what I've been loving recently...

Happy Monday all!

It’s been a little while since I’ve been on here and shared some of the little things I love.
I recently changed my job and with that came a change in lifestyle, leaving me time poor and a lot busier! Gone are the days I could write my blog in my down time at my previous office!!
As we are now in a new month and I’ve finally settled into my new role I thought I’d pick up my blog and spread some love and positivity!
I thought as my first blog back I’d share what I’ve been loving these past few months; my career change has come with a plethora of new and exciting things I’ve discovered and loved!
So, grab a cup of tea, a warm blanket and snuggle up for a read…if you’re in this hemisphere anyway!

The Happy Place – Ferne Cotton (UK)
I’ve always loved podcasts and have spoken about them at length to friends and colleagues, however as I now have more time to actually listen to them I’ve discovered a few new ones to occupy my ears as I take the train to and from work.
The endearing “The Happy Place” is an interview style podcast with some pretty amazing guests.

So far, I’ve listened to Ferne interview Lena Headey, Stephen Fry, Russel Brand, Dawn French and Zoe Sugg. Ferne’s honest and raw conversations about mental health, addiction, social media and above all finding individual happiness have been a total joy to listen to.
Each have very different stories, come from varied backgrounds but all equally battle the same thing – the pursuit of happiness. From Lena’s agonising struggle with depression and her openness to talk about it and share some inspiring, long lasting advice; to Zoe’s honest insight into a world I’ve always idolised, that of a social influencer; to Stephen’s frank and measured conversations about mental health, sexuality and physical health. “The Happy Place” is one to add to your list, you won’t regret it!

The New Adventures of Sabrina
Slight change of pace on this one! I am by nature a massive scaredy cat. I don’t do horror, crime or anything with scary faces yet I was able to get through two seasons with minimal nightmares (lol) and lots of hiding behind a cushion.
I was a big fan of the original series from the 90’s. I remember coming home from school to watch it with my mum and Lana, wishing so badly I could wake one day and be a witch! However, this dark adaptation is a total shift! I really enjoyed it and hope you will too, with or with a pillow!

After work drinks
For those of you who follow me on my socials you will have realised that pretty much every Friday I will post an obligatory photo of an alcoholic beverage!
Since moving to the city for work nearly 3 months ago, I have really stepped out of my shell and am actively partaking in drinks after work. I absolutely love it! You bond with your team, get to enjoy the city and let off some much-needed steam from the busy week. My manager is a massive drinker so most of the time I find myself trying to keep up, but I feel like I have a new lease on life given I was the youngest staff member in my last job by about 20 years! Less tea and more wine, it’s great!

Reading
Seems simple enough, everyone reads right? Well since changing my job I now take public transport and require a great deal of distraction from the mundane and the crazy people that frequent the Mernda line! When I’m not listening to a podcast I’ll be reading a book on the train, trying very hard not to stumble!
I’ve always loved reading but only really did it on a weekend away or on holiday. I’ve now fallen back in love with books and stories because I now have the time to read them. Some of my favourites I’ve read recently have been:

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
A haunting novel that focuses on the intricate workings of a teenage, mix raced girl, growing up in the 1970’s. It reminds you to always check in, to talk and to never be afraid to fail. 

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
You can see a theme with author here, but I just love her writing and the way she makes everyday stories so relatable and compelling. This nostalgic number again hooks into family dynamics, difficult subject matter such as abortion which is still taboo talk to this day and above all the love of a mother for her daughter.

Something in The Water by Catherine Steadman
This one is completely left field from my usual choice however the synopsis hooked me, and I thought I’d give this thriller a go! Super punchy writing and a real page turner, it makes you question how well you really know people and what human instinct can do to seeming good people. When you’re reading I’m sure you’ll ask the same question as I did, “would you keep it?”.

Eye Cream
Another change of pace, eye cream guys, GET ON IT.
As most of my friends and family already know I am obsessed with it, I use 2 every day and night. I am terrified of ageing. I have so much I want to do and accomplish, and I hate the idea that my time is somehow running out. If you haven’t guessed yet I definitely have some kind of undiagnosed gerascophobia, lol!

So, to delay the physical signs of aging which should in turn delay my metal fear of ageing (yes, I’m am Jedi mind tricking myself) - I use eye cream. The ones I’ve been obsessed with are the Ole Henricksen Banana Bright cream and then I follow it with The Ordinary Caffeine Oil.
Not only do they work to combat the bags and dark circles, my makeup sits so much better under my eyes! I remember reading an article when I was in my teens and they said start using eye and night cream in your 20’s and you’ll be thankful in your 40’s. So here I am, eye cream, night creams and all, doing my best to turn back time Cher style!
 
French Fragrance
By chance I have been drawn to a couple of French Fragrance brands over the past 6 months or so. The first being L’Artisan Parfumer’s  - Champs De Fleurs which is a uniquely fresh, sweet scent that I’m obsessed with! You can get it from Myer, I got mine from Debenhams, but I think they’re closing so best bet is Myer. The second is a more recent find but I have literally been drenching myself in it since I discovered it on a recent Mecca trip. It’s 100Bon - Tonka Et Amande. This sweet almond scent is a total win and reminds me a of a cherry bake well, I cannot get enough of it! So don’t mind me sitting here pretending to be a sophisticated French woman, well smelling like one anyway hehe :-)
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Well there you have it folks for now. I thought I’d ease back in but am committed to posting lots more this year. I’ve had such lovely feedback from friends and family and its been so encouraging and fulfilling and I really appreciate each and everyone of you who reads and comments on the blog.
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I’ll be popping a few recipe’s up shortly and then I’ll post another blog soon so stay tuned, until next time, E x