I am drafting this post for you the day after Halloween. You can call me grumpy if you wish to; however, Halloween is simply not the holiday for me. I used to like it many years ago when I was in my late teenage years, and I could dress in a provocative outfit and head out for the evening with the intention of getting my drinks bought for me all night by any male that was hanging around by the bar.
These days, it is not for me. I didn’t grow up in a household where you went trick-or-treating, as my mother didn’t want us knocking on strangers’ doors. And to be honest, the thought of eating food that’s been in someone else’s house makes me incredibly nervous. It is something that I want to make exciting for my child as he gets bigger, but it will all be done through gritted teeth.
THE HEALTH UPDATE
The last time I spoke to you guys, it was a couple of weeks after having the surgery on my breast. I will say that recovery has been incredibly smooth, and now we are almost 4 weeks post-surgery, things seem completely back to normal, other than the odd itching occurrence that always seems to strike in the middle of the night.
Following my surgery, I was meant to head to the hospital and get the final results and get discharged from the breast department. This is because they check the removed lump and the area around it to ensure that they have a healthy border of tissue that is not affected and that all of the unhealthy tissue has been removed successfully. The hospital has now cancelled my appointment twice, as they are so understaffed that samples cannot be checked. It is worrying, and I hate to have this hanging over me as I really want to close this chapter and move on from it. However, we all understand the immense pressure that the NHS is under at the moment, but it is also fair to say that we are human beings, just trying to get on with our lives and we need things wrapping up properly.
THE BEAUTY BREAKDOWN
To say that my website has always had a primary focus on beauty, I am really struggling with this area at the moment. To me, beauty is quite a frivolous expense. I wear the same kind of make-up look each and every day, and I have fantastic products that I know can achieve the look that I want with minimal effort. Because of that, I don’t want to go out and buy every new foundation launch when I already have fantastic items that simply work for me. I did consider taking advantage of the Sephora sale as a gold member, as that meant that I would get a 25% discount on items; however, I quickly realised that I would simply be buying items for the sake of buying items and my basket is still sitting there with multiple items that I have abandoned.
One thing that I do want to try and improve is my skincare routine. I have always been rather lax when it comes to taking care of my skin. I now remove my make-up in a much better way and simply running a wipe across my face; however, I am not particularly disciplined in the next steps that can make a difference long-term. Being a woman in her early 30s, I know that I need to make the changes to my skin care routine now in order to see the difference later down the line.Â
I want to speak to a skincare expert because I get incredibly overwhelmed with a fast array of skincare items on the market and I believe that is why I am paralysed in this terrible routine. Or lack of routine.
THE FAMILY UPDATESÂ
Since having my son in August 2024, I have shared that I would love to expand our family. However, you may be aware that our journey to parenthood wasn’t necessarily straightforward, nor is it quick.
I think there is a small part of me that is maybe shelving the dream of having another child, and I am trying to adapt and be okay with that. The small part of me that mouns about potentially never getting to have the squishy newborn and experience those first all over again. However, I’m trying to get into the mindset that I’m so incredibly lucky that we have got to experience parenthood with our son, because there was a time when I never thought I would be able to have one child, never mind two.
At the moment, my son is running me ragge,d and I couldn’t love it more. He is approaching 15 months old, he’s talking, walking and eating me out of house and home. As much as I miss having that small and cuddly baby, having a child in the house with such a big personality is a dream come true.
THE BLOGGING UPDATE
Over the past few weeks, if you have tried to access my site, then you would probably come up against password protection. That is because while I was updating my website, I had placeholder text and images which needed to be replaced with my own original content. Now that everything is in place and appearing as it should, the password protection can go away and I can welcome back visitors to my site.
The main focus of my website has always been to share blog posts. And the truth is, even though I will still share regular posts, I needed my website to encompass more than just that small area of my life. Especially as I move into different aspects of my career and where I want my creative path to go next, I need my website to reflect that. Hence, the recent round of changes.
For those of you who want to visit this website and get my opinion on the latest fashions, learn more about the books that I have read or just chit-chat with me, this blog function will still remain. However, throughout the site, there will be different areas to hopefully appeal to the broader audience that I have gained over the years. This website will be a hope for all elements of my career, my freelancing, my hopeful writing future and all other areas of my passions and interests.
THE FASHION UPDATE
I feel like in every single update that I do, I share with you guys that I am putting myself on a spending band and no longer expanding the accessories within my closet. Well, that sentiment needs to be shelved, and I am going to stop saying that doomed phrase continually.
These past few weeks, I have been investing in a few basics from the high-street primarily. I have lost a vast amount of weight in the past year, I’m finding that even some of the smaller clothes that I bought are beginning to hang from me and look rather unkept. I will say that it is a rather bitter pill to swallow. Even though I’m absolutely over the moon with my weight loss and I cannot believe that I am still able to shed a healthy amount on a regular basis, having to re-buy a pair of blue jeans or a pair of black work trousers, the novelty is beginning to wear off. And my bank account seriously does not like it.Â
In terms of a high-end purchase, I recently added my first Dior D-joy into my collection. I have admired this handbag from a distance for quite some time and always appreciated how chic and stylish the item looks. I toyed for a long time with what colourway and fabric to go with, as I do have an amazing collection of black and neutral handbags already at my disposal. However, I then saw a stunning item newly listed on Vestiaire Collective website, and I knew that it had to be mine. It is a beautiful Dior D-Joy, but in a nude suede with a shearling trim. It is an item that is suited for the season that we are about to head into, but it has brought me so much happiness since I first purchased it, and I know that I will be wearing it with so many beautiful tonal outfits over the next few months.
The only other thing that I believe deserves an honourable mention in this section of the post is that I am officially on the hunt for the viral Zara black leather jacket. I do have a wonderful leather jacket in my closet currently, and I have been questioning whether I really need another; however, they are very different in style. The leather jacket, which I currently own is rather fitted and rings true for a very traditional looking leather jacket. The new addition from Zara, however, has those iconic Saint Laurent vibes with its oversized nature, the high collar and the exaggerated shoulders. I will purchase it and I will make it the focal point of every outfit between November and March next year.
THE NOVEL PROGRESS
This past week, I have really sunk my teeth into getting my novel to a position where I am happy to begin to share with book agents. After going through an extensive review process myself, I have been working with an excellent independent editor who has been providing me with some fantastic feedback and giving me the confidence that I need to take the next step.
The only thing holding me back at the moment is that I am endlessly coming up with new ideas that I want to add to this novel. However, these things are never quick and to add new/imrpoved storylines would take me a very long time to carefully intertwine them into the existing narative. My editor has said that they think they they are fantastic ideas, but would probably be better suited to a second book that I could offer out and include in my presentation when I’m reaching out to agents.
There is a part of my brain though, that wants to put all of my top-tier ideas into this novel so that it has the best chance of cinching a deal, as realistically, talking, a second book may never take off or see the light of day. But I need to remind myself that not all books can have all ideas, all tropes and all hooks within them. The logical thing is to build out a series that somebody can dive into.Â
THE HOME RENOVATIONSÂ
As normal, I am slowly chugging my way through the home renovations that I have planned. I do believe that I have just one more small area of paint, which should only take me an afternoon, and then it is more around dressing the spaces and buying them small decorative touches that help to bring a space together.
This certainly seems like I am reaching the easier and more enjoyable part of carrying out home renovations; however, it also seems to be the expensive stage. A prime example of this is that we have some beautiful shelves in our lounge, which sit on either side of our television. I want to curate these shelves with beautiful items, but as I have begun to map these out with books, plants, small sculptures, pots and much more, the price creeps up into ridiculous figures.
My brain tells me that these are things I can just buy here and there over the years, as and when I find something worth adding. Doing it this way would alleviate spending a chunk of money in one large hit. However, my OCD and brain struggle to work in this manner. If there is a space that needs to be filmed, I want to do it as soon as possible and have those tasks ticked off my to-do list.
THE MUSIC REPORT
In my last post, I believe it was following the launch of the new Taylor Swift album. In all honesty, I do still have that on repeat, and I have no shame about that. There are a few new additions that I have added to my daily playlist, and they are primarily some country releases. I wouldn’t say that there is a specific song or artist that I want the shout about at this time.
One thing that is exciting than the music is that I managed to bag myself tickets to see Luke Combs when he performs at Wembley next year. I did see him a couple of years ago when he visited London, and my husband and I had an absolutely incredible night. I think this time around will be even better because he has Thomas Rhett supporting, and I have been an enormous fan of him since I first began to love country music many years ago.
THE MENTAL HEALTH REPORT
I always feel like I am going to tempt fate when I share these updates; however, I am pleased to announce that my mental health is still in a very good position. There are times when I can feel an internal itch which I cannot scratch, simply from having a vastly unachievable to-do list; however, I am getting there, and I remain in a good place.
I am trying to remind myself that it is perfectly normal to have a full plate and that many other working parents are also in the same position. They have stresses at work, they have stresses at home, and this is just trying to balance things out and not reach the point of overwhelm. Currently, I am managing, and long may it continue.
THE SOCIAL UPDATE
I wish I had something better to say in my monthly social update, but sadly, I do not. I speak with my closest girlfriends on a daily basis, and we all have amazing intentions to get together, but they never seem to come to fruition. We all have children and are in different stages of their early years, so we are able to sympathise with one another. However, it does not make it easier to actually get together physically.
A perfect example of this is that I live about four streets away from my best friend in the whole world. The last time I saw her in the flesh was in March. We both work full-time, she has two children, I have one child, and we have very limited free time to actually make our plans come to life. I can only hope that over the festive period, when we have time away from work that we can align, even if we have to bring the children with us.
THE RECENT READS
Soul Searching by Lyla Sage – this is the book which I initially struggled to get going with. I was incredibly excited for this novel to come out because I’ve always been an enormous fan of Lyla Sage and her Meadowlark series. In my opinion, I found that the descriptions of the characters, which are usually my initial hook, weren’t as strong as in her previous novels. Because of that, I felt like it really took some time to develop a connection with the characters. I did enjoy this by the time I really managed to sink my teeth into it, however, it did occur much later than normal.
Mate by Ali Hazlewood – Following my slow start with the book, which I had just previously managed, it was Mate that hooked me back into the reading realm. I can remember when I first read the book Bride by Ali Hazlewood; it was my first step into the fantasy/romance category. And I loved it instantly. The same can be said for this new addition to the series. There is nothing more that I want than a man with animalistic tendencies.
Power Play by Chelsea Curto – if you have learnt anything over the years, then you should know that I am a sucker for a sports romance. Primarily for fictional hockey players. This novel was a true romance book, with an array of very common tropes; however, that does not make me less enthusiastic for the novel. I loved reading this, and I finished it within the day. It is simply a great book for people who want to indulge in a romance, with a touch of spice and a happily ever after.Â
OTHER RAMBLES
I guess the only other thing for me to mention is that I am still considering purchasing a new car. The sad thing is that my Range Rover, over the years, has cost me an arm and a leg. I recognise that for some people my car would be their dream vehicle, but that has never been the case for me, and it annoys me to continue forking out money for a car which I do not necessarily love.
At the moment, I am torn between getting a cheap runaround while I am in this early stage of motherhood. However, I know that I like the finer things in life, and I think that I would instantly want to invest in a new car. I have always imagined bombing around in a Mini Cooper, looking all chic behind the wheel, but I currently have an enormous car seat chilling in the back, which may not work within my Mini vision!
