I’ve been having a little look through my past blog posts and I realised it’s been a while since I’ve updated you on the comings and goings of well, me. Life’s definitely been a little lac lustre for me recently; I’ve just felt unsure of almost everything in my life. Whilst I haven’t really anything to worry about I’ve felt myself worrying over nothing.
As ridiculous as it seems I haven’t wanted to update you because I haven’t felt like myself but in the grand scheme of it all, I’m feeling much better in myself. Over the past few weeks I’ve started spending more time on me, giving myself time away from my phone and just letting me be, has done wonders. So, I thought I’d share the things I’m trying out with you.
Making Time for Myself
In the past few months I’ve just not felt myself. In my recent post I spoke about the changes I wanted to make in my life, a lot of them linked back to simply making more time for myself.
I find it so easy to build up others and rip myself apart. Blogging, reading and even just sitting with a brew watching the birds in the back garden (yes, I’m a 87 year old n a 26 year olds body). Taking more time to do the things I love has fast become a priority for me. After a bad day at work, or even when I just feel a little overwhelmed, I give myself some time- and hopefully it will reignite some passions of mine.
I’m actually blonder in real life. I blame my poor selfie skills
Hello Blonde?
Okay, I may not be Barbie blonde but I’ve been toying with the idea of having my Balayage put back through my hair for a little while. And like a lot of my life I just didn’t make it a priority. Whilst my hair seems to have grown like Rapunzel’s I just don’t think my natural colour suits who I am.
Adding a few highlights is incredibly superficial but it’s something that makes me feel a little more myself. So, I thought I’d bring it back.
Finding a New Challenge
I think the majority of my problems are that I’m stuck in a rut with no idea to get out of it. Finding something I can really sink my teeth into is kind of a must for me. By Nature, I love to have a challenge but I’m quite lazy. One side of my brain tells me to plan exciting adventurous and pursue blogging, but the other side is telling me to go take a nap. It’s a constant struggle with motivation and procrastination.
Anyway, I’ve been looking to find something to get me out of my rut. So if you have any ideas, leave me a comment below, because I’m purely at a loss when it comes to leaving my comport zone.
Creating my Own Space
For the year or so I’ve been wanting to create a space I can live and work in. Being pretty stretched for space, creating a motivating yet relaxing space has proven quite difficult. If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you might know I’ve been spending some time decorating my room.
Switching up my dated bright pink walls, to a clean white open space. Contrasting with a bright but beautiful palm print wall paper, the space has instantly been updated. In a few weeks I’m hoping to find small desk to give me somewhere to work: my bed is just not working out anymore– who’d have known.
Changing my space has been pretty easy but so motivating. In just a few weeks I’ve majorly upped my content- winning!
And there you have it. All the things I’m attempting to change. I know a lot of these things won’t happen and I may feel like crap in a few days but at least I’m trying.
Forever, hopefully deluded.
Em
x
*Disclaimer-Nothing in this post was given as a gift or at a discount. I wasn’t paid for anything shown in this post.
No hyperlinks have been given throughout this post as all items have been sold out or have been discontinued*
Almost 7 months into the year, I have completed or even worked on any of my new resolutions- and to be honest, I feel totally shit about it. In my head 2019 was the year I’d become this confident, driven woman who’d lost a tone of weight and was happy. And as I write this post, I’ve put on a lot of weight, I’m in debt and I have absolutely no drive what so ever.
Now, this doesn’t mean I’m not happy, in fact the only upside to 2019. My mental health and anxiety have been arguably the best it’s been since I was a spotty teen rocking rock ports and blasting out Pretty Green Eyes, through my Sony Ericsson- ahh the days.
Armed with an army of notebooks, I hope to re-write my January Resolutions-and find something I’m actually motivated to achieve.
Eat healthier.
Around this time last year, I became pescatarian, so far, I’ve enjoyed the majority of it. Usually I stick to vegetarian meals and only eat fish when I’m feeling run down and need a little more protein in my diet. At the start I had hopes of eating super healthy meals all day every day, but it didn’t work that way. Right now, I find myself reaching for my vegetarian alternatives and chips- literally potatoes are my best mate.
Since Christmas, I’ve put on quite a lot of weight and truthfully, I think that’s one of the major reasons I feel so awful about myself. After a good cry and a planning session with the mother, I’ve got my trusty meal plan and I hope, that eating healthier will decrease me waistline and improve my mindset*she said hopefully*.
Blog more.
Okay, okay, I know I’ve been lacking a bit when it comes to content. My Instagram could be described as waste land and my blog has been on the back burner for what seems to be forever.
Recently, I’ve been really missing blogging, even beauty blogposts (which probably take the most effort), I’ve found SO enjoyable to write. It’s safe to say that I’ve found my blogging stride again- just maybe without the schedule?
Now, not to be that blogger(spoiler* I’m going to be), but I have been working on a little something, something when I comes to my little blog. It’s no brand collab or exciting venture, but it’s a way of making my space feel more like mine.
This space is somewhere I want people to relate too, and I hope the next couple of things I have in the pipeline excite you as much as they do me.
Actually, save something.
Now, I know us brits don’t talk about money and what not, but WE all know we everyone has some form of it. The debt spoke about earlier, isn’t a huge. In fact, after my next pay day it will pretty much cease to exist. Thank god!
Something else that ceases to exist is my bloody savings. Have multiple savings accounts with 0.02 in, just makes me feel a little bit sick.
Every month I have these great ideas which will leave me in the black (if that’s right) but I never quite manage it, so let’s hope July is just a little bit easier for me and my bank balance.
Have a trip somewhere.
This might be counter- productive in regards to saving but I NEED A BREAK. Waking up in bedding that I don’t have to wash, to drink coffee till it comes out my ears and to see something outside the norm is something that my soul just needs to experience.
As a rule, I haven’t traveled anywhere other than Greece. In fact traveling makes me ridiculously anxious, but right now, I would happily jump on a plane. Whilst I may not have achieved anything this year, there’s been plenty of drama: so a nice relaxing break a fair way from my problems sounds bloody epic.
*starts planning*
Put myself first.
One of my great faults is taking on other people’s problems. I hate seeing those around me going through the ringer. There’s been so my instances that I’ve jumped into other people’s arguments and ended up being the one in the wrong. And because of this, I’m guilty of not taking enough time to myself.
By nature I’m pretty happy working day to day, so happy infact that I struggle to turn my brain off. Not only do I struggle to calm my brain but I tend to be hard on anything I do achieve. I constantly find myself wondering if I’m doing enough or if I’m even good enough in the first place. Combining this with being my friends and family’s equivalent to Jerry Springer, it’s safe to say I feel enough.
With questions running around my head, day in day out, I know taking time away from the worlds troubles is needed.
So with those, goals set, I hope the next six months will be much more productive? Or just filled with wine*shrugs*.
I know its been a while but I promise I’m back with a metaphorical bang. As may of my long term readers will know each month I try and share a blogger I love, and this month is no exception. Today I have the pleasure of sharing an interview with the ultimate gal pal. Armed with positivity, motivational quotes and absolutely epic blog posts it’s no surprise that this little babe, has been sought after for more than a few exciting opportunities. Whether you’re looking for skincare reviews or a piece to kick start your day, Alicia is the blogger for you.
📸 owned by Alicia.
Alicia A La Mode was a way for Alicia to channel her thoughts and creativity. Each blog post Alicia creates is unbelievably empowering with quotes from inspiring men and women such as Beth Sandland and the legendary Ram Dass.
From humble Piczo beggings to a whole new realm of creativity, Alicia A La Mode, is the one place you can go and trust every word- or maybe, even find a new favourite motivational quote or two.
So, without further ado, let me introduce you to the wonderful Alicia.
Hi Alicia, thank you for taking part!
I can’t tell you how excited I am to have you here!
So my first question has to be what made you take the plunge and start blogging ?
Thank you for having me! So, What made me take the plunge? well, I don’t know if you remember Piczo websites? I had one in secondary school and that’s basically where I learnt all my html stuff haha! I would upload so many pictures of my friends and writing about our memories and I just loved it, I grew out of that by 15 and then in my early twenties I stumbled across beauty blogs and thought omg I would love to do this, I tried for a while, then gave up (its harder than it looks!) And then I met my boyfriend and he was so supportive and bought me a camera and told me I should give it a go and I’ve never looked back since! (thanks babe haha)
For me, personally, you and your content has change over the past year. Your content has become so much stronger and you’ve seemed to become so much more confident within your social media, is this something you’ve been trying to work on ? Or have do you think you’ve just come into your own with experience ?
Awww that is actually really sweet for you to notice. I feel like I’ve learnt a lot about myself and I’ve found my strengths in the past year or so and my confidence has just grown with the experience, it definitely helps when I get messages or engagement in response to something I’ve spoken about, it helps to know I’m on the right track and I’m making a small difference to other people.
You’ve recently spoken openly about suffering with eczema and the effect it had on your confidence. Was this something you were nervous about writing? Or something you felt like you needed to say?
I am actually really nervous about writing such personal post that I was currently dealing with but after writing about my health anxiety and smear test experience I had such amazing feedback from that I just kept thinking back to that feeling and use that as motivation. I really do get a buzz from helping other people out and I have always been quite a confident person, ever since I was a child I haven’t ever cared about other peoples opinions (about myself) but I felt like for the first time I was feeling that self conscious feeling due to my skin flaring up so I was looking for blog posts that had an eczema related post so I would feel better and less isolated but I only found a couple so I thought right I need to just talk about it myself, see if anybody else is suffering and maybe I can help someone in my situation.
Just one of the things I admire about you so much is your passion for blogging, each post just seems so individual to you. Every post you write seems to be so truthful, is this something you thinks important?
Yes 100%! I’ve been the same ever since I was young I think it’s so so important to be honest about everything . It doesn’t matter if it’s in real life or on my blog I would never recommend a product or speak about anything if I didn’t fully believe in it and I think it takes a lot of honesty to build trust in either a friend or a reader so I wouldn’t ever jeopardise that. I always write blog posts as if I’m talking to a friend so I hope my readers find it easy to relate.
📸 owned by Alicia
Throughout, all your blogs you use inspirational quotes from many influential women. Is encouraging women some thing you want to continue throughout your blog (because you do it bloody amazingly)?
Thank you so much! I do love encouraging women I think it’s important to teach young women about it too. I’m the friend everybody goes to for advice too, I’ve been told so many times that I should be a life coach haha! I just love helping people and giving them that extra bit of encouragement because it really does stick with you.
Speaking of admiration, Is there anyone you admire? And if so why does that person stand out to you?
My late nan, she was such huge inspiration to me and she was actually the one who told me I should be a writer one day haha! She was such a strong woman and so so caring but she wouldn’t ever let anybody take advantage of her, she knew her worth and that’s what I admired so much about her. I am a lot like her and everything I believe in is due to what she taught me.
In fact, your writing style as a whole is so incredibly positive, do you find it comes naturally or does writing make you feel more positive within your self?
It comes fairly natural to me, on the whole I’m quite positive. I do tend to overthink things and I got in a state with my eczema but overall I like to look at the bigger picture and concentrate on the more important stuff. I don’t see the point in holding grudges or talking negatively about people, I think it’s better to look for the positives in anything you can, otherwise you’ll become quite miserable. I love laughing and don’t like taking things too seriously so positivity always wins for me haha.
Just like you’re writing, your fashion is something so unique to you. Is fashion something you want to introduce more ?
I’m in too minds about this, I love fashion and I started this blog intending it to be a fashion blog but I just got so carried away with beauty in the end! I would like to feature more of my fashion because I have quite an eclectic taste, I don’t even think you could label it, I love cool casual clothing but then I love floaty boho outfits too, I don’t stick to one style at all I just see something I like and wear it, the only thing that puts me off is the guilt if I feel like I’m adding to the fast fashion industry so maybe I could post more ethical brands or a capsule wardrobe perhaps?
I’m one of your recent posts, you opened up a lot more about crystals. As some one who has carried rose quarts around with me for years, I can’t help but wonder has introducing crystals helped you find your ‘zen’?
Oh really? Me too! Haha. It definitely has helped me, my nan used to use them all the time so I kinda grew up already knowing what they were and she gave me my own one on my first day of school when I was around 5 years old? But I grew up and just didn’t give it much thought but after she passed, I was so grateful to be able to keep her crystals and then that sparked up my fascination with them again. I think they are so beautiful to look at regardless to whether people think they work or not I just find it reassuring to have something physical to hold to help me feel better if that makes sense? I have rose quartz all around my bath even rose quartz candle holders and it helps me relax sooooo much, I love it.
One of the many bloggers you’ve quoted throughout your work is Beth Sandland, is traveling something you would be interested in sharing on your blog ? Is it something you keep to yourself(we all need something)?
Oh I love Beth! She has definitely inspired me to travel more, I love that she is very realistic and transparent. I feel like if I go travelling, even in the UK I will definitely share it on my blog I’m a bit of an anxious traveller in all honesty, so I would have to bring you all on the journey too – as moral support!
You’ve accomplished so much with your blog recently. Blogosphere, Collabs and finally figuring a way to combine our past few months. What’s next for Alicia A La Mode?
Aw, Thank you! I would be over the moon if I had my own podcast, I would love to tackle taboo subjects with other women and I would love to write my own book or create my own wellness journal so I could physically help or teach women to love themselves or just to feel amazing. I really think self love is a priority and I would have it based around that.
And that empowering little answer is the end of this incredible interview with Alicia, I hope you’ll agree that she is more than an average blogger. Her enthusiasm is not only not only infectious but needed in such a dramatic blogosphere. Whether its sharing inspirational quotes from other incredible women, or speaking openly about topic that effect us all. Alicia A La Mode, is one of the most exciting up and coming bloggers for me, personally.
With the recent growth in her blog , I cant wait to see what the future holds for this amazing creator (and her ADORABLE pug, Louie). I hope you agree that, Alicia is proof that if you are true to yourself a glass ceilings are made to be broken.
Whether, it’s her introduction of cristals, or the encouragement she weaves in every post, it’s a little wonder why Alicia is one of my favourite bloggers. I couldn’t be more grateful for this amazing blogger to take part in this series.
I hope you feel the same.
If you want to find out more about Alicia, feel free to search her socials (see below) or use the hyperlinks at the beginning of the post. Alternatively, leave a comment and show this megababe some love!
Always,
Em x
Disclaimer: All images have been sent from Alicia, I own no rights to the images shown throw out the post. If you would like to see any more images from Alicia, please search one of her handles.
I’d apologies for not posting something recently but, I just haven’t felt myself. I’ve felt so low, I couldn’t shake the mood I was in and I was constantly over thinking a few of the situations I’m in. Life’s been so hectic and I’ve been miserable- so I thought I’d keep it myself.
Whilst I was down and out I noticed my skin was starting to become dry, a few days later my skin was sore to the touch- even something as simple as speaking left me close to tears.
Other than a few hormonal break outs I’ve never had any issues with my skin- or at least not to this extent- there was never any real pain.
Not to sound dramatic(but I am 100% going to) whilst I’ve been feeling so low, my poor skin only added to my moods. Not only was I down and out, but I was so self conscious- and that left me hating myself.
After a heart to heart with a few of my nearest and dearest, I decided to see a some one about my skin. Moments after walking into my 15 minute appointment I was told I was probably allergic to drug store make up. So, after this diagnosis I marched into my nearest Debenhams like only a pissed off woman can do, and begged for some help at the clarins counter.
And they didn’t disappoint- the lovely ladies didn’t just help me chose some basic products but they helped me feel comfortable enough to talk about how much of a confidence knock I’ve had. After sharing how down I was the amazing women (who I wish I got the names off) told me I how often this happens. So, after buying a lot of new skin care and a heck of a lot of research into some new make up, The bad skin diaries was born(originally being called the shit skin diaries But sometimes I have to be PG).
3 days in.
In the first few days my main focus was taking away the pain, as silly as it sounds I actually missed being able to smile without looking like The Joker. One of the first products to make a difference was the Clarins Lip Oil, £18.00. Being instantly drawn to the pricey product due to the comforting, yet hydrating formula- I wasn’t disappointed. Now, £18.00 for what is essentially a lip balm is more draw dropping than a Jeremy Kyle contest with A full set of teeth- but I will categorically say this product is worth its weight in GOLD.
Just a few days after using this product my lips were so nourished and while the dry skin didn’t miraculously vanish, I was no longer in pain- I could laugh to my hearts content again.
With the introduction of Clarins Skin care, my skin was so much more comfortable. The higher price point initially made me so dubious, but just a few days in my skins texture, look and pain has completely changed for the better.
7 days in
Honestly, just 7 days in, I was shocked with the texture of my skin. By simply swapping my skin care with something a bit pricier and with less shit in it, my skin was no longer painful. Whilst my lips and skin was still dryer than the Sahara, i started to feel so much more comfortable in the way i looked.
In the past week I saw the blisters (yes my skin was so bad I had tiny blisters on my eyes) i had previously on my skin, all but disappear. The swelling in my eye had become barely noticeable. As for my lips, well, they had finally begun to heal. No longer were they flaking. Obviously, they wer still dry and areas of my skin would still peel, but they were no longer bleeding, nor was I reaching for pain killers every time I ate. If you take anything from these posts, make sure its this. BUY A BLOODY LIP OIL.
30 days in
As I’ve reached the end of the very generously travel sized products, clearing had to offer my skin is pretty much how I’d like it. Blisters have gone, my skin is mostly hydrated and I’ve had no break outs in weeks. Right now, I have one patch of dry skin above my eye- but honestly that was the place when my skin issues started. Whilst my skin is healing Inever expected results like this. I never expected things to happen over night but 30 days, no pain, blisters disappearing and skin being moderately hydrated and some what glowwy- I’m in.
Whilst my skin was bad my lips made me feel awful about myself. I love wearing a nude lip, for me, lipstick makes me feel like my make up is finished. So when my lips looked like they were melting off my face, i started to feel so low about myself. And now?
My lips are the best they have been in years. I have one corner of my mouth that’s red. In comparison to a few weeks ago, that is nothing. So, I am hopeful, that in a few weeks, I’ll be finding my lanolin free lipstick. Any recommendations, leave them in the comments.
If you have made it to the end of this very long post, treat yourself to a cup of tea, because babe, you deserve it.
What i do want to say is whilst this post is most definitely Clarins heavy, but if something works, I’m not going to change it. In the past few weeks my skin has pretty much transformed. I’ve spent less time crying over my skin and more time treating it. A combination of the Lip oil, Moisutriser and mask, I can finally say I am comfortable with how my skin looks, and trust me when I say its been a while since I can proudly say that!
Hope you enjoyed he first instalment! I’ll try and get the next one up next week!
If I am totally honest with you, I have tried to come up with some witty snippet which shows my sheer admiration for the woman I am about to interview and nothing came close. In other words, Rachel Salter, otherwise known as Dollie is not only one of the most inspiring people I have ever met, but is truly an incredible friend.
Whilst sharing her love of all things Disney, her illnesses, and her up and coming bundle of Joy, its safe to Say the love she shares throughout her channels, will soon be shown in an all new light. So I would like to welcome you to the wonderfully magical world of Dollies Adventures...
Hope you’re okay and are still as wonderful as ever! 2018 was such a massive year for you, what does 2019 hold for you?
Hey Em! Thank you so much for having me as apart of your interviews, I am so grateful to be given this chance to sit and have a little natter with you. Well kicking of 2019 with the most incredible news that I am going to be a mummy. My husband and I have been trying for a baby for a long while so feel completely blessed to finally have this beautiful baby in our lives. Baby is due in September and I cannot wait. This year will bring lots of lifestyle updates in regards to pregnant life, decorating the nursery and on top of that LOTS more Disney and lovely pretties! I am still working with Soap and Glory reviewing new products which is always such a joy and I hope to work with another big beauty brand in the coming future all being well, I’ll reveal as time goes on.
Disney is such a huge part of your life, are you planning on taking any more trips to the land of happiness?
My husband and I are absolutely planning more trips to Disney of course!! Once Baby is big and old enough to safely and comfortably travel we will make that magical journey to the castle and share it with our baby.
For me you embody Disney, you provide so much happiness to those around you whether thats through your blog, social media or friendship. Even supporting people like myself when we were completely young and naive. So, I was wondering, If there was one thing you would want to tell your younger self?
Oh that is an incredibly good question and one that generates nothing short of a powerful response. What I would tell my younger self is to STOP! Stop confirming to trends, groups, popular opinions and acting a certain way because you thought it was cool ~ Be your own person, stand out because you’re yourself and proud. Make decisions based on your gut and not your heart and always have faith in your own mind and abilities. I would tell myself to stop being to hard on yourself, you put too much pressure on yourself and you don’t need to. Enjoy life and the little things because with hard work you’ll reap the benefits so work hard but don’t forget to let your hair down because your only young once and shouldn’t look back regret can eat a person alive.
You are so passionate about spreading awareness about disabilities, is this something that you will continue to do on your blog and socials?
100% absolutely! Awareness is key after all! Individuals with disabilities are amount the strongest of people I have had the deepest pleasure of meeting, working with and crossing paths with, I adore everyone I have met and am humbled and inspired by everyone’s journeys and lives. WE deserve everything that everyone else is offered, the disabled community deserve a voice and a platform and if I am but one person who helps stand up and creates a voice then so be it. One person is better than none. When I was first diagnosed with my health conditions it wasn’t the condition that hurt and tore me apart it was the sheer loneliness and isolation being sick brings and I couldn’t bare the thought of anyone else feeling this same feeling. So if I have to speak openly and freely about my health including all the embarrassing parts in order to stop just 1 other person feeling that loneliness creep in ~ then my blog has made a difference. That’s why I’ll continue to speak freely, openly and proudly about my disabilities on as many platforms as possible.
Just one thing I admire about you is your openness to discuss your own illnesses, whilst still taking on the world like the ultimate boss. Do you ever think your amazing mindset could be changed?
Oh bless you babe, thank you, no way!! My mindset will never change I will continue to be the honest, humorous and sometimes sarcastic writer about my own health for as long as there’s a platform I will continue to have a voice.
In the past you’ve been a constant support when I’ve struggled with my mums illness’s. Is being a support to others something that means a lot to you ? And do you have your own supporters when things get tough?
Hearing that makes me feel so happy knowing that I have offered support to you in times where you’ve needed it the most, that makes me so happy. I feel very passionate about helping and supporting others because to be honest with my illnesses and disabilities made my life incredibly difficult and I probably did not have as much support as I needed not through anyone’s fault but Purely because my support network where so fearful of the diagnosis and the life I was living that they wouldn’t accept or acknowledge it and that made it hard to manage alone. I had no choice but to become my own biggest support and learn to be strong for everyone else and myself. This is probably why I am passionate about helping and supporting others.
You have an amazing ability of making every one feel amazing about themselves. You’re so motivating to everyone, who motivates you?
I think personally it’s not who motivates me it’s more so what motivates me. The motivations comes from the fact that I was told I would never be able or capable of doing something, therefore find love and motivation is finding a passion for something that no one believed that I could but don’t get me wrong the smaller passionate bloggers inspire me because they remind me that we all started somewhere and everyone deserves a chance and a platform to do what they love.
In the past you have dabbled in YouTube, is that something your going to continue ? Or is blogging the way for you?
I would LOVE to do some YouTube pregnancy videos however I’m honestly struggling to find the time to do everything. When your pregnant, working and walking around with some absolutely crap health issues days can run away with you and sometimes finding time to eat becomes a task in itself. If there where more hours in the day I would love too.
You have worked with some amazing brands recently, is this something you’d love to continue?
Yes I feel absolutely blessed to have been given such wonderful opportunities with brands and I hope that I continue working with some more, as I mentioned earlier there’s one more in the pipeline but I’m not allowed to mention that yet ha ha!
I could ask you a million questions (honestly) but if there was one thing that you wish you could tell others, what would it be?
One thing I could tell others?! Wow such an incredible question and to be honest I’m struggling to narrow it down because I am quite a passionate conversationalist and depending on my audience would depend on my topic. One this I would say is this STOP pushing smaller bloggers away just because of the amount of followers they have, so you ever think sometimes people just deserve a bloody break and need just 1 person to step out of the line of judgemental influencers and vouch for them?! Let’s just all be mindful that everyone is doing their best and sometimes someone just needs a break! Oh and STOP THROWING PLASTIC IN THE BLOODY SEA WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!! Ha ha!
And with that exceptional environmental point, I wanted to mention the impact Rachel has had on the blogging community- in particular the impact she’s had on smaller bloggers. Being a constant support for any blogger questioning their abilities, sharing her own thoughts on issues that effect all small writers, and fighting for equal opportunities- its safe to say that the blogosphere really would be missing a star if Rachel decided to end her adventure.
As of right now all I can say is thank you to this amazing woman. The support she has not only given me, but SO many others really has shaped who we become as a writer’s. For that alone I, owe a lot to Rachel.
So here’s to Dollies Adventures, I hope you never lose your way,
Em x
Disclaimer: All images used throughout this blog post are owned by Dollies Adventures. A conversation prior to the publishing of this interview confirmed that i was allowed to share them.
If you would like to see more of Rachel’s work, please feel free to click the links below.
I know, I know its been a while- and for that i am not in the least bit sorry. Life over the past few weeks has been quiet, with quiet came a few realisations. I realised that (and I don’t mean to boast- well maybe a little) but i finally feel like i have my shit together. Trust me, i am just as shocked as any one.
NOW, by no means do i have the answers to all the millennial issues. I am still shit with money, fat and my sex life is dryer than the Sahara desert- i’m just good with it. We are all to often caught saying
‘ you should only look back to see how far we’ve come’
But if you are anything like me, then you will only look to the positives of the past. Nights out, relationships, graduations are all things i compare my current life too. But what about the crippling anxiety, mounds of debt and self esteem lower to than my bank account. If i am to be perfectly honest, i really am bloody happy to be where i am today.
*cough* Cheesey as fuck*cough*
Photographer: Rebecca Walker.
Dieting.
Now lets start with the shit stuff. Dieting. My last blog spoke about my ‘ditching the term plus size’. Hatred for the term probably comes from the negative relationship with my body. Now, i look at dieting as a way to learn how to cook, how to prepare myself for the week ahead and even to a certain extent, how too budget. Dieting has been such an awful experience in the past. From rationing my food to living off 800 calories a day, i never wanted to be the size i am. Yet, here i am the wrong size of 25 with my huge bum and 28 E boobs (and yes, crippling back ache).
Right now i am technically dieting, Slimming world has been a way i can learn how to cook for my new veggie lifestyle. With friends and family not being the most supportive Slimming world has been a great network for recipes.
Dating.
Photographer: Rebecca Walker.
Want some juicy goss? Then go somewhere else.
As with the rest of my life, my romantic life is non-existent- and like my body, i am good with it. Friends of mine are getting married, having babies and me? Well right now, I’m sat in the same room i grew up in drinking a corona, watching an Criminal Minds.
After a few shit relationships I finally understand the importance of being alone.I have replied heavily on my exes, i needed some one to tell me i was okay- as stupid as it sounds i was to scared to live my life independently.
Romantic relationships just isn’t something i am looking for right now, but if Prince Charming wants to fall into my life with a classic Nintendo and a few bottle of beer, then I wouldn’t run away.
Striving for independence.
Independence means a lot to different people. To some it means paying your own bills, to others it means traveling alone, for me? It simply means being comfortable enough to create something that i’ve been to scared too.
A few years back i was scared of everything. My mental health health nose dived, panic attacks took hold and i had no idea what i was doing one day to the next. So for me, its time to finally be able to stand on my own two feet and leave my anxieties in the past.
And goals? You better believe I’ve got them now and right now, i am smashing them (i mean to really, I’m not the Hulk).
BUY MY FIRST HOME.
BECOME MORE COMFORTABLE WITH WHO I AM.
TRAVEL ALONE (even if it is only to centre parks)
Photographer: Rebecca Walker.
Organising my shit
Guys i am pretty okay with admitting that i am not Marie Kondo but i have started appreciating organising my life. Making breakfast the night before, ironing my clothes ready for the week on Sunday night and cleaning my space much more often, has made me feel so much more in control of my own life.
Like with so many things in my life, of course there is most definitely more switch up’s up to come but organising my life has impacted my life so much. I am so excited, to see how the year (and my poor attempt at organisation) goes.
Photographer: Rebecca Walker.
2019 has flown by so quickly, its basically the middle of march and I have no recollection as to what happened to February. This little update and content switch up has been something i have wanted to do for a while. I have spent so much time wasting my life with poor relationships, low self esteem and just accepting that i was always going to unhappy – right now, this couldn’t be further from the truth. I finally feel like i am working towards the things i have always been too scared too.
And i promise to share them with you when i finish them.
As i sit an write this , i cant help but stare and the copious amount of clothing I’ve been buying recently. With the recent developments in sizing, styles and stores, the Plus size market has become more profound than ever- right now, I am in total awe at how amazing the ‘plus’ size clothing is in the UK has become. For years the ‘Plus’ size clothing stores have been ill flattering, and lack all sense of fashion. With brands such as ASOS, River Island and even New Look have finally allowed the curvy amongst us to find affordable, fashionable clothing the ‘Plus’ size clothing market has never been as advanced.
Now, pals, i am by no means saying that there isn’t any room for improvement in the Plus Size industry. Seriously i can list the issues my 16-18 chunky bod has when fighting the losing battle trying to find something ‘nice’ in store. Yet, the growth the industry has had shows a complete shift in a much better direction. Empire lines, flowing material and more accesability show a much better understanding of a curvier woman’s need. I just can’t help but ask, with the growth in the industry i am left wondering isn’t it time to ditch the ‘Plus Size’ term altogether?
Image taken by Rebecca Walker
Image taken by Rebecca Walker
Outfit details.
Jumper: TU at Sainsbury’s.
Skirt: Primark.
Belt: Primark
Shoes: Raid via ASOS
Same clothing, same price.
Many stores now offer a plus size range, an has since started making the same pieces through out all their clothing. By this i mean much of the clothing in the plus size ranges is exactly the same (just sized higher) than much of the regular sized clothing. So, why am i walking up a flight of stairs to find a piece of clothing that i have seen 4 times down stairs?
As a rule, i don’t understand much within this segment of the clothing industry. Why should my reasonably sized boobs and Kardashian’s rival bottom mean I don’t fit into the Norm of clothing? Surely it would be better to make customers feel equal no matter the size of their behind ? Many stores argue that the fabric, patterns and even marketing equate to higher prices and being segregated from the rest of the other clothing items. Yet, with the fashion industry being one of the leading industries i highly doubt merging all areas of the clothing within a store will hardly knock the overall growth of the industry.
We’re not all made the same.
Understanding body shapes must rival the Pythagoras theorem. Every woman, is shaped differently regardless of your weight, Height and even style. As a woman who is constantly battling her weight, why should my clothing make me feel any less than ‘comfortable’?
Now, i understand that with a copious amount of body shapes, stores are fighting a losing battle. Some items will never look great on a pear shape whilst others items are just too short for a six foot frame.Yet, isn’t it better for people to have a level of trust in their favourite clothing brand rather than share the feeling of ‘ i can’t believe i have to go their again’. Taking plus size out of the equation for one moment, isn’t it worth creating a space where everyone has value?
Image taken by Rebecca Walker
Image taken by Rebecca Walker
A Trigger?
Now, i am fully aware that some suffering with eating disorders may find this triggering. Walking to a separate area, in which you can shop with in comfort is important. However, many of the plus sized clothing collections are placed in obvious spaces. Women have to walk through area which see stick thin Mannequins, small items of clothing all of which only amplify insecurites. If stores don’t want this collection to be triggering isn’t it time to group all collections together and let all shoppers be equal. And if not, move the curve items to a much more discreet area of the store.
The future?
The future of the clothing industry will hopefully hold so much more growth within the ‘Plus’ sized category and for me, that is dropping the notion of plus sized all together. On a daily basis we are told that our size shouldn’t define who we are, so why are we allowing clothing stores to tell us any different? Walking through a store filled with smaller sized items, means that many like myself are forced to see what we could be. In a world of fad diets, motivational quotes and fakery, i am ready to stand up and say my size does not define who i am. Nor should it define how i feel in stores i spend my hard earn money in.
I can’t be the only person in the world which hates the term ‘Plus Size’. The size of my hips shouldn’t restrict the clothing i have access too. With the constant demand for affordable, fashionable clothing, when will the High Street learn that all customers are just as important as one and other. The size and shape of your body has no correlation to you or your sense of style. Kardashian bums, mum tums and massive lady lumps shouldn’t be a restriction, it should be something we have and can parade in a gorgeous leopard print shirt.
So tell me, what do you think? Is it time all customers were treated equally, or do you have an entirely different opinion. Please let me know in the comments below.
Em x
Disclaimer : I paid for these clothes with my own money and have never worked with either
Creating my Own Space
Have a trip somewhere.
Disclaimer: All images have been sent from Alicia, I own no rights to the images shown throw out the post. If you would like to see any more images from Alicia, please search one of her handles. 
7 days in
Hope you’re okay and are still as wonderful as ever! 2018 was such a massive year for you, what does 2019 hold for you? 
