tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90203389071433770982024-03-13T05:23:35.715+00:00The Reckless LifestyleVicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-85160848102463617542021-05-30T13:00:00.001+01:002021-05-30T13:00:00.182+01:00Stop procrastinating and start living ♡<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7oH62M6nXaRxfoQZpRuRaU49H4ORavJJYopdGGnpmWJKnNuDeIf9Y1dQv1m0MbDLwpq7ddeKaT1budXzW9eKkwTCHs0DWF2B3Wp_q051O2U27ZAxb-qQORwNt39krlXgQ3zUGBDVSQyQ/s2048/IMG_7976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7oH62M6nXaRxfoQZpRuRaU49H4ORavJJYopdGGnpmWJKnNuDeIf9Y1dQv1m0MbDLwpq7ddeKaT1budXzW9eKkwTCHs0DWF2B3Wp_q051O2U27ZAxb-qQORwNt39krlXgQ3zUGBDVSQyQ/s16000/IMG_7976.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Ahh procrastination. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">That funny thing that swallows our days whole as we type, swipe, watch and film our lives away. Or do pointless jobs that seem of the highest importance in the moment. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Procrastination stems from wanting or needing to get something done, but then pressurising yourself so much that you don't actually do anything; and then feeling guilty afterwards. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Why do we procrastinate? </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O8EgFShna3zAOAwinn4cml5SUh9jYEKBUtGSWWe4ogDbagt6v82YwQ1VmItlikiXDWq2AOxyH9ipRFeVdEZIRYWlmyM0lMIWIJ1JAsf27yr6wWELqrl5M5JUkMBbBvjM_0iUMkfX9OI/s2048/IMG_7908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O8EgFShna3zAOAwinn4cml5SUh9jYEKBUtGSWWe4ogDbagt6v82YwQ1VmItlikiXDWq2AOxyH9ipRFeVdEZIRYWlmyM0lMIWIJ1JAsf27yr6wWELqrl5M5JUkMBbBvjM_0iUMkfX9OI/s16000/IMG_7908.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I think there are two main reasons: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. We don't actually want to do the thing we are putting off,</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Or</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">2. We believe we are incapable of doing said thing that we are putting off doing. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Reason number one is linked to monotonous tasks such as work tasks, whether those are from your 9-5 or school or another source. We procrastinate doing them either because we dislike our job, or we feel there is too much to do so we can't possibly get it all done and we don't know where to begin. Enter procrastination. We'll put it off until there aren't any hours left in the day and you leave it another day closer to the deadline. </p><p style="text-align: center;">This can also apply to that business idea you had or that book you were going to read, think to yourself: do I just not want to? Will it better my life in any way? Am I excited to do this project? Because if the answer is no, then stop putting pressure on yourself to do it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Reason number two stems from a limiting belief in yourself that you feel you aren't actually good enough or capable of completing the task or idea that you had. You may not even realise that this is the case. Think about that goal you have that you never actually work towards. Think about why you keep putting it off, is it because you don't have time? Or is it actually because you don't think you can do it? There is always time. So I guarantee that it is the latter. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Does the project that you are putting off lead to something better for yourself or life? Maybe it's going to the gym, or starting an online course or business. Maybe you are actually scared that you will succeed, and you'll have to stop moaning that you hate where you are currently at in life. Seems harsh, but I'm serving the truth. I know I've procrastinated doing tasks to the point that I feel guilty and can moan that I am not where I want to be, when really it is myself sabotaging my potential success through procrastination. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Allow yourself to at least get the chance to succeed, don't fall down before you even begin the race.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimS3cL-WPuVU_523BYC_tFmejGL3hZeLGQL92bnk4uEtF46yRNmeswxaKjzvGHLbnKuQrNj6ODlurxAujRal5DeoX9aDI298ZhxpQc7o5OD056NTeISAW4TC_zs9YtLXEYGeXFEu7aF_Y/s2048/IMG_7992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimS3cL-WPuVU_523BYC_tFmejGL3hZeLGQL92bnk4uEtF46yRNmeswxaKjzvGHLbnKuQrNj6ODlurxAujRal5DeoX9aDI298ZhxpQc7o5OD056NTeISAW4TC_zs9YtLXEYGeXFEu7aF_Y/s16000/IMG_7992.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">So how do we beat procrastination?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- Don't bite off more than you can chew. Stop setting yourself so many tasks to complete in one day. Be realistic. Start with the most important 3 tasks per day and then it will feel amazing when you complete those and potentially get more done. Do not be your own worst enemy.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- Relying on motivation will not get you results. No one is motivated 100% of the time. It is about being disciplined and carving out the time in your busy schedule to do certain things. To work on that business venture, write that blog post, film that video, go for a run. When you are disciplined and turn off social media and the TV for that set amount that you have chunked out, you will stop procrastination in it's tracks.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- When you feel overwhelmed with the amount of tasks you have to do, break them down into bitesized chunks. If you create a roadmap to completion for all of your tasks then they will instantly feel more manageable and you will be less likely to procrastinate.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- Give yourself breaks. It is not healthy or realistic to work hours upon hours with no break. You will be more productive if you give yourself regular short and disciplined breaks. These will be guilt free periods of time when you can do the scrolling, catching up and lazing around.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- A lot of it comes from within. If you have done the inner work then you will know in yourself what you are capable of achieving. You will set yourself realistic goals and sign post them till completion.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- Don't overthink it. So much procrastination stems from thinking and thinking about a project or task. Thinking about how long it will take or how many steps you need to take to get to the end result. If you just start doing, without thinking, then you will instantly get more done and beat procrastination.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Lots of love,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Vicki </p><p style="text-align: center;">x x x</p><br /><br /><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlO8vN9uwWZTk-3Jmoy5jCv6dJSfihJpa0PxMkxjrhI7JGH6oAdFE-uLZ2u5MDYM_7SCunfjuv8NWzywCVWUlYQwfSY0xAzLIZPliuTnUolmiaxOsPhpY0yG0fRSPHIqcE7RfZIdWDZs/s1500/Pale+Pink+Pinterest+Pin+for+Blog+Tips+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlO8vN9uwWZTk-3Jmoy5jCv6dJSfihJpa0PxMkxjrhI7JGH6oAdFE-uLZ2u5MDYM_7SCunfjuv8NWzywCVWUlYQwfSY0xAzLIZPliuTnUolmiaxOsPhpY0yG0fRSPHIqcE7RfZIdWDZs/s16000/Pale+Pink+Pinterest+Pin+for+Blog+Tips+%25282%2529.png" /></a></div><p></p>Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-12080528117329229412021-05-21T12:00:00.002+01:002021-05-21T12:00:00.205+01:00Thriving in uncertainty ❥<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QjlXivTrkoPeEkEYvEq-ijKC85w5s_pi2_D9Qy6z_23N9uiX_nyFUGkbuUtjGq4GBYxuf-5Rh-I8l2ZOSMV51luoHy0m4OEMQDyyH5GiXh7Bq5yYW0XW-iDioDI0B46oh8wcM6zQ0Mc/s2048/IMG_0950.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QjlXivTrkoPeEkEYvEq-ijKC85w5s_pi2_D9Qy6z_23N9uiX_nyFUGkbuUtjGq4GBYxuf-5Rh-I8l2ZOSMV51luoHy0m4OEMQDyyH5GiXh7Bq5yYW0XW-iDioDI0B46oh8wcM6zQ0Mc/s16000/IMG_0950.PNG" /></a></div> <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I don't know if you have guessed by now, but my blog posts always come straight from the heart. If something is on my mind, if I'm struggling with something, I come up with a pep talk for myself, help myself through it, and then relate what I have found into an Instagram post, reel or blog post for my longer rambles. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Uncertainty has really been on my mind and heart the last couple of weeks. The uncertainty that surrounds my life and career over the next few months, and generally the uncertainty that the world is in. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I have been seeing uncertainty as this monumentally bad and negative thing that clouds everything and leaves a misty fog in it's wake; a fog crippled with doubt, negativity and foreboding. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I've pondered it in my daily meditation and journalling practises and had a little breakthrough. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_UI1M8vfgMJBnXv_yGA0Br5pUvvYiHWkI2EUat9eb7rRA0PmoUg8HYyI4JiQ6jOx6I7tmZqwNDDRVZAPwGm83ku8nZWdfAqgZS3JpGUzEjx3HYMpUY1QloOnipW6_Z7_hNJDfkkIG7o/s2048/IMG_0953.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_UI1M8vfgMJBnXv_yGA0Br5pUvvYiHWkI2EUat9eb7rRA0PmoUg8HYyI4JiQ6jOx6I7tmZqwNDDRVZAPwGm83ku8nZWdfAqgZS3JpGUzEjx3HYMpUY1QloOnipW6_Z7_hNJDfkkIG7o/s16000/IMG_0953.PNG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Uncertainty does not have to be a bad thing. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">If we shift the conversation surrounding uncertainty to welcome all that uncertainty brings with it then we will see it in a whole new light. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Uncertainty brings with it new opportunities: opportunities to try something new, to reflect on where we've come from, to live in the moment, to greet each day with open arms not knowing what it will bring.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Yes, uncertainty can bring feelings of anxiety for people like me who like to have a plan for every occasion and life stage. But I am now accepting and being thankful for uncertainty. There is no other time in my life than my twenties when it is most okay to be uncertain. To test the waters of career paths, to change my mind, to make new friendships and cut old ties. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqYZKzdXv8JSEY58jfSxL20F_522W29TPearucVVCmUjLJr5WfyZq2qI_ivkIYA7-GUw7Dw2o7Mvex1Tq6dSF_PLe9OoagW31575ag8EVUqMDnR4-MW5dEbMZmPhxzXtjovQx_GJPohU/s2048/IMG_0952.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqYZKzdXv8JSEY58jfSxL20F_522W29TPearucVVCmUjLJr5WfyZq2qI_ivkIYA7-GUw7Dw2o7Mvex1Tq6dSF_PLe9OoagW31575ag8EVUqMDnR4-MW5dEbMZmPhxzXtjovQx_GJPohU/s16000/IMG_0952.PNG" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Live and breathe in the uncertain, and trust that in a few years or months when you have found your way, that it probably was a period of time that was most exciting and where you learnt most about yourself. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">They say that nothing is worth doing unless it scares you a little, and uncertainty can definitely be scary. But that is why you should live in it, go for what you don't know, what doesn't lie in your comfort zone. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br />Lean into uncertainty, and it is there that you will thrive. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Lots of love,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Vicki </p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">x x x</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnOM9uUrtXQZDGUChxYwg9IKdavZaax-QbIkvuNgGPrPEhCJ3KwGAbRXLZVwQUlSmg1cn8G4md1i1WZDBjZNDuvANy5puReBeqx7Ca62QD79mK8Lc4ZdVHbjztOuDeZ8PJ2-WZtM0DAc/s1500/Pale+Pink+Pinterest+Pin+for+Blog+Tips.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnOM9uUrtXQZDGUChxYwg9IKdavZaax-QbIkvuNgGPrPEhCJ3KwGAbRXLZVwQUlSmg1cn8G4md1i1WZDBjZNDuvANy5puReBeqx7Ca62QD79mK8Lc4ZdVHbjztOuDeZ8PJ2-WZtM0DAc/s16000/Pale+Pink+Pinterest+Pin+for+Blog+Tips.png" /></a></div><p></p>Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-8904521955046341982021-05-07T13:00:00.001+01:002021-05-07T13:00:00.197+01:00Mindset shifts to accept gratitude ♡<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW9DpxPjnaEnhiArfLKNNyfK1r_E8Q-apceTvJ_d5dLNi9x-f15SJNrdulWWNqw80C3FREuR8YIw-BN50m7dWgizx8YDFOsrsdHtRp7i2eJ-yx-rraQ6_d-E54tuj4ErOCBRI7-7H1MU/s2048/IMG_0762.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW9DpxPjnaEnhiArfLKNNyfK1r_E8Q-apceTvJ_d5dLNi9x-f15SJNrdulWWNqw80C3FREuR8YIw-BN50m7dWgizx8YDFOsrsdHtRp7i2eJ-yx-rraQ6_d-E54tuj4ErOCBRI7-7H1MU/s16000/IMG_0762.PNG" /></a></div><br /><br /> Gratitude, by definition, is 'the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness'. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> Why practice gratitude? </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Well, good question I hear you ask. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Not only does showing gratitude on a daily basis feel amazing for your mind and those around you, it helps you see the world in a more positive light. There may be 110 things you feel are going wrong around you, but if you are stead-fast in the ones that you are grateful for then the bad things won't harm you so much. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">It is so easy to slip into a pattern of negative thinking when: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><ol><li>You've had a bad day/week/month.</li><li>You are in an unsupportive, negative environment.</li><li>Your body and mind are completely closed off to positive thinking. </li></ol><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now accepting gratitude doesn't have to be this monumental shift in your personality. By taking small steps on a daily basis you'll soon find yourself building gratitude into your daily practises without you even realising it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Actionable steps you can take to accept and root gratitude into your life are...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">--> catching yourself when you start talking to yourself in a negative manner. Think why do I feel this way and what would happen if I was more open-minded. By being open and grateful for opportunities and situations that you would usually be closed off to you are accepting new experiences and opportunities of learning into your life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">--> each morning think of/ list 3 things you are grateful for. Reflect on what and who you have around you, and what is to come in your life. This may feel difficult at first so here are a few prompts: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-a person you are glad to have in your life,</div><div style="text-align: center;">-your favourite song, </div><div style="text-align: center;">-a future event you're excited for, </div><div style="text-align: center;">-a possession you are most proud of, </div><div style="text-align: center;">-something positive about your body.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">--> I strongly believe that we attract what we give out. If you are thankful to those around you and hold gratitude in your heart then you will attract those things from those around you as well. That old quote I used to love and post all over my Instagram 'your vibe attracts your tribe'. 😜</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">--> Lastly, before getting annoyed and fired up, take a breath, and put yourself in the other person's shoes. Seeing things from a different perspective always helps me realise why someone may have acted a certain way. It allows you to be grateful for your own situation and then feel proud that you didn't say anything you would later regret or make the other person feel worse. Take the high road. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope these tips have helped somehow, do subscribe to my blog to be the first to hear about a couple of life changing courses I am currently building. Do you need help re-aligning your purpose, refreshing your mindset and generally levelling up in life? I got you, watch this space.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoy5SvxwQaauj-KAK5GFZUN7E0QhvL7l_LSP-T2xlEAAWgSy4-lAHVHdRbxxIulmxa7MszpfM1QulhXkigKgwA65D5V_uXATSP7eMV6AhJ3jZ_6hUi8QfBnnKKTVC_V1l5nzOz_irBWqI/s1500/Pink+Refined+Scrapbook+Long-Distance+Activities+Personal+Valentine%2527s+Day+Pinterest+Pin+%25283%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoy5SvxwQaauj-KAK5GFZUN7E0QhvL7l_LSP-T2xlEAAWgSy4-lAHVHdRbxxIulmxa7MszpfM1QulhXkigKgwA65D5V_uXATSP7eMV6AhJ3jZ_6hUi8QfBnnKKTVC_V1l5nzOz_irBWqI/s16000/Pink+Refined+Scrapbook+Long-Distance+Activities+Personal+Valentine%2527s+Day+Pinterest+Pin+%25283%2529.png" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For now, keep up to date with me and my blog by following on Instagram, feel free to drop me a DM, would love to chat :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of love,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vicki </div><div style="text-align: center;">x x x </div><p></p>Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-10302936707908330142021-04-30T13:00:00.002+01:002021-04-30T13:00:00.233+01:00How to quit people pleasing & put yourself first ❀<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfilIsIe7FlUpPy0UkzUYls70WWGdD9xFoJ1pQ3_HIfWZ5TYFWJG8-l721J8J3_Mp71PnAkJDW5v9_naRxwU7cLBhDOyiKvmkDWY5G9wTvGSKTZ3ycY_5XiOfe3u2l9xfEoeWbxU4WHk/s2048/IMG_0349.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfilIsIe7FlUpPy0UkzUYls70WWGdD9xFoJ1pQ3_HIfWZ5TYFWJG8-l721J8J3_Mp71PnAkJDW5v9_naRxwU7cLBhDOyiKvmkDWY5G9wTvGSKTZ3ycY_5XiOfe3u2l9xfEoeWbxU4WHk/s16000/IMG_0349.PNG" /></a></div><br />Do you find yourself saying yes to plans when you have a million other things to do and you really don't have time but you feel you have to say yes to keep people happy?<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Or that you find it difficult to say no to extra shifts at work or going above and beyond what is expected in your job role?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Or do you find yourself blindly agreeing with others' opinions even if you may not wholly agree with them?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>It sounds to me like you are a people pleaser. Welcome to the club. </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">It is so so easy to fall into this trap, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. It means you are likely an amazing, supportive friend; a trusted co-worker; an easy going, easy to get along with member of society. Which is absolutely fab, and if you have no qualms, keep doing you and thriving. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">However, keep reading if sometimes people pleasing tires you out and seems to go against your morals even if you can't let anyone see them. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The <u>problem</u> with people pleasing is that you are living life completely on someone else's terms. You are sailing along, accepting everything and not making any enemies or having conflict of any kind. Which is fine, I am not promoting conflict at all. But living life this way has very little meaning and purpose. If you have no opinions, no matter how popular or unpopular they may be, then what are you fighting for? What do you believe in? What drives you? </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The opinions of others. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">If you are a people pleaser then you are living your life and making decisions based on the opinions of others, which is a toxic and unhealthy way to live. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">It is time to <i>take back you power.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: center;">The next time someone asks you for something, or expresses an opinion that doesn't sit well with you, I challenge you to speak your mind and truth. Think, will doing this task or going to this social occasion serve you and make you happy, or does it go beyond what is expected of you or you feel you have an obligation to attend out of a fear of being disliked? </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">By going with you gut instincts you will also begin to realise who comes to you only when they need something from you, or only to gossip and spread rumours. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Also, I find that by knowing your worth and setting values for yourself people actually respect you more and value your opinion. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">At the end of the day living according to the opinion of others will never be a fulfilling existence because people will never be 100% happy with what you're doing. They'll always expect more, or under-appreciate what you have sacrificed or gone out of your way to do for them. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">So why waste time living on someone else's terms when you can be your own best friend and give yourself the love and respect that you so deserve? </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Now this does not mean cutting off good friends and standing up to your boss to the extent that you lose your job. Please <u>do not</u> tell your boss to do one. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">It is about recognising when a situation serves you and makes you content & peaceful; and when you're only doing something because someone told you to. Listen to your gut, it is very rarely off in my experience. Once you start living life on your own terms, you will feel a weight lifted off your shoulders and immediately your life will feel more purposeful. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoyed my thoughts on people pleasing and it has given you something to think about and implement in your own life today. Do let me know in the comments or DM me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vickireckless/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> with your thoughts on people pleasing. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Watch this space for a course that I am currently building that will give you the tools to <i>free yourself</i> and mind to <i>take back power in your life</i> and find your <i>inner purpose</i> and <i>mission</i>. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Much love,</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Vicki </p><p style="text-align: center;">x x x</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvBsvck9bv8kOXqEXTn1KV-HHLfA0Op8fvc9tD9tYEpVWtspnRhDUVbVvvH9z5ku5vsczaotH3bwb2AB0cxbNeEo70zUuY_SpaZnO_1_qTid3dNqWKJUgonL4_pXfBYfhLjiKWxBGAB8/s1500/Pink+Refined+Scrapbook+Long-Distance+Activities+Personal+Valentine%2527s+Day+Pinterest+Pin+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvBsvck9bv8kOXqEXTn1KV-HHLfA0Op8fvc9tD9tYEpVWtspnRhDUVbVvvH9z5ku5vsczaotH3bwb2AB0cxbNeEo70zUuY_SpaZnO_1_qTid3dNqWKJUgonL4_pXfBYfhLjiKWxBGAB8/s16000/Pink+Refined+Scrapbook+Long-Distance+Activities+Personal+Valentine%2527s+Day+Pinterest+Pin+%25282%2529.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-41827029894595890002021-04-23T12:00:00.015+01:002021-04-23T12:00:00.367+01:00Go from overwhelmed to organised with these 5 daily habits ♡<p><span style="text-align: center;">Do you ever feel so run off your feet and overwhelmed with the things you need to get done that you don't know where to start and end up getting absolutely nothing done at all? </span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmj2ib_yie1z4Zfo5PII-WxIoehKSKsFc6CICkJI6CQ-9GyRb7EEPMA_kwhZ9CcYyFUaimA8RPAl6jStj41hEsMm9xVmvJzIOGSMN83BMAJqELyzu17_296GqNoFB2qokcXeq55DPR9ig/s1454/IMG_0566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="1125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmj2ib_yie1z4Zfo5PII-WxIoehKSKsFc6CICkJI6CQ-9GyRb7EEPMA_kwhZ9CcYyFUaimA8RPAl6jStj41hEsMm9xVmvJzIOGSMN83BMAJqELyzu17_296GqNoFB2qokcXeq55DPR9ig/s16000/IMG_0566.jpg" /></a></div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Same girl. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I am here to share with you the daily habits I have put in place for when I am busy and beginning to feel overwhelmed. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">1) Gather your get-to-do list the night before. No point spending extra time in the morning or later in the day still compiling everything you need to get done that day. If you spend an extra 5 minutes in the evening at your desk writing tomorrow's list then you will wake up with a clear intention of what you need to complete that day. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">2) Colour code important tasks. I have pastel highlighters (which are so aesthetic and cute), and I use a coding system of tasks that need to be completed that day (pink), tasks that are lower importance (blue) and then tasks that are ongoing (green). I will also rule down the side of a page to create a grid of boxes for me to fill in whether I have completed the task, it is ongoing, or it has been moved to the next day's get-to-do list. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAalqOW7ndqPDzU2vLUpYcoF0uaxe121zbdLeeCcSnNgJ2cKNq6gxfu7WeMNiJDVStz4XmFVfhPO5Xw_hvT9BsQEQfH8d61-dJ02iaEcYrK6M0kNRnZciZZSJv5YxcUiVFr7X6OyGfTI/s1496/IMG_0567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="1125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAalqOW7ndqPDzU2vLUpYcoF0uaxe121zbdLeeCcSnNgJ2cKNq6gxfu7WeMNiJDVStz4XmFVfhPO5Xw_hvT9BsQEQfH8d61-dJ02iaEcYrK6M0kNRnZciZZSJv5YxcUiVFr7X6OyGfTI/s16000/IMG_0567.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">3) Plan your outfit/s the night before. Have your clothes laid out ready. This is an especially good practice for if you need extra motivation to get out for that morning walk/run. If your clothes are staring at you in the face when you wake then you will be more likely to grab them and go. This goes for everyday clothes or your work outfit. You will spend less time stressing over what you will wear that day and be able to quickly get on with your to-do's. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Set reminders and calendar updates on your phone. In this day and age who doesn't have their phone on them at least 80% of the time? If you struggle with keeping up to date with paper planners, then why not set reminders in your phone for important events and tasks that you must do. You can set reminders for specific times so that if you happen to forget an important deadline, then your phone will ping and you will be spring to life to complete it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">5) Get up 10 minutes earlier to carry out a mindful routine in the morning. Mindfulness is all about being present in the here and now, it will help you cope with feelings of overwhelm and stress. Your stress has roots in events that haven't even happened yet and often arise from situations we make up in our brain for if a task does not have it's desired outcome. Eg. If I don't get this task completed by this certain time then the world will fall around me and my boss will shout at me. Taking 10 minutes in the morning to practise meditation and deep breathing will help you root yourself in the present, and allow yourself to focus on the immediate task at hand rather than the never ending list you have beside you. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope that some of these ideas helped you somehow, let me know in the comments if you found them useful <span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px;">♡</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Lots of love, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Vicki </p><p style="text-align: center;">x x x</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR_mezeinT2F_HBXTiDZavDxbyBissC77KveDxKnWaj_aCK4Iyuf_FoZ2RzcvBmkrNRyxm-1cFlSstBYSmLA4UpGhyphenhyphenswcdyT5KqnL5vNesh9hcM9_ed80S7UR5GW97y4UWf25CWobvzk/s1500/Pink+Refined+Scrapbook+Long-Distance+Activities+Personal+Valentine%2527s+Day+Pinterest+Pin+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR_mezeinT2F_HBXTiDZavDxbyBissC77KveDxKnWaj_aCK4Iyuf_FoZ2RzcvBmkrNRyxm-1cFlSstBYSmLA4UpGhyphenhyphenswcdyT5KqnL5vNesh9hcM9_ed80S7UR5GW97y4UWf25CWobvzk/s16000/Pink+Refined+Scrapbook+Long-Distance+Activities+Personal+Valentine%2527s+Day+Pinterest+Pin+%25281%2529.png" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-40526558321431482212021-04-16T12:00:00.001+01:002021-04-16T12:00:00.204+01:00How to deal with constant rejection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJKbfmFlxvQMpsVDG-MGoi6BrYC3hMbR_hQwkGTswjBqfGhGFdCgFyjpZn_AilxYv76bjIy7kyQf0SUA7vHMEnoZ4hKVKgb4iPMkgb9_YSXTKhyphenhyphentM9zlvnTFkRU348cn3grBsInVsd-Q/s2048/IMG_9955.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJKbfmFlxvQMpsVDG-MGoi6BrYC3hMbR_hQwkGTswjBqfGhGFdCgFyjpZn_AilxYv76bjIy7kyQf0SUA7vHMEnoZ4hKVKgb4iPMkgb9_YSXTKhyphenhyphentM9zlvnTFkRU348cn3grBsInVsd-Q/s16000/IMG_9955.PNG" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Rejection sucks. There is no denying that. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">In every single walk of life you will undoubtedly be faced with rejection. Whether that is rejection from a job application, a potential love interest, an audition or a friendship. Whatever the situation, it does not feel good. If I ever meet someone who has never ever encountered a single piece of rejection in their life then I will personally congratulate them!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I recently started a business venture that I began excited about, but after a few months came to realise that it wasn't exciting me anymore, instead it felt like a chore, and the constant rejection and setbacks made me disheartened. The rejections served a purpose though, a purpose that I will talk about later in this post. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Even though rejection is tough, there are ways to deal with it that can soften the blow. I have written a few of my top tips for rejection in this post that hopefully you can come back to when the lil monster comes a-knockin' again. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: center;">Learn to sit with the rejection. Sit with the feeling of hopelessness, disappointment, confusion. Whatever emotion immediately hits you when you feel rejected. Really feel the pain, and sit with it. This may feel counter-intuitive but trust me, accepting and facing the pain head on is the best way to work through it. Avoiding the feeling only makes it last longer and also more likely to rear its head in an awkward situation, causing you to burst out crying in the middle of Tesco aisle 3. So allow yourself to feel all the feels, it is completely normal to do so. And then if you encounter rejections in the future you know exactly what to expect and will learn to better deal with the feeling as it comes on. </li><li style="text-align: center;">Do not wallow. Okay hear me out, I am saying to sit with the emotion, but not too long that you wallow in your sadness and lose your sense of purpose and drive. There is a difference between feeling the sadness for a few hours or days, and letting it completely consume you. Once you've had your period of sadness or disappointment, understand that every rejection leads to an opportunity, and even though it may feel like it, it is not the end of your world. </li><li style="text-align: center;">Try not to fixate on what you could've done differently or better. Too many times have I come out of an audition or job interview barely remembering what went well because I am so focused on what I did horribly wrong. Even if you think it has gone well and you are still rejected, you then start thinking oh was it something I said, was it how I look? Realise that often rejections have nothing to do with you. They have everything to do with the person or company doing the rejecting. You are not the right fit, not what aligns with them at this current point. And what you need to realise is that they are most probably doing you a favour. Out of every rejection comes an opportunity to grow and to re-direct your energy towards something else. If you follow these tips then you will get to a period where you are actually thankful for rejection. Crazy, right?</li><li style="text-align: center;">Accept that the universe has a plan. Even if you don't know why and it sucks and hurts and you feel like the walls are falling down around you, this happened for a purpose. The amount of people I have spoken to that have been rejected from a job, a certain university, a relationship, and it felt soul crushing at the time, but a year or even less later they can see why that didn't work out and how they are better off for it now. Rejection is always always always leading you to something else, something better. </li><li style="text-align: center;">Lastly, do not give up. Do not let this rejection be the reason you stop chasing those dreams. Rejection does not mean you are stupid, does not mean you're not good enough, not pretty enough, not successful enough, not educated enough. Get back on the horse and try and try again. You will be glad you did when you receive success at the end of the tunnel. Just know that you can return to this post over and over again as and when you need it. We all need a little pep talk now and then, so return whenever you need, and then march on out with your head held high, and try again. </li></ol><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As I said, rejection serves a purpose and the trials and rejections I faced when trying to start up a small business have led me to something even greater. One of the hardest parts about rejection is accepting that you have been rejected, but if you see rejection as a gateway rather than a barricade, then it seems less scary and more manageable. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you enjoyed this post then do leave me a comment or follow me over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vickireckless/">Instagram</a>. I am currently planning something to help women conquer fears of failure and thrive whilst living their dream lives, so keep your eyes peeled for that! <span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">♡</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lots of love,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vicki </div><div style="text-align: center;">X X X </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1iU9fg_cj6-DH3gLNj9rrIFE9LckBnU8bJoe0VajcopO67ikWBdB3Mwp3KDF7nPqFJtePmZV9mm_Xa5vm5Jd5M24S8_v69METzJ6ItKa5S0uElHkDiybeFsZzi1qZk2YoVJGBdn9bgM/s1500/Pink+Refined+Scrapbook+Long-Distance+Activities+Personal+Valentine%2527s+Day+Pinterest+Pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1iU9fg_cj6-DH3gLNj9rrIFE9LckBnU8bJoe0VajcopO67ikWBdB3Mwp3KDF7nPqFJtePmZV9mm_Xa5vm5Jd5M24S8_v69METzJ6ItKa5S0uElHkDiybeFsZzi1qZk2YoVJGBdn9bgM/s16000/Pink+Refined+Scrapbook+Long-Distance+Activities+Personal+Valentine%2527s+Day+Pinterest+Pin.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-36051307011443710892020-11-11T18:00:00.001+00:002020-11-11T18:00:00.465+00:00Advice for Lockdown 2.0 ♥<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqC-AH_5gDNcacbeCEJ9vx5UoFz07fFnNTLcxc2lIYxGNvg9xMUYPytRzgpkbohElLF-xTEKEEPAV1mbGlWReZA6u03PD7aK27gNxAnUdnpba6F51uwAhEqp8g3bMPTDs52gQrjJEfcs/s2048/Advice+for+lockdown+2.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqC-AH_5gDNcacbeCEJ9vx5UoFz07fFnNTLcxc2lIYxGNvg9xMUYPytRzgpkbohElLF-xTEKEEPAV1mbGlWReZA6u03PD7aK27gNxAnUdnpba6F51uwAhEqp8g3bMPTDs52gQrjJEfcs/s16000/Advice+for+lockdown+2.0.jpg" /></a></div> It is a funny old time, and a funny old year. In many ways it feels like the year has dragged, but also it's sped by in the blink of an eye. The best way I have seen it described is that is feels like the week between Christmas day and New Years Eve! <p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p>Now that the UK has dived into another lockdown, albeit a bit differently this time, I thought I'd share some tips to stay motivated and positive during these difficult times. </p><p><br /></p><p>1. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you've been furloughed, or are working from home, it can seem like a step backwards and can be demotivating to say the least. The best thing you can do is take each day as it comes and set yourself small tasks to complete each day. Ticking off small things like making your bed and showering always seems to brighten me up and give me that extra push to carry on with the day. If you keep beating yourself up that you haven't achieved anything in the day, then it is most likely that that energy will be propelled forward into the next day and the next after that. </p><p><br /></p><p>2. Schedule in time for FaceTimes with friends. So often, even at home, we put off calling our friends purely because we feel we 'don't have the time'. I know I do it myself, I fully intend to have a long awaited catchup, but then I don't feel my best or the next episode of Bake Off is on so I must watch that instead! Then the next thing I know it's been three weeks and I still haven't chatted to my old friend and asked how she is. If you actually plan in the video chat/phone call into your day, then not only does it make you feel productive, then it will actually mean that you go through with the call. And how much better will you feel after a few laughs with a mate?! </p><p><br /></p><p>3. Get your daily dose of fresh air! I know it's very misty and cold in the UK at this time of year and going outside may feel like THE last thing you want to do. But believe me, having just isolated for two weeks, I feel the benefits of stepping outside more than ever. There is also something different about the feel of the cold air on your cheeks, the feeling of achievement when you make it home and put the kettle on and get in your pjs for the night. Not only will you get your limbs moving after potentially sitting at a desk or in front of a screen of some description for the best part of the day, it will also, as they say, blow away some cobwebs. I know a long walk helps me think through things or if you're walking with someone, I always end up getting into a deep chat and solving the conundrums that the day has challenged me with. </p><p><br /></p><p>4. If you feel like it, set yourself a small challenge for the month to come. For me, I've challenged myself to get my flexibility back up to the level that it was when I used to dance twice a week. A small, five minute challenge could take you a long way, and I recommend documenting it in any way possible, and see how far you've come from your first day. It will feel amazing I bet. </p><p><br /></p><p>5. Acknowledge any doubts or concerns you feel throughout this time. I say it all the time, keeping a journal of your feelings really really helps. It allows you to work through your problems and get to their root cause a lot more efficiently and effectively. Once you know why you're feeling a certain way you can begin to find solutions. By keeping a daily journal it is also like speaking to someone about all your worries, without the fear of judgement. I always think as well that keeping a journal will be so interesting for you to look back on in ten years time, especially whilst going through a literal pandemic! One for the grandkids to keep for sure!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWfFjnwODmIAfoigYJ37T-jSX9CSX1iUFxnSVhBtU_OjQ_9TzRipb88LCmYLh-btNjM7lb4s_xyqjR7yO6IqH9gLrRVMzq6TKVtpr24VFVF0tUm5AnIW6EsHs3npF83dXSTNrV2QwcoU/s2048/IMG_4167.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWfFjnwODmIAfoigYJ37T-jSX9CSX1iUFxnSVhBtU_OjQ_9TzRipb88LCmYLh-btNjM7lb4s_xyqjR7yO6IqH9gLrRVMzq6TKVtpr24VFVF0tUm5AnIW6EsHs3npF83dXSTNrV2QwcoU/s16000/IMG_4167.PNG" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br />I hope these tips brought a little motivation for the month to come, and I hope you take comfort knowing that this will not last forever, and we will get through this together!</p><p>I post daily motivation/positivity reels on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vickireckless/">Instagram</a> if you'd like to head over there and follow me, I'd love to say hello <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">♥</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Speak soon,</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vicki </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">x x x </span></span></p>Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-85842165860404195782020-10-30T13:09:00.005+00:002020-10-30T13:10:36.009+00:00Autumn Days ❤ <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2So7f5uxFRQ44VLpuEA2yYpaqRN3bPOaEFeZR140XcCsVXKcB6S3-f57ZeAgOKXNFrZzwvLFiOeU0hfYqH95MP0eYQkOFscPRZO9DBKpGBUoZfq4QHDQvfwP7IKlS-zuN0L4QGVCkiys/s2048/IMG_3890+copy.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2So7f5uxFRQ44VLpuEA2yYpaqRN3bPOaEFeZR140XcCsVXKcB6S3-f57ZeAgOKXNFrZzwvLFiOeU0hfYqH95MP0eYQkOFscPRZO9DBKpGBUoZfq4QHDQvfwP7IKlS-zuN0L4QGVCkiys/s16000/IMG_3890+copy.PNG" /></a></div><br />The other day I went to a pumpkin patch for the first time! I know pumpkin patches are a relatively new phenomenon in Britain but I still felt I was missing out on something that seems so me (haha). And it did not disappoint. I put my cozy jumper and favourite autumn snuggly jacket on and headed out into the country. I must say the drive to the patch in itself was a cozy experience, driving down the autumn tree lined roads, like something out of one of those aesthetically pleasing Hallmark movies myself and my sister love 😍. <p></p><div><br /></div><div>I parked up in the field, was informed my little car probably won't get stuck in the mud, well that's nice to know isn't it! It was then time to raid through the thousands of cute orange balls. I LOVED the fact that even the wheelbarrows were orange, how festive! Once we'd done one sweep of the lot and taken wayyy too many aesthetic photos, we headed off for a hot beverage. I've been really into my hot chocolates recently, so the obvious choice for me was the orange hot chocolate on the seasonal menu. </div><div><br /></div><div>The trouble with pumpkin patches is that I could spend alllll day selecting the 'perfect' pumpkin, only to think that one a few steps down the row is 'the one' instead of the couple we'd been lugging around for the last half hour. But once I told myself that I had to stop looking, I selected my pumpkins😊. </div><div><br /></div><div>I would highly recommend visiting a pumpkin patch in the future if you didn't this year. Not only is it supporting a local business, but it's such a fun autumnal day out! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYWImoj12h2PPnMBfXYcMaVVomD8DIRQKeVca9q-GakE-zenT8vtBFGzLAPomnUFrqU6OEkdpeiB8rpKauXDy20ecUt-RxKt7WRl15xiktqh_y4awUSfIyJ1K_zUFUlLoBCUnbo2FGNs/s2000/E466E89A-E07C-41B5-9F4E-678A9E9E35CC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYWImoj12h2PPnMBfXYcMaVVomD8DIRQKeVca9q-GakE-zenT8vtBFGzLAPomnUFrqU6OEkdpeiB8rpKauXDy20ecUt-RxKt7WRl15xiktqh_y4awUSfIyJ1K_zUFUlLoBCUnbo2FGNs/s16000/E466E89A-E07C-41B5-9F4E-678A9E9E35CC.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0xSTfTkNxIaicCoqxy17tcY9ejp-E83Zh_6maUGXltS5CTdQ_uR4n5oUgmXafgRrSYrxXLOlF7BaB5Qdzv2YAfQSLqExDMvNeZ4NiFr3UsdCRnOFKV2nFhXRPiELccCdqnuFYaWokDg/s2048/IMG_3899+copy.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0xSTfTkNxIaicCoqxy17tcY9ejp-E83Zh_6maUGXltS5CTdQ_uR4n5oUgmXafgRrSYrxXLOlF7BaB5Qdzv2YAfQSLqExDMvNeZ4NiFr3UsdCRnOFKV2nFhXRPiELccCdqnuFYaWokDg/s16000/IMG_3899+copy.PNG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECGtc23mSdzdpzRVLBMUzZc15pt7ZTEQ08ww17k0fVbMmjQXsQro-FnISMI6HSruY5PZAotYr-tf6OBpNaYX5wuccGV5jMdFKQH5pjKqsh5OxOz3uTy-b7zrJQMiUdd7eMHoIl5WhQ2c/s2000/7278A1F2-38F9-499D-8591-A420EB7570C2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECGtc23mSdzdpzRVLBMUzZc15pt7ZTEQ08ww17k0fVbMmjQXsQro-FnISMI6HSruY5PZAotYr-tf6OBpNaYX5wuccGV5jMdFKQH5pjKqsh5OxOz3uTy-b7zrJQMiUdd7eMHoIl5WhQ2c/s16000/7278A1F2-38F9-499D-8591-A420EB7570C2.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRRRM04UqUIyFT1FuSg0Jj3NzBXVVL3D77pny1xL5YMgRYrhy_EVcVkgf-e-TLHjAUA2s6Snlg1lqAyBq3eGZfkt8pwehas_S5CTKElBp04H9KqRPJzkzSa4UOm037pL9g6tYLLPdnUI/s2048/IMG_3891+copy.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRRRM04UqUIyFT1FuSg0Jj3NzBXVVL3D77pny1xL5YMgRYrhy_EVcVkgf-e-TLHjAUA2s6Snlg1lqAyBq3eGZfkt8pwehas_S5CTKElBp04H9KqRPJzkzSa4UOm037pL9g6tYLLPdnUI/s16000/IMG_3891+copy.PNG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Outfit info:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacket | Boohoo (old)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jumper | ASOS</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeans | ASOS</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Boots | New Look</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Headband | Primark</div><br /><p></p>Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-89472796976711958752020-10-03T16:49:00.004+01:002020-10-22T20:38:57.951+01:00How to begin & maintain a healthy lifestyle ♡<style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style><p><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc3xgeS7QzZy0DvaZ9_zZf3nA9VZntzQm6YPVSTZoev8WnJFI7IdCrrSWuNIBx4oearO7VECARZCITEze6ZeFBwb_SWgD6HF2652Z-kmrZIgoOddcdr6g8w8D_QvaqjbTvP3x0R0AhCZI/s16000/IMG_3171.JPG" /></p><p>Not so long ago I made the decision to begin and maintain a healthier lifestyle. I realised that sitting backand watching myself gain weight was not something that was making me happy; I have always been a busy, active person with 101 things going off in my life and brain 24/7, but for some reason my health had taken a backseat and I wanted to make a change. </p><p>Now I am by farrrr not the healthiest, skinniest, world's top fitness guru that you should be going to for nutritional advice and workout videos, but as abeginner myself I thought I would share some of the things that have helped me establish and maintain my healthier routine.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Firstly, I drink a lottttt of water. A lot. I make sure to start and end my days with a pint of water, and I always have a glass on the go. Hang on one sec, need to fill mine up! This is a simple but effective way to up my water intake; if it's in front of me, I am wayy more likely to pick it up and take a sip. Drinking water has so many health benefits. Not only is drinking water scientifically proven to improve brain function, increase motivation & energy levels, get your digestive system moving and help treat headaches; it can also aid weight loss! This is because it increases satiety and boosts your metabolic rate. For more information on the benefits of drinking water see <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-of-water#7.-Can-aid-weight-loss">Healthline's article</a>.</li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Secondly, I make sure to plan my exercise into my week. I keep a physical diary (which I highly recommend forproductivity purposes), and highlight my exercise schedule in green. I find colour coding so therapeutic, and also putting things down in colour makes me less likely to slack off because I feel guilty with the ink sat there staring me down.</li></ul><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Have motivation for why you started your healthy lifestyle close by. Maybe you needed to start being more healthy for health reasons, maybe you wanted to fit back into those trousers you love, or you just wanted to feel happier and more vibrant. Make sure to have a photo or a quote on your phone or on your wall that inspires you and re-ignites your why every time you see it. </li></ul><div><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8ViNiVtlqAGBKBD1KUjCQHG1rlWDaE31cznnxYMcoqGuj_pTeBlvelGfEswZEoT0C8NWh5I5Ixyji_SspueMreaOQXuR0FEbjKrurUYPk3ORKSzcn3Toq5r0pTD2UN2QlilwHr-5XZI/s16000/IMG_3174.PNG" /></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Take a selfie/ write notes on how amazing you feel after exercising and being healthy. Refer back to these when in doubt to remember this feeling so you can repeat it.</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Don't be unreasonable- when you're just starting out you will have setbacks, don't beat yourself up! It is quite unreasonable to assume that you can cut out every piece of unhealthy food, every takeaway you love, and it is unreasonable to believe that right off the bat you will be a 10K runner! And that is okay, at no point should you restrict yourself to the point that you cannot maintain the lifestyle, or you keep going for a couple of weeks and then fall back to day one. Believe me, I have been there over and over again. The whole point of a healthy lifestyle is to find balance, to be able to enjoy yourself and your food without putting too much pressure on yourself. </li></ul></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This last one isn't essential, but boy does it feel good! Getting new workout gear. I can't be the only person that instantly feels more inspired to work out and be healthy when I have a fresh, stylish gym set in a funky colour? Don't tell me I'm the only one ladies. In this post I am wearing Fabletics; it's the first time I have tried their gear and woweee I have been missing out! It is easily the comfiest pair of leggings I own, and they have THE cutest patterns and styles on their website. If you want to check out their 2 for £24 deal I'll leave a link <a href="fabletics.co.uk/team-fabletics/">here</a>.</li></ul></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>I hope some of these tips were helpful. If they were, feel free to check out my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vickireckless/">Instagram</a> where I've been posting motivation reels for self love and positivity. Come say hi! </p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqo7JHjZG2nNWZvIbG4sVADVApvg8cfZIVcDB8sfw7GYaU-hFMzA0I70t7RiFHSgaDl-9tBRGpsAEfnzlIasOw0HplQ5izu11Pxu_FwK8i6WsMgC57X3iZQrqU87L3ZChiwF4Aa1tcbbQ/s2048/IMG_3175.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqo7JHjZG2nNWZvIbG4sVADVApvg8cfZIVcDB8sfw7GYaU-hFMzA0I70t7RiFHSgaDl-9tBRGpsAEfnzlIasOw0HplQ5izu11Pxu_FwK8i6WsMgC57X3iZQrqU87L3ZChiwF4Aa1tcbbQ/s16000/IMG_3175.PNG" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Let's continue our healthy routines together.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Vicki </p><p style="text-align: center;">x x x</p><p><br /></p><p><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxM8hp3U7JavZKlOiTRwZJddd5am93MBquqN1qmFaZuayxFRpm8xmbFISjLhAnt9UyrWIh84OO02tlckgl6PT7rs_uxpzZfkcvl-KbLIoDkxGTkjICflkrCHKGr59Ft1gwjwvBR7zB_k/s16000/How+to+begin+%2526+maintain+a+healthy+lifestyle.png" /></p><br />Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-78008904294461146352020-09-13T12:00:00.004+01:002020-10-22T20:39:11.315+01:00Activities for down days<style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/vickireckless/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="976" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PwOl0elc7q7NbgUSrAY-wqrGu4V7nHdP82CIx3Ps-ByicL7NoYPS_DauUvMe0qnQHuSa_pHKbhGBDdcG9wO-C6g-YkRuE1F_I34eylRbxVUVaI-8Lltlt4uPXpzVMEQtUC1bYbBKeJM/w733-h976/IMG_1998.JPG" width="733" /></a></p><p>I think we all have days where we want more than anything to be productive but there is something inside ourselves stopping us from actually stepping out, getting up from the sofa, and doing much at all. I know I've had plenty of these, battling with my mind and putting myself down because I haven't achieved anything that feels 'productive' that day. </p><p>Well, if you are looking for some simple activities that can make these days feel slightly more positive, then you are in the right place. <span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>I have compiled a short list of things you can do on your 'down' days that will hopefully raise your spirits, and once you've completed just one of these may help you to build a little motivation for the rest of the day. I wrote this list when I was having a down day, I literally did not feel like leaving my bed, and it made me feel awful. But even just writing this list made me feel 10 times better, and completing a couple of the entries felt amazing! </p><p>I'll stop rambling... Here is the list:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Take a long, slow walk- there is no rush, take deep breaths and observe your surroundings, listen to the birds sing and enjoy the stillness of nature. When you feel a bit better (which you will because <b>down days do not last forever</b>) you can feel good about the fact that you got yourself outside and got your steps up. </li><li>Make some food- even if it's just a sandwich, physically putting together ingredients feels fantastic when you feel rubbish. Or you could even try out a simple, quick new recipe which you can add to your food bank. I'm currently compiling a 'baking book' that I hope to keep for years; I'm storing all of my favourite recipes in there that I know I love and work well for me. Not only does making something with your bare hands feel productive, it saves you a few minutes of being in your own head thinking about what you could be doing with your time. </li><li>JOURNAL!! I can't stress this enough, just start somewhere with journalling. Write what you had for dinner and if you liked it. You will notice that the more you practice the easier the words just fall onto the page, even if they don't make sense. You will also notice how much better and lighter you feel after splurging your feelings out onto the page. It is not cringey, no one has to ever see the words, and personally I quite like looking back over my journals years down the line to see who or what I was moaning about in 2016 or whenever. Journalling also helps you uncover the true cause for the way you are feeling, you may not think there is one, but believe me journalling brings out all sorts of emotions you didn't know you had haha! </li><li>Scroll through puppy Pinterest.This is up there with one of my favourite past-times I can't even lie. I have a board fulllll of the most adorable puppies to have ever blessed the earth, and who doesn't love a puppy?! The pictures are endless on there so you will never ever hit a dry patch. If you want a place to start follow my puppy board <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/vickireckless/p-u-p-p-i-e-s/" target="_blank">here</a>. Oh, and here is an example of what you will find if you go through that link 😌<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8LEACFP5BZ3TkH4jTL2ZOkK0Jmx8gIbsCguCjEOR5TRsNXOhfpEPkLinHCZXA7Pu4qoAxgrZrLUVw7s2WbPZV2KY73F0h2sFDdMRjnLkk0A7D6sTvY8COwOQ02kMBWqyVsxu20vaHIo/s2048/Screen+Shot+2020-09-12+at+19.33.42.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2048" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8LEACFP5BZ3TkH4jTL2ZOkK0Jmx8gIbsCguCjEOR5TRsNXOhfpEPkLinHCZXA7Pu4qoAxgrZrLUVw7s2WbPZV2KY73F0h2sFDdMRjnLkk0A7D6sTvY8COwOQ02kMBWqyVsxu20vaHIo/w976-h538/Screen+Shot+2020-09-12+at+19.33.42.png" width="976" /></a></li><li>Cry it out. I am a sincere believer that sometimes we just need a good cry. Even if at the time you don't even know what you're crying for! Crying releases so much tension and stress from the body, especially when you're feeling overwhelmed. I feel it helps to re-align and regain a bit of perspective. So don't hold back, I'm talking sad playlist blasting out, sobbing into the pillow, whaling in the shower type crying, let it alllll out. </li><li>Lastly, have a soothing hot drink, or place a soothing heat pack onto your neck or other tense areas. There is something about warmth that brings me joy, I think this is why I'm a sucker for our mini heatwaves here in the UK. Just feeling the warmth hit your stomach sends tingles through me, and instantly cheers me up.</li></ol><div>Well, that's all from me. I hope you found at least one thing that seems manageable in all that. If you did, let me know, I would love to hear from you over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vickireckless/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. I truly believe that we all need to be accepting of our down days, we need to have them in order to appreciate the good days when they come, and they will come. Stay strong, you got this. </div><div><br /></div><div>Love, Vicki <span face="arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14px;">♡</span></div><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAckZR189npN6xUdxRDh3Wy_96MfHTTynV_IzBs89GGHHH8yH1Z91w1AirqXyTN8atbeJtwRhLYkLjHtNWs6ULHQuf7TW0AVDjYBNACHtSD698-sL3jgHuKs1XUwmaVLAuxjzjaFalAC0/s2048/Activities+for+down+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAckZR189npN6xUdxRDh3Wy_96MfHTTynV_IzBs89GGHHH8yH1Z91w1AirqXyTN8atbeJtwRhLYkLjHtNWs6ULHQuf7TW0AVDjYBNACHtSD698-sL3jgHuKs1XUwmaVLAuxjzjaFalAC0/s16000/Activities+for+down+days.jpg" /></a></div><br />Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-12739459994464434682020-08-24T14:57:00.006+01:002020-10-22T20:39:26.917+01:00How to trust the timing of your life.<style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style>
<p><span></span><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="1564" more--="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13D8kU-Eho7Qqum5m_ZK0050K9IfEhicYkqM-ijfZYDE119LfgrhzOg2wv1RmJjP31hhk1PwUpQ7FyASHQYb141FFZryTIrHsSzz39wd4GB3psKQSPGCXB64tSB2oLXYSK7XNWaM-lMw/w1251-h1564/_.jpeg" width="1251" /><br /></p><p></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Sometimes things can be going so so well, you feel you're thriving, you're setting goals and smashing them, creating new relationships, mending aspects of your life, loving the simpler things; and then one tiny moment, one view of a picture, one text from a friend, one badly worded email can send you right back to square one in the blink of an eye. One moment can make you question all of the progress you thought you'd made, one instant has you believing that you are late, or that you aren't good enough, or you haven't achieved what you should have done, what others around you are already achieving. <p></p><p>It is when these moments come that we need to take a moment, sit back, and take a breath. </p><p>Recently I had one of these moments, but I was determined not to let it ruin my mood and my progress. I could have quickly fallen into the trap of comparison: well she's succeeding and I feel stagnant, she's got all of this, a new home, a new puppy, a perfect body; and I'm stuck. </p><p>But I didn't. </p><p>I sat down, journaled it out(which I honestly believe to be the best form of free therapy), realised what it was that was causing me to feel stuck, and reminded myself that there is no set time limit for each stage of my life.</p><p>I was recently listening to my country jams, if you know me you know I love a bit of country music, but I found Thomas Rhett's 'Be A Light'. Now to the naked, youthful eye listening to the lyrics of this song, they could come across as cringey or too simplistic, but I love their sentiment. </p><p>Rhett says 'In a race you can't win, just slow down.' </p><p>And although it's 'just a song', this lyric really spoke to me. Why does everyone rush around in life? It really isn't a race. When you think about it and even though it's quite morbid, we all die in the end anyway, so what is the point of rushing and stressing? </p><p>If you keep chipping away, every single day, keep chipping and working towards your goals, one day it will happen. It's only when we give up, spend a couple of days or weeks working, but then give up because we haven't achieved the end result yet that we stagger and fall short of our goals. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTv6JljZDoaWAyH7KRJNfWDPDBrkuLuDffbGtXFmBuwtydDJXx6qVo4AdBzGVTHHzBRfRbDjmJcY6b6nCKR8sYU9JsUZWHimlASJxFWQAeGyKSz851f4D02H4COMRt0E1sWzDV5Pd8yc/s2048/IMG_9120.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="1250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTv6JljZDoaWAyH7KRJNfWDPDBrkuLuDffbGtXFmBuwtydDJXx6qVo4AdBzGVTHHzBRfRbDjmJcY6b6nCKR8sYU9JsUZWHimlASJxFWQAeGyKSz851f4D02H4COMRt0E1sWzDV5Pd8yc/w938-h1250/IMG_9120.JPG" width="938" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="1251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7Yyw7sLX94FVk_3vZOf1OWMUJY5nDQ-4qL4OTOmFW_I1J_z7Kyf6TAUbaTlHLiiG75rvyYekOm5KrcDi49egS9WY3U23bIFQcmGkm2Z52GYcLjglE2bIzBRwgzfv9bD4hBsEN7ZDoxc/w938-h1251/IMG_9122.JPG" width="938" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The take away from this post?</p><p>You are not late, you are not an underachiever, you are exactly where you are supposed to be at this point in your journey. Do not stress, if you are working even just a little each day, you are doing exactly enough. One day things will fall exactly into place, and you just need to trust the timing of your life. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzOh_6iMNiESZHDgWdIok8S2raAiNyXCJ16cIg8kSxjMT2qQGlgpdH4Fmdo7yPs38iTaDH5frY4irKwh59wENaeGGU9gw2qF04xJJUb5gnx-L_VdHsvcz0oiZTzRhxytzzmlN0ebFrAE/w750-h1000/IMG_9138_Facetune_02-08-2020-19-52-36.JPG" style="text-align: left;" width="750" /><a href="https://www.instagram.com/vickireckless/"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDhPbP30yDiTZj12EUIUvcZD4u1QCs7qzrkf-LpHV05znmpmOLqld6oxVCeclqWAW4GyJcT79yNALLYW9D03E3BnbHzaRkvUE9hp_fqUjLz0jtisJbyjQ0p06Z2Am96vXnITnzWaL-Ig/s16000/How+to+trust+the+timing+of+your+life.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></a></p>Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-41974958152033038992020-06-15T15:20:00.001+01:002020-10-11T20:11:28.673+01:00Boux Avenue Summer faves 🌴<style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/view-all-swimwear/st-moritz-one-shoulder-swimsuit/405082_10IV.html?cgid=view-all-swimwear#p=2&start=69" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgPAdMIOEUgw4Enq5BJ2TNIOxvZHqAQcX6n848pqZpvOjlaxu9-hh9WEIG4KRVNYO-cyabJwOVphi585G0qZ0qmOCbhYHAbfSvVBfKFpXvAZBeGEq7p2V3CZQYYUkUCrRO0kTOAaEGkE/s1600/boux+avenue+summer+favesIMG_2394.PNG" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
Here are a few of my favourite items for the summer season from my faves at Boux Avenue. It is the last month that I am an ambassador for them, so my code VICKIBOUX15 will expire soon. Make sure to check out my favourite picks before it's too late! They also have some great offers on at the moment, like selected lingerie sets for £20, pic 'n' mix knickers 3 for £12, 5 for £18 or 7 for £21.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/swimsuits/atlantas-plunge-swimsuit/405053_01BL.html#q=black%2Bswimsuit&lang=default&start=1" target="_blank">Atlantas Plunge swimsuit- £32</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/swimsuits/atlantas-plunge-swimsuit/405053_01BL.html#q=black%2Bswimsuit&lang=default&start=1" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hh4Lz7n7mkCa9IRrDT2ninNu8HJYPzP1rKBxlHozwMcH3O2jtJiC1mc-ccrrNEjrIr4VW-jXR1gqAauY9-3Yb60v5zuU5u9cKANij0kNUN5-Q8RKnmFqojcN5B6BmsqMnqbLF-IjlNk/s320/boux+avenue+summer+favesIMG_4873.PNG" width="240" /></a><span id="goog_326532669"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_326532670"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/balconette/seraphina-unpadded-balconette-bra/102346_30MG.html" target="_blank">Seraphina unpadded balconette bra- £34</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/balconette/seraphina-unpadded-balconette-bra/102346_30MG.html#q=pink%2Bbra&lang=default&start=15" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="1115" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMIpwgZTJkZsrTpOaf26f-jdOMYKylKcwUT-x8DkX0IcDJea7f27X2EYrnWD9dHVwHu947eicwlarQ88yNtS4Lil-gDbzCTt5wotVzM89ggDW36ZqOLUfQJdOs_LzJaAuUjLyRslebzM/s320/boux+avenue+summer+favesIMG_4952.PNG" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/cami-sets/pretty-floral-cami-set/206079_80GX.html" target="_blank">Pretty Floral cami set- £25</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/cami-sets/pretty-floral-cami-set/206079_80GX.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1276" data-original-width="944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFEq4Qbf3n4Nh0OL9T9QIX2AZwwkBKe69PDvR73cxWu5C9fHxIUbZtE3siyk2XNzoZp1hjcJfzfC6xA5wm2Kd8Oad9Wxu3yxbkNMrazYGbOAsAhfnVUWdl7w3dumOsGkTTkvd1eNzTPM/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-06-15+at+14.57.11.png" width="236" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/pyjamas/cherry-best-of-friends-vest-and-shorts-set/207119_20PX.html" target="_blank">Cherry best of friends' vest and short set- £16</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOYXj2uE_I7SrEOmWy99j1Ni_Tu-BMctkjBw5rzcrWJeepDRckPQBXxpo7OfrgXhR_T7j8nThMltsf45iP0tdUADb_cSLF3PpztlpW_e7ElraOoOWqkLEMPbwgVbXRarPtE-xRFCbfck/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-06-15+at+15.03.02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="935" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOYXj2uE_I7SrEOmWy99j1Ni_Tu-BMctkjBw5rzcrWJeepDRckPQBXxpo7OfrgXhR_T7j8nThMltsf45iP0tdUADb_cSLF3PpztlpW_e7ElraOoOWqkLEMPbwgVbXRarPtE-xRFCbfck/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-06-15+at+15.03.02.png" width="236" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/cami-sets/zebra-print-cami-set/209107_01BW.html" target="_blank">Zebra print cami set- £35</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBKbPsyNSlBMcI6efrwyypQ49oEYRBu_KC6YVsYKPaBHsF4PwSlGPyx-x9EokqBfaNMPsPZPxLQ4yTwzNTiYUBo1k7vErXpz2MWx9odNZMr-HjsxANXHo0W6WFYGCgc1GGoV-FTBfhH4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-06-15+at+15.04.50.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="892" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuBKbPsyNSlBMcI6efrwyypQ49oEYRBu_KC6YVsYKPaBHsF4PwSlGPyx-x9EokqBfaNMPsPZPxLQ4yTwzNTiYUBo1k7vErXpz2MWx9odNZMr-HjsxANXHo0W6WFYGCgc1GGoV-FTBfhH4/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-06-15+at+15.04.50.png" width="226" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/view-all-swimwear/kos-tie-dye-swimsuit/405143_20PX.html?cgid=view-all-swimwear#p=2&start=52" target="_blank">Kos tie dye swimsuit- £28</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/view-all-swimwear/kos-tie-dye-swimsuit/405143_20PX.html?cgid=view-all-swimwear#p=2&start=52" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="890" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF-O03N5eqA-ZSU5glV9XSQx5nIx75ZIeetdu1R18k6brCMTravrY-5mXaEs-_cXldXrkdWbbQ-ZmQdKv-cIVOquYcOJ1mLqY8zW7iHBvk2djAcIrJYNva-hCA6NulS_KKwhw_0Kegrw/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-06-15+at+15.10.00.png" width="243" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/view-all-swimwear/bondi-high-neck-bikini-top/405057_01BL.html?cgid=view-all-swimwear#p=2&start=76" target="_blank">Bondi high neck bikini top - £28</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/view-all-swimwear/bondi-high-neck-bikini-top/405057_01BL.html?cgid=view-all-swimwear#p=2&start=76" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="894" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi103-0V4WMRXx_VeARE_EgQGYM-3WKCr9XKV20M8p_Q82JnDrf_9yFF571lJxwo6p9o4SqdO8le3CqFUYMmaI88msykYwacRkaAfgvu-SFEZkFgQFCkDuIt3bRK93PxOu9deV6VqkIEP8/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-06-15+at+15.12.22.png" width="242" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/teddies/romilly-satin-teddy/209075_01BG.html?cgid=1000484#start=7" target="_blank">Romilly satin teddy- £35</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.bouxavenue.com/teddies/romilly-satin-teddy/209075_01BG.html?cgid=1000484#start=7" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1256" data-original-width="878" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7ACfRidhNCkQpFPGm5FmqCwDgUr4evxoD5ewuzITwSdOgQnt1oHtBb4NlhEBeWFiD70yFO6RNCXdgNHERyRGE_EKm6BDyt8VVHyFKqHGNiDPsY-4K8SaDD4M9oPVflqdc649xcSAETg/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-06-15+at+15.16.08.png" width="223" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are so so many cute pieces on their website at the moment, ready to equip your summer wardrobe! Using my code VICKIBOUX15 on full priced items will get you 15% off. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy shopping <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">♡</span></div>
<h1 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: "helvetica neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</h1>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-31001186645282846102020-05-23T18:00:00.001+01:002020-10-22T20:39:43.631+01:00How to be comfortable in your own skin ♡ <style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8mDyjEM5DASSeREhJXu08ck2idZ5fHMKwLjveA7UDM20iM-eXJ07A92Ib9tTompF_sVbbnQgtKXRsMBnLoVD8kI7eUbxXY6KLRWhyWwRzxnKuI3Y0uV9ipEBnEdnTRKJVfb-PPlBYes/s1600/IMG_2388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8mDyjEM5DASSeREhJXu08ck2idZ5fHMKwLjveA7UDM20iM-eXJ07A92Ib9tTompF_sVbbnQgtKXRsMBnLoVD8kI7eUbxXY6KLRWhyWwRzxnKuI3Y0uV9ipEBnEdnTRKJVfb-PPlBYes/s1600/IMG_2388.JPG" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
With it being mental health awareness week I thought now would be an appropriate time to open up a little bit about the struggles I've had with my own mental health and feeling comfortable in my own skin.<br />
<br />
I'm sure we all have days where we look in the mirror and don't like what we see, and even begin to find things we don't like even if we never noticed them before.<br />
<br />
Looking through old photos, even from a few years ago I do notice that I have gained some curves and I may be a size or so larger in clothing, but I have also noticed that I am so much happier with my body now than a couple of years ago.<br />
<br />
I remember looking at myself when I was that size thinking 'I'm fat, I need to not eat today so that I drop a few pounds quickly'. And I didn't even realise I was doing it until first year of university when it became a bit more obvious to those around me. Now I was never so skinny that just any stranger would notice and pick up on it, but I guess that's what makes these things more tricky.<br />
<br />
Now I'm not too sure when my mindset shifted, but I'm pretty sure it's when I started really thinking about what mattered in life, I gained some new friends and started socialising more and worrying less about what I looked like.<br />
<br />
I think the key to accepting your body for what it looks like is being thankful for all that it does for you. Looking in the mirror and even if you don't like what you see, saying 'thank you' to your body. It sounds silly but it really works. Once you start talking to yourself more kindly, then eventually your brain views your body in a different way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I'm currently undergoing my own fitness journey, and the key to a fitness journey is to not be hating on your body as it is now, and thinking 'oh I'll just lose a few more pounds and <u>then</u> I'll love my body'. It's about loving your body now and thanking it for all the amazing things it has done for you, what it has gone through and survived, how it functions every single day to keep you alive, how it is the only one you will get in this lifetime. It is about enjoying the process and not beating yourself up if you don't look exactly like the airbrushed models in the magazines. Every body type is beautiful and successful and even if you want to make a change to how you look, you are perfect exactly the way you are right now.<br />
<br />
We are all made to be originals, not copies. Once you realise that you are unique, you are exactly where you are meant to be, and you are beautiful just the way you are, lumps, bumps, scars and all, you will be one step closer to loving and being comfortable in your gorgeous body.<br />
<br />
Seriously practice talking to yourself and notice the difference it actually makes. Trust me. And if anyone who is reading this is having any difficulties my DM's are always open, just drop me a message<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">♡</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuT4vH89j5A2CLdjb7L8hjh98ebzb1nBRS1zjVVoYqajnPXyQhKOTo081XOT27nJv494FBmTUloxjcuB6P8xQRx8Kxqa44NaWLEykF9no5CQtdAsgpJARicQQev18omQ68XU-NnLH5xg/s1600/How+to+feel+comfortable+in+your+own+skin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpuT4vH89j5A2CLdjb7L8hjh98ebzb1nBRS1zjVVoYqajnPXyQhKOTo081XOT27nJv494FBmTUloxjcuB6P8xQRx8Kxqa44NaWLEykF9no5CQtdAsgpJARicQQev18omQ68XU-NnLH5xg/s1600/How+to+feel+comfortable+in+your+own+skin.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-66259166755956240372019-09-03T12:36:00.000+01:002019-09-04T13:42:36.864+01:00Satin Slip..<style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOf3cBzvavgfqYRHNZDyeW8sMCtXcLz46dTIb_jS3ZkCbYDo1anDnYgrB8yIz6mJXNjetdE-T2YbrpuLHL650iENcqKpF8vO453G-CV5aKELLfdUrwofLHmWTf6iRdYqPpsh7LPORxdKQ/s1600/blue+satin+slip+dressFacetune+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOf3cBzvavgfqYRHNZDyeW8sMCtXcLz46dTIb_jS3ZkCbYDo1anDnYgrB8yIz6mJXNjetdE-T2YbrpuLHL650iENcqKpF8vO453G-CV5aKELLfdUrwofLHmWTf6iRdYqPpsh7LPORxdKQ/s1600/blue+satin+slip+dressFacetune+9.JPG" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0j2Q-AqmevZX6Ye0cQkgepLttjPL2gbPrsq60yvNBY2dblLk1omuSFpKJg-p4IBdopDr3tAGTwy1ybfXVYYfR23tL7QYOsPpspaNLIBbK-Hu7vnUzoq0QxJZuqXM_xvgcDH3xD2fuOU/s1600/blue+satin+slip+dressFacetune+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0j2Q-AqmevZX6Ye0cQkgepLttjPL2gbPrsq60yvNBY2dblLk1omuSFpKJg-p4IBdopDr3tAGTwy1ybfXVYYfR23tL7QYOsPpspaNLIBbK-Hu7vnUzoq0QxJZuqXM_xvgcDH3xD2fuOU/s1600/blue+satin+slip+dressFacetune+8.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am just LOVING anything satin this summer, really wish I'd bought more of those satin maxi/midi skirts, they always look so elegant and classy, with the minimum amount of effort possible, which appeals to me on a spiritual level. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I just find this sort of dress, especially when sized up, falls over my hips so nicely. As my curvy girls out there will agree, finding things to fit nicely in all areas of the trunk can be a challenge! But this sort of style is perfect for a date night, a nice meal, a girls cocktail night, or can even be dressed down with converse and a denim jacket for a daytime look. I'm finding the slip style evermore versatile, and have even seen more fashionable people than I pair these dresses with a big t-shirt tied at the back or front to create a makeshift satin skirt; which I have to admit, saying this, I might have to try out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This particular dress is from Nasty Gal, and I was so impressed with the quality of it, seeing as it was very inexpensive. I have also got a lovely shorter slip dress from Miss Selfridge (pictured below), and have seen numerous in places like TopShop, Missguided.. well I don't need to tell you, they're in virtually every clothing store right now haha! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiu02hBhTyvF7XInlAIxhNhXfF95O7wH2H-sfrKTZ_tdghQT4I-o6LaYX5wJfYBIRBqj3Pu72JYj-H9CIwdmYR_FmMFNNRekhkoG3yXbpR81DFXdzWWWeOCBS1OxfDGIhrnxWsn7SUI8/s1600/blue+satin+slip+dressIMG_4441.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1483" data-original-width="1109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiu02hBhTyvF7XInlAIxhNhXfF95O7wH2H-sfrKTZ_tdghQT4I-o6LaYX5wJfYBIRBqj3Pu72JYj-H9CIwdmYR_FmMFNNRekhkoG3yXbpR81DFXdzWWWeOCBS1OxfDGIhrnxWsn7SUI8/s1600/blue+satin+slip+dressIMG_4441.PNG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zV-p1LZQayD30NuQw-4OgtPscX6DeJOj9Qip32JU3TqswI5Qdc5uQc2laAC8EaP6t9yNvDM-IngD1h8g3BYOaiWfMuZGINVqXTcNfbryI-yEubRQbTozQ-Za_KxTsvI8-EoN4MpSOFQ/s1600/blue+satin+slip+dressFacetune+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zV-p1LZQayD30NuQw-4OgtPscX6DeJOj9Qip32JU3TqswI5Qdc5uQc2laAC8EaP6t9yNvDM-IngD1h8g3BYOaiWfMuZGINVqXTcNfbryI-yEubRQbTozQ-Za_KxTsvI8-EoN4MpSOFQ/s1600/blue+satin+slip+dressFacetune+7.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I just think they're perfect for most occasions, especially on holiday, when you may be a little raw, as displayed below 😆. They're lovely light numbers that you can just throw on, and can even get away without a bra which is just a win win in every case. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The only thing I would say, for the clumsy folk among us (myself included), be careful with drinks or lotions, as they do tend to get water marked easily. So get your pics before dinner😜!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALcWU2NhLoKb-GsDIbrbi-QZvXxXZZ2GAyve0pIiR3IRvKoTzDjKbj4cR85Z97hQzELXaJKAYH8FJ4CW1mjJ6brL-dkHylbKpgUAJLW4iwdKai_cbJBzH-7bOgRJJPvxKo1tjHwQIFUE/s1600/maltaIMG_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALcWU2NhLoKb-GsDIbrbi-QZvXxXZZ2GAyve0pIiR3IRvKoTzDjKbj4cR85Z97hQzELXaJKAYH8FJ4CW1mjJ6brL-dkHylbKpgUAJLW4iwdKai_cbJBzH-7bOgRJJPvxKo1tjHwQIFUE/s1600/maltaIMG_0411.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgBovqN72iEBMPClIkPU6kq1kfATONZ6MX-Ietc4VfHVDa5qYoMeSULYsorYaEWvc32E290l52lNhdDkXkdApIlMXVxorm-cZqZvKptnL6bFFECB8N7owukCDQVSyC6aLkGFvPI7XP1I/s1600/maltaFacetune+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgBovqN72iEBMPClIkPU6kq1kfATONZ6MX-Ietc4VfHVDa5qYoMeSULYsorYaEWvc32E290l52lNhdDkXkdApIlMXVxorm-cZqZvKptnL6bFFECB8N7owukCDQVSyC6aLkGFvPI7XP1I/s1600/maltaFacetune+6.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi668PT8eGg78SVim6J8yyXb-Y82hwuCUDVZJsY0tXcxyGLveQk12aExM659LP3j_F-Xqoqbf6xpLf_zd2Zd_0G5QoC2NKmgwalMKa5X8m34QCEE6FwnJvAUa4K5F5kwomJkaDPW94Rc4E/s1600/maltaIMG_0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi668PT8eGg78SVim6J8yyXb-Y82hwuCUDVZJsY0tXcxyGLveQk12aExM659LP3j_F-Xqoqbf6xpLf_zd2Zd_0G5QoC2NKmgwalMKa5X8m34QCEE6FwnJvAUa4K5F5kwomJkaDPW94Rc4E/s1600/maltaIMG_0410.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>First outfit:</u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://rstyle.me/+42VfMS2-cbSv6HDu5bwasA" target="_blank">Necklace | Nasty Gal</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dress | Nasty Gal</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bag | Nasty Gal</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shoes | New Look </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>Second outfit: </u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dress | Miss Selfridge</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bag | New Look </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-32687047625652181272019-08-19T14:41:00.001+01:002020-10-11T20:11:50.392+01:00How to spot a fake friend<style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1P0FLeIUgV1G02iTrcT7M_f588DC4V_djJlT_jXps7DcnGHYo379F3vgyyNXPj2Y4t3I3ltdb0n2Vh1RoC-n0Dykr0UxNH2fGyBlBGTAfG06FHR7F9bbKzYDTMiXaGFbtetmpRNmwwM/s1600/IMG_1318.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1P0FLeIUgV1G02iTrcT7M_f588DC4V_djJlT_jXps7DcnGHYo379F3vgyyNXPj2Y4t3I3ltdb0n2Vh1RoC-n0Dykr0UxNH2fGyBlBGTAfG06FHR7F9bbKzYDTMiXaGFbtetmpRNmwwM/s1600/IMG_1318.PNG" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
When I was doing my daily (more like hourly) (okay half an hourly) scroll through 'the gram', I came across a post by @chloegottsfit, who btw posts the bestttt workout videos to follow for the gym, but that's beside the point. Anyway, in her post she talks about friendship, and one thing in particular stuck out to me that she said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
She spoke about how you should always be able to be your fullest, truest self around your friends, which is true. But she also said that real friends will speak behind your back in the exact same way they would to your face. And this hit me because I'd never really thought about it in that way. It started to make me think about my friends and think about those that I could trust completely to speak the exact same way about me to others as they would speak about me to my face; and also those that probably wouldn't. Then this got me thinking about fake friends, and how to spot them with this sole principle in mind.<br />
<br />
With that said, I've composed a short list to help identify those that probably aren't the most up-front in your friendship circle, and those that would be handy to keep around you, that actually do have your best interests at heart.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOBxh-o2olIIm95XGWRQjBYzQM42pJd9wFAv2MFSRpQFTL4X3mbCax_hhH6Z-RqQrgumY8mwOOv4xCzWlYargCqJrneAnZRre4H0KHnSMgTJtC_y26qK0doti96QBz5gg_PkYwwWZlsQ/s1600/Facetune+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOBxh-o2olIIm95XGWRQjBYzQM42pJd9wFAv2MFSRpQFTL4X3mbCax_hhH6Z-RqQrgumY8mwOOv4xCzWlYargCqJrneAnZRre4H0KHnSMgTJtC_y26qK0doti96QBz5gg_PkYwwWZlsQ/s1600/Facetune+5.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Number One</b> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">→ </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you've ever been afraid to tell your friend something because you're scared they're going to spread it to the rest of your friendship group, or to others in general that you don't want to know; or because you think they will judge you for it/ it will change their opinion of you, then they're probably not the most loyal friend of yours. True friends will take anything you have to share or work through onboard, they won't let themselves think less of you, and they will encourage and support you in any way they can. Real friends should <u>not</u> make you feel worse about things. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Number Two</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">→</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">If you feel like you can't be your true, fun and fabulous complete self around one of your friends, then ditch them! You shouldn't waste your time pretending to be someone you're not, when you probably have/ can make friends who appreciate you for exactly who you are or want to be. This links nicely with... </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Number Three </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">→</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If your friends don't celebrate you and your successes, no matter how small, they are not the truest of friends. Real friends support your life's goals, even if they seem a bit out there or unattainable to them. It's perfectly reasonable to air concerns, but ultimately they should support and help you in any way they can. And if they get jealous of your success to your face, then that is definitely a no no, and you should ditch as soon as poss. They can be jealous, but they should also have the sense to keep it themselves if they are😆.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Number Four </b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">→</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Lastly, and possibly most importantly, if your friends give up on you/ aren't there for you when you're at your lowest, they don't deserve you when you're at your best. True friends stick by you through thick and thin. If someone suddenly stops messaging or meeting up with you because they know you're going through a hard time and aren't your usual self, then they aren't people you want to be associated with. This goes for relationships as well; if people are only willing to hang around you when you're at your best, and get fed up of you when you're not, then they don't deserve you, and you can do better. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNbToQAg898d9tCh0xD9E79pjohqy1S6cCOaTkqV0mCy754gTJMZ-sE4HzcSysY-UUtVzJX67JERGO9JUl2VvJ6_xXAsyraJ4SrRQO0To1xdv5aZzYQpvmHT9cnb5VxY7xGSQLiMUAyQ/s1600/IMG_1319.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNbToQAg898d9tCh0xD9E79pjohqy1S6cCOaTkqV0mCy754gTJMZ-sE4HzcSysY-UUtVzJX67JERGO9JUl2VvJ6_xXAsyraJ4SrRQO0To1xdv5aZzYQpvmHT9cnb5VxY7xGSQLiMUAyQ/s1600/IMG_1319.PNG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><u>Outfit </u></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.prettylittlething.com/dusky-blue-cotton-stretch-strappy-crop-top.html" target="_blank">Crop | Pretty Little Thing</a> (similar)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+1yXQu5Cz7bZGzp8Ji3fYIw" target="_blank">Jeans | Miss Selfridge</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+B2HOSlstJQ7EATA-VPcuuw" target="_blank">Shoes | New Look </a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://rstyle.me/+LHT1Sfj_sjRoQfy90ORLPQ" target="_blank">Bag | New Look</a></span></span></div>
Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-32192630431817628832019-07-26T12:00:00.001+01:002020-10-11T20:12:07.436+01:00Malta highlights <style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybFV5Q9TutkLHraEeFVDmybrkWFbq1hfkNBBFwJ327acEfxe0WdZLf5YEcYFEIvMH3y0wFrZX2v5hTEzobL7lCtngOzm42wruAzmOvrZVP9QJsrO564ZXDu9f0b3id5kuFXI0YB5r1gg/s1600/maltaIMG_0639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybFV5Q9TutkLHraEeFVDmybrkWFbq1hfkNBBFwJ327acEfxe0WdZLf5YEcYFEIvMH3y0wFrZX2v5hTEzobL7lCtngOzm42wruAzmOvrZVP9QJsrO564ZXDu9f0b3id5kuFXI0YB5r1gg/s1600/maltaIMG_0639.JPG" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
Last week I went to the lovely island of Malta with my Mum and Sister, and boy was it a hot one! After getting slightly more burnt than anticipated, eating lots of pasta, and staring down a LOT of cats, I thought I'd share a few snaps of my time there and give my honest opinions about the trip and any recommendations I would give if thinking of travelling there. Obviously I only had a small taste of the island so I can't speak generally, just about what I personally experienced, but I hope this is somewhat helpful or enjoyable to read.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jH4PSYHcx12_WB_v9vCCbM3BW-QpJ6rwhm5xPnrG_eENPYGu67FK9EyjsWUZGojPbPVsfl7oxjzKAaYe4LyusI8BSH0oLevNH5kzKElqufV715YnvO-FcjLd7asQ_nivldHrFJS-LJ0/s1600/maltaIMG_0637.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jH4PSYHcx12_WB_v9vCCbM3BW-QpJ6rwhm5xPnrG_eENPYGu67FK9EyjsWUZGojPbPVsfl7oxjzKAaYe4LyusI8BSH0oLevNH5kzKElqufV715YnvO-FcjLd7asQ_nivldHrFJS-LJ0/s1600/maltaIMG_0637.PNG" /></a>So I'll start by saying that I stayed in the North of Malta, in Mellieha, which was just a 20-30 minute ferry across to the sister islands of Gozo and Comino. I stayed at the Ramla Bay Resort which had it's own private beach and arranged boat trip to the Blue Lagoon at Comino (the best part of my trip by far!) for those on All Inclusive, which was lovely. The private beach on the other hand I can't rave about, it actually made me quite sad looking at all the plastic and rubbish on the shore line, and the jelly fish (which I am aware cannot be helped 😂) kindd of put me off delving into that particular part of the beautiful waters.<br />
<br />
Speaking of which, here are a few snaps of the Blue Lagoon and the area surrounding it, which is located on the West coast of Comino, and can only be accurately described as a 'little slice of paradise'. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zQ3gDjSfPIzFlaeMlBFcEHeyC9Zs2J3KPG8FmdlNAiq7fw7z0NhKJWkAuxGpgdJMeJGWd6y5KJ3awB1kdbyMaJi4CaKlUxYCNDQz39HZ4C4gjiSLP5lp0luIwYyifLdFvUDcTrs2f5Y/s1600/maltaIMG_0636.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zQ3gDjSfPIzFlaeMlBFcEHeyC9Zs2J3KPG8FmdlNAiq7fw7z0NhKJWkAuxGpgdJMeJGWd6y5KJ3awB1kdbyMaJi4CaKlUxYCNDQz39HZ4C4gjiSLP5lp0luIwYyifLdFvUDcTrs2f5Y/s1600/maltaIMG_0636.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvef7NnPJUyQNrF6FJMQm5ufG-usQK1mgL3ldpk7-2098pzb8mdwAqZv92edyrmC_tMU5egU6L95XIHaRPQOQI9ABh3YHwsW8KI4rZ1G0PWVtdHMQ0hqcWw0AxnMdxzrEWWy-j-st2s4/s1600/maltaIMG_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvef7NnPJUyQNrF6FJMQm5ufG-usQK1mgL3ldpk7-2098pzb8mdwAqZv92edyrmC_tMU5egU6L95XIHaRPQOQI9ABh3YHwsW8KI4rZ1G0PWVtdHMQ0hqcWw0AxnMdxzrEWWy-j-st2s4/s1600/maltaIMG_0608.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIe6bT48p3ZLM2HCgT6OaLbwZ0WhlFFjUrTLRoTCRbjKobAFQ8vyxiP8gzXspJCc1uTKJmyuMW3CqyF3QfQDE8Msy8Ub6Ufvv28hhRuU21jDjgyvPyi6ixtYP1bk-FH8vBnw-TCbD8dw/s1600/maltaIMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIe6bT48p3ZLM2HCgT6OaLbwZ0WhlFFjUrTLRoTCRbjKobAFQ8vyxiP8gzXspJCc1uTKJmyuMW3CqyF3QfQDE8Msy8Ub6Ufvv28hhRuU21jDjgyvPyi6ixtYP1bk-FH8vBnw-TCbD8dw/s1600/maltaIMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaT78K-AhuR-TrzVvW97n3P74NId31JSQKoZ_xJPMe7XuNa5nqwBKkaHisSFRJg5Esa0MLlpNCA3dUf025XlxII4psBj-AgIsXTPl3HUASlear-TpVuQmgh9PDS8E_gkQakYvRqBEUbE/s1600/maltaIMG_0635.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaT78K-AhuR-TrzVvW97n3P74NId31JSQKoZ_xJPMe7XuNa5nqwBKkaHisSFRJg5Esa0MLlpNCA3dUf025XlxII4psBj-AgIsXTPl3HUASlear-TpVuQmgh9PDS8E_gkQakYvRqBEUbE/s1600/maltaIMG_0635.PNG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zQ3gDjSfPIzFlaeMlBFcEHeyC9Zs2J3KPG8FmdlNAiq7fw7z0NhKJWkAuxGpgdJMeJGWd6y5KJ3awB1kdbyMaJi4CaKlUxYCNDQz39HZ4C4gjiSLP5lp0luIwYyifLdFvUDcTrs2f5Y/s1600/maltaIMG_0636.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNvK6TQ7ZXBmlCHVsY3-cOvv1_2B-XWPaTJf7mV85gO5-XQwixCIr_kweGfKyb5JZAF6FymASCOCVZWtqfBA7RhlAjke66R3k9PUhKGzlq0YMxGWAeqg67SE1qGPzZBPZOmnEBv03GOU/s1600/maltaIMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIe6bT48p3ZLM2HCgT6OaLbwZ0WhlFFjUrTLRoTCRbjKobAFQ8vyxiP8gzXspJCc1uTKJmyuMW3CqyF3QfQDE8Msy8Ub6Ufvv28hhRuU21jDjgyvPyi6ixtYP1bk-FH8vBnw-TCbD8dw/s1600/maltaIMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNvK6TQ7ZXBmlCHVsY3-cOvv1_2B-XWPaTJf7mV85gO5-XQwixCIr_kweGfKyb5JZAF6FymASCOCVZWtqfBA7RhlAjke66R3k9PUhKGzlq0YMxGWAeqg67SE1qGPzZBPZOmnEBv03GOU/s1600/maltaIMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNvK6TQ7ZXBmlCHVsY3-cOvv1_2B-XWPaTJf7mV85gO5-XQwixCIr_kweGfKyb5JZAF6FymASCOCVZWtqfBA7RhlAjke66R3k9PUhKGzlq0YMxGWAeqg67SE1qGPzZBPZOmnEBv03GOU/s1600/maltaIMG_0633.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7XqWvCQDvbIvRaXTtcboHbd99yaTsZoY38WlsEplnuknQsVmuUZac3XUvrDlhy1tQoNdXW5nDqTqnXslVtRLsImV4qEsAc-u2WhsYf_wXTwHfDJDlA_LC_kmTswWL9V8biKuuS-t1Ds/s1600/maltaIMG_0634.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7XqWvCQDvbIvRaXTtcboHbd99yaTsZoY38WlsEplnuknQsVmuUZac3XUvrDlhy1tQoNdXW5nDqTqnXslVtRLsImV4qEsAc-u2WhsYf_wXTwHfDJDlA_LC_kmTswWL9V8biKuuS-t1Ds/s1600/maltaIMG_0634.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7XqWvCQDvbIvRaXTtcboHbd99yaTsZoY38WlsEplnuknQsVmuUZac3XUvrDlhy1tQoNdXW5nDqTqnXslVtRLsImV4qEsAc-u2WhsYf_wXTwHfDJDlA_LC_kmTswWL9V8biKuuS-t1Ds/s1600/maltaIMG_0634.PNG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBbyRr_AmOxapDWn-YDN6J6qT9aeCOOsB4KI_6UktHI0ZlNS72Jf1hI6FgaoAoEgdGNhEOkML-Gv7sWWgIYdx6CzpPZ-isT9F28_hca5k20t1sxMSaGkDvZ8BrHelVSP_zgvk-29DLz8/s1600/maltaIMG_0638.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBbyRr_AmOxapDWn-YDN6J6qT9aeCOOsB4KI_6UktHI0ZlNS72Jf1hI6FgaoAoEgdGNhEOkML-Gv7sWWgIYdx6CzpPZ-isT9F28_hca5k20t1sxMSaGkDvZ8BrHelVSP_zgvk-29DLz8/s1600/maltaIMG_0638.PNG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The water was actually stunning, so so clear (although this didn't stop my Mum getting stung by an invisible jelly fish 😆) and warm to swim in, luckily we had purchased some goggles and a snorkel before we went on the trip so we used these to look at the little fishies swimming round where our boat was anchored. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The only negative of the experience was how, for lack of a better word, 'touristy' the beach surrounding the lagoon was. The boat docked first at the shore to let off any passengers who wanted to explore the rocky beach and cliffs, but we decided to stay on board as the surrounding areas seemed busy and somewhat cluttered. It was a shame to ruin such a beautiful spot, and we were warned that any food or drinks purchased there would be expensive. For this reason we stayed onboard and jumped/climbed off the boat in the middle of the Lagoon which I personally think was a better way of experiencing it anyway so win-win. I speak about how it was a shame that the little cove was ruined by the amount of tourists/holiday-makers that were present, but being myself at the time, a tourist, this is hypocritical and I can fully see why people make the trip. Even with the crowds at the beach, the trip is well well worth it, it's just not quite as serene as I assume it once was. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBbyRr_AmOxapDWn-YDN6J6qT9aeCOOsB4KI_6UktHI0ZlNS72Jf1hI6FgaoAoEgdGNhEOkML-Gv7sWWgIYdx6CzpPZ-isT9F28_hca5k20t1sxMSaGkDvZ8BrHelVSP_zgvk-29DLz8/s1600/maltaIMG_0638.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JGpINRdgev3PLXc27lv40p9Y2wUMAHEYVi9NjNNeUVrKMw7P1tWj1zCQ0AMcI_MRaEkOLl6005XcZjTGHfw2_GcUcusKfOC0U2nDhPx8Tjk5BRWCBlvPVwbNr1jaB9ROsg-iaD_1utM/s1600/maltaIMG_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBbyRr_AmOxapDWn-YDN6J6qT9aeCOOsB4KI_6UktHI0ZlNS72Jf1hI6FgaoAoEgdGNhEOkML-Gv7sWWgIYdx6CzpPZ-isT9F28_hca5k20t1sxMSaGkDvZ8BrHelVSP_zgvk-29DLz8/s1600/maltaIMG_0638.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zQ3gDjSfPIzFlaeMlBFcEHeyC9Zs2J3KPG8FmdlNAiq7fw7z0NhKJWkAuxGpgdJMeJGWd6y5KJ3awB1kdbyMaJi4CaKlUxYCNDQz39HZ4C4gjiSLP5lp0luIwYyifLdFvUDcTrs2f5Y/s1600/maltaIMG_0636.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zQ3gDjSfPIzFlaeMlBFcEHeyC9Zs2J3KPG8FmdlNAiq7fw7z0NhKJWkAuxGpgdJMeJGWd6y5KJ3awB1kdbyMaJi4CaKlUxYCNDQz39HZ4C4gjiSLP5lp0luIwYyifLdFvUDcTrs2f5Y/s1600/maltaIMG_0636.PNG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The next thing I'm going to speak about is the hidden gems we explored whilst over there. We chose to go on two of the organised excursions by the holiday company we flew with, which were a tour of the sister island of Gozo and a 'Malta Highlights' tour of Malta's highlights (ironic right?)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The tours really gave you a sense of the culture and an insight into the nooks that you wouldn't otherwise see. For example we visited the largest pottery shop on the island, where they made the pottery onsite; we took a look at the traditional lace made on the island; we stood on the highest cliffs looking out over the Mediterranean, unfortunately it wasn't clear enough to see Sicily on the day we went, but it is said that on clear days you can see it from this point in Malta. We learnt a lot about the history of the country as well, on the island of Gozo we visited the Ggantija Temples, the walled/silent city of Mdina in Malta(where some scenes of Game of Thrones were filmed for the fans out there😜), and we also had cinema experiences on both tours, with the Malta one taking the cake as it was 5D and had all sorts going on, spoiler alert: snakes and javelins and water make an appearance in a very real way! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I would definitely recommend at least going to see this short film in the country's capital Valetta; there is so much history to Malta that you possibly wouldn't realise, and it is a really fun way to learn about it! In general I thought both tours were fantastic, in part because of our good ole' tour guide Francis, whom we had on both tours conveniently (haha!), and also because of the parts of each island that you wouldn't usually get to see if you travelled around on your own. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIe6bT48p3ZLM2HCgT6OaLbwZ0WhlFFjUrTLRoTCRbjKobAFQ8vyxiP8gzXspJCc1uTKJmyuMW3CqyF3QfQDE8Msy8Ub6Ufvv28hhRuU21jDjgyvPyi6ixtYP1bk-FH8vBnw-TCbD8dw/s1600/maltaIMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIe6bT48p3ZLM2HCgT6OaLbwZ0WhlFFjUrTLRoTCRbjKobAFQ8vyxiP8gzXspJCc1uTKJmyuMW3CqyF3QfQDE8Msy8Ub6Ufvv28hhRuU21jDjgyvPyi6ixtYP1bk-FH8vBnw-TCbD8dw/s1600/maltaIMG_0429.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
To finish with I'm going to do a simple 'best bits worst bits' tally just so it's easy to look over if you haven't the time to read over my rambles above. I'll start with the worst bits because I like to end on a positive note hehe. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Worst bits:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-the rubbish on the beach</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-the 'tourist' feel in some spots I visited</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-the roadworks on the main roads of Malta</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-the amount of cats (if you don't like cats)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-the sunburn (my own fault, don't sit out for too long in direct sunlight folks😆)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Best bits:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-the clear blue sea</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-the Blue Lagoon </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-the happy culture throughout the island </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-the 5D cinema experience </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-the cats (if you like cats) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-the hidden gems- views, pottery, temples etc. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-the sun (when enjoyed wearing factor 30+ and with regular shade) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-the pastaaa, food in general was delish 😋</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Overall I loved Malta and everything I got up to there, it was a much needed break with two of my favourite people, and I didn't stop laughing for most of the trip. I would highly recommend visiting the island, but would recommend staying near the sea for the breeze, as long as you don't forget to go inside every couple of hours and wear lots and lots of sun cream. </div>
Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-22610959030806025952019-05-25T12:15:00.000+01:002019-05-25T12:15:43.998+01:00comfort over everything ♡<style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOInG000cn-E1EA5sdf7tA1DpMgAcp6twJMkbvSQVMn7-KCAyq9kYg2al8P4GWqX6MAjI416H9Sdci5xsNRb-jRYt48KvKtkLB-BLlXxdt7N2sO_ybqL_4hB2rlHQP7TwzK_k7bL3Kxs/s1600/Facetune+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOInG000cn-E1EA5sdf7tA1DpMgAcp6twJMkbvSQVMn7-KCAyq9kYg2al8P4GWqX6MAjI416H9Sdci5xsNRb-jRYt48KvKtkLB-BLlXxdt7N2sO_ybqL_4hB2rlHQP7TwzK_k7bL3Kxs/s1600/Facetune+4.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBdovEBf311DJqzkG9Is8X_3d2WOUA0HREs43LULhU5gux9WM5wCRwx4qNdel-q0mpoO6VPPBOBlfpbgPcs5BsP9POWlVQudK_tsPm6c7hADTGk_Bdq65WXhMvmrEu76wWqRQ5lJywcU/s1600/E7170BFC-D31D-4002-B434-649019D47ABB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBdovEBf311DJqzkG9Is8X_3d2WOUA0HREs43LULhU5gux9WM5wCRwx4qNdel-q0mpoO6VPPBOBlfpbgPcs5BsP9POWlVQudK_tsPm6c7hADTGk_Bdq65WXhMvmrEu76wWqRQ5lJywcU/s1600/E7170BFC-D31D-4002-B434-649019D47ABB.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hallo hallo,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And can we all just appreciate the fact that joggers seem to actually be acceptable to wear as part of real outfits these days :D hahah </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anyway, thought I'd share the comfiest outfit that graces my wardrobe at the moment, with some pictures that made it to the gram (@vickireckless if you managed to find this post through some other means ;)) anddd some outtakes to keep it #real.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So here you are.... </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlQxoN23ZtE2oUGgTnMyGJKp1cBO-csgGdS0vhkyVVFdRUhw0Uug9PiOd1CCZyzakWzVJJKr3e_jIvE43QSwMJ3-gzL-zOooJ20SZU5FIuvYS8c9rOW7o0lJrH5Y2EIoumQzPPEQD1zA/s1600/8DCA8305-82F5-4020-9E00-3E9348300E2A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlQxoN23ZtE2oUGgTnMyGJKp1cBO-csgGdS0vhkyVVFdRUhw0Uug9PiOd1CCZyzakWzVJJKr3e_jIvE43QSwMJ3-gzL-zOooJ20SZU5FIuvYS8c9rOW7o0lJrH5Y2EIoumQzPPEQD1zA/s1600/8DCA8305-82F5-4020-9E00-3E9348300E2A.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">when you just wanna sunbathe but bae insists on taking pictures of you... hahaha joke 70% of my photos I have my eyes closed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_wNrr_8_iIZDf-w-dz5ocaMglQDytHHp5NRjO1O8aTye_7jNeA9T4j0S0xrcnEDBWqX3t12sLvF9EHNSlr4tIUkBevapddJNNodu7_KJ9wD6oBRdrw3UlEE1VZ3xl2cuIyAz_N-Udwc/s1600/494617C7-78B0-4B21-BA7E-5E0301EDEAE1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_wNrr_8_iIZDf-w-dz5ocaMglQDytHHp5NRjO1O8aTye_7jNeA9T4j0S0xrcnEDBWqX3t12sLvF9EHNSlr4tIUkBevapddJNNodu7_KJ9wD6oBRdrw3UlEE1VZ3xl2cuIyAz_N-Udwc/s1600/494617C7-78B0-4B21-BA7E-5E0301EDEAE1.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the other 30% usually look a little like this.... idk whether I'd just seen a cute dog, or whether I was about to fall over ??</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Sk1ziPizXIdFD3A2svprzoxnNlPzF1m_NsG-NLkGcfzfbgeMEX4s9wmRZkPldp3Cx90ylH-5Xeiv5s7herpPnZc5YSXxyBgTiegINIbuNlcfzmnIzas2llDgjFX2UwzJAmgmM1W_GjY/s1600/D9CAADE9-9563-43BD-80B4-B87F2949ED65comfort+over+everything.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Sk1ziPizXIdFD3A2svprzoxnNlPzF1m_NsG-NLkGcfzfbgeMEX4s9wmRZkPldp3Cx90ylH-5Xeiv5s7herpPnZc5YSXxyBgTiegINIbuNlcfzmnIzas2llDgjFX2UwzJAmgmM1W_GjY/s1600/D9CAADE9-9563-43BD-80B4-B87F2949ED65comfort+over+everything.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Told you my eyes are always shut...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpsw44WiJH1C7AMcBhc8cZJQWYQ2BivJsfI8NmMB0HOB9tEjA8ixusxEF1XZYDH7M5_aF0PauRwuUWDpcbIh9j6uP97r4HaGWg76dE_q7NMn_oYyg5MKEhrkkHJPciYDOCrvaECKi8gI/s1600/1D3B7BA8-799C-4EA7-9BBE-AF1E0B1A1B20comfort+over+everything.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpsw44WiJH1C7AMcBhc8cZJQWYQ2BivJsfI8NmMB0HOB9tEjA8ixusxEF1XZYDH7M5_aF0PauRwuUWDpcbIh9j6uP97r4HaGWg76dE_q7NMn_oYyg5MKEhrkkHJPciYDOCrvaECKi8gI/s1600/1D3B7BA8-799C-4EA7-9BBE-AF1E0B1A1B20comfort+over+everything.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally, quite possibly the ugliest photo I have ever posted to the Internet... I feel like it's my birthday and I'm just exposing myself rather than everyone else doing it for me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-63194101662911377442019-05-17T17:00:00.000+01:002019-05-17T17:01:51.433+01:00Tips to stay motivated<style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkFrDbudbQtdRYJl8GKKodx2LqMdfLatlftVuSoqMIWzhVzNI1Ij-KtpTq8X8leVRPum4b1A_wZPDwq7NPmLarmyqMmL67u0yc3v37EWn9PDRhMhOOvBWjce7hip4mKXjz0tngzJNSgQ/s1600/1E418CD1-EF7C-4D36-9101-E10C6056CB29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkFrDbudbQtdRYJl8GKKodx2LqMdfLatlftVuSoqMIWzhVzNI1Ij-KtpTq8X8leVRPum4b1A_wZPDwq7NPmLarmyqMmL67u0yc3v37EWn9PDRhMhOOvBWjce7hip4mKXjz0tngzJNSgQ/s1600/1E418CD1-EF7C-4D36-9101-E10C6056CB29.JPG" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
As exam season is in full swing, and myself and quite possibly 90% of University students are chained to a desk of sorts revising (or pretending to revise) or finishing up projects or essays or assignments, and longing for freedom. With the same monotonous routine- waking up, scoffing mouldy toast before sitting down at the laptop can become pretty tedious pretty quickly. So here I am, attempting to give some insight on <u>how to stay motivated</u> at this tough time (first world problems I know😆). I'm actually writing this today as I hit a metaphorical wall during my revision, and just want to go home and have a cup of tea with Mum *sobs*. So maybe I can take my own advice today too, but no promises.<br />
<br />
So, the first thing I would say is to <b><u>change your surroundings. </u></b><br />
If you're starting to hit a slump, it's always good to refresh your mind by taking yourself to a different café, room in your house, different seat in the library (if it isn't stuffed like a single decker bus, if you know, you know), or different building in your University. For me the worst thing about deadlines is the same boring routine, I start to overthink everything and get myself into a slump thinking why is this exam/assignment even relevant?! Changing your surroundings can kind of feel like a fresh start, make you feel like you aren't just writing the same notes you were an hour ago, and can also give you a fresh perspective to form new ideas or to help with that equation that just doesn't seem to be adding up (can't lie, I can't relate to this because I dropped maths as quickly as I dropped the hot pan that I forgot was fresh out the oven).<br />
<br />
You should also <b><u>give yourself small rewards</u></b>, whether that's watching an episode of Netflix after you've completed a section of your work, or a certain amount of time; or getting a favourite food or meal; or just something you enjoy, because it's also important to <u><b>take regular breaks</b></u> (that doesn't mean working for half an hour and resting for an hour, have some common sense😏). But yeah, giving yourself little treats, which doesn't necessarily mean spending thousands of pounds on physical treats, it can be as small as taking a shower to feel refreshed and more awake, and to get rid of that hobo smell that has probably been lingering on you since you showered last week. By doing this it gives you something to work towards and look forward to, to a certain extent.<br />
<br />
If you know me, you'll know I'm a bit of an organisation freak, and find it physically hard to pull myself away from the stationery section in any shop that has one. And with that, I love planning and writing lists and more planning and more writing lists (I know I'm cool you don't have to tell me). But recently I've noticed that I feel ten times more stressed when I have written a long ass list of everything I have to do, and then ended up only ticking two things off. It's not satisfying, to look at or for your motivation. Therefore, I propose <b><u>writing a separate list retrospectively</u></b> each day, breaking down each thing that you did during the day, the smaller the better, eg. I took a shower (why am I mentioning this so much, maybe I should go take one). This will make you feel much more accomplished, and much more likely to tick off more on your never-ending fat to-do list.<br />
<br />
And in regards to the list, when initially writing it, <b><u>sub-categorise sub-categorise sub-categorise</u></b>! Split your tasks into mini tasks of the overall one, creating bite sized chunks that will be a lot easier to digest (intentional). Even if you haven't completed the full job, at least you will know that you are on your way there.<br />
<br />
I think the biggest motivation for me is the <b><u>feeling you get when you've done it</u></b>. When you want to go to the gym but have to physically drag yourself there almost on your hands and knees, but when you've been and you feel the good ache from knowing that you've done it even though your brain was telling you to sit on the sofa and eat crisps. Or ticking that final thing off your to-do list, appreciating all of the hard work that has gone into it. If you've ever accomplished anything, which without a doubt you have, you will know what this success feels like. Hold onto that feeling and remember how good it is the next time you are in a slump to help motivate you to carry on.<br />
<br />
So, that's everything I can think of right now. I hope this helped somewhat, and if it didn't, at least it gave me some procrastination time! Now, back to the books... Good luck everyone with whatever you need motivation for! <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">♡</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJPp0CXUdJd27x2Mh8Ues0dCxGEDpJxrpjnURf5HhqtgVCSRkIe5UoEr9PQH_RO9ThfLZc3_oGnI-Kc8gGl4mYgZD7zR-aTY6JYj19diOy8CFQdANe_tZeAsff23fwBd5qgIICTW_8OI/s1600/F11777B7-85CA-4815-92BA-3E152C8D8477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJPp0CXUdJd27x2Mh8Ues0dCxGEDpJxrpjnURf5HhqtgVCSRkIe5UoEr9PQH_RO9ThfLZc3_oGnI-Kc8gGl4mYgZD7zR-aTY6JYj19diOy8CFQdANe_tZeAsff23fwBd5qgIICTW_8OI/s1600/F11777B7-85CA-4815-92BA-3E152C8D8477.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Top | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+yuuZ3qLRohW-Ny-uj02Bng" target="_blank">Nasty Gal</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jeans | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+cwqvMzN-dzvqgicBDvg1Qg" target="_blank">Top Shop</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sunnies | Primark (£2!!!) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Bag | <a href="https://rstyle.me/+Oq1gPjaiCQo259LnzxYLFw" target="_blank">New Look</a></span></div>
Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-37015490924817636402019-01-06T13:00:00.000+00:002019-01-09T13:27:45.086+00:00'Flower Curl' by Cordina review<style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHoaC7hxVsSZ9_J4REHN54bkSx4em5-OvkmkrUSDV-smuRDXiMBisnCc1EmyftyXb0HUqhjfWqBAuOlBMhQroiMgwqsOAw-L5vePrAProScuNt5GD8oDs6JX8P6XolMSBB2GJcAMKhcs/s1600/582EBE2F-9466-4D88-8FBB-C798C13E43C8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHoaC7hxVsSZ9_J4REHN54bkSx4em5-OvkmkrUSDV-smuRDXiMBisnCc1EmyftyXb0HUqhjfWqBAuOlBMhQroiMgwqsOAw-L5vePrAProScuNt5GD8oDs6JX8P6XolMSBB2GJcAMKhcs/s1600/582EBE2F-9466-4D88-8FBB-C798C13E43C8.JPG" /></a><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello all!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today I will be reviewing the <b>Flower Curl</b> by <i>Cordina Hair</i> that the lovely Yanika at <i>Cordina</i> sent me a couple of months ago.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll first of all explain a little bit about the curler and share my thoughts and opinions after testing it a couple of times, and I will also explain how you use the product and show my before and after results.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So the Flower Curl is a heatless curler that you leave in over night to create really bouncy, intense ringlet curls. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical when it said 'heatless' as I've had experience with these types of products before and they have been less than successful to say the least. So it was a lovely surprise when the curler did exactly what it said on the tin and more! I was expecting a loose wave at best but the curls were long lasting, tight and voluminous.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I tested the product a couple of times before taking my before and after shot, the first time did not go as well just because I assumed that you needed wet hair for it to dry nice and curly in the morning. However, I found that my hair didn't dry when it was ravelled up in the rings so the next time I tried it I used dry hair to curl it into the rings and then sprayed it with water once it was gripped in place. This worked extremely well and I couldn't believe how tight and bouncy the curls were!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The only thing I would say is a negative for the product is that I personally couldn't figure out how to curl my hair the way I wanted to, as I personally like my curls going away from my face, but all of the curls went the same way. I'm sure on further testing I could figure out the right way to twist my hair around the rings to create my desired look.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How to use the <b>Flower Curl</b>:<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1) put all of your hair up into the doughnut </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2) Separate your hair into sections depending on how many rings you decide to use (my hair is thick so I used all four rings)<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3) Twist the hair through the ring and out again as many times as it takes to come to the end of your hair. Then grip it in place. The curler comes with grips in the box which was a nice addition so you don't have to worry about finding any of the pesky things. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4) Spray your hair fully with water, not soaking wet, but to a dampness that would be able to dry over night.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5) Have a pleasant nights sleep (which I thought I was going to struggle with but it was actually a rather comfortable head rest!)<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6) Take out all the grips in the morning & unravel your hair from the rings. Be careful not to tug at your hair because you don't want it to get caught and start becoming fly away. You should be left with tight ringlet curls to enjoy all day long. If you want you can put some hairspray in to keep the curls for even longer. I personally prefer mine a little bit looser so I left mine to drop throughout the day.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To conclude...<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I would really recommend this heatless curler as an alternative to curling hair every day using heat which can really damage and break hair. Especially for those folk like me who want those few extra minutes in bed in the morning!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you want to purchase a <b>Flower Curl </b>head over to <a href="https://www.cordina.co.uk/">https://www.cordina.co.uk/</a> or just head over there to see my little face in the bottom right of the homepage 😉</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_Rs4R2lHloC79uvrKRq7_tgBYvXMOsuLkPLeKSo4hESOPa4Wae1uiNv2aRdITg8jmjJ2OeqyamZs2zTZvMpI8C7nI-JdXJTs_FUqMur35wJFZjVOggcu7IAhbXxcA11d7FIYnqnE3IE/s1600/93713AFA-EDB4-4501-8C14-98E3107E5793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_Rs4R2lHloC79uvrKRq7_tgBYvXMOsuLkPLeKSo4hESOPa4Wae1uiNv2aRdITg8jmjJ2OeqyamZs2zTZvMpI8C7nI-JdXJTs_FUqMur35wJFZjVOggcu7IAhbXxcA11d7FIYnqnE3IE/s1600/93713AFA-EDB4-4501-8C14-98E3107E5793.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Before and Afters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFq5EJ_L6-Vv3t8WHtkwO8APKLE9ribqdZ7s_OBAFrD0Sk3hfJ6mhWO69frp41vQ1zW-q-YBfZGQdbtp062nxkw0zUhGj31-72_CvlDm2bks3p7hyp5EatK83Jz8ilnGATC9PlW290EA4/s1600/64F6CC91-3FF5-4FF3-A147-BDECA39402D4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFq5EJ_L6-Vv3t8WHtkwO8APKLE9ribqdZ7s_OBAFrD0Sk3hfJ6mhWO69frp41vQ1zW-q-YBfZGQdbtp062nxkw0zUhGj31-72_CvlDm2bks3p7hyp5EatK83Jz8ilnGATC9PlW290EA4/s1600/64F6CC91-3FF5-4FF3-A147-BDECA39402D4.JPG" /></a></div>
Disclaimer: this is <u>not</u> a sponsored post, the item was kindly gifted to me but all thoughts and opinions are my own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you so much to Yanika for sending me such a lovely product!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvYuP5f1m6m4qYOVS0RAew4VuQO8eWOMdt7Gsvj9jWsk_9_lE7bR3bZ8j6R2NNfvioYsbAPO5QYAG1AtrzUL3lK835BTncrj7pW619fzKHON5cBRJ-ZOyTzivRv9MzxXzziBV_hJV21k/s1600/Snapseed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvYuP5f1m6m4qYOVS0RAew4VuQO8eWOMdt7Gsvj9jWsk_9_lE7bR3bZ8j6R2NNfvioYsbAPO5QYAG1AtrzUL3lK835BTncrj7pW619fzKHON5cBRJ-ZOyTzivRv9MzxXzziBV_hJV21k/s1600/Snapseed.jpg" /></a></div>
Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-68005293818751850232019-01-04T18:42:00.000+00:002019-01-04T18:42:46.098+00:00Things to remember in 2019<style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoS3_E-p3xfeWejDv4ka2MJqwjjobmD7QIbWqoS46eVpyI8avBfh98D3kHCwxh9UOO5lsGSPn8eC_PDDFsM2RdGqixuggRmS49RRYTEuTvzHJel4qj6DAtk6aZLjn6DTzTjT6Rh5rTRk/s1600/lake+district+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBoS3_E-p3xfeWejDv4ka2MJqwjjobmD7QIbWqoS46eVpyI8avBfh98D3kHCwxh9UOO5lsGSPn8eC_PDDFsM2RdGqixuggRmS49RRYTEuTvzHJel4qj6DAtk6aZLjn6DTzTjT6Rh5rTRk/s1600/lake+district+photo.JPG" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wanted to give 2019 a good, positive start with this post, which is <b>not </b>a resolution post. To be honest, like a lot of people that I have seen, I don't reeeally believe in New Years resolutions per say. The notion that you can suddenly become a whole new person just because there's a different number on the end of 201 seems a little far fetched to me. Especially because I think that if you want to make a major change in yourself or your life, you can do it any day of the week, it isn't restricted to the 1st January. You haven't missed your chance if you don't make a change on the first day of the year! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Instead, I wanted to collate a few things to remember and refer back to throughout the coming year, little bursts of inspiration or reminders that I know I need to look back on as well. So here goes...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>1) Things take time. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is a particularly hard one for myself. If you know me, you will know that I am not the most patient banana in the bunch. So this year I am really trying to take a different perspective and realise that <u>nothing just happens</u>. As well as this being a favourite quote of mine about fate and 'everything happens for a reason' type of thing, it is also entirely relevant to goal-getting and staying on track. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you truly want something, whether it's a promotion at work, a killer summer body or 5 million followers on Instagram; it isn't going to happen overnight. You have to practice patience and perseverance and realise that although there may be set-backs and days where you feel like giving up, if you stick to it and your goals are realistic, you will get there one day. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>2) A <u>lot </u>can happen in a year. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Something that seems like the end of the world right this moment, perhaps might not seem so bad in a years time. Going through a breakup? In a years time you might have realised why it was probably the best thing for you! Lost your job? In a years time you might be living out your dream life in a job you love more, it was just the boost you needed to start something new. A personal mantra I have been trying to live by the past month or so is "will this matter in 5 years time?" Every time I feel myself stressing or getting worked up about something or at someone, I ask myself will this matter in 5 years time? And if the answer is no, then it puts the situation in perspective as to how long I will let it affect me/ drag out for. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another thing to realise is that a lot of people will come and go in a year. People you consider your best friends now you may not speak to in a few months time, and equally people you used to speak to might decide to make their way back into your life. I know that I have become less close with certain people who I considered good friends of mine over the past year or couple of years. We all have different things going on and different priorities and it's just part of life that sometimes people grow apart. And it's just about accepting that change and realising that as well as losing people, you will also gain a lot in the year ahead also. New experiences and journeys you are to take will allow for new people to enter your circle and whoever is meant to be in your life will remain permanent. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>3) Only you can control your own destiny. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So the last one is kind of linked to the last paragraph in number 2, and it's all to do with not getting too caught up with others. It is fab to have really really close friendships and great relationships with family and loved ones, but it is also essential to realise that it is within yourself to create your own happiness or destiny. You can't always rely on people for your happiness or success, it's great to have a support system, but what happens when they have their own stuff to focus on or they've had a bad day and can no longer provide your source of happiness? You don't want to rely on someone else so heavily that when they are not there you feel helpless and stuck. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Also, if you're constantly living off of others or trying to please people then you're less likely to achieve what you set out to in life. Unless that is your sole purpose, and in that case then proceed! But I think that it is so important to be selfish sometimes, you can constantly put people before your own happiness, but you will be disappointed because if you expect the same in return then it is rather unlikely that you will receive it. Ultimately, and as blunt as it sounds, most people are living for themselves. They have their own end goals in mind, they put their own health and happiness first, and you fit in amongst the other things that they prioritise. You should stop doing things simply to please other people, and start fulfilling your own destiny, whatever that may be. Now I am not saying to not care about anyone else, that is so far from the point I'm trying to make, I'm just saying that if you want to achieve something then don't be held back trying to please other people who are only looking after their own destiny. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And with that, let's smash 2019 ❤</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Vicki </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
x x x</div>
Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-89340855898866388572018-11-10T14:16:00.001+00:002018-11-10T14:16:10.906+00:00Instagram is #fakenews<style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style>
What you see on Instagram is only part of someone's story. Only a couple of minutes out of someone's day or week in which they took the photo or video.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwGcdECkDReMbqnYoiy5ldffDffcFa1JcOVLosczD4iv-IIKTYXiX6DS9K7guBXr3TBW9RW94YYBA9am9MWqW8uRGwGnIhBSw4sokmFVtyGOy9Ea3icllmxQN-2ohJ8zNXbUEz2xJxDY/s1600/IMG_5992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwGcdECkDReMbqnYoiy5ldffDffcFa1JcOVLosczD4iv-IIKTYXiX6DS9K7guBXr3TBW9RW94YYBA9am9MWqW8uRGwGnIhBSw4sokmFVtyGOy9Ea3icllmxQN-2ohJ8zNXbUEz2xJxDY/s1600/IMG_5992.JPG" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
As human beings, we are drawn to things that are beautiful, perfect even. I think it is fair to say that we are all more likely to follow accounts on Instagram with a perfect feed- perfect locations, perfect styling, perfect lighting and filters that make the images blend together instantly. We would much prefer to see those sorts of images when we scroll through our feeds, rather than seeing pictures of deadlines, dirty dishes, messy bedrooms, arguments, sadness- the realities of parts of everyone's lives.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWyGAfqR-Nybw_yhyphenhyphenaxnB_4N6C3RPqL1v-JARCvg-g43eV7bjip4Vh6HaJzyzeDMeTdFieK0TnNKQsLAPLRixo4FMhNWP9atAIKmYnJ34JALe66HKHHH1bL-HokDY9om6ZHB3gUtp58A/s1600/IMG_5995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWyGAfqR-Nybw_yhyphenhyphenaxnB_4N6C3RPqL1v-JARCvg-g43eV7bjip4Vh6HaJzyzeDMeTdFieK0TnNKQsLAPLRixo4FMhNWP9atAIKmYnJ34JALe66HKHHH1bL-HokDY9om6ZHB3gUtp58A/s1600/IMG_5995.JPG" /></a></div>
It is true that we are much less likely to display the harder, uglier sides of ourselves, the not-so-perfect angles, the double chins, the sweatpants, the dressing gowns worn 99.9% of the time. And that's not even mentioning the times when your actual life is less than perfect, perhaps broken relationships or hardships at work. It's much easier to share the beautiful parts of life, because they make you feel good when you look back at them. No one wants to look back at their feed a year from now and see the tough times, you want to forget about them and dwell on the good times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk-KvecvWXW73inZzWgAscvkqo8kPC_mAYS5XlKuvGLIRvosZ1mmBf5BYYSD2KD2Eh8pu7hdln331gBRd6yQmOxO2oVUsDZZrg-QLr28z5OShM1YTegf1IFRmiXF_tEgdpaW95ODoq04/s1600/IMG_5996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk-KvecvWXW73inZzWgAscvkqo8kPC_mAYS5XlKuvGLIRvosZ1mmBf5BYYSD2KD2Eh8pu7hdln331gBRd6yQmOxO2oVUsDZZrg-QLr28z5OShM1YTegf1IFRmiXF_tEgdpaW95ODoq04/s1600/IMG_5996.JPG" /></a></div>
And what's more, there is nothing wrong with creating beautiful content, expressing creativity through the art of photography. I know I love to do it! It feels good to get compliments about your images, it's great when you spend a while shooting for photos and you finally get one that you're happy with. I mean I think we've all experienced the taking 6o+ selfies to get that perfect one, am I right? 😉When it all comes together it's amazing and you feel proud of what you've curated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGMq3NAJB20Lwb8gn8zzzrypJt13SnsXWeN9_J3ai3zc35-ZJA_LSfilsdoLt1vRoUkFlXTAVivL56lH5oFVHHU0mKEZ9WJt0iKWbeWU2n3choxAzPCa6KmLG_kjNHkb3sO9qF0DYa9k/s1600/IMG_5997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGMq3NAJB20Lwb8gn8zzzrypJt13SnsXWeN9_J3ai3zc35-ZJA_LSfilsdoLt1vRoUkFlXTAVivL56lH5oFVHHU0mKEZ9WJt0iKWbeWU2n3choxAzPCa6KmLG_kjNHkb3sO9qF0DYa9k/s1600/IMG_5997.JPG" /></a></div>
The point I'm trying to make is that we need to realise that what we see online isn't the whole story. Everyone, or at least I can only assume that everyone has bad days, everyone makes mistakes, makes wrong choices, has arguments, fails at things, gets rejected and feels like quitting at some point. So, we shouldn't compare our ordinary life to someone's highlight reel. Don't take the pictures you see online so seriously, as accurate portrayals of someone's full life. Yes, someone might have this perfect life that they display on their Instagram, but we have no way of knowing if this is true, unless we spend 24/7 with that person.<br />
<br />
Instead, I've decided to just appreciate the creativity in photos, to celebrate the success of the image, and compliment the curator rather than comparing my work with theirs and my life with theirs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FC3B9PtGmbbjWNi1YAG8a6Yev1scDY1QoMkFpX-2nISEgt_oSVE_hZa44v1CJZ5bXm8C9Kt-OtuojhZMtgNwMOyFtYVKbA-jyaax9QCqmnUAvn8bCROLFXgKbZCWQPP-IYPXQJh8TjQ/s1600/IMG_5998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FC3B9PtGmbbjWNi1YAG8a6Yev1scDY1QoMkFpX-2nISEgt_oSVE_hZa44v1CJZ5bXm8C9Kt-OtuojhZMtgNwMOyFtYVKbA-jyaax9QCqmnUAvn8bCROLFXgKbZCWQPP-IYPXQJh8TjQ/s1600/IMG_5998.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not all bad...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Amongst the semi-fake nature of images on users Instagram feeds, there is a movement at the moment towards a more realistic display of life. I've seen quite a few more realistic pictures where bloggers/influencers show the 'outtakes' of their shoots, and stories showing their realistic daily routines and what habitats we would usually find them in. I loveee the influencers that are 'real' in this way, they are much more likeable because of their relatable and authentic personalities. These really tend to be the most successful influencers in my eyes because they aren't afraid to show every side of themselves.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-85296928192522405222018-10-24T18:20:00.000+01:002018-10-24T18:20:36.828+01:00Taking a break<style>
.main-inner .column-right-outer,
.main-inner .column-left-outer {
display: none;
}
.main-inner .columns {
padding-right: 0;
padding-left: 0;
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
}
</style>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ-tE04oW0qJyITNe7sUzFmOvW58OU34KY748g0GTucUvcxvz9j183uLGUfbm4vfddRyJ0HqNWqguq0-KikDRH2OLV2dh41UNKecyn5Ed0gg5pKdvwaycB5neUrHXxwRHO6jVGGWK1xg/s1600/Facetune.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ-tE04oW0qJyITNe7sUzFmOvW58OU34KY748g0GTucUvcxvz9j183uLGUfbm4vfddRyJ0HqNWqguq0-KikDRH2OLV2dh41UNKecyn5Ed0gg5pKdvwaycB5neUrHXxwRHO6jVGGWK1xg/s1600/Facetune.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Taking some time off may actually be the best thing/what you need to move forward.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes things go wrong, or you get overwhelmed, and you begin to feel like nothing is working and you're failing at everything. It might be at this moment that certain things take a back seat, things that you wish you were still doing or achieving. At this point you may feel like a failure, but I've come to realise that this break might be exactly what you needed in the first place. I call this period 'resting'.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now resting may feel like a failure.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWV0PnTh7PU34e0h68TiuVGJEdYBgpXUTpAOc0Jj-GRygqKiUmhZttozYgCfHpvcqZIQAfLbx11PUgGy2iAfG1dIxJ-m6OZHrFNy_ifR6BKj78P-_KfqQBojz22pQ0YXJABY5Pamy75Q/s1600/Facetune+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWV0PnTh7PU34e0h68TiuVGJEdYBgpXUTpAOc0Jj-GRygqKiUmhZttozYgCfHpvcqZIQAfLbx11PUgGy2iAfG1dIxJ-m6OZHrFNy_ifR6BKj78P-_KfqQBojz22pQ0YXJABY5Pamy75Q/s640/Facetune+2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It isn't. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Resting is a chance to refresh your mindset, realign with what your goals are and why you were striving for them in the first place. It's no good pointlessly grasping for a position in your job, a grade at school, a relationship that seems distant, if there is no purpose or reason behind why you are doing it. It is essential to sit back and re-examine why you wanted this 'thing' in the first place. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Is it really this that you wanted? Or is there a reason it has taken a back seat? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbsvaMlPHf4LK5cDMUfhSV2bFgGOvMhufYbBwX0emkZyUebmRVfgUl5TuCOIpyGOu7JRlyOSxuGU884dew2mYOOgxFHuw7U5-kngVzEAgZG9UQR5AF_1colMT1pZocFJ4BC19JQqogFE/s1600/Facetune+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbsvaMlPHf4LK5cDMUfhSV2bFgGOvMhufYbBwX0emkZyUebmRVfgUl5TuCOIpyGOu7JRlyOSxuGU884dew2mYOOgxFHuw7U5-kngVzEAgZG9UQR5AF_1colMT1pZocFJ4BC19JQqogFE/s640/Facetune+3.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
It is so easy to lose your way when working towards something. Our brains get clouded by the other stuff life throws at you and sometimes health and spending time with loved ones or by yourself is more important. There isn't an expiration date on your goals, you can achieve them whenever you set your mind to it. So there is no harm in resting, everything doesn't always have to continue moving at 378 mph all the time.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Learn to rest. And be okay with that. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And when the time comes that you're ready to begin again, with a fresh mindset and clear focus, there is no time like the present. So begin again, and begin again, and begin a third time for all it matters, because surely all that life is for is testing what works, and being okay with being tired.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89-6eDzRV5w683PtcUWlQ7LuX79zeU8iE8oNJTcyyOuC79vq-Lba_uXTpHiyA28-IHmMGuBbQXzS_mxo0xKMrYNOsp4yKba4inYgeDSWZ9DJa-maMTQjK7wuRlFQHUQf4OeYRyKp5Ii8/s640/IMG_5999.JPG" width="426" /></span></div>
<span style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;">Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying quit everything as soon as small things go wrong, because I'm a strong advocate for sticking through hard times and developing through them. All I'm saying is that we're only human, we all need rest. Just like we need to sleep at night in order to not spill our morning cup of tea down us every day (although some of us still do). </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgP58B_xlFh73MaknQlaN3h_mSm_kWY4Eqnlh5jDgIRqs5X7PRuONVrsiQpEhzq9Nfu_n4-mbnhdAF7bn4G6STNQgfLEtoJoHZ2zwTCshbkMfPDS77bXIG8VLBEv35q-DfK26tfCObL4/s1600/IMG_6003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgP58B_xlFh73MaknQlaN3h_mSm_kWY4Eqnlh5jDgIRqs5X7PRuONVrsiQpEhzq9Nfu_n4-mbnhdAF7bn4G6STNQgfLEtoJoHZ2zwTCshbkMfPDS77bXIG8VLBEv35q-DfK26tfCObL4/s640/IMG_6003.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Where am I coming from?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had given up on this blog for a while, I started getting too paranoid about who was reading it, what people thought, what's the point if no one's going to read it. And then I got bogged down in life's 'other plans' and had the summer of a lifetime and everything else got in the way. There becomes a point where you have to sit down and actually ask yourself and make a vow to yourself to fit certain things into your life, because if you want them and they make you happy, then what is stopping you? I love to write, and I love writing about things that hopefully can help someone. If I speak to just one person in each article I write then I will be content. Now I am certainly not saying that I will be consistent from now on with posting, or that I will have the best content, sometimes I might ramble or go off topic but I am proud that I've come back on here, set up my new website and am trying again. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So that's the last point I want to make, I think we should be proud of ourselves for resting. There's this stigma around giving up, failing or quitting. But really, I think that resting is you knowing yourself enough to know that what you are doing isn't working for you at the moment, and there is no problem with that. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-90186236733621251832018-05-28T12:23:00.000+01:002018-10-05T21:37:46.158+01:00When life gives you lemons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J5C2GiDHKRg9HPr58Edp05TgndzGyXc9X6G6iokMm8cO3NefzM16ezyf9JtvhWlk1F7KF3QH6fLEkY6NVN_szOkk0XFtrdXyHYHuT1WmWAgxKqef5ZE4E2ryNoMoNPsmUbuzDHPaRQQ/s1600/5296EE2D-FD8C-4562-AE1B-77ABAE9827E7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J5C2GiDHKRg9HPr58Edp05TgndzGyXc9X6G6iokMm8cO3NefzM16ezyf9JtvhWlk1F7KF3QH6fLEkY6NVN_szOkk0XFtrdXyHYHuT1WmWAgxKqef5ZE4E2ryNoMoNPsmUbuzDHPaRQQ/s1600/5296EE2D-FD8C-4562-AE1B-77ABAE9827E7.JPG" /></a><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Why is it that as soon as you have plans or you want to do something or make a change in your life, that you are hit with reality and sent flooding back to square one? I swear it happens to me every single time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's at these moments that we question life's fairness or possibly even give up on what we wanted to achieve in the first place. I know this is the case for me. I had big plans to finish first year at university, pass all my exams and generally start my summer break on a high. I wanted to get back into this blog and take regular pictures and engage more, but no. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life had other plans... </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was hit with health issues, that I won't go into and be all depressing. But it does knock you down, knock your confidence and knock your self-belief. I had been feeling so motivated and excited for what was to come and then to suddenly feel so drained and tired all the time was certainly a set back. I always tried to tell myself that it could be so much worse and there are many people going through things a whole lot more scary than I was, but why is it that I felt so sorry for myself? I guess we all deserve a few days of feeling down and self-medicating. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was at this time though that I realised what a good support system I really do have, my friends and family were always checking up on me and making me feel loved and I appreciated it so much. This is why I'm writing this post. I want to let anyone know that at those times where life does 'give you lemons' as they say (I wonder where that phrase came from), that you should learn to shift your focus from the negatives of the situation to the positives. And I'm not saying that this will be an easy task, believe me I know that it isn't, when all you want to do is curl under a blanket and watch Netflix for a thousand millenniums. Believe me, you will run out of TV shows that will curb your emotional attention and you will be forced to face whatever it is at some point, sorry to break it to you. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I would usually, or I used to say, that you should write a list of all the negative emotions you are feeling, and then also write the possible positives of the situation, and think about the people who have helped you and who mean a great deal to you. But I've come to change my perspective, I've found that constantly writing list after list after checklist and time plan that it doesn't necessarily help anything. As a matter of fact, I think it was probably one of the main sources of my stress. I got so caught up in planning that I forgot or was stagnant in the actual DOING. Instead I would say that physically thanking and talking/ spending time with the loved ones who mean a great deal to you will solve a lot of your heartache, whatever you're going through. Even if it's not a person that can make you feel better, go out and do your favourite activity, read a book, go for a walk, go the (deep breath) gym! Any active movement of your brain or body in your daily routine will help you, will stimulate your mind and body and little by little you will make it through the 'lemons'. And although they say that you shouldn't lean on others for your happiness, you should be independent and able to create happiness for yourself, I really think that there are times when you do need a friend. Just one person who is willing to lend an ear can make all the difference. Or one Netflix binge with a pizza in hand.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The moral is that you won't be feeling stuck forever. One day you'll read something or remember something and it will change your mood and make you realise that it isn't the complete end of the universe, just a bad few days.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcWV0YO7FKV3CRE7KhpYA0HR7uUMVom777t32pbzQ42KDgQ4tEjF-q9h34DJqxlC-kKVQCBZWhCCa4CzLvLeqT9bFydx2kuh5LhIXsZwo-94ceQcbimymuZVPJcoZPh5inQVm9c7owzw/s1600/FotoJet+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcWV0YO7FKV3CRE7KhpYA0HR7uUMVom777t32pbzQ42KDgQ4tEjF-q9h34DJqxlC-kKVQCBZWhCCa4CzLvLeqT9bFydx2kuh5LhIXsZwo-94ceQcbimymuZVPJcoZPh5inQVm9c7owzw/s1600/FotoJet+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvJXQq5CVv0vM3sDV-73Cf-HjbyAZ-x3cXlGzwrrluDL6eCsQeIvoYb0CG6ykws4LfV8bqipGPwd1ZBdgUyBkfjR5Fa5YVktjCMFQIYNNJakpgKxbXaUmelcfbVMzy9cE6PHGFRU6du4/s1600/B6FD0979-8411-44A2-81CF-E1257385F8CA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvJXQq5CVv0vM3sDV-73Cf-HjbyAZ-x3cXlGzwrrluDL6eCsQeIvoYb0CG6ykws4LfV8bqipGPwd1ZBdgUyBkfjR5Fa5YVktjCMFQIYNNJakpgKxbXaUmelcfbVMzy9cE6PHGFRU6du4/s1600/B6FD0979-8411-44A2-81CF-E1257385F8CA.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFEIGrSMKU_hYsTCD3mN3KEB8bsj_CpPSFFI4E0ouKOqPUkOTpj6IU0fbBSKa4isXGP_8btF431rD37O9hbjou8-Ox96v7GK_CE43CtLQrLqJMz-iRxeQZLtJ1NPsZsigZySGi77sGaA/s1600/FotoJet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFEIGrSMKU_hYsTCD3mN3KEB8bsj_CpPSFFI4E0ouKOqPUkOTpj6IU0fbBSKa4isXGP_8btF431rD37O9hbjou8-Ox96v7GK_CE43CtLQrLqJMz-iRxeQZLtJ1NPsZsigZySGi77sGaA/s1600/FotoJet.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qsBsxXKRYHW2AqcUn4vRnZX-a-7r77kk4HqMvRowI-v8fSXk4no03lC7Y1EKgrF3elXz1edXEnGWxhTWrD2bjMVdvzfq7qAjPYvvU3XvVcTGAPkLfsDtFyVq_Ln6q-Dy-0DuoTG6xIQ/s1600/6CDB2704-5F81-4AD4-8986-4D218C54FB0F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qsBsxXKRYHW2AqcUn4vRnZX-a-7r77kk4HqMvRowI-v8fSXk4no03lC7Y1EKgrF3elXz1edXEnGWxhTWrD2bjMVdvzfq7qAjPYvvU3XvVcTGAPkLfsDtFyVq_Ln6q-Dy-0DuoTG6xIQ/s1600/6CDB2704-5F81-4AD4-8986-4D218C54FB0F.JPG" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7cpMpN_MT6yJS-mtf4RKZ9j7U3v1Pnmi8Yo1ewEiVI_AgImXGWsbfT85sUOdPT8p_LnDapuixm0JHNigzK5v68mzq4DOTSp8i9Ylk8LEWd4oznJmrUoXZeuxj-BCEfm8D7kLNQb4Zdg/s1600/FotoJet+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7cpMpN_MT6yJS-mtf4RKZ9j7U3v1Pnmi8Yo1ewEiVI_AgImXGWsbfT85sUOdPT8p_LnDapuixm0JHNigzK5v68mzq4DOTSp8i9Ylk8LEWd4oznJmrUoXZeuxj-BCEfm8D7kLNQb4Zdg/s1600/FotoJet+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EqUyl9v-IkAHuw-ahjB9v1dy0H6yIbtRJ9eg9O0VtTVruoxYys5G4sRDxFW3cfu6cpoTCXVJYIqKZLq_LZfva6P9uk2N3jNjC1lfQPP9J3U6PB3qTAY_GmoCJxJsFbZpVcDay5s-by0/s1600/3ECB7B17-31A0-4DD9-8C37-0A4200798640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EqUyl9v-IkAHuw-ahjB9v1dy0H6yIbtRJ9eg9O0VtTVruoxYys5G4sRDxFW3cfu6cpoTCXVJYIqKZLq_LZfva6P9uk2N3jNjC1lfQPP9J3U6PB3qTAY_GmoCJxJsFbZpVcDay5s-by0/s1600/3ECB7B17-31A0-4DD9-8C37-0A4200798640.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkWV64L37eyEpHTmDFOoarTrCnFO_08h5z5lX9pOWYtWWbQQZ30yOeGNJaruRa1S-yLIJ2aB9xjrZXFRjVYxxvHd3vTOSjpg-I91FdFMllaifc-sH8l-KxgswvkS1AAR8tPzm_QT9Kt4/s1600/FotoJet+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkWV64L37eyEpHTmDFOoarTrCnFO_08h5z5lX9pOWYtWWbQQZ30yOeGNJaruRa1S-yLIJ2aB9xjrZXFRjVYxxvHd3vTOSjpg-I91FdFMllaifc-sH8l-KxgswvkS1AAR8tPzm_QT9Kt4/s1600/FotoJet+%25283%2529.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The outfit:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Top | <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/KZT6" target="_blank">TopShop</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shorts | Zara <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/KZT1" target="_blank">(similar)</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shoes | <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/KZTZ" target="_blank">Adidas</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bracelet | <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/KZTW" target="_blank">Pandora</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Glasses | <a href="http://shopstyle.it/l/KZTN" target="_blank">Ray Ban</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
x x x </div>
Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-28919551469791308452018-01-02T12:46:00.001+00:002019-01-09T13:32:07.451+00:00What 2017 taught me<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu9cVnqqmgecFCzC9sa8QNLTGwccT_lIJ2Qxyub_CimZge3Y0JyYFp8KDoS5Ev8jJ0RH3MKERLzSVIT_F2tux5Dwz8jJxyXt-Jz-DwvaiQ86eLzQdt0LFb6tvIvL0nKfXd_6zFiQyKoo/s1600/Facetune.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXu9cVnqqmgecFCzC9sa8QNLTGwccT_lIJ2Qxyub_CimZge3Y0JyYFp8KDoS5Ev8jJ0RH3MKERLzSVIT_F2tux5Dwz8jJxyXt-Jz-DwvaiQ86eLzQdt0LFb6tvIvL0nKfXd_6zFiQyKoo/s1600/Facetune.JPG" /></a></div>
Happy New Year! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I was extremely ready for the new year to arrive, 2017 was let's just say, a difficult one. But even though it had it's moments, I learnt a lot and thought I'd share a bit of new found knowledge. </div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi07-DG6qlYSDou92V3TKRq5Rzlfua7AhpH-QK-fZ0KSebTme6Ls1dI0YAEBwFQLhPkFa_y5v8l6o9ud1T0AVAMvgkj8WdAe8r9fA3tYAlwgTQNJVlqkcvOIH0Na6e_MgrGcutBfpBI6w/s1600/thomas+miller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi07-DG6qlYSDou92V3TKRq5Rzlfua7AhpH-QK-fZ0KSebTme6Ls1dI0YAEBwFQLhPkFa_y5v8l6o9ud1T0AVAMvgkj8WdAe8r9fA3tYAlwgTQNJVlqkcvOIH0Na6e_MgrGcutBfpBI6w/s320/thomas+miller.jpg" width="226" /></a>1. Let. It. Go.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes things don't work out, you can try over and over with something or someone, but it will never work out. You have to accept that, and let it go. There is no point trying to hang onto something and trying to raise something that has died. Probably the most valuable bit of wisdom I gained this year was in the last month or so, and that was: if someone is willing to walk away from you, then let them walk. If someone is supposed to be part of your life then they will make themselves a part of it. There is no point tearing yourself apart trying to hold onto someone that doesn't want you. Some day something or someone will come along and you will realise why the other situation didn't work out. It may not seem like there is a reason for the failure of the current situation, and there may not be. At this point it's necessary to just accept what you have no control over and let it go. Don't waste time thinking and overthinking everything, because in a month's time this situation probably won't mean anything to you as you'll have moved on. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVdWXEJSwNyQkVY5bE8ZSnkc1xQREenLCZEB8v3igtYeZDnFW1YoMUDNsINTuISwOHraKvtob0UOyAAUOlSMRJ6B6Rb2isTzil10zjOIz9LdAlb1uES45wXazlC3EWanysCoJMwMFsTo/s1600/Don%2527t+get+what+you+kind+of+sort+of+want%252CGet+what+you+actually+really+want..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVdWXEJSwNyQkVY5bE8ZSnkc1xQREenLCZEB8v3igtYeZDnFW1YoMUDNsINTuISwOHraKvtob0UOyAAUOlSMRJ6B6Rb2isTzil10zjOIz9LdAlb1uES45wXazlC3EWanysCoJMwMFsTo/s320/Don%2527t+get+what+you+kind+of+sort+of+want%252CGet+what+you+actually+really+want..jpg" width="226" /></a>2. Never settle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is a perfect type of life for everyone; it is our job to seek out our own personal perfection and live it out. If there is even a tiny part of your life that you aren't completely secure and content with, discard it. You only have one chance at life, so there's no point sticking around things that don't fulfill what you aim to do in your lifetime. If an area of your life doesn't better you or your chances of success, or bring you joy or fulfillment in any other way, then it is pointless to have in your life. Equally, if there is someone in your life that doesn't bring positive or encouraging energy, you don't need them in your life. Don't settle for a person who doesn't bring the same amount to a friendship as you do. Have respect for yourself and know your worth, never settle for something that takes more energy to keep up than the amount of happiness it actually gives you.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO3dQWZAJXLCmUEE6H0EODj6x7GVWh92yCqrTEB1VZ4RMs1lVxyKfHPQ9QQTiqKwwH6msG__ogRU5W3dWJnxQjeWXs-OMhA1R5BO-Ddu784ivEpCteU3Sjb1-mDdNFiO1i4zgiDv0b5c/s1600/It+will+all+work+out+in+the+end%252CIf+it+hasn%2527t+worked+out%252CIt%2527s+not+the+end..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfO3dQWZAJXLCmUEE6H0EODj6x7GVWh92yCqrTEB1VZ4RMs1lVxyKfHPQ9QQTiqKwwH6msG__ogRU5W3dWJnxQjeWXs-OMhA1R5BO-Ddu784ivEpCteU3Sjb1-mDdNFiO1i4zgiDv0b5c/s320/It+will+all+work+out+in+the+end%252CIf+it+hasn%2527t+worked+out%252CIt%2527s+not+the+end..jpg" width="226" /></a><br />
3. Everything works out in the end.<br />
<br />
Sometimes bad things need to happen so that we can appreciate when good things come your way. I was playing with one of those Christmas cracker toys where you have to throw mini hoops onto a pole. It was frustrating because I could barely ever get the hoops to land on the pole. But when they did it was so satisfying! This sounds like such a stupid example but it made me realise that you do have to fail a million times with things before you finally have one success. You have to look at things from different angles and find different routes to attain one certain goal. And once you've gone through so many failures, when finally you achieve success it'll feel so much more satisfying knowing that you've overcome any obstacle you may have come across. It may seem like nothing is going your way; but it's usually right at the moment when you're about to give up that the best things happen and everything falls into place exactly how it is supposed to.<br />
<br />
Here's to 2018, do you, and make it happen. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020338907143377098.post-50072313961243008032017-10-22T12:00:00.000+01:002018-01-05T18:02:30.929+00:00Wake up call...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCUgiy1RcxzHXkteso7SXSfEULynpL4aHAxFIgRlr81mqj7ppBwMywPAFaIJ9fplGhgYSr2ehR0ixHstSgiiBPcfGoyXp11zBcwoq8ttl8C0-Y3Eoq2fHDjqE5uKJ4q02gDjLS_CuRFw/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCUgiy1RcxzHXkteso7SXSfEULynpL4aHAxFIgRlr81mqj7ppBwMywPAFaIJ9fplGhgYSr2ehR0ixHstSgiiBPcfGoyXp11zBcwoq8ttl8C0-Y3Eoq2fHDjqE5uKJ4q02gDjLS_CuRFw/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
Hello... is anyone still here?<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can't believe (well I kinda can) that it's been a month since I posted here. Somehow you took a back seat, yet again. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Freshers is over and I'm trying, hoping and pleading to get into a regular routine at Uni. I'll definitely be getting a whole lot fitter with the new amount of walking I'm doing I can say that for sure. I haven't walked this much since they forced you to do laps in PE at school! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhGw9SDGBvbnAnSN_EEoT5CoiUqUaPiP1vVDGhSPL4x7bS8AaUaqleWrhBVd6Zgg3tsKccXkjjqQy95r5cJGKmj0KU8ghGARSM82ZghNcsgxQBdjN3EcdWEInxiPoUiyJheyE-hzaGmw/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhGw9SDGBvbnAnSN_EEoT5CoiUqUaPiP1vVDGhSPL4x7bS8AaUaqleWrhBVd6Zgg3tsKccXkjjqQy95r5cJGKmj0KU8ghGARSM82ZghNcsgxQBdjN3EcdWEInxiPoUiyJheyE-hzaGmw/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25284%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtauhbvRruQbQIM5DTtufCqybi2n3FOTedmZjjPmyHwHrb35OrI0ZAkqH5s_exTXyjSC96Bp0tBgtv_7PKU-hUASp8n5prGJEBtjN70Eh4OxDHYZkbDXXKHf1ghA5ijamxpP3WwcqOMnk/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtauhbvRruQbQIM5DTtufCqybi2n3FOTedmZjjPmyHwHrb35OrI0ZAkqH5s_exTXyjSC96Bp0tBgtv_7PKU-hUASp8n5prGJEBtjN70Eh4OxDHYZkbDXXKHf1ghA5ijamxpP3WwcqOMnk/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25285%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB81kiBvqjZKEi-iSh-zrNwWoFNGazY-KkOuMva-Gdb_ieqpuJyZQoikSYmJ9ybS_YuiY9upc3brMG12lS4AptjclM2cVSoiklH0MO7jB3t0pUmzYSh_wtao3F9g2LViaV46AlmRxthM/s1600/IMG_7269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB81kiBvqjZKEi-iSh-zrNwWoFNGazY-KkOuMva-Gdb_ieqpuJyZQoikSYmJ9ybS_YuiY9upc3brMG12lS4AptjclM2cVSoiklH0MO7jB3t0pUmzYSh_wtao3F9g2LViaV46AlmRxthM/s1600/IMG_7269.JPG" /></a></div>
Anyway, today I'm talking wake up calls. Those little nudges you sometimes need to force you on a different track, or maybe to find your way back to an old path that you had drifted away from for some reason. I think that we all lose our way sometimes, and we need bad things to happen so that we can appreciate when good things happen, and also so that we can learn to appreciate ourselves and love ourselves a little bit more. This is definitely the case for me anyway. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently I had a wake up call, which I won't go into detail about, but I will say that I needed that bad experience to realise what I actually wanted to do, or what I actually want more rather. It has taught me that I shouldn't settle, I should go through life without expectation, but be surprised when good things happen, not be disappointed when they don't happen. It's the old saying:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Be surprised, never disappointed."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think this is a really great motto, because if you live with constant expectation of greater things, you will never be quite satisfied with what you currently have, you will always be searching for something bigger. Now, I'm not saying that you shouldn't seek greater things out of life, because you definitely should. I'm saying that we should learn to be content in the present, because this is what you've got, there is no point wasting your time on something that isn't going to be, when you can focus on all the other blessings in your life and be happy with them. That way, you'll never be open to disappointment. Each new opportunity will be a surprise, a new excitement, not something that you expected to happen anyway. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, here's to wake up calls, I've had about 1374839 of them already in the short span of my life, and will probably have a trillion more to add to that list. They are necessary. They are needed. And they are useful. We should use wake up calls, that often happen at the most random moments, as our motivation to move forward with whatever it is that is going to make you the happiest version of you there is. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See you shortly...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Vicki </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
x x x<br />
<br />
ps. can we definitely ignore the fact that these pictures were obviously taken at a much sunnier time in a whole different place to where I am currently, thanks :)</div>
Vicki Recklesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05824035262804104176noreply@blogger.com0