Because I think the sad inevitability is that I've been swayed and influenced since producing fashion content into consciously thinking whether I've worn this before.. before shooting an outfit.
(Supremely illustrated by the above photo btw.. I think it's pretty much my recent outfits all in order. All wearing different clothes I'm sorry to say. Although if you would like to see any of them in more detail then do feel free to check out my style diaries here ;)
You may have noticed the slight slump in the number of posts on BTB this year thus far (and if you have then well spotted, and points for observation!).
It seems like yonks since I last posted a 10 Things.
But that's maybe because January and February have been the busiest of months.
In all honesty, I'm rather feeling like the things that have made me happy have been a bit few and far between at the moment. Because the things that have been keeping me so busy, aren't really full of joy.. In fact, some of them have been (and are) entirely crap. And maybe I'll share a little more of that on BTB because not being OK all the time is OK too.
Anyway, there were some things among the rest of the.. hogwash, that did make me happy lately so let's share those.
one. // the Food Wishes YouTube channel and Chef John. Found him whilst looking for a demi glace video and the rest is history! I love that his videos (I've gone back a couple of years worth now) haven't seemed to have changed, F hates his 'rollercoaster inflection' (which btw doesn't bother me in the slightest).
three. // FOOD. I think I'll start giving food it's own permanent spot here on 10 Things because there's never a time it won't be making me happy in some capacity. This time, it's demi glace (I've been having roasted parsnips and cavolo nero swimming in the stuff), homemade beurre blanc, my loose version of fresh pistou, wild salmon, and chestnut smoked salmon and wasabi.
four. // cosy jumpers because it's still cold. Although I didn't have to wear a scarf today so that's something! A few jumper styles I'm loving at the moment:
five. // concerning Netflix: Old episodes of Death in Paradise (Ben Miller only please), Bob Ross and his happy little paintings, and Salt Fat Acid Heat.
seven. // losing a few lbs. Or more, losing some of the weight I've put on! No need to unbutton my jeans after dinner now ;)
eight. // I'll explain in an upcoming post but I've been in the wars a bit lately and F bought me a lovely bunch of roses to cheer me up. (It worked :)
nine. // breakfasts in bed. No more need be said I feel. Especially when it's waffles. Or crumpets.
ten. // having hugs on tap when I feel needy of them.
F and I will likely be having an incredibly relaxed and low-key Valentine's day this year. As we did last year, and as we do most years. We tend not to really celebrate it on the day (who wants crowded restaurants and hiked up hotel prices?), but more maybe organise a digital-detox-filled couple of nights away loosely around the 14th.
Valentine's has never been my favourite holiday. A consumerist excuse to hike up hotel/flower/restaurant prices to the cynic ;)
But.
Having said that, it becomes a far more amiable occasion when you just use it as a reason to spoil all those you love (your significant other, friends, family, yourself).
With thought, with affection, with love.
And with gifts if need be! So here are 27 ideas for you and yours. I hope you find something you love!
I remember when Sunday Riley first launched (around 10 years ago although it feels like 4), and I, as well as the rest of the beauty community, was rather taken with their pricey but ingredients-driven formulations.
I've tried a few pieces over the years (everyone went a bit loopy for the Luna oil, and I very much enjoyed the sample of Tidal I tried) but as Cult Beauty's Brand of the Month, I've rather fortuitously had the opportunity to choose a couple more pieces to give a good test run. So let me share with you my thoughts!
Whilst I do love my... 'less casual' outfits let's call them (like this one of a camel coat and woollen skirt, and I've become ever so fond of the pleated skirt) I can't deny that I'm a creature of comfort and love to sink back into my wardrobe of classic, comfortable staples on a weekend.
And by casual I don't necessarily mean slovenly (only sometimes ;), so today I'm sharing a few of my favourite pieces to wear on the weekend, in the hope of exhibiting the utmost of comfort, whilst looking somewhat put together. I hope you enjoy!
As a content creator, blogger, 'influencer', whatever you care to call us, I inevitably get to try a vast number of beauty products, so it's not always easily to pin down a particular, specific style that I truly call my own.
I don't know whether it was the two trips to France last year, but the Francophile in me has absolutely been reignited with zest and vigour. I've found myself brushing up on my rusty French again and perfecting how to make all the best French delicacies; demi-glace, beurre blancs, french tarts (with the help of this fab book). France has always been a big part of my life growing up and I suppose I just forgot about it the last few years. But it's a wonderful feeling to welcome it back.
Anyway the purpose of today's post is that the 'French revolution' extends to my beauty regime too. I've given all aspects of my beauty routine somewhat of a makeover to more rigidly reflect the simple, natural, clean-where-possible, undone and effortless look of the French ethos.
So makeup today (including the 3 cornerstones to my French-inspired makeup regime), and skincare to follow - I hope you enjoy!
That's a big sigh as I flop into a squashy armchair and place my drink of honeyed ginger tea on the table next to me.
I hope you're not suffering too much from everything reverting back to normal after the festive season, and that you're putting all those self-kindness tips into practice!
To be frank, if I'm not careful, the return to the everyday at the start of the year can sometimes get me a bit down. F usually takes a few weeks off in December so maybe it's getting used to not seeing him as much again, or feeling a bit run down from my father and his illness but whatever it is, I feel as if I need a bit of a pick-me-up. And whilst there are many free/inexpensive ways to bring happiness into your life, sometimes it's only a good shop that'll cut it..
Made all the more satisfying because I need not leave the aforementioned squishy armchair to do so..
One thing in favour of the retail-therapist, is that the new year most often brings with it new stock, and fresh fodder to dip our toes into. Something about the new year also makes me want to shun jewel tones, burgundies and black and look forward to the somewhat pastel palette of springtime - which I like to take as an excuse to revamp my wardrobe. I'm enamoured with these delicate little mules and this white, ruffled shirt. As well as off-white jeans. Who knew. La Redoute's Mademoiselle R range have some adorable knitwear too that I've my eye on.
Here are some more of my style must-haves that are either on my wishlist, in my basket or already on their way to casa BTB!
