tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67081371310387583412024-03-27T06:38:07.641+00:00Just DeenieMental health and London livingNadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-68378946651050460962024-01-27T17:08:00.004+00:002024-01-27T17:37:11.266+00:00 Arts, Crafts and Book Club: February<h3 style="text-align: left;">Welcome to the Arts, Crafts and Book Club!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrQgc0gVLZpgYZG4a5GH3Ehu5MGYOcb0pGTNym_2HqGyVtxXU7r7eQ7T1Quwoz3GlJkZhEgM9NUKS_8O3pbErWVw3Fw8j4DBksj7g8fhvQYxNYok2RWIEaKKYiINji2H1wWioPClgcAjkjFKOy-XDQAJkdD4Lyeu2ZWOyIS-twADNINtbLkYmLOnZPohB/s960/acbc.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrQgc0gVLZpgYZG4a5GH3Ehu5MGYOcb0pGTNym_2HqGyVtxXU7r7eQ7T1Quwoz3GlJkZhEgM9NUKS_8O3pbErWVw3Fw8j4DBksj7g8fhvQYxNYok2RWIEaKKYiINji2H1wWioPClgcAjkjFKOy-XDQAJkdD4Lyeu2ZWOyIS-twADNINtbLkYmLOnZPohB/w640-h360/acbc.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>Our first month is February and I couldn’t resist choosing the theme of love.</p><p>At long last we have chosen the first book: Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara. Thanks to all who nominated books! If you manage to read Psyche and Eros with time to spare before the meeting, why not check out the runners-up?</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">February’s Book Assignment: Psyche and Eros</h3><p></p><blockquote><p><i>‘In this utterly transporting reimagining of Greek mythology, the god of desire is cursed to fall for a spirited young mortal woman, but if she looks upon his face they will be parted forever—an epic adventure and love story for the ages, sure to satisfy fans of Madeline Miller and V.E. Schwab</i></p><p><i>Who said true love is a myth?’</i> - Goodreads</p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2dJCtv9TJ49A9rXY2Q3jFFVG6cke-1z39fW5xolOUOwifjwlipEjns9_snJCJnhSTdncCgsE0qG8q-SUDJovQArGj-8oPp-2E6gfDQws9F697bLoBYig8GL_f6r-6889vaRJBlmwPmiLcoUWGbEWWoka-ZCInSaS0Qy-qfuKhkDsxqMVQYrAGWQUn9uV/s1000/917yQ5cMVJL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="662" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2dJCtv9TJ49A9rXY2Q3jFFVG6cke-1z39fW5xolOUOwifjwlipEjns9_snJCJnhSTdncCgsE0qG8q-SUDJovQArGj-8oPp-2E6gfDQws9F697bLoBYig8GL_f6r-6889vaRJBlmwPmiLcoUWGbEWWoka-ZCInSaS0Qy-qfuKhkDsxqMVQYrAGWQUn9uV/w426-h640/917yQ5cMVJL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" width="426" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p>Here are a few places you can order this month’s book. Please note all links are affiliate links, meaning that the book club can receive a small commission to help fund us, at no extra cost to the buyer.</p><p>Bookshop.org: <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13547/9781398712867" target="_blank">Paperback</a> | <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13547/9781398712843" target="_blank">Hardcover</a></p><p>Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Psyche-Eros-spellbinding-hotly-anticipated-mythology/dp/1398712868/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=justdeenie-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=2883da69ac9702cd5f6894cb61fff05c&camp=1634&creative=6738" target="_blank">Paperback</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Psyche-Eros-Luna-McNamara/dp/1398712841/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=justdeenie-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=63f3deb64d35af27ab2194a09c814943&camp=1634&creative=6738" target="_blank">Hardcover</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Psyche-Eros-Luna-McNamara-ebook/dp/B09YQ6JGST/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=justdeenie-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=826cf2129b5eeae17df199719bef08e0&camp=1634&creative=6738">Kindle</a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">First runner up: Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield</h3><p></p><blockquote><p><i>‘Miri thinks she has got her wife back, when Leah finally returns after a deep-sea mission that ended in catastrophe. It soon becomes clear, though, that Leah is not the same. Whatever happened in that vessel, whatever it was they were supposed to be studying before they were stranded on the ocean floor, Leah has brought part of it back with her, onto dry land and into their home.</i></p><p><i>Moving through something that only resembles normal life, Miri comes to realize that the life that they had before might be gone. Though Leah is still there, Miri can feel the woman she loves slipping from her grasp.</i></p><p><i>Our Wives Under The Sea is the debut novel from Julia Armfield, the critically acclaimed author of Salt Slow. It’s a story of falling in love, loss, grief, and what life there is in the deep deep sea.’</i> - Goodreads</p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hSkojfWGsjxcGI5T2G18R9Ng7bJCCdd_geEfxHgO98iSvMxGrwZUkDxa5KFJMOo6Bjt-A_HBJk_S2tg1pj4lpnT2tdh4cyX6Fu_j5nsKPZOtr4VA9VNVsBjiOT5VRLMVq_v1uuwwlHp-u0MCACZVevPezr28muN9XYOSfEeZUQ4_1VOmQ7mGhQvXl221/s1000/810YD3wokcL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="626" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hSkojfWGsjxcGI5T2G18R9Ng7bJCCdd_geEfxHgO98iSvMxGrwZUkDxa5KFJMOo6Bjt-A_HBJk_S2tg1pj4lpnT2tdh4cyX6Fu_j5nsKPZOtr4VA9VNVsBjiOT5VRLMVq_v1uuwwlHp-u0MCACZVevPezr28muN9XYOSfEeZUQ4_1VOmQ7mGhQvXl221/w250-h400/810YD3wokcL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" width="250" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><p>Bookshop.org: <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13547/9781529017250" target="_blank">Paperback</a></p><p>Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Our-Wives-Under-Sea-Armfield/dp/1529017254?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=justdeenie-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=81c6e253ea5473f05871eb471c799ddb&camp=1634&creative=6738" target="_blank">Paperback</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Untitled-Novel-Julia-Armfield/dp/1529017238/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=justdeenie-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=3947b8231effd22c2878f4bc96e036e3&camp=1634&creative=6738" target="_blank">Hardcover</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Our-Wives-Under-Julia-Armfield-ebook/dp/B097N4F7LS/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=justdeenie-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=b6a09a47fac3d0a23a5550880595b2ef&camp=1634&creative=6738" target="_blank">Kindle</a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Second runner up: All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks</h3><p></p><blockquote><i>‘All About Love offers radical new ways to think about love by showing its interconnectedness in our private and public lives. In eleven concise chapters, hooks explains how our everyday notions of what it means to give and receive love often fail us, and how these ideals are established in early childhood. She offers a rethinking of self-love (without narcissism) that will bring peace and compassion to our personal and professional lives, and asserts the place of love to end struggles between individuals, in communities, and among societies. Moving from the cultural to the intimate, hooks notes the ties between love and loss and challenges the prevailing notion that romantic love is the most important love of all.’</i> - Goodreads</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNGbkj-1QDlrxguaHLKhdyl-vWLw0XLDThixE2dVysZFkhgK0IqnzUOkr717_rm5RL3BnDpO3XjdUmn_FbEP1viEG_5Pr_xP6Qlkj48G6KD8BcUbYwv3qzoxDG0f0KDG27sfAszDKbOQaok_wmOsD7sFVbXpSKGS0YgsC5rQtlQF7F51J0RFYap0Z2n_F/s1000/71xEY+ZI8kL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="664" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNGbkj-1QDlrxguaHLKhdyl-vWLw0XLDThixE2dVysZFkhgK0IqnzUOkr717_rm5RL3BnDpO3XjdUmn_FbEP1viEG_5Pr_xP6Qlkj48G6KD8BcUbYwv3qzoxDG0f0KDG27sfAszDKbOQaok_wmOsD7sFVbXpSKGS0YgsC5rQtlQF7F51J0RFYap0Z2n_F/w265-h400/71xEY+ZI8kL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><p></p><p>Bookshop.org: <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13547/9780060959470" target="_blank">Paperback</a></p><p>Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/All-About-Love-Visions-Paperback/dp/0060959479?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=justdeenie-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=eece8f72f47deaac53a7aca2dcba1052&camp=1634&creative=6738" target="_blank">Paperback</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/All-About-Love-Visions-Paperback-ebook/dp/B078GL796R?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=justdeenie-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=14e12a3e6d6be145e36c58e6e8521bf9&camp=1634&creative=6738" target="_blank">Kindle</a></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">How to take part in the Arts, Crafts and Book Club</h3><p>Now we know our book assignment, all there is left to do is read and make art!</p><p>Our meeting to discuss Psyche and Eros while either making or presenting our art pieces will be Thursday 29th February at 6:30pm GMT.</p><p>In the meantime, please get involved on the <a href="https://discord.gg/eQMyu8eABb" target="_blank">Discord server</a> - introduce yourself, share some of your art, have fun!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">March</h3><p>March’s theme will be feminism. Please nominate a book you’d like to read related to this theme <a href="https://forms.gle/4KCusRxbomZ6ABQq8" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Notes</h3><p>I’ve created an Instagram page for the Arts, Crafts and Book Club! It’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/arts.crafts.book.club">@arts.crafts.book.club</a> - please give us a follow and if you want us to share your art, post it on Discord and let us know!</p><p>We’re still looking for a better logo to use. If you fancy giving it a go, please go ahead!</p><p>Any questions or concerns, speak to us.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Links</h3><div><a href="https://discord.gg/eQMyu8eABb" target="_blank">Discord Server</a> | <a href="https://mailchi.mp/0295ee5bfd4b/februarys-book-announcement" target="_blank">February's Newsletter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/arts.crafts.book.club" target="_blank">Instagram Page</a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Collection Pot</h3><div>The Arts, Crafts & Book Club is completely free to join and run by passionate creatives for free in their spare time. Though we are able to collect a small amount of money through affiliate book sales, we would also be grateful for any donations made to keep the book club running smoothly. These funds will be used for website running costs, newsletter costs, and to help members that might be financially struggling to access the books they might not be able to afford.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://app.collectionpot.com/pot/3194133" target="_blank">Donate Here</a></div>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-54312879124878912762024-01-20T12:57:00.004+00:002024-01-20T13:03:39.508+00:00Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZf9cKWS282LSP3ARwxLyhXInCy68I6LRvwl6tPray10O4K920oCe6fsfR23ofJqoZqvpEhdkMwGJ1M-DQbuxWqVxZqWOlgVQOb70bMXm0Bant1Oio0nkuJYklB0KT386Ckipy_P1TPXuL-axm_4r99H5aLFKxPdSNwLVnfKoYpcA1wvycy4AK_llFMLM/s1024/Saturday.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="a watercolour painting of a white cat, back facing us, looking out a window woards a rainy garden with a winding path and a small pond. Underneath the window is a pink sofa, to the right of the sofa is a book case with a desk and an open laptop on it, half finished document on screen." border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZf9cKWS282LSP3ARwxLyhXInCy68I6LRvwl6tPray10O4K920oCe6fsfR23ofJqoZqvpEhdkMwGJ1M-DQbuxWqVxZqWOlgVQOb70bMXm0Bant1Oio0nkuJYklB0KT386Ckipy_P1TPXuL-axm_4r99H5aLFKxPdSNwLVnfKoYpcA1wvycy4AK_llFMLM/s16000/Saturday.png" title="Saturday Painting" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Is there anything better than a gloomy Saturday when you know you have no responsibility to leave the house?<span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Raindrops gently tapping the window panes as you wait for the kettle to boil for your third cup of tea.</p><p style="text-align: center;">You could go out, sure. You could do the grocery shopping to top up your fridge, or you could finally drop that bag of clothes donations to the charity shop.</p><p style="text-align: center;">You remember the last ten Saturdays in a row: you’ve had plans, you’ve run errands, you’ve begrudgingly set an alarm ahead of the train you needed to catch.</p><p style="text-align: center;">You consider the next ten Saturdays in a row: coffee meetings, day trips, coach tickets already booked, promises made and time slots allocated weeks in advance.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Pouring hot water into your tea-stained mug, you shake off the guilt of feeling lazy today. Laziness is such a privilege.</p><p style="text-align: center;">There is nothing better than a gloomy Saturday when you know you have no responsibility to leave the house.</p>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-50806509321961701912024-01-17T08:56:00.016+00:002024-01-27T17:11:55.184+00:00Arts, Crafts & Book Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoENU9fVxZwSJiOEtmvfy__PVixDB5VZAaYc0ineGIaWEeWLb2whn0ZRE-_TSWxf0LL9bsj1XTvT-QW5-AdkDgxCmPmERKPO6LMruml4NwFm88KBYoGRUNzjuQ8-JShtSMN9S-UBl8x_5sZrymAhB6OdgteWJV7AndUVDWQbtxQTIRp8WjRMtCNazFIg0G/s1230/Arts,%20Crafts%20&%20Book%20Club%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1230" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoENU9fVxZwSJiOEtmvfy__PVixDB5VZAaYc0ineGIaWEeWLb2whn0ZRE-_TSWxf0LL9bsj1XTvT-QW5-AdkDgxCmPmERKPO6LMruml4NwFm88KBYoGRUNzjuQ8-JShtSMN9S-UBl8x_5sZrymAhB6OdgteWJV7AndUVDWQbtxQTIRp8WjRMtCNazFIg0G/w640-h360/Arts,%20Crafts%20&%20Book%20Club%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><p><a href="https://www.justdeenie.co.uk/2024/01/arts-crafts-and-book-club-february.html" target="_blank">FEBRUARY'S ASSIGNMENT</a></p><p>Hi! I'm Nadine and I do crafts for better mental health. When I'm not playing with air dry clay or painting, you can find me reading and trying desperately to reach my Goodreads goal. I wanted to find a way to combine my two loves, so here's my idea.</p><p>A bookclub for people that love arts & crafts. Or, an arts & crafts club for readers. It works both ways!</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>- We'll read a book chosen together as a community</p><p>- We'll meet up online to discuss the book</p><p>- We'll each create a piece of art based on the book we've just read</p></blockquote><p>You don't have to be a speedy reader, a seasoned artist, a bookworm or a craft expert for this. Just an interest or a curiosity to try is enough!</p><p><b>Are you in?</b></p><p>Our <a href="https://discord.gg/7SmuKhqD?event=1197149359746322503" target="_blank"><b>first intro meeting</b></a> will be held Friday<b> 26th January at 6:30pm GMT</b>.</p><p>This will take place online, on our new <a href="https://discord.gg/eQMyu8eABb" target="_blank"><b>Discord server</b></a>!</p><p>If you don't have Discord, please take a moment to sign up. If you'd rather not, we'll also run the session as a TikTok live, but there will be less collaboration through this channel.</p><p>Once you've done that, <b><a href="https://forms.gle/yRa2hXKxB3dxsWjy8" target="_blank">click here to nominate a book</a> </b>(or a few) for the first two months!</p><p>If you haven't signed up yet, simply join the Discord server and sign up below to receive updates.</p><p>Our first newsletter was sent out Wednesday 17th January, <a href="https://mailchi.mp/b5070abfe6e7/welcome-to-the-arts-crafts-book-club" target="_blank">click here if you missed it</a>.</p><div id="mc_embed_shell">
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<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEsKfH_3eCk3_ZnQ0INZEAhUZjc-iRuiwvxa8bYHgP0lcBIe0vmgT34xGzbFvUTsUsuwb7u-wvrVrqI6NZUbrGlsUSFUstf0MGZZMGHlYrDzR1ToRJX9l428IKdk25VnsgK2ryI4xO0X9oKgcto8-9xz3I-OYm4-QnooTPw7HLJvmwAqPeBnS2slGXp3S/s1640/2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEsKfH_3eCk3_ZnQ0INZEAhUZjc-iRuiwvxa8bYHgP0lcBIe0vmgT34xGzbFvUTsUsuwb7u-wvrVrqI6NZUbrGlsUSFUstf0MGZZMGHlYrDzR1ToRJX9l428IKdk25VnsgK2ryI4xO0X9oKgcto8-9xz3I-OYm4-QnooTPw7HLJvmwAqPeBnS2slGXp3S/w640-h360/2.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>FAQs:</b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><i>I can't commit to reading a book every month. Can I still join?</i></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;">Yes! The book club is zero commitment, you are welcome to drop in and out as you please.</p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><i>I'm not a big reader... what if I can't keep up?</i></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;">Me neither! The book club is designed for readers of all levels, and we will alternate each month with a shorter, easier to read book to be accessible to as many people as possible. But if you don't manage to finish a book on time for the session, you can still join us to create art and crafts based on the book's themes... as long as you don't mind spoilers!</p></blockquote></blockquote><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-88665338299960676072023-11-07T20:01:00.003+00:002023-11-07T20:01:37.482+00:00Finding Purpose as a Lost Twenty-Something<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFzbh6NsPgPJjYZmMc4LYBF8a71I6z5SfPIiwjdHxTmsH91KNmF-CfLXfK3ECywBmRRqldZ8GNpAgU-wCSrjUyxaJZ_8uTxgtJBHU0puHCO9OWBT7MN5jCRdaVqhMn4_Mo2nmXMSo9ZvA1IQH9ioKeQcKEGValh-ZaeZsvGzJqKtV27IDtlSD18sE2DZ0/s2040/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-11-07%20at%2019.59.08_f85aa265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2040" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFzbh6NsPgPJjYZmMc4LYBF8a71I6z5SfPIiwjdHxTmsH91KNmF-CfLXfK3ECywBmRRqldZ8GNpAgU-wCSrjUyxaJZ_8uTxgtJBHU0puHCO9OWBT7MN5jCRdaVqhMn4_Mo2nmXMSo9ZvA1IQH9ioKeQcKEGValh-ZaeZsvGzJqKtV27IDtlSD18sE2DZ0/s16000/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-11-07%20at%2019.59.08_f85aa265.jpg" /></a></div><p>The journey of recovery from mental illness is counter intuitive. You work hard, you utilise every ounce of strength you have to march towards your destination, without the foggiest idea what that destination looks like. </p><p>You must have faith that whatever it is will be better than where you are now.</p><p>For a long time, I was unable to envision a future I wanted. I tried to picture a life that most people look towards: a bustling career, travelling the globe, adopting pets and maybe one day having a family.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Nothing ignited a spark in me.</h3><p>Nothing made me feel like the journey could be worthwhile.</p><p>It’s important to note, here, that feeling a lack of purpose is often a symptom of mental illness, rather than the cause of it. Sometimes, when mental illness is treated properly and recovery is achieved, those things that didn’t seem to interest you before suddenly light up again and your purpose can be re-discovered, rather than found. </p><p>But this wasn’t the case for me. My purpose had not yet been forged, no matter what mental state or life situation I found myself in. I wanted to find my dream job, the thing I was supposed to do, my vocation, my passion, my purpose.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">I found fragments of things that excited me.</h3><p>I’ve always liked writing and after stepping out of my retail and hospitality comfort zone, my writing skills allowed me to worm my way into a marketing career that I enjoy. </p><p>When able to cherish time with friends, I realised that making connections with kind hearted souls and sharing laughter over a homemade vegan dinner constitutes something important to me.</p><p>When prioritising my family, I found that being a sister, a daughter and an auntie are three individual yet equally important jobs that fill my heart to the brim.</p><p>All of this made me happy, sure, but what was my purpose? What should I be dedicating my life to, what mission am I on to make all of this worth something?</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">In February 2023, I discovered art.</h3><p>At first I sketched and painted, then a friend introduced me to clay sculpting and I fell in love. The feeling of my hands being busy, of creating something from nothing, the sense of achievement and pride I could get from making something beautiful and gifting it to a friend all helped to clear my head and excite me.</p><p>I felt like I had found myself again. The child within me that had ideas and always followed them through, always creating, always making. She was here all this time and now she’s awake.</p><p>My mental health skyrocketed. I felt happier, calmer, able to think and feel separately and able to process each day and the emotions that came with it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqdGergFh2nR0-JW52E6FrNVlNC-HBIhJSj4G_LMbSD4wxWMGhCWyR-qCDF4WVhqUIeGK0jsfhssR9Urh5nydgkg40OsyWKNnw8HYLSrxeXlkvnmzIsurMwnq3a-7cPMU67YPww1LVHYCFtkM0008lr-hfPuRl28YfNBNlaoz-oJzobjI_h-hdcsbPNGu/s1289/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-11-07%20at%2019.59.08_7bc6999c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1289" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqdGergFh2nR0-JW52E6FrNVlNC-HBIhJSj4G_LMbSD4wxWMGhCWyR-qCDF4WVhqUIeGK0jsfhssR9Urh5nydgkg40OsyWKNnw8HYLSrxeXlkvnmzIsurMwnq3a-7cPMU67YPww1LVHYCFtkM0008lr-hfPuRl28YfNBNlaoz-oJzobjI_h-hdcsbPNGu/s16000/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-11-07%20at%2019.59.08_7bc6999c.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">It clicked. My purpose.</h3><p>I want others to feel this way. I want to put art in front of other people, point and say ‘How good does that make you feel?’. I know that not everyone can help to ease the symptoms of their mental illnesses through arts and crafts, but if I can allow one person to feel that, I will have done something amazing.</p><p>So that’s what I’ve been doing.</p><p>I create art from a little makeshift pottery studio in a corner of my living room. I share tips, tricks and prompts with other people online. I host live workshops to bring a small community of people together, where we craft, chat and laugh.</p><p>This is my purpose. I don’t imagine myself ever becoming a full-time artist or making a living from what I do, but that doesn’t mean it’s not something I can fully dedicate my time, efforts and actions into.</p><p>My purpose is to make art and inspire people.</p>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.12758628.4514023978135668 -70.4400862 90 70.1849138tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-12742548629673409382023-10-10T20:16:00.002+01:002023-10-10T20:18:15.401+01:00How art changed my life | World Mental Health Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8laVMivqj9Mrf40WXLCJsUQ81r4hHiPbSsoxusaWWfsLBzqzXEzRZDDcc5HcZ_BoACU5MbkdVv2r0rte2YnXocql7W1A1q3Xa-SisI2nx5NiBx-TYLJozOWUOyr4TQjs5kxuwYqYVg-SiosRg_z7mUp5qsYd7KeClccXr1H3kdUB_b9wjIjFPodI7NQoU/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-09-18%20at%2021.44.11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8laVMivqj9Mrf40WXLCJsUQ81r4hHiPbSsoxusaWWfsLBzqzXEzRZDDcc5HcZ_BoACU5MbkdVv2r0rte2YnXocql7W1A1q3Xa-SisI2nx5NiBx-TYLJozOWUOyr4TQjs5kxuwYqYVg-SiosRg_z7mUp5qsYd7KeClccXr1H3kdUB_b9wjIjFPodI7NQoU/s16000/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-09-18%20at%2021.44.11.jpg" /></a></div><p>Today, I shipped my first three art orders. Three pieces of art, discovered by total strangers on the internet, that have been crafted and hand packed with love and adoration, ready to adorn their new homes.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fyRxTBlPGJrY46GiVkRKmwkgW1h_GySw3jfdiQDwulO5jkJS7UpoBp4_nw6eQ1B1lR1lo4Og6Ur-ll-bs33zoaRE8d8ae6qMbWR6Mf2Iut35n-xMT8AxXEme2Uyq9SdeEAL3Pr1qak5gm1qaFQmKgOAuN_qhXANr52h6cClsucVXnGpIe7D4LzPQlBsp/s1350/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-10-10%20at%2020.12.11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fyRxTBlPGJrY46GiVkRKmwkgW1h_GySw3jfdiQDwulO5jkJS7UpoBp4_nw6eQ1B1lR1lo4Og6Ur-ll-bs33zoaRE8d8ae6qMbWR6Mf2Iut35n-xMT8AxXEme2Uyq9SdeEAL3Pr1qak5gm1qaFQmKgOAuN_qhXANr52h6cClsucVXnGpIe7D4LzPQlBsp/s16000/WhatsApp%20Image%202023-10-10%20at%2020.12.11.jpg" /></a></p><p> It feels serendipitous today being World Mental Health Day - I know a lot of us might know this day as a lazy day for corporations to make some performative social media posts then ignore the mental health of their employees for the rest of the year - but nevertheless today CAN provide a chance to raise awareness for mental health issues, reduce stigma and learn solutions.</p><p>I started creating art earlier this year after going sober. I went sober after experiencing the worst dip in my mental health for years. After two trips to the hospital, endless psych appointments and therapist after therapist after therapist, I was truly desperate for my life to change.</p><p>The problem was (if you can call it a problem) there was nothing wrong with my life. I have an incredible family, a great job, the best partner and the most wonderful friends. I live in a beautiful flat in my favourite city in the world, but I still didn't feel like myself. I felt like I was a fugitive, living somebody else's life that I didn't deserve. I drank to numb these thoughts and I hated being left alone with my feelings and thoughts.</p><p>When I discovered art, it was like my 8-year-old self had nudged me in the ribs and demanded "can we do more?"</p><p>Ever since then I've gained so much more energy, passion and creativity, pulling from all parts of myself. My inner child, my deeply sad self, my overenthusiastic hyper (previously drunk) persona... and I feel alive again.</p><p>I know that right now, all of that probably doesn't translate into my art, and people just like the look of it. But the truth is, every since piece I create has gone a little towards saving me.</p>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-2465778115542884932023-04-27T21:47:00.000+01:002023-12-06T21:22:29.066+00:00That's heavy, doc | Explaining depression to my partner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrYs0udaoDFygM2rcXokEvJCcUGKbaNy3g0pQfzuQ_oqJZSWIdZqGnbuq1aseWysOnpdq7bEJc5zIUoEu1bAnwKziBO6-fARmuowUIR__ezPdTvQqtp7SgP8_yMDwer4ES79VuUL-1yPflNWXsbTjLPoVBUf1IDlAbnJ-HOATEGfHr8TrojRSHrkuIA/s875/cloudy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="827" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrYs0udaoDFygM2rcXokEvJCcUGKbaNy3g0pQfzuQ_oqJZSWIdZqGnbuq1aseWysOnpdq7bEJc5zIUoEu1bAnwKziBO6-fARmuowUIR__ezPdTvQqtp7SgP8_yMDwer4ES79VuUL-1yPflNWXsbTjLPoVBUf1IDlAbnJ-HOATEGfHr8TrojRSHrkuIA/s16000/cloudy.png" /></a></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The other day, Harry convinced me to watch Aftersun <i>(2022)</i>. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a story about a daughter recollecting memories with her father, who she realises now in later life, was very depressed.</span><span id="docs-internal-guid-ef4b859b-7fff-1b15-eae5-394ccef3d0ca"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m a total crybaby, and normally can’t get through an episode of Come Dine With Me without shedding at least a little tear. When the credits rolled on Paul Mescal, Harry turned to my frowning self and noted ‘you didn’t like it’.</span></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-ef4b859b-7fff-1b15-eae5-394ccef3d0ca"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘Just wasn’t for me’ I shrugged, ‘I just think he didn’t seem that sad’.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">30 minutes later, we were in bed, the imminent childhood flashbacks had appeared and I was sobbing. The film had clearly left its mark. I was trying to explain to Harry what it felt like to be actively depressed.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For weeks at a time, months if I’m lucky, I can pretty convincingly play a regular person. I can find myself engaged at work while juggling a healthy social life, I can keep my laundry pile small and I can remember to take my vitamins - after a healthy serving of breakfast. I know exactly what it takes to keep myself happy and I put it all into place.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes there are bad days, and I might feel sad or pissed off at the world, but I can still do all these daily tasks, do them well, and keep on top of things. A bad day, while not uncommon, usually only happens when something has <i>made</i> it happen. I slipped up at work and now have to spend hours fixing the problem instead of trawling through my to-do list. I missed the bus, even after doing my little jog for it. Yes, I’m annoyed, but the problem has a solution and I can see the end of it.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That’s not what it’s like when I’m in active depression.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Imagine, one day, you wake up and gravity has become stronger. Everything around you feels heavier, everything more difficult to navigate.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your duvet is pressing down with the weight of a labrador sprawling over you. You scramble out of bed, feeling double your weight weigh down on your back, your knees. Getting ready for the day feels like an impossible task if your clothes feel too heavy to wear and brushing your teeth seems like an olympic sport.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Imagine time starts ticking slightly slower. Things are not quite in slow motion, but everything moves a little more sluggish than normal.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You know that coffee, maybe a quick bite to eat, would make you feel better. But if it felt as if the kettle took 15 minutes to boil, would you wait for it? Would you set off on a morning walk if it felt like you’d be stuck outside for hours on end?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The worst part is you’re the only person experiencing the world this way. Everybody else can happily work through their 9-5 (32 hours in your time), nip out to walk the dog (half marathon) and chat with their partner over dinner (performing as a West End lead). You must seem like a poor excuse for company among these ordinary people. Isolate yourself. Keep your slow, sluggish world as separate from others as you can.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCi9IsvcsKaO9qFHXwFpE_sLRzFZlZz7bwfvhQym40yrXr-rw9okTwGhK1dN_vCHrHe0_L7FsP1vz0Qr-32C2JrEem7Zp5jwydHCPXuvHnzt9clmm2bwUS_2BfGaEjnnuWhoiLQlZlvUM_6D9ldBz94PAELEzqddQNzZ9wSyyNJVTS5bn461nvMkZXw/s1050/rainy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="827" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCi9IsvcsKaO9qFHXwFpE_sLRzFZlZz7bwfvhQym40yrXr-rw9okTwGhK1dN_vCHrHe0_L7FsP1vz0Qr-32C2JrEem7Zp5jwydHCPXuvHnzt9clmm2bwUS_2BfGaEjnnuWhoiLQlZlvUM_6D9ldBz94PAELEzqddQNzZ9wSyyNJVTS5bn461nvMkZXw/s16000/rainy.png" /></a></div><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘It’s annoying’ I said, ‘Because I know that going out for a walk in the morning is the best thing for my mental health. I know I should eat breakfast, I know I should journal, I know I should breathe. I know I should be doing all those things but when I’m depressed they feel unachievable’.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘If I felt like I weighed 1000kg I wouldn’t go for a walk either’ Harry replied. ‘Let me cook for you and help-’.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘Oh no,’ I interrupted. ‘I like cooking. The kitchen is an anti-gravity room. When I’m cooking, especially waiting for you to get home, everything feels light. Everything is easy, time ticks faster’.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘That sounds really dangerous’.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘Okay, the knives are affected by gravity’.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I remembered this conversation this afternoon and realised it was one of the easiest ways I’ve been able to explain depression to a loved one. It might not make sense to everyone, but I think it sums up how I feel on the worst of days. Not only is it a taboo subject, but discussing mental health with friends and family can feel impossible, as unfortunately, it’s all in your head.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anyway, would I recommend Aftersun? Probably still no. Bit slow.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.1275862-3.5584945421960157 -70.4400862 90 70.1849138tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-33150805091371535352023-03-30T22:15:00.001+01:002023-03-30T22:15:32.613+01:0025<div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Trigger warning:</b><i> </i>depression & suicidal thoughts. I promise it's otherwise a lovely collection of thoughts, though!</span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Before I reached my mid-twenties, the thought of it terrified me. I know how ridiculous that sounds, especially to anyone older than me, but it’s the truth.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe it’s because I’m a woman, and society has decided that we’re only useful when we’re beautiful, and we’re only beautiful when we’re young. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe - and this one’s a few notches darker - it’s because when I was 17, my mild teenage depression had twisted itself into suicidal ideation, and decided quite inconveniently that it was going to stay put. Though dying isn’t a constant thought on my mind, it pops up more frequently than I’d like, and I’d somehow convinced myself I wouldn’t reach the age of 30. </span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe it’s because I’ve always fancied* Leonardo DiCaprio, and now I’m a haggard old crone in his eyes.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7wY36qhKmOix5MGiP-8uYp1vWkr7wnPxjgOP5eXPFZikqGTQDIoQ1kyqN8JobukjAQiD1qTuKe3kTyshlpYdJXZxw003HROsPqyU6c3k6Psv_OeL4c7hmJ95ygzcvnEbSutKI56O5tNtH8g0AgfjyDlAieCyet_n7fgFLiwgLKjE7RSQjnGVVF0OcQ/s1000/coffee%20view.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="945" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7wY36qhKmOix5MGiP-8uYp1vWkr7wnPxjgOP5eXPFZikqGTQDIoQ1kyqN8JobukjAQiD1qTuKe3kTyshlpYdJXZxw003HROsPqyU6c3k6Psv_OeL4c7hmJ95ygzcvnEbSutKI56O5tNtH8g0AgfjyDlAieCyet_n7fgFLiwgLKjE7RSQjnGVVF0OcQ/s16000/coffee%20view.png" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I really don’t know why I sat at my sisters wedding, three days before my 24th birthday telling my auntie that I was planning to start lying about my age. I’m glad she scoffed and rolled her eyes.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fear of the unknown. That’s the likely culprit. I’d known how to be a teenager, I’d done very well at that, and dragged my teenage self into my early twenties. But 24 and 25 just seemed so grown up, I didn’t know what to expect.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Turns out, mid twenties have been the best so far, and I’m very content. I wish I could go back and tell myself how colourful and lively these years are.</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Here’s what 25 feels like:</span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkUdcDHzmccrtPUm6efB6esMU9eZztwhUERbO74eaQcBERsaMJzEfYS0LEOp_SGrUZXckPDoBH4gefIYt2DACK0tpr5CeGjwbZmvPBZQq_oClymEL0Nuf59u3MoSOLm3MAges-w7YDlEcfja7ywqSdUkLS0fkB6h8Pa0pbEXCiizKiqFcXgy1iglsIg/s945/25%20b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="945" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSkUdcDHzmccrtPUm6efB6esMU9eZztwhUERbO74eaQcBERsaMJzEfYS0LEOp_SGrUZXckPDoBH4gefIYt2DACK0tpr5CeGjwbZmvPBZQq_oClymEL0Nuf59u3MoSOLm3MAges-w7YDlEcfja7ywqSdUkLS0fkB6h8Pa0pbEXCiizKiqFcXgy1iglsIg/s16000/25%20b.png" /></a></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Three friends sitting cross-legged on the floor around a coffee table, eating crisps (these could either be from a bowl or directly from the bag so long as it’s been ripped open and laid flat to allow for hands to attack it from all angles).</span></li></ul><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Finishing a meeting at work in which you actually contributed value and knowledge. Walking directly to the kitchen afterwards, flicking on the kettle and smiling to yourself, wondering ‘who the fuck was that?’ You’re not sure when you became quite so capable, but god it feels good.</span></li></ul><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sitting in a meeting at work, deciding to finally Google that acronym you’ve heard just over a hundred times and nodded along to without understanding. Keeping a poker face for your camera as you realise you’re an idiot. Is ‘Business as Usual’ really too long to say, anyway?</span></li></ul><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reaching the age your mother was when she had her first child. Feeling a mixture of confusion and sympathy; she was just a kid, like you.</span></li></ul><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Packing up the car for a big group trip away. Two of your closest friends you’ve known since you were 13 have, at long last, fallen in love. You are now listening to them bicker about whether the other remembered to pack the red wine vinegar for Tuesday night's lentil pie.</span></li></ul><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Visiting a feminist museum dedicated to vaginas on a Monday evening. Packing into a room absolutely filled to the brim with like-minded people on a pilgrimage to learn about ancient tampons and see a wall covered in vulvas.</span></li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2seq2e_VxPCE8hbN6ZmVGAD9DJ5Yle8yGvJpC8S7GZ7UcmzKpodCV3iWCfRS3cEKQC-N7X5MZW_vrwCeSTdK0H7R7a5fTHTh93hDfvnomfF9-jJik82QLoWq28eHrGxc15UEY-OL_zQEI_JgFKoEOuSF9ALIl7MBc_YFKKhmk5d_oUOv3VLiC3v-Rw/s945/25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="945" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2seq2e_VxPCE8hbN6ZmVGAD9DJ5Yle8yGvJpC8S7GZ7UcmzKpodCV3iWCfRS3cEKQC-N7X5MZW_vrwCeSTdK0H7R7a5fTHTh93hDfvnomfF9-jJik82QLoWq28eHrGxc15UEY-OL_zQEI_JgFKoEOuSF9ALIl7MBc_YFKKhmk5d_oUOv3VLiC3v-Rw/s16000/25.png" /></a></div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Leaning against the back of a tube carriage, reading a book as the rickety world chatters around you. You don't have to look up to count the number of stops there are before your destination, you know instinctively when to get off. You remember taking this same line when you were 15 on your first adult-free London excursion with your girl friends. It felt so novel, we all sat bolt upright, eyes glued to the maps, just to be sure there was no chance we'd get lost or miss our stop. That 15 year old is still with you today, still excited about catching the tube without mum's direction, proud to have escaped your claustrophobia and smug about knowing the way.</span></li></ul><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Visiting a friend in the city they've made home. Seeing it through their eyes, their experiences, their stories. Even a place you've visited a handful of times before can be rediscovered when it stops being a tourist destination and starts being theirs. Jemma's Bristol, Lucas' London, even the friends that stayed loyal to your hometown can show you the newer, cooler corners of Southsea.</span></li></ul><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Never understanding what anyone does for work. I know job titles, industries. But when I try to picture what my friends are actually doing Monday to Friday, I come up blank. Probably emails? </span></li></ul><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My bathroom cabinet is home to both Olaplex No. 3 and Lidl's own brand dry shampoo. I'm much better acquainted with the latter.</span></li></ul><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Messaging your vegan friends to ask for help on a lasagne you're throwing together for a dinner party that evening. Trying Sainsbury's and Waitrose before finding Nutritional Yeast in Holland & Barrett.</span></li></ul><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Laughing embarrassingly loudly during a pub lunch because your friend just cracked the best-timed joke you've heard in a while. ("I ended up at the pub during an football game the other day, and it was packed full of men in Arsenal shirts crowding around the TVs, and I realised that this is their Vagina Museum" "What, a room full of cunts?")</span></li></ul><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Booking my one annual appointment at the hairdressers, then spending the rest of the year snipping away at my fringe over the bathroom sink, because there's no way I'm throwing away another forty quid for somebody else to mess it up again. (There is, I will).</span></li></ul><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thinking about investing in stocks (because my clever boyfriend does so), then opening my banking app to see the one single pound I deposited into my Help to Buy ISA five years ago and realising I'm not quite there yet.</span></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>*Clarification: I actually have never fancied Leo but invented this adoration for him there in the interests of lightening things up</div>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-39207895935621474422023-03-26T21:02:00.001+01:002023-03-26T21:03:11.872+01:00A lack of self control<p>I’m bad with money. I order more takeaways than I like to admit. I cycle through gym memberships two or three times a year, creative hobbies come and go, I use my calendar and diary on a week-on-week-off basis and keeping on top of the dishes seems to depend on whether the month’s second full moon has occurred yet or not.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I have terrible self control.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuXRL61SzNsR0I_QDAR_1Tmd8kJWzsaSuGkKwL5wRuQbjJelbnH02ES9KLjgJgExkjUPJ5YSwy0Tj4nd_R79V7jTxz6tbUP476inpXqtX9FHJjMk-0PHmFJ0gvuC8rDcFzgAaFWM4dkiOWGzkl2r_VHMlkX8IUNbjy6qt4V-oY-jn8MAZQJxRqELWcw/s1313/Self%20Discipline.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1313" data-original-width="945" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuXRL61SzNsR0I_QDAR_1Tmd8kJWzsaSuGkKwL5wRuQbjJelbnH02ES9KLjgJgExkjUPJ5YSwy0Tj4nd_R79V7jTxz6tbUP476inpXqtX9FHJjMk-0PHmFJ0gvuC8rDcFzgAaFWM4dkiOWGzkl2r_VHMlkX8IUNbjy6qt4V-oY-jn8MAZQJxRqELWcw/s16000/Self%20Discipline.png" /></a></div><p>My intentions are almost always good, they’re often great. But there tends to be a huge, invisible obstacle with no name and no purpose in the way when it comes to following through.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">I tried to be vegan from the age of 18-22.</h3><p>I’d transitioned my entire makeup and cosmetics collection to cruelty-free and vegan products, so it felt like the obvious next step was my diet.</p><p>The next five years went terribly. I watched a lot of documentaries, I read books and articles, I even spitefully watched vegan creators criticise meaty or even vegetarian What I Eat in a Day videos. I truly believed in the cause, but, when it came down to it, I just couldn’t stick to a vegan diet at all. My fridge and cupboards were filled with all the right things, I knew what supplements to take too. But if I got tipsy at a party, cocktail sausages would be the only cure. If I got drunk? A full on doner kebab.</p><p>It wasn’t just when I’d been drinking. Dairy, eggs and eventually, meat, slipped back into my diet. I was wracked with guilt every time I messed up, and would vow to give it up altogether the very next day. I think the longest I lasted consistently was probably a month.</p><p>Just a couple of years ago, I decided to give up the self-imposed label and just allow myself to eat what I felt like eating. I still eat a lot of veggie and vegan food, but don’t mentally beat myself up after chicken fajitas now. It’s liberating.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">I have this all or nothing attitude towards most things. </h3><p>In early 2022, you could find me at the gym at 6:15am - on the dot - at least four mornings a week. If I slipped up, however, and only made it twice, I could cry tears of frustration or end up spending all evening in bed telling myself that I’m a lazy sack of shit.</p><p>Last December, I waded through five books without even trying. When the new year rolled in, I’d downloaded Goodreads, set a goal of 30 books and ordered half as many second hand to fill my shelf. Then, at a rainy holiday house with a bunch of friends, I managed to read one single page before my attention drifted elsewhere.</p><p>The dates in my written journal tend to be one day after the next six times in a row, then a 20 day gap. In my mind, I can visit a graveyard of abandoned activities: yoga, running, my YouTube channel, regular fake tanning, online courses in anything from astrology to BSL. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">The problem with all or nothing is that sooner or later, you choose nothing.</h3><p>A few weeks ago, my friend and her partner were near London and wanted to meet up. They had plans to go bouldering, their beloved hobby, so they found a climbing wall near me and invited me to join as a one-off.</p><p>I absolutely loved it.</p><p>Taking a break from clambering around clumsily, I told my friend how glad I was to try something new. She said ‘There is a specific joy in starting something from scratch. Even when you’re bad at it’.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBnpT6pS9AASO5IePWka8oOFKtic8uZqb5l5qkQnDaN7gQrk_HAUqo9jiQKULLoYPRGbl5EDdpG6eDjycw_PSX-jTU1wpjIGeVsGKyRybtJqgzYVnZz-RLMOnGKuKwbow7YDLRhPeo_cmnHldh-RqzMv5UaWLlpJOP3kBZDlR3URX-WCfLecH42XXug/s945/Self%20Discipline%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="945" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBnpT6pS9AASO5IePWka8oOFKtic8uZqb5l5qkQnDaN7gQrk_HAUqo9jiQKULLoYPRGbl5EDdpG6eDjycw_PSX-jTU1wpjIGeVsGKyRybtJqgzYVnZz-RLMOnGKuKwbow7YDLRhPeo_cmnHldh-RqzMv5UaWLlpJOP3kBZDlR3URX-WCfLecH42XXug/s16000/Self%20Discipline%20(1).png" /></a></div><p>Trying out new hobbies and dropping them isn’t a character flaw, or a sign of failure. I just really enjoy trying new things. I like to be excited by newness, I like to be terrible at something and slowly learn how to be mediocre.</p><p>Really, is there anything morally wrong with trying something, then losing interest and trying something else instead? No. It’s time I stop beating myself up about it.</p><p>I’m going to keep trying new things, and I’m going to keep quitting them, too. Maybe I’ll find something I have my heart set on forever, but if not, I’m still going to have a lot of fun.</p>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-45775081707514042362023-03-20T20:15:00.001+00:002023-03-20T21:10:14.319+00:00On avoidance<p> Have you ever been sat on a bus or train, when a small child decides, unprovoked, to stare you down?</p><p>Turning around in their seat, eyes fixed, mouth open. Absolutely fascinated by your face, maybe your piercings, more likely an enormous spot on your chin.</p><p>You have no idea how to acknowledge this child - if you return eye contact, they could cry (bad), they could laugh (worse), their parent might accuse you of being a nonce (never happened but still a real fear). </p><p>So you just have to stare at your phone, look out the window, do anything but look in the kid’s direction.</p><p>Avoidance is the way out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgG9zEywDHWTcaxS1Ki-nY1P3ZkgmyBuyUeJfBHnPDrf5DWHLbadRfrteROmHw6Xp5DTN2m4iB7KrONqjDsIgHN1bonux5XrLC4jiavi8yl_KAseAV341we2SDTLG32jhisJQRyMwJKMClO9qj-B55-yFQXdKmdypWDOa5Dgru2__8okpNJQ5DmiVZ6g/s1500/giving%20up%20drinking.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgG9zEywDHWTcaxS1Ki-nY1P3ZkgmyBuyUeJfBHnPDrf5DWHLbadRfrteROmHw6Xp5DTN2m4iB7KrONqjDsIgHN1bonux5XrLC4jiavi8yl_KAseAV341we2SDTLG32jhisJQRyMwJKMClO9qj-B55-yFQXdKmdypWDOa5Dgru2__8okpNJQ5DmiVZ6g/s16000/giving%20up%20drinking.png" /></a></div><p>I’m not an alcoholic, but I can see off a bottle of red wine without feeling so much as tipsy.</p><p>I’m not an alcoholic, but by the time I was 18 my friend’s mum had a bucket in her garage with my name on it, and she fondly dubbed me Queen of Chunder.</p><p>I’m not an alcoholic, but I don’t remember any Freshers events at University that didn’t end up with somebody phoning my then-boyfriend to carry me home.</p><p>I’m not an alcoholic, but my family has seen me hungover so often that I’d receive genuine congratulations and surprise on any Sunday I could stand up straight.</p><p>I cannot count the number of times I’ve said the words ‘I’m not an alcoholic, but’. To hazard a guess, I’ll say upwards of 150.</p><p>‘I’m not an alcoholic, but’ was the phrase that excused me. I’m a heavy drinker, but it’s all good fun. Alright, I might cause a bit of chaos, but it’s because I’m so lively and social!</p><p>Each and every time I said I wasn’t an alcoholic, I was pushing something away. I was trying to focus on something else.</p><p>‘I’m not an alcoholic, but’ was me staring out the window, not acknowledging or facing the problem because the potential reaction terrified me.</p><p>‘I’m an alcoholic’. That set me free.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvWH10DsloRQyHNaor7KA_KjPNnaqeXULL3iIpWgmSoslJTSWD7ENL76VFXLaHToSsL-FJM12zfANgPvLjbCTMRTam8JYh_tK8_RzKtnxdjNJEw5NSMKjksbSIgOvc_dkP9yN90RKxPnTtXlBLXAfTHn7-_2FWCR47JgNZZJ5Rrcyok1LvaDIBEFoRQ/s1440/giving%20up%20drinking%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvWH10DsloRQyHNaor7KA_KjPNnaqeXULL3iIpWgmSoslJTSWD7ENL76VFXLaHToSsL-FJM12zfANgPvLjbCTMRTam8JYh_tK8_RzKtnxdjNJEw5NSMKjksbSIgOvc_dkP9yN90RKxPnTtXlBLXAfTHn7-_2FWCR47JgNZZJ5Rrcyok1LvaDIBEFoRQ/s16000/giving%20up%20drinking%20(1).png" /></a></div><p>Have you ever waved at a kid on a bus? </p><p>I haven’t, but for the sake of my metaphor, I’m going to make the assumption that they’re not as scary as I’ve made them up to be.</p><span></span><p style="text-align: center;">---</p><p style="text-align: left;">Just over five weeks ago, I admitted to my partner, my family, my friends and finally, myself, that I have a problem with alcohol.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I admitted that it's time to give it up.</p><p>I can’t think of many other decisions I’ve made in my life that have been so unquestionably<i> right</i>.</p><p>It isn’t going to be easy by any means, but it’ll be easier than crawling to the toilet to throw up at 6am. Easier than waking up to the gut-wrenching realisation that I started a meaningless argument with my boyfriend the night before. A lot bloody easier than worrying and hurting the people that love me because I prioritised beer over looking after myself.</p><p>This blog is going to be a space to document this journey, along with everything else I am excited about. Feel free to follow along if you’re interested, or nosy (I would be) or curious about alcohol-free life.</p><p>Cheers!🥂</p><div><br /></div>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.127586223.196983963821154 -35.2838362 79.817451636178845 35.0286638tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-22655494228755310302023-03-19T21:36:00.001+00:002023-03-20T10:44:21.200+00:00How do you make friends as an adult?<p>Where do you learn how to make friends?</p><p>Everything I know, I learnt from Friends.</p><p>As in the TV show.</p><p>Unfortunately, in real life it's not quite as easy to spend all day, every day in a coffee shop and wait for zany cameo characters to come in and drop a funny one-liner.<span></span></p><a name="more"></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzXyY8QUjrlGpJt9ByCPDjwTH0N2MpCHpFQm-Ieb_XsM7detfMwFqJk5ubNspvaHIS2yXAsE2ArqpniKy532_TDuDYic0E33g0V9nOBIiyKKy-lFNs4wLa7AdZWtK1jF8_5y6S1_SsQWT_bB8a3Eo5NhIKetR9eabDlnMO03PWBzzrSbeDzoM3xKLJw/s1680/making%20friends%20in%20twenties.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzXyY8QUjrlGpJt9ByCPDjwTH0N2MpCHpFQm-Ieb_XsM7detfMwFqJk5ubNspvaHIS2yXAsE2ArqpniKy532_TDuDYic0E33g0V9nOBIiyKKy-lFNs4wLa7AdZWtK1jF8_5y6S1_SsQWT_bB8a3Eo5NhIKetR9eabDlnMO03PWBzzrSbeDzoM3xKLJw/s16000/making%20friends%20in%20twenties.png"></a><span></span></div><p>I'm sure they would <i>absolutely</i> mind me saying this, but I'm also sure they won't read this anyway. Growing up, I didn't see my parents nurturing many real friendships. </p><p>My dad has blokes he chats to the pub, but I doubt he knows their hopes, dreams or surnames.</p><p>My mum is the woman from whom I learnt my absolute phobia of small talk. I wouldn't describe her as shy, I think she is a textbook introvert and was much happier playing in the woods with her kids than spending time in the boring adult world.</p><p>She did have a group of friends for a while who I remember fondly, but her closest friends are the four women she gave birth to, and that suits her very well.</p><p>-</p><p>This meant, however, that I've grown up not only incredibly introverted, but painfully shy too. I found my first group of friends aged 11 and have basically clung on to them since.</p><p>Though the more extraverted members of the crew managed to introduce a few extra pals here and there, I went through the entirety of school, sixth form and even 2 years at University without really figuring out how to talk to people that weren't already established as acquaintances at the very least. </p><p>That was of course, unless I had my secret antidote to shyness: alcohol. But that's an entirely different, much bigger problem that I'll get into another day, and either way, my relationship with booze is firmly over.</p><p>It was only when I was in my twenties I found myself making friends completely independently. Some of the friendships I made were fleeting, some I believe are lifelong and one (rather important one) bloomed into sickeningly sweet romantic love.</p><p>As much as I struggle to pin-point how these friendships came to be, they did somehow. So, how do you make friends in your twenties, you ask?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-BKv4rg9sf56BWvfwBYITSqRdlqihHqNYPno9Dho2CPG4e_kjtffmqd3p_2Ewph7TJ4JBqFq9CnqzHY_EIJF89ysrNHMxSwXSJEk0FrzrlonRNFn79coEZWZSfx3y7wSncDp3r2HS9BrCqrdR5wQVp9eitLra92asqKyLuwLlIYbjFwnTxlpw5PqZg/s1500/making%20friends%20in%20twenties%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-BKv4rg9sf56BWvfwBYITSqRdlqihHqNYPno9Dho2CPG4e_kjtffmqd3p_2Ewph7TJ4JBqFq9CnqzHY_EIJF89ysrNHMxSwXSJEk0FrzrlonRNFn79coEZWZSfx3y7wSncDp3r2HS9BrCqrdR5wQVp9eitLra92asqKyLuwLlIYbjFwnTxlpw5PqZg/s16000/making%20friends%20in%20twenties%20(1).png"></a></div><br><h3 style="text-align: left;">Work in hospitality</h3><p>Starting off with an incredibly unhelpful tip here. If you don't already work in hospitality, I don't suspect you'll make the switch just to find somebody to join you at the cinema. But if you're in your early twenties and have been looking to make money on the weekends anyway, a job in a pub, bar, restaurant or in my case, coffee shop, is one of the best ways to find people you'll gel with. Hospo folks come from all walks of life, you can find friends no matter your age and unless you're spectacularly unlucky, you're bound to at least be on talking terms with somebody.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">In education? Join a club</h3><p>For me, joining the Student Media Society at University was a lifeline. I didn't live in halls at uni, I made one close friend from the beginning and then didn't attempt to make any more. This made my life quite dull when said friend was whisked away for a semester abroad. Luckily, I'd been a very enthusiastic creative and had been involved in the student magazine, where through common interests and hard work, I found a group of people for me.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Make social media <i>actually</i> social</h3><p>If, like me, you're that charming mix of introverted and shy, you might tend build your life around <u>not</u> having opportunities to meet new people. Hobbies include reading and late nights playing the Sims. But no matter what you have convinced yourself, the opportunities are there, and they are plentiful. Download Bumble BFF and actually meet people from there. Find events you're interested in going to, like museum exhibitions, comedy nights or music gigs, then head online and find the communities of people who will be there. Facebook groups are great for this, but there are also dedicated apps like NextDoor (although I'd say you might find a slightly older crowd there).</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Don't!</h3><p>It's such an old cliche, but friendships are absolutely about quality over quantity. A year or so ago, I was complaining to a therapist about how I struggled to make new friends at work, while making time for my family, boyfriend and existing friends. She asked me why making new friends was such a priority for me, and I had <u>nothing</u>. It can feel like when you're young, there's this quota of Good Times, nights out and meaningful late night phone calls you have to fulfill. There's not. If you enjoy a movie night by yourself more than bottomless brunch, skip the brunch.</p><h3>Let it happen</h3><div>Honestly, I've tried a lot. I went on a Bumble BFF date and I joined countless online communities. But the best friends I made just sort of came out of nowhere. Visit your existing friends that have inconveniently moved to cities scattered across the country. Go sit at the communal lunch area at work instead of eating your sandwich at your desk. Reply to tweets and TikToks of people you feel like you'd gel with. 99% of the time not much will come of it, sure, but you've lost nothing. But that 1%? That's everything.</div><p><br></p>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-70340458635666934382023-03-13T20:32:00.001+00:002023-03-19T22:04:28.108+00:00Where I'm at<p>I started writing this blog about 10 years ago. I was an incredibly naive fifteen year old kid and I'm so glad I captured those memories. It allows me to remember who I was and picture what I was up to then.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorMYzQWJHADuWuytDHblDYA4avT_qPE0pWgfuiySTFJfmBXrwL0tUDUiSK6niZQGiy_jK7FMofzhlGCKgWc3V-kRsYhnxqSe1tgUk5B_Y3HGutyjPwmD8lbBnysLvrrvLlClCzDFvIVGwoh3JpckmDxFOlbUkfozMi-4gXZ7BbAmNnf39anucFbakoA/s1680/Grey%20Minimalist%20Tips%20Blog%20Banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="1680" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorMYzQWJHADuWuytDHblDYA4avT_qPE0pWgfuiySTFJfmBXrwL0tUDUiSK6niZQGiy_jK7FMofzhlGCKgWc3V-kRsYhnxqSe1tgUk5B_Y3HGutyjPwmD8lbBnysLvrrvLlClCzDFvIVGwoh3JpckmDxFOlbUkfozMi-4gXZ7BbAmNnf39anucFbakoA/w640-h360/Grey%20Minimalist%20Tips%20Blog%20Banner.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>Not to blow my own trumpet too hard, but I have a feeling that 15 year old Nadine would be incredibly excited to get to where I am now.</p><p>I dreamt of living in a new city, falling in love, using my creativity to make a living and overall, building a life and a home for myself.</p><p>Not only have I achieved a life that I wished for and sketched up in an old notebook, my dreams have only grown bigger and I've become the kind of person who truly tries.</p><p>It hasn't been an easy decade. </p><p>Mental illnesses quickly crept up and wreaked havoc on my motivation and self worth. I found myself in a very long, very tough relationship with a selfish somebody who never considered my feelings. My heart was broken repeatedly which didn't exactly help guide me out of my depression.</p><p>At one point, I found myself an unemployed university drop-out. I convinced myself I'd never had big hopes for my life, it was much easier than grasping for whatever hope I had left.</p><p>Things changed. I stumbled into the right path with the right people. The world saw something in me I didn't realise was still there, and these people fiercely helped me take life back into my own hands.</p><p>I put myself first.</p><p>I fell in love, I gave myself a chance to try out a career I cared for. I put my foot in the door, I became an information sponge, learning as much as I could about anything I could. I worked harder than ever, but it didn't feel that way, because I enjoyed every second.</p><p>I used my creativity to make a living. I moved to London with the love of my life. I spend my days in a place I've made home for myself. I built myself a life.</p><p>Mental illness still takes a very heavy toll on my life, but I have learnt to sometimes manage it. Not always, but sometimes.</p><p>I'm proud of where I have taken my fifteen year old self in these past ten years.</p>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5072178 -0.12758623.6737348382861867 -70.4400862 90 70.1849138tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-86144124272892649902017-11-25T19:13:00.006+00:002023-03-19T21:49:09.304+00:00Lip Balm: A Natural + Vegan Guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Winter has arrived, and brought along its annoying friend - chapped lips. Freezing winds and central heating create a cocktail of soreness, redness and flaky skin which looks crap but feels even worse.<br />
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Lip balm is my best friend all year round, but in the wintery months I always make sure I have one to hand 24/7. So, which is best? Mei from Reviews.com provided me with a <a href="https://www.reviews.com/lip-balm/" target="_blank"><b>really useful, in-depth report on what's good in a lip balm</b></a>, and what to avoid. Although the lip balms that I use daily and will talk about in this post aren't mentioned in the report, they still fit the bill of wholesome, good quality lip balms with ingredients that will genuinely improve your lips rather than mask the discomfort. Some of the products mentioned in the report aren't cruelty-free + vegan, but I'd really recommend giving it a read to improve your knowledge. If you apply lip balm as often as I do, it's not only interesting but also really important to know what's going on to your delicate skin on the daily.<br />
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These four lip balms are what I've been using recently to prevent the chapped lips situ: all affordable for my measly student budget, all vegan, all cruelty-free and all-natural. Lovely!<br />
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<b><a href="https://bloomtown.co.uk/products/avo-mint-vegan-lip-balm" target="_blank">Bloomtown Avo Mint</a> </b><br />
Recently Bloomtown had an offer that let you try one of their new vegan lip balms for free, and another for half-price. Bargain! After ten days of use, I already know I'll be repurchasing one of these once I run out. The avo-mint scent (scent? flavour? who knows with lip balm) is a hydrating and refreshing pot to dip into - the peppermint oil giving you a slight tingle but unlike medicated ingredients - this won't cause more damage.<br />
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<b><a href="https://bloomtown.co.uk/products/vegan-lip-balm-red-berried" target="_blank">Bloomtown Red and Berried</a> </b><br />
Always a fan of a punny name, I also love the formula of this lip balm. This leaves a very subtle sheen on the lips, so you can dab it on top of a matte lipstick to make it more comfortable (I have no patience for matte in winter) or pop a colour on top. Its power as a lip balm is great too - the scent reminds me of a Body Shop strawberry lip balm I had when I was in school - it's a real delight to apply it as it smells so sweet.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/crazy-rumours-black-cherry-lip-balm-60013999" target="_blank">Crazy Rumors Black Cherry</a> </b><br />
The Crazy Rumors lip balms are well known and well loved in the cruelty-free community, and for good reason. A really nourishing and moisturising balm that comes in a huge variety of scents, in the easiest form of applicator. This is the first one I've ever tried, but I've had it for a good few months and it doesn't seem to be running out any time soon. I'm surprised I haven't lost it yet honestly.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.naturisimo.com/products.cfm?id=3135&" target="_blank">Hurraw Coconut Lip Balm</a></b><br />
I feel as if Hurraw are a close runner up to the Crazy Rumors clan and I picked this up on a whim in a health food shop. As soon as I'd bought it, I was told via Instagram stories (by @sounthie) that the moonbalm version has a better formula - so I'm really excited to try that! So far I've been a big fan of the coconut version though, it's such a comforting but gentle scent and feels soothing on the lips.<br />
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So now you know what's rattling around in my backpack, handbags and pockets at all hours of the day, and if you're in need of a new lip balm to add to your own collection, I'd really recommend one of these. Christmas is coming, and if I were to receive either of the Bloomtown balms in my stocking I'd be very grateful to Santa for it! I actually feel as if my lip balm collection isn't large enough in proportion to my huge adoration for the stuff, so if you have any recommendations of your own, please let me know!<br />
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<br />Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com1Cardiff, UK51.481581000000013 -3.179089999999973851.323433500000014 -3.5018134999999737 51.639728500000011 -2.8563664999999738tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-34350450034960692402017-09-15T18:02:00.001+01:002023-03-19T21:51:18.919+00:00The Vegan Palette of Dreams | BH Cosmetics X Carli Bybel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since transitioning my cruelty-free collection to an entirely vegan one, I’ve found palettes to be a pain in the ass. Why is carmine so widely used? Why is it more normal to find crushed up beetles in eyeshadows than not? I’m constantly baffled.<br />
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When doing a lil’ makeup shopping a couple of months ago, I discovered a brand called BH Cosmetics – a leaping bunny approved company with a huge range of clearly marked vegan products. With ten wearable eyeshadows and four glowing highlighters, this palette called out to me, and a few YouTube reviews later, it was in my basket.<br />
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As you can see, the eyeshadow colours are neutral, gloriously pigmented and suitable for a huge range of skin tones. I’ve been able to create some ‘barely there’ looks as well as some bold night-time ones and the gradient from light pink to deep bronze means this palette will serve you well no matter the season. The five shimmery shades are so buttery, they’re an absolute dream to apply and blend effortlessly. The matte shades are pigmented, though they are admittedly more powdery and you’ll need to work your blending brush harder. This is common in better value palettes, though, and doesn’t detract from how impressed I am.<br />
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The highlights are, as the kids say, POPPING. The two lighter shades I’ve been using daily, sometimes mixed together (really pushing the boat out). The pink gives me a real Farrah Moan-esque glow that I can’t get over. The two darker shades would look gorgeous on those with deeper skin than mine, but as they don’t suit me in terms of highlight, I’ve found better use for them mixed into my eyeshadow looks. Waste not, want not.<br />
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I’ve been using this palette every single day for the three months I’ve had it, and you can consider me impressed. At only £18.00 (<a href="http://www.beautybay.com/cosmetics/bhcosmetics/carlibybel14coloureyeshadowhighlighterpalette/" target="_blank">it was £12.50 on Beauty Bay</a> but <a href="http://www.abadvegan.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lisa</a> just informed me it was out of stock, oops. <a href="https://www.beautychamber.co.uk/cosmetics-carli-bybel-eyeshadow-highlighter-palette-p-4180.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw9O3NBRB3EiwAK6wPTwVHRvI_q1ZOUyT92-CrGf7tAwKg23Fy2dqtyObHOxSASp_7aezIUxoC2EsQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Try here</a>?) this is incredibly good value for a humble student budget like mine. If you find yourself in the market for a good vegan powder palette, I’d really recommend giving this one a go. In the meantime, I’ll be ogling at the rest of BH Cosmetics’ range until I can afford to pick up more.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I bought this with my own money, and all views are my own. I know it seems so bloody advertorial but I seriously just love it.</span><br />
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Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0Cardiff, UK51.481581000000013 -3.179089999999973851.323433500000014 -3.5018134999999737 51.639728500000011 -2.8563664999999738tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-4745684306860692292017-09-09T13:20:00.000+01:002023-03-19T21:51:31.281+00:00Discovering Benecos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2H01b5xmY616Z6_McVCfNPkEqnIjUiuVouva4ZJfuRZIREZXFeRiz5G4Apq7pDvlSNm8iIVukfC-uKhG5tY0Kv2EVWSmjc276f4qSw61-BweimxTz-_CzuXVWCfiaX5NsztTRPzr9Pq7t/s1600/Benecos+Makeup+Review+-+UK+Cruelty+Free+Blog+-+Just+Deenie+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2H01b5xmY616Z6_McVCfNPkEqnIjUiuVouva4ZJfuRZIREZXFeRiz5G4Apq7pDvlSNm8iIVukfC-uKhG5tY0Kv2EVWSmjc276f4qSw61-BweimxTz-_CzuXVWCfiaX5NsztTRPzr9Pq7t/s1600/Benecos+Makeup+Review+-+UK+Cruelty+Free+Blog+-+Just+Deenie+01.jpg" /></a></div>
One brand I’ve
often seen pop up on my cruelty-free timeline is <a href="http://www.benecos.co.uk/" target="_blank">Benecos</a>, a natural and
affordable makeup company offering products suitable to all. Though I’d seen a
few of their products reviewed by my favourites, and waked past the stand at
Holland and Barrett with wide-eyes, I hadn’t tried this wonder-brand that so
many were recommending.<br />
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That’s why I was
incredibly grateful when they sent me a couple of samples of their newest
releases – a chance to try the newest and best that Benecos has to offer while
carefully choosing what to introduce to my vegan and natural collection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCN8pzGKqvMSaXe5OSuwYcVqvNo-KLcqKuNY0yMUahseQSeq1uO4vz9eqLr8p5IM1Vbdw0KnKgTHcsoirPVyPqtq5r4GJER12MrCfXHq03k8VheJCMebRpHCjSeBqc0OaaQipFh_AbD8j/s1600/Benecos+Makeup+Review+-+UK+Cruelty+Free+Blog+-+Just+Deenie+02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCN8pzGKqvMSaXe5OSuwYcVqvNo-KLcqKuNY0yMUahseQSeq1uO4vz9eqLr8p5IM1Vbdw0KnKgTHcsoirPVyPqtq5r4GJER12MrCfXHq03k8VheJCMebRpHCjSeBqc0OaaQipFh_AbD8j/s1600/Benecos+Makeup+Review+-+UK+Cruelty+Free+Blog+-+Just+Deenie+02.png" /></a></div>
<b>Happy Nails Natural Nail Polish in Mystery <a href="https://www.pravera.co.uk/shop/benecos-natural-and-organic-make-up-and-toiletries/natural-nails/natural-nail-polish/benecos-mystery-nail-polish-9ml" target="_blank">£6.95</a></b><br />
I’m quite picky when it comes to nail polish, and stick with the brands I know. When I pulled this out of the packet, I was pleased from the get-go as the colour is so me – colourful enough to be interesting while close enough to neutral in order to go with everything I wear. I didn’t have the highest hopes for the formula, as this is an inexpensive product and I’d heard mixed reviews. Boy was I wrong! From the first coat, this lacquered on with an opaque layer with strong colour pay off. The second coat finished it off with a perfect shine and opacity and I stayed chip free for FIVE DAYS. I’m a fiddler and a nail-biter, so five days for us is like a year in nail varnish terms. Though I can’t comment on the nourishing properties this promises, as I always use a base-coat, it feels like a good quality product and with natural ingredients you can’t go too far wrong. I can see this being my total go-to from now until forever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenF6JJ0J_M_fHb7NJsEPq0yGI87NeaSHZQAG0sX2AaeulwkMEAIyHYclsmWS9C0I95hCFmQe1mAzjEATuxT7iNAbmphIaAwoInreGLHMNEdid6m_ZO316RWlVCpd5FdVaoRvIxU8WsQRL/s1600/Benecos+Makeup+Review+-+UK+Cruelty+Free+Blog+-+Just+Deenie+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenF6JJ0J_M_fHb7NJsEPq0yGI87NeaSHZQAG0sX2AaeulwkMEAIyHYclsmWS9C0I95hCFmQe1mAzjEATuxT7iNAbmphIaAwoInreGLHMNEdid6m_ZO316RWlVCpd5FdVaoRvIxU8WsQRL/s1600/Benecos+Makeup+Review+-+UK+Cruelty+Free+Blog+-+Just+Deenie+04.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Natural Mascara Glamour Look in Ultimate Black <a href="https://www.pravera.co.uk/shop/benecos-natural-and-organic-make-up-and-toiletries/natural-makeup/natural-mascara/benecos-natural-mascara-glamour-look-ultimate-black" target="_blank">£7.95</a></b><br />
I love having large, voluminous lashes, however the mascaras I’ve used in the past (think Better Than Sex and Boombastic) achieve that look until halfway through the day, then flake up and irritate my eyes for the other half. My first foray into natural mascaras, I was expecting a slightly more muted look as natural ingredients (I thought) wouldn’t create such a thickening effect. Although this isn’t as dramatic as my previous mascaras, it definitely volumises enough for my taste, and the slow-drying formula allows for versatility as you can apply however many layers you call necessary. Slow-drying has its drawbacks, a sneeze can ruin your whole look and if you’re heavy handed like me, smudging is inevitable. But I have found this doesn’t tend to smudge or transfer throughout the day, so it’s really just an application problem. The major bonus is this doesn’t go flaky like all other volumising mascaras have done to me, so I no longer spend hours trying to blink mascara out of my eyeball. Nice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPOv_6fCwpZQW9XOIOf8uXgzY8-hgY-FRrQxIeF6TletErScLoiDv8f-2FKWDCL04ztvaBmYS3MUe3IAizs_33kJ0HRkRkq-SnNwaTUp5IH-rDSz0PGoXzNk1qQ4n_Vumc1uCVxmaIzvt/s1600/Benecos+Makeup+Review+-+UK+Cruelty+Free+Blog+-+Just+Deenie+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1523" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPOv_6fCwpZQW9XOIOf8uXgzY8-hgY-FRrQxIeF6TletErScLoiDv8f-2FKWDCL04ztvaBmYS3MUe3IAizs_33kJ0HRkRkq-SnNwaTUp5IH-rDSz0PGoXzNk1qQ4n_Vumc1uCVxmaIzvt/s1600/Benecos+Makeup+Review+-+UK+Cruelty+Free+Blog+-+Just+Deenie+05.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Natural Mascara Adorable Lashes in Deep Ocean <a href="https://www.pravera.co.uk/shop/benecos-natural-and-organic-make-up-and-toiletries/natural-makeup/natural-mascara/benecos-natural-mascara-adorable-lashes-deep-ocean" target="_blank">£7.95</a></b><br />
This is (shamefully) my first ever coloured mascara, and I love it! Much more wearable than some royal blue counterparts, I’ve found this subtly contrasts with my brown eyes and gives my neutral eyeshadow looks a little more oomph. This only looks blue in bright light, and even then it’s hard to tell, but it’s definitely more interesting than a black or brown. Like before, this is non-irritating to my eyes as it uses natural ingredients and doesn’t dry and flake up. Though this mascara is a little bit less volumising, you do get a great curl from the application and I feel like it lengthens beautifully. My only qualm is that it can be a little smudgy, and blue smudges under the eye do not help my existing tired-look. I have been wearing this so much more than I expected to – and I’m loving it!<br />
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To tell you the truth, I had no idea what to expect from Benecos, but I’m so pleasantly surprised. Accessible, affordable makeup to suit a huge variety of different styles while being natural and cruelty-free? Such a winner for me. To top it off, most of their products are vegan and are clearly marked.<br />
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Have you tried Benecos makeup?<br />
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Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com2Cardiff, UK51.481581000000013 -3.179089999999973851.323433500000014 -3.5018134999999737 51.639728500000011 -2.8563664999999738tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-37758449534098270582017-09-06T18:17:00.000+01:002023-03-19T21:51:37.766+00:00Self-Care Advice From My First Counselling Session<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGSMVvrKJT-fE8208Tpfoa4T_jn3GAsMjaSOg0Y5tOu0XPGRYdP3Yf2UYdEsjRc8JrmIx1PbW2CiDo0pteYi7hw03GrO0zyPADGNox2nP41HGW4az-8pvo8QLEWDCAhNh6Qq7JZLivvUM/s1600/IMG_5316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGSMVvrKJT-fE8208Tpfoa4T_jn3GAsMjaSOg0Y5tOu0XPGRYdP3Yf2UYdEsjRc8JrmIx1PbW2CiDo0pteYi7hw03GrO0zyPADGNox2nP41HGW4az-8pvo8QLEWDCAhNh6Qq7JZLivvUM/s1600/IMG_5316.JPG" /></a></div>
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The first and only time I opened up about my mental
health on this blog was when I wrote <a href="http://www.justdeenie.co.uk/2016/07/depression-open-letter.html">an open letter to depression</a>, which I
deleted when I started Uni, but as I later found out it inspired at least two
people close to me to seek help, I’ve re-published it. <o:p></o:p>
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This post, on a much brighter note, will share some of the helpful advice I received when I went to my first ever counselling session last week. It did take me over a year to get the ball rolling and actually sort out getting counselling, but if you suffer with any mental illness I really urge you to seek this as soon as you possibly can. I’m lucky enough to have access to counselling through my Uni, but NHS waiting lists can be up to a year long, so acting quickly could make a massive difference.<br />
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This is advice given to <u>me</u>, for my own personal situation. I’m not saying this is going to help <i>you</i>, but I also figure these things are generally helpful and worth a try. Obviously I’m just in the beginning stages of recovering, and although it’s too early to say exactly what kind of improvement this advice has induced, I’m definitely feeling a lot more functional.<br />
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<h3>
1 – Make a Routine</h3>
When I was in school, I hated the monotony of an everyday routine. Since leaving, I took every chance I could to give my days variation – waking up at random times, eating throughout the day instead of having regular meals and sleeping whenever I felt tired enough. I’ve had four years of forgetting how a routine helped me be more productive, energised and calm. I slotted in easily activities I adored like baking, running and blogging; things that I seemingly can’t find time for nowadays, despite having a lot more free time. Getting back a routine is proving difficult, but worth it. Every day I’ve been waking up at the same, reasonable hour and I’ve banished daytime napping which means I automatically sleep earlier and more deeply. Each morning I make myself a cup of tea before anything else, which usually gives me the motivation to make a proper breakfast (which sometimes leads on to proper lunch and proper dinner). This is just the beginning of a routine, and when Uni kicks back in I expect it to be a shock, but a healthy one. My goals for the near future are to go outside as early as possible and fit 15 minutes of tidying in to every day. Until then, I’m incredibly proud of my newfound ability to just get out of bed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mBymhCmAEphS8fveLGt0P9xnguaX7knH6xgr92yfGxUxA8CbrYiKDV2zy2GaLAJY34A1F9kZh7-FLWbJGlSKUBQCt7LQE_rgIgCt-AYp6qBhh2ys5ZZYkiDtIG7ZKgOsvxNBbPyrgwKi/s1600/self+care+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mBymhCmAEphS8fveLGt0P9xnguaX7knH6xgr92yfGxUxA8CbrYiKDV2zy2GaLAJY34A1F9kZh7-FLWbJGlSKUBQCt7LQE_rgIgCt-AYp6qBhh2ys5ZZYkiDtIG7ZKgOsvxNBbPyrgwKi/s1600/self+care+02.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm reading <i>In The Moment</i> - if you're wondering</td></tr>
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<h3>
2 – The Secret’s in the Shopping</h3>
My diet is crap. Feeling void of motivation leads to eating poorly as I can’t muster the energy needed to cook an actual meal. My days would be spent eating nothing until the late afternoon, then heading to the Co-Op for a huge bag of crisps, and oven chips for dinner. If you ensure that your food shop is carefully planned out in advance, and actually tailored to your needs (i.e. I snack a lot, so having a lot of good ingredients doesn’t help me, having quick but healthier snack options is the better) you’ll feel at least a little better. Please don’t mistake this for ‘good food can cure a mental illness’ because that’s bullshit, but if you’re better nourished then you’ll have a bit more energy to try and fight your demons. My counsellor recommended online food shopping too, for those of us who can’t always gather the will to leave the house.<br />
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<h3>
3 – Take. It. Slow.</h3>
One of my biggest downfalls is how all-or-nothing I am. I’m either in bed for two weeks straight, only leaving the house for crisps, or agreeing to twenty different projects at once while squeezing in two hours of gym time and a daily deep-clean for the flat. This, obviously, raises my expectations far above my ability to handle them, I fail myself and crumble under my own pressure. Then, I’m back in bed for weeks. It’s hard for me to not imagine my life like the motivational montage part of a cheesy movie, but I can’t squish my recovery down into the length of a single upbeat song. I have to be more patient with myself, and the only way my recovery can be sustainable is by taking it slowly, and one step at a time. I’m not going to get back into running the same way I used to in a couple of days, but if I go for a walk every day, I can slowly start to add a bit of a jog. I’m not going to go from all day in bed to all day working, but I can make sure I set an hour, or just 30 minutes of my time to get some of my to-do list done.<br />
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This is just a tiny section of advice from my 90-minute counselling session, and I’m obviously not going to share it all, but this is what I’m focusing on for now. Very aware that this post is almost 1000 words, I’m going to end it here, but if you want to know more then please let me know. Below I’m going to list some important resources if you find yourself suffering, but again, my email and social accounts are open if you need someone to talk to.<br />
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I hope this either helped, or was an interesting read for the day.<br />
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Resources:<br />
<a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/">Mind</a><br />
<a href="https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us">Samaritans</a> - phone 116 123 (UK)<br />
<a href="http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth/Pages/Mentalhealthhome.aspx">NHS Mental Health</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Depressive-illness-curse-strong-Dr-Cantopher/dp/0859699749#reader_0859699749">Depressive Illness: The Curse of The Strong</a> by Dr. Tim Cantopher (a book my counsellor suggested I read, though I haven't started)<br />
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Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com10Cardiff, UK51.481581000000013 -3.179089999999973851.323433500000014 -3.5018134999999737 51.639728500000011 -2.8563664999999738tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-5867383619848230302017-08-30T13:00:00.000+01:002023-03-19T21:51:44.755+00:00My Everyday Skincare | Cruelty-free + Vegan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWXKpRaxbLZRiVTPr5VLw_bTyhMUaANQIXw0egAY84geA9L9MG1vegjEPrxzUL16W8JR0aNhnn5kPnWFfYjsWqSkWZP-OO1o67sGnjpY7kX6psaMDLJhP2FUm6Hq-SkEEOY5ToX2PiVkC/s1600/Summer+Skincare.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWXKpRaxbLZRiVTPr5VLw_bTyhMUaANQIXw0egAY84geA9L9MG1vegjEPrxzUL16W8JR0aNhnn5kPnWFfYjsWqSkWZP-OO1o67sGnjpY7kX6psaMDLJhP2FUm6Hq-SkEEOY5ToX2PiVkC/s1600/Summer+Skincare.png" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently I’ve fine-tuned my
skincare into the perfect bubble of products for my routine. My focus of late
was trying to simplify my collection – my tiny flat with one bathroom shelf just
can’t accommodate for a five-step morning regime and a seven-step night time
one. I’m also slowly introducing more natural products into my hoard, and I
feel like my skin is rewarding me for it. Below, I've listed all the skincare I've been using and loving recently. If you’re wondering, my skin type is
Oily/Combination (emphasis on the oily), but a lot of these products are
suitable for anyone.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMdh4iZ1NYx8oWZL4WQaHjvnIHCo5B7PGQN_fHTT1FYhwzvsYpHGwZwxjFgkynAIB5SKNaqD-q-fXhxXFECKs3yGEeKjQpQwKwYnx60zBaoDDDVCgEwNRhAGwB-DsabtfYAJeG2h7pPiv/s1600/The+Ordinary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMdh4iZ1NYx8oWZL4WQaHjvnIHCo5B7PGQN_fHTT1FYhwzvsYpHGwZwxjFgkynAIB5SKNaqD-q-fXhxXFECKs3yGEeKjQpQwKwYnx60zBaoDDDVCgEwNRhAGwB-DsabtfYAJeG2h7pPiv/s1600/The+Ordinary.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>LUSH Dark Angels Fresh Cleanser - <a href="https://uk.lush.com/products/cleansers-scrubs/dark-angels">£7.25</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This may just be the best thing I have ever put on my
skin. This black, crumbly cleanser smells amazing, and deeply exfoliates the
skin without scrubbing too hard. I feel like this absorbs all the excess oil
from my skin and leaves me with a bright, glowing complexion every morning. The
only downside is the mess, a pure black cleanser isn’t exactly an inconspicuous
addition to your morning routine, so I usually take this into the shower so I
can wash away any residue with ease.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB"><b>The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil - <a href="http://theordinary.com/product/rdn-100pct-organic-cold-pressed-rose-hip-seed-oil-30ml">£9</a> </b><o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">⍟</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I recently reviewed a few products from The Ordinary
in a previous <a href="http://www.justdeenie.co.uk/2017/04/deciem-skincare-review.html">blog post</a>, but to reiterate, this organic oil fits seamlessly
into my routine, hydrating my skin and leaving a healthy glow. I rarely apply
this on its own (although sometimes do!) and opt for mixing a few drops in with
my moisturiser, or just focusing the oil on problem patches.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: bold;">The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid - <a href="http://theordinary.com/product/rdn-hyaluronic-acid-2pct-b5-30ml">£5.90</a> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: small; text-align: center;">⍟</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another product reviewed previously <a href="http://www.justdeenie.co.uk/2017/04/deciem-skincare-review.html">here</a>, this product
is a hidden gem in my bathroom. This applies really easily, absorbing quickly
and brightens my complexion. Giving my skin an extra boost in hydration, the summer damage to my skin has been totally minimised. A bargain too, compared to some other hyaluronic
acids on the market today!</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnArXNWcNu9sZMHJy3et41rhV3OiYpwt-mr8yofG_maZFnQuA2hU984y45JEtInD6H7N9y-j0WGen1i_3NAsw1xwDjOapsjjoJyxkwpuBowphBE5EFyQiK32jVVZ6IzGibTDau7sTqGeE/s1600/botanicalsandhy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnArXNWcNu9sZMHJy3et41rhV3OiYpwt-mr8yofG_maZFnQuA2hU984y45JEtInD6H7N9y-j0WGen1i_3NAsw1xwDjOapsjjoJyxkwpuBowphBE5EFyQiK32jVVZ6IzGibTDau7sTqGeE/s1600/botanicalsandhy.png" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB"><b><a href="https://www.botanicals.co.uk/">Botanicals</a> Try-Me Pots - <a href="https://www.botanicals.co.uk/facial-samples/">£2.95</a> </b><o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">⍟</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When it comes to quality, organic skincare, the price
point can understandably be a little higher. Botanicals kindly sent me three of
their little try-me pots to emphasise a try-before-you-buy attitude, great for
reducing waste and saving money as you only invest in what you know you love.
The <a href="https://www.botanicals.co.uk/natural-green-clay-avocado-facial-mask/">Balancing Detox Mask</a> was a winner for me, something I’ll definitely be
purchasing again. Trying the <a href="https://www.botanicals.co.uk/gentle-organic-cleansing-melt/">Gentle Cleanse Melt</a> was a treat on the skin at the
end of the day, and really broke down makeup efficiently. The <a href="https://www.botanicals.co.uk/natural-body-balm-orange-blossom/">Neroli Body Balm</a>
however wasn’t for me – if you have dry skin this might be ideal, but it just
felt a little too oily for my liking. Two out of three ain’t bad!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB"><b>Hylamide Hydra-Density Mist - <a href="http://hylamide.com/product/hlm-hydra-density-mist-120ml">£15</a> </b><o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">⍟</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This humid season I would have been hopeless if it
weren’t for this gem. A toning facial spritz I previously reviewed <a href="http://www.justdeenie.co.uk/2017/04/deciem-skincare-review.html">here</a>, this
helps me add toning to my routine without faffing about. But the real beauty in
this product is how refreshing it is – it’s a little luxury.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobJlaY0w3-ErkQKh21J6WSmXS8n7hMqX6dF7XiHVbl5l_JIjJt_XDzAX3x36DQZWMc2XiKzoq8p75-7DmQSNXHVJZ6bw2gaJJFBJaDGfeS4RZAtINThij2lsXlaMlRpKbM2N8QVtPGXmn/s1600/sukin+deo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobJlaY0w3-ErkQKh21J6WSmXS8n7hMqX6dF7XiHVbl5l_JIjJt_XDzAX3x36DQZWMc2XiKzoq8p75-7DmQSNXHVJZ6bw2gaJJFBJaDGfeS4RZAtINThij2lsXlaMlRpKbM2N8QVtPGXmn/s1600/sukin+deo.png" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sukin Facial Moisturiser - <a href="http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/sukin-facial-moisturiser-60004483">£8.49</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sukin has popped up all over the cruelty-free
blogosphere lately, and for good reason. Eco-friendly, natural and vegan
products in their most simple form – Sukin is everything my skin has been
looking for. This moisturiser is suitable for all skin types, but from an oily
gal who is picky with moisturiser, this is a dream. Being rich and hydrating
while soaking in to the skin quickly and leaving a dewy but not greasy finish,
this moisturiser is the one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant - <a href="https://www.freepeople.com/uk/shop/deodorant-stick/">£10</a></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes pals, I’m talking about deodorant in a skincare
post because armpit skin is important too. Without going into too much detail,
because it was pretty gross, I’ve had a couple of bad reactions to deodorant in
the past, which left my skin irritated and painful for months. Trying natural
deo was something I tried tentatively, and after a failed Dr Organic roll-on
(ugh) I bought this beauty and it’s worked a treat. Letting my skin breathe and
detoxify itself (which aluminium deodorants don’t do) while keeping me
comfortable and smelling nice, Schmidt and I are getting along great. Even my boyfriend
borrows this for the gym, if that’s any testament to how well this works.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GINQzlmNxofC6znlDbvFcw3UJeHmEYCVzFph8A8bfm8tzW8uVcNt_MKC5Aq8XePzaEEdqVnztoQOxArfnMlsDxdbxJc8qWB6ru98bueJK5e-Sa1DsF3tDPLF1pdtPY_b6LQJ3saqcGI1/s1600/lipppppy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GINQzlmNxofC6znlDbvFcw3UJeHmEYCVzFph8A8bfm8tzW8uVcNt_MKC5Aq8XePzaEEdqVnztoQOxArfnMlsDxdbxJc8qWB6ru98bueJK5e-Sa1DsF3tDPLF1pdtPY_b6LQJ3saqcGI1/s1600/lipppppy.png" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Crazy Rumors Lip Balm in Black Cherry - <a href="http://crazyrumors.com/all-natural-lip-balms/fruits-florals-flavored-lip-balms/black-cherry.html">£3</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I go through lip balm like nobody’s business, so I
have tried a good few vegan balms in the last couple of years. This stands out
from the crowd for me, as it moisturises deeply with only one or two
applications, and the smell is unreal. SO yummy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Wash - <a href="https://www.evolutionorganics.co.uk/alba-hawaiian-facial-wash-deep-cleansing-coconut-milk-237ml">£7.95</a></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This cleanser is gentle, but also cleans deeply. After
use I’m left with perfectly polished skin, that feels nourished rather than
stripped. Not to mention I also smell like coconutty goodness. This isn’t <i>so</i> great at removing makeup, so I use it
in the morning, or with a muslin cloth or flannel to give it an extra budge.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">⍟<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <i>anything marked with this symbol was sent to me as a gift, however this post is not sponsored and all opinions are honest and my own</i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.justdeenie.co.uk/2017/04/why-fast-fashion-is-feminist-issue.html">Previous Post</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2wcTT3U">Latest Video</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2jo91o0">Instagram</a></span></span></span>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com2Cardiff, UK51.481581000000013 -3.179089999999973851.323433500000014 -3.5018134999999737 51.639728500000011 -2.8563664999999738tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-50574757503060374562017-05-11T12:00:00.000+01:002023-03-19T21:51:53.459+00:00Why Fast Fashion is a Feminist Issue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmInXy1iL8B5HaI0F6feQzp4oobTeB_N1YtZpfOZosShyolEzCNbmeWHJoXU4SPfzci0DBe8OnJ9gP3ThiEPTI8beKRZoH4FeKjpVzCwg6rz4FvscLYe6RzwtuWmTDU9LA3J9mpP0lvC7/s1600/IMG_3568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmInXy1iL8B5HaI0F6feQzp4oobTeB_N1YtZpfOZosShyolEzCNbmeWHJoXU4SPfzci0DBe8OnJ9gP3ThiEPTI8beKRZoH4FeKjpVzCwg6rz4FvscLYe6RzwtuWmTDU9LA3J9mpP0lvC7/s1600/IMG_3568.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Following on from <a href="http://bit.ly/2oXZrug">Monday's post</a> introducing the <a href="http://fashionrevolution.org/">Fashion Revolution</a> movement to my blog, I wanted to explain a huge aspect of why we need to speak up about fast fashion. If you consider yourself a feminist or egalitarian, it's imperative that you read up on fast fashion and its oppression of hard-working women around the planet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;"> "<span style="color: #14171a; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your 'feminist' tee was made by an underpaid n overworked woman in sub standard conditions in a developing country, yay girl power huh" </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">- India Hannah Pixie (</span><a href="http://www.trashedvintage.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trashed Vintage</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #14171a; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">) via </span><a href="https://twitter.com/indiapixie/status/856557586803556352" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Twitter</a></blockquote>
<br />
80% of workers in the garment industry are women, aged 18-35. Women with families and children. Their wages are often the sole household income, and on average support three people. Just try to imagine supporting three people, by yourself, while on minimum wage. Imagine working 150 hours of over time every month, for minimum wage. Imagine minimum wage was as low as £44 per month. This is the reality of the people who make our clothes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOx5Z-dL5yxEwyL2ad0vnKOVgfUKpM0RtIKU_qOIQXzFx8fjwdZFpXyEBtN6RHV7DiU8_-XqhW-1WIEzbCPEvMDOJmF3NdsunNvcffF83fBh_9ap3seVocwwlAJzprJ4S0etoCxAtNXWAl/s1600/190b4e22584e73397ba7ddcc83aff798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOx5Z-dL5yxEwyL2ad0vnKOVgfUKpM0RtIKU_qOIQXzFx8fjwdZFpXyEBtN6RHV7DiU8_-XqhW-1WIEzbCPEvMDOJmF3NdsunNvcffF83fBh_9ap3seVocwwlAJzprJ4S0etoCxAtNXWAl/s1600/190b4e22584e73397ba7ddcc83aff798.jpg" /></a></div>
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Not only do the women working in garment factories receive sub-standard payment, they also receive harassment and abuse from their employers. It is estimated that in the numerous developing countries where Western clothing is produced, millions are living in modern slavery. The governments of these countries do little to protect the human rights of their citizens, and the clothing companies being supplied distance themselves so far as to have no knowledge or data regarding working conditions and pay of the garment creators.<br />
<br />
If you need further convincing that we need to change our attitude towards fashion, remember Rana Plaza. On April 23rd 2013, concerns were raised over the structural safety of garment factories in the Rana Plaza building. Workers were evacuated, but after being pressured to return (threats of docking their much needed wages, and threats of losing their jobs), they were back to work on April 24th. The building collapsed and 1,138 people were killed. 2,500 were injured. This is the cost of fast fashion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtM8Lx6uowaf4W9tOEAG7SROZiFy-shngtoF2JUR2z7k-l9bb8R8lP4lfyuW2L5YQgUYNc4jCrOER298FAlZIpxyMJNzxdyduWJhXn9WUpyggZ8PEcCIAT-grAx6ZX9Fwj49om68eU7dW/s1600/1f7584a4455d69049ae0ba2cec118389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtM8Lx6uowaf4W9tOEAG7SROZiFy-shngtoF2JUR2z7k-l9bb8R8lP4lfyuW2L5YQgUYNc4jCrOER298FAlZIpxyMJNzxdyduWJhXn9WUpyggZ8PEcCIAT-grAx6ZX9Fwj49om68eU7dW/s1600/1f7584a4455d69049ae0ba2cec118389.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I am a feminist and always will be. Yes, there are good intentions behind buying a piece of clothing from Primark/H&M/<i>insert-high-street-shop-here</i> boasting empowering, feminist slogans. But they are honestly doing more harm to women than good.<br />
<br />
How can we express feminism in fashion? Here are some alternatives:<br />
<ul>
<li>Using an item of clothing you already own, paint or embroider a meaningful statement. This would look great on a denim jacket or an up-cycled t-shirt.</li>
<li>Buy a t-shirt made by a woman-led, ethical company. Check out <a href="http://tollydollyposhfashion.com/ethical-directory-fashion-brands/">Tolly Dolly Posh's Ethical Directory</a> to find some.</li>
<li>If you already own a feminist slogan tee or other garment, take to social media and ask who made it. Tag the brand and demand transparency from them.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Later on during <a href="http://fashionrevolution.org/">Fashion Revolution</a> week, I'll be sharing the small ways I personally work towards a Fashion Revolution. For now, see <a href="http://bit.ly/2oXZrug">my previous post</a> for more information on how you can help, and also see the sources and further reading below.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sources/Further Reading: </div>
<div>
<a href="http://fashionrevolution.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/FashRev_Whitepaper_Dec2015_screen.pdf">Fashion Revolution White Paper</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2016/12/28/nonsense-about-the-minimum-and-living-wages-in-bangladesh/#49badee919a2">Forbes: Nonsense About The Minimum and Living Wages in Bangladesh</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://fashionrevolution.org/gender-relations-and-factory-conditions-in-bangladesh-fatema-and-halimas-stories/">Fashion Revolution: Garment Worker Diaries</a> </div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.waronwant.org/">War on Want</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.ethicalfashionforum.com/">Ethical Fashion Forum</a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*P.S. This post is not to undermine or devalue the millions of male workers within the garment industry, who are also subject to severely low pay and a disregard of human rights. I'm only hoping to show the connection between feminism and Fashion Revolution.</span></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-77346011412552401502017-04-24T15:07:00.000+01:002023-03-19T21:51:03.770+00:00Fashion RevolutionApril 24th - 30th April is <a href="http://fashionrevolution.org/">Fashion Revolution week</a>. If you aren't a follower of the Fashion Revolution campaign, there isn't a better time to find out and get involved.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OEg7jp4MI-Y9VPEHczHUxm1gvNN5e3ycKlxeAwTUERaHUY2qUkz3A0gUiY_wdQsMX16hBzpTVEak7VwqHppwYjhPHX9W3l_9FOmrjro4dbpMzEQOoIonB5ZhYA_FfOeWpadaizx8YyaE/s1600/fashrev5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OEg7jp4MI-Y9VPEHczHUxm1gvNN5e3ycKlxeAwTUERaHUY2qUkz3A0gUiY_wdQsMX16hBzpTVEak7VwqHppwYjhPHX9W3l_9FOmrjro4dbpMzEQOoIonB5ZhYA_FfOeWpadaizx8YyaE/s1600/fashrev5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3>
Why should I care?</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
Today is the fourth anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse. 1,138 people died in an unstable building that collapsed in Bangladesh. The building consisted of five garment factories, making stock for many of the brands we see on every high-street and in every shopping centre. Over a thousand people died while making <i>our</i> clothes.<br />
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As we remember this disaster that happened only four years ago, we also have to consider what other issues cheap, fast fashion creates globally. Many of the garment workers who make our clothes are not paid fairly, work unhealthy amounts of hours and are not given fair workers rights or social insurance. The majority of the people who make our clothes are young women (some are <i>children</i>), who experience harassment and abuse from their employers. We know that this is not okay.<br />
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Not only does the fast fashion industry abuse the vulnerable people who create our garments, but it abuses our planet too. Fashion is one of the dirtiest industries on the planet, and it's not surprising given how much and how rapidly we consume. The fashion industry needs toxic chemicals to survive, and is responsible for 3% of global CO2 emissions. Annually, 350,000 tons of clothing goes to landfill in the UK alone.<br />
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What can I do to help?</h3>
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Fashion Revolution is a campaign that calls for more transparency from the fashion industry. If we require brands to be transparent, we require them to be responsible. How can we, as consumers, make the right choices when brands will do just about anything to cover up their evils?<br />
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The quickest, easiest thing to do today is to ask brands #whomademyclothes?<br />
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Throughout this Fashion Revolution week, we can help by joining the revolution in seven ways. Check out their website and social media to get an idea of what you can do to help. On my own blog, I will be demanding transparency from brands, and sharing ways I shop more ethically and extend the life of clothing. Below, I'm also linking some of my favourite bloggers that promote ethical, fair clothing and call for a transparent and responsible fashion industry.<br />
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Please get involved today, and we can make the world a better place.<br />
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Resources:<br />
<a href="http://fashionrevolution.org/">Fashion Revolution</a><br />
<a href="http://www.waronwant.org/">War on Want</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsG64621Tuw">The True Cost</a> (documentary)<br />
<a href="http://www.ethicalfashionforum.com/">Ethical Fashion Forum</a><br />
<a href="http://sustainable-fashion.com/">Centre for Sustainable Fashion</a><br />
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Posts:<br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/2q6WVDC">Why Fast Fashion is a Feminist Issue</a><br />
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Revolutionary Blogs:<br />
<a href="http://tollydollyposhfashion.com/">Tolly Dolly Posh</a><br />
<a href="http://tartanbrunette.co.uk/">Tartan Brunette</a><br />
<a href="http://www.trashedvintage.com/">Trashed Vintage</a><br />
<a href="http://www.eleanorclaudie.com/">Eleanor Claudie</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/KristenElleTV">Kristen Leo</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oeTp2eZGUM">Cruelty-free Becky</a><br />
<a href="http://notsoquietgrrl.com/uncategorized/ethical-fashion-where-to-start-4-outfit-ideas/#more-4256">Not So Quiet Grrl</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sophschoices.co.uk/">Soph's Choices</a><br />
<a href="http://www.anotherstoryfortomorrow.com/">Another Story For Tomorrow</a><br />
<br />Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-55208689017360760902017-04-14T09:00:00.000+01:002023-03-19T21:52:00.646+00:00DECIEM Skincare Review | The Abnormal Beauty Company<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was recently sent a handful of skincare products from DECIEM, also known as The Abnormal Beauty Company. DECIEM is a collection of 10 brands - all cruelty-free and vegan friendly - with different themes and goals in mind, meaning each collection of products can be tailored to your needs. I met with an incredibly lovely PR representative of DECIEM's, Laura, and she talked me through the many products she thought I might like. Since using the products around a month and a half ago, my problem areas have improved noticeably and I've been able to achieve perfect glowy skin every morning.<br />
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<b>1 - <a href="http://theordinary.com/product/rdn-hyaluronic-acid-2pct-b5-30ml">The Ordinary: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5</a> </b>(£5.90)<br />
Hyaluronic acid has been circulating the beauty industry for a few years now, but I'd never tried it myself. When Laura explained the benefits to me, especially the traits that set this product above others on the market, I was won over. This keeps my skin so hydrated while being easy on the oils, and I feel that my skin looks less dull because of this.<br />
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<b>2 - <a href="http://theordinary.com/product/rdn-100pct-organic-cold-pressed-rose-hip-seed-oil-30ml">The Ordinary: 100% Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil</a> </b>(£9)<br />
Again, facial oils such as this one have been making the rounds for a while, but with a very oily complexion I'd been reluctant. But when I tried this out on the back of my hand, I fell in love with how instantly soft my skin became. I've tried this in two ways - massaging it into problem areas directly (dry patches and spot scars), and mixing it in with my main moisturiser. Both were effective, but honestly I can't be bothered with lots of different steps, especially in the morning, so have been doing the latter for the last couple of weeks with fab results. Skin is hydrated, discolouration and marks are obliterated.<br />
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<b>3 - <a href="http://hylamide.com/product/hlm-hydra-density-mist-120ml">Hylamide: Hydra-Density Mist</a> </b>(£15)<br />
This stuff is a one step road to refreshment. Like I mentioned before, I hate a skincare routine with too many steps, and although I always try to tone my skin, it's usually the step to get left out. That was, before this dreamy little bottle came along. A little spritz and you're good to go, and you can feel this instantly calm your skin (great after exfoliating cleansers) and prep you for moisturising.<br />
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<b>4 - <a href="http://hylamide.com/product/photography-foundation-transparent-30ml">Hylamide: Photography Foundation in Transparent</a> </b>(£18)<br />
I didn't know this was needed in my life until I tried it. Laura explained this to me as an 'Instagram filter in a bottle' and that's really not far off. This product goes on as the last step in your skincare routine, giving a slight sheen and a gorgeous glow to your skin. Much lighter than a foundation, this is weightless on the skin and deflects the light from any imperfect patches, giving you a brightened, flawless complexion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_4SQHkmNm4TShd6ERLUfkBkf3BZ9VgsYgfEEXTyZSjekhg9isyFcCs4qYurseWOiBn-ubLaP2hz6xM0L_FCOhswKo0exycBHWH90jGWnyB_KVWY2kcaeFHLJxSht3ty9-YqFybXxVWID/s1600/DECIEM+SKINCARE+REVIEW+-+UK+CRUELTY+FREE+BLOGGER+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_4SQHkmNm4TShd6ERLUfkBkf3BZ9VgsYgfEEXTyZSjekhg9isyFcCs4qYurseWOiBn-ubLaP2hz6xM0L_FCOhswKo0exycBHWH90jGWnyB_KVWY2kcaeFHLJxSht3ty9-YqFybXxVWID/s1600/DECIEM+SKINCARE+REVIEW+-+UK+CRUELTY+FREE+BLOGGER+03.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>5 - <a href="http://hylamide.com/product/finisher-ha-blur-30ml">Hylamide: HA Blur</a> </b>(£19)<br />
I've been looking for a primer to replace The Body Shop Instablur for ages, and this is honestly an upgrade. This glides on to the skin, blurring out pores and blemishes to create the smoothest, most radiant surface to put your makeup on top of. I've used this with some pretty crappy foundation and it's been able to save the look, but this can also suffice by itself if you want a lower coverage but still smoothed out look.<br />
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Overall, I'm incredibly impressed by DECIEM, and am so shocked I hadn't heard much about the brand beforehand. If you aren't already won over by some of the above products, you should check out some of the other brands they have under their belt, including some great supplements and anti-ageing products. Without a doubt, I'll be re-purchasing these products when they eventually run out, my new skincare regime is such a dream.<br />
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Have you tried any DECIEM products?<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFRMedNeDsw">Latest Video</a> / <a href="http://www.justdeenie.co.uk/2017/03/cosy-camping-cwmcoedog-farm.html">Previous Post</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*DECIEM kindly gifted me these products however all opinions are honest and my own. I tried out the products in my skincare routine for over a month before reviewing to make sure I can give an accurate representation.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*DECIEM is a 100% cruelty-free brand, and the vast majority of their products are vegan. All products in this post are vegan.</span>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0United Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.203021 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-70251097014643457812017-02-10T09:00:00.000+00:002023-03-19T21:52:12.376+00:00Co-ordinating With Cardiff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Subconsciously co-ordinating with Cardiff is apparently the theme of this post.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">I love neutral colours, can you tell? In fact, I didn't even realise I had a slightly warm/neutral Instagram theme until <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/abigailstacey">Abi</a> and <a href="https://rachelwilliams94.wordpress.com/">Rachel</a> pointed it out to me, oops! Maybe that's why I've been itching to take some photos with Cardiff's beautiful beige architecture as a backdrop. </span><br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;">THE OUTFIT</span></h4>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">This outfit is the perfect University day outfit. Layering is important for trekking across a chilly campus to then sit in a room where the heating has been ramped up to 40<span style="background-color: white;">°. Not to mention comfort, and although I love a simple jeans and jumper combo, my Winter belly isn't getting along very kindly with jean waistbands. So these preppy trousers are the perfect compromise, even if I have to roll them up further than they're supposed to. And lest we ever forget my bargainous second-hand Levi's jacket, which I've been wearing non-stop for almost a year now.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">Top - New Look & Shoes - New Balance (Christmas Gifts), Trousers - Topshop (Old), Jacket - Second Hand Levi's</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">THE PHOTOS</span></span></h4>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;">Can we have some huge appreciation for the beautiful photography in this post by Pierre-Louis Tharreau? I'm so, so grateful he offered to have a photoshoot with me, and was incredibly patient while I posed awkwardly. You can check out more of his work here: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/indian_monsoon/">Instagram</a> / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pierre_night/">Night Photography Instagram</a> / <a href="https://pierrelouistharreau.wordpress.com/">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pierrelouistharreauphotography/?fref=ts">Facebook</a>. Thanks again, Pierre!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;">Hopefully you enjoyed a little burst of outfit inspo and a peek at Cardiff's backdrop potential. As my wardrobe becomes increasingly more ethical/sustainable fashion focused, I'm looking forward to showing more outfit posts, but until then, this is what ya get</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mol0a-KtUA">Latest Video</a> / <a href="http://www.justdeenie.co.uk/2017/02/best-blogs-2017.html">Previous Post</a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0Cardiff, UK51.481581000000013 -3.179089999999973851.323433500000014 -3.5018134999999737 51.639728500000011 -2.8563664999999738tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-43837147436910607072017-02-02T23:11:00.002+00:002023-03-19T21:52:19.104+00:0017 Blogs to Follow in 2017<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaocwn2hq9gqJHpaziFjzD6sF9VHHOIQ72PeGvwzbrbopIGutTerpehOd66otUixX265oiv0-4UNrRw1s_a2q5GDOSn91GlrA7EbZGXXa_dpMaOW7DTBEAnmwLYMLSzBdlU5er4g2DC1t/s1600/UK+STUDENT+LIFESTYLE+BLOG+-+JUST+DEENIE+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaocwn2hq9gqJHpaziFjzD6sF9VHHOIQ72PeGvwzbrbopIGutTerpehOd66otUixX265oiv0-4UNrRw1s_a2q5GDOSn91GlrA7EbZGXXa_dpMaOW7DTBEAnmwLYMLSzBdlU5er4g2DC1t/s1600/UK+STUDENT+LIFESTYLE+BLOG+-+JUST+DEENIE+01.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This post is incredibly overdue. This was originally a 2016 roundup but
since beginning to write this, over a month has passed, and I’m sure we’re all
pretty over 2016 by now. But that’s no reason not to celebrate my favourite
bloggers I discovered last year, as I will still be reading and loving them all
in 2017 too!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB">In no particular order, here are 17 bloggers who killed it in 2016, and
if you’re not already following them, you should spend your 2017 doing so. The </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small;">♡</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB"> will take you to my favourite post of theirs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Abi – <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/abigailstacey" target="_blank">Wacky Wabi</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wackywabi/" target="_blank">Insta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/abi67891" target="_blank">Twitter</a>
| </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPgdrEiXVwY&t=170s" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Abi is a YouTuber I discovered before I came up to Cardiff for Uni, and
I’m so grateful I did. Her videos span from beauty, to fitness, to student
lifestyle vlogs. A super talented and hardworking YouTuber & social media
whiz, I’m now lucky enough to call her a friend!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://rachelwilliams94.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Williams</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/racheywills94/" target="_blank">Insta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/RacheyWills94" target="_blank">Twitter</a>
| </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454;"><a href="https://rachelwilliams94.wordpress.com/2016/11/29/the-followunfollow-game-lets-not/" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rachel is definitely one with words! Since meeting her in the Winter, I
always look forward to her carefully crafted posts, sharing bursts of her
travel adventures, fashion bites and insightful articles. A fellow Cardiff blogger,
I’d really recommend you check out Rachel’s blog for splash of fun, but
genuinely informative reading.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Steph – <a href="http://www.thezombiesaid.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Zombie Said</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thezombiesaid/" target="_blank">Insta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/thezombiesaid" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454;"><a href="http://www.thezombiesaid.co.uk/2016/10/autumn-foliage-eyes.html" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A cruelty-free beauty & lifestyle blogger who radiates that cool-grunge vibe. I adore Steph’s makeup looks, and her lifestyle posts and Instagram stories serve as constant inspiration (mostly to get my ass to the gym)! If you’re into beauty and a cruelty-free lifestyle, The Zombie Said is a must-follow.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/beckyykissesx" target="_blank">Cruelty-free Becky</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="http://www.crueltyfreebecky.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/crueltyfreebecky/" target="_blank">Insta</a> |
<a href="https://twitter.com/CrueltyFreeBeck" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GwaWBz0LdQ" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My favourite cruelty-free and ethical lifestyle YouTuber by far (and she
probably bloody knows it the amount I comment on her videos). The epitome of grace,
and serving constantly as a source of makeup and second-hand fashion
inspiration – I am a total wannabe Becky. Not even sorry.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Sarah – <a href="http://www.thevnicelife.com/" target="_blank">The V Nice Life</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuKP4IoSdlsoibM5--bERIA" target="_blank">YouTube</a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thevnicelife/" target="_blank">Insta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/thevnicelife" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thevnicelife.com/2016/11/my-perfect-vegan-christmas-dinner.html" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I came across Sarah’s blog waaay back during my first #VeganHour chat. Her
blog is an absolute staple for anyone getting into cruelty-free beauty or a
vegan lifestyle, and bonus – she has adorable dogs! In addition to this, Sarah
runs a YouTube channel full of helpful vegan food videos and down-to-earth
vlogs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">April – <a href="http://www.anotherstoryfortomorrow.com/" target="_blank">Another Story ForTomorrow</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/astoryfortmrw/" target="_blank">Insta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/astoryfortmrw" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.anotherstoryfortomorrow.com/2016/09/changing-treat-yourself-mantra.html" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you’re looking for a beautiful minimalist blog, I have you covered.
April’s blog focuses on living a sustainable and conscious lifestyle, and
welcomes you calmly into greener living. A little corner of the internet to
take haven in, definitely follow for a soothing read.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Christine – <a href="http://makeupguineapig.com/" target="_blank">Makeup Guinea Pig</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">|
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/makeupguineapig/" target="_blank">Insta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MakeUpGuineaPig" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://makeupguineapig.com/2016/08/05/lazydaymakeup/" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another cruelty-free beauty blogger favourite (can you tell what type of
blogs I like to read?). Christine’s beauty posts are so genuinely helpful and
informative. Her contagiously positive personality is injected into every post,
and it reads as if you are being advised from a friend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Christina – <a href="http://www.cityloveee.com/" target="_blank">City Loveee</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeOuJ7l98Nj-9h6D49zKuyg" target="_blank">YouTube</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/city_loveee/" target="_blank">Insta</a>
| <a href="https://twitter.com/city_loveee" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H9Oh73l7LQ" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Another #VeganHour find, Christina’s blog and YouTube channel are full
of peppy character and amazing vegan food. If you’re a travel lover like I am,
you’ll feel inspired and full of wanderlust scrolling through her blog or channel.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Vivi – <a href="http://www.sammysanscruelty.com/" target="_blank">Sammy Sans Cruelty</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sammy_sans/" target="_blank">Insta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Sammy_sans" target="_blank">Twitter</a>
| </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.sammysanscruelty.com/2016/10/28/becca-cosmetics-sale-estee-lauder-changed-mind/" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Veterinary student Vivi’s blog is bursting with food for thought, mostly
regarding animal rights, from BSL to cruelty-free beauty. Her beauty posts feature
colourful, creative photography and genuinely helpful discussion. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Alejandra - <a href="https://www.sieleth.com/" target="_blank">Sieleth</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sieleth/" target="_blank">Insta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/sieleth" target="_blank">Twitter</a>
| </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.sieleth.com/blog/dont-lose-your-fight-kid" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sieleth is a creative blog that’s had a recent re-launch, and a stunning
one at that! With an intriguing look into the world of design, and everything
crafted with care on the blog, Alex’s breath taking style means Sieleth is a
site you’ll need to bookmark.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Milenka – <a href="http://www.millieonhearts.com/" target="_blank">Millieonhearts</a></span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/millieonhearts/" target="_blank">Insta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/milenkamillie" target="_blank">Twitter</a>
| </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.millieonhearts.com/packing-essentials-for-a-4-night-winter-break/" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Milenka’s blog is so stylish and chic – one of those blogs that makes
you feel totally in awe of the girl behind it. Thoughtful text accompanies the
striking photography in all of her posts, and they will have you reaching for a
blanket and a hot drink while you scroll.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Amy – <a href="http://www.thecreativeoutlook.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Creative Outlook</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/amyhodkin/" target="_blank">Insta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/amylhodkin" target="_blank">Twitter</a>
| </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thecreativeoutlook.co.uk/2016/10/handmade-tropical-cushions.html" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">An incredibly talented creative blogger, I stumbled upon Amy’s blog
through Blogsocks (more on this below). I’m no expert when it comes to art and
design, but all I can say is I would wallpaper my house with Amy’s work. If you’re
into vibrant prints and fascinating blog posts, then The Creative Outlook is a
blog you must follow!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://sarahrose.org/" target="_blank">Sarah Rose</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sarah_r0se/" target="_blank">Insta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/sarah_r0se" target="_blank">Twitter</a>
| </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://sarahrose.org/beauty/going-cruelty-free/" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sarah’s lifestyle blog features posts about cruelty-free beauty, but also
chronic illness and mental health. In terms of mental health, Sarah’s blog is a
friend to relate to and a place to visit to know you’re not alone. Her blog has
also enlightened me to a world of chronic illness that I was only vaguely aware
of before, and has made me more aware and (hopefully) considerate. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Sophie – <a href="http://www.snippetofsophie.com/" target="_blank">Snippet of Sophie</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/slimming.sophie/" target="_blank">Insta </a>| <a href="https://twitter.com/snippetofsophie" target="_blank">Twitter</a>
| </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.snippetofsophie.com/2016/11/a-free-monthly-sample-service-you-have-to-try.html" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A lifestyle blogger with useful posts on beauty, food and style, I
discovered Sophie’s blog in late 2016 and was instantly impressed! Her
photography is wonderful and I’m in awe of her dedication to a healthy
lifestyle over on her Instagram. She also has an Etsy store, selling printables
like <a href="http://www.justdeenie.co.uk/2016/12/my-student-planner.html" target="_blank"><b>this </b>life-saving student planner!</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Nadia – <a href="http://notsoquietgrrl.com/" target="_blank">Not So Quiet Grrl</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/notsoquietgrrl/" target="_blank">Insta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/notsoquietgrrl" target="_blank">Twitter</a>
| </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://notsoquietgrrl.com/uncategorized/3-confessions-of-a-not-so-perfect-vegan/" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My favourite part of Nadia’s blog is the thought-provoking, honest
lifestyle pieces. You’ll also expect to find plenty of cruelty-free beauty
recommendations and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">delicious</i> vegan
recipes. Recently rebranding and moving to a self-hosted site (wow), Not So
Quiet Grrl is looking fresh and better than ever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">Olivia – <a href="https://lalivilou.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">La Livi Lou</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lalivilou/" target="_blank">Insta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/lalivilou" target="_blank">Twitter</a>
| </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://lalivilou.wordpress.com/2016/11/02/how-to-set-a-routine-as-a-student/" target="_blank">♡</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I found Olivia and her original blog, The Printed Parade, through the
cruelty-free Instagram hashtag. By coincidence, she is a fellow Cardiff Uni
student, which is incredible! La Livi Lou is a blog full of inspirational content,
cruelty-free beauty and – more recently – trying veganism. Follow Olivia’s blog
for a feel-good read!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://blogsocks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Blogsocks</a> </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">| <a href="https://twitter.com/CharFoxSocks" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://foxsocks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Foxsocks</a> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blogsocks is a new blog-discovery platform created by Charlotte, the
blogger behind Fox Socks. When Bloglovin’ frustratingly removed their Up &
Coming feature, Charlotte came up with the solution, and this is it! Check out
Blogsocks to discover some amazing new reads.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hopefully you’ve now discovered your favourite 2017 reads, and I trust
you’ll love them as much as I did! And if you’re reading this, congrats on
getting through over 1000 words (god knows I couldn’t write that much so fast
for a Uni assignment). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who are your favourite bloggers for 2017?</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mol0a-KtUA" target="_blank">Latest Video</a> / <a href="http://bit.ly/2hDsgHf" target="_blank">Previous Post</a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">*All photos are credited to their respective bloggers, from left to right</span></span></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-34019567769720842152016-12-16T17:09:00.000+00:002023-03-19T21:52:25.907+00:00Pleats & Pleather | Winter Style<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRHRUvBCe_5t5eDuOvxr18RqAKMNlhufcPduJ5QnBxs89TO66im9sWDLWSa4SlUZn3n2sR_cr2UZMuVJ3EgxreO5zJXgAQjJbUqna-bOsO6hpk4xXtgFj1fFMi530HlXcVX0oGRuHWYnW/s1600/Pleats+and+Leather+Outfit+Post+01+-+UK+STUDENT+LIFESTYLE+BLOG+-+JUST+DEENIE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRHRUvBCe_5t5eDuOvxr18RqAKMNlhufcPduJ5QnBxs89TO66im9sWDLWSa4SlUZn3n2sR_cr2UZMuVJ3EgxreO5zJXgAQjJbUqna-bOsO6hpk4xXtgFj1fFMi530HlXcVX0oGRuHWYnW/s1600/Pleats+and+Leather+Outfit+Post+01+-+UK+STUDENT+LIFESTYLE+BLOG+-+JUST+DEENIE.jpg" /></a></h3>
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Another instalment of Deenie tries to be a fashion blogger. This one's called: the rain is not my friend. You can literally see my hair and makeup disintegrate in the rain. But I tried!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.primark.com/en/product/silver-satin-pleat-skirt,R35397152715940" target="_blank">Skirt</a> / <a href="https://www.primark.com/en/product/black-pu-side-zip-boot,R35397116969938" target="_blank">Boots</a> - Primark, Jacket / Jumper / Top - Borrowed (All my clothes are in Cardiff lol)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5R_wXH7LPhHKRI6WBY2UnnP8C3BOt3GQc-w71gHb1jd5K8yihYMarBOxnwWU0DsYNB310SWh9bv3YH8sMY9hKuZqrEU4xfYlQ_aPR5y_0qPcNsAwuFe_lkjQCLdZWewUmCtR6JKEQRBs/s1600/Pleats+and+Leather+Outfit+Post+05+-+uK+STUDENT+LIFESTYLE+BLOG+-+JUST+DEENIE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5R_wXH7LPhHKRI6WBY2UnnP8C3BOt3GQc-w71gHb1jd5K8yihYMarBOxnwWU0DsYNB310SWh9bv3YH8sMY9hKuZqrEU4xfYlQ_aPR5y_0qPcNsAwuFe_lkjQCLdZWewUmCtR6JKEQRBs/s1600/Pleats+and+Leather+Outfit+Post+05+-+uK+STUDENT+LIFESTYLE+BLOG+-+JUST+DEENIE.jpg" /></a></div>
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As a short gal, long skirts have frightened me for years. But this subtly metallic beauty was irresistible to me! The obvious addition was a pair of heels (taller than these little boots, preferably) and a (p)leather jacket to tone down the rose-gold-granny look. The jumper was begrudgingly added when I got too cold, but I think it could contribute to a different outfit, a much more day-time casual one.<br />
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What I love about this skirt is the versatility of it. It can be worn as a light day time piece and is multi-seasonal (layering leggings underneath it would be subtle enough). I also wore it to a social at Uni, so the night time box is ticked off too. Portsmouth is quite mild, but for frostier weather: a cropped, cream colour knit and a scarf would look sweet with this. Basically, the possibilities are endlesssss.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed this little burst of style inspiration! Expect more in the New Year, which I intend to do with exclusively sustainable and ethical clothing. I will see you tomorrow, for more blogmas fun...<br />
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4th Post of Blogmas - <a href="http://bit.ly/2ht3sBH" target="_blank">Day 1</a> - <a href="http://bit.ly/2h0dol7" target="_blank">Day 2</a> - <a href="http://bit.ly/2gNcdb7" target="_blank">Day 3</a><br />
<br />Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com1Portsmouth, UK50.8197675 -1.087976900000057950.659211 -1.4107004000000578 50.980323999999996 -0.76525340000005793tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-19296960624761179232016-12-15T09:00:00.000+00:002023-03-19T21:52:31.639+00:00Winter Skincare Saviours | Cruelty Free Beauty<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The winter is not kind to our skin. Due to a lack of Vitamin D (and a tan), it's the time of year I feel most inclined to wear high coverage makeup, which then puts me in a vicious circle as my skin deteriorates. Add the bitter winds and central heating, and you've got a recipe for a disastrous complexion.<br />
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Lo and behold, I present you with six affordable, vegan and cruelty free skincare products. These are nothing short of guardian angels for my skin, which may not be perfect, but is definitely putting up a fight against December.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMhptlcJgzCEUpjkUtsXeTzN3H_LzugA2beA28vNNuDdKpf65ozNdW0dfEDvmlWt6EnYvPbHJI0c5daEE0jg479NKQaDXGtJowwc0YndrBTOWtOvlvBFQHGMH-nWMhbZ1_oDqks05LQiE/s1600/WINTER+SKINCARE+ESSENTIALS++VEGAN+CRUELTY+FREE+-+UK+STUDENT+LIFESTYLE+BLOG+-+JUST+DEENIE+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkMhptlcJgzCEUpjkUtsXeTzN3H_LzugA2beA28vNNuDdKpf65ozNdW0dfEDvmlWt6EnYvPbHJI0c5daEE0jg479NKQaDXGtJowwc0YndrBTOWtOvlvBFQHGMH-nWMhbZ1_oDqks05LQiE/s320/WINTER+SKINCARE+ESSENTIALS++VEGAN+CRUELTY+FREE+-+UK+STUDENT+LIFESTYLE+BLOG+-+JUST+DEENIE+02.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.superdrug.com/Skincare-Offers/Superdrug-Clearly-Youthful-3in1-Cleanser-Scrub-Mask-100ml/p/296506?singleResultSearchPage=true" target="_blank"><b>Superdrug Clearly Youthful 3in1 Cleanser/Scrub/Mask</b></a><br />
This scrub is the perfect balance between gentle and thorough. It doesn't tear off layers of skin like some cheap scrubs, but it does remove all the dry, dead skin left by artificial heating. A quick fix in the morning for radiant, glowing skin! This didn't set me back much, I think it was just under £5, but on the Superdrug site it is now 30p. <i>Definitely discontinued</i>, but if you spot a similarly described product in revamped packaging, give it a go!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWv2FOJQXJNWrRYy3uUpzoTh_OM0Bv3nycgS95XBqjJldDH2mzhYGWKxzwAwKs3JTgq2uupg20qLowLzh49z-4l3e4K-mubqVynnR9jz1jlfyN6fGoIGSMryFw6eF14epD5qU7Ppz5hpD/s1600/WINTER+SKINCARE+VEGAN+CRUELTY+FREE+-+UK+STUDENT+LIFESTYLE+BLOG+-+JUST+DEENIE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhWv2FOJQXJNWrRYy3uUpzoTh_OM0Bv3nycgS95XBqjJldDH2mzhYGWKxzwAwKs3JTgq2uupg20qLowLzh49z-4l3e4K-mubqVynnR9jz1jlfyN6fGoIGSMryFw6eF14epD5qU7Ppz5hpD/s320/WINTER+SKINCARE+VEGAN+CRUELTY+FREE+-+UK+STUDENT+LIFESTYLE+BLOG+-+JUST+DEENIE.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.superdrug.com/Skin/Face/Eyes/Eye-Creams/Superdrug-Vitamin-E-Eye-Make-Up-Remover-100ml/p/282501" target="_blank"><b>Superdrug Vitamin E Gentle EMUR</b></a><br />
For £2.99, this thing really does its job. In the Winter, cold winds and hot radiators really dry out my eyes, so the last thing I want to do at the end of the day is scrub at them with a cleanser or wipe. The tube says 'gentle', and gentle it is. A little bit of this on a cotton pad and a soft swipe will remove eyeshadow, liner and waterproof mascara with ease. A soothing relief.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDPagjiXX5KTzkFGv4lqMe8k472wOxtEre11ioTKOyz2s9V-pIFNpKVj8I0aCob3Q-FxIhJrVOl1DR1QBMZm6F7RBcddM527rQbTT5ZeJk7hUNX8hxJVylC69nfYpjhA9kqpZgmjesz9U/s1600/WINTER+SKINCARE+VEGAN+CRUELTY+FREE+04+-+UK+STUDENT+LIFESTYLE+BLOG+-+JUST+DEENIE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDPagjiXX5KTzkFGv4lqMe8k472wOxtEre11ioTKOyz2s9V-pIFNpKVj8I0aCob3Q-FxIhJrVOl1DR1QBMZm6F7RBcddM527rQbTT5ZeJk7hUNX8hxJVylC69nfYpjhA9kqpZgmjesz9U/s320/WINTER+SKINCARE+VEGAN+CRUELTY+FREE+04+-+UK+STUDENT+LIFESTYLE+BLOG+-+JUST+DEENIE.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://uk.lush.com/products/9-5" target="_blank"><b>LUSH 9 to 5 Cleansing Lotion</b></a><br />
Lazy pals take note! This cleanser is ideal for people who just do not have the time to be hunched over a sink cleansing and rinsing and drying etc. A quick cotton pad sweep over your face with this beauty and you're squeaky clean and ready to go. So soft on the skin, and leaving you with an extra five minutes in warm, cosy bed in the morning. This little bottle was just over a fiver, and has lasted me many lazy mornings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83tmZvkigsa5Hi3XkoZbzsC86pSVPscpOP-Rye8DBRtCQUzWtQm8AOgv6-34krMCrNFhbu8t7w5RkEtZMyHjbwedRbHZr797ZVQkUCwwiiBqLX622HuLL2kRNNo0KfVh5kWWd5FPo6gBl/s1600/WINTER+SKINCARE+VEGAN+CRUELTY+FREE+05+-+UK+STUDENT+LIFESTYLE+BLOG+-+JUST+DEENIE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83tmZvkigsa5Hi3XkoZbzsC86pSVPscpOP-Rye8DBRtCQUzWtQm8AOgv6-34krMCrNFhbu8t7w5RkEtZMyHjbwedRbHZr797ZVQkUCwwiiBqLX622HuLL2kRNNo0KfVh5kWWd5FPo6gBl/s320/WINTER+SKINCARE+VEGAN+CRUELTY+FREE+05+-+UK+STUDENT+LIFESTYLE+BLOG+-+JUST+DEENIE.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.superdrug.com/Simply-Pure/Simply-Pure-Refreshing-Toner-200ml/p/204287" target="_blank"><b>Superdrug Simply Pure Refreshing Toner</b></a><br />
I spotted this a little while ago on <a href="http://www.julyjournal.com/2016/09/cruelty-free-essentials.html" target="_blank">The July Journal</a>, and was quite intrigued. A toner is essential in my skincare routine (big pores lol) but as a student I can't really splurge on the toner I want (<a href="https://uk.lush.com/products/tea-tree-water" target="_blank">this one</a> if you're wondering) as I get through bottles so fast. For £2.69, this is a really effective toner, that vanishes my pores and removes the last little specs of makeup and oil. It's so soothing and doesn't irritate my skin, even in the worst periods.<br />
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<b>Superdrug Clearly Youthful Day Cream</b><br />
There was no online product for this, so I'm gonna have to assume this has been discontinued. I weep. This is thick and hydrating, but quick to absorb and leaves a lovely finish (similar to a silicone based primer). My skin always looks the perfect balance between matt and glowing after using this, so I'm gonna be so bummed when I run out.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Skin-Care/Blossom-Organic-Reviving-Eye-Cream-15-ml/B0093Y24KI/ref=sr_1_9_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1481770724&sr=1-9&keywords=skin+blossom+organic" target="_blank"><b>Skin Blossom Organic Reviving Eye Cream</b></a><br />
A good eye cream is my best friend. I have always had issues with dark circles and puffy eyelids, but I also just enjoy the soothing feeling of moisturised eyes. This is great for both morning and night: the ingredients boast reviving green tea to brighten you up, but a hydrating creamy formula is good to send you to bed. It won't necessarily counter a lack of sleep, but it can help a little with the tired eyes.<br />
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If your skin's been needing a little pick-me-up from the harshness of winter, I'd recommend giving a few of these products a whirl. The Christmas period can leave us all a little too broke to try out a whole new skincare routine but without breaking the bank, these guys can get you through. Perfect also as stocking fillers for those of us who need a bit of skincare lovin' (<a href="http://bit.ly/2ht3sBH" target="_blank">check out my <b>gift guide</b> for more ideas</a>). Look out for a demo on my <a href="http://bit.ly/2ggZRI9" target="_blank"><b>YouTube channel</b></a>, as I'm planning a winter morning routine type vid soon, and let me know what you think!</div>
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3rd Day of Blogmas - <a href="http://bit.ly/2ht3sBH" target="_blank">Day 1</a> - <a href="http://bit.ly/2h0dol7" target="_blank">Day 2</a></div>
Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-49906645640827401122016-12-14T09:00:00.000+00:002023-03-19T21:52:39.947+00:00Home For Christmas | Explore Southsea With Me<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I came back home a little early this month to wave farewell to my sister, who is currently on a luxurious island in the Maldives to work for a year. Now that you've got the image of paradise in your head- here's shitty old Southsea. haha kidding. A bit.</div>
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Since moving to Cardiff in August, I think being away from home has made me appreciate it a lot more. Rather than fall back into old habits (aka grumbling about how boring Southsea is), I have been trying to find the parts that make me happy.<br />
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My little sis showed me a little cafe hidden in Southsea Castle which was so painfully Instagram-worthy. After a chilly walk across the seafront, a warm Chai Latte was so vital. The Christmas decs were to die for and the atmosphere just oozed cosiness - if you're ever in the Southsea area then deffo check out the Courtyard.<br />
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I'm happy to be home (and fed, a lot of the time, by mum), and I'm really appreciating the places I've gone without for a while. So here's a lil list of my beloved Southsea spots, in case you were ever nearby.<br />
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<li>The seafront, preferably with the dog. It's free, and almost exactly the same as Brighton without the tourists.</li>
<li>Clarence Parade Pier - a funfair and arcades, what else do you expect from a seaside town?</li>
<li>Smile Cafe (a post on this coming soon to <a href="http://www.eatwritevegan.co.uk/" target="_blank">Eat Write Vegan</a>)</li>
<li>The walk between Old Portsmouth and Gunwharf Quays - so photogenic for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BN7V_FQhMcO/" target="_blank">outfit photos</a> I'm not cool enough to take.</li>
<li>Wild Thyme, a health food shop with a small café area (Booja Booja stockists)</li>
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Seems like a short list, yes, but you'd have been lucky to get that much out of me pre-Uni. I secretly do love it though. There's no place like home xo<br />
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P.S. I compiled a short video about this day for a competition by Accor Hotels. If you want to check that out, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOCz952xiPQ" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6708137131038758341.post-78211095061565331912016-11-16T15:12:00.000+00:002023-03-19T21:53:00.370+00:00How to be 100% Cruelty-Free | Too Faced & Parent Companies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spoiler: You can't.</h3>
This post sort of stems from the recent news that Esteé Lauder bought up Too Faced, and the discussions on Twitter surrounding it.<br />
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Too Faced & The Parent Company Debate</h4>
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So another of our beloved cruelty-free makeup brands has been purchased by an cruel parent company. Should it matter?<br />
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When I first turned to cruelty-free cosmetics, I swore I wouldn't support parent companies. How could I give money to companies who, somewhere down the line, would use it to torture innocent beings?<br />
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As I got more absorbed into the online world of cruelty-free bloggers, I realised that many, if not the majority, of bloggers did support all types of cruelty free brands, even those owned by parent companies. The main argument is that buying products from Nyx, Urban Decay or The Body Shop (for example) show their parent company, L'Oreal, that there is a demand in the market for cruelty-free products.<br />
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I took a while to make my mind up on the subject (and admittedly bought some Nyx makeup during this time). But after reading <a href="http://sarahrose.org/beauty/parent-companies/" target="_blank">Sarah's post on parent companies here</a>, I realised what lined up better to my personal belief.<br />
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The truth is, L'Oreal and Esteé Lauder couldn't care less about what we want. Their sole interest is profit, and the cruelty-free community as a market is never going to beat the economic prospects of selling in China. Until they buy every last cruelty-free company on the market, I refuse to give them my money (which really is a joke in itself as I'm way too poor to afford makeup these days anyway). I'm also going to take to social media and protest (in the hardcore form of re-tweeting and sending angry-faced emojis).<br />
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That doesn't mean that you have to boycott Too Faced or any other company owned by testing parents in order to be cruelty-free! Like <a href="http://www.thevnicelife.com/2016/11/my-thoughts-on-parent-companies.html" target="_blank">Sarah says in her post here</a>, it's damn near impossible to stop funding animal cruelty. Superdrug, Boots, Debenhams and nearly everywhere else we buy our makeup sell non-cruelty-free cosmetics.<br />
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In todays world of consumerism and monopolies, there's never going to be a way we can be 100% cruelty free. <b>But I believe in trying my best.</b> It's easy for me to avoid buying makeup owned by parent companies, but for others it might clash with their lifestyle to do so. I can't stop buying food from Lidl or Tesco, because they are the only options available to me. I can try and reduce the funding I give to cruel companies as much as possible, to compensate for where I cannot.<br />
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My personal decision is that I am no longer going to buy from cruelty-free brands owned by parent companies. But if you are, then you should still be applauded for supporting cruelty-free brands and living a less cruel lifestyle!<br />
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Read More</h4>
To round up this post, here are a few of my favourite cruelty-free bloggers and their opinions on the topic:<br />
Sarah, The V Nice Life: <a href="http://www.thevnicelife.com/2016/11/my-thoughts-on-parent-companies.html" target="_blank">My Thoughts on Parent Companies</a><br />
Sarah Rose: <a href="http://sarahrose.org/beauty/parent-companies/" target="_blank">A Note on Parent Companies</a><br />
Yasmina, The July Journal: <a href="http://www.julyjournal.com/2016/11/cruelty-free-brands-and-parent-companies.html" target="_blank">Cruelty Free Brands and Parent Companies</a><br />
Vivi, Sammy Sans Cruelty: <a href="http://www.sammysanscruelty.com/2016/10/28/becca-cosmetics-sale-estee-lauder-changed-mind/" target="_blank">Becca Cosmetics Selling to Estee Lauder Changed My Mind</a><br />
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So what do you think? Are you open to any cruelty-free cosmetics or do you have rules regarding parent companies? Let me know, I'm really interested in hearing all different sides and perspectives!</h4>
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<a href="http://www.justdeenie.co.uk/2016/11/october-media-watch-read-listen.html" target="_blank">Previous Post: October Favourites</a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Azzf_TrYlXo&t=78s" target="_blank">Latest Video: Cruelty-Free Pamper Routine</a></div>
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Nadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05628902149788270028noreply@blogger.com5