Finding The Perfect Way to Wind Down

Boohoo, how can we possibly be discussing the end of summer? I am going to miss the light warm nights where you could spontaneously plan days in the park or beer garden beverages, but on the other hand, I am excited about fall and oh boy am I ready to rock chunky knit jumpers, beanies and scarfs.

Now the nights are drawing in and the social buzz of summer is slowly tailing off, I’m finding a little time to take look back on everything that’s gone on and set aside a little more me-time. Looking back, this summer was a bit of a hectic one for me, with my family holiday to Fuerteventura, festivals such as Parklife, a mad weekend away in Dublin and sososo much more.



Coming back to uni I have realised just HOW important wind-down time is too as well as a good nights sleep. Recently stepping into the third year at uni has been crazy in terms of Shock Radio (ps. keep a look out for it all on my social media). I used to spend hours on my laptop and then expect to fall asleep straight away and wonder why I couldn’t… And why I ever thought my mind was going to be CHILL after watching back to back episodes of Gossip Girl, I'll never know!?

SOOo today I wanted to share my ways in which I do that, so here goes….

Switching it all off:

It sounds so much easier than it is and even I can still struggle with it but we all know how tempting it is to keep scrolling through social media or watching just one more episode on Netflix can be, but trust me, if you just put the screens away like an hour before bedtime you will feel SO much calmer.

Set the scene:

As soon as I get in from uni or pretty much anywhere I change and put my comfy clothes on, and I instantly begin to feel more relaxed and so I like to make my environment just as comfortable. I tidy up wherever it is that I want to wind down, whether that is my bedroom or the living room etc. Once it is tidy I love to put on all my fairy lights and the odd candle. Sometimes I'll even get a few pamper products because who doesn't love a face mask night to feel refreshed!

Get your pen out:

I have loved doing this over summer and I am carrying it but if I have had a really super busy day or there is something really playing on my mind, I tend to just write it down….there’s nothing worse than trying to sleep when your mind is running at a million miles per hour thinking about something you’re feeling stressed about. Go on and let it all out!!

Bubble baths = all problems solved:

Seriously though, what situation can’t a bubble bath fix? I never used to love baths as much as I do now, but, I am SUCH a bath lurverrr. It just solves everything and anything; whether it’s stress, achy muscles or just wanting to switch off after a long day, a bubble filled bath tend to does the trick.

What’s your go-to when you wanna feel calm and want to wind down???

 

The New New Basics

OH, hey there (!!) 

If you follow me on Insta then you will know I have been soaking up the sun in Santa Susana and exploring Barcelona with Alex.... We were actually there to just relax and rewind before the madness of final year starting but me being me had to seize the opportunity and snap my outfit that I am in LOVE with. Barcelona was such a beautiful city but there is a whole new post coming full of recommendations and more thoughts on the city BUT for now, here’s a lil outfit post we snapped whilst there, introducing my newest graphic tee and favourite red skirt!!

 

Since the start of the year, I have been head over heels, utterly obsessed with red clothing and my wardrobe just didn't feel complete without the perfect red denim skirt which adds that bright pop of colour to any outfit. Stepping out of my comfort zone with clothes and colours is something I have really embraced this year and I don't think I'll go back to that dull monochrome wardrobe.

I picked up this absolute beauty whilst doing a lil bit of online shopping on SHEIN! It is super comfy and stretchy which made it perfect when we were sipping beer and eating excessive amounts of tapas on holiday.

PS: I had bought a size medium and I am usually a size 10 for anyone who is unsure what size they'd be on their site. I totally understand the pain of not knowing sizes on different sites and the dread of sending them back is a nightmare.

 

Moving on, I really want to talk about my other love, graphic tees!! They are such a staple item for any girls (or guys) wardrobe. They can either dress up a pair of jeans, make a skirt look casual and you can really show the mood you're in through what is printed on to it. 

This one was a random pick up in New Look last month and I think it was the red which really made me want to buy it. As for the leopard print, at first, I was very unsure... I have never been a fan of the print, however, seeing it slide into more street style looks on Insta, I took the leap and bought it and I have to be honest, there is no going back my love for leopard print is very much alive (so expect A LOT more posts featuring leopard print)!!

But for the graphic tees, you can practically pick them up in any store at the moment. The likes of Topshop, Pull & Bear, Zara all have so many beautiful t-shirts with the best sayings on. If only my whole wardrobe could be full of graphic tees.

 

I’ve been pairing this outfit with my Dune black sandals, tortoise and flash lens sunglasses from ASOS, a couple of layered bracelets from Joma Jewellery and my current favourite earrings which are tortoiseshell brown from SHEIN. Be ready for more Barcelona and Santa Susana posts to come, I can’t wait to tell you more about the trip and obvs where all the best spots were!

 

 

~ SHOP THE LOOK ~