Life Update | Back to Work & We've Bought a House!

I realised that I haven't given you guys a proper good ol' chatty life update since around October time, and oh my, so much has happened since then.

Back in November, we were still so unsure of what would happen with our early June 2021 wedding. We were back in a lockdown for 4 weeks, guest numbers went back down to 15 from 30 and we just didn't have much hope for a bigger wedding by June. So we made the decision to postpone for the second and hopefully final time for June 2022. 

Liam and I have always wanted to start a family and planned to take that route pretty soon after we had got married. However, the world had other plans meaning we would've had to hold off for a while due to the wedding postponements. After we postponed our wedding for the second time, we had quite a few emotional chats. We both felt so down that our lives had been put on hold because we had never wanted anything more than to start a family together. So, we sat down over Christmas, had a chat and decided to start trying for a baby. Obviously you will all already know that I am pregnant and expecting a baby girl at the end of September. We are so blessed and feel like it was meant to be. 

As you guys know, we have been house hunting for over a year and I'm so thrilled to say that we've finally bought a house! It's been so hard for us as first time buyers and me being furloughed, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster to be honest but I'm so glad we've been able to do it. Our completion date was the 21st May - we haven't yet moved in as we're having to redecorate everywhere and give the place a modern touch. People aren't lying when they say buying a house is stressful and one of the hardest things you'll ever do. I have never been so confused in all my life and all the forms and paperwork were overwhelming and never-ending.

 

After being back on furlough for four months due to the latest lockdown, I finally went back to work on the 13th of April. I couldn't wait to get back in the salon, I never knew I could miss work so much. Since being back, it really has been a struggle for me working the long hours again and getting back into a routine as well as growing a baby, I've just felt so exhausted. Although, how crazy is it to think that I'll only be at work for two and a bit more months before I go on maternity leave?! I'm definitely making the most of being back with the work girls and socialising with clients as I know my maternity leave will come around so quickly now.

As for my little blog, I feel like I've neglected it a lot recently. It's just so hard to find the time when I work full time and going through the house buying process, I'm trying not to exhaust myself out too much. But, I love blogging and will try to stay consistent with it but I can't promise you anything. I will of course keep you all updated on my Instagram so you can follow my pregnancy and house journey on there!

Surprise... I'm pregnant!

I can't even believe I'm writing this, it feels so surreal. You may have already seen the exciting news on my social media over the past week or so but if you haven't, I'm pregnant!

Ahhhh.

This has been the hardest secret Liam and I have ever had to keep. Well, we told our immediate family the day after we found out (before I was 4 weeks), because Liam was too excited, bless him. But waiting to tell the rest of the family and our friends was so hard. All I can say is, people aren't lying when they say the first 12 weeks drag. I feel like I've been waiting an absolute lifetime, yet I feel like how the hell have I gotten to this stage already?

I knew I was pregnant before I even took a test. I just didn't feel myself. I had period-like cramps two weeks before my period was due which never happens! I was constantly tired and struggled with insomnia. And oh my god the bloat in the evenings was unreal! 

 I'm now just over 14 weeks, so I am due at the end of September which feels forever away, but I know it'll come around so quickly! I'm not gonna lie, my first trimester has been pretty interesting. The nausea was so awful. I weren't even being sick, I was just feeling sick 24/7. Along with headaches, dizziness and lots of days spent in bed for the majority of my first trimester, it's been a mixture of good and bad days. I'm so glad that I'm feeling much better now and much more myself!

This is something Liam and I have wanted for such a long time and we are both so over the moon. We are so lucky and grateful to be able to experience this amazing journey.

My Self-Care Sunday Afternoon

I love a good self-care sesh and a Sunday is one of my favourite days to do that. Mainly because it's my day off, but also because it's the perfect day to unwind, relax and prepare for the week ahead.

I love to have a good ol' candlelit bubble bath. I light my favourite candles and either pop them around the bath or on my bath tray - this is one of my favourite ways to de-stress and relax. 
My skin changes so much when the seasons change, so I like to do a good proper skincare routine and slap a face mask on.

Whilst my face mask is on, I also like to apply a hair mask too. My blonde hair can get very dull, brassy, and dry, especially at the moment as I haven't been able to get it done, so a good hair mask always manages to replenish it and freshen it up.

I also like to put fresh sheets on my bed along with jumping into clean pyjamas. There's nothing like getting into fresh sheets with fresh PJs on, right? I then like to make myself a vanilla latte or a hot chocolate and grab the blankets and sprawl out on the sofa binging a Netflix series or TV show.

How do you spend a self-care day?

Reflecting on my 2020 Goals + A Few Goals for 2021

 I'm sitting here on this early Monday morning wondering where the heck to even begin because I literally haven't posted on my blog since late November. I have also been so undecided on whether to post this or not as it's a little late to the party, but I suppose it's better late than never, right? 

2020 was a year to remember wasn't it!? I didn't really have any goals for 2020 as Liam and I had some big things planned which we wanted to focus on, but unfortunately those plans weren't able to go ahead. However, I did mention exercise and losing a bit of weight which, with the help of lockdown, I actually achieved and stuck to, as well as actually taking exercise up as a hobby. Never in a million years would I have thought that I'd admit to enjoying exercise.

Like last year, I don't have many goals for 2021. The goals that I want to achieve are more for self-care and wellbeing, which I think sprouted from the rough year we had last year. However, I am determined to focus on them, and hopefully come out of 2021 as an even more positive person.

Take each day as it comes

Don't stress over things I can't control

Appreciate the little things in life

Take time off social media more often

Improve my skincare routine

Three of these goals have derived from the past year we've had. I'm not going to lie, I have found it really difficult at times. But 2021 is a fresh year, it hasn't started off great but I'm trying not to be a negative Nancy and more of a positive Polly and just take each day as it comes.

Since Christmas, I have taken a few well needed breaks here and there from social media, and it has done wonders for my mental health. At first, I actually thought that I would struggle because I check social media multiple times daily, even more so at the moment as I'm not back at work yet. 

I usually just randomly check social media throughout the day without even thinking about clicking on the apps. Half the time, I don't even need to check social media or I was only on it about thirty minutes prior. I found it easier during my social media break if I logged out of each social and put them in a separate folder on my phone, I didn't seem to find myself looking for the apps. Whereas, when I left them where they always have been, I just click on them out of habit, it's like a routine. I've told myself to definitely take breaks more often when I need to this year.

Lastly, there's always room to improve your skincare regime. I personally feel like I have been so slack over the past few months with my skin. I'm slowly getting myself back into a routine and I'm hoping to stick to it and try new products.

Lets Have a Catch Up - Where I've Been

I've been pretty quiet for the past couple of months and it is just mainly down to my mental health and things going on in my life. I have been struggling and there has been times that have been pretty dark. But, it's ok to not be ok and go through rough patches here and there, even though I feel like the whole of 2020 has been one massive rough patch.

I finally went back to work in August, can you believe that I had a whole FIVE months off!? The first couple of months I was off work were great, but then things got boring and I was itching to get back. It was weird being back, doing the same things but so different.

Liam and I headed to London for what would've been our wedding day and we had the best time! We got a train down that morning and opened our cards and gifts on the train. We stayed in a gorgeous hotel in Tower Bridge who were kind enough to upgrade our room so we had a beautiful view of London. We had booked the London Eye, so we headed there after dropping off our bags at the hotel and just had a chilled afternoon walking around London. Then, we went to The Shard in the evening for dinner. It was so lovely, however I feel like Liam and I didn't really fit in. It was very posh haha. We booked our table for around 7pm which was when the sun was about to set so we saw the most stunning view of London during the day and in the evening. It was just beautiful.

We are trying to buy a house. At the moment, it's difficult for first time buyers and it doesn't help that I have been part furloughed at work too. But, we are really trying our best and have everything crossed that we will be able to do it.

What's happening with the wedding? I'm not too sure myself. The numbers went back down to 15 from 30 and to be honest, I don't have much hope for a bigger wedding by June. Liam and I need to decide what's best for us but at the moment, we're not too sure ourselves. We don't know whether to bring the wedding forward and just go ahead with an intimate wedding or to just postpone again until 2022/2023. The thing is, we would like to be in our own home once we're married, so I think it'll all depend on what happens in the next few months or so regarding the house situation.

Lastly, I am back on Slimming World. I have properly been on it for about a month now and I'm not gonna lie, I've had a couple of weeks where I just gave up. It's hard for me to eat clean when my mental health is low but I'll get there. I'm determined to get my body back to how I want it.

I hope you're all doing well and taking care of yourselves.

x

My Travel Bucket List - UK & Abroad

I'm not lying when I say that my travel bucket list is long. It's loooong and to be honest, I could probably add more places. I've had to turn my Pinterest travel board into separate boards for different destinations.

Manchester

Liverpool

Newcastle

Leeds

Brighton

The Cotswolds

Wales

Lake District

Quite a few big cities around the UK are on this list - Manchester and Leeds have both been my top two to visit but I have never gotten round to visiting. I've been to Swansea in Wales once for a football game, and the views on the way there were just stunning and since that day, I've wanted to go back for a weekend away. The Lake District is actually very new on my list, since constantly seeing gorgeous photos on Instagram, I will definitely visit one day. 

Iceland

Mauritius

Bali 

America

Australia

Greece

The Maldives

The Caribbean Islands

Iceland is on the top of my list, I've been wanting to visit for a couple of years now, depending on the travel situation it'll be either next year or 2022. We were meant to have our honeymoon in Mauritius, we're meant to be there right now actually, but unfortunately the world changed that, but it's still on my bucket list. Bali is another recent destination I'd love to visit one day, the whole place just looks beautiful. America and Australia have always been my dream to visit since I was little. I've still never done Disneyworld, so that'll be a holiday with our future kids I reckon.

Have you been to any of these places yourselves? Let me know your opinions or any recommendations!

Four Ways I Deal With Stress

I was planning on writing up a life update blog post, but I'm going through a lot of personal stuff right now and even though I'm very honest and open with you all, I know a lot of other people have been struggling with stress and anxiety at the moment too, so instead of you reading a lengthy blog post full of negativity, instead, I want to share my four ways I've been dealing with stress and hope it can help some of you too.

This is a very new way I deal with stress. I never thought I would be saying this, but exercising really does help me take my mind off of things. Following a routine, I'm focused and with stress on my mind it seems to make me work harder too. 

Music has always been my therapy, and always will be. My earphones are my happy place. I don't really listen to anything in particular. If anything, when I'm sad, listening to sad music helps me - some of you might think that's absolutely bonkers. But, I feel like it's a way for me to connect to the song itself. It just works for me.

If things do get too much for me, I write down how I'm feeling as it helps to clear my head a little. I also write down to-do lists and spread things out over multiple days by importance. This has always worked wonders for me! Each day, I look at my to-do list and focus on what needs to be done on that particular day and nothing else.

Just breathe and focus on the present. I'm a nightmare for over-thinking into the future and what's to come. I've been worse since COVID has happened because our wedding, honeymoon, hen and stag do's, buying our first home and trying for a baby have all been put on hold and I have honestly been so stressed about it all. But, every day, I take about 5 minutes in the evening to just breathe and focus on my breathing to release the stress, even if it is for only 5 minutes. Also, telling myself that I'm lucky to be alive and healthy and to be happy with what I have at this moment in time.

How do you deal with stress? Is there anything else you'd recommend?

Accepting the Norm of Cellulite & Stretch Marks

I remember being around 14 years old when I first noticed a few faint stretch marks on my hips and it really bothered me. I guess in your early teens, you do naturally worry about things like that.

As I've grown up, I have struggled with my stretch marks and wobbly legs. My legs have always been a huge insecurity for me, literally everything I eat goes straight to my thighs and since putting on a lot of weight over the past two years, my self confidence hasn't been great.

Since following Slimming World and doing regular exercise, I have noticed some very vivid stretch marks on the backs of my legs - from the backs of my knees going all the way down. So, I have since become even more insecure about my legs. I'm not going to lie to you, it really bothered me when I first noticed them, and to be honest, they still do bother me some days.

No matter how many creams and oils you buy and try, stretch marks are bloody hard to get rid of. Red/purple stretch marks are fairly new and dermatologists say that they are easier to treat as the skin is still in the process of healing. Whereas, white stretch marks are older and a lot more difficult to treat but laser is an option.

Of course, for my stretch marks I've been using Bio Oil everyday, sometimes twice a day. I've heard many mixed opinions on Bio Oil but it seems to work for me, especially if used correctly and consistently.

I bought the Burts Bees Belly Butter back in January after doing some research on best rated skincare products for stretch marks. It is actually highly rated by women who are pregnant. No, I'm not pregnant but I thought I'd give it a go as it was highly recommended for stretch marks on the belly during pregnancy. It absorbs super quick, however there isn't really a smell to it. I usually like a scent to my products but it's not the end of the world! It is a great little product, and I will continue to use it when the time comes for babies.

I have been using these products almost every day after showering since I noticed the stretch marks on my legs and I have noticed a big difference. They haven't completely disappeared but they have definitely faded really well, so I will just carry on using them during my weight loss.

I was in my late teens when I started noticing cellulite appear on the back of my thighs. It weren't that noticeable and didn't actually bother me as much as stretch marks did. My mum always said it was hereditary but honestly, I have seen very few women that don't actually have cellulite. Over the years I have found that regular exercise and a good diet really helps with maintaining minimal cellulite.

I had been using the Clarins Anti-Cellulite cream for years. I wouldn't say I'm in a consistent routine like I am with my stretch marks products. But, this really has worked wonders for me. It smells so nice and it does minimise cellulite and helps my legs to appear smoother. I feel like if I used it morning as well as evening every day, I would get a lot better results from it.

After hearing great things about this product, I purchased the Mio Cellulite Smoother at the start of the year and to be honest, I haven't touched my Clarins product since. This product smells like the strongest mint toothpaste you can get, but unlike the Clarins cream, you can feel this one working as it gives you a tingling sensation. But again, it gives the exact same results as the Clarins Anti-Cellulite cream.

I included both of these cellulite products in this post as they both work wonders. Even though Clarins is a better smelling product, I would rather be using a product that is half the price, and you can feel it working and gives the exact same results. And, if Mio ever discontinues, I would go back to Clarins, always.

I've only recently managed to accept that cellulite and stretch marks are completely normal, even though I still have some days when they bother me. Social media has had a huge impact on my self-confidence too. All these perfect, gorgeous and slim Instagram influencers, you've got to remember that majority of the time, their pictures are edited and filtered. Again, it's only recently I've learnt to never compare yourself to anyone else - on social media or not. You are you, and you should love yourself.

Pretty much everyone has stretch marks and cellulite, it's just being human. I now see stretch marks and cellulite as stories; growing up, weight gain/loss and pregnancy, all beautiful in every way and I believe that everyone should see it that way too.

Twenty Three.

*Dress was kindly gifted to me from Femme Luxe Finery*

It's my birthday! Today I turned 23 years old, how did this happen!? It doesn't seem right that I'm 23 already, getting married and about to buy a house. It's gone crazy quick and it actually scares me how quick the next 23 years will go. Here are 23 things I've learnt in 23 years.

1. Don't worry about what other people think

2. Make time for yourself 

3. My parents were right about everything

4. Mental health is important

5. Live in the moment 

6. Trust your gut instinct

7. It's ok to say no

8. Put yourself first

9. Don't compare yourself to other people

10. Accept who you are

11. Friends and family are everything

12. Take each day as it comes

13. Set goals

14. Everything happens for a reason

15. You can't please everyone 

16. Don't take life too seriously

17. Stop worrying about money

18. Skincare is important

19. Travel while you can

20. Music is my escape

21. Everyone has their own timeline

22. Do what's best for you

23. Don't give up

Here's to twenty three!

A Birthday Makeup Look

My birthday is in a few days and as my 23rd birthday will be a little different compared to other birthdays over the years, I decided that I'd still like to get dressed up and do my makeup how I usually would do on my birthday.

The very first thing I do is fill in my eyebrows, I use the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pomade in the shade 'Taupe'. Then to neaten up my brows, I outline them with the NARS Creamy Concealer in the shade 'Vanilla'. I find that this the perfect shade for me, it's not too light or too warm - so it's great for my pale days as well as when I have tan on.

Moving onto my eyes, I smother my lashes in Revitalash Serum, it's honestly been a god send since taking a break from my lash extensions - the growth of my lashes in only 4 months is insane. Then, I prep my lids using the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer, it's been my fave for years and does its job, so will forever be my go to.

I've decided to use the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette as there's a decent range of smoky shades and shimmers. Using 'Foxy' as a base, 'Busted' and 'Snakebite' for depth in the crease and a mix of 'Half Baked' and 'YDK' on the lid. Using the shade 'Verve' as a highlight, I apply this in the inner corners of my eyes and underneath my brows.

For my face, using my all time favourite, the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation in the shade 'Stromboli'. Then going back in with the NARS Creamy Concealer in the shade 'Vanilla', to brighten the eye area I apply this under my eyes and on any blemishes and then blend the concealer out with a beauty blender. To add some definition, I use the Benefit Hoola Bronzer to contour my nose, cheekbones, jawline and the top of my head. After blending out the bronzer, I set the rest of my face using the Revlon Colorstay Pressed Powder in the shade 'Light to Medium' or 'Medium' depending on what shade of tan I've used. 

Then, I apply my lashes. Being a lash tech whilst in lockdown, I actually made these curly, volume strip lashes myself. I've already tested them and they actually turned out so much better than I thought they would, so I'm well chuffed. However, if I didn't make my own strip lashes I would've used the Ardell Double Wispies.  To blend the strips in with my natural lashes, I use my all time fave mascara that I always end up going back to, the Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara and I also apply it to my bottom lashes too.

For my lips, I'm going with my go-to everyday fave. I line them with the MAC Lip Pencil in the colour 'Stripdown' and then go in with the MAC Matte Lipstick in the colour 'Honeylove'. It's honestly the best lip combo.

Lastly to set everything in place, I use the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray and just spritz it all over my face. This is another one of my all time favourites that I've been using for years, it just does what it's meant to.

10 Things I'm Going To Do When the Pandemic is Over

I've been thinking about what I'm actually going to do when the pandemic is over. I love routine, I've never liked change. As I've been off work for 11 weeks, I've now got myself into a new daily routine and thinking about going back to my old routine is making me feel anxious. I wrote down 10 things I'm going to do when the pandemic is over to keep my mind at ease and to look forward to in the near future.

Stick to an exercise routine

I have been doing so well sticking by exercising that I've actually grown to love it. I'm not sure yet on how I'm going to fit workouts into my daily routine when I go back to work as I work long hours and it'll be fully hands on but I'll manage it somehow.

Focus more on myself

This is a huge one for me because I have struggled with this for years. I have always put people first before myself which isn't always a good thing. It's definitely about balance.

See friends and family and give them an even tighter hug than I usually would

Before the pandemic happened, I wasn't appreciative enough of my friends and family. Now, I will cherish every single moment spent with them, hug them that little bit tighter and tell them I love them more.

Work my ass off

After moving our wedding, suppliers and honeymoon around, we have unfortunately lost some money. But, I am raring to get back to work and earn as much money as I can.

Support local businesses even more so

I can't even imagine how much small businesses are struggling right now. There are so many small local businesses in my city, it just makes me so sad how some of them haven't managed to survive it.

Go to London

I miss London. That is it. It's my absolute favourite place in the world. As soon as this pandemic is over, Liam and I will be taking a trip to London. It's only around a 2 hour journey for us too so it's not too bad.

Go to see Liam's Nanny in her care home

Liam's nanny has dementia and is in a care home and we haven't seen her for months. This will be the first place we will go when we are able to.

Finally get my hair done

Can you believe that I haven't had my hair professionally done since the end of January!? I was trying to find a new hairdresser but it was a struggle as I work the same days and hours as hairdressers so finding someone that worked on a Monday was proven impossible. So, my hair was already at 8 weeks before we even went into lockdown. Luckily, I'm trained in hairdressing so I have managed to foil the front and sides of my hair in the meantime until I find someone to fix my mess of hair.

Get regular massages

Leaning over doing lashes, nails, feet and other treatments all day every day really puts a strain on my back. I have always struggled with my back anyway but with my job, I struggle with it even more. I tried to get into a routine of getting a massage once a month but it didn't last long. I will definitely get back into having them, they really helped my back as well as help me relax, de-stress and sleep so much better too.

and lastly...

Go places without having to be cautious of social distancing

I think most people can't wait for this to happen. Honestly, I cannot wait for the day when eventually everything will be back to normal.

How I've Changed as a Person Over The Last Eight Weeks

A lot has happened within these eight weeks and I have really changed as a person in that time. Lockdown has seriously done things to me, I've had a lot of thinking time I guess.

Firstly, I've learnt to appreciate things more. I will now cherish every single moment I spend with my family and friends. Sometimes you just need to take a step back, look at your life and see what you've got and who's in it. This has made me look at things from a different perspective, my eyes have opened up even more so now.

 Secondly, I've learnt that it's fine to have down days. It's perfectly okay to have down days anyway, but in a time like this even more so. The unknown of everything and not having much freedom can really hit you hard. I've had multiple days where I've just cried because I'm scared of the unknown, I can't go out and get away or spend time by myself.

I've been working on having a more positive mindset. Even though a lot of negative things are going on in my life right now, I've been trying to turn those negatives into positives instead. Better things will come soon. I've also been working on my jealousy. I've felt so nervous to admit this, but I am a jealous person and I feel like a lot of other people struggle with this too. I get jealous so easily - although not in a bad way that turns me into a horrible person. I keep my thoughts to myself and I've been managing to get over certain things that make me jealous as they come. Maybe it's not even jealousy, I think I just want what other people have in life.

I've got rid of negative people that were in my life. Very recently, I decided that I was sick of the amount of shit I have taken over the last few years by letting people walk all over me, I didn't want to be the girl that was talked down to anymore. Just because I come across as this timid, quiet girl, doesn't mean people can walk over me, make decisions for me and put me down. From now on, I'll be standing up for myself more and any negative people in my life will be cut out. Life is too short and I'm not letting negative people that make me miserable ruin it.

I've spent time looking after myself a lot more too. Beforehand, I wouldn't spend a lot of time looking after myself. I'm looking after my hair and skin so much better and I'm now in a routine. Nothing is a rush either and I have no excuse to not be bothered.

Finally, I've become an even stronger believer of 'everything happens for a reason'.

We've Postponed Our September Wedding.

Yes, you read that correct. We've postponed our wedding and here is the reason why...

Well, you can probably guess why we've postponed it. The awful C word? Exactly that.

I don't want to speak too negatively about what's going on in this crazy world right now, but this is life and unfortunately we've had to make a big decision and I feel like I should share what has been going on. It also helps me feel better getting things off my mind.

The past month has been one massive whirlwind, that's for sure. Liam and I have been through so many different emotions, we've received lots of different opinions and advice from friends and family too. There has also been lots of stress and many tears with it.

If you would've told me at the start of 2020 that in a few months time I'd be making a decision to cancel my wedding, I would've laughed, maybe even cried. Even though it feels like September is ages away, it is only 4 months away and things could go one way or another from now. I truly believe everything will have blown over by September but I also believe there will still be some restrictions in place. We had sat down multiple times and seriously thought about what was best for us to do. We were originally going to risk leaving our big day as it was and carry on as normal. But then we went into lockdown and our appointment to give notice of our marriage was cancelled and that's when it all felt a lot more real.

I hadn't even been for my first dress fitting or alteration, along with needing to get the bridesmaid dresses altered. Liam was still suit hunting and hadn't found any he liked for him and the groomsmen. Liam's stag do for the end of April was cancelled and mine at the end of May is still highly likely to also be cancelled. We agreed that everything was going to be one big rush by the time lockdown was going to be lifted.
We wanted to get married and celebrate our marriage as normal as possible. The main reason we made our decision is that Liam and I are very close to our families, so having them all around us and celebrating with us on our special day is so important to us both as well as their health. So we decided, if there's a possibility of large gatherings and/or vulnerable people not being allowed at weddings, we're not going ahead with ours.

When we first looked into moving our wedding with our venue, they were more than happy to help us, but they had limited dates for next year. After collecting around five possible new dates from our venue, we had to contact the suppliers that we already had booked for September to see what they could do. Most of them were very limited on dates and a few of them were already booked up for 2021, so this really made our final decision.
We were going to lose our photographer, cake maker and my hairstylist along with the deposits we had paid. We thought, if we leave it any longer, we're going to lose more suppliers and more money as well as finding it harder to get a new date and re-book new suppliers.

Even though we were extremely upset about the big decision we had made, all the excitement had suddenly come back knowing that we will definitely get our day, even if it is nine months later. So we looked at the positives; we can re-organise and plan our hen and stags again, everyone will be able to attend our wedding, we can definitely go away for our honeymoon and we can save up even more money to buy a house this year. Well, hopefully.

Of course we didn't have to postpone our wedding, but we truly made the decision that we thought was best for us. I haven't written this to scare any other brides/grooms of 2020 away. I wrote this to purely get everything off my mind and of course, to let all of you know because you've been following my wedding planning journey. Also, I think it will be interesting to look back on in years to come. Everyone has their own opinions and every couple is different and I think that needs to be respected.

The lead up to your wedding is meant to be a really exciting time and we just weren't feeling excited about it anymore. Since postponing, it's like a huge weight has been lifted off of our shoulders. I'm so glad to say that we are both really excited again and enjoying even more planning.
We're so lucky to have the most supportive friends and family too.
Here's to the 3rd of June 2021.

20 Things To Do Whilst Staying at Home

 I'm not much of a social person, I never have been. To be honest, I've always preferred spending Saturday evenings in my pyjamas scoffing a takeaway and watching crap TV than going 'out out'. However, I'm now at the point where I feel like all of my days are merged into one. I got into too much of a routine and now I'm bored. So as the UK lockdown is set for another three weeks, here are 20 things to do whilst staying at home...

1. Bake

2. Learn a new language - I love Duolingo for learning Spanish!

3. Play a videogame - The Sims 3, Club Penguin, Habbo Hotel, Mario Kart on the Wii are just some I've been playing. I've even dug out my old Nintendo DS!

4. Follow a workout online

5. Give your phone a clear out 

6. Spend time improving your cooking skills or learning a new recipe

7. Start a scrapbook

8. Clear out and re-organise drawers and cupboards around the house

9. Read a book

10. Watch YouTube

11. Videocall friends and family

12. Get involved and experience TikTok - it's honestly so much fun and great for passing time!

13. Find a new series to watch on Netflix

14. Have a pamper day - paint your nails, toes, slap on a face & hair mask and have a chill in the bath.

15. Sort through your Pinterest boards

16. Spend some time colouring or painting

17. Clean your makeup brushes

18. Find an old series to watch - I've found all of my old box sets of Waterloo Road and I am so happy about it! I may also watch Charmed from the beginning too.

19. Learn a new skill - I want to learn how to do the splits, a handstand and French plait my own hair.

20. Listen to a podcast

Six Ways To Keep Yourself Motivated During COVID-19

Oh hey, I haven't been around for about a month or so and honestly, I've missed it. 

I've missed my little space on the internet where I can escape and take my mind off of things, especially now with what's going on in the world.

I'm not going to lie, I have really been struggling but I know everybody else is in the same boat. So, I have put together a list of ways to keep yourself motivated and positive during this time.

I've put this on the top on my list for a reason. I feel like I can't get anything done if I'm lounging around in my pyjamas. Even if I get changed into joggers or leggings and a hoodie, I feel much more awake and motivated than sitting in my pyjamas that I've slept in all night.

 Exercise is so important. Not only does it help you sleep better, it improves your mood and relieves stress which is what I think we all need right now, oh and you'll have that summer bod ready! If you didn't do exercise before this global pandemic, now is a great time to get yourself into it! As I haven't been able to go to my ballet classes and boxing classes for a few weeks now, I've really been missing them.

So, as well as prancing around the kitchen in my ballet shoes, I've also been doing home workouts. Every other morning (I try every morning), I have been out in the garden to do a 30 minute workout. I usually follow Courtney Black's workouts, she's been doing them live every day on Instagram. Cassie from Blogilates on YouTube is also amazing! Luckily, there are so many PTs on Instagram and YouTube to follow at the moment. 

I've even dragged out the Wii Fit, I forgot how much I loved that!

We've been very lucky to have gorgeous weather at the moment which is why I've been getting fresh air pretty much every morning. It honestly makes me feel so much more positive and it's extremely important to get that Vitamin D. Even if you just open a window, it'll do the world of good.

We're so lucky in this day and age to have so many fantastic ways to communicate with people. Especially with what's going on in the world right now, it's crucial to check in on friends and family to make sure they're all doing ok and to see if they need anything. On top of the worries about COVID-19, I've also been stressing about our wedding in early September. I'm praying that it'll all blow over by then but it's just the unknown and having zero control that I've been stressed about. When I have felt down about it, so many close friends and family have been supporting me. Never bottle up how you feel! 

I'm one of those overly-organised people, like when they have an idea they need to do it there and then. For example, changing the layout of the bedroom or redecorating the house - I get excited about ideas and like to get stuff done. I've found that putting together a weekly schedule has really helped me spread things out and actually get other things done as well as stopping my brain from going into overdrive.

I've had to take a few breaks now and then mainly from Twitter and Facebook. All the news, rumours and stories have been too much for me and I instantly go from being in a great mood to an anxious mess and admittedly, I've cried a number of times. 

Whether you delete an app or turn off your phone for a few hours, it's good to take a break.

I hope you've found at least a couple of things on this list helpful.

Take care of yourselves.

x

What I've Been Watching On Netflix Recently

Liam and I have been obsessed with Netflix at the moment. I feel like there has been so much great stuff on there, I had to share our recent watches with you. We still have lots left on our list to get through too.

This reality series is about individual volunteers going undercover as prisoners in a jail in Indiana for 60 days without inmates or staff knowing.

It is a really interesting documentary, learning about seven very different, innocent people volunteering to leave their families behind and experience life behind bars. 

This film is fairly new on Netflix and man is it good! After watching it, I've literally recommended it to everyone. 

After Grace's ex moves on with somebody else and her son moves away, with the help of her best friend, Grace meets the man of her dreams. However, not too long after marrying her love, she's shut in a cell awaiting trial for his murder.

I can't explain much without going into too much detail but it's definitely worth a watch.

Again, this series is recent to Netflix. Liam and I actually watched this whole series in less than 12 hours.

A mother and her three kids move back into their ancestral house after the murder of their husband/father. In this home, they discover multiple magical keys which they use to open different doors. The three siblings have to protect these keys from an evil creature who wants them.

I actually found the first episode of this series very slow and hard to get into. However, stick to it as it's worth the watch.

A father of two boys randomly comes across a stranger one day, to which the stranger tells him a shocking secret about his wife. This father gets caught in a mystery and desperately searches for answers.

The ending will surprise you and it won't be what you expect. But overall, it's a really decent series.

Let's be honest, I probably don't need to go into too much detail with this one. I feel like since the most recent series has aired, (series 2), everyone has watched it. 

A man stalks as well as use social media to gain information about a certain woman to get close to her. He soon becomes obsessed and 'strange', keeps items that doesn't belong to him and gets rid of anything and anyone in his path.

Have you seen any of my recent watches? What are your opinions?

12 Things I've Learnt in 12 Months of Wedding Planning

I can't believe we've been engaged for a year already, it's just insane how quick that year has gone! On that note, there is only EIGHT months left until the big day and that actually scares me.

Here is what I've learnt in 12 months of planning our wedding...

Wedding Fayres aren't for me

We attended our first wedding fayre last year when we were newly engaged and WOW. It set my anxiety sky high. All we wanted to do was walk around and get ideas but people were constantly bugging us. Forcing cake in our faces and trying to sell the idea of having a tipi at our wedding. It was too much and ended up not staying long. Also, wedding fayres seem to always have the 'top' suppliers - photographers, cake makers, stationers etc, which are super expensive and booked up. So because we were on a budget, I'm glad I didn't fall in love with anything.

Facebook is your best friend

I have been loving Facebook for wedding bits. Firstly, people sell so much stuff on there, if you're looking for something in particular, you're bound to find it. And secondly, there are so many wedding and bride groups you can join. If you have any questions or need opinions, you can post them into the group and so many other brides-to-be or previous brides can comment and give you their opinions. I actually really enjoy spending time in these groups. Everyone's so lovely too!

People have opinions

I have received a lot of opinions, some quite rude, since I told people we had booked our wedding. People have their own opinions, so take their opinion into consideration but remember it's your day and if you don't like their ideas, you don't have to go ahead with them.

Shop around

This is very important because weddings aren't cheap. If you like something, shop around to find something similar that's a little cheaper. The worst thing to do is rush into buying stuff and then regret it at a later date.

Ask for help

You can't do everything by yourself, even if you want to. It just makes you stressed and sometimes, ideas from other people can be better than your own. People like to be involved in wedding planning as well. We asked my mother in-law to do the table decorations and centrepieces and she's so grateful that we asked. 

Use Planning Apps & Websites

Bridebook has been my number one planning app. From when you first download it up until your wedding date, it gives you a timeline of deadlines. It also has lists of venues and suppliers in your area too which are super helpful!

Know when to stop scrolling through Pinterest

I made this rule when I found my wedding dress. I have a board dedicated to wedding dresses and before my first shop, I was neverendingly looking at different dresses. After buying my dress, my Pinterest feed was still full of dresses, and of course, it makes you self doubt. There's a button you can press to hide certain things from your feed which is what I done. You can forever scroll through Pinterest and see all gorgeous and different centrepieces, but then you'll be forever changing your mind. So, once you have ideas set in stone, try to control what you see on socials.

Everything is SO bloody expensive!

I knew weddings were expensive but I didn't actually realise HOW expensive they are. We have done it on a budget but it's still a good ££££. So keep your finances in mind when thinking about wedding planning.

The table plan is hard work.

Some of Liams family don't get on, so it's been hard to choose who sits where. We also don't know who we'd like with us on our top table. I feel like this has been the biggest challenge so far.

Write everything down

We have neverending amounts of lists. From songs for the DJ, to how I'd like my invitations designed. Literally every idea that pops into my head for the wedding, I jot down or make a note of it in my phone.

You become very organised

We have a pretty little storage box that we keep all of our wedding documents and invoices in. I'm an organised person anyway but I'm even more organised than I've ever been. It also makes everything 100x easier when everything's together in the right place.

Remember that it's YOUR day

Of course, the most important thing to remember. I'm trying not to stress and overthink about silly little things. Like 'what if our guests aren't happy with this or that...', it's our day and we'll do it how we want to.

Can anyone else relate to any of these or have any more tips?

Celebrating One Year of Being Engaged.

To celebrate one year of being engaged, we had booked a nights stay in a lodge at the Norfolk Garden Rooms in Fleggburgh. We have been wanting to come here for a while so figured we could visit for our one year engagement. There were three rooms to choose from upon booking, The Fox Room, which was the one we stayed in, The Bee Room and The Owl Room. All three are separate lodges located just behind the Kings Arms Pub & Restaurant. 

Our room was pristine and beautifully decorated which made us feel so cosy. We had our own robes, air con and a heater, the loveliest shower and the TV had a flexible wall mount so we were able to pull it out and watch it in bed. The bed was also super comfy, we wanted to bring the mattress home with us.

We were booked in the restaurant at 6:30pm for dinner and we were both really excited to try the food as we'd heard amazing things about the restaurant. There was a lot of seafood on the menu which makes sense as the location was close to the Norfolk coastline. Both Liam and I had a prawn cocktail for starters, which was gorgeous! For the mains, I had cod and paella which was also really delicious. Liam had the traditional steak and chips which he said the steak was really tasty. Because the food was so good, we cleared our plates and ended up not having any room for dessert. 

After dinner we headed back to the lodge, got changed into our swimwear, put on our robes and relaxed in the hot tub. Although the hot tub was outside, it was so lovely sitting in it all warm and cosy. Considering the lodges were part of the pub and restaurant, I couldn't believe how insanely quiet and chilled it was - especially for a Saturday evening.

We had breakfast included the next morning and it ran from 8:30-10:30. The plan was to have a lie-in and then get up and go for breakfast, but as I'm an early bird, I just had to get up and I jumped in the shower and got myself ready whilst Liam had a lie-in. When Liam woke up, he got himself ready and then we packed all of our stuff up, put it in the car ready to go and headed to breakfast.

We both went for the full English and it was one of the best fry-ups I've had. 

The customer service was excellent from when we got there until we left. Everyone was so lovely and couldn't do enough to help you. I'm glad we came here to celebrate our engagement as we both needed a chilled but well deserved break. I would love to come back here in the Summer as I can imagine it's even more so beautiful that time of the year too.