So its almost a year since I started this blog and I have been doing a lot of reflecting and assessing over my life and the direction in which I am going. And I am making some pretty major, scary decisions. I mean really life changing. I am apprehensive because I am about to take a massive leap into the unknown, and I’m really hoping that all these quotes about ‘taking the leap and building your wings on the way down’ and ‘Everything has a way of working out’ are true. Because truth be told I am only learning to listen to my gut instinct and I’m almost 30. I guess it takes everyone different lengths of time to trust their own feelings and learn how to make the right decisions. Or sometimes things just have to get to a point so bad that you can no longer remain in them, no matter how scary the jump you just have to do it…

Catherine, xo

Sometimes life takes over and time slips by without our noticing. The daily routine, the hum drum of our basic survival, working, eating and resting. Time ticks away and we get on with the lives we have created for ourselves. What happens when one day something happens which makes us stop and take stock of where we are, what we are doing, who we are doing it with and whether we are actually being true to ourselves and our aspirations.

#1. Ok – So life rarely turns out as we imagine

But we have to have faith that it will turn out for the best. Sometimes the wrong decisions actually lead us down the right path to what will truly make us happy and content. It is important to continually reassess our decisions and ensure that they are leading us in the direction we wish to go.

#2. Don’t remain for the sake of it

It can be easy to drift along in a situation, in a job we hate or in a relationship which doesn’t fulfil us because of the gut wrenching turmoil we will be launched into once we decide to get out of a position or a relationship. But we must remember to ask ourselves are we content to trundle along in a mediocre or unhappy position because of the fear of change and the unknown. It is worth it in the long run or are you just postponing the inevitable?

#3. Be honest with yourself

Are you truly happy? Do you surround yourself with people who stimulate and inspire you? Project your life forward 5 years, if you continue along the path you are on will it lead you to happiness or will you still be searching and unsettled?

Be strong. Trust your feelings. Trust your gut and go with it. Trust that everything will work out in the end. Be your own best friend.

Catherine, xo

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#1. Be sure of who you are.

Before you can make decisions you need to know yourself. Don’t make knee jerk decisions about your life purely based on circumstance. Think of your long term happiness. Try this – 5 ways to get to know yourself

#2. Ask yourself what it is that you don’t want?

Sometimes thinking of what things you don’t want can make you into realise what it is that you actually do want. eg. I don’t want to work in a job which doesn’t fulfil me, I don’t want to live in the city, I don’t want to miss opportunities because I am scared of change…

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#3. What is best for you – baby steps / massive change / longer contemplation then action

How do you implement your decisions, do you act quickly and make big sudden changes which you are able to commit to or do you take baby steps towards your goal?

{I was lost so I}

{Miss wallflower}

{They all hate us}

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#4. DO SOMETHING!

Do not remain static… move in some direction.

‘Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance, you must keep moving’

Albert Einstein

How do you make big life decisions?

Catherine, xo

{Author Unknown} 

The past two weeks have been a Olympics frenzy, the world has been gripped by the games – the amazing achievements from our athletes, the spectacle which was the opening and closing ceremonies and the organisation of the entire event. The olympics really has lifted our spirits, captured our imaginations and inspired a generation.

{Aria}

What can we all take from the Olympic athletes?

#1. Believe in yourself – If you don’t how can you expect anyone else to?

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#2. Aim for the moon and you’ll land among the stars. – Set your sights high

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#3. Persist – It takes hard work, determination, motivation and dedication to succeed

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#4.Take inspiration from others who have achieved their goals. Whatever your goal is seek out others who have successfully achieved it. Learn from them

#5. You are too smart to be the only thing standing in your way. Take responsibility for your own destiny and happiness. No-one else can do it for you.

{CrystalKiss}

#6.Take support where you can. The athletes most certainly did not achieve their successes without the encouragement, love and practical support of their coaches, family and friends. If you can – join a group of people with similar interests or focus. Research has found that the power of community is one of the most effective methods of making progress – whether it be anything from sports training to weight loss we all perform better as part of a group.

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#7.Keep the dream alive – remind yourself often what you are working towards… don’t allow smaller events or setbacks to knock you off course.

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‘The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. Its as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today.’

{Robert Browning}

How has the Olympics inspired you?

Catherine, xo

That’s why we call it the present.’

{vogue loves me}

Our days have become hectic swirls of organising, working, planning and whilst trying to keep on top of the latest news, beauty products and trends. We are expected to have it all and know it all. We compare ourselves to those around us, friends, siblings and colleagues – putting unrealistic demands upon ourselves to look our best, be our fittest and all whilst juggling family, careers and running a household. As a result we often find ourselves living in a constant state of procrastination (for missing that gym class -again) and telling ourselves that our lives will be perfect as soon as we lose a stone, get that job or new house. We know, if we actually stop and think about it how ridiculous it is to truly believe this and to live our lives this way. But we still do…

{Miika Järvinen}

…and the funny thing is we put this pressure on ourselves. Battering abusive comments around our heads for not being good enough, for being weak or lacking in willpower when we break the latest diet. It is all too easy to lose sight of the positives when we weigh ourselves down with negatives. And it is easy to be negative.

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Gain Perspective

#1. Its a Good Life

Remind yourself of all the great things which you have in your life and be thankful. Family, friends, physical and financial security, lovely wholesome food and your health. Its all too easy to take these things for granted…

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#2. Stop

Take time out from your busy schedule switch off your phone, laptop and TV. Relax, enjoy the silence and be mindful. Consider learning how to effectively meditate.

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#3. Assess

How often do you spend valuable time – with your family and friends or even just on your own? Make a conscious effort to allocate your time wisely.

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#4. Give yourself a break

You cannot do everything and be everything – the sooner you realise this the more content you will be. Retain perspective on what’s most important in life and concentrate on this.

{A Cup of Jo}

#5. Give yourself a pat on the back

We tend to minimise our achievements. If someone praises you accept it gracefully and acknowledge to yourself that you truly deserved it.

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#6. Wear now

We all have that beautiful piece of clothing or jewellery which we ‘keep for a special occasion’ Wear everything in your closet. Get the value out of that expensive dress. Wear it often and enjoy the feeling. Life is too short.

{Romantic Journeys}

#7. Look for the good in every day.

Every day has something new in it. Whether you meet someone new, learn something or simply enjoy walking the dog, focus on the positives…

{Happiness is}

{Urban Outfitters}

How do you live in the present?

Catherine, xo

Marcus Design Inc

 One Storey Building

 Small Shop Studio

Wit & Whimsy

 Sadie & Stella

 A Perfect Gray

 The Yellow Cape Cod

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 The Brooklyn Home Company

#1. Simple white shirt

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#2. Interesting Details

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#3. Sheer

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#4. Animal Print

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#5.Monochrome

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#6. White Blazer

Emmanelle Alt – Image Pinterest

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#7.Spots & Stripes

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image Cape Cod Collegiate

 #9. Colour Pop

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How do you wear Black-and-White?

Catherine, xo

So I am nursing it gently back into condition

#1. No heat. (for a while anyhow)

This is really hard as I am so used to straightening/curling my mop but the temperatures produced by hair dryers, straighteners and curling tongs reach 200 degrees. Not good for healthy locks.

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#2. Condition, condition, condition

Olive oil mask overnight, once a week. Using a ‘salon’ shampoo and conditioner ( detangle hair when wet with a wide tooth comb or a tangle teezer ) and applying a repair serum to freshly washed hair. I mix my serum with some Moroccan hair oil.

#3. Use an anti-frizz serum

There is no way around this one. Find a product that suits your hair and use daily.

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#4. Use Hot Oils

My favourite is VO5. These help to restore moisture and strength hair to avoid further breakages. Use once a week.

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 #5. Diffuse

If you are going with natural curls, they always look better when you use a diffuser, especially on a cold setting.

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#6. You are what you eat

The best way to sort out any problems on the ‘outside’ be it hair, skin, weight is always to edit your diet to include lots of fresh fruit and veg, drink lots of h20 and exercise. A few foods specifically to help repair your locks – avocado, lean proteins, nuts and bananas. Look for foods which contain Zinc, essential for promoting growth and development of all cells in the body. You could also take a supplement specifically targeted at conditioning hair and nails.

And… give it time! Patience and commitment are required as always. It didn’t take a few days for your hair to get to condition it is in now, and it will take longer than a few days to recondition it. Be consistent and you will see improvement in a few weeks. Maintain your new regime to ensure hair stays in condition.

What do you do to keep your locks in top shape?

Catherine, xo

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#1. Always look for brightly coloured fruit and veg. Tomatoes are excellent source of anti-oxidants -so include them in your diet as much as possible

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#2. Include bitter tasting fruit & veg. For example broccoli & radishes…

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#3. Oily fish is an excellent source of Omega 3 which has anti-inflammatory benefits. Mackerel and salmon are just two of the best choices.

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#4.Avoid starchy foods. No pasta, rice or potatoes.

#5. Watch your blood sugar…

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The link between blood sugars and ageing is unbelievable, with research showing those with lower blood sugars looking younger than their years and at the opposite end of the scale – diabetics who have been exposed to high sugars over a long period – tend to look much older. Sugar attaches on the the collagen in our skin and makes it brittle and much harder for the skin to repair itself. Cut back the sugar in your diet and you will see more benefits than just younger looking skin – you will also decrease your risk of developing diabetes. I’m currently reading the blood sugar solution by Mark Hyman on the topic.

How do you keep your complexion looking its best?

Catherine, x

If you have problems with acne you might be interested in this article over on LaurenConrad.com – Acne Fighting Foods

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Many relationships developed later in life are through work, when spending time with someone on a daily basis allows the relationship to grow as you learn more about the person and enjoy spending time with them. If you are lucky enough to share a work environment with like-minded people! However for someone who runs their own business or works from home, this unfortunately is not an option.

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You must be find courage and confidence to introduce yourself to people, get involved with new activities and groups and above all stay open to new people and experiences. Put in the effort required.

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This has served to highlight and remind me how much I value my friendships with my ‘old’ school & university friends and how lucky I am to have such great people in my life, whom I can depend upon. I realise these relationships must be maintained and nurtured. Not allowed to wither or fall apart.

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Relationships take effort – whether with your partner/parents/siblings/friends – as with all aspects of life you get out what you put in…

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I am extremely lucky to have met one lovely friend here, and that was due to spending an extended period of time together waiting on a delayed flight… Reinforcing the fact that it takes time to make friends – or to even get past the initial swapping numbers to meet for a coffee!

Why not give that friend that you haven’t spoken to in a while a buzz?

Remember the things that are important in life…

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Catherine, xo

UPDATE

Great article on this topic in the New York Times by Alex Williams

Friends of a certain age – why is it hard to make friends over the age of 30?