall
- My friend Gavin returned after being away travelling for a couple of years, so I had some friends round for drinks, it felt like we were 16 again drinking in my kitchen.
- Hungover the next day, a couple of us headed for brunch and a day in the sun
- On my sisters birthday, we went for a walk along the Harbourside and to get some lunch.
- As ever, my friend Kelsey and I had a good old catch up, with a coffee and a walk along the Harbourside.
- Laura Jane Williams on Moving Back Home in Red Magazine
- Sara Tasker on Being the Main Breadwinner in Stylist
- Elizabeth Day on All The Things I Wish I'd Known About Success at 16 in The Evening Standard
- Taylor Swift on 30 Things She Learned by 30 in Elle
- Stevie Martin on How Hello Can Be The Hardest Word in Comedy in The Guardian
- What It's Like To Be The Fat Person Sitting Next to You on a Plane in The Medium
What Olivia Did on Wedding Diets
Hello October's Monday Motivation
- Everything I Never Told You by Celeste NG
- Still Me by Jojo Moyes
- This is Us: It is truly the best series I've ever watched and would 120% recommend it
- New Girl: I felt in need of a laugh so decided to revisit New Girl and it's definitely delivered in the laugh department.
- Brain on Fire: I thought this netflix film was incredible, the acting was great and it really got me thinking.
CTRL ALT DELETE with Jameela Jamil
Love Stories with Lily Allen
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March Round Up and Iphone Photos.
What I've Been Up To:
- I had a slight blog break as I notice my mental health suffering slightly
- My friends Hannah and Hannah came over for a Pizza Making Evening.
- It was my Mums birthday so we celebrated with a meal at Browns
- I finally got around to putting up my gallery wall
- My friend Gavin returned after being away travelling for a couple of years, so I had some friends round for drinks, it felt like we were 16 again drinking in my kitchen.
- Hungover the next day, a couple of us headed for brunch and a day in the sun
- On my sisters birthday, we went for a walk along the Harbourside and to get some lunch.
- As ever, my friend Kelsey and I had a good old catch up, with a coffee and a walk along the Harbourside.
Reading | Articles:
- Ferne Cotton on Step Families in Red Magazine- Laura Jane Williams on Moving Back Home in Red Magazine
- Sara Tasker on Being the Main Breadwinner in Stylist
- Elizabeth Day on All The Things I Wish I'd Known About Success at 16 in The Evening Standard
- Taylor Swift on 30 Things She Learned by 30 in Elle
- Stevie Martin on How Hello Can Be The Hardest Word in Comedy in The Guardian
- What It's Like To Be The Fat Person Sitting Next to You on a Plane in The Medium
Reading | Blogs:
Oh So India Charlotte: No More CommentsWhat Olivia Did on Wedding Diets
Hello October's Monday Motivation
Reading | Books:
- Everything I Never Told You by Celeste NG- Still Me by Jojo Moyes
Watching:
- This is Us: It is truly the best series I've ever watched and would 120% recommend it- New Girl: I felt in need of a laugh so decided to revisit New Girl and it's definitely delivered in the laugh department.
- Brain on Fire: I thought this netflix film was incredible, the acting was great and it really got me thinking.
Listening:
The Fringe of It with Lucy SheridanCTRL ALT DELETE with Jameela Jamil
Love Stories with Lily Allen
Writing (yes, a new segment for my monthly roundup where I'll share pieces I've written elsewhere, as it's about time I started shouting about my own work):
- I've also decided to start a newsletter, where I write ~deep~ stuff and do some soul searching in a place which feels like a safe space - I'm yet to send out the first one, but I've been writing them up and excited to start this new project. You can subscribe to it here
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