SUMMER 2017 ROUNDUP & A/W GOALS

I can't physically believe that Summer 2017 is officially OVER. (Well, officially on the 22nd of this month - which !! whhhy). Anyway, as you may or may not be aware, I have completely failed at my monthly updates (and I was doing so well!).. this is partly due to being unwell for the majority of Summer, but also because once I am well, there seems to be no stopping me. I suddenly become the biggest social butterfly known to man, and make time for nothing other than getting up and out of the house and trying to make the most of being able to do so! I thought I'd do a little round up of my Summer in general (considering I've missed out, what, like, 3 months pretty much?... oops

So obviously I started my Summer being pretty poorly sick in general (ref. photos below). After much determination NOT to give up my normal life, you know, of literally just going to work and occasionally socialising. I had to give in at the beginning of June and call in sick to work, miss friends 25th birthday parties, and once again, be bed bound for around 11 weeks (!!!).
HOWEVER, enough doom and gloom. I wanted to just share a few odd moments from this Summer that, although cut short for me, has been one of the best, since the oh so famous, 2013 (the Summer I will forever obsess with as being the very best of my life so far, bless me).

TYPICAL MADI TIME:
Obviously what with the time I had with being off work/not being able to get dressed properly etc, I've spent a good amount of this Summer trying to heal myself/keep calm/stress free etc (same old same old). I actually managed to finish an entire book during the time I was unwell (which is a pretty big deal considering I'm a very slow reader), I also surrounded myself with as much outdoors as possible, and must've visited 80% of the coffee shops in Bristol and consumed at least 50 soya hot chocolates. Me and Christina spent a morning walking around Bristol Botanical Gardens in Clifton, during one of the hot days we had, somewhere I would really recommend if you're wanting to escape the city, while still being in the city.. if that makes any sense.

FEEL GOOD, DO GOOD:

As the months of June & July went by, I began to gain my strength back up again and my new medication started to kick in (yaaas). This meant I was able to feel stronger, physically and mentally, and actually go out and see my friends. This year I've been really focused on trying to get the most out of every opportunity/situation. I've pushed myself to be the get out there and do things I wouldn't usually and become the social butterfly I once was back in 2008 (lol). When I look back now, I've actually done everything I wanted to! Travelled, met old friends, met new friends, got a pay rise, got a new car, exercised (twice..) - its all happened! 

SUMMER CELEBRATIONS:

As well as most of my other friends, I turnt 25 this year! (cry). I'm still not really sure how I feel about it. I almost feel like this is the first year I've actually felt like an adult. All of a sudden I feel super ready to fly the nest and take care of myself, by myself - if that makes sense. I suddenly feel a lot more grown up than I did and a lot more responsible. Maybe its because I've stopped getting so drunk? or maybe because I've been single for the entire year? either way, it feels pretty nice.. I guess!
I put a lot of effort into my birthday party, which was nice but it just all felt a bit anti climax in the end. I wasn't drinking any alcohol at the time so nothing got too crazy, and every one left for town after a few hours, as naturally thats what we would've done in the past. Fancy pre drinks followed by a boogy in town.. HOWEVER, I'm so thankful for my pals Austin and Christina for helping me organise such an amazingly decorated party, doesn't it look cool!? (and of course thanks to my mum for the food, my nan for the Pimms, and my dad for making me an entire Tikki Bar!!).

HOLIBOBS:

Not being funny, but how on earth have I managed to go away not once, not twice, but three times this year? I'm not even just talking about affording it! I mean the general organisation of such get aways. This year is probably the first year where I've used my initiative and sought out holidays to go on, I've booked hotels, booked flights, navigated the airport multiple times. I know these are such easy and simple things to do, but for some reason before this year, the thought of typing my card details into merely an online site of any kind would give me mild anxiety. Me and Christina kicked off the travel side of things by visiting Budapest in May, then for my birthday we went to Edinburgh in August, and me and my very oldest friend Maddie, went to Corfu in September. Year well spent - I think so.

NEW ARRIVALS:

This year presented a really new and some what eye opening situation to me. I've never had a close friend whose had a baby, neither have I had babies in my family since I was around 12, (when you're too young to understand or really give a damn about whats going on). However this year, my step sister had her own little sprog. While I was unwell, she was also unwell (and heavily pregnant), so we spent a lot of time together. We'd talk for hours about the future, what the baby would look like, days out we'd have with the baby etc. I think the new arrival to our family has really been one of the main reasons I suddenly feel so grown up this year. Even though Elly is not my full sister, without really knowing it, she's made me feel a big sense of responsibility as a new step auntie, and its made me realise more than ever that life is so very precious, and whatever we chose to achieve/strive for, whether it be to bring up a family, or excel in a career, life is way too short to not give your best shot. Am I right or am I right?

Apologies for this blog post being a little all over the place. Its safe to say it took me a good THREE sit down attempts to get my photos organised, edited, and the post actually written. I'm not sure why I've suddenly lost a little passion/urgency for editing and uploading as frequently as I was - I do love it though! So as from now, just because I'm getting better and have less free time, I promise not to let my blog slip again! (I was doing so well god damn!!!). All in all I've had such a good Summer. Its been really strange for me as I'm pretty sure its the first ENTIRE Summer that I've spent with out a partner since I was 17. I've definitely learnt LOADS about myself, what I want from the future etc. As well as gaining a new confidence of independence and not relying on anybody for anything. It feels good! PS I have loads more posts planned with a tonne more photos I have from this Summer - I almost have too many to cope with!! paha. I thought I'd just do this post in my classic little round up style.

AUTUMN/WINTER GOALS:

1. SAVE LOTS OF MONEY - I've spent A LOT of money this year. I've bought a new car, AND been on three holidays.. (As mentioned above). For the next few months I really want to try and save as much as I can, and only spend on the necessities/gifts.

2. TRY AND REUSE WINTER FASHION FROM LAST YEAR - Another thing I've done way too much of this year - shopping. And do you know who I blame? Instagram. (And Christina.) Instagram has been such a huge part of my world this year - I've felt really involved with bloggers through it and slightly increased my sense of networking. All good things! However the outfit envy needs to stop..

3. TRY REALLY HARD IN MY JOB - Due to being off sick for a while this year, I'm really focused on working my butt off as from now. I want to prove to not only myself, but my managers/colleagues/peers etc, that I'm not just the girl thats always ill. I'm the girl that will get the job done, and help you if you're stuck, and generally gain as much information as I can surrounding the working environment.

4. BE IN A STABLE PLACE FINANCIALLY TO MOVE OUT IN 2018 - It annoys me even typing about this.. I've been talking and thinking about moving out since I was what, 18? All I've ever wanted is a cute 2 bed flat with a mate, or a bedsit flat that I can decorate to my own taste and snuggle up in in the evenings. Next year is the year I have to take the leap. Yeah I may be skint, and yeah it may not be my dream place, but I feel as though if I don't now, I never will. Who wants to be that 30+ year old singleton still living with their mum - not me. 

5. DO ALL OF THE WINTER ACTIVITIES - I'm talking ice skating in London, Pumpkin picking, Bonfire displays, Christmas light shows, Christmas markets, Garden centers, Log cabin stays, etc etc.

Thanks for reading lovelies!
I'm not very proud of this post but hopefully the next one will be better!
Madi x

PRETTY THINGS & BEING MINDFUL

Lately, I've been trying really hard to keep myself focused. Focused on keeping positive, and doing life in general. I feel like sometimes we feel ashamed to say we've not been keeping up with the daily demands of life, or not dealing so well with accepting inconvenient health problems, or unexpected loss/life events that are thrown our way. It's weird because, in hind sight, when I feel fine and happy again, its hard to believe that just a couple weeks ago I was lower than I've been in around 2 years. I'm usually really good at getting my head away from negativity. I've always had to be, what with family dispute and dealing with not only the mental health of my own, but of loved ones, too. 

One of my favourite pass times is thinking of self aid. What can I do that will make me feel better? Thanks to my mothers incredible nesting skills, I find I'm good at comforting myself back into a state of what I'd class as - happiness.

READ A REAL BOOK:

The other day my friend Esther happened to open the boot of her car, where I saw a book lying there, amongst other bits and bobs. (welcome to Esther's boot, everyone ;). She offered to let me borrow it, after saying she'd found it a good pool side read, on her holiday last week. Its been ages since I've really got stuck into a book. You can't beat a good paper back - no kindle, tablet or laptop is quite the same. I'm really enjoying it so far, (I Found You, by Lisa Jewell). I find books are the only way of letting my mind really escape. You have to physically turn a page, to get onto the next part and you have to fully focus your mind on each word, to grasp the story. Theres no endless scrolling feature, ads or silly videos to distract you. Something I definitely want to make more of a habit of.  

WRITE:

I feel really disheartened sometimes, about how far we've moved away from pen and paper. So much so, I sometimes forget what my hand writing even looks like. I took a trip to Paperchase after work the other day, just for a sneaky gander at the stationary (as you do). I've been thinking about writing letters for ages now, and it reminded me of how me and my grandma used to write letters to each other, when I was around 11/12. I remember how excited I'd feel seeing a hand written envelope waiting for me in the front porch. Despite the fact she only lived up the road, it was such a sweet little way of communication we had. When I saw how gorgeous this letter set was,  how could I resist?! Its actually embossed with gold detail, comes with 20 sheets, 10 envelopes, and was a mere £5. Theres something calming about writing, just like reading. It annoys me how we're all so consumed with technology and its wonderful ways. (She says, typing a blog post on a Macbook). Making more time to write is another thing I want to make time for, even if its just a list of 'to do's' from time to time. 

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PRETTY THINGS:

Aren't flowers just the best thing ever to brighten/lift a room? (and of course, your mood!). Me and my step sister were talking today, about how you just can't beat receiving flowers. On occasion, I will buy myself some flowers to make me feel good, but only if they're cheap or I see them in passing while out shopping etc. I currently have the most BEAUTiful bouquet of roses I've actually ever seen?! On my desk. I've always wondered what it felt like to have flowers delivered to your work/house. When I was super ill last week, I was literally filling out an appeal for a stupid parking ticket I'd got (funnily enough, at the doctors), feeling SUPER shitty, when I looked out of the window to see a little old man shuffle to my door, with a big box of flowers. Surely not for me...he must have the wrong house? were my initial thoughts. I was so overwhelmed by just the personalised note that came with them, I literally burst into tears on the spot, in front of my mum and her friend. BLESS. ME. (Thanks CM ;)). 

MAKE A DEN

This is literally my favourite thing to do. As much as I love getting out there, exploring, visiting places, driving around in my little automobile. Nothing beats preening and pruning my bedroom, changing my bed sheets, lighting my candles, turning on the fairy lights and watching Youtube/Netflix in my little nest. (Admittedly, I do this every night at around 8pm if I have no plans). I am secretly a little door mouse, its true. 

I think its so important to keep yourself grounded in life. In a generation where we're all so consumed with the daily comparisons, horror stories and superficial lives on social media, or the over whelming choices we're given, with near enough everything - from clothes, to entertainment, to interiors, to music. Sometimes I find my little heart is so heavy. I find it quite hard to filter and process things a lot of the time, what I like, what I don't, who I want to be, who I don't etc. Hence why I spend a lot of my time escaping it all in the comforts of my sheets. However, I do feel a whole tonne better once I take some proper time for myself. Eating & drinking well, dressing yourself nicely, spending time to do your hair, treating yourself to nice makeup, making your surroundings smell good. Self love is a wonderful thing, but only if you're good at it. Luckily, I am a firm believer in that, practise makes perfect. 

Is there anything you do to help keep yourself sane in this crazy world we live in? 

Hope you all have a lovely weekend! Thanks for reading, Madi x

BLURB

alright? 

unfortunately, being from Bristol, 'alright?' is usually my casual greeting to my friends, family, and anyone unprofessional I happen to meet. My name is Madeleine, but most people just call me Madi. I decided to start up a brand spanking new 'corner of the internet', after thinking about how much I've blogged over the past 7 years, on Tumblr, Wix, Wordpress etc. Its about time I took the plunge back into the blogging world again. I'll be here talking about general life, new places, a bit of beauty and mental health. (Who knows I may even dabble in a bit of Fashion every now and then, like I used to). I'm not sure if its just me, but I find the blogging industry has turned a little sour the past few years, very self indulgent and a little showy offy, hence why I've steered away from the classic 'fashion and beauty blog' as of late. Anyway, I hope you enjoy :-)

Are there any blogs you think I should follow? Give me some recommendations to fill up my new subscription feed!

10 THINGS ABOUT ME

I. I am a 24 year old Summer baby.   

II. I have naturally ginger hair, haters back off.  

III. I love reading blogs and watching Youtube videos and tutorials.   

IV. Vegan cafes, restaurants, pop up vans etc - give me ultimate joy. (I'm allergic to egg, not vegan)   

V. People tend to think I'm short, I'm not, I'm just an all round small person.   

VI. I love long walks, I could literally walk all day, over fields, woodland, streets, and/or beaches.   VII. Garden centers are my happy place.

VIII. Sunday is my favourite day of the week.   

IX. I have metal in my leg after breaking it in a cheerleading accident, 5 years ago.   

X. I tend to get mistaken for a teenager, even though I am a full blown adult.