Four Decorating Mistakes I would Avoid If I Could Do Things Over Again

Rushing to move in

As soon as I exchanged contacts and received my keys I started moving in my boxes and ordering in furniture.

In high insight that was a such a silly thing to do.

Coming from living with my family I literally owned nothing but clothes and makeup and bloody hair products lol which meant I would have had a blank canvas to decorate without having to move or manoeuvre around furniture or even me lol.

 I also didn’t own any items such as lamps, bookshelves or even soft furnishings. Everything had to be purchased brand new or where gifted to me (some of which I didn’t even know I needed) again if I had taken time to properly do my research and comparison shop instead of having a mad last minute dash to buy everything quickly and cheaply I would have saved myself from rebuying items because the broke, didn’t work properly or because I simply changed my mind.

Keep it real

The original décor in my flat was beige throughout walls and carpet not to my taste because I wanted to go grey, but great because style wise there were many ways I could work with what I had to make it work for me...

I didn't take into consideration how I am or the number of things that can go wrong with  beige carpets

I also have a friend that put white carpets in her home which look beautiful but she forgot to take into consideration her kids and her husband who is a massive kid. Those carpets did not last long lol!

Take space into consideration 

Don't give me the side eye for this but … I literally only purchased a tape measure recently ok I will be honest it was given to me at some home buying/decorating event I attended.

I literally purchased all of my furniture blindly with no regards to the limited space I actually had which I regret every time I stub my toe on the dressing table in my bedroom or I think about the unutilised space in the draws under my bed that I cannot actually open because my room is too small.

Buying online

While I love shopping online I have learnt that here as some things you should see in person before buying and my sofas are defiantly one of them. Yes they look cute and match my décor but they’re far from comfortable

What are some of your decorating mistakes?
Comment below

❖

Love Life |Love Health | Love Beauty| Love Creativity 

Lee-Anne x 

Why not check my social media networks

Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin' | YouTube | Facebook | Google+

And of course Instagram

This Is Why You Should Get Your Nap On

I have to be honest, I do love a nap lol.

Unfortunately my busy doesn’t permit me to have them as much as I would like but every now and then the universe treats me to a cheeky hour in the afternoon to indulge but afterwards I do feel guilty about the many chores or responsibilities I could have taken care of instead of sleeping.

However numerous studies say that a cheeky 20-30 minute siesta can help improve your mood and general wellbeing.

I know right!

Check out some more napping benefits:

It can help increase energy and alertness throughout your day.

A nap will have you feeling refreshed, revived and awake.

Makes you less forgetful

Yes! 

You are less likely to forget things you are meant to do or even things you have learned if you are well rested.

Improved concentration

If you are sleep deprived you are more likely to make mistakes or missed things

Makes you eat healthier

Do you find that when you are more likely to reach for unhealthy food?

That is your body trying to refuel itself with sugars and fats to try to give you an energy boost that you wouldn’t need if you had that nap.

Helps manage stress

Just taking a short time out of your busy day recharge your batteries, can massively decrease daily stress and anxiety.

Sound good?

Here are a few tips to make sure you get the 

full benefits from napping:

Set an alarm-

they say you should nap for 20-30 minutes so perhaps try setting alarm for 45 minutes which will allow you 15 minutes to actually fall asleep.

Opt for a place with dimmed lighting

 but not pitch black to make waking up easier

Pick the right time too early and you probably won't feel sleepy too late and you will find it harder to go to sleep at bedtime. around 1-3pm would be an optimal napping time.

If you cant schedule in regular naps or they are not your thing utilise when necessary

If I know I’m in for a light (And perhaps boozy night) having a nap beforehand is defiantly a must for me often meaning that I am more sociable and am less likely to go home after 1 hour.

What do you do to help manage daily stress?
Please comment below.

❖

Love Life |Love Health | Love Beauty| Love Creativity 

Lee-Anne x 

Why not check my social media networks

Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin' | YouTube | Facebook | Google+

And of course Instagram

I Survived The Psychopath’s Den with Aim Escapes

I was offered the opportunity to check out the Psychopath’s Den experience  AIM Escape in London so I decided together some fellow bloggers to experience it with me.

10 Ways to help manage daily stress

We all deal with stress daily and to be fair stress is not always a bad thing, as it can act as a motivator. The problem is when it becomes overwhelming and unmanageable.

As a Lupus suffer, I know that my stress-levels impact my health and can also affect the people around me negatively so I actively seek ways to keep them down.

Louis Vuitton Neverfull Bag Review

As the last few months have been somewhat emotional and stressful (My manager called me out for using this as an excuse for my last few purchases which included my LV Key holder and my Car lol) so I wanted to treat myself again YOLO

StylPro Expert Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer Review

On route to attend Olympia Beauty last year one of my priorities was to purchase a StylPro Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer.

I had read previously read a load of the blog reviews about it and I was certain that I needed it my life.

In love with the Louis Vuitton 6 Key Holder In Monogram Canvas

I recently had to make a trip up to Selfridges in London to pick up some watches that I had previously taken in to be serviced so I roped my dad into going with and while we were there we decided to have a little browse around the department store.

Virgin Pure T6 Water Bar Review

Earlier this year while attending the Ideal Home Exhibition I was introduced to the Virgin T6 water bar and over three months in I think I can safely say that this is one of the best purchases that I have made this year. 

Tribute to Sandra Weise-Blake aka Jeanie

I never intended to write this blog post, however, I have been very mindful that the last post I wrote was in September/October and I needed to pull my finger out.

Microcell Nail Repair….Try Me Kit Review

Isn’t it amazing how a fresh coat of nail polish can change the way you feel about yourself?

16 Personalities Quiz Review and Results

Staycation with Brighton Getaways

After a somewhat stressful summer, a midweek short break to Brighton was defiantly needed

Initially planned as a boozy girls trip we decided at the last moment that we were not about that lift and instead chose to have a chilled staycation with the kids

Tips For Stress-free Shopping Experiance

In my youth I loved shopping and spending the day hitting the shops in the west end or at Bluewater was my idea of heaven.

Ahh the days when I had NO bills

A Few Things To Consider Before Going On Holiday With Someone

You never really know someone until you have been on holiday with them.

Tips To Encourage Longer, Stronger And Healthier Afro Hair

Avoid Using Heat On Your Hair

Obby Makeup and Skincare Masterclass Review

I have recently come acquainted with an amazing website called Obby which acts as a community

Curly Treats Festival 2017 Event Review

I had the pleasure of attending the Curly Treats Hair Festival at the ILEC Conference Centre this weekend.

Right Now I’m Loving…

Heres a few things I'm loving at the moment 

Early nights 

As I suffer from Lupus it feels like no amount of sleep is enough for me to feel properly rested however I have come to learn that it is the quality of sleep that matters. There is nothing like having an early dinner followed by a relaxing bath then going to bed. No TV, no iPad no phone just time to download after a crazy day before drifting off to sleep.

What’s On My Summer Walking List?

What the hell is a walking list?

 When I go on my lunchtime walks or use the treadmill at the gym I like to listen to books on tape (Well technically it’s a book on an iPhone app) as they keep my mind occupied and actually make me look forward to going exercising.

Isn’t it time you made a budget?

When it comes to managing my finances I’m no Martin Money saver but after getting in a bit of financial stickiness I pulled in my belt, organized my finances and  I was able to not only get Debt free but purchase my own property.

I wish I could say after that it was happy ever after but unfortunately, this is not a fairy tale. After living with my parents two years in I am still getting to grips with my extra outgoings but this is where a budget comes in handy because it makes you see what you are spending and what you have left over.

It may seem difficult and to figure out simple ways to save money and how to use your savings to pursue your financial goals but it doesn’t have to be.

Get Prettly On Your Own Terms

Today I found the perfect way to beat the Sunday blues, a bit of pampering in the comfort of my own home.

Before I went natural I wish I knew...

Looking back the past few years I can see a lot of changes in my life as well as my hair since I have gone natural, and while I have made loads of mistakes along the way, I treasure them for making me a wiser and savvier natural. There are a few things I wish I knew about earlier that could have made my journey less painful, so hopefully, insight from my experience will make your transition much easier.

What’s so good about is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is like a skin superfood that comes from the seeds of the fruit of the Shea (Karite) tree and naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F.

Isn't It Time You Declutter Your Wardrobe?

This is something I try to do on a regular basis but let’s face it it’s not the most exciting of household chores but there are some great benefits to taking on the task.

How to make extra MONEY

I don’t think I have ever heard anyone say that I have way too much money

and I rarely hear anyone say that they have enough money so  I’m guessing an injection of cash is always welcomed especially if you’re not exactly living the lifestyle you want to.

Here are some creative ways you can make more money.

#MACTaraji MAC X Taraji P Henson Collaboration Coming Soon!

As much as I love their products I have I had started to grow weary of some MACs collaborations.

I mean trolls.. really and the Simpsons collaboration was cute but really who wore it?

9 Steps Towards A More PositiveYou

Life isn’t easy, sometimes s##t happens and at times it can seem hard if not impossible to bounce back. Positive encouragement can come from anywhere friends, family even inspirational posts on Instagram but what do you personally do for yourself when you need an infusion of positivity and inspiration?

Whether you’re a natural optimist, we could all use positive thoughts throughout our day to lift our spirits and keep us going!

1. Get your body right Body health and mental health go hand in hand so looking after your physical well-being is paramount. Make sure you are eating right, exercising and also getting enough rest.

2. Spend time with your peeps Set aside time to spend loved ones and friends (clubbing doesn’t count). Too it’s easy to get caught up in work or the dramas of everyday life and carving out the extra time can seem impossible but I promise you it isn’t.

There is nothing better than being in the presence of those you love and love you back so sort it out! If a visit can’t be arranged then a call is just as good. I set aside one morning a week during my commute to work to call my grandmother on the phone which is lovely for both me and her because she gets to chat with her favorite granddaughter and I get to hear how proud she is of me J plus we never hang up without saying eye love you which is nice to hear before the start of a stressful work day.

3. Get a new perspective. If there is a specific problem or situation bringing you down, it can help to get advice from someone impartial - A fresh perspective helps you refocus on what’s important.

4. Exercise.  While the rewards of proper nutrition often take a while to come to the surface, exercise is instant gratification. When feeling down, getting up and being active may be far from your mind, but trust me it is always worth it. Even going on a walk or a quick jog will leave you feeling accomplished as well as improve your mood.

5. Keep it moving ….. Toward your goals. Many of us have goals that always get put off. These can be big or small i.e. pay off credit cards or even look for a new job, but if they’re important to you, you need to work toward them.

Next time you’re feeling down, try putting your energy into how you can achieve something that will take you a one step toward one of the goals you’ve had in the back of your mind. The progress will defiantly will inspire you to keep up the momentum.

6. Try something new! Being stick in a rut can suck .. so don’t get stuck in one.

It’s great to shake up your routine and experience new things weather it is going on holiday to a new destination or even trying out a different coffee or tea.

7. Treat yourself like the princess you are I’m not suggesting you go and empty your savings indulging you every whim but a little treat every never hurt right and will give you something to look forward to. Cheeky cocktail or a relaxing bubble bath is defiantly enough to raise my sprits half way through a stressful work day.

8. Reassess the energies you have around you have  someone around you that is constantly bringing you down, it’s fine to OK to take a break from them and branch out. It is important that you have positive personalities around you that encourage, inspire and nurture (And of course you should for the same for them).

9. Be thankful Awful things happen to good people everyday and no matter how bad or bleak your situation may seem I'm sure there is some one that would love to have your problems. Take the time to be count and be thankful for your blessings 

How do you boost your mood when all else fails?
Please comment below.

❖

Love Life |Love Health | Love Beauty| Love Creativity 

Lee-Anne x 

Why not check my social media networks

Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin' | YouTube | Facebook | Google+

And of course Instagram

Some Paint, Some Tape, Some Elbow Grease & A New Kitchen

Happy Monday!

Right now I am tired, cranky and mourning my weekend but at the same time, I am super proud of myself because finally painted my kitchen cupboards and they look absolutely amazing!

I have wanted to give my Kitchen a makeover since I moved in last year but it seemed too time-consuming and expensive so I kept putting it off with the intention of saving to have a new kitchen installed, but let’s keep it real I didn’t save anything in my new kitchen fund.

Over the last few weeks I binged watch DIY videos on Youtube trying to find ways to get the job done quickly and effectively and but a lot of the processes involved taking off the cupboards cleaning them, sanding them down then using a primer waiting for it to dry, one or two coats of paint and you have to wait for that to dry between each layer and finally a top coat, let that dry, attach all of the handles to the doors and draws then rehang.

Crochet Braids by Liora Jasmine Braiding #FanDayFriday

As much as I loved rocking my afro I found myself stuck in a bit of a style rut, so when I was contacted by Liora Jasmine Braiding and asked if I wanted to try out their new line of pre-curled kanekalon hair for crochet braiding 

How To Take Down Braids and Twists Without Experiencing Breakage

As A Lupus suffer, full-time worker and a person who likes to hit the snooze button more than once