As you probably know, I am currently overseas. Here is a post I wrote sometime last year and stored it in my "back up posts" for times like this - when I'm overseas and don't have my laptop to write posts.

Stay single until you meet a guy who opens every door you walk through. A guy who makes sure you walk on the inside of the path, away from traffic. A man whose friends know who you are before they meet you. Stay single until you meet a man who holds your hand shamelessly and kisses you in public. Until you meet a guy who doesn't try to change you.

Stay single until you find a man who always texts you back. A guy who doesn't have time for games and is always honest. Until you find a guy who kisses your forehead. Stay single until you meet the guy who sticks to his word. A man who brings you flowers for no reason. A man who makes you a better person.

Stay single until you meet a guy who motivates you to be a better person. A guy who is sure of you and never doubts you. Stay single until you meet someone who makes you feel beautiful, on the inside and out. A guy who gives you butterflies.

Until you meet this man, the man you can't live without, enjoy being single.

much love, 
XO

I did a few similar posts to this last year and I thought I would add another to the collection. It's a letter to my future daughter. 

If I were to ever have a daughter, I know that I would cage her in my arms and preserve her childhood. I would do this to protect her from the world, because I learnt that growing up is never easy. In saying this, I will ensure she grows up patient and kind. I will tell her that sometimes people can be cruel, but that doesn't give her the right to inflict pain on others. I will show her how she is my world and that when she holds my hand, she will never be lost. 

If I have a daughter, I will tell her that beauty isn't defined by the contour on her face or curves on her body. And that confidence is a key trait. Confidence, not cockiness. And when she comes home one night, puffy eyed and shattered from her first heartbreak, I will tell her that loving someone doesn't mean they won't hurt you. 

Inevitably, there will be days when she will curse me and lock herself away, but I will always have my door unlocked and ready with hot chocolate and a warm hug. 

When she decides to leave our house, I hope that she finds someone who will love her and all of her flaws. I hope she finds someone who will always cherish her and look at her with awe, someone who will respect her. 

much love,

XO

Life isn't the easiest thing, if it was it would be boring. I live with the constant reminder to be proud of myself, to keep my head up and continue fighting. While I try to live with little to no regrets, there are definitely things that I haven't been proud of in my life. To remind myself that every decision made has brought me to where I am today, definitely keeps me in check.

Self love is all about going way on yourself and remembering that one day your actions will all make sense. The pain and hurt will be worth it. People's thoughts of you will be insignificant. And the people you decide to surround yourself with will be next to you through your entire journey. Similarly, I've struggled with learning to let go and instead look forward. Accepting life for what it is.   

Self love and care is something that I've had to teach myself for quite a while now but I've mastered the various ways in which I can chill and zone out while I restore my mental health. For me, a hot bath with a hot cup of tea (or red wine, depending on the day) is a great place for me completely rid myself of the outside world. I put my laptop out of reach with a movie and leave my phone beside my bed. Another, is to go outside and read a book. Reading a book requires full attention and therefore I can't be thinking about the crap going on around me. 

I've also needed to teach myself not to take everything so personally. Forgive, move on and let stuff remain in the past. That one has taken me quite a few years of therapy and other such rememdies, but deep down I've learnt control and how to keep my cool. *shoutout to the best psych ever!!!*

Burgers, views and a hair cut. 

Tuesday 13th June: 

Also, just a heads up that posts may be a little late over the next few weeks while I'm overseas. The vlog of June will also be late, as I'm not taking my laptop with me so I won't be editing it all together until I'm back at home :-)

Expect a bunch of travel posts and city guides once I return!

much love, 

XO

I don't normally write about my faith on my blog... but I just needed to upload this. If you don't agree with what I'm writing about, I totally understand! Let's agree to disagree, and I promise you'll like the next post ;)

I've always felt the need to have full control over everything in my life. A few months ago, I realised that there is a process to everything (as well as me having little control), but each process also has an end goal that God set in place. He is always doing something, sometimes beyond my comprehension. On my faith journey, I have always found it tiring to try and overcome this and gain control. But I have realised that it's all about total surrender and letting God's path take over. I have learnt to step down and let Him take over every space and aspect of my life, because if I don't I will never taste the victory of my life that He has in place. 

I need to remind myself to trust in Him. Whether big or small, whether about work or university, relationships or health - whatever is on my mind, it's all about saturating myself in His presence and watching Him transform my failures into triumphs. I like to start and finish my day reading my Bible; it's always on my bedside table and I find it great for both my mind and soul. 

I need to remind myself that in every struggle, He is teaching me to be dependent on Him. No matter the size of the battle, I must learn to surrender. Through these battles, He teaches me to be dependent. This teaches me to give it all to God by committing all areas of my life to him. Giving it all and letting go fully, and raising my hands to heaven. 

much love,
XO

Europe planning, flowers and friends.

Tuesday 6th June:


Wednesday 7th June: 

Thursday 8th June:

Friday 9th June:

Saturday 10th June: 

Sunday 11th June:

I know I say it every month, but isn't this year just flying by?! It feels like only a few days ago that I sat down to write my April Favourites. 

Beauty:

I haven't changed much in my routine through May, but I do have a few products that I've really been loving.
The Hanz De Fuko shampoo is amazing!! It may seem like a weird favourite, but honestly, once you try it you'll see why :)
I've also been loving the Zoeva Luxe Color Blushes. There are a bunch of gorgeous colours and the formula is awesome too!
I feel like I'm late to this one, but the Tarteist Pro Amazonian Clay Palette is GORGEOUS! It's a great palette to take on the go because there are both light and dark shades. This makes it a great day to night palette and definitely one for everyone's collection.

Book: 
I'm not really one to read/listen to books by YouTubers, but when I found out that two of my favourite YouTubers had released books, I had to at least check them out. This month I've listened to two books on Audible; I would definitely recommend both of them, and if you like one, you will probably enjoy both!! They're both about young women navigating through their early 20s and teen years. I also love listening to books on Audible, because I don't always have the time to sit down and read but I'm always on the go and able to listen - whether that be in the car, on a flight or sitting in a waiting room.
The two books are:
Almost Adulting by Arden Rose 
Doing It by Hannah Witton

Fashion:

Late in May, I bought two pairs of shoes. One, a pair of heels (Ophelia embroidered heels) and a pair of boots in the same pattern (that I couldn't find on the website). I pair both of them with various outfits to make them either more dressy or casual :)

Music:

There are quite a few songs that I have been playing on repeat all month, ask anyone who has been in the car with me through the month! Some of the songs include:
Bad Liar - Selena Gomez
Eyes Closed - Halsey
Most Girls - Hailee Steinfeld
Sweet Creature - Harry Styles
Malibu - Miley Cyrus
Matches - Cash Cash & Rozes
Stay Together - Noah Cyrus

Netflix: 
I have to admit, I haven't really watched a lot of new things on Netflix this month. I've been rewatching shows like Grey's Anatomy, Sex and the City, etc.

much love,
XO