I shared some observations of summer over on Facebook last night and thought it was only fair to expand on them here (otherwise I feel like I’m cheating on my blog with social media!).
SLOWER DAYS
Firstly, I’ve loved the slower pace of life the summer has brought.
I LOVE my job with all my heart but it’s been a treat to step down a gear and and chill out far more (visiting Bournemouth Beach above, was a highlight of the season), especially after a busy year with my book release, and recent thyroid op. The R&R has done me good and while I’ve worked with brands I love and blogged here several times a week, there have been lots of lazy days in between! I’m now raring to go in September with new book tour dates, events, and campaigns I can’t wait share with you all. Exciting times ahead!
EASY SNACKS
I like to eat Rice Krispies out of the box. Please tell me I’m not alone in this? I’m plant-based and have been for several months now and while I love eating this way, I just can’t get used to oat or soya milk with cereal so I like to go without. I now need to rustle up some dark chocolate rice crispie cakes as it’s been too long since I’ve chomped on those bad (good) boys and the kids love them too!
BYE ‘BAD FOR THE SOUL’ PEEPS
I’ve distanced myself from people who make me feel like s*** and I’m 17745796885094728457 x happier for it. I’ve realised I was far too tolerant before now, and after giving certain people too many chances over the years, I feel liberated to have now cut ties. Life is just too short for that kind of shizz. I’m waving goodbye to drama and those ‘bad for the soul’ peeps.
DIY HAIR AND BEAUTY
My nails are so much stronger now that I’ve given gel manis a miss, and I’ve come to love the ritual of painting my own nails twice a week usually after a relaxing bath and before I dive into a book and new sheets on the bed. Bliss.
In fact, this summer has seen me become a whole lot lower maintenance overall which I blogged about just last week. I will always love a pamper and having my hair and face made up by the pros but I’ve realised lately that I’m pretty decent at DIY hair and beauty myself, and what’s more, I enjoy the me-time it provides.
SPORTY SPICE
I miss running. Post thyroid op, I’ve not felt comfortable running (I still suffer with intermittent pain) and while I walk non-stop in Windsor, I do miss getting my ‘sweat on’ and releasing pent up stress through beating the pavement. My surgeon informed me at my last appointment, that it’s likely to take 6-12 months to feel 100% myself again so I know I need to listen to my body and not push myself. One thing’s for sure though, I won’t be taking short sprints for granted again, when I do feel ready to run once more.
A PLANT-BASED WAY OF LIFE
Plant-based eating is the only way for me now. It’s several months into my vegan journey and I can safely say, I won’t ever go back. I love the way plant-based food makes me feel and crucially, I’m helping the planet and saving animals in the process. Other benefits are my skin has never looked clearer, I naturally returned to the weight I was as a teenager for the first time EVER thanks to this way of eating and issues such as recurring water infections, IBS and tonsillitis have either diminished or disappeared completely, which I can’t put down to coincidence. If you’re considering the change, my advice is to start by reading How Not To Die.
MY KIDS ARE MY BESTIES
My kids are my bffs. I knew this pre-summer of course but it’s been cemented further thanks to all the precious quality time we’ve spent together this holiday. I appreciate some parents don’t like to refer to their kids as their friends but I’m proud to say my boys are my best buddies and I hope they always will be. Yes, I guide and discipline my boys but our relationship is built on trust and respect and to be honest, they teach and support me as much as I do, them. They showered me with love, and surprisingly, reassurance, when I had an operation recently and I will never forget their selfless love to me at my time of need. It was an important reminder not to underestimate my kis.
TOO HOT IN A HEATWAVE
I’m moody af in a heatwave. I suffer from hayfever and need to take daily meds for it as I often come out in a rash along with suffering from sneezing and weeping (my GP said they’ve had the worst epidemic of it this year with record pollen levels) so that doesn’t help, nor does feeling so hot and stuffy a quick walk to the shops can feel too much. It makes me massively worried about global warming and shocked to the core that some people are denying its existence!
…I never thought I’d say it, but I’m looking forward to oversized jumpers, roaring fires and vegan roast dinners. BRING IT ON.
So there you have it, my obs of the summer.
What has the summer taught YOU about yourself?
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