20 Simple Ways To Be Kinder

The devastating events happening right now, this moment, whether reported or hidden, is enough to bring the happiest of people down. The breaking news of hatred, violence, prejudice and dehumanising can often get emotionally draining. I know I've gotten to the point where I fear the right to freedom and am constantly reminded of the badness, the senseless acts of tragedy instead of the beauty in the world. It'd be easy for me to focus on the shocking events, to express my deep anger and upset; in fact I was all set on preparing one of my lengthened, ranty Sunday Natter posts (I'm a day late again, give me a telling off for being so useless) but I decided against it last minute. Instead, I thought of turning the tables - taking something bad and making it into a little challenge we can set ourselves to contribute towards adding acceptance, embracing positivity and spreading love across the globe!

20 Problems Bloggers Face On A Daily Basis

As last week's Sunday Natter seemed to be embraced with likeness and was the pinnacle to my ego boost in the recognition that I do have the ability to make at least one person laugh (even if it is the 'silently whilst my face doesn't move' kind) I thought to follow on the light-hearted, witty approach to the cliché stereotypes and general characterizing of bloggers, I'd produce yet another post that is hopefully relatable to this community of influencers that just so happen to have being sucked into this world of strenuous yet rewarding activity. 

Ten Unworldly Blogging Commandments We've All Heard

The curious outsiders really don't understand the inner complex world of blogging, do they? Admittedly I wasn't all that knowledgeable when I was a dummie but once I began to reveal my online secret hiding place to those around me and developed in my learning curve I realised just how many misconceptions there are surrounding the industry that's fast becoming a major passion turned selling point. Of course, people sauntering through average everyday life with absolutely no idea how blogging works, or what the connotations of the word really are, will assume it's all sunshine and rainbows; especially when it's the highs rather than the lows that are explained in the answered question making the notion seem nothing but thrilling ("she gets all sorts sent to her" - thanks for that, mum). 

The Rules On Summer Dressing: Cannot Be Found

I feel us Brits have been spoiled to a great extent with the soaring temperatures and as known to most in relation to house humidity, 'sticky weather' over the past few days, so much so that it's almost guaranteed it won't last and by next week any sign of approaching summer will be restored to winter like hibernation mode. All it takes is some beaming sunshine to bring people out of their lairs, for the ice cream by the lake/booze and burgers on the barbecue insta photos and happy mirrored sunnie selfies but unfortunately, hand in hand with that comes the body police because apparently, we still live in a day and age where moralizing comments spout from the mouths of condescending individuals about the way we choose to dress. 

Blogging vs numbers: the rollercoaster effect

Let's just pretend I didn't put the idea of sleeping soundly before knuckling down into writing my latest disputable vent that was supposed to be posted yesterday for my signature Sunday Natter, or perhaps let's because that's possibly half the reason I'm discussing this subject in the first place *nervous laughter*.

The Sunday Natter: why we need to stop using mental illness as adjectives

I'm strongly passionate about mental health. Whether passionate is the right word to use for a genesis that has the ability to impact on living a happy, healthy life I'm not entirely sure but what I do know is I always tread carefully on the subject that is personally important to me and many others around me. There's already a negative and discriminative stigma surrounding mental health that has a need to be understood to a serious extent so when I hear the classification of an illness that tears apart every inch of your well being used so frivolously, casually and jokey in everyday conversation, I can't help but feel disappointed, victimised, angry and truthfully, hurt.

The Sunday Natter: Do We Need To Strip Naked To Empower Our Bodies?

Tell me this, is there a straight answer to a simple yet elevated question? I personally don't think so. I think there's so many layers to this taboo subject, and so many misunderstood ones at that. The online world went wild when Kim Kardashian posted not one but two photos of her rawly exposed body and of course in true internet frenzy style, there were some awfully harsh, interrogating comments and outdated attitudes to brush past the point of what could have been a strong and powerful message. Ironically, the most objectifying of hurtled insults spouted from middle aged men and women of the same era and status which in a sense can do more damage than good but the mere fact the topic of nudity sparks such interest proves a valid point.

The Sunday Natter: It's Easter, Just Treat Yourself!

Easter Sunday, an excusable time to bombard your body with as much refined sugar as possible in the form of chocolate eggs and bunny shaped candy (also this year a time to complain about the loss of one hour's sleep and rejoice at the lighter nights, but that's a different story). Although I wasn't entirely sure how, I was determined to incorporate the topic of Easter into my blog somehow and as it so happens to fall when I feel the need to up my chatty levels, a general, light-hearted, flippant, and a little bit of a personal chat it will be.

So, you're a fashion blogger, you must love yourself?

If I had a pound for every time I heard that, I'd be able to jump on the next plane to the Caribbean and avoid any more misinterpretations of this apparent self vanity I possess. The assumption that every blogger who photographs their personal style for the world to see holds this palpable, narcissistic confidence couldn't be further from the truth. Or so I certainly think so in my shoes (no pun intended). 

The Sunday Natter: what does the word mum mean to you?

The Sunday Natter: settling down into adulthood

Ten familiar signs your time of the month is on its way

Periods and PMS, they're not regularly talked about in general conversation but as women, we all have them and unfortunately, they can't be avoided without some kind of doctors visit or a blockage on mother nature. BUT, why shouldn't we be able to involve the subject in general natter? I know I'm not squeamish and sheepish when the topic is brought up. In fact, I'd like to think I'm familiar with my body, so much so that I know the ins and outs of when that dreaded 'time of the month' is creeping upon me. If I forget to keep track of the cycle dates in the diary, it doesn't make any difference; all I know is when I'm abnormally hungry and start to get that annoying over-eye headache, the time is near. Which leads me on to today's post (which should have been posted yesterday but lazy old me didn't have the motivation to type away) and the signs you personally have or can relate to - because bringing humour into a cramp and flood infested environment makes it seem that little more light-hearted. 

The Sunday Natter: Valentine's Day - a celebration or an exploitation?

The Sunday Natter: 20 ways to know you're addicted to a TV show

*just to note although it is pretty entertaining, I'm not referring to Take Me Out, it was just on the tele at the time

As I completely missed out my Sunday Natter writing last week, I didn't want to jump straight in there with another feisty rant, which is why today's post is going to be kicked off with some lighthearted fun (of which deemed appropriate at this time of year when hibernating in front of the box seems appetisingly pleasing).

The Sunday Natter: Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves

(totally irrelevant picture to topic ratio but you can never go wrong with flowers, right?)

Following on from last week's post; the fury of women being dictated for their vanity choices, I felt it was only right for me to continue my opinionated discussion of something relatively similar to the points I was previously making. Today's Sunday Natter is allll about the assumptions and attitudes revolving around the efforts of a woman and just how irritated it makes me feel when I come across a genuinely believed reference that it's in a woman's nature to think about someone else in order to feel good and look good for themselves. Now, I've got to be extra careful on how I word this so I don't have the issue of offensive statements on my back but it's guaranteed if you ask a member of the public whether they believe what a woman decides is majorly influenced by what's ideal in a man's eyes, the answer will be yes. Without a doubt, society's mentality IS shaped around men's liking and it's really really pitiful.

The Sunday Natter: the make-up debate

You know what I'm tired of hearing? The ridiculed views of how too much make-up means you're a bad person, how personal choice means you're constantly open to the public's opinions on how you should and shouldn't look, and how caking your face in various products and brands you are excitedly eager to test means you're 'false advertising'. I believe make-up itself is an art and not conformed to any gender; the purpose is actually rather fascinating and the difference it can make to an individual's appearance, self esteem and drive is something worth noting. You shouldn't have to rely on make-up to start off your day, no, but unfortunately (or maybe not so unfortunately) for a large majority, it's how we prepare to face the world.

The Sunday Natter: dealing with insomnia

(No, not the Faithless song, unfortunately.)

Sunday Natter: a round of 2015's best moments

We're now 3 days into 2016, yet I'm still finding myself holding onto 2015 and the significance it weighed on life in general. I reflected a great deal in my last post of the year but I felt as though I waffled on about the in depth, fundamental stuff and less about the fun, light-hearted topics. We spend so much time gaining pleasure from what's going on around us in the industry and personally, a good 50% of my procrastination comes from committing half the day to watching makeup tutorials on YouTube, to then discovering what giraffe's like for their tea and how much Kardashian flesh is next to be on show. There's plenty of room for both sides of life; I think it provides a playful vibe opposed to the serious drudgery which is why in my first Sunday Natter of 2016, before I say goodbye to the previous year completely and before reality returns tomorrow, I'd love to share my top 5 moments in a variety of areas and I'd love to hear your side of the view too!

The Sunday Natter: exposing your blog to the real world

*source

It's a taboo subject; a do I, don't I question. I don't know why we fear informing our nearest and dearest of our most loved hobby or why we cringe and want to hide away in a dark cupboard somewhere at the mention of our blog in the 'real life' (definition: everyone away from the safe and expressive internet place we hold deeply) but we do (or at least I hope we do and I'm not alone) and I'd love to know your personal thoughts on this matter! 

Happy Halloween! - my Halloween memories

Happy Halloween, everybody! I feel like as a blogger it's my liability to post some kind of fabulous, monumental makeup tutorial, nail design, party gear, spooky-themed decor or a unique idea on how to celebrate in style but truth be told, I'm the least creative person possible and quite frankly I'm naff at pretty much everything; especially when it relates to an original invention on a seasonal occasion.