Chilling Essentials for a Clear Mind and a Happy Life

 A Sunday Well spent Brings a week of Content.. wouldn't you agree? I spent this past Sunday morning having a bit of me time. I got up as usual to sort my youngest out with breakfast and then headed back to bed with my coffee to work on some things just for me.

I have said this many, many a time on this blog, but taking time out for yourself should be a given. Its so easy to fall in to the loop of constantly being busy, usually for me its mum/wife type duties, and before i know it i can barely remember my own name.

So i just went ahead and nabbed a couple of bliss filled hours to myself filled with pretty things that i love, and d'you know what? I felt like a new woman after it. I felt i had cleared my head, and arranged my thoughts for the first time in weeks.

So after such a lovely Sunday i thought i'd share my chilling essentials with you in hope that you will find time in your busy life to do the same and take time out just for you:

Chilled Essentials

First up: The comfiest and prettiest pyjamas you own

Ok so i've professed my love for comfy pyjamas, but they really are a must for those major chilled out vibes. You can't get all comfy and cosy in a pair of constricting skinny jeans now can you?

And seeing as my pj's are possibly my most worn items (straight after the school run the 'outside clothes' come off and the comfies go on.. anyone else?), i always make sure to treat myself to some beautiful pairs. I wrote a whole blog post about pj's just before christmas, but there is alwasy more room in my drawer for lovely pyjamas.

My current favourite nightwear options are:

Left: Cat Crazy.. Animal lovers must have
Middle: Nice in Neutral (goes perfectly with my bedroom.. is it wrong to match your decor?
Right: Dreaming of Spring in bloom with these pretties

Next essential: Cosy bed socks or slippers

Pom pom slippers are still my absolute favourites, these are on sale and a complete steal! I've just added to my virtual basket! I don't know if i've ever admitted this before , but i don't feel right when at home unless i have slippers on.both my mum and dad always wear slippers, and they've definitely passed the slipper wearing torch on to me. I always have slippers on my feet. They make me feel at home. My husband however, can't stand things on his feet when at home, choosing to go bare foot  as soon as he can.. What camp do you fall in? To slipper or to bare foot.. that is the question!

Next up: For me its my journal or notepad

I've had a real hard time getting back in to writing and blogging in general since the Christmas break. As a family we have had some upheaval, change and also visitors, so my normal routine of writing when everyone is out the house has been really put out of whack lately. I honestly couldn't even process a coherent thought let alone write anything substantial. And as the days ticked on as quickly as they do, I began to panic about never getting my work mojo back and possibly not having anything to write about or say.

I realise now the problem was not not having anything to say, it was just not taking any time to organise those thoughts. A wave of anxiety kept obliterating any creative flow and each time I thought something, that old sneaky anxiety would creep in and gatecrash. Add in crazy schedules and all the other family drama and you have one fried brain.

So in my comfy pj's, armed with a coffee and some head space, i took out my pretty journal and purple pen (colour optional of course) and started making plans. I wrote everything that was in my head, ideas, concepts, one liners even. I then took out my diary and scheduled in dates for posts, meetings and reminders.

Suddenly it felt like a huge weight had been lifted, the fog had cleared and taken my tension headache with it.

I can not stress how important it is to get your thoughts out.

And of course having pretty stationery helps me completely. 

Lastly: A task that relaxes

Once all your thoughts are out and down on paper, so your mind is free to wander, do something that relaxes you. Maybe its a few episodes on Netflix, maybe its meditation, for me its painting my nails.

I find the methodical painting really therapeutic. Maybe its because whilst i'm painting them, i can literally do nothing else. Concentrating on the sole task is a wonderful thing, especially when you're a serial multi-tasker like me.

What do you do to chillax and re-motivate? Do let me know in the comments. 
Also are you a crazy pyjama lady like me? Or do you opt for fancy sleep wear?

Jumpsuits and Nikes ( & #Passion4Fashion Linkup)

 Over the course of a couple of months i hunted high and low for a black jumpsuit. The idea appealed greatly to me as it looks 'put together' yet they can be infinitely comfy(given the right size and shape) and, being black, really are a blank canvas to remix in lots of different ways.  So when super blogger Catherine featured hers recently (she has two: the orange and the burgundy, both are divine on her) and mentioned they were on sale, well it only took me a hop and as skip over to La Redoute to purchase the black one.
And yep, it is sublimely comfy.
(I went for my normal size 10 but would say it runs a little large, but for jumpsuit comfort purposes i would choose large over wedgie-inducing-small any day!)
Add in a pair of your favoruite sneakers/trainers and you have definitely qualified for the Comfort Olympics. Great thing is you can venture out looking preetty stylish and yet slub out watching netflix and still be comfy. Now that is the gold medal of outfits if you ask me.
I'm still crushing on the other 3 items that mainly make this outfit: The burgundy Nikes, The scarf and the Biker jacket.. I don't think i could live without any of them right now. They are literally like my clothing children that need me and i need them... I just took this somewhere weird didn't i? I am in a weird mood (too much coffee does that).
Sooo yes. Comfy and stylish always equals happy me. And this outfit i forecast, will be on repeat for the foreseeable, just change up the shoes (begrudgingly) and the scarf and jacket and there is a number of different outfits to be made. Blank canvas pieces are quite simply the best to have in a capsule wardrobe.

Outfit details:
La Redoute Jumpsuit (on sale and in multiple colours)
Rebecca Minkoff Bag but love the Anya Hindmarch here too
Burgundy Nikes
Blank Denim Biker Jacket
Ichi Scarf

What clothing item would get your gold medal for comfort and style?

An InLinkz Link-up

5 Simple Ways to Say Goodbye to Negativity

I'll be completely honest with you.. So far 2017 hasn't been that kind to my family and I. Strange turns of events, not great outcomes and general negative vibes have been coming our way.
On reflection the things that have happened aren't life threatening or totally horrendous, but its so easy to get suckered in to a bad way of thinking after a few to many things don't go to plan or get you down.
I mentioned on Instagram that my Husband and I recently had a good sit down and a chat about life. About how after nearly a decade of loss, bad fortune and sheer shitty luck our views on the world have become tainted. Negatively tainted.
But negativity begets negativity. It spreads faster than wild fire and before you know it, you're shrouded with a miserable life wondering where the hell you went wrong.

Quite a heavy start to a post, but you know me always open to sharing, I also think its good to show a real side to life instead of just the glossy facade we so often see in social media.

So how am i combating negativity in my life? Well, its definitely a work in progress rather than a miracle fix. But I'm putting my positive pants on and this is what i'm doing.

1. Talk about it. 

Sounds simple i know. But often just saying the words out loud can break up the aggravation that's going on in your head. Often when we bottle things up and over think we amplify the problems, which in turn gives them even more power over us.
Be open, speak about the problem, just once, then lay it to bed. You'll find once you've spoken about it out loud the problem will never seem so bad. Be sure to not get caught in a loop where you're repeating the problem to multiple people. By doing this, and talking about it over and over again all you are doing is fuelling the negativity and keeping it alive.

2. Make a Happy list.

I realised when i was setting my New Years goals that by reflecting on the good, it makes going forward easier and more positive. This works in the same vane.
By looking for the good, and actively listing it, you're enhancing the positive in your life.
It can be daily or weekly but be sure to give it a go. If you create a daily Happy list you will see the little things that made you smile really do add up. Sometimes life is so fast paced that we let go of the good things way to quickly.
My happy list this week has included:
Peanut butter and jam on wheat free toast, making my breakfast yummy
New silver shoes adding a spring to my step
Day date with my husband
Fresh flowers on my windowsill making me smile each time i see them
Morning snuggles with my son when he's still toasty war, sleepy and just delicious.

See super simple, but just reading them makes me happy and evoking happy thoughts produces positive feelings. Simple right?
Find just 5 minutes to write your list and it will fill you with good vibes.

3.Go outdoors/ Take a walk

I know that when i'm in a pretty dark place mentally i tend to become a recluse, choosing to go out less and less until before i know it a full week has passed and all i've done is drop my kids to their bus stop and then come back again.
Push yourself out, don a pair of snuggly boots or trainers a big coat and take yourself for a walk. The fresh air will invigorate you, the outdoors will alleviate an over active mind. The exercise will get your heart beating, releasing positive endorphin's making you feel lighter and calmer.

4. Sing (even badly) to your Favourite songs

Music is a powerful thing, It can raise us up or indeed evoke sad memories too.
But when i'm feeling down I have a few songs that are guaranteed to get my foot tapping and me warbling along at the top of my voice. DO it. Don't feel self-conscious. Spend 5 minutes in the car singing on your own, if you're in the house, close the blinds and have a dance party for one! Just do it. Mine and Neo's favourites include Counting Stars by One Republic and Eye of the Tiger (or lie on the tiger in Neo's words) by Survivor, each time i hear these i feel happier within seconds. Yes it's a quick fix, no maybe all of life's problems won't have magically disappeared, but its about putting yourself back in the positive zone, enabling you to handle things with a renewed sense of vigour.

5. Treat Yourself

As someone who tries to live a 'less is more' life this is kind of a contradiction i guess. However there is no denying that a lil' something now and again is good for this women's soul.
I love to paint my nails, so for me a new nail polish is a lovely treat. A bunch of flowers, a new lipstick or even a pretty new mug to drink my coffee. The idea is that you deserve nice things too. I find so often we concentrate on buying what the family needs, or the food shop that we kind of get lost along the way. And although i am far from hard done by, treating yourself should be welcomed and not shunned. It allows the mind to think of yourself for those moments whilst your choosing that new colour, or pretty flowers. Its about being in that moment, just for you. And why not? It doesn't have to cost the earth (Lord knows January is always a tight long month after the festive season) But treating yourself shouldn't feel naughty. It should feel just and right. Its about taking the emphasis away from ' I really shouldn't' to ' Yes I deserve this'.

Having written this i already feel in a much more positive state of mind. I feel hopeful, i feel enthusiastic, and i feel ready... Ready for whatever it may be that life throws at me.

What do you do to rid negativity and stay positive?
I'd love to hear! Let me know in the comments below!

Rachel x

Daily Outfit Catchup & #Passion4Fashion Linkup

First #Passion4Fashion linkup for 2017!! Welcome one and all.
I wanted to run a little recap of my last few weeks worth of outfits as I have some absolute favourite pieces that i am wearing repeatedly. I've been lacks with my capsule during December as it was Christmas and my birthday, of which i was a lucky girl and received clothing gifts for both. So there have been some additions, plus i bought myself a couple of things also.

My favourites from the past few weeks include

This Rebecca Minkoff knitted jumper. .. I mean, i had to have it didn't i? Its got my 3 favourite things on.. My initial, red lipstick and stars.. plus its black stripes which is exactly what i wanted. See, just had to have it (its also on sale with a massive saving now too)
So if you're name begins with R and you like stars, stripes and lipstick i highly recommend!

My Equipment Stars shirt felt perfect for the festive season without being overtly christmassy, just a gentle nod to yule tide offerings. I forgot how much i love this shirt, its beautifully soft and hangs perfectly both tucked in and left out. A definite investment piece that will stand the test of time, as stars are for life not just for Christmas.

My favourite bobble hat has returned for its 2nd (possibly 3rd(?) winter. I freakin' love this hat. It's fleeced lined and oh so warm. Try this one for similar

My new burgundy nikes.. J'adore my nikes. So comfy, So useful.. aaannd they're an awesome colour

Faux Fur Gilet... I'm really in two minds about this. I always feel so John Snow--'Winter is coming', in it, like a bad extra from Game of Thrones. But then another part of me loves the texture and the layer it brings to an outfit. Its one i'm going to ponder some more on. Thoughts?

This stretchy Grey Skirt by Velvet is just so darn comfy. When you sit at at a desk all day, at home, its so easy to just fling on jeans and think you'll be comfy. But actually I usually find myself more comfy in something like this stretchy skirt. I must wear it more infact.

Favourites on constant repeat. Happy pieces that are easy to wear and easy to remix.

What have you loved to wear lately?

An InLinkz Link-up