Thursday, 16 April 2020

Corona and Toxic Productivity

I promised myself that I wasn't going to write about corona, because that really isn't what this blog is about, but with something that has so drastically changed everyone's lives, I feel as though I can't avoid the topic any longer.

We are about three weeks into social isolation with no tangible end in sight, and it has been peculiar to say the least. There are a lot of feelings to be had, fear, anxiety, relief, guilt, and just about everything else between. I have felt a bit bombarded online with people compelling us to make the most of this time, to transform our lives and come out of this pandemic with a, 'glow up'. I was initially drawn into this mentality of what has been coined, toxic productivity, thinking about all the incredible things that I could accomplish during this time of isolation and reflection, I could finally try and learn French, teach myself to cook, and read all of the books on my bookshelf. But, as you can most likely imagine, this plan fell short and I was left feeling quite disappointed in myself and inadequate, comparing myself to the hundreds of people I follow online, most whom I have never even spoken to before and probably never will. The moment I realised that I was falling into this pattern of thinking, I knew I had to shake myself off and get out of it.

So, I've decided to make the most of this time, in a way that works for me, because as much as I believe that people should not be guilted into being productive, but neither do I think that wanting to be productive should be scorned!
For me, I am a creature of habit, and having a structure to my day, whether that be self imposed or governed by an outside agency is important, so every evening, I sit down for ten minutes and create a schedule for the coming day, factoring in everything from work, to leisure, to simply relaxing, and I stick to it. It isn't  meticulous, but it would allot time to the activities that needed to be done so that I could give my days some real structure and ultimately meaning during a time where meaning can be a little hard to find. Since I've started doing this, I have felt so much better, spending my time doing things that bring me joy, and not being so hard on myself for not accomplishing all manner of things that I probably wasn't going to accomplish in the first place! This is not a time to be hard on yourself, it is the time to look after both your mental and physical health, whatever that may be!

What I'm trying to get at here, is that I was putting an awful lot of pressure on myself, during what is already quite a stressful time, so here are some nice things that you could do that you may enjoy!
So stay safe, keep healthy, and look after yourself!

Tuesday, 10 March 2020

Veja Nova Trainers Review

Veja trainers seem to be absolutely everywhere at the moment, and for once, this is a trend that I find myself getting 100% behind. The brand Veja are helping to make sustainability cool. No longer are the days where sustainability is synonymous with hemp clothing or making your clothes out of old curtains. Instead the term has been given a whole new lease of life thanks to brands like Veja proving that you can have fashion without compromising your morals.
This hype surrounding Veja is all well and good, but are they more than just a few buzz words? So, on behalf of all fashion lovers, I have taken the plunge and jumped right into a pair of Veja Nova Canvas trainers!

Who are Veja?

So I have realised that not everyone knows what exactly these trainers are and why they are so special. Basically the company prides itself on its transparency. It claims to provide the workers who make the trainers with a fair wage and ethical working conditions. In addition to this, they use materials which are all ecological, such as wild rubber, sourced from the Amazon rain forest, organic cotton, and recycled plastic bottles to create part of the soles of the trainers. All of this equates to what has been hailed as the most sustainable trainers on the planet!

The Choice

Veja offer a wide range of shoes for you to choose from, ranging from leather, vegan leather, to canvas. You have a lot of choice. The styles are all classic and are far from what I would describe as a 'trend' item because of their timeless look. I personally chose to go with a pair of canvas trainers because I don't currently own a pair, and I liked that they were vegan friendly. After choosing a style, I was left with the task of choosing a colourway. I know, a bit of a standard Erin choice, but I went with the burgundy because I find that it works with most of my wardrobe which I already own.
They are available from most places now, I bought mine from Net-A-Porter.


Comfort

After wearing these for about six months, I have found these to be so incredibly comfortable! I have had absolutely no problems in regard to blisters, rubbing, or anything of the sorts. They have fit me really well, as a true size 4. I have walked all around Stratford exploring the land of Shakespeare and Warwick Castle in them and found them to be just as comfy at the end of the day as I did at the start!
The shoes have held up really well against rain and bad weather, never letting any water in, which my feet were very grateful in to say the least, but I did notice that there was some dye transfer from the red onto my laces and slightly around the eyelets, which is a tad concerning but I will just waterproof them again as the website suggests and see if this sorts the issue.

My Issues

Unfortunately, over the course of the six moths that I have had these trainers, I have had a few issues. Firstly, the issue regarding the red dye transfer, I tried to clean this several times, but have never been able to quite get rid of this staining fully. It isn't terribly noticeable from far away, but it does bother me, especially because of the price of the trainers. Another issue that I had this week is the laces in the trainers breaking, I realise that this isn't a major issue, but again, for trainers at this price, I did expect a little bit better quality.


The Final Verdict

Basically, since I bought them, they haven't really been off my feet. They work with every outfit I own, whether they be to dress down a pair of work trousers, or to wear with a basic outfit. I really love the detail of the red V on the sides, because it adds a really nice touch to the overall look and makes them a bit more distinctive. These truly are a great pair of trainers and I do recommend them. They are comfy, durable, and look great! There are some issues which bother me such as the staining and the laces breaking, neither are massive problems or enough to stop me loving the trainers, but they are enough to make me question whether I would buy another pair.



For more information and stockists, check out the Veja website here!


Wednesday, 19 February 2020

White Rabbit Skincare Review

So guys, it has been a while! Unfortunately I have been slacking with the blogging recently, but, I assure you, that I am getting right back on it! I've decided to start with a skincare review for a company called White Rabbit Skincare. I was gifted these products, and now it is time to give you all an honest review!

For those of you who don't know, let me give you a bit of information. The company was started in 2014 by Melanie who was suffering from a skin condition called psoriasis and found most skincare out there contained ingredients which exacerbated the condition, so she decided to start crafting her own products with natural ingredients which do genuine good for your skin. The entire range is vegan and cruelty free which means that everyone can enjoy them!

Eucalyptus and Lavender Cleansing Balm

This is truly a lovely product to use, it is really thick and feels so incredibly luxurious on your skin as it starts to melt in and remove any makeup or impurities. Unlike other cleansers, which can often leave your skin feeling quite dry and stripped of its natural oils, this balm leaves it feeling so soft, hydrated, and nourished! The texture starts out quite thick but as soon as it warms up and starts melting onto your skin, it transforms into an almost oil like consistency. I personally enjoy warming it up between my fingers before applying it to my face so that it applies and distributes a little easier.
I am really impressed with this cleanser and find that it is great for removing your makeup at the end of the day!


Orange Blossom and Aloe Vera Toner

I absolutely love using toners, because of the way that they leave your skin feeling so refreshed, removing any excess oils, dirt, or debris left behind by your cleanser. This toner smells amazing, the orange blossom really shines through, to create a beautiful and subtle fragrance, perfect to help wake you up in the morning and re-energise you for the day ahead!

Rosehip and Camellia Day Cream

If you are looking for hydration, then this is the cream for you! Since using this, my skin has transformed from the dull, dry, and dreary skin which I always thought was inevitable and unavoidable during the colder months, to glowing skin that made me feel great about myself! The key ingredients of rosehip and camellia oil are definitely to thank for this, with their incredible naturally soothing properties! I've found that this cream works really well under makeup, helping you to create a flawless dewy finish without looking oily. Initially, I found the scent to be a little strong, although lovely, but as soon as you massage this onto your face it dissipates, leaving you with a lovely subtle fragrance which lasts throughout the day!


Overall, I would definitely recommend checking out the range and finding the products to suit you, because they are absolutely amazing! They smell simply beautiful and I truly feel as though they have made a massive difference to my skin, improving the overall texture, softness, and appearance of my skin.
If you would like to try out any of the White Rabbit Skincare range, then you can use my discount code for 20% off your order!

Saturday, 28 December 2019

Outfit Repeater


Is there really anything worse than being an outfit repeater? Turning up at a party in a dress that you wore, dare I say it, to another party?
Well, yes, there obviously is. But it is hard to remember this sometimes when we live in such a throw away culture, with social media making it a sin to wear the same outfit twice, and brands constantly encouraging and tempting us to buy something new. I know that I have felt this way so many times before, second guessing what I was wearing to a party or an event simply because I knew that I had been seen in that outfit before, and I'm gong to be honest, more often than not I would give into this thought and make the order...
Fast fashion brands like Boohoo, Missguided, and Pretty Little Thing, make this all the more simple a trap to fall into with their ridiculously cheap clothes. It really is so easy to do, falling into the cycle of ordering something new, having it delivered straight to your door, ready for the party, for it to ultimately meet the same fate as the outfits which have gone before them, to live in the back of your wardrobe, never to be worn again...
Like I said, I have done this about a million times before, because it has become the norm, to do so, and I have never really second guessed this process before, but now, after doing this for several years, I've now been left with a wardrobe of clothes and I'm now in the process of trying to sell all of these sadly unloved, and once worn outfits, hopefully giving them a new lease of life!

Whilst I am currently trying to embrace my new life as an outfit repeater, I do sometimes find myself feeling a bit self conscious about it, worrying -irrationally- that people are judging me, for wearing something twice in one week. What I am wearing is clean, fresh, and in good condition so that isn't the issue, so what is? What is so wrong with wearing an outfit which you love and makes you feel good about yourself? Radiating confidence for all to see. And ultimately what I am trying to get at is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, and most likely nobody else really cares that you have worn the same outfit twice in one week, or that you decided to make that pink dress your go to party look!

So what I'm trying to say, in so many words, is don that outfit you wore only the other day because you felt great in it, and wear it with pride, as you adopt the title of 'Outfit Repeater'.

Monday, 9 December 2019

Christmas Jumper Day, the Sustainable Way


Christmas jumpers have become a bit of a tradition over the past few years, firmly establishing themselves within British culture as a necessity of the festive period. This newly formed tradition however finds itself battling against the sustainability movement in that it is fundamentally marketed as being a one wear item. A recent investigation into the reality of Christmas jumpers and the impact that they are having upon the environment has wielded some quite shocking results.

The charity, Hubbub, has estimated that around 12 million Christmas jumpers will be bought this year, adding to the already 35 million already existing in the back of our wardrobes-or more likely landfill-from years gone by. These figures are quite shocking when we consider that these further 12 million are undoubtedly destined for the exact same fate as their predecessors.

So, what can we actually do, seeing as Christmas Jumper Day looms ever near? Obviously boycotting the whole tradition feels excessive and wholly unnecessary, especially when the day is to support the brilliant cause of, ‘Save the Children’. But still, we cannot do nothing in the age of sustainability!

Buy Second Hand

This is probably the most obvious choice, but with companies like Beyond Retro having an incredible selection of one of a kind, vintage Christmas jumpers you can’t really find fault with this choice. In addition to Beyond Retro, most charity shops at this time of year will have a whole section of their shop dedicated to such festive attire, allowing you to peruse at your leisure, ruling out the chances of buying the dreaded itchy jumper. In addition to these being a significantly more environmentally friendly option to a brand new Christmas jumper, they will undoubtedly be a lot cheaper than buying one new!


Buy with Longevity in Mind 

This is another great way to get involved with the day. Buy a Christmas jumper which you will be able to wear throughout the festive period and that will last year after year! Everyone has their own personal style, and what I would be able to wear on a day to day winter period will be different to the next person, so keep that in mind when choosing your, 'classic' Christmas jumper! There are loads of great companies out there which place a focus on sustainability, such as Joanie, who have a really lovely selection of jumpers!


Swap with Friends or Family

You most likely know at least one other person who owns a Christmas jumper, so this could be a great way to try something new, without it costing anything! This is a particularly good trick if you only plan on wearing the jumper for that one day! 


So I hope that this has been a helpful guide for you and I would love to know if you have any tips for enjoying Christmas Jumper Day the sustainable way!

Thursday, 5 December 2019

Conscious Christmas Shopping

So sale season is here and discounts, bargains, and consumerism is in full force. Offers pulling you in with promises of 'Must Have' items as fabulous prices that you would be mad to miss. Things that you probably wouldn't even look at if there wasn't that ever so enticing 20% off tag attached. The temptation is real right now, so, how do you actually navigate the festive period without buying everything in sight?

As a somewhat reformed shopoholic, I am going to share my top tips!

Did you want it at full price?

It's a simple question to start with, did you actually like or even want it whilst it was full price? If you did, then that is brilliant because who doesn't love saving a bit of money on something they really want, but unfortunately in these situations, it is more often the case that you are more excited about the discount than the item. I don't know how many times I have bought something a bit odd, not quite me, and often a little strange, for the simple reason that it was on sale or offer. Don't get me wrong, sometimes something being on offer is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and try something new, but I think it is mostly just being a bit more conscious of your purchase and just taking that moment to acknowledge the reason that you are buying it.


Seven Day Rule

Are you going to wear it in the next seven days? More often than not, if you buy something new which you really love, you will end up wearing it within seven days of purchase with the caveat of it being bought it for a specific event.
So, next time you buy something, remember to check a week later to see if you have actually worn it or if it is still sitting in the bag looking quite sad.

Could you find it on Depop/Ebay?

I've recently taken to doing this! Whenever I see something in store that I really want, I have a quick search on Depop and Ebay to see if I can get it second hand. This trick obviously doesn't work every time, and especially with new in or super popular items, but sometimes you can find yourself an amazing bargain whilst shopping sustainably, and helping out someone else who may need a bit of cash! Plus, who knows, you may even find it new with tags!

Do you really need it?

This is the big question. We can all be creatures of habit, buying the same thing when we already have several identical items in our wardrobe. I know that I'm guilty of this, particularly in regards to mid wash blue jeans... but sometimes all it takes is a few seconds to consider whether we really need to buy it, and whether it is the discount that you are more excited about! Apply the same 'Do I need it' mentality to sale items as you would with full price!

So I hope that these tips have been helpful and I would love to hear if you have any tips for navigating the festive season! 

Wednesday, 20 November 2019

23 Going on 24

Well, I've not done this in a while. Sat in front of a computer screen with a word document open and blank. Blank with opportunities and possibilities. I can fill it with whatever I want, take it in any direction I choose, but despite all of this exciting freedom, I cannot help but be feel apprehension about what such freedom means.

I shall end my epic simile there, or I will end up dragging it out for the entirety of this post, and as much joy as that would bring me, you my dear reader, probably wouldn't agree. What I'm trying to get across is the way I'm currently feeling, because for the first time in my life, I am officially finished with education. I have completed my degree, awaiting my graduation, and I am on the precipice of starting my own life in the real world.
I am looking for the elusive 'dream job', to start my career off with, whilst trying to work out what exactly this dream job is for me. Is it being a copywriter, digital marketer, or maybe something else entirely. Honestly, I don't know, like a lot of things regarding my future at the moment, but I suppose that is all part of the fun, finding out where you fit into the world or carving out your own space.


But there is a darker side to all of this excitement and optimism that I'm feeling right now, and that is self comparison. I'm 23 going on 24 and I feel myself constantly looking to my peers for validation of sorts. As though to confirm that I'm doing all right. Checking to see if I am further along than them or whether I need to catch up. Comparing myself to them and where they are in their lives. This will never end well, when everyone is doing such different things, accomplishing what is important to them or simply trying to figure out what that is. Some of my friends are having babies or getting married, others are travelling the world solo, some have managed to find their dream job whereas others are still working their part time job.

But what I've eventually realised is that comparison is futile and I'm exactly where I need to be on my path. It sounds cliche I know, but it is true, I really can't spend my time comparing myself to everyone around me when everyone is on their own journey with a completely different destination.


I feel as though this post has been a bit rambly, but incredibly important for me, forcing me to be introspective in a positive way and maybe this will even encourage you to do the same.
I'm learning that the only person I can compare myself to is indeed myself and looking back at everything that I have done and achieved in the past 12 months, I cannot help but feel proud of myself.

Thursday, 3 October 2019

What I Learned from Second Hand September

It is October now, and that means Second Hand September has been and gone, but it really has not been forgotten, or at least not for me. I have had an amazing month, removing myself from the world of fast fashion, instead entrenching myself within the vintage and second hand community. I have absolutely loved it and as cheesy as it sounds, I have actually learned so much about myself.

By not buying anything new for an entire month, I have to think a lot more about the clothes that I already own, and really think about what it is that I like to wear instead of instantly opting to buy something brand new. I have had to consider the reasons why I actually buy clothes, is it to fill a genuine need or is it to cheer myself up? After a month of abstinence, the answer was undoubtedly to cheer myself up, and as a result, I have had to look for other ways to make me feel good about myself and lift my mood. This has been such a learning curve for me and it is almost silly to think th


at such a revelation has come from simply buying less! 

I have rediscovered clothes which I had forgotten I owned, some of which still had the tags on. Other things I realised that I wore purely because I couldn't be bothered looking for anything else, and it was on top of the ever increasing pile. This whole month has truly made me consider the way that I consume fashion and the reasons why I do. It has made me notice the constant bombardment of advertisements from Instagram influencers, e-mail marketing, and even just switching on the television, telling me what I should wear if I want to be cool, and how I must ditch my last season clothes if I wish to stay current. It can feel unrelenting at times, but the majority of the time, I have found myself no longer caring or wanting it after just a few days. 

Another thing that I've found by only buying second hand is that I have really had to think about what it is that I want rather than endless and mindless scrolling on the likes of Asos or Topshop. Instead I have had to have a specific kind of item in mind so that I get results of things that I mostly like or want. I have had to think about whether I want a shirt or a blouse, do I want a skirt or a dress, etc, and although this can be quite frustrating when I'm not entirely sure what I want, it is really interesting because it really was stopping me from absently filling my shopping basket with items I momentarily thought were pretty. 

Of course, it cannot be forgotten all of the money that I have saved this month! I would normally spend about £50 on new clothes and the likes every month, instead this month I have spent a measly £12 and even then that was at the beginning when I was still feeling quite frivolous! 

So what I'm trying to say is that just because Second Hand September is over, doesn't mean that you have to go back to your old habits! Because here I am, wearing some old favourites which I found at the back of my wardrobe! 


Monday, 23 September 2019

Everyday Changes to Tackle Climate Change

So I think that we are all aware of the current situation regarding climate change, what with the national climate strike which took place last Friday. Although I agree that this was a really great way to bring the conversation into the home, I don't think that we should be leaving the situation entirely up to the Government. This attitude of placing the onus entirely upon someone or something else is honestly, quite irresponsible. 
So, what is it that you can actually do to make a difference in your everyday life?


Eat Less Red Meat


As preachy as I may sound, it is now official: Cutting out red meat, dairy, or even going fully vegan, is one of the best ways to help tackle climate change. The report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has said that switching to a plant based diet is an effective way to both free up land and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. So many people are put off a meat free meal because they think that it has to be expensive, complicated, or a bit weird. In reality though most people eat meat free meals without even noticing. A bowl of tomato pasta is vegan, so is a jacket potato with beans, a vegetable curry, and so many more simple meals where you wouldn't even miss the meat. So maybe have a think about what you eat, and consider going meat free one day a week to start, or instead of 
having a meat chilli, have a vegetable one. Who knows, you may even enjoy it!


Buy Fewer New Clothes


Again, I probably sound a bit like a broken record here, but it is a pretty simple way of cutting down on your consumption of new clothes. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean no longer buying clothes, but maybe before you buy that new dress, consider whether you really need it, or maybe even check out eBay or Depop first to see if you can grab yourself a bargain! There is an awful lot of water and chemicals that go into creating clothes. I myself was shocked when I found out that it takes 1,800 gallons of water to make just one pair of blue jeans. 


Bring your Own Bag


This isn't anything new, but another super simple way to cut down on your plastics is to remember to bring your own bag rather than buying a plastic bag every time that you go to the shops! This is such an easy thing, get a fold up bag and just pop it into your normal bag and keep it in there in case of any unexpected buys. I've started doing this the last few weeks and I can't deny the little thrill I feel when I whip out my little cotton tote and say, I don't need a bag. Personally I'm loving using cotton tote bags because they still look cute and they are so easy to pop on your shoulder! I recommend checking out LouiScott, there is a great range of sustainably sourced, ethical, cotton tote bags!

Cut Down on Single Use Plastics


Around 300 million tonnes of plastic are created each year and only half of it is actually recyclable! 
So what can we do instead? Say no to plastic straws, and instead pick up reusable metal straws or easily recyclable paper straws. Switch over to a biodegradable toothbrush instead of the standard plastic one, buy a reusable coffee cup or water bottle, there are so many incredible options out there now for you to use instead of plastics, and more often than not, they end up saving you money!


So there you have it, some simple ways for you to tackle climate change in your every day life, without even noticing it! I would love to hear if you have any tips or tricks!

Thursday, 12 September 2019

Second Hand Shopping Tips

So, we are well into Second Hand September, a month that is being championed by the amazing charity Oxfam. In case you haven't heard about it, it is basically promoting second hand shopping as a sustainable, charitable, and great alternative to shopping brand new, and removing the stigma of shopping second hand.

Now, I love shopping second hand online when it is all curated and easily searchable. Shopping in store, now that is a different matter entirely. It can be so overwhelming walking into a charity shop seeing a million different things laid out in front of you with no real rhyme or reason. It is a daunting task to shop like this, especially when you aren't used to it, but I felt that I must brave it for Second Hand September in order to get the true experience! So here are my tips for mastering the charity shops like a pro!

Go in with an open mind.


Don't walk in there expecting to find the perfect leather jacket, in excellent condition which fits you like a dream. It is very unlikely to happen and you will end up being quite disappointed, and not open to any of the other amazing items that you may find! Be open to trying new styles, brands that you have never even heard of before, and basically anything and everything else. Some of the best things that I've found in the past have been completely unexpected, but nevertheless brilliant! I'm thinking mostly of my favourite denim jacket which is boxy, oversized, well worn, and simply amazing. I wasn't looking for it, but when I saw it, I knew it had to be mine! So what I am trying to say, is be open to anything, because you never quite know what you are going to find!

Check Materials


The charity shop is the place that you are most likely to find an unexpected gem such as a silk shirt, or cashmere jumper for an absolute steal. Now, this does take a lot of effort and work, checking labels on everything, but it could be worth it in the long run. And at the very least, by checking materials, you will be able to get a better idea of quality and longevity of the item. Because although you may love that dress, if it is made of 100% polyester then it probably isn't going to be the best buy you could make and will most likely leave you a hot sweaty mess (or at least from my own experience).

Don't Stress Over Sizes

Sizes have changed a lot over the last few decades to fit with the changing shapes of the general population. People were often a lot smaller in build so a size 14 of a vintage Laura Ashley blouse may fit a modern day size 10 or 12. It really is best to just try everything on if you can, and go off how big it looks more than anything else. This is especially true for vintage Levi jeans, because most of these are fashioned from mens 501's, so as we all know, mens jeans sit lower than womens typically, and most people shrunk their jeans to fit them, so you honestly have just got to pick up about ten pairs of Levi's and try them all on and hope for the best!



Don't Just Buy it Because It's Cheap

Now, I know that getting a bargain can be the most exciting thing, but just because it is cheap doesn't mean it is a bargain. Now, what I mean is that if you have absolutely no intention of ever actually wearing it, paying any money for it makes it expensive and ultimately a waste. You need to know when to walk away from things. I myself have bought things from charity shops before for only a few pounds because I have been so carried away with the fact it is a Topshop dress at bargain prices, but seven years later, that dress is still sitting in my cupboard with the charity shop labels still on it, which is just as ridiculous as it sitting in my wardrobe with the Topshop labels still on it. So think of second hand clothes the same way you would new clothes, in terms of whether you will actually wear them or if they go with your general size. 


So, I hope that this was helpful, and I would love to hear some of your tips for shopping second hand!




Wednesday, 28 August 2019

Nothing New Here

So, in keeping with my feelings surrounding sustainability and my consumption of fashion, I have decided to challenge myself to a month of no new clothes. This is an easy task in theory, just simply don't buy anything, but in the modern world with the bombardment of fashion content that we are faced with, may it be on television, Instagram, Youtube, and everything else, it can be bloody difficult! Everyone around you is telling you that you need to buy this item in order for your life to be complete, or by buying this dress you will officially be 'cool', or at least for a month until the next must have item comes out.
Nobody wants to feel left out or like they aren't part of something. This can be how you are made to feel when you aren't buying into a trend when everyone else is. It is a silly feeling, I know to feel left out over a piece of clothing but it is a genuine feeling to have and it ultimately is the goal of this marketing, so I suppose a congratulations is in order for these companies?

This constant cycle of fashion is almost impossible to keep up with, yet we all find ourselves desperate to try. So during the month of September, I am refusing to buy anything new. I was initially going to set myself a blanket ban of buying absolutely nothing, but I don't want this experience to be a punishment, I want it to be more of a new approach to shopping and fashion, something with is truly sustainable in every sense of the word, and not going to result in me binge buying once the month is over because I'm 'allowed' to now. That isn't going to sort the problem, and it realistically isn't going to make me happy. Instead I have decided to approach this as me no longer buying anything new, so instead if I do have a genuine need for something, for example a jumper I will look to vintage stores, second hand stores, and things like that, rather than instantly going out and buying something without a moments thought.



I just wanted to get this out there and try to present this idea of no new buying as an attitude change rather than a miserable month which you end up counting down the days until it is over!

My plan is to check back in at the end of the month and let you know how I found it, what I found difficult and what I found to be easy! Who knows, I may have absolutely nothing to report and it may just be another normal month but we shall see! I may even find another pair of perfect vintage Levi's like I am wearing here, proving that vintage can be just as good, if not better than buying something brand new! It may just take a bit of hard work to find it.

Thanks for reading and I would love to know if anyone else is considering doing this or joining my nothing new month!


Corona and Toxic Productivity

I promised myself that I wasn't going to write about corona, because that really isn't what this blog is about, but with something t...