When things don't go your way

We all have those days and weeks where it feels like the walls of the world are collapsing in on you - actually I think that they might just be called Mondays. However sometimes, when these days happen, it is difficult to imagine that those things are going to turn around. But being my usual optimistic self, they will turn round eventually, it's just knowing how to deal with it. 

When thing aren’t going your way, it is obviously much easier to crack open a bottle of wine, watch Bridget Jones in your loungewear and drown your sorrows sit and just dwell on it, but that isn’t the right way forward really, is it? So how can you turn it around?

Take a breath

When things get tough, take a step back and just pause for a moment. Sometimes when you dwell on something for too long, it just becomes even more complicated and you just get even more worked up. Sometimes just stepping back, making yourself a cup of tea or going out for some fresh-air can make a lot of difference.

Start with the problem

What is the problem? Identifying what’s wrong is the first thing to do in order to be able to work out what you need to do next and how best to resolve it. 

Find your approach

When you’ve identified the problem, ask yourself ‘what am I trying to achieve?’ Take a moment to think about how you can reach the end, avoiding all the issues that you’ve addressed before.

Talk it out

Talking it out can certainly help – it certainly helps me anyway – as another person can really help to provide you with advice, solutions and motivation to move forward. 

Find something to look forward to

If things are going bad, find something to look forward to. It could be a smallest thing, like having your favourite meal for dinner or something that you’re doing at the weekend. It is important to power through and pin it on something to motivate you.

Positivity

A positive attitude goes a long way. Don’t let stress take you down. Keep your chin up. 

Ask for help

Asking for help isn't seen as weak; in fact it is one of the biggest mistakes that you’re making by not asking for help. 

Learn

Don’t waste this opportunity to take note and learn from it.

How do you take approach to a bad day?

Revisiting 2016

Oh 2016, what a year you've been! The world went a little shit-crazy this year over the news that Brexit was happening; Donald Trump actually made it to Presidential status after plenty of mud-throwing; the Great British Bake Off waved goodbye to BBC1 and is heading over to Channel 4, leaving Mel, Sue and Mary Berry behind (shredding a tear or two down my cheek). Oh and Cruz Beckham released a Christmas song which I think is beautiful but sent social media into meltdown. Not good meltdown either. 

Overall it has been a crazy old year in more ways than one - well for the world it is has been - but for me, it's been pretty average. 2016 has had it's highs and it's low memories for me, so I think it's about time that I revisit 2016 and see what I did (and didn't) complete on this years bucket list and what my highlights and discoveries were along the way:

What was my 2016 bucket list and did I complete it?

1. Do something spontaneous

I can't remember what I did but I'm pretty sure that I did something spontaneous this year. I suppose booking a holiday to America on a whim was quite spontaneous, one morning we were looking and the next we had booked it. I think I find doing things spontaneous difficult because I love planning and organising things. 

2. Wear less make up 
Yeah, I didn't stick to this. I tried, I really did but I don't feel myself without it. I did definitely start wearing less than I usually did, so I suppose I kind of kept to this. I think it's really difficult to give something up when you're use to using it all the time.

3. Pick and choose my 'sassy' moments
I definitely calmed down the sass. Thank you adulthood!

4. Drink more water
Yes, yes and yes! I did achieve this and I'm still achieving this. I try to drink at least two litres of water a day, more if I am on the go all the time. 

5. Visit two different countries this year

YES! I achieved this. I visited DisneyWORLD in Orlando, Florida and Costa Adeje in Tenerife as well - both beautiful places and incredible memories were made. I am planning now for 2017... 

6. Learn the star consolations

Truthfully I never got round to this, I've been so busy with work and everything else I didn't have time. I think I wanted to learn about them even more when I was sat in a hottub and looked up to a clear sky with twinkling stars. It was beautiful. Definite one for 2017. 

7. Take the next step in my career path
I've definitely expanded my knowledge and experience but I feel it's time to take another step and broaden myself even more.

8. Read more books

I have definitely achieved this and I've enjoyed every second of this. I forgot how much I missed reading until I spend evenings picking up a book of a real paper turner. I want to read so many more next year and I already have a list as long as my arm including every book I'd like to read. 

9. Be Healthier
I would definitely say that they've become healthier. I've change my diet, habits and lifestyle; I think all I need to work on now is my fitness and exercise level in my life. I need to do a little more.

10. Reunite with my university friends
This happened. Twice. I think we're already planning for 2017 - no doubt it will be even bigger and better than this year. Hopefully with even more uncontrollable laughter as well.

11. Step outside my 'comfort zone'
2016 has been extremely jam-packed for me, so I wouldn't say I've done too much out of my comfort zone but I have a list of things that I'd like to try and do outside my comfort zone, so let's see if 2017 can help me to achieve them.

12. Start saving 
I've done quite a lot of saving (and spending) this year. I've save quite a bit but I think I need to be a little more strategic when it comes to saving in 2017. The one thing I'm really proud of is I sort out my bank accounts opened ISAS and better saving accounts to help to save for the rest of my life. Prod adult right now.

13. Look after my skin

As some of you may know my skin is rather temperamental, which is super annoying, so I need to make sure my skin care is on point so I'm ready for any occasion. I think I have pretty much nailed down my skincare routine and I have pretty much got my skin under control but there will always be one to two surprises. It's never perfect. 

14. Be Balanced
Yes I didn't get very good at the whole - work/social life balance things. Work kind of took over a little but I'm improving slowly but surely. I just love to give all I can to my job.

15. Text People Back
Um I wish I could say I have majorly improved in this but I can't; otherwise I'd be lying. I have got better thought, just not a lot.

16. Worry less and be happier 

I think you worry regardless but it's how long you worry for and how you take it that counts. I've learnt that I need to take everything on the chin and use to either make me stronger or push it to one side and forget about it. Worrier doesn't help to improve your lifestyle, it just makes it static. 

Top Five Highlights of 2016

• Getting to go to DisneyWORLD in Orlando, Florida with one of my best friend. It was incredible, so many magical memories! 
• Getting to have best reunions with my university best friends {hopefully there will be bigger and even better ones to come}. 
• Taking the next step forward in my career, being given more responsibilities. 
• Getting a brand new car {I feel like a really responsible and full time adult now}. 
• Reuniting with my best friends! 

Top Five Things I Discovered in 2016 

• Things don't always go the way you think that they're going to go {No I'm not talking about Brexit or the US electron}. 
• True friend will make the time for you and pull you back when you're feeling as low as low can be. 
• I am 100% a true #Mixer now. Little Mix are just goals and their new album is incredible. *insert emoji with heart eyes here* #PureSass 
• I have a new found love for the Hygge Lifestyle and Baking. 
• There is always going to be better, richier, thinner or prettier than you but it's how you better yourself that counts the most. 

With our time in 2016 almost over, it's time to bid farewell to 2016 and say hello to 2017 {hopefully 2017 will be a better year for everyone}.

How to unwind after a week of 8:30am to 5pm?

Since starting my 8:30am to 5pm job, I've attempted to try and schedule in some 'me time' and get into a routine of having easy, stress-free mornings which means I can battle through my day in the office or out at meeting with ease. Sometimes this isn't always possible, you just have one of those weeks where everything is hectic and your plan of an easy, stress-free week gets thrown out the window the minute you walk into the office on a Monday morning. Annoying, right? 

Scheduling in 'me time' can be difficult especially when you know you've got so much to do during the week and all you want to do after a day of work is come home, eat, read a book and then sleep. #StoryOfMyLife. And before you know it, you've worked your way through your weekly office to-do list whilst attempting to juggle 101 other things, suddenly the weekend flys by so quickly and your back to your typical Monday morning routine; pulling yourself out of bed, successfully driving to work whilst trying to stop yourself sneezing uncontrollable over and over again and getting through the 8:30am to 5pm day sounding like a zombie on the end of the phone because you have a horrid cold and a sore throat. Not good. 

Anyway, when your feeling low (because of a cold which doesn't seem to want to pack its bags and leave) or you've just had a hectic week at work it is important to schedule in some 'me time'. Here are a few 'me time' ideas which help me to unwind from the madness... 

Painting my nails
I actually find painting my nails rather therapeutic - most girls are probably saying "are you crazy?" right now but that's okay. To be honest, changing up my nails with different colours, designs and patterns is rather enjoyable for me and just think the more often I paint my nails, the quicker I use up the nail polish and the more reason I have to buy more. It's a win win situation when you think about it. 

Getting lost in a good book 
Whilst I was at university I never really got the chance to read many books; apart from if you count all those 500 page Research Method textbooks that I had to read for my dissertation - I know what you're thinking how can anyone write 500 pages about Research Methods, believe me when I say I asked that same question to myself everyday in third year. Anyway, there is nothing better than getting lost in a good book and not being able to put it down - I think it is a perfect way to unwind especially in an evening after work. 

Looking after number one! 
I suppose 'me time' is looking after number one but I mean looking after number one can mean treating yourself every once in a while or spending some time in the evening having a pamper session with a glass of wine, chocolate and a favourite movie or simply rewarding yourself with some much needed catch up on sleep. Bliss. 

Exercise
Okay, I get when your ill this probably isn't your number one priority (well, it certainly isn't mine) because there is nothing worse than doing exercise when you can't breathe. But when your feeling yourself again there is nothing a little walk or stroll down the road or into town can't cure; the fresh air does you a world of good.  

Organising my life 
You might be wondering how this helps me to unwind, well in my eyes there is nothing better than a good to-do list to get your life organised and for me it helps to reduce stress because you know what you've got to do and I feel more productive for it. Don't get me wrong, I love having lazy weekends as much as the next person but I also love being on the go and get things done too. 

Until the next time my cold fights back and 'me time' needs scheduling, Au Revoir! 
Love, 
Lauren xo 

5 Things you should always have Scheduled in your Diary

It's no lie, organisation is my forte. Planning. Organising. Scheduling. It's what I do best, I just love it. I mean planning isn't all about being organised, it's a way of looking forward to things as well having something planned for two months time or next September in my case - FYI, I'm going on holiday for two week. Only 319 days to go! It's a goal that you can work towards. To be honest, I think I spend most of my time looking forward to things, it just helps the week along and gears you up for something special. Like right now, I've got my Christmas Apple Cinnamon candle burning, a fresh homemade vanilla latte in my favourite mug whilst I am sorting my 2016 Christmas playlist on Spotify and finishing my Christmas shopping - I told you I was organised, Christmas will be here before you know it! 

Sometimes it's so easy to get stuck in the same 'day in, day out' routine and you forget to make plans, which means you have nothing to look forward to in the long-run. So go out buy yourself a diary and get planning before it's too late! Here are few ideas that you should have scheduled your in diary, just to get you started: 

1. Girl's Getaway 
At a time when you're at your most vulnerable, your girls are there to pick you up. Even if your friends are scattered across the country like mine, it's a tactical mission (and an incredible amount of planning) to bring us all back together. But when we finally come together, it's like we've never been apart. Seriously. Bringing friends back together is the best feeling in the world; A) it's something to look forward too B) Where there is a reunion, the cocktails always seem to be flowing. 

Girls, look out! November 20th some serious planning is going to take place. 

2. Date Nights {Food & Cocktails included}
First things first, you don't need a boy to have a date night; just grab your best pals and hit the town for a bit of downtime. When you've had a bad day, there is nothing better than having something to look forward too - by the way, your date night don't just have to consist of going out on town; why not have a quiet night in with friends with wine and plenty of chick-flicks. 

3. 'Me Time' 
After a hectic week at work, there is nothing better than having some 'me time'; whether that is settling down with good book, snuggling with a blanket watching a film or going for a stroll around your local park - it's important to unwind and treat yourself every once in a while. 

4. Exercise 
I am always in the gym. Scratch that, I wishfully think about going to the gym but it just never seems to happen but I suppose thinking about going is a good start. Don't you think? Anyway, exercise can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes; I mean I don't go to the gym religiously or even exercise as much as I should but I still embrace the outside world like walking the dogs it still counts as exercise - seriously, when I walk my dog for 20 minutes or so, I probably burn twice as many calories as someone who goes to the gym, just because  we sprint round, not walk.  

5. Pamper Night {Complete with candles, hot chocolate and face masks}
This is Sunday evening territory. I don't tend to do it during the week because I just never seem to have enough time. So, Sunday evenings are the nights that all my beauty products - face masks, exfolitators, hot oil hair treatments - come out to play. Even the products that I am not sure what they do or why I bought them even come out. Hair cream volumizing bath boost mist. I mean what it that? To be fair, I think I go that in a set one year. 

Anyway, having a pamper night is must and having it on a Sunday, just helps to set me up for the week ahead. Schedule this in - take the time to treat your hair with care or let your nails dry instead of waiting two minutes and smudging them. 

Do it all! It will be make you feel awesome afterwards. Why not throw a cheeky bar of chocolate in there too, just go all out! 

6. HOLIDAYS! 
Let's be honest, this one is pretty obvious to schedule in but I thought I would throw it in anyway. Unfortunately, we can't all afford 5* hotels all the time but have a realistic goal that you can save up for; even if its a 4 day weekend away in London or you go to a Spa for the weekend, 20 minutes away from where you live - its still a break! 

I'll be honest, once I get a holiday idea in my head that's it, I am all up for booking it and I'll worry about the money later, hence the traveling wish list I came up with - probably not the best example of how to be a mature, sensible adult. Oops! *Insert monkey with hands over its eyes emoji here*

Until the next scheduling in my diary, Au Revoir! 
Love, 
Lauren xo