tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22775516611619707222024-03-29T04:43:41.492+00:00 soinspoSophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-89647109197439781602021-08-19T21:09:00.002+01:002021-08-20T01:13:12.062+01:00Mermaid magic + the colourful kindness of Herne Bay <p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QYfiJvx9H1MUThYqDg3Gx-pMgRrgBJbJRne55HXDWOMs6cn2wxHpFYge9sm3jEY9sXOOXJvpOErYxPgAkvSfnO6D886sWs2CcxDpfaY3XehewF8wA6GVNYWdR9dpWKCfG8LO826T8oM/s2999/mermaid1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2999" data-original-width="1999" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2QYfiJvx9H1MUThYqDg3Gx-pMgRrgBJbJRne55HXDWOMs6cn2wxHpFYge9sm3jEY9sXOOXJvpOErYxPgAkvSfnO6D886sWs2CcxDpfaY3XehewF8wA6GVNYWdR9dpWKCfG8LO826T8oM/s16000/mermaid1.png" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;">Inspired by Cher's transfixing turn in the 1990 classic </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Mermaids, </i><span style="text-align: justify;">I decided to kick off my new "Under the Sea" theme with my own blue-haired version! Because why be so shellfish, when you can be more mermaid! It was a little daunting, standing in the streets as a RL merbabe, but I somehow managed to pull if off. On the menu this summer are starfish sandwiches, marshmallow kebabs and anything that shimmers! ♥︎</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDv12H8mYgOgbwxxEyAWH1_NW-GwZN9eSdxINrUDwALctdQeelSWwRmkQdjutCdQMHPtN-8QrF1Zte1ybneFeSrqE4zcwo5pqvGfxX3mrftsXUyC07oT2dVCPw5ClOYthyphenhyphenBg4TL9ZYEA/s2999/mermaid.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2999" data-original-width="1999" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDv12H8mYgOgbwxxEyAWH1_NW-GwZN9eSdxINrUDwALctdQeelSWwRmkQdjutCdQMHPtN-8QrF1Zte1ybneFeSrqE4zcwo5pqvGfxX3mrftsXUyC07oT2dVCPw5ClOYthyphenhyphenBg4TL9ZYEA/s16000/mermaid.png" /></a></div>Mermaids love to hit the pinkest beach shops to pick up pretty trinkets, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/personalisedbyfk/?hl=en" target="_blank">Personalised by Fk</a> attracted my attention immediately; the most stunning vibrant shop! I'd already decided it would be the most gorgeous backdrop for my mermaid look, and I happened to meet the lovely Danielle whilst shooting there who welcomed us in and was so kind and supportive about my shoot. Her words of encouragement gave me such a boost and made me realise it's important not to stop doing what you love - words I needed as a couple of men were making fun nearby. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/personalisedbyfk/" target="_blank">Personalised by Fk</a> sell beautiful uplifting items that speak to the heart - whilst there, mum and I picked up some gorgeous rainbow notebooks and cards with inspirational messages on them. Definitely worth a visit if you're in beautiful, blissed out Herne Bay! ♥︎</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMvK3bK4mULO4efZHwZIKShy4Kge0iDH2zasXH-bVbAORwlUd-xVvcDoIonx5MCeDMguVwe4JO6wA_kYIWjV-aD4PPY4Q4Zwan9_NiiOBk0gGGZsedVFSCfK8jaJpUyJ3eF5EjpML3Rg/s3456/mermaid5.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMvK3bK4mULO4efZHwZIKShy4Kge0iDH2zasXH-bVbAORwlUd-xVvcDoIonx5MCeDMguVwe4JO6wA_kYIWjV-aD4PPY4Q4Zwan9_NiiOBk0gGGZsedVFSCfK8jaJpUyJ3eF5EjpML3Rg/s16000/mermaid5.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whilst sitting on the rocks as a mermaid, I met lovely Jo Oakley who told me about her gallery which has a mesmerising mermaid mural on the building, it's beautiful! Unbelievably I'd missed this but upon walking by later on I was entranced by the stunning "She rose, she fell... she rose again,' message which spoke volumes to me. The mermaid mural would be perfect for future photos, I'll definitely have to return as a mermaid again one day soon! One of the things I love about being more imaginative and creative with costumes and themes for the blog/my social media is it starts conversations with people that wouldn't happen otherwise. Safe to say, Herne Bay is a colourful and blissful place full of inspiring and innovative creators! <a href="https://www.jooakley.co.uk" target="_blank">Jo Oakley has a beautiful website</a> full of paradisal paintings, homeware gems and more, definitely worth a look and a visit if you're in this seaside town! ♥︎</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_20sIrBMIEsBGImy5scxZKkMBuMY3c2E2I92dHV5-So9kh6hoFjtdtmbazOT1YVfh9iYnS6zGlGx-EbSUTy85twPyzq3rgX8nvJWp_8bJk-S5MDltfkKLIt6n4XyO9uf7H9s8tEOO_c/s3456/mermaid6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_20sIrBMIEsBGImy5scxZKkMBuMY3c2E2I92dHV5-So9kh6hoFjtdtmbazOT1YVfh9iYnS6zGlGx-EbSUTy85twPyzq3rgX8nvJWp_8bJk-S5MDltfkKLIt6n4XyO9uf7H9s8tEOO_c/s16000/mermaid6.png" /></a></div><p></p>Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-49789863286868180992021-05-23T00:00:00.003+01:002021-05-26T03:04:27.156+01:00Time for tea + macaroons at Peggy Porschen <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhowoSq4mQhNSFnf4DhZ0smsdrZZmiG4ENU8TFUQssn7E7t22-a5qa4dYpGdWNgym3A6R5H_lNkJSMZnmXPi5uAPA86UMdpb0Tqk00rUjPXap-Bf8XnkSlQi_sm7fttVvSkIK3qUaASQ/s1050/peggy-porschen-spring-2021.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="713" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhowoSq4mQhNSFnf4DhZ0smsdrZZmiG4ENU8TFUQssn7E7t22-a5qa4dYpGdWNgym3A6R5H_lNkJSMZnmXPi5uAPA86UMdpb0Tqk00rUjPXap-Bf8XnkSlQi_sm7fttVvSkIK3qUaASQ/s16000/peggy-porschen-spring-2021.png" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm just a macaroon trying to make it in a cookie cutter world!</span></b> Finally, after the longest lockdown yet, it was time for tea once more at Peggy Porschen; a joyous belated birthday celebration! With the new theme on my blog and social media channels being a celebration of all things birthday, I decided to venture into London dressed as a macaroon, no less! I'd already planned the costume well in advance so you can imagine my delight when I saw Peggy's magical display of macaroon-themed loveliness, tea-time divinity and pops of pink floral tranquility. It made me so happy to be back sitting outside my favourite cafe in the spring sunshine. What a dream come true! ♥︎ </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGXWs6nMtKmhWfa8dxKT-vfTkgoVOAovSNxJL4CJuMA4M6Toy_Cfzq55gEEgiUGv7VS3zPHETwWnjCPt20CXf9eKCeyc2Ys_T_Trl7u8afcM9KuKbtQ73Q9-pw_l85Tbm3ELy9Y16Umo/s2899/peggy-porschen-spring-collection-sophie-sierra.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2899" data-original-width="2068" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGXWs6nMtKmhWfa8dxKT-vfTkgoVOAovSNxJL4CJuMA4M6Toy_Cfzq55gEEgiUGv7VS3zPHETwWnjCPt20CXf9eKCeyc2Ys_T_Trl7u8afcM9KuKbtQ73Q9-pw_l85Tbm3ELy9Y16Umo/s16000/peggy-porschen-spring-collection-sophie-sierra.png" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfJZLHENd5fykRVsI83MI4Rf5ZOQhN1ClGnfsGvHIk_IHOwzDdwNb6XhqJc3GwloMR-w1e5bRPYlMW06yTcwNkXXCVN-a_YGTvDvHqXvFhU0Ifjzmwy2YK3ncT_rSbKgw8e_gAY3Ekdw/s3456/peggy-porschen-macaroon-sophie-sierra.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfJZLHENd5fykRVsI83MI4Rf5ZOQhN1ClGnfsGvHIk_IHOwzDdwNb6XhqJc3GwloMR-w1e5bRPYlMW06yTcwNkXXCVN-a_YGTvDvHqXvFhU0Ifjzmwy2YK3ncT_rSbKgw8e_gAY3Ekdw/s16000/peggy-porschen-macaroon-sophie-sierra.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You've got to eat a macaroon or two.... well, wear them at least! Ironically no macaroons were actually consumed on our tea party but <a href="https://www.peggyporschen.com" target="_blank">Peggy Porschen's pretty spring-time menu </a>served all the magic required; think petal pretty biscuits, summery lemon sponge and luxurious hot chocolates. The pink twinkly macaroons displayed outside the parlour combined with the fun-fabulous Alice in Wonderland auras served the perfect setting for summertime dining. ♥︎</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAnRXinQ1K9ydBK2WThIh0nhjvWss8vMInT8zTKgyfn8G5dEhzXfGzHMUIvRaBfYLto_HCsqQBvK-mTw9esfVinDst95Q6vc2zGrU3wh-daQKKyoxWfQ-zW1gQnUWHczm0WuDW2SyfmQ/s3456/peggy-porschen-springtime-display-sophie-sierra.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAnRXinQ1K9ydBK2WThIh0nhjvWss8vMInT8zTKgyfn8G5dEhzXfGzHMUIvRaBfYLto_HCsqQBvK-mTw9esfVinDst95Q6vc2zGrU3wh-daQKKyoxWfQ-zW1gQnUWHczm0WuDW2SyfmQ/s16000/peggy-porschen-springtime-display-sophie-sierra.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5Hf_dtvEI9_1ON3ZviYNoBd5_dCqpPBPnFjG5V1a5xLQLArsQRbiWVfhC0gaLrFp6kdNKI7yBQ5nfACH-tOpgQ9Z-lpaa3ECb1KlqMphgJ45YZRd-cptdpc53yPRfqBZvlHu0yHvT0A/s3456/peggy-porschen-cakes-pink-london-cafe.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5Hf_dtvEI9_1ON3ZviYNoBd5_dCqpPBPnFjG5V1a5xLQLArsQRbiWVfhC0gaLrFp6kdNKI7yBQ5nfACH-tOpgQ9Z-lpaa3ECb1KlqMphgJ45YZRd-cptdpc53yPRfqBZvlHu0yHvT0A/s16000/peggy-porschen-cakes-pink-london-cafe.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And finally the queen cake of all cakes.... this bicycle pink splendour was a belated birthday treat that finally I was able to enjoy outside the parlour (my birthday is February 21st). It was well worth the wait, <a href="https://www.peggyporschen.com/collections/one-tier-party-cakes/products/peggys-pink-bicycle-cake?variant=34735423062150" target="_blank">Peggy's pink bicycle cake </a>was the cake of truest dreams! I opted for a dark chocolate and truffle sponge and it was total magic! I was so delighted to get back to London and as we've been shooting more content, hope to post more birthday themed content on the blog very soon! XO</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuf8VQRGYgTxF-hwlrosoUQVu1i8wGolamyKDr2UuwVOeMRQzFc1N3n7Rf-bbtm-_2cJdlV5POjbL64GGh8Z0P-hFny9XBb52KNxPEgkHJ_Ck91MNq37xPYvcW91gkkOI_mlrC2pjB2o/s2999/peggy-porschen-pink-bicycle-cake+copy.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2999" data-original-width="1999" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuf8VQRGYgTxF-hwlrosoUQVu1i8wGolamyKDr2UuwVOeMRQzFc1N3n7Rf-bbtm-_2cJdlV5POjbL64GGh8Z0P-hFny9XBb52KNxPEgkHJ_Ck91MNq37xPYvcW91gkkOI_mlrC2pjB2o/s16000/peggy-porschen-pink-bicycle-cake+copy.png" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever been to Peggy Porschen?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">🎂🎉🍾</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-78302896972242073742021-01-03T02:37:00.017+00:002021-01-03T03:09:58.263+00:00Christmas in London & ways I cope with SAD <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKejoVYWZZzB0rXJp3E_GFX1nKA169DNR-cj6sYN4pp_fcdYgV56SH-fO7mcVQ71-DI7A2BFEwr6Pz-RfOc5N_IaO1j6mVb75ppSyvKWW9F1dRF84ZnYwjVzYIcJbBi3qYibX9lhyphenhyphencLI/s3456/christmas-in-london-sophie-sierra.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKejoVYWZZzB0rXJp3E_GFX1nKA169DNR-cj6sYN4pp_fcdYgV56SH-fO7mcVQ71-DI7A2BFEwr6Pz-RfOc5N_IaO1j6mVb75ppSyvKWW9F1dRF84ZnYwjVzYIcJbBi3qYibX9lhyphenhyphencLI/s16000/christmas-in-london-sophie-sierra.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span><b style="font-size: x-large;">Happy New Year everyone! Before I post my second ballerina themed post I thought I'd make the most of our London content </b>and show you the glitziest displays we were lucky enough to catch in early December! Isn't this house the dreamiest Christmas sight? I can't get over the rainbow coloured baubles! I wanted to combine the sparkly pictures with a more serious discussion about my struggles with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and 5 ways I cope with the festive season and seasonal depression during the winter months. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH8wYjKyayoRsJYKPrxd4b-AJaiCuXiMl6iOGjZpeSYjON8GO112bR8ZvvrK19o1ES-zZLfXhy9PkCrQSz9xp53SSJAIpuHJi0MDKbWipPdDwhsjnPMx1wnx6ahz24LXyPCFz2F7Hpsw/s2838/christmas-house-london.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2838" data-original-width="2251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH8wYjKyayoRsJYKPrxd4b-AJaiCuXiMl6iOGjZpeSYjON8GO112bR8ZvvrK19o1ES-zZLfXhy9PkCrQSz9xp53SSJAIpuHJi0MDKbWipPdDwhsjnPMx1wnx6ahz24LXyPCFz2F7Hpsw/s16000/christmas-house-london.png" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I don't pressure myself </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Putting your mental health first is always essential but especially vital when it comes to the festive season if you struggle. For so many years I tried to make everyone else happy and forced myself to go to gatherings that I just couldn't face. Pressure is rife during Christmas to do this, do that, go here, go there. No more of that these days, if I don't want to do something I won't, end of. There's nothing worse than having to fake a smile and pretend you're okay when it comes to socialising, or more likely right now, something like Skype. I start feeling low once October arrives and only start feeling an improvement to my wellbeing and general health when April is in sight. It's important to make sure you're creating a safe space emotionally and mentally for yourself, to get through the season best for you. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVG-_qjVwJKwMRt750UF7l4zd6nLQWKY2qOVHNcjsvhyxv7q4FmySB_ekY8wVi4ALsSzZZjaS_0vBPwZ5IHopkMoEaBscHM00dYJfJI6w2GD8Cx0SdbXFjkUh2-c9ac1BoB3BCXkSIzU/s3456/christmas-in-london-pink-doors-soinspo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVG-_qjVwJKwMRt750UF7l4zd6nLQWKY2qOVHNcjsvhyxv7q4FmySB_ekY8wVi4ALsSzZZjaS_0vBPwZ5IHopkMoEaBscHM00dYJfJI6w2GD8Cx0SdbXFjkUh2-c9ac1BoB3BCXkSIzU/s16000/christmas-in-london-pink-doors-soinspo.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I cope with the season on my terms</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span>Going away for Christmas for a couple of days always uplifts my spirits so much and gives me such a boost mentally. I broke down when it was announced our area was essentially on lockdown for Christmas meaning our plans were ruined. For months our mini getaway had been the only thing keeping me going and it felt like the final straw. There was nothing to be done, so we tried to make Christmas as bearable as possible, and did manage to enjoy it more than anticipated. I've managed to get into the spirit of Christmas a little more these past few years, and creating seasonal content has made the festive season easier to embrace. 2020 has felt claustrophobic for me and my mental health, winter even more of a challenge with the added pressures of lockdowns combined with SAD. Sometimes I've wondered how much more I can take, but if last year taught us anything it's that we have to try and make things as bright as possible for ourselves, on our own terms. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYBD3cr_G6KOvw2ndgJ9yF3tfra3n0vhfJpR6I8QB2Wf6yrDGbpORkYjv-9BF27hQZkps5uAEPaefSphxKdKh_wpe08nidnlFKL3zpw_tZJSFOl1pYYxr-93_zP7TjgkGYTA5Hz2uqWE/s3193/christmas-in-london-soinspo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3193" data-original-width="2300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYBD3cr_G6KOvw2ndgJ9yF3tfra3n0vhfJpR6I8QB2Wf6yrDGbpORkYjv-9BF27hQZkps5uAEPaefSphxKdKh_wpe08nidnlFKL3zpw_tZJSFOl1pYYxr-93_zP7TjgkGYTA5Hz2uqWE/s16000/christmas-in-london-soinspo.png" /></a></div></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Remember the season will pass </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Winter can seem to drag on for an eternity which can be tough when you suffer with SAD. I try and focus on getting past Christmas and New Year, then powering through January and February before looking forward to the arrival of March which at least means Spring is beginning to bloom. Lighter evenings and fresh flowers, candy floss skies and the clock surging forward. Being able to sit out in the garden with a cup of tea and read, the promise of Easter, summer clothes or booking that much-needed getaway; future hopes in the form of something happy to look forward to can change mindset and mood so much. I remind myself that even though the season is a struggle to get through, the next will arrive before long. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjqTAUnHPo8NtTkEfgDsO2uv-l8iovmvJfFPVlo4BQBeXMgGFp96_9NWjzv0oJEsms1UuhndsGuYqMtIg_4Xh9KgbsCHAoRqLzcGbodTw2NnarKSt4ByiOWnujrcxPYba4i-gGS5to9A/s3366/peggy-porschen-christmas-nutcracker-display-sophie-sierra.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3366" data-original-width="2167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjqTAUnHPo8NtTkEfgDsO2uv-l8iovmvJfFPVlo4BQBeXMgGFp96_9NWjzv0oJEsms1UuhndsGuYqMtIg_4Xh9KgbsCHAoRqLzcGbodTw2NnarKSt4ByiOWnujrcxPYba4i-gGS5to9A/s16000/peggy-porschen-christmas-nutcracker-display-sophie-sierra.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Focus on what I CAN control </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">2020 was the biggest challenge for me mentally; I hate not being able to plan things for definite and get incredibly suffocated and panicky when things are out of my control. I had to learn to readjust my focus from everything spiralling out of control to the lack of things I had within my power to change. 2020 has taken its toll, every single time things seemed to take a step forward into normality, things would spiral downwards. It's been incredibly stop-start mentally and has been a challenge. For the most part I've thrown myself into coming up with future ideas and themes for my blog, setting in motion my ballerina theme (one that we had to keep putting back but luckily managed to shoot before Tier 4!) and keeping my dreams and goals close, working harder than ever to not only push myself forward in life but use ambition as a tool to take my mind off all the chaos unfolding. Instead of "I can't do what I want, I'm trapped", I shifted to: "I'm going to use this to my advantage and work on everything within my power." Likewise with my Seasonal Affective Disorder I've no control over how it makes me feel but within me I can improve my reactions by finding coping mechanisms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0j2F2S0VyYpmcM_fyfxSiJjKzoqwrmCsE_uo__BeIU9kuyEZpu7JRxqf_Op7WIusiJGMUmnDorH6D87tdIuzrz3bUhsBfDFrAPq4gSecp4Fl1TkZceOowr2eo-xqQCT0P6Ru2H3QOXY/s3456/christmas-in-london-2020.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0j2F2S0VyYpmcM_fyfxSiJjKzoqwrmCsE_uo__BeIU9kuyEZpu7JRxqf_Op7WIusiJGMUmnDorH6D87tdIuzrz3bUhsBfDFrAPq4gSecp4Fl1TkZceOowr2eo-xqQCT0P6Ru2H3QOXY/s16000/christmas-in-london-2020.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">You're not alone </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Lastly, and most importantly, please remember you're not alone. Winter can feel so isolating. The "most wonderful time of year" for many can also be the loneliest for others. Online connections and friendships have taught me so many of us can relate in more ways than I could have previously imagined. Please reach out to someone you trust if you're suffering. Last year has been incredibly tough on us all and it's important to keep reminding yourself how loved and valued you are by so many, even if it doesn't always feel that way on darker days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSOsy_PUAijecGoxQ3O8ezafCA7Rl7UL-bCQATRz4Y3YKZ09jjCeRm2Y6rnd4FlMCxDrUkjVGfTt2b9a_KTG7_eq1xnm9THp3F-CKidCZGcucLGfpI-ULxFGcub6BN5kE6_FbkjVn7mY/s3287/Christmas-in-London.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3287" data-original-width="2086" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSOsy_PUAijecGoxQ3O8ezafCA7Rl7UL-bCQATRz4Y3YKZ09jjCeRm2Y6rnd4FlMCxDrUkjVGfTt2b9a_KTG7_eq1xnm9THp3F-CKidCZGcucLGfpI-ULxFGcub6BN5kE6_FbkjVn7mY/s16000/Christmas-in-London.png" /></a></div><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Wishing everyone a really magical 2021 & sending you all lots of love! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">🎉</span></div><p></p>Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-26525087770964577272020-12-16T03:40:00.000+00:002020-12-16T03:40:52.962+00:00Peggy Porschen's Nutcracker Christmas + my Sugar Plum Fairy <p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjVfN6TD7KGzrkTMmal5cqTCowvxA6zeu1pTw3fNj7hkHU6C_AzktElMwhbyktrRnZ2wHWr2AyALbXh6B9ErSCpPY2uRLSOaLzS9gvtzPRrSZfK7_mzKMLlnnv6Fu_8yoLz03zbQzkGs/s3456/peggy-porschen-nutcracker-christmas-sugar-plum-fairy-costume-sophie-sierra-soinspo-blog.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjVfN6TD7KGzrkTMmal5cqTCowvxA6zeu1pTw3fNj7hkHU6C_AzktElMwhbyktrRnZ2wHWr2AyALbXh6B9ErSCpPY2uRLSOaLzS9gvtzPRrSZfK7_mzKMLlnnv6Fu_8yoLz03zbQzkGs/s16000/peggy-porschen-nutcracker-christmas-sugar-plum-fairy-costume-sophie-sierra-soinspo-blog.png" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Introducing my new Christmas theme which will run throughout the winter months on my blog and social media; ballet!</b> </span>I'll be waltzing through ballerina babetown as I bring you my spin of ballet-inspired looks which I'm so excited for and have been planning for months! The Sugar Plum Fairy is my first foray into Christmas content and what better way to celebrate my first ballet post than by a visit to <a href="https://www.peggyporschen.com" target="_blank">Peggy Porschen's</a> Nutcracker Christmas display, my favourite of their dream-like displays yet! ♥︎</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ7uxcEzhvoPlhJ2sqv162LP_rHD-uaaPMTfxOgbmMSa1MEX1BoafB2GtqEWxtObkfKm2nRHilnwxRw28FERmIzVKK_Ecr6sasnM5hMvHzi-GR134SxCS2KnK8y0E-ztAPuY1Hbi4ATk/s2850/peggy-porschen-christmas-nutcracker-display-sophie-sierra.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="2300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ7uxcEzhvoPlhJ2sqv162LP_rHD-uaaPMTfxOgbmMSa1MEX1BoafB2GtqEWxtObkfKm2nRHilnwxRw28FERmIzVKK_Ecr6sasnM5hMvHzi-GR134SxCS2KnK8y0E-ztAPuY1Hbi4ATk/s16000/peggy-porschen-christmas-nutcracker-display-sophie-sierra.png" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Peggy's pretty parlour lit up the London streets</span></b><span> as we braved the cold to shoot </span><span>my Sugar Plum Fairy outfit and warmed ourselves up afterwards with candycane engraved hot chocolate and christmas tree cookies. </span><a href="https://www.peggyporschen.com/collections/christmas" target="_blank">Peggy's The Nutcracker Christmas Collection</a><span> is straight from cloud nine, or the Land of Sweets to be more precise. Gingerbread, Sugar plum Fairies, Nutcrackers and more, the magic was non-stop! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCF9B6Lh-c2fsNwsTCNVRGWZcRFVPxyGKVl_5P6JQW6beg6vjuJg_2F2U2MiS3q7IQyR02xsl78-OxsR0LRW3v5XHW_LzNpvZi3lql1u5CGfWqAl9dMc9Kgb49tQU_N2_d9xrIZnsxYfY/s3250/peggy-porschen-nutcracker-christmas-soinspo-sophie-sierra.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3250" data-original-width="2300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCF9B6Lh-c2fsNwsTCNVRGWZcRFVPxyGKVl_5P6JQW6beg6vjuJg_2F2U2MiS3q7IQyR02xsl78-OxsR0LRW3v5XHW_LzNpvZi3lql1u5CGfWqAl9dMc9Kgb49tQU_N2_d9xrIZnsxYfY/s16000/peggy-porschen-nutcracker-christmas-soinspo-sophie-sierra.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17wmo-8DVAk7paTsRQXmlqjS_5a1U6dqRMRo5selXglUC3-TmZxMwbImX5X3vQAv3CVOIi_ojaqOua6J4VxoM13kqInJM5UnE1Nm8Mb0-l7rIT9HAKwv2lpKfJV_tIBfbFFhgmDMPYRs/s3037/peggy-porschen-christmas-sugarplum-fairy-cupcake.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3037" data-original-width="2300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17wmo-8DVAk7paTsRQXmlqjS_5a1U6dqRMRo5selXglUC3-TmZxMwbImX5X3vQAv3CVOIi_ojaqOua6J4VxoM13kqInJM5UnE1Nm8Mb0-l7rIT9HAKwv2lpKfJV_tIBfbFFhgmDMPYRs/s16000/peggy-porschen-christmas-sugarplum-fairy-cupcake.png" /></a><span><b><span style="font-size: large;">It seemed fitting, of course, to opt for a Sugar Plum Fairy cupcake </span></b>complete with mini ballet shoes and the most delicious </span><span style="text-align: left;">winter wonderland icing! The Jolly Gingerbread cupcake was a real treat too, alongside a merry marching Nutcracker cookie. ♥︎</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqywVL3u7UMGcBP3ATM6ovM4f3yYjtTS3Y2wRQcf6218LmSCBf9Qec_XaMu_kBkv1t6SxBqW6LU22lYc-b0eDRd5clSjKQ2YOImjmT-pIWeZETYYGhfW70LnCVztE49_xBshRAHYE0kEo/s2805/peggy-porschen-christmas-cookies-nutcracker.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2805" data-original-width="2300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqywVL3u7UMGcBP3ATM6ovM4f3yYjtTS3Y2wRQcf6218LmSCBf9Qec_XaMu_kBkv1t6SxBqW6LU22lYc-b0eDRd5clSjKQ2YOImjmT-pIWeZETYYGhfW70LnCVztE49_xBshRAHYE0kEo/s16000/peggy-porschen-christmas-cookies-nutcracker.png" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I really felt like I ruled The Land of Sweets</span></b> as I twirled around in ruffles with my gingerbread house held close to my heart and my mint green hair the perfect candycane accessory. My new blue coat also got an outing, and I love the contrast of the pink and blue, it felt really Christmassy. I had a blast in London shooting this look and it felt like the bravest I've done - yet the most rewarding. Throwing myself into this new theme has really given me a boost and I hope you love what's to come ballerina wise on the blog just as much as I've enjoyed making it happen! ♥︎</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bvKWmzL3VbM25BXvlRoBGxRIVy7QBdIGYWo-sOpbn0BHosb_YqhXpcWR0igDihL1U7esqVGiqQ6UFK882VsP9OJ_pZjAFLY5VVNYTWmh2TH8SSGDdCPuMhKSUGRmpQOWJ_Jg_lc_cBE/s3041/peggy-porschen-christmas-nutcracker-sophie-sierra-soinspo-style-blog.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3041" data-original-width="2152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bvKWmzL3VbM25BXvlRoBGxRIVy7QBdIGYWo-sOpbn0BHosb_YqhXpcWR0igDihL1U7esqVGiqQ6UFK882VsP9OJ_pZjAFLY5VVNYTWmh2TH8SSGDdCPuMhKSUGRmpQOWJ_Jg_lc_cBE/s16000/peggy-porschen-christmas-nutcracker-sophie-sierra-soinspo-style-blog.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbrtHPuUq9aJGiM6afbGEhVm9PhkdGKDT2iIEmG969NwG5KA1bfKydQzPBhJmcasmPjeBEcpk-Cc5KYLYckCMRuZbI3RICHeG258lXXwBVXBIKZ3g-qJhzk-PfrM80E1IlJwkBhrVjdc/s3456/peggy-porschen-nutcracker-christmas-display.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbrtHPuUq9aJGiM6afbGEhVm9PhkdGKDT2iIEmG969NwG5KA1bfKydQzPBhJmcasmPjeBEcpk-Cc5KYLYckCMRuZbI3RICHeG258lXXwBVXBIKZ3g-qJhzk-PfrM80E1IlJwkBhrVjdc/s16000/peggy-porschen-nutcracker-christmas-display.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">At 11 years old I actually went to see The Nutcracker ballet </span></b>but ended up experiencing one of my first major panic attacks and having to leave early and miss the whole thing. I'll have to talk about it more someday as the power of kindness the theatre staff showed me still plays heavily on my heart today. I'm so glad ballet brings people joy and this theme has been fun and interesting to put into place! </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9n0wObZZBAOuapdlML9mfxr9sXGVRX65tSjkk_gxG10TuGngeSyajKTL5blnscVsit2_wRoHgNAI-M0ejjkI7X5eR5x13JqarcVTRcU-_GihCfVmhh48nYHbqhVfUzokFnScao1QxJA/s3456/peggy-porschen-christmas-sophie-sierra.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9n0wObZZBAOuapdlML9mfxr9sXGVRX65tSjkk_gxG10TuGngeSyajKTL5blnscVsit2_wRoHgNAI-M0ejjkI7X5eR5x13JqarcVTRcU-_GihCfVmhh48nYHbqhVfUzokFnScao1QxJA/s16000/peggy-porschen-christmas-sophie-sierra.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SeTsSS7hcR5BiEZTJ48yXRKhT62JEP9n1Bab5ERUICmW7h5YOZK-r75GoVIWZyw-AjPQTjqCvy3tRwIheXLAjxfRz0wxtG9kgBTe01P65JeCUrnWOwvRVc6-3s8EmFQinQ-s4yuN458/s3456/peggy-porschen-christmas-nutcracker-sugarplum-fairy-costume-soinspo-sophie-sierra.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SeTsSS7hcR5BiEZTJ48yXRKhT62JEP9n1Bab5ERUICmW7h5YOZK-r75GoVIWZyw-AjPQTjqCvy3tRwIheXLAjxfRz0wxtG9kgBTe01P65JeCUrnWOwvRVc6-3s8EmFQinQ-s4yuN458/s16000/peggy-porschen-christmas-nutcracker-sugarplum-fairy-costume-soinspo-sophie-sierra.png" /></a></div><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I'll be posting the second part of my Christmas in London adventures next week so stay tuned! ♥︎</b></span></span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Are you a fan of The Nutcracker?</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Have you ever seen any ballet performances? </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">🎄</span></b></span></div>Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-56273890440992778622020-10-24T20:52:00.000+01:002020-10-24T20:52:35.479+01:00Halloween costume: Barbie in a box! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSacHy-gHJJJirM0-1WYjANV0zquu2mo5yZJhxpgcBUG3lUVhbZMREeYDmw8CzDLYIQP0qKaP-Od9_jy6XI1XecCEXAl2oT-go6elyxV9jlygeC7eqabx9BgBpk6iXTS7H_RPcZhpnsuM/s1950/barbie5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1950" data-original-width="1650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSacHy-gHJJJirM0-1WYjANV0zquu2mo5yZJhxpgcBUG3lUVhbZMREeYDmw8CzDLYIQP0qKaP-Od9_jy6XI1XecCEXAl2oT-go6elyxV9jlygeC7eqabx9BgBpk6iXTS7H_RPcZhpnsuM/s16000/barbie5.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">For my Halloween costume this year I decided to transform into a real life Barbie in a box! </span></b>Complete with pink glittering ballgown, satin gloves and the legendary logo box, I thought it would be fun to break out of the toy candy store and make it as a real life Barbie girl living in her own world! After debating different costume ideas I fell in love with this concept! It was MEGA cold but a hell of a lot of fun to shoot. ♥︎</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkl1UkEeMT3uEr8yPRN5Dzvl3DyxsrkKHTNAnCUqK3SPUxvb7m43o8B0xk9I3h2KQKM7T-8GVUum75-fb_TgA_3poluGaODeOwH8LbmqMBhUXBfwMIu12Qt1OPDujmLIU2ZLvmXoS4THI/s2563/barbie-in-a-box-halloween-costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2563" data-original-width="2079" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkl1UkEeMT3uEr8yPRN5Dzvl3DyxsrkKHTNAnCUqK3SPUxvb7m43o8B0xk9I3h2KQKM7T-8GVUum75-fb_TgA_3poluGaODeOwH8LbmqMBhUXBfwMIu12Qt1OPDujmLIU2ZLvmXoS4THI/s16000/barbie-in-a-box-halloween-costume.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Last Halloween I donned seashell boobs and aqua-blue hair for my <a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2019/10/halloween-look-blue-haired-mermaid.html" target="_blank">blue mermaid look</a>,</span></b> and the previous October<a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2018/10/halloween-outfit-pink-haired-penelope.html" target="_blank"> Penelope Pitstop </a>became my muse for spook-season. Once again the lure of shocking pink called me back in the form of masquerading as a real life Barbie girl. After all, life in plastic, it's fantastic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvv9pj7yV2PxetuD_CAdu_2V4QUuWSV4RD97BSlOYlybuD-7ZXkgF8vzIJs3TPjuFWXv1141JuKaBxPeqKHaJvVdvlboIimOHlNThbL2bg69ZKXR25ErAkbYch5K-wq0ZHvCJjxV2N5c/s2362/barbie-halloween-costume-soinspo-fashion-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2362" data-original-width="2199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvv9pj7yV2PxetuD_CAdu_2V4QUuWSV4RD97BSlOYlybuD-7ZXkgF8vzIJs3TPjuFWXv1141JuKaBxPeqKHaJvVdvlboIimOHlNThbL2bg69ZKXR25ErAkbYch5K-wq0ZHvCJjxV2N5c/s16000/barbie-halloween-costume-soinspo-fashion-blog.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Blog wise I've been away for months but find I need to be 100% committed </span>before pouring all my energy into something that takes a lot of dedication and hard work. If my heart's not in it, neither am I. I've missed blogging but wanted to come back only when I felt ready<i> and</i> had something I loved too much not to share. I hope to make a more regular appearance on here, but in the meantime you can catch me over on Instagram where I'm often posting stories from cute pink cafes or sparkly, fairytale outfits! For more Barbie girl fun be sure to catch my latest post on Instagram and keep an eye out on stories and highlights for behind the scenes! ♥︎</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILl-JKmbS1ttvPSaLjcmq4dgVSoFPxyfUhUlEorIzDEdcS_P_ru2EmPZOn3cGPSy-apfpe5-RgcBStbcwGMfQALzvPI6SJuyB7iUrq0JKJh2mdf_qdr8rxYKrX79z-HLbzWYefbJtuhQ/s2550/barbie-box-halloween-costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="2300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILl-JKmbS1ttvPSaLjcmq4dgVSoFPxyfUhUlEorIzDEdcS_P_ru2EmPZOn3cGPSy-apfpe5-RgcBStbcwGMfQALzvPI6SJuyB7iUrq0JKJh2mdf_qdr8rxYKrX79z-HLbzWYefbJtuhQ/s16000/barbie-box-halloween-costume.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"I want to be Barbie - that bitch has everything."</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">🙍</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Are you dressing up for Halloween this year? </b><b>♥︎ </b></span></i></div></b>Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-52045922206802336142020-06-28T18:30:00.000+01:002020-06-29T00:55:04.423+01:00Penshurst Place Gardens: a fairytale jewel in Kent! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_0lyOi9Sz1LBOa_42GwgNGm9CVlVpGUacOcfYvRxGVVQQteaLmF_KzDJzTBkrbT9gVAoWroZLf7yOL9a7fgRhjAA3HYkT45P_BRNA2R-nlFbVp9_hlzfkY7XnDlmY8hlomapwt_WY-E/s1600/penshurst-place-gardens-visit-kent-soinspo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_0lyOi9Sz1LBOa_42GwgNGm9CVlVpGUacOcfYvRxGVVQQteaLmF_KzDJzTBkrbT9gVAoWroZLf7yOL9a7fgRhjAA3HYkT45P_BRNA2R-nlFbVp9_hlzfkY7XnDlmY8hlomapwt_WY-E/s1600/penshurst-place-gardens-visit-kent-soinspo.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Penshurst Place you gorgeous fairytale-esque gem! Exploring the gardens of the 14th century Manor House was a sense of happy freedom last felt months ago.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>Life in lockdown has taken its toll I admit, and I'm pretty blooming glad that we're now allowed to shoot sought-after content I'd started to plan for 2020 beforehand. Until normality is within closer reach we will be avoiding London, which means at the moment we are making the most of areas outside the capital. <a href="https://www.penshurstplace.com/" target="_blank">Penshurst Place</a> is a beautiful tranquil landscape of heaven; think apple trees, climbing roses and dream-like courtyards.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0uYrmJebtvOAPU8WKY0JWIWF7667kZs5DVVp4E2LjzAUKsI7CqN8n1LI7bqnZO_UlrzSQ4VT-bGGaNVnZBhSXL6DBWxTUX475jWEBWz6qAqAb-lBKBNJ2VGVzvFAhzlS2e3Qazw-AJ4/s1600/penshurst-place-pink-flower-walls-visit-kent-hidden-gem-soinspo-fashion-blog.jpg+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0uYrmJebtvOAPU8WKY0JWIWF7667kZs5DVVp4E2LjzAUKsI7CqN8n1LI7bqnZO_UlrzSQ4VT-bGGaNVnZBhSXL6DBWxTUX475jWEBWz6qAqAb-lBKBNJ2VGVzvFAhzlS2e3Qazw-AJ4/s1600/penshurst-place-pink-flower-walls-visit-kent-hidden-gem-soinspo-fashion-blog.jpg+.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6hpCewJ_7s9jIz0yGsU5PozceG1TZ40QKEPf0O_LYfAuCOjdypLqAg1j98Lj8urFCCmQjY4OPDGgHsek13Y0Zf57e8W-iz8WvztVw814xOZK_2sJC8Ge8q1Kjhi1K_g4Fep7hQHMMJI/s1600/asos-cherry-print-dress-soinspo-uk-fashion-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6hpCewJ_7s9jIz0yGsU5PozceG1TZ40QKEPf0O_LYfAuCOjdypLqAg1j98Lj8urFCCmQjY4OPDGgHsek13Y0Zf57e8W-iz8WvztVw814xOZK_2sJC8Ge8q1Kjhi1K_g4Fep7hQHMMJI/s1600/asos-cherry-print-dress-soinspo-uk-fashion-blog.jpg" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Last Saturday we enjoyed strolling around the grounds, making the most of one of the first tourist-y things we've done since the world ground to a halt. </span></b>Bunch of bright blooms in hand, the cherry-print dress from asos I'd wanted to wear for blossom season finally made its first appearance, and the stunning pink roses climbing high was a cute coincidence that just so happened to coincide with my outfit and handheld flowers! Matching pink rainbow-striped hat and new addition <a href="https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-heart-sunglasses-in-hot-pink/prd/14142626?ctaRef=my%20orders" target="_blank">heart shaped sunglasses</a> finished off the summer solstice vibe, post-Barbados style!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtWOLWzL_SOwVxDcFANkufviKvOUME6UNjsjHZv7_4KskRTGhNzgvyhMbzzFmns1govzNsWfKNr7dAdygWDNUpRqAOpyVbplDutuqgkyccv1Pg_2eGzPf8ma91qwrpyEdoI_eIvoMQHk/s1600/penshurst-place-gardens-visit-kent-cherry-dress-soinspo-fashion-blog-uk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtWOLWzL_SOwVxDcFANkufviKvOUME6UNjsjHZv7_4KskRTGhNzgvyhMbzzFmns1govzNsWfKNr7dAdygWDNUpRqAOpyVbplDutuqgkyccv1Pg_2eGzPf8ma91qwrpyEdoI_eIvoMQHk/s1600/penshurst-place-gardens-visit-kent-cherry-dress-soinspo-fashion-blog-uk.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeJZgC4uF-oJvCjbDww82C_4Jalj3UV4xXa1dhgNs4cjLjZxFB1RqB2pxTP49GomrIabBZVUO2tVDDYf_4jKuN0kNpEi8qWJKWbTzC-ieuJ-vH1vCf6WNTu41jWvzG1nGrkN50M5QOO8/s1600/penshurst-place-hidden-gem-kent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXeJZgC4uF-oJvCjbDww82C_4Jalj3UV4xXa1dhgNs4cjLjZxFB1RqB2pxTP49GomrIabBZVUO2tVDDYf_4jKuN0kNpEi8qWJKWbTzC-ieuJ-vH1vCf6WNTu41jWvzG1nGrkN50M5QOO8/s1600/penshurst-place-hidden-gem-kent.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Luckily it was a blue-skied day, and with social distancing measures firmly in place the acres were easy to explore in carefree harmony. </span></b>The Manor House is closed for now, but the gardens and cafe remain open with social distancing measures firmly in place, reassuringly carried out well and putting our afternoon at ease. The Garden has different themes, colour and season wise, and our wanderings took us towards jade green waters housing vibrant water lilies, orchards and flower beds; in particular a gorgeous courtyard surrounded by displays of white roses, the ultimate <i>Alice in Wonderland </i>type of enchanting escapism. Lush lavender jostles for space alongside magnolia blossom and frothing fountains. Craving the Cotswolds, the tumbling pink displays of flowers were almost enough to cast us there, albeit Garden of England style! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjNdKDnMKl8WJFizUtOPQYg6nyc14-ah0KnFv8dr-mQmu4GJsCyfnCv8InFcRqkI97TZopY59WQC6AmP90AcpY8muVl8jvx09mZoSCY00KTkL3OD3V5iYmEMUU4QAAp9VA0b1gN6q17M/s1600/penshurst-place-visit-kent-england-soinspo-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGjNdKDnMKl8WJFizUtOPQYg6nyc14-ah0KnFv8dr-mQmu4GJsCyfnCv8InFcRqkI97TZopY59WQC6AmP90AcpY8muVl8jvx09mZoSCY00KTkL3OD3V5iYmEMUU4QAAp9VA0b1gN6q17M/s1600/penshurst-place-visit-kent-england-soinspo-blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-nRaUaKvEgnieBBTLtC8wJCV9sBgylpdtK4HrEQqfX8LHUNtW_xAVlBM14W-x-OsYX9AbuLPCq665P_KnIx7bJJhiuycut36vWXNOmaorxn8h8q0a_VDOYsryWs1CYz7qX5D7St_fi4/s1600/penshurst-place-visiting-kent-uk-soinspo-fashion-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-nRaUaKvEgnieBBTLtC8wJCV9sBgylpdtK4HrEQqfX8LHUNtW_xAVlBM14W-x-OsYX9AbuLPCq665P_KnIx7bJJhiuycut36vWXNOmaorxn8h8q0a_VDOYsryWs1CYz7qX5D7St_fi4/s1600/penshurst-place-visiting-kent-uk-soinspo-fashion-blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I'll admit I'm not always the biggest fan of Kent, I don't seem to be enchanted by the same kind of spell a lot of others seem to fall under in regards to the Garden of England.</span></b> Although they say to bloom where you're planted I'd rather enjoy adventures outside of the county as much as I can, especially when it comes to content - I like to get as creative as possible in different spaces - but I've got to admit Penshurst Place was a real jewel, a childhood favourite and one we'll most definitely be returning to now and then, especially given the current circumstances!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAonZbwZWtibWHL89edJmHqPDoywH5GFviicqQMzmRSJlB_K9iF_OAwhcke4JwrWzI-4rvXYqpj6AR3hrUl_hOElPa3RfwIRu09-f_gpC6dnxD0PxElfbpDGsHQUSgUe1JG-ORDr8654/s1600/penshurst-place-pink-flower-walls-exploring-kent-cherry-print-dress-soinspo-fashion-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAonZbwZWtibWHL89edJmHqPDoywH5GFviicqQMzmRSJlB_K9iF_OAwhcke4JwrWzI-4rvXYqpj6AR3hrUl_hOElPa3RfwIRu09-f_gpC6dnxD0PxElfbpDGsHQUSgUe1JG-ORDr8654/s1600/penshurst-place-pink-flower-walls-exploring-kent-cherry-print-dress-soinspo-fashion-blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUvryoiOsXBO45mNmoGMTCeQ2xh8U9XPvmP3SAOd7PI13GMVKe8u8sQLylZz1NdCkksDuT-p4cVpu9V8mMjNoIFYLexwhaqHn3mV6l_56kVZz8wjZaZ8Y_hZ0LdYhfAPDlxcxMKowK_s/s1600/penshurst-place-gardens-pink-rose-flower-walls-soinspo-uk-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUvryoiOsXBO45mNmoGMTCeQ2xh8U9XPvmP3SAOd7PI13GMVKe8u8sQLylZz1NdCkksDuT-p4cVpu9V8mMjNoIFYLexwhaqHn3mV6l_56kVZz8wjZaZ8Y_hZ0LdYhfAPDlxcxMKowK_s/s1600/penshurst-place-gardens-pink-rose-flower-walls-soinspo-uk-blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">It's so lovely to have the option to get creative with content, and after not feeling very inspired to blog or be as active on my social media channels, </span></b>I'm finally ready to start making a reappearance again. One of the biggest reasons I enjoy what I do so much is down to all the adventures and places we venture, and knowing I can make my visions come alive with new travels on the map is one of the main things that keeps me inspired! Hoping to at least tick some more boxes in 2020 in regards to wanderlust! Be sure to follow me over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sophiesierra90/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/sophie_sierra" target="_blank">Twitter</a> for surplus pictures and content! ♥︎</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7I2o8cMjG9czA6_uLUvouJDdB_nW-eeEErdHsoW9JrXm1DFvkKylD-WKE6hPEVYY3Ri50aLP9zFQB_tRyUapQuvYNrAPCVET39UM6voBPUWaYhqP2dYeU_cfamG8H8gwzbmKpSNtjhY/s1600/asos-rainbow-bucket-hat-soinspo-fashion-blog-uk.jpg" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you want to visit the gorgeous <a href="https://www.penshurstplace.com/" target="_blank">Penshurst Place Gardens</a> then be sure to check out their website for further information on opening times and social distancing measures.</span></b><span style="text-align: justify;"> We'll most definitely be coming back for another visit very soon! ♥︎</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have you been to any pretty places or gardens lately? Let me know in the comments! </span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Similar posts: </span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2018/10/london-travel-hidden-gems-in-soho.html" target="_blank">London travel: hidden gems in Soho</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2017/05/travel-candy-coated-shanklin.html" target="_blank">A visit to candy coated Shanklin, Isle of Wight </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2018/08/peggy-porschen-pink-houses-of-london.html" target="_blank">Peggy Porschen, pink houses of London & anxiety talk </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-25043608481616015932020-04-15T19:36:00.001+01:002020-04-15T23:52:14.131+01:005 unexpected things helping my mental health during the lockdown <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XHhE84TFHpGX5sIHbHefG5YzpYFHGR0twC2KK34NGylX7XGR-cO5BRHcmA4VTfkRx-XYgSgsUiGUf_lXDJTkBZlfmWgx64mnULAnmvUepwBGyrrNKLUPA1tEnqRTb3WqVDwY4vEbBuk/s1600/5-things-helping-my-mental-health-during-lockdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2XHhE84TFHpGX5sIHbHefG5YzpYFHGR0twC2KK34NGylX7XGR-cO5BRHcmA4VTfkRx-XYgSgsUiGUf_lXDJTkBZlfmWgx64mnULAnmvUepwBGyrrNKLUPA1tEnqRTb3WqVDwY4vEbBuk/s1600/5-things-helping-my-mental-health-during-lockdown.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">When the lockdown was first announced, my anxiety, already quite bad, shot through the roof. I had built a much better space for myself mentally whilst away for my birthday, only for it all to come crashing down soon after we got home as the news reached horrifying heights.</span></b> I honestly didn't know how I'd be able to cope with the prospect of a lockdown. In brief, a lot of the time I work from home alone whilst my boyfriend does both early and late shifts, and often our precious two days off are the silver lining I look forward to. My boyfriend is a key worker so is still going to work as normal. Both loneliness and low moods can culminate in my anxiety and depression worsening. Despite being all too familiar with solitude, and it being something I prefer over a social work enivornment, I was still concerned about how I would cope. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Soon after the first week of lockdown, I was taken aback by how much my general mood seemed to be improving, and that actually, I seemed to be coping a lot better than most people I was talking to. </b>This seemed both strange and bizarre, and I couldn't understand it. When I set eyes upon this really <a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/coronavirus-is-making-a-lot-of-people-anxious-and-depressed-but-some-sufferers-actually-feel-better-now" target="_blank">insightful article </a>that I related to on many levels, I felt relief that I wasn't the only one with mental health struggles who seemed to be doing surprisingly OK. With a vow made to myself to tackle more honest topics on the blog again, I've decided to focus on 5 things that I've found to be of great help to my mental health and general wellbeing during the lockdown and this unsettling, unknown time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92yFHtY2f0xidDj-32mJyxD_-X-81tHmLQHxInXcxWWpOKwMzkFHi6Ga9XwPwHZCRLd3w41uads-Ir6f_orfSoK0c13yrPbbZPcZJpgWebthS6br4jwCshrlvtGKivVvdK_5-FfOTOsM/s1600/5-unexpected-things-helping-my-mental-health-during-lockdown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92yFHtY2f0xidDj-32mJyxD_-X-81tHmLQHxInXcxWWpOKwMzkFHi6Ga9XwPwHZCRLd3w41uads-Ir6f_orfSoK0c13yrPbbZPcZJpgWebthS6br4jwCshrlvtGKivVvdK_5-FfOTOsM/s1600/5-unexpected-things-helping-my-mental-health-during-lockdown.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">5 unexpected things helping my mental health during the lockdown </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Focusing on what I CAN do, not what I CAN'T </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm personally finding it neither productive nor helpful hearing everyone talk about what they're missing out on and can't wait to do once the lockdown is over. Even though it's understandable, personally it only gets me frustrated and resentful and I don't want to be simmering with resentment, so instead I'm choosing NOT to imagine all the wonderful things I <i>could </i>be doing, and instead putting all my energy into what I <i>can</i> do during the current moment. Luckily I have a major new chapter and career focus in my life that I've just started, so have been pouring my heart and soul into that. It's been a massive game-changer in taking my mind off things. I've heard of people making lists of places they want to visit/travel/explore when this is all over, writing down anything they want to do, placing them in a jar and keep that jar for when the future looks brighter. Even though right now those things won't help me, everyone's different and it's all about doing things that will help you day by day, block by block.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">Switching off from the toxicity on social media </span></span><br />
Speaking to a friend recently, we discussed how much hypocrisy and martyrdom there is online at the moment. We both agreed it has had a detrimental effect on our mental health, making us feel guilty and ashamed for merely going shopping for essential food items and for daily exercise (which we are currently allowed to do in the UK, so long as you observe Government guidelines and social distance.) I'm 100% for people making valid points, spreading awareness and standing up for what they believe in, especially when it comes to calling out shameless individuals flouting rules and making the lockdown shadow even further over the summer, but what pisses me off is the amount of triggering tweets people seem to throw out without a second thought for someone else's mental health. The lack of thought to those already fighting battles with their mental health astounds me, especially when I see the amount of individuals retweeting purely for shock value and scare-mongering purposes. I'd really urge anyone to consider and think twice before sharing such content right now. Unfortunately I seem to be following a few people that have retweeted content that has affected me quite badly, and it's definitely made me question just why I happen to be following them in the first place. The toxicity on social media has reached violent heights in my eyes, every time I go on twitter I instantly feel sick. Now I limit my time and try to avoid the news, having a look only to keep informed as and when. Logging off, switching off and unfollowing, muting, whatever - make sure life online isn't ruining yours.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlrPszc2f1JIoc_U31_Crt1Y7fcU9bnO4thnyU1wmMxRyj1KLlQzbObyxDclxIG5l9wI9d6E36nygUGtShZ8vjH0B3xD_TKkUOXJp6IX9FG4DSINkGgSwJtXm_rBHS9EqcnQwMvCoOuA/s1600/5-unexpected-things-improving-my-mental-health-during-the-lockdown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlrPszc2f1JIoc_U31_Crt1Y7fcU9bnO4thnyU1wmMxRyj1KLlQzbObyxDclxIG5l9wI9d6E36nygUGtShZ8vjH0B3xD_TKkUOXJp6IX9FG4DSINkGgSwJtXm_rBHS9EqcnQwMvCoOuA/s1600/5-unexpected-things-improving-my-mental-health-during-the-lockdown.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Making mental mind blocks </span></b><br />
Like everyone else, I have so many places that mean so much to me that I can't frequent right now. But as mentioned above, it isn't helping me to think of any of them. I don't know quite how, but I've managed to mentally block a lot of them out of my mind. Those places no longer exist for me, until further notice. I limit myself to the odd fleeting thought of something I enjoy, and will enjoy in the future, and that's enough. I prefer to focus on what I can do, day by day. It's baffling to me how I've managed to keep such control and mentally file the places I love away into some faraway filing cabinet, but it's helping me so much in the here and now. I try not to look through photos on my phone of all the places I've been to that are all off limits, but when I do I try not to get nostalgic and just (for example if I'm editing a picture for Instagram) keep matter of fact about things and not think too deeply about it all. My boyfriend and I are great creatures of habit and visit a few places weekly, and have done ever since we first dated. But right now routine has been broken, and will stay broken until things get back to normal. Like I said, I'm choosing to focus on taking things one day at a time.<br />
<br />
<b>When the lockdown was first announced I wanted answers</b> - how long will it stay like this? When will things get back to normal? How many weeks or months will lockdown remain in place for? I wasted time scrolling through people's opinions online. Funnily enough, everyone was an expert in predicting when lockdown would be over. Realistically nobody has answers and any crystal ball currently looks cloudy. None of us know. So I've stopped putting time constraints on the current situation and am just going to wait and see what happens. False hope is a faithless potion to the remedy we all want to magic before our eyes. Answers are unavailable right now, so I'm intending to take it day by day until there's a brighter outcome.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2snx5FOSljwCfRfjHK1j2kdQmqnJT7B-9hMLkL8FjTewugodskUftcTL5T_M4AkV04Fz2h5xZc561KztFzdieao9tdb_bQxkWlkhQLzqr5K85bFmMlnfxv2h1KJzjPeRBbOhknV9vi0/s1600/coping-during-the-lockdown-ways-to-improve-mental-health.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2snx5FOSljwCfRfjHK1j2kdQmqnJT7B-9hMLkL8FjTewugodskUftcTL5T_M4AkV04Fz2h5xZc561KztFzdieao9tdb_bQxkWlkhQLzqr5K85bFmMlnfxv2h1KJzjPeRBbOhknV9vi0/s1600/coping-during-the-lockdown-ways-to-improve-mental-health.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Being selective in who I give my time & energy to </span></b><br />
One key thing I've realised during lockdown is to make note of who is draining my energy and who is replenishing it. A few messages I've received have really got me down when otherwise I've been feeling as bright as is possible to feel in the moment. Naturally we're all going to be talking about what's going on - how can we not? - but taking my wellbeing into account I don't want to speak to someone who is constantly reminding me of all the worry and fear I'm already trying so hard to keep under control. Likewise when people are putting content up online that's positive I find it sad when others can't seem to resist mentioning what's going on - especially when the post has literally nothing to do with all the upset. Let's allow those that want to create a positive and safe space online away from all this horror to do so. We all need a distraction right now, and I'm personally enjoying seeing colourful photos of spring blooms and pretty dresses. Same goes for all the rainbows drawn on roads and encouraging teddy bears in windows. We all need some joy to run with right now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKj4B6RCPYIqYYDkDoisaAs7QfXDy0UTWf-nBfAdQsytE9qA-3EjRqoR4FImo9h5SheQbdgettxkRLp4p-seGbDVjX84Eg6PITAsL72SyZQk6ClyvUu2Dc7phYGpD_V5-9v4j_ZEGnYo/s1600/5-unexpected-things-helping-my-mental-health-during-the-lockdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKj4B6RCPYIqYYDkDoisaAs7QfXDy0UTWf-nBfAdQsytE9qA-3EjRqoR4FImo9h5SheQbdgettxkRLp4p-seGbDVjX84Eg6PITAsL72SyZQk6ClyvUu2Dc7phYGpD_V5-9v4j_ZEGnYo/s1600/5-unexpected-things-helping-my-mental-health-during-the-lockdown.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Realising I can't control the situation </span></b><br />
I can't control the uncontrollable, simple as that. Before the lockdown, whenever we had a day out planned I'd always freak out at the possibility of something derailing it. I like to know we can definitely do something, what time we're leaving, etc. etc. Any change of plan left me bitterly disappointed and panicked. But since this has happened I've realised there's something peaceful about not having to make structured plans. My boyfriend and I have just enjoyed a week off together, originally we'd planned a fun-filled time with lots of busy days out. Obviously this didn't happen but we were both surprised by the really enjoyable week we both had regardless. We read a lot, took peaceful walks, watched some amazing Spike Lee movies (my favourite director and one of my heroes), some amazing Harrison Ford movies (Graham's favourite actor and one of his heroes), ate some lovely food and enjoyed a pizza delivery. We clinked wine and beer bottles and had cake to celebrate Graham's birthday on Saturday. The week whizzed past because we made the best of it, and I'm so glad we did. If the lockdown has taught me anything it's that sometimes you just have to get on with things and make the best of what you've got.<br />
<br />
There are lots of other little things helping my mental health during the lockdown right now, but these are the key points I wanted to make. Please remember to take care of your mental health and do what's right for you during this difficult time, while of course adhering to the guidelines too to keep everyone safe! I know everyone's situation is different and that we all have our struggles and worries right now. Sending everyone reading this lots of love and light! ♥︎<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What's helping you stay positive during the lockdown? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Similar posts you might enjoy:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2019/04/what-to-do-when-social-media-makes-you.html" target="_blank">What to do when social media makes you feel ill </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2017/06/anxiety-5-positive-steps-for-improvement.html" target="_blank">Anxiety: 5 positive steps for improvement </a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-90369935806478149192020-04-05T21:06:00.000+01:002020-04-19T00:59:24.526+01:00Beautiful Barbados | Hunte's Gardens <div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk7sD9_4zHEKNEHqmkB4uOTV-GJl8dMGvdmnsz8r2Nn5VtPryN82sQFyvGtyFqKyW0lklgJmgweWm16C5ZzkYzf3wc5JyN6ZLVM6Xi2ekZkHHQnpGn96JSnz9ct3mVMN2kSsa3176h7o/s1600/barbados.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk7sD9_4zHEKNEHqmkB4uOTV-GJl8dMGvdmnsz8r2Nn5VtPryN82sQFyvGtyFqKyW0lklgJmgweWm16C5ZzkYzf3wc5JyN6ZLVM6Xi2ekZkHHQnpGn96JSnz9ct3mVMN2kSsa3176h7o/s1600/barbados.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wow. Life has truly turned upside down since we celebrated my 30th birthday back in February. My boyfriend and I were lucky to bask in the sunshine on one of my favourite Caribbean islands in the world, beautiful Barbados.</b> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Soon after we got back all the chaos descended and </span>I haven't felt up to sharing much on social media since the lockdown, but with the support and encouragement from lots of loved ones I've decided to press on and share the first chapter of our "beautiful Barbados" adventures with you. I think sometimes it's nice to have an escape from the news, I know it's helping my anxious mind keep as positive as possible right now by focusing on all the things I can, rather than can't, do.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5h5Pho85dQmlxX14FWSipJSF0TU_PZ0qlA38_-8a2rEyKXhyphenhyphenDiIgu_DgDsqGwAqZQyVfh86juf5EZ7UP61k-Jv42lzeWM9IoAMNtgklJEG6_Q0DW807EM0HS10RlBnQ0y9vAw7v0470/s1600/asos-lilac-polka-dot-print-mini-dress-spring-summer-style.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5h5Pho85dQmlxX14FWSipJSF0TU_PZ0qlA38_-8a2rEyKXhyphenhyphenDiIgu_DgDsqGwAqZQyVfh86juf5EZ7UP61k-Jv42lzeWM9IoAMNtgklJEG6_Q0DW807EM0HS10RlBnQ0y9vAw7v0470/s1600/asos-lilac-polka-dot-print-mini-dress-spring-summer-style.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53lQISpCHhf8rwIThuSajC_PQ3YrIAQ80i7r8zVTzITnUxN0yAfTKO5Wh7V1elpeoR3APrC5hzmy2E2yMPs6zAOwYgJFriUICu78rGzpBpQHQ38VlDj9oMI9cHZks8F6AXelRvCSE7Q0/s1600/barbados-travel-hunte%2527s-gardens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53lQISpCHhf8rwIThuSajC_PQ3YrIAQ80i7r8zVTzITnUxN0yAfTKO5Wh7V1elpeoR3APrC5hzmy2E2yMPs6zAOwYgJFriUICu78rGzpBpQHQ38VlDj9oMI9cHZks8F6AXelRvCSE7Q0/s1600/barbados-travel-hunte%2527s-gardens.JPG" /></a></span></b></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.huntesgardens-barbados.com/" target="_blank">Hunte's Garden's</a> aka 'the most enchanting place on Earth' was our chosen outing for the first full-length day we had in Barbados. </span></b>Desperate to soak up as much of the holiday as we possibly could, we wanted a tranquil, easy-going day out, and this tropical nirvana was MAGIC. Situated in St Joseph, the tropical gardens open up fairytale views for miles, including bubbling fountains, lush flowers in breathtakingly bright colours and palm trees beneath cobalt blue skies. The only blot on our horizon was an unbelievably rude cab driver who insisted upon arrival we wouldn't need more than an hour here and tried to dictate our day for us. After realising we were having none of it, he thankfully got the message and I'm so glad we stood firm, especially seeing as we spent a good 3-4 hours here!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C2FthioNDMRq-phu9sYAnjGECkowzMLfHdB6rOoZvo5yPsdeUMUoDkQ5sRg21EO3O_nj09kpqgLGpa4AQDqZg5Oy2lR8g69UqCksuMF7Aqz4irPfFlc_Ub5qCPOgEf5ffMxiE2pca7c/s1600/hunte%2527s-gardens-barbados.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C2FthioNDMRq-phu9sYAnjGECkowzMLfHdB6rOoZvo5yPsdeUMUoDkQ5sRg21EO3O_nj09kpqgLGpa4AQDqZg5Oy2lR8g69UqCksuMF7Aqz4irPfFlc_Ub5qCPOgEf5ffMxiE2pca7c/s1600/hunte%2527s-gardens-barbados.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCLdBIN_5FuSCMN7X2KygmXcQAUkKswhgKDYonMXqLiqw36Uvw_23FJXTfQJh1atDRZSa5_n89BE4phxmx7xxNRgGRxc6F0YtjWyf24HB4vCkmv36xOBlSB07eFyqRbV4-oCBePre3zw/s1600/hunte%2527s-gardens-barbados-travel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCLdBIN_5FuSCMN7X2KygmXcQAUkKswhgKDYonMXqLiqw36Uvw_23FJXTfQJh1atDRZSa5_n89BE4phxmx7xxNRgGRxc6F0YtjWyf24HB4vCkmv36xOBlSB07eFyqRbV4-oCBePre3zw/s1600/hunte%2527s-gardens-barbados-travel.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2H0jDX6TztTn1WN7Y-PF1BM9zElXI5zKnEBe_giHNzia_OcowZo1-QuZygc5D4zHVH_Kd2zMtb1qJUTIC_7CSLQxNUTOpGFKP6VvPyLg2YPmLbjFNVRQZ0XV6zvHnyVc5VLyONqU-Jg/s1600/hunte%2527s-gardens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2H0jDX6TztTn1WN7Y-PF1BM9zElXI5zKnEBe_giHNzia_OcowZo1-QuZygc5D4zHVH_Kd2zMtb1qJUTIC_7CSLQxNUTOpGFKP6VvPyLg2YPmLbjFNVRQZ0XV6zvHnyVc5VLyONqU-Jg/s1600/hunte%2527s-gardens.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Skipping stones, beautiful buddhas and wishing wells</span></b> sat pretty alongside all the greenery, flowers springing everywhere in sight. We were surprised at how much there was to explore, with lots of gorgeous spots to sit if you wanted to just drink in the scenery. Every corner felt like your own little jungle corridor of pure paradise! Unintentionally, lilacs and greens were my colour code for the holiday. Vibrant violets coupled with gemstone tones such as jade and emerald in exotic brights seemed to be my island-inspired hues, the clash of green against purple captured in many of my outfits during our stay in Barbados. For Hunte's Gardens I wore my new polka-dot mini-dress in the prettiest lilac shade, plus heart-shaped sunglasses.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LjQzRTZet2VMsayycopoRyKSgzhVgr9x7cbH1AfmQ4YaYYftjJfnIa4s_J7MlJtY5crB345mAYO2qrxMQfPNSZwYWQuSWNABih3So8Ow76knOGZDOHBzLeaWC5XGD8ER42a0zsFumO8/s1600/lilac-polkadot-print-mini-dress-asos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LjQzRTZet2VMsayycopoRyKSgzhVgr9x7cbH1AfmQ4YaYYftjJfnIa4s_J7MlJtY5crB345mAYO2qrxMQfPNSZwYWQuSWNABih3So8Ow76knOGZDOHBzLeaWC5XGD8ER42a0zsFumO8/s1600/lilac-polkadot-print-mini-dress-asos.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvN77xuPMy74J5oOFaItBAlvLdqMR2ApVl6Cj9hHGmUb0ZO4WufI2lA38nx-uXZhXOy-t4o77vS3-dUZZu6-Rwe1sFq5hs7TEu_CzPO5bPmsV7w8LX2JPOVUjLVXUdahd1be37WG91ds/s1600/hunte%2527s-gardens-beautiful-barbados-purple-flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvN77xuPMy74J5oOFaItBAlvLdqMR2ApVl6Cj9hHGmUb0ZO4WufI2lA38nx-uXZhXOy-t4o77vS3-dUZZu6-Rwe1sFq5hs7TEu_CzPO5bPmsV7w8LX2JPOVUjLVXUdahd1be37WG91ds/s1600/hunte%2527s-gardens-beautiful-barbados-purple-flowers.jpg" /></a></div>
After exploring the dream-like gardens, we went for refreshments - rum punch and warmed carrot cake to be precise, the best I've ever tasted no less! The owner - Anthony Hunte - greeted us and a few other guests as we sat in chic, cosy surroundings overlooking palm trees and flower fields. Despite visiting some other hidden gems in Barbados during our stay, Hunte's Gardens remained a firm favourite and was definitely one of my favourite days out there. I wanted to stay forever! If you are looking to visit Barbados in the future, I'd definitely make Hunte's Garden's one of your hot-spots! <span style="font-size: large;">♥︎ </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Pl7NRvdk3L_iwuguxxWFggoZZv4xsl9GxCDXGXU8tpRzYkaEDHVuEicP-SikuEgrHoHCv6Mg-iXIVPGCFL0J0z91uvD_3s0_JKQU0JcwnvsN6lwo2DhfxzbgETxWh4yMgw79tz-4ywM/s1600/travel-hunte%2527s-gardens-barbados.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Pl7NRvdk3L_iwuguxxWFggoZZv4xsl9GxCDXGXU8tpRzYkaEDHVuEicP-SikuEgrHoHCv6Mg-iXIVPGCFL0J0z91uvD_3s0_JKQU0JcwnvsN6lwo2DhfxzbgETxWh4yMgw79tz-4ywM/s1600/travel-hunte%2527s-gardens-barbados.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
If you enjoyed this post you might also enjoy <a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2019/03/barbados-my-top-5-colourful-places-to_23.html" target="_blank">Barbados: top 5 colourful places to visit on the island</a>.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">~</span></div>
<div aria-label="Butterfly" class="css-1dbjc4n r-xoduu5 r-1mlwlqe r-1d2f490 r-1udh08x r-u8s1d r-h9hxbl r-417010" style="-webkit-box-align: stretch; -webkit-box-direction: normal; -webkit-box-orient: vertical; align-items: stretch; border: 0px solid black; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-flex; flex-basis: auto; flex-direction: column; flex-shrink: 0; height: 1.2em; left: 0px; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: absolute; width: 1.2em; z-index: 0;">
<img alt="Butterfly" class="css-9pa8cd" draggable="false" src="https://abs-0.twimg.com/emoji/v2/svg/1f98b.svg" style="bottom: 0px; height: 18px; left: 0px; opacity: 0; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; width: 18px; z-index: -1;" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">"Yes it's true, t</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">he best things in life are free. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Not material, c</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">hemical or physically. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Try it for yourself, y</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">ou'll get a guaranteed high, f</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">rom spiritual love, natural miracle drug." - </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Stevie Wonder, Chemical Love. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">🔮🌿☘</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-25592844197864196122020-02-05T22:43:00.000+00:002020-02-05T22:49:11.776+00:00Peggy Porschen at Valentine's: love letters collection <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7YwYUctRYzrak3x-ckrgssQX0HLzUe5lzYNkV1zFsUmdC64nM-sgLKn0ZtEjKvNS0XZkH5Z6Rq416I2606E3f7xNhIgH1tOTtKs3hOpc8JB7Z6FaYjQ5fy1BSWDpogjXNxGtx5wpEpQ/s1600/peggy-porschen-valentine%2527s-love-letters-collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7YwYUctRYzrak3x-ckrgssQX0HLzUe5lzYNkV1zFsUmdC64nM-sgLKn0ZtEjKvNS0XZkH5Z6Rq416I2606E3f7xNhIgH1tOTtKs3hOpc8JB7Z6FaYjQ5fy1BSWDpogjXNxGtx5wpEpQ/s1600/peggy-porschen-valentine%2527s-love-letters-collection.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-size: xx-large;">The month of love is upon us once more, </b><span style="font-size: large;">and what better way to celebrate</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">than with a mega girly Peggy Porschen Valentine's tea and cake date? </span></span>Much as I love London's prettiest pink parlour every season come snow and ice, sun and cloud - Peggy Porschen during Valentine's has got to be my favourite of all. Peggy's new <a href="https://www.peggyporschen.com/collections/valentines-day" target="_blank">"Love Letters" collection </a>sees gold glittering flowers illuminated alongside pretty pink postboxes and romantic proclaimations from Romeo to Juliet alighting the windows. Very romantic indeed! I couldn't book a date fast enough to get some festive outfit pictures, so, keen to capture the spirit of Valentine's Day and all it entails, balloons in hand, off I went... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8PISgCj802Wfvsy5V1-Va_Zb15PE2jVPAgRoFSutND7VEtHGO3ePw6rnIMuWLD9KNVQEodvPN_7IKyGcxaLw7A-2nszCWfSVOk63SeabOclyXChSbBBdMdKUXLV1bsShwzimuX6WIDA/s1600/peggy-porschen-valentine%2527s-soinspo-blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8PISgCj802Wfvsy5V1-Va_Zb15PE2jVPAgRoFSutND7VEtHGO3ePw6rnIMuWLD9KNVQEodvPN_7IKyGcxaLw7A-2nszCWfSVOk63SeabOclyXChSbBBdMdKUXLV1bsShwzimuX6WIDA/s1600/peggy-porschen-valentine%2527s-soinspo-blog.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">My outfit consisted of this gorgeous <a href="https://www.asos.com/prettylittlething/prettylittlething-frill-hem-mini-dress-with-knot-front-in-hot-pink-satin/prd/12076713?clr=&colourWayId=16408230&SearchQuery=pink%20satin%20dress" target="_blank">PrettyLittleThing frill hem mini dress in hot pink satin</a> that I'd spotted on asos; perfect with my magenta boots and the <a href="https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-heart-sunglasses-with-metal-arms-in-red/prd/13576178?ctaRef=my%20orders" target="_blank">heart-shaped shades</a> </span>were also an asos gem I'd unearthed on their site a few weeks previous. The confetti pink and red heart shaped balloons added to the Valentine's theme I wanted running through my shoot alongside a pretty red rose I'd found by chance at the weekend. I wanted a dreamy Valentine's dress that made a strong statement and this look turned out better than I'd even imagined. Powerful pink Valentine's mode = ON! I was so made up with how the outfit pictures came out, especially seeing as it's not easy shooting in a busy London street! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oXoqoMyVWTeJkRo68IrWkO38u9jnEH9e5pb-uG5At-tTESbzr-sbMmtYYR_ozAbhQKPSabY7GZuA5cjUamjpON0s2k6wSIuslraJ3iMJUJK2lNyQy8QIvnHA9y5gVmc7_K_4VrNZ7c0/s1600/peggy-porschen-parlour-valentine%2527s-love-letters-collection-soinspo-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oXoqoMyVWTeJkRo68IrWkO38u9jnEH9e5pb-uG5At-tTESbzr-sbMmtYYR_ozAbhQKPSabY7GZuA5cjUamjpON0s2k6wSIuslraJ3iMJUJK2lNyQy8QIvnHA9y5gVmc7_K_4VrNZ7c0/s1600/peggy-porschen-parlour-valentine%2527s-love-letters-collection-soinspo-blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuG1EwI1uFJLgbbMynHpfhXwe6z_b-X-KJFl5WmgjNIkMn_65tIbTL3yYEZgYqbCELQ1CIqx1mAZk1uoDQntm2FoyAHxyUXe6irVs8XybQGZIfm9mVzDafZfBw6A2LEWrtkC-MZs5SfA/s1600/peggy-porschen-valentine%2527s-display-pink-postbox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuG1EwI1uFJLgbbMynHpfhXwe6z_b-X-KJFl5WmgjNIkMn_65tIbTL3yYEZgYqbCELQ1CIqx1mAZk1uoDQntm2FoyAHxyUXe6irVs8XybQGZIfm9mVzDafZfBw6A2LEWrtkC-MZs5SfA/s1600/peggy-porschen-valentine%2527s-display-pink-postbox.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">The Valentine treats on offer </b><span style="font-size: large;">were pretty remarkable;</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">from heart-shaped cookies to romantic rose cupcakes, </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">to luxurious heart topped layer cakes to flintiness in the form of love letter biscuits, every February 14th frill had been thought of! </span></span>We opted for two hot chocolates, delivered with heartiness - literally, and two fabulously fun cookies from the collection. The love letter was too adorable to resist and for that pink pop of festiveness the fuchsia heart was also swept up. Unfortunately due to the weather staff weren't allowing seating outdoors, which was disappointing as one of my favourite things about a Peggy Porschen trip is soaking up the glorious Belgravia atmosphere and getting some stunning snaps of our sweet treats outside, but I captured what I could inside!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_2vcHduQ5rcfd483troQKuBVPYw7mfWyYt-x7PHcah4tGSpRK7aLgmaMFyxz9iLMpHncSv04qwgpzK3okjD66VjYRJBK0vZ6S06zhfC8hf0gq2j_PZNXZqR_qLPrtCmp5OzzYW58TJA/s1600/peggy-porschen-cake-date.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_2vcHduQ5rcfd483troQKuBVPYw7mfWyYt-x7PHcah4tGSpRK7aLgmaMFyxz9iLMpHncSv04qwgpzK3okjD66VjYRJBK0vZ6S06zhfC8hf0gq2j_PZNXZqR_qLPrtCmp5OzzYW58TJA/s1600/peggy-porschen-cake-date.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">If you enjoyed Peggy's <a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2019/02/peggy-porschen-at-valentines-la-vie-en.html" target="_blank">La Vie En Rose Valentine collection</a> last year, their Love Letters theme will be sure to set your heart alight once more.</span></b> I have a soft spot for the heart jean and sequin embellished look I wore at their parlour last February, but I think my Valentine outfit this year was even more special. Dare I say I'm already excited for Peggy's next seasonal display; whatever theme they choose next I'm sure I'll fall in love with all over again!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBx3hC8YEtvTJo0iFR7ReqYrSJEvkUU2eCd3zhu73dsUmH_T0vYKplTtibeRB8YMhb9bqeZflTlKkwJzbLqltjVekaWTzY-vx2XQqU6JxhJB5cpx2Lfzgr_r40hKzrKgZRLEO8TGiN_M/s1600/peggy-porschen-cakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBx3hC8YEtvTJo0iFR7ReqYrSJEvkUU2eCd3zhu73dsUmH_T0vYKplTtibeRB8YMhb9bqeZflTlKkwJzbLqltjVekaWTzY-vx2XQqU6JxhJB5cpx2Lfzgr_r40hKzrKgZRLEO8TGiN_M/s1600/peggy-porschen-cakes.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JMJPBYvbveefkSJMeCTIufmIfK8jx_JsNodSd92-7Xx2O-_0Fk5NKNXfWvZxuQJovdx9DW9iSQwoilT5xiXTMkkSoq6WhRYIqxZYX57wY5SXfHPhv_fwthg9vGIftUVcx8npqS9DkLU/s1600/prettylittlething-frill-hem-pink-satin-dress-asos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JMJPBYvbveefkSJMeCTIufmIfK8jx_JsNodSd92-7Xx2O-_0Fk5NKNXfWvZxuQJovdx9DW9iSQwoilT5xiXTMkkSoq6WhRYIqxZYX57wY5SXfHPhv_fwthg9vGIftUVcx8npqS9DkLU/s1600/prettylittlething-frill-hem-pink-satin-dress-asos.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to follow me over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sophiesierra90/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to see surplus photos and behind the scenes moments from my trip to Peggy Porschen!</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you got plans for Valentine's Day? </span></b></div>
</div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-79835519746811695382019-12-12T17:53:00.001+00:002019-12-12T18:03:46.077+00:00The Selfie Factory Bluewater Christmas<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5dgLKzSypKZruqlcT3Wxnp6jcHGNHdwAqBmWqd4NCa_h1xiBwSYxLv7LBtsGnagZZNIPLmf3SOc_j-JcL1zWo_bHlyIj1_ekTpG3cxCRFnAlTVt1MSYuyC1yJMP1PtsCEckfUlyzPrI/s1600/selfie-factory-bluewater-christmas.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5dgLKzSypKZruqlcT3Wxnp6jcHGNHdwAqBmWqd4NCa_h1xiBwSYxLv7LBtsGnagZZNIPLmf3SOc_j-JcL1zWo_bHlyIj1_ekTpG3cxCRFnAlTVt1MSYuyC1yJMP1PtsCEckfUlyzPrI/s1600/selfie-factory-bluewater-christmas.jpg.JPG" /></a></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So the <a href="https://selfiefactory.co.uk/" target="_blank">Selfie Factory</a> is back in Bluewater for Christmas! </span></b>As soon as I heard that the Selfie Factory was back and with festive bells on, we booked tickets in a winter wonderland frenzy. I'm not a Christmassy person at all, but the snowy sets and candy cane themed ball pit was enough to lure me in. The <a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2019/05/selfie-factory-colourful-fun-house.html" target="_blank">Selfie Factory proved so popular during its first run at Bluewater back in April </a>that its return with a Christmas theme was perfect for me - especially seeing as I needed a dose of seasonal content! I also thought the Selfie Factory was the perfect place to break out my purple hair which I absolutely love! In the spirit of sugar plum fairies, it's perfect for a sprinkle of December magic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDldeFoLz3YhhWjWp5-BXECpv5wfnQ2KMBScVcWr7JVnlBYuuZNgcazO7yg7MzFoPcWCnNQ4ZhzNRN0W1COrwPD3nQS1bZrNZVkG47zvweKQOGESn3czSDb8RO2UhCBijgjKYm39Mfoho/s1600/christmas-selfie-factory+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDldeFoLz3YhhWjWp5-BXECpv5wfnQ2KMBScVcWr7JVnlBYuuZNgcazO7yg7MzFoPcWCnNQ4ZhzNRN0W1COrwPD3nQS1bZrNZVkG47zvweKQOGESn3czSDb8RO2UhCBijgjKYm39Mfoho/s1600/christmas-selfie-factory+copy.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">My first stop of course, was the candy cane red, green and white ball pit. </span>If only inflatable candy canes were a regular occurrence! Wearing my pink <a href="https://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/christmas-tinsel-drop-earrings-9302240" target="_blank">Christmas tinsel drop earrings from Topshop</a> and <a href="https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/en-gb/shop/uo-holographic-tube-top?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=007" target="_blank">Urban Outfitters Holographic tube top</a>, I was certainly dressed to celebrate! Luckily our one hour time-slot was fairly peaceful meaning we had full run of any room we wanted. I could have stayed here all day (and all decade).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir00kBmGQOKUL3SAHuaiYrL1fJldW6Am_4GzMHrDiLXKdm08ZLCHTMbXNHPdSInGiM4nEnNqU0WgUqBBelHb9or7lVjyOoOuzgt6NzVvb25kz71VtBVtjDrGI2JeOonVFV5gObJTTOH8o/s1600/candy-cane-wall-selfie-factory-bluewater-christmas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir00kBmGQOKUL3SAHuaiYrL1fJldW6Am_4GzMHrDiLXKdm08ZLCHTMbXNHPdSInGiM4nEnNqU0WgUqBBelHb9or7lVjyOoOuzgt6NzVvb25kz71VtBVtjDrGI2JeOonVFV5gObJTTOH8o/s1600/candy-cane-wall-selfie-factory-bluewater-christmas.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The candy cane wall was just as Christmassy </span></b>and my new <a href="https://www.missguided.co.uk/pink-satin-ruched-long-slit-boots-10151759" target="_blank">pink satin boots from Missguided</a> added a dash of pink to proceedings. Back to blonde, I caught sight of further more hot pink rooms to bask in. Most notably this super fun flamingo tropical paved palace, what a dream?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQv0QDyLyi1cXcMVp3H6N8VmLOS4BU8XsfIAO6h0MzE_4yCe2CP8DsgvAZjbJaJKRuOcOuIJG9EBY1m7zMF3Q0_GfA1jc2ziTW2BuWTR0zwS8R8doPzmG9tPzjWZUdUZrKgliQq4xnPY/s1600/christmas-selfie-factory-flamingo-room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQv0QDyLyi1cXcMVp3H6N8VmLOS4BU8XsfIAO6h0MzE_4yCe2CP8DsgvAZjbJaJKRuOcOuIJG9EBY1m7zMF3Q0_GfA1jc2ziTW2BuWTR0zwS8R8doPzmG9tPzjWZUdUZrKgliQq4xnPY/s1600/christmas-selfie-factory-flamingo-room.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Next stop was a gorgeous flower wonderland </span></b>complete with bath, phone box and dream swing seat! Safe to say I did not want to leave - reminiscent of the Selfie Factory's summer spirit back in April, it was a wonderful addition amongst all the Christmas joy and cheer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpfiuUFUJcRjAmSg0Ct2F4pAtZk_KzGWhrJRXzD-C_F5QfaYw-7R879NlnbE67keJP2sQMKGNivrRJWyf-C2YMWPdN4ki0M8T5zw0LUKZjEXowuMXSZfpLtEs12cty5MWzW21aM89bU8/s1600/christmas-selfie-factory+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpfiuUFUJcRjAmSg0Ct2F4pAtZk_KzGWhrJRXzD-C_F5QfaYw-7R879NlnbE67keJP2sQMKGNivrRJWyf-C2YMWPdN4ki0M8T5zw0LUKZjEXowuMXSZfpLtEs12cty5MWzW21aM89bU8/s1600/christmas-selfie-factory+copy+2.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">This snowy winter wonderland wardrobe was Narnia reminiscent and oh so magical!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b>I tried out my pink fairytale wings specially, and they were a lot of fun to rock!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJldXcX97EHuoQFQLx6ZlxNAXMZX0n8OwLP10Rd-NplQAKfxYFcleY8eSZ66LmoXJajfwXV-wdaVJsGivCKz__XDVbP14BlpTP4G-bxoH7ITzFqTL-RcJYRbBcvvuO1Fwpkp02vj_cnNA/s1600/christmas-selfie-factory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJldXcX97EHuoQFQLx6ZlxNAXMZX0n8OwLP10Rd-NplQAKfxYFcleY8eSZ66LmoXJajfwXV-wdaVJsGivCKz__XDVbP14BlpTP4G-bxoH7ITzFqTL-RcJYRbBcvvuO1Fwpkp02vj_cnNA/s1600/christmas-selfie-factory.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Selfie juice anyone? This show-stopping pink room called out for Burn book vibes </span></b>so of course I happily obliged. Shopping in this all-pink-dream supermarket was a blast!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2_dOvXgWg2mE0XvTP0gUzh0Q2uSzHoWlSwhvhnWlUnsGyHGbl9HJAqlaaWhDBWTxbduQKNFTLFVwjw5ZX-PUqVfx2yK57UgvtxhCqsqxvFNkRLfVX6isIEWiVbsM_oZIvXkvRejPddg/s1600/selfie-factory-christmas-burn-book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2_dOvXgWg2mE0XvTP0gUzh0Q2uSzHoWlSwhvhnWlUnsGyHGbl9HJAqlaaWhDBWTxbduQKNFTLFVwjw5ZX-PUqVfx2yK57UgvtxhCqsqxvFNkRLfVX6isIEWiVbsM_oZIvXkvRejPddg/s1600/selfie-factory-christmas-burn-book.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDktOpBikXR2KA2toUzAK7Eg7DCHqFqclSwA2UhIRIn6V32T3dne7sWMVrylHJCxpOsfEdZyqhJbfpiontJA1pHNmtmG2AZQHde82f53UPy4FNGTU8vwbcCN8BSVB6atNyqRHP5lNZE0/s1600/selfie-factory-christmas-selfie-juice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDktOpBikXR2KA2toUzAK7Eg7DCHqFqclSwA2UhIRIn6V32T3dne7sWMVrylHJCxpOsfEdZyqhJbfpiontJA1pHNmtmG2AZQHde82f53UPy4FNGTU8vwbcCN8BSVB6atNyqRHP5lNZE0/s1600/selfie-factory-christmas-selfie-juice.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some highlights of more of my favourite rooms, all pretty self-explanatory! </span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlXDbH5c0lHO2MVqcWfajp-24pOze4y0Sc-nYTkZC8WugSuFqhrJnUaDgdyO9eTgwTXnca_T99h0Zd90xZklAHQTJCEqeeIQ3cM2wyJLKAkqmarYzvdQa_uomB9ua1GomOmgN45hMe0Q/s1600/selfie-factory-christmas-pink-laundrette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlXDbH5c0lHO2MVqcWfajp-24pOze4y0Sc-nYTkZC8WugSuFqhrJnUaDgdyO9eTgwTXnca_T99h0Zd90xZklAHQTJCEqeeIQ3cM2wyJLKAkqmarYzvdQa_uomB9ua1GomOmgN45hMe0Q/s1600/selfie-factory-christmas-pink-laundrette.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8rCs7Efh7lAMagQmTmcL4m09ODB_mVtyC6Dw4in1gBtnKyoXx3i-xaJRXuk98sppwGxBPc4jGytgMnf_0IRqFTSOUUZ2eVcrFMdNZDmOuTRXJ51sr-QXSgxyExc87lmBQ9pEjcdQbkA/s1600/selfie-factory-christmas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8rCs7Efh7lAMagQmTmcL4m09ODB_mVtyC6Dw4in1gBtnKyoXx3i-xaJRXuk98sppwGxBPc4jGytgMnf_0IRqFTSOUUZ2eVcrFMdNZDmOuTRXJ51sr-QXSgxyExc87lmBQ9pEjcdQbkA/s1600/selfie-factory-christmas.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsPL4iTE3f_5YPUab1bQQnt0ndEtRyRNyPXGimuGRz7vZiYVikZ0NOmD4L3iG4WKZEz4jTZFVPvlPFnZymfagUMX_IzZ6yj3rx6IExCb83NH2Y6aGSzR8UkDfSwZORutlF-Swj1svKU4/s1600/selfie-factory-christmas-pink-ball-pit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsPL4iTE3f_5YPUab1bQQnt0ndEtRyRNyPXGimuGRz7vZiYVikZ0NOmD4L3iG4WKZEz4jTZFVPvlPFnZymfagUMX_IzZ6yj3rx6IExCb83NH2Y6aGSzR8UkDfSwZORutlF-Swj1svKU4/s1600/selfie-factory-christmas-pink-ball-pit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZC_RjT_sN5PcdroDBzlyXitxmBLnxiQQKwH6-qh5MCuE6pqc9V92y-gJThr1SAEO8i14lZN3WxT76Sf1skA92Xpm_0k8Eq-iU_rCFoB4q8SaZlVWHrrDQ7ii2RmJMJoNCaAZinWlFBI/s1600/selfie-factory-presents.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZC_RjT_sN5PcdroDBzlyXitxmBLnxiQQKwH6-qh5MCuE6pqc9V92y-gJThr1SAEO8i14lZN3WxT76Sf1skA92Xpm_0k8Eq-iU_rCFoB4q8SaZlVWHrrDQ7ii2RmJMJoNCaAZinWlFBI/s1600/selfie-factory-presents.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0ra8zqA1tmzhvP6gxuqYJfMsa6ViYj-uVpZ6askvySB8HIffpJFAJaMpWhsPPRmE8lfkGEfMMtcTie2VTJ1ELZh2xV6OCaNr3yCiW1DUUmApDqOWebXRzu5bDDcp17ne9xffJjZVooQ/s1600/selfie-factory-christmas-wardrobe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn0ra8zqA1tmzhvP6gxuqYJfMsa6ViYj-uVpZ6askvySB8HIffpJFAJaMpWhsPPRmE8lfkGEfMMtcTie2VTJ1ELZh2xV6OCaNr3yCiW1DUUmApDqOWebXRzu5bDDcp17ne9xffJjZVooQ/s1600/selfie-factory-christmas-wardrobe.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">So that was my fun-filled Christmas trip to the Selfie Factory! </span>I had an absolute blast and would definitely make a third visit if they ever come back to Bluewater. Be sure to check out my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sophiesierra90/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for surplus photos of our trip and I'll be putting more content up to my instagram stories from our Selfie Factory day out too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KP8FNjn8xyqych0VvPTqMALvP3vvIzX9Ui4_j2SJZ95QN91kue5hBlcWlfWla3Xd_suYhxnSk9422WEfF5E2xoubPJJB3xs8jxrO4-0EKHXXJgb4zZhtAOyBlpmGqqgYIVc2nPYcULA/s1600/Selfie-Factory-fun-Bluewater-Christmas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0KP8FNjn8xyqych0VvPTqMALvP3vvIzX9Ui4_j2SJZ95QN91kue5hBlcWlfWla3Xd_suYhxnSk9422WEfF5E2xoubPJJB3xs8jxrO4-0EKHXXJgb4zZhtAOyBlpmGqqgYIVc2nPYcULA/s1600/Selfie-Factory-fun-Bluewater-Christmas.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Have you been to the Selfie Factory? </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Let me know in the comments!<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">☃️</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-86776756564283074272019-10-29T16:30:00.000+00:002019-10-29T16:30:10.741+00:00Halloween look: blue-haired mermaid <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8kbrZwBX2P28A_2anGeV4VTqKQW4JRCJa3XQrS9xPcguQwN3kMQlNcNC748BS6Ry2roo7VqyQYYqcVLEPTkaSWTQsmOGafdWs9oxNJoEyEg0W8tYPK8FcL1-Phyphenhyphen3PBXiGfZBVJeV8yo/s1600/blue-mermaid-hair-halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8kbrZwBX2P28A_2anGeV4VTqKQW4JRCJa3XQrS9xPcguQwN3kMQlNcNC748BS6Ry2roo7VqyQYYqcVLEPTkaSWTQsmOGafdWs9oxNJoEyEg0W8tYPK8FcL1-Phyphenhyphen3PBXiGfZBVJeV8yo/s1600/blue-mermaid-hair-halloween.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">This Halloween I decided to go all out blue, starting with the whole BLUE HAIR DON'T CARE!!! vibe, </span></b>and transforming into a shimmery mermaid complete with shell bikini and glittering face jewels. My candyfloss pool float provided a sugary sweet sparkly finish to proceedings, whilst the blue gem tiara cemented the icing on the turquoise cake. Last Halloween I became a very<a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2018/10/halloween-outfit-pink-haired-penelope.html" target="_blank"> pink version of Penelope Pitstop</a> which I adored, but this year I wanted to break away from pink and focus on a new colour tone for this Hallow-season. My <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sophiesierra90/" target="_blank">Instagram feed </a>currently showcases more vibrancy; I love all colours of the rainbow, and I really want my aesthetic to reflect as much. I posted a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3pbfukhv4N/" target="_blank">Blue Moon Queen</a> make-up look over on the 'gram too, complete with blue eyes, lips, eyebrows, icicles and the electric blue hair ♥︎<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgrwKA3gX7TOhAxfBpXlcsEEvpsEkdZdgtICurT8ad6nwUo90fErYoSOyjl5PJMNYdau5_tXD2vNx0elSSRdEiewljAcnKSdr2XJi9nR_gNyTjQKxhCSVM7yDo7oWtMZWVqb9ZFEscy8/s1600/candyfloss-pool-float.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgrwKA3gX7TOhAxfBpXlcsEEvpsEkdZdgtICurT8ad6nwUo90fErYoSOyjl5PJMNYdau5_tXD2vNx0elSSRdEiewljAcnKSdr2XJi9nR_gNyTjQKxhCSVM7yDo7oWtMZWVqb9ZFEscy8/s1600/candyfloss-pool-float.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Colourful hair is a MOOD and I'm making a vow to keep experimenting with different colours, Halloween or no-ween! </span></b>After our last attempt at shooting this look was rained off I decided second time round this one was happening come storm or snowfall, and despite quite a heavy rain shower we managed to pull off the pictures. This autumn and winter I'm trying to embrace the spirit of seasonal shifts a bit more which will reflect in my upcoming fashion content (we even shot a fairly Christmassy outfit a few weeks back!) But to hell was I going to let the weather put the kibosh on my blue Halloween!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFclcRsfwbiWmmCTb8KybrHOasjecYysrzzFNICANj7gCx-mEM9OdNFOjhRvPeF9YGAQiTaFqKXCqT57-buKxljyPiwS-CkbK977OgMV5Gkqqdq8YgrISkZjDsKfdU1yQMhdIy21Rjq70/s1600/blue-hairxo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFclcRsfwbiWmmCTb8KybrHOasjecYysrzzFNICANj7gCx-mEM9OdNFOjhRvPeF9YGAQiTaFqKXCqT57-buKxljyPiwS-CkbK977OgMV5Gkqqdq8YgrISkZjDsKfdU1yQMhdIy21Rjq70/s1600/blue-hairxo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ruz5qarEBxI7r11o08yXmZrSBNnCBwz8WtVfdaAJ1E0xjrdRRunp1wMPZ-CcGEW0N_sK4h3dHmsTGDqePqGlJF9dTXL5edXZjN-MwwFTx2-125e-bq8_Rb_NQvx01jYZrzoQmxyIJWU/s1600/blue-hair-mermaid-look-halloween-style.JPG" /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">One of my friends sweetly said my blue look reminded her of Queen Frostine from Candy Land </span></b>and after a quick google search I was elated and over the blue moon to be compared to such a sassy stunnah! Candy Land also looks pretty to-die-for and I wanna live there, as soon as possible please.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-QgvUkFsKifbKBZdhGR3QEHUYpmo_a_MtMIGBwPns0sMt5wfFMLhC1jX-ZxEieSSYjtnSj640jsQ5dLD1ipilsJ8mdaDyWpF-tU85t8tb-rsRWHDq1bBFPtu3hfwj5kuC0F0iWvyhOA/s1600/blue-mermaid-hair-halloween-outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-QgvUkFsKifbKBZdhGR3QEHUYpmo_a_MtMIGBwPns0sMt5wfFMLhC1jX-ZxEieSSYjtnSj640jsQ5dLD1ipilsJ8mdaDyWpF-tU85t8tb-rsRWHDq1bBFPtu3hfwj5kuC0F0iWvyhOA/s1600/blue-mermaid-hair-halloween-outfit.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVh-OaOB_S8RFxoosG8lErYUo4wIr9O0gl1uBdcMKBkBorXvkhjkipc_qWREKZ4JUELyN_CUVsRFXLG3HqE7QE_jMJD8mZReiBXZYPxcGwwt605z_DyZEOG5lX7PktGUqW0FI56qjKI9U/s1600/blue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVh-OaOB_S8RFxoosG8lErYUo4wIr9O0gl1uBdcMKBkBorXvkhjkipc_qWREKZ4JUELyN_CUVsRFXLG3HqE7QE_jMJD8mZReiBXZYPxcGwwt605z_DyZEOG5lX7PktGUqW0FI56qjKI9U/s1600/blue.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">My <a href="https://www.skinnydiplondon.com/products/shell-carmen-tote-bag?variant=19517540008023&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2e6vy5Cn5QIVAoXVCh1UdgGsEAQYESABEgKNXPD_BwE" target="_blank">Skinnydip London Shell Carmen tote bag</a> topped off the whole under-the-sea aura. </span></b>This blue look was so much fun to rock that I really begrudged taking it off! After my blue moon queen make-up had been finished for Instagram I seriously considered keeping it all on - blue hair et al, to greet my friend later that night but alas I didn't! The blue vibe seems to have gone down really well on social media which I'm thrilled about. Thank you so much for all your continued support, be it on this blog or anywhere else! It means the world ♥︎<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNqVNTJLDRsRib0sfEl7KiaVFL41T_9ikmqvkRT6Iob3kXr_jI2rdUIqU6oGUlIIAURRoJRVGUDGHG23-a_g4LArbDFSz9cMcbXnHSAO-CDW3-0iQBX4ZQKVJYu-EglszOMzYv9lD_Vk/s1600/mermaid-blue-hair-halloween-look.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNqVNTJLDRsRib0sfEl7KiaVFL41T_9ikmqvkRT6Iob3kXr_jI2rdUIqU6oGUlIIAURRoJRVGUDGHG23-a_g4LArbDFSz9cMcbXnHSAO-CDW3-0iQBX4ZQKVJYu-EglszOMzYv9lD_Vk/s1600/mermaid-blue-hair-halloween-look.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">XO </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Are you dressing up for Halloween?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Let me know in the comments! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">💙💙💙</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-67063422274454864692019-09-03T23:19:00.000+01:002019-09-09T01:07:54.166+01:00EL&N Cafe Hans Crescent: a dream come true! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpw20FR5-uuDwFO_P4_qMrHrvtd9BMoO_e3ecEetLmvHmWkIhyphenhyphenlKr1g4BBk9lN-1YRhs1cIZGzd5FUETeQF09p5oJ2EL8g-Wh3bfQrrA86FFNWnWIwWo5XzFckhQ1Kc7AI2XhHJQ8V9LE/s1600/El%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-pink-cafes-london-soinspo.fashion-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpw20FR5-uuDwFO_P4_qMrHrvtd9BMoO_e3ecEetLmvHmWkIhyphenhyphenlKr1g4BBk9lN-1YRhs1cIZGzd5FUETeQF09p5oJ2EL8g-Wh3bfQrrA86FFNWnWIwWo5XzFckhQ1Kc7AI2XhHJQ8V9LE/s1600/El%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-pink-cafes-london-soinspo.fashion-blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">A visit to EL&N cafe is always a good idea, and upon my rendezvous to the Hans Crescent branch, every pretty pink wish was granted. </span></b>I've been lucky enough to visit three EL&N cafes so far, but this one has to be my favourite by a trillion years! With a love heart wall adorned with sassy quotes to a unicorn carousel, to dreamy fixtures and fittings and to-die-for dragonfruit salads, what's not to love? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read on for all the magic you can expect when entering EL&N Cafe in Hans Crescent..... </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Love Heart wall</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwiRa5Evt9ciSaTn6L3j21UtZZBuzIRIa8u8hf5b010VqzZlfKEpaIxhcovb2QJIBLKdLlMmg75wYg7HM9Kz20uIIlZIHa2xugn5Qkzbs5c95rmoAvOLesyUSOjiUltfdH9aVuscHdbg/s1600/el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-love-heart-wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwiRa5Evt9ciSaTn6L3j21UtZZBuzIRIa8u8hf5b010VqzZlfKEpaIxhcovb2QJIBLKdLlMmg75wYg7HM9Kz20uIIlZIHa2xugn5Qkzbs5c95rmoAvOLesyUSOjiUltfdH9aVuscHdbg/s1600/el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-love-heart-wall.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We were lucky enough to get seated by the actual love heart wall, something I'd really wanted to do last time we'd been but unfortunately couldn't as it was closed. By some miracle on our second visit it was available <i>and </i>empty, so we got the whole of downstairs all to ourselves! I still can't get over how utterly fairytale this setting is, pure Arianna Grande meets 90s Love Heart fever. MADE FOR ME. I'd love a whole house paved with these bright pink love hearts, can you imagine? Fellow pink-a-holics rejoice! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGENiD7IzyZsTYknEMELdonjsjQ9lEHZ50q8Dr7SeR-3_WDJD2A-NX-hydVzc3VYKlfcI6DgusdUE83UttogU_mxHs0ezbwnyhHts9P8Xda6EsldnesrCpH-r-5EHMkJqIxgGeYExn1S4/s1600/el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-love-heart-wall-pink-london-cafes-soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGENiD7IzyZsTYknEMELdonjsjQ9lEHZ50q8Dr7SeR-3_WDJD2A-NX-hydVzc3VYKlfcI6DgusdUE83UttogU_mxHs0ezbwnyhHts9P8Xda6EsldnesrCpH-r-5EHMkJqIxgGeYExn1S4/s1600/el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-love-heart-wall-pink-london-cafes-soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Seeing as it was April when we came here, my pink floral dress matched with all the cherry blossom surrounding the streets and trees, and even more so with this sweetheart deco! Major thanks as well to my lovely boyfriend, who, realising I'd forgotten my sparkly white heels for my shoot at EL&N made an hour round journey just to drop them off specially at my mum's the night before - a real life Cinderella moment! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFc534U20Dm7tPLo-7ab74yQvwaetHdZ6QVvcpLCkRs-ksMak9dCPGyqPxZFcJ6SDkprRMd6HjlCeR28wq2Dll7rFAN22Lfu_GrUR5Gv8WOgd7Rs9K5i98UumPBpN2z1l9GUd5Kt0Guis/s1600/el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-london-love-heart-wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFc534U20Dm7tPLo-7ab74yQvwaetHdZ6QVvcpLCkRs-ksMak9dCPGyqPxZFcJ6SDkprRMd6HjlCeR28wq2Dll7rFAN22Lfu_GrUR5Gv8WOgd7Rs9K5i98UumPBpN2z1l9GUd5Kt0Guis/s1600/el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-london-love-heart-wall.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkrKKLVhbPnITcegXtzd_7gC-WGXUkVAvRHeYpM18sPmY1lPESRjP122A5gpzNsoGSirBY3yJG3vLgdJlcgpYu1FXF-yn2TarSmtW5q8fwF_BgYLeLWN2P5Dvzl6A2g9BaoYrlS_BcAk/s1600/el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-love-heart-wall-pink-london-cafes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkrKKLVhbPnITcegXtzd_7gC-WGXUkVAvRHeYpM18sPmY1lPESRjP122A5gpzNsoGSirBY3yJG3vLgdJlcgpYu1FXF-yn2TarSmtW5q8fwF_BgYLeLWN2P5Dvzl6A2g9BaoYrlS_BcAk/s1600/el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-love-heart-wall-pink-london-cafes.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">♥︎</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dragonfruit salads & avocado flower power </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lunch at EL&N is always next to none, and their dishes did not disappoint! Previously I've only ever really treated myself to their sweet treats, so this time we decided to go savoury. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgc8oBRCB0M0hb6AYBVgfMTDLhJsDH6tWqBXrWuA45zHU-LsvDkXFMTClZqzv2UyTqIY8rofJLdjteL0wBcWe_SZ9vZ_97Xu3G_3CN7vZ5JjqSpgSCRQrUN_67KdK8bmjI9HB5zYfwW8/s1600/dragonfruit-salad-el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-london-cafes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgc8oBRCB0M0hb6AYBVgfMTDLhJsDH6tWqBXrWuA45zHU-LsvDkXFMTClZqzv2UyTqIY8rofJLdjteL0wBcWe_SZ9vZ_97Xu3G_3CN7vZ5JjqSpgSCRQrUN_67KdK8bmjI9HB5zYfwW8/s1600/dragonfruit-salad-el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-london-cafes.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Their dragonfruit salad was the ultimate superwoman brunch for my mum, and the avocado dish I chose came with edible flowers adorned on the plate. A feast for fairies! Various fruit teas and coolers were selected seeing as it was too tropical outside to opt for our usual hot chocolates and pink lattes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-9PNwyTEziz0WLPPSXZeTuQKecb9eYqX6EvdlRly5PgHmeA5farUqEfC7O-UuDD5AeuhqTx__n5mUAPP5vYUftBXaZy0WWYtIP9zwIkep8zF4NM6SMgmEJe8Lm18KLegBdXel4gMW5Q/s1600/avocado-salad-with-flowers-el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-london-pink-cafes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-9PNwyTEziz0WLPPSXZeTuQKecb9eYqX6EvdlRly5PgHmeA5farUqEfC7O-UuDD5AeuhqTx__n5mUAPP5vYUftBXaZy0WWYtIP9zwIkep8zF4NM6SMgmEJe8Lm18KLegBdXel4gMW5Q/s1600/avocado-salad-with-flowers-el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-london-pink-cafes.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJt8o5oA_u2TIeDhnTQQzrxaF2zxpX80ibJb0f5JcAwJKPhfxjpgza1zlIzOhlPbeH4IjKxGZAGrL97kG3lWKfZqB8MTuhHIofwZEKqtEm1Cd6M0wGkiuNaEU2TYXBiOcLmnob9llNP3o/s1600/lunch-at-el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJt8o5oA_u2TIeDhnTQQzrxaF2zxpX80ibJb0f5JcAwJKPhfxjpgza1zlIzOhlPbeH4IjKxGZAGrL97kG3lWKfZqB8MTuhHIofwZEKqtEm1Cd6M0wGkiuNaEU2TYXBiOcLmnob9llNP3o/s1600/lunch-at-el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pink parlour decor </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Swirling marble tabletops are illuminated with stylish low-hanging bulbs, artfully placed to give off an amber glow. The walls are painted a promising pink, housing comfortable booths. Rose gold tables make for the perfect finishing touch. Flowers are displayed prettily with cutlery, and of course the best part of all happens to be the Love Hearts surrounding the downstair wall! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDSMhgHM7UBUq8Shyphenhyphen69qOWLoWyymUUCbr5CuibBjKadweVkNMHUpYSMTx39N4sA2brZHj8imWOfkFShZLJevTd87GApwQbJED3lkWQvKxw9-jrPnlged-JsX8QJAEfr9_f_EBcXBMAt0/s1600/el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-pink-london-cafe-soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDSMhgHM7UBUq8Shyphenhyphen69qOWLoWyymUUCbr5CuibBjKadweVkNMHUpYSMTx39N4sA2brZHj8imWOfkFShZLJevTd87GApwQbJED3lkWQvKxw9-jrPnlged-JsX8QJAEfr9_f_EBcXBMAt0/s1600/el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-pink-london-cafe-soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubmkrmr8Q8w0oH3uNRsDMuh1vtxCpBIPAsJpl1fCyE1MzORuOpNccdfxSeX4mRUhyLMFogjBpCcY5RGraGkyVdfOkwv1BbUvfPtHPFV3lRkN75681YHPm4l8PnBpQWM9RnVlGwTV0iGc/s1600/el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-pink-london-cafes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="669" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubmkrmr8Q8w0oH3uNRsDMuh1vtxCpBIPAsJpl1fCyE1MzORuOpNccdfxSeX4mRUhyLMFogjBpCcY5RGraGkyVdfOkwv1BbUvfPtHPFV3lRkN75681YHPm4l8PnBpQWM9RnVlGwTV0iGc/s1600/el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-pink-london-cafes.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> ♥︎</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Unicorn Carousel </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aside from the gorgeous love heart walls, what really sets the bar high for this EL&N branch is the unicorn merry-go-round. Serious fairground fantasies unleashed! Facing the shopfront and streets, it's a gorgeous greeting once you step foot inside the Hans Crescent branch. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2mDi-drbzCiGqPutlC1qgJdIUkop9hms218K5IDDWvmVEQoHyweABkYiJDPnCepKoCoOqACGCU8er1Lc1Exdmo5N0KYKcHxEM7sBgpe6-oID8AYXFj6e3N5o4buBtAnTVGwfJ3BuoCc/s1600/el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-unicorn-carousel-soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2mDi-drbzCiGqPutlC1qgJdIUkop9hms218K5IDDWvmVEQoHyweABkYiJDPnCepKoCoOqACGCU8er1Lc1Exdmo5N0KYKcHxEM7sBgpe6-oID8AYXFj6e3N5o4buBtAnTVGwfJ3BuoCc/s1600/el%2526n-cafe-hans-crescent-unicorn-carousel-soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The only downside to this fairground attraction was that it didn't waltz me off and spin me round, sadly of course it's fixed to the floor, but maybe a future EL&N cafe will even have a real moving carousel? Who knows! I fell head over heels with this cafe and it's definitely a firm favourite! I can't wait to visit again in the very near future ♥︎</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Have you been to an EL&N cafe?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I'd love to know your favourite if so! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Similar posts:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2018/12/elan-cafe-christmas-review_17.html" target="_blank">Elan Cafe at Christmas! </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2019/02/peggy-porschen-at-valentines-la-vie-en.html" target="_blank">Peggy Porschen at Valentine's </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2018/12/elan-cafe-christmas-review_17.html" target="_blank">A very pink birthday in London </a></span><br />
<br />
💖🎀👛</div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-45589274649097373642019-08-12T18:00:00.000+01:002019-08-12T18:36:43.206+01:00How to see "not fitting in" as a blessing <div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I don't fit in - I never have. Not with my family, friendship groups, jobs, circles, society. </span></b>Not belonging, not fitting in used to bother me but at nearly thirty I'm past seeing not being "in with the in crowd" as a curse and quite frankly enjoying no longer giving a fuck. <b>Read on for how I'm finally seeing "not fitting in" as being a blessing. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYc-J57QsNdLcnosstFUkqPr6DNLx3sZob-tsz3AKaVwXA8BcYv343f4VxmmTZ7tK41tp28t5FqISgdUSiJwCpeV0Usg_Ql1aq4-4RbiCvs1AL1nOqX1ka0X2AivmG3Sh-q6Z-WrovJo/s1600/IMG_9455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYc-J57QsNdLcnosstFUkqPr6DNLx3sZob-tsz3AKaVwXA8BcYv343f4VxmmTZ7tK41tp28t5FqISgdUSiJwCpeV0Usg_Ql1aq4-4RbiCvs1AL1nOqX1ka0X2AivmG3Sh-q6Z-WrovJo/s1600/IMG_9455.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Not fitting in at primary school </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I found primary school a struggle - I guess that's where I first felt a strong sense of isolation and loneliness. I had friends who I enjoyed seeing but would crave space; a bubble at home where I'd create my own magazines and spend hours writing stories or features for the made up people I'd drawn. I remember turning down a friend once as I was having so much fun making a new issue for the "magazine". I was intimidated by the cooler girls and always overlooked by boys. My friendship group was definitely considered geeky and we'd be dismissed and disregarded by most.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A chance accident aged 11 on my bike saw me knock out most of my two front teeth, which set me back even further confidence wise. </span></b>The discovery of some grey hairs when I was in my last year at primary school horrified me, I felt like a total freak - I'm guessing it was due to my anxiety which had started at around 7 years old - and an additional white patch of hair on the side of my head made me feel mortified. Despite only being such a small thing, it took me on a whole new wave of insecurity, and I dreaded anyone discovering it. I look back and recall so much trepidation, from my constant phobia about being sick to the assembly hall spinning. I can still remember the heartbreak I felt when I overheard two girls bitching about me in assembly. Not realising I was behind them, they started laughing at my new glasses which I'd been so self-conscious of wearing for the first time since finding out I was short-sighted. My time at primary school was punctuated with panic attacks, I'll never forget shaking so hard after doing some rock climbing that one girl pointed it out. There were some great moments of course, like scaring ourselves silly with Goosebumps books at sleepovers, roller-disco on Saturday nights and helter-skelter-ing down flume rides at the local swimming pool, but mostly I was starting to feel like a total outcast. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDxFZVHz-To_4mLob5N3ksag-pZ27MbE57VU8us9zHby2WT1sWpIXzxeN_TlFixxqKLR4eenBiE1igcLS3282CRT03MfXYcZSr_pyRPpt_G4-QVhQrchzTbDwGLSpiiEtebKoMAowFZk/s1600/IMG_9475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDxFZVHz-To_4mLob5N3ksag-pZ27MbE57VU8us9zHby2WT1sWpIXzxeN_TlFixxqKLR4eenBiE1igcLS3282CRT03MfXYcZSr_pyRPpt_G4-QVhQrchzTbDwGLSpiiEtebKoMAowFZk/s1600/IMG_9475.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">School rumours, bitchiness & friendship trouble </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Moving up to secondary school was particularly difficult. There was always a total love/hate border I had with that school that mostly veered towards the latter. Year 10 was by far my worst year. Everything suddenly changed for the worst. I started to feel like an outsider as my friend formed a new alliance, I suddenly felt on the sidelines. Left out and often the target of jokes and humiliation, however childish. My world fell apart when a rumour was started about me by the new girl in my group, who hadn't taken to me at all and did her best to make me know it. The rumour was ridiculous high school gossip and unfortunately for me something I'd held to my heart for years and hadn't wanted anyone finding out about. But soon enough our whole school year knew, thanks to this new "friend" dispatching the information merrily to everyone she could find. I was always shy and this just made things worse. People would come up to me in class and ask me about it and I'd flame up, wanting to hide. I called in sick sometimes, because I couldn't face going in. Year 11 turned out to be a major improvement on Year 10 - finally I felt more settled and at home at the school. I'd found my place, at long last. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPrwFkmluXL1JmFEerQY61tfXEiADV9kakdv22uHsW7l270f58UCrZr4Aa8OpkgwCvJ2L3ZX3Isez2i1D1-gS12EKpBX7J8pJErCU6IwrARadArrUu_mzqcIHR3hkHJVQF7pK1FMxmO0/s1600/D4Xj7kfX4AEDw9G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPrwFkmluXL1JmFEerQY61tfXEiADV9kakdv22uHsW7l270f58UCrZr4Aa8OpkgwCvJ2L3ZX3Isez2i1D1-gS12EKpBX7J8pJErCU6IwrARadArrUu_mzqcIHR3hkHJVQF7pK1FMxmO0/s1600/D4Xj7kfX4AEDw9G.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sixth form struggles & bullying </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Staying on at school to experience Sixth Form felt like it would be an okay manoeuvre, seeing as everything seemed to be ticking along nicely within my friendship group and by pot luck we were all on the same Business Studies course. At first things were going smoothly, until a new girl joined our group and all the same problems of Year 10 reared their ugly head. My friends wanted to impress New Girl, and if Year 10 was bad then <a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2018/10/when-girls-are-cruel-to-other-girls.html" target="_blank">Sixth Form became a recurring nightmare</a>. They started doing immature things like running away from me at lunchtimes laughing, bitching about me within earshot and once arranged to meet me at McDonalds and as I sat there on my own, called to say one of them was "sick", laughing down the line as their voicemail ended. They often bunked school and once a teacher kept on and on at me (albeit in good humour) to reveal exactly where they'd gone. When I finally broke and told him "McDonalds", cue high fives from all the boisterous yet harmless boys in our class who were thrilled I'd "dobbed them in", I was in the doghouse with my "friends" and now practically on my own in terms of having mates. Sixth Form became more bearable towards the end, things levelled onto better terms and I finally left the school that held such a conflicting kaleidoscope of emotions under more sun than cloud.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The job from hell</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hoped starting my first job at a garden centre aged 17 would be a relatively happy experience but what was supposed to be a new chapter and the chance to earn some extra cash quickly morphed into absolute hell. Most weekend staff were all into clubbing, drinking, shagging and drugs and it felt like a case of "them and me". The boss was very much "one of the team" but because I wasn't in on their social scene she'd make life difficult for me, snapping whenever I asked for the till code only she could give whilst I had a stream of stressed out customers, and ignoring me when I'd say hello. Instantly isolated, I found life there absolutely miserable.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAur86yFD-5b5LPJwA4LOOO0q62mlVQPO3lOYSDHjIMXrwVrf0Y9kiofx3p4SkduvQYlPjQpur8Jes4HfQ83QyQHytG9TVXHMN_G6Endxs6jFWYv_CbeyPhd98oSPPkXCeh3FfXPfuM0/s1600/D8UVc3tUEAApshm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAur86yFD-5b5LPJwA4LOOO0q62mlVQPO3lOYSDHjIMXrwVrf0Y9kiofx3p4SkduvQYlPjQpur8Jes4HfQ83QyQHytG9TVXHMN_G6Endxs6jFWYv_CbeyPhd98oSPPkXCeh3FfXPfuM0/s1600/D8UVc3tUEAApshm.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">That shitty little garden centre in the back-end of nowhere became a constant source of dread,</span></b> made even worse when two of the girls from "that friendship group" joined. Alongside them there was no escape from Sixth Form (which was still going on when I started), or college, which I joined whilst still working there at 18. At lunch breaks I locked myself in the toilets as I didn't know where else to go, and if ever in the canteen I tried to block out where I was and started reading Tupac's <i>The Rose That Grew from Concrete </i>book of poetry which my oldest and dearest best friend Rae had kindly bought me as a birthday present. In hindsight I can't believe it took me so long to work up the courage to quit, but at that point in my life <a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2018/05/how-to-gain-confidence-when-your-self.html" target="_blank">self-worth and self-respect were something I never had</a>. I can still recall counting down the days until I left that place with shaky hands on my iPod calendar. Walking out of that place felt like a dream come true, even if I suffered the humiliation of being ignored on my last day as the rest of my colleagues gathered round in a circle pointedly ignoring me, and one handed me a farewell card limply with a sarcastic smile. I ripped up that card and stashed it straight in the rubbish bin as soon as I got home. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Throughout my 20s I've suffered <a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2018/06/how-to-cope-in-unhappy-job_28.html" target="_blank">from loneliness and isolation in various jobs. </a>I'm more comfortable in a counsellor's chair than in any bar or club.</span></b> I'm a jagged jigsaw piece, not fitting into my family or in any particular friendship group. I felt closer to the fireworks swirling in the sky than I did to being in an office team that <a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2017/09/what-to-do-when-dream-opportunity-turns.html" target="_blank">published my favourite magazine.</a> My favourite part of the day after work was to watch the glittering planes from the garden that descended down towards Heathrow, skylit and promising. I used to love sitting peacefully in the park alone escaping a stuffy office. I'll never "fit in" but that's okay. I'm embracing that. Accepting it 100%. Who wants to fit in to a world that traps you like a rat race? That wants you to mould into their model student? Nah. Not me, thanks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6JwvWJV3J-dh8vM28o1L9ndhh8y5O-ZR-zgHXUR15jt0JOZxOmIprH8erfjXYM9g2dKSICa7xXMAb41yneBGdhgMGLRGld_KN9DNJoJrp80a_ZyiARXYlv9hlm-uC_N3HWrPf2jFA4Y/s1600/not-fitting-in-soinspo-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6JwvWJV3J-dh8vM28o1L9ndhh8y5O-ZR-zgHXUR15jt0JOZxOmIprH8erfjXYM9g2dKSICa7xXMAb41yneBGdhgMGLRGld_KN9DNJoJrp80a_ZyiARXYlv9hlm-uC_N3HWrPf2jFA4Y/s1600/not-fitting-in-soinspo-blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Not "fitting in" with family </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't feel like I fit in or belong when it comes to family, but I'm finally I'm realising that's okay. Last Christmas my auntie welcomed me to one of her get-togethers and I went, even though I hadn't been to one for a good few years. None of my dad's side of the family really had to be so welcoming, or so happy to see me - yet they were, and it really meant the world. I'm not very good with family gatherings, never have been. Pure spite from my mum's side of the family had made me wary of family in general and now I realise how unfair that was, especially seeing as Graham and I are always agreeing that dad's side of the family don't judge and are cool about these kind of things, which was proven when I didn't attend my Grandad's funeral as I couldn't cope with going. Sometimes it's acceptance like this which can mean everything. Earlier this year at a family barbecue I told my auntie how much I loved them all and how much I appreciated them being so understanding, and I meant it. I feel so misunderstood sometimes, and when people "get" me, it means a lot more to me than most. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leaving the hometown that haunted me </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I <a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2018/12/moving-out-for-first-time.html" target="_blank">moved out</a>, a lot of things changed for the better. I was never happy in my hometown, it holds too many overpowering memories that I could never forget - the hospital next door, the school across the road, the college and work places I couldn't stand dotted around like digging reminders. I'll never forget the plane that crashed years back, smashing through two houses a few streets away from mine, tragically killing all the passengers. Night terrors started soon after and would come and go until I left home last November. It's a grey, lacklustre place filled with zombies and shattered ghosts but also residence to some of the best people in the whole wide world - people I can call friends forever and my parents. Whenever I come back to my hometown it's for good reasons, no longer bad. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6QYx0GL_YQvh2sUHAmrOW0xat7FBiaC7opcPgLiIKfFmEWpNmPtfpa_3NsulIv1HdQlV9KsrEzq0TcOQ9CI_btSSuu3D2hWdcmf0qtIrPQ3DHrwyXAVIEYKhgAL4V_sVtIpRwOcVJI8/s1600/not-fitting-in-advice-post-soinspo-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6QYx0GL_YQvh2sUHAmrOW0xat7FBiaC7opcPgLiIKfFmEWpNmPtfpa_3NsulIv1HdQlV9KsrEzq0TcOQ9CI_btSSuu3D2hWdcmf0qtIrPQ3DHrwyXAVIEYKhgAL4V_sVtIpRwOcVJI8/s1600/not-fitting-in-advice-post-soinspo-blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Not fitting in is actually a blessing.... </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now at nearly thirty I'm relived and happy not to fit into a mould, a clique, an expectation. I can live a life without snakes and fakes, focus on my dreams and goals, enjoy life with my partner and the few precious friends that I cherish with all my heart. I'm happy in my own skin and the older I get the more I realise I'm happy not to fit in. So if you're reading this and unhappy in your job, miserable in your friendship group or feeling like the odd one out in your family, then you're not alone. Let's embrace standing out from the crowds, refusing to follow the paths paved out for us and going against the grain. Not fitting in is actually a blessing, who wants to be in with the "in crowd" anyway? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">💃</span></div>
</div>
<ul>
</ul>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-12042028835337930962019-07-25T18:05:00.003+01:002019-07-25T18:11:06.197+01:00Dreamland Margate: my favourite colourful attractions! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfFrVn0eaKC6z1SmmhnwJrWQpH8urNG9RFqAbHEQ38vuT_nkbS5Z_GLinD_8iJG-dNPPXYfcZyN6a5ywy-dlz8BFIjcMR5bQr_7V-wfsHXmq_mkgqPeZw1ECE57iKV0uqejP3MZ66DpM/s1600/dreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfFrVn0eaKC6z1SmmhnwJrWQpH8urNG9RFqAbHEQ38vuT_nkbS5Z_GLinD_8iJG-dNPPXYfcZyN6a5ywy-dlz8BFIjcMR5bQr_7V-wfsHXmq_mkgqPeZw1ECE57iKV0uqejP3MZ66DpM/s1600/dreams.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Dreamland Margate is a spinning riot of colour and summer, a vibrant amusement park which had been on my bucket list ever since it re-opened in 2015. </span></b>Holding close nostalgic trips down memory lane for my mum as a teenager, Dreamland looked even more promising upon its revival. We finally made it to Dreamland back in June, and I was just as enchanted with the premise of a theme park based on a quintessential British funfair as I'd hoped! I thought it would be fun to share my top colourful attractions with you, so read on for my must-see rides and moments in and around Dreamland Margate! ♥︎</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rainbow slides </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First my firm favourite; Born Slippy aka the rainbow slides of H-E-A-V-E-N! I'd seen these colourful gems adorning many insta-worthy moments over on the 'gram and was instantly enraptured. Six lanes of colourful joy to choose from and a rewind to that free-as-a-five-year-old feeling, yes please! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguL2HbrvxSib5yrFj36VxH8ITOjBIk34-ztmWfWAsX_3Czp7QOuDCjHNdNmEWoBwXwevMxGZC3-EXH2E-einBVSM8yOtc2rgKa9ZWOhv9czGmUm9kDKEj1ysfSLxm58YEY0cTwvg6qKi4/s1600/dreamland-margate-rainbow-slides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguL2HbrvxSib5yrFj36VxH8ITOjBIk34-ztmWfWAsX_3Czp7QOuDCjHNdNmEWoBwXwevMxGZC3-EXH2E-einBVSM8yOtc2rgKa9ZWOhv9czGmUm9kDKEj1ysfSLxm58YEY0cTwvg6qKi4/s1600/dreamland-margate-rainbow-slides.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cocktails and colourful sights </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's a spacious area surrounded by cocktail bars, food stalls and candy floss carts; make mine a Piña Colada! As we sat down the DJ started playing "Who's That Lady" by The Isley Brothers - my favourite ever band, which seemed like fairground fate seeing as we'd been playing the song in the car as we pulled up alongside Dreamland itself! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8G9kCzvVPv58ZPo-095tTwLttAaSevUEA8qeigP10EJnmL6PkvH_zd96H50VQrgPvcm1zv3Ungr_iCGv4v_wO0-FK4EwnKoMqK-Y7r8jIOvKlVNYdnyTz87zYT5-JHmwJq0TxW8P4nE/s1600/dreamland-margate-must-see-colourful-attractions-kent-soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8G9kCzvVPv58ZPo-095tTwLttAaSevUEA8qeigP10EJnmL6PkvH_zd96H50VQrgPvcm1zv3Ungr_iCGv4v_wO0-FK4EwnKoMqK-Y7r8jIOvKlVNYdnyTz87zYT5-JHmwJq0TxW8P4nE/s1600/dreamland-margate-must-see-colourful-attractions-kent-soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> ☂</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ice cream dreams </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unintentionally matching my outfits to ice cream trucks since 1990 (sassy woman emoji) this cute little pink and white truck greeted us upon arrival. If you don't already know I have a big thing for retro ice cream trucks, and am always on the look-out for new gems, so this was a treat to behold! Of course we had to get some style snaps in the mix, would have been rude not to document! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXEP5tFmQ0JcajGPmeLzQCPxzJegz-vKfRYzpQrwWhTM60wuJpyijjJcmbxNoXfRn4G6zv8dmTLTVLe67-l7wdcUsO9SS89nC1g6-jlWhvuLD6S2MjR3pRdZ2GFBRU_T9dotwP6inxK8/s1600/dreamland-margate-top-attractions-visit-kent-soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXEP5tFmQ0JcajGPmeLzQCPxzJegz-vKfRYzpQrwWhTM60wuJpyijjJcmbxNoXfRn4G6zv8dmTLTVLe67-l7wdcUsO9SS89nC1g6-jlWhvuLD6S2MjR3pRdZ2GFBRU_T9dotwP6inxK8/s1600/dreamland-margate-top-attractions-visit-kent-soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
♔</div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The big wheel </span></b><br />
Pretty self explanatory, but while I'm here I'll also mention the carousel, dodgems & mirror maze are also all highlights to hit up!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZ_nBaj43YWofxZ8bNA8_M2nxmSWQC3XZ5cdLt7YBnQLTl5iM_HnNpUU2OZTT_f-Qxx1yTjJTc_GY1CjTtTjqsHvI9w0LEOYVV8A87A8GBCxTsEL4eShXJJpczBHPpTiIJbaoRFN7JXo/s1600/dreamland-margate-top-colourful-attractions-soinspo-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZ_nBaj43YWofxZ8bNA8_M2nxmSWQC3XZ5cdLt7YBnQLTl5iM_HnNpUU2OZTT_f-Qxx1yTjJTc_GY1CjTtTjqsHvI9w0LEOYVV8A87A8GBCxTsEL4eShXJJpczBHPpTiIJbaoRFN7JXo/s1600/dreamland-margate-top-colourful-attractions-soinspo-blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Roller disco </span></b><br />
Sparkly and stunning, the retro Roller Room is made for any disco dream goddess worth her skates! I love the kitsch feel to this place, from the mirrored disco ball lights to the vintage 80s party era vibe. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90EggCzMs0Gunf1GZfOrgwvSK3tie5tYSFpMRI6QEFMIqpVDbA1C4fkZdRg2pSk57Lu_0vCwxFaphcLeiDFKx94UJK5j4R8nRKl2MdWzyIPHeET9VY_h61t-SJ_RbrTYOV9f04Qa1DT4/s1600/dreamland1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90EggCzMs0Gunf1GZfOrgwvSK3tie5tYSFpMRI6QEFMIqpVDbA1C4fkZdRg2pSk57Lu_0vCwxFaphcLeiDFKx94UJK5j4R8nRKl2MdWzyIPHeET9VY_h61t-SJ_RbrTYOV9f04Qa1DT4/s1600/dreamland1.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
❃</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Peony Vintage </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Easily the prettiest pink shop in Margate, I was probably a bit too thrilled that my pink denim jacket and skirt made such a match against the gorgeous vibrant shopfront! Located in King Street, this retro diamond of a shop reels me in every time! 411 of the outfit; all Missguided and all ready to satisfy my hot pink heart. I'm so into double denim lately, especially when it's as colourful as this combo. The <a href="https://www.missguided.co.uk/pink-basket-bag-10129554" target="_blank">pink basket bag</a> also called my name sassily from the Missguided shelves, for some reason it seemed very 90s Vet Barbie, never a bad thing surely. Turned out to be the perfect outfit to rock for a day out at Dreamland! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIliL45TtQ_SanYgahWkCTr6ILSX6wRz22oiUYuaY6U6A93bQAJlXe7XGzvS15mcqTO16g40ebmCPvM6TU0lzA2S4eoOZWbCs4fLZ6tk6piQOVWqFACnUUrW2pEympEB-l01wSDI6eZ5c/s1600/peony-vintage-margate-must-see-attractions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIliL45TtQ_SanYgahWkCTr6ILSX6wRz22oiUYuaY6U6A93bQAJlXe7XGzvS15mcqTO16g40ebmCPvM6TU0lzA2S4eoOZWbCs4fLZ6tk6piQOVWqFACnUUrW2pEympEB-l01wSDI6eZ5c/s1600/peony-vintage-margate-must-see-attractions.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> ✰</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever been to Dreamland? ♥︎</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBi0bFXAT9wBrhYo4tKhKcS6Eoh3q7uR2W_poBDU1IghhFADwPxs2VKGTIfyIXiKkS8zm7ACkndiaH894luOLcBxMgzRzPYYME-8g8p29IYBj4rc0aizx9_qmjleBnPnG-y5upvA7bT8/s1600/dreamland-margate-must-see-attractions-soinspo-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBi0bFXAT9wBrhYo4tKhKcS6Eoh3q7uR2W_poBDU1IghhFADwPxs2VKGTIfyIXiKkS8zm7ACkndiaH894luOLcBxMgzRzPYYME-8g8p29IYBj4rc0aizx9_qmjleBnPnG-y5upvA7bT8/s1600/dreamland-margate-must-see-attractions-soinspo-blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">If you liked this post you might also enjoy: </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2019/03/barbados-my-top-5-colourful-places-to_23.html" target="_blank">Barbados: my top 5 colourful places to visit</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2019/05/selfie-factory-colourful-fun-house.html" target="_blank">Selfie Factory: a colourful fun house! </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2019/06/welcome-to-candyland.html" target="_blank">How to style a candy bikini </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">🎠</span></div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-39847230848098255192019-06-27T17:00:00.000+01:002019-06-27T23:45:45.985+01:00Catcalling isn't a compliment, it's disgusting <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5B3RrYvm90DKt7d9ntS_R0xCZ7gEKU18eUrVHO01OGAZ2C2ymadEGri7teORPzSn0Nug3wKCbE_AN-L3yIwyVMxziIqVw8xh2vXkgOtqnfDiphaT6u6ytavieGjVUOkoybRPuw5VjzE/s1600/rainbow-bag-skinnydip-london.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5B3RrYvm90DKt7d9ntS_R0xCZ7gEKU18eUrVHO01OGAZ2C2ymadEGri7teORPzSn0Nug3wKCbE_AN-L3yIwyVMxziIqVw8xh2vXkgOtqnfDiphaT6u6ytavieGjVUOkoybRPuw5VjzE/s1600/rainbow-bag-skinnydip-london.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Catcalling isn't a compliment, it's disgusting. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the mirror I worried about my outfit being.... too bright, too revealing, too noticeable? A green neon jacket, over-the-knee length boots, a short skirt. Would I get hassle for the outfit? Stares and looks of disapproval? Trouble? Unwanted attention? Oh, fuck the lot of them - I'll wear what I bloody want, the reckless side of Sophie that I much prefer to derail the sensible side of Sophie shouted somewhere in my subconscious. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjAHiFFi47c3DT_hnD32sWghdXQzQthiN8ii2TlpZU-4k_hG627O90n_t1u5gyDxDvU9fFWgYEdbvWoUo8MM1vqaYWF0YTcyO1HXGA60gtQQlXrpIWwbqmceQp4mfsO8XtIqqbrsiHyI/s1600/neon-green-jacket-missguided.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjAHiFFi47c3DT_hnD32sWghdXQzQthiN8ii2TlpZU-4k_hG627O90n_t1u5gyDxDvU9fFWgYEdbvWoUo8MM1vqaYWF0YTcyO1HXGA60gtQQlXrpIWwbqmceQp4mfsO8XtIqqbrsiHyI/s1600/neon-green-jacket-missguided.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">But my worries soon materialised in front of my eyes - in the form of two male builders high on some scaffolding, pointing down and laughing at me. </b></span><span style="font-size: medium;">As </span>my boyfriend stood taking a mere few photos of me on my phone, the builders started talked loudly about Instagrammers, making fun. I hoped they weren't referring to me but it was blindingly obvious they were, seeing as we were the only ones around getting photos. Trying to stay calm I went over to Graham and we paused the pictures momentarily. "Ignore them", he said. "They're probably not even talking about you", I knew he was trying to make me feel better, but unease was already spreading through my system. We attempted to get some more photos. I was happy to let their ignorance wash over me and leave things. Until. Until in clear view of the busy walkway they joked that "we won't be finishing our job today and we can tell our boss it's because we've been watching this blonde girl doing her photoshoot", further whistles and jibes were made, more pointing and laughing, directly this time.<b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I felt vulnerable and violated, like I was standing there practically naked. They made me feel embarrassed, humiliated. Scared and targeted. And for what? Daring to stand there in a skirt? To exist? To be female and in front of their eyes for a mere few minutes?</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsUs0PHciKNVwqgkWKkniDVGwVpiq0RsCPOpIwq4CgJFg838H-2JHzqo_xU6XzKq6ey2tYJiD-mdaWc2wgUhpIO-1Ehp1kusrpNdMYwpa5ZrT22KZqji2ZFZ40C_iOnosona0hZY6_gc/s1600/neon-green-denim-jacket-missguided.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsUs0PHciKNVwqgkWKkniDVGwVpiq0RsCPOpIwq4CgJFg838H-2JHzqo_xU6XzKq6ey2tYJiD-mdaWc2wgUhpIO-1Ehp1kusrpNdMYwpa5ZrT22KZqji2ZFZ40C_iOnosona0hZY6_gc/s1600/neon-green-denim-jacket-missguided.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Occasionally in my life there have been wonderful moments of rare courage where I've been pushed too far by people, and an explosion of anger, truth and vitriol comes pouring out like petrol. </span></b>It happened with my mum's friend, who is renowned for being a bit of a nasty cow, and, two days after my Grandad died, she started getting arsey with me so I told her exactly what I bloody thought of her and her bitchy behaviour. It happened with my driving instructor when I was taking my practical test - he was being a sexist pig and thought he could get away with it, until I gave him what for. We argued in the car before he told me I'd passed my test. It also happened with an old man who once called me over just to tell me how awful I looked in my jeans. Let's just say after the shouty lecture I gave him I don't think he'll be bothering young girls in the street again about their fashion tastes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjac3H6W5Esdg5iy1XNeTB1DUbxyx_TSx4E9Chj6CF1Y8dxJWgizq_VowL42BgWxrxtwDrlTed8hHu4pxbWWFgz7odbtBr1cEKzVuCjeXg3M8dPPM71dRDt8EGBViSMbZ4SM8qTtTJ6B24/s1600/neon-green-denim-jacket-missguided-summer-style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjac3H6W5Esdg5iy1XNeTB1DUbxyx_TSx4E9Chj6CF1Y8dxJWgizq_VowL42BgWxrxtwDrlTed8hHu4pxbWWFgz7odbtBr1cEKzVuCjeXg3M8dPPM71dRDt8EGBViSMbZ4SM8qTtTJ6B24/s1600/neon-green-denim-jacket-missguided-summer-style.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">And it happened when the catcalling did. My blood boiled, and unable to stop myself in front of the public, </span></b>I decided those vile oinks needed a few reminders of how to respect females - and stop wanking each other off over a bright coloured jacket and a Topshop skirt. "DO YOU HAVE A MOTHER? DO YOU HAVE A SISTER? WOULD YOU LIKE OTHER MEN TO TREAT THEM LIKE THIS, YOU SEXIST DICKHEADS?! HOW WOULD IT MAKE THEM FEEL?" No response came from Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Quelle surprise. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I think they were a bit taken aback that someone was actually challenging their behaviour. Two grown men, egging each other on, showing off, were suddenly silenced and didn't appear to understand the connection between their mothers and sisters and myself.</span></b> So thick and dense that they couldn't fathom the notion of other males treating their mothers or sisters or (god forbid any self-respecting woman dates one of those parasites) girlfriends in the same way as they were treating me in the here and now. After the initial confusion had left their little-boy-lost faces, one of them piped up: "Calm down, it's only a photo". Great comeback, really sensational. Award-winning. Only a photo? Exactly. We're only getting a photo yet look at you two up there, on your scaffolding, making such a big fuss and showing the world how thimble-sized your dicks are. I turned away, but that reckless side of me couldn't let it go before yelling a few more colourful phrases their way. It felt good. I'd tried to reason with them, to make them see what they were doing but they couldn't be reasoned with. So calling them a few choice names under the sun seemed more fitting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cL65MQnNAhSsChwdFs_CmPekQxJvcQfSLV4dkhgtjCFKBVCjDLkFbH1h1R1N0uXWwRjPsPkYyi1hIfIKMyzbOBsiuPSuotiMND5AAGn2eYnHiJZfB83pVW96yIzk6jt91ACXw9xLq7Y/s1600/catcalling-isn%2527t-a-compliment-it%2527s-disgusting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cL65MQnNAhSsChwdFs_CmPekQxJvcQfSLV4dkhgtjCFKBVCjDLkFbH1h1R1N0uXWwRjPsPkYyi1hIfIKMyzbOBsiuPSuotiMND5AAGn2eYnHiJZfB83pVW96yIzk6jt91ACXw9xLq7Y/s1600/catcalling-isn%2527t-a-compliment-it%2527s-disgusting.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As we walked off I was shaking so hard </b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">I dropped my sunglasses and bag on the ground. I was in a state, my nose started running and tears stung my eyes. </span></b>To my dismay a few people around were giving me disapproving looks, most of them women. Everyone around us had completely ignored the catcalling and carried on as if it were perfectly normal, acceptable behaviour which speaks worrying volumes in this supposedly modern day and age. One older woman muttered about "maybe now we'll get some peace and quiet". This to me was just as sickening as the catcalling; for it was fine for two men to be abusing me in the street, making lewd remarks and treating me like a piece of meat but here I was, the villain of the piece for wanting to defend myself? I'm usually quiet and reserved. Guarded. But sometimes there are times in life when loud is needed. I wasn't willing to walk away without fighting their harassment first. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I wasn't willing to be objectified because of what I wore that day. I certainly wasn't willing to let them think it's OK to carry on behaving this way to every future female that happens to walk past them wearing a skirt. </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUAne0TV7HmNZnjrtZy-PaK7pZdQ6wvEM8LVPMCmR7simr3VfTaqktbnMJX6ELwCGotgf8eyAs8RT74TTQbCMWGKUZqgHGGSIjY3OZhZmqCeVEbW2pp0jNeH3pHe0qM-1ArZyTIO4G9I/s1600/catcalling-isn%2527t-a-compliment-soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="669" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUAne0TV7HmNZnjrtZy-PaK7pZdQ6wvEM8LVPMCmR7simr3VfTaqktbnMJX6ELwCGotgf8eyAs8RT74TTQbCMWGKUZqgHGGSIjY3OZhZmqCeVEbW2pp0jNeH3pHe0qM-1ArZyTIO4G9I/s1600/catcalling-isn%2527t-a-compliment-soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Later that night, I spoke on my Instagram stories about what had happened. Initially nervous about opening up and being so vocal about the catcalling, I was overwhelmed by all the kind messages I received in response. </span></b>It made me realise how vital speaking out was, and it also gave me strength and faith as encouragement, power and hope rang through each reply. It took me a few days to realise that out of a horrible experience came unity and girl power, empathy and wisdom, promise and hope from other beautiful and spirited women I'm lucky enough to know and love. It reminded me that women are fucking powerful, and will only continue to shine harder and glow brighter. The catcalling was a nasty reminder that it still occurs unwanted and unprovoked on a daily basis, but that we aren't prepared to take it. That we won't stop until things change. Speaking out about it scares me, this post makes me nervous, but no way in hell is leaving it unwritten any kind of option after what happened. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-6HUWTispK5yOXW8Civ5cOah04hARSN_irVmW1-4NjsLx6RGoXRm8QTxWHMwD1ES-LrchllD6GQMJhcDX5NQawnrwMvVoDq617tbyLwZTuk9GSndV9RsIYQ38tHBV0SkeMKHRQQftXY/s1600/neon-green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-6HUWTispK5yOXW8Civ5cOah04hARSN_irVmW1-4NjsLx6RGoXRm8QTxWHMwD1ES-LrchllD6GQMJhcDX5NQawnrwMvVoDq617tbyLwZTuk9GSndV9RsIYQ38tHBV0SkeMKHRQQftXY/s1600/neon-green.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">After the catcalling incident, I started to remember other similar situations I'd been in, made to feel vulnerable and powerless by men. </span></b>At 17, back in 2007, I was walking across my street when two builders on roofs whistled and yelled after me. "Alright darling?" Laughing pathetically as I turned and told them to fuck off. "She said fuck off! She said fuck off!" They parroted. At 20, my boyfriend and I were walking in the park when a van roared past "Up your fanny, love! Up your fanny!" One man yelled, leaving me speechless and shocked. Naively I wondered whether it was my fault for wearing a shorter dress than usual, as my mum told me not to be so ridiculous and it didn't matter what I was wearing, no-one should ever think that behaviour tolerable, whilst Graham managed to see the company name on their van and reported it. A woman answered the phone and once we'd explained what had happened told us there'd be an investigation and at the very least a suspension. At 23, a gang of builders turned up unannounced to do some roofing work (my dad had forgotten to tell me) and I saw ladders and thought they were coming to break in. Caught unaware I opened the door and they found my fear hilarious, all gathered in a gang around my front door, enjoying the intimidation. When I rang the company to complain the male manager brushed it off "it was just lads being lads". And at 27, two old men making light of me in an interview, leaving me hot with humiliation and making me feel like a failure. Only last week two different men made two inappropriate remarks about an outfit I was wearing, both unnecessary and alarming.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTRWcElnYTG6m-wYUjM3dQOK0KgME3y1ifM37R0LXokJ6umCiqRHU9JKH1BbaTuKLMb915H3nwDCVwUJndpiY49ss8W4pV1bFtfoDH6jq0OLWDpwXyNNBXr1GzH-nStvNUrMVRRZ-9fw/s1600/missguided-neon-green-denim-jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTRWcElnYTG6m-wYUjM3dQOK0KgME3y1ifM37R0LXokJ6umCiqRHU9JKH1BbaTuKLMb915H3nwDCVwUJndpiY49ss8W4pV1bFtfoDH6jq0OLWDpwXyNNBXr1GzH-nStvNUrMVRRZ-9fw/s1600/missguided-neon-green-denim-jacket.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I'm writing this post because cat-calling is still poisoning, prominent and not seen as the problem it so clearly is in near 2020. </span></b>Catcalling isn't complimentary or harmless; it's frightening and vile. Catcalling isn't flirty banter or desired attention, it's unwanted harassment. Women should be able to walk down the street in any outfit they choose without having to feel scared of car horns, thugs shouting suggestively out of the window and sexual remarks yelled after them. Catcalling isn't a compliment, it's disgusting. When the world finally awakens to this fact fully, only then can things change for the better ♥︎</div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-50094657202500892102019-06-08T14:17:00.000+01:002019-06-08T16:56:57.986+01:00Styling a candy bikini <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlaWVCcAerIrCIIw8qPrL_K9PtNq0h26U28Q9tAHJbstE1qF6uaiTLS_7On7LrzFyNvgWic3Q5W4_pRroSYjAf0zY5gf8ao2MmbhlUbDimUq89AqAS0_HeGI1oCE8zSbkzWactkQva4k/s1600/capink_diamond_pool_float_soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlaWVCcAerIrCIIw8qPrL_K9PtNq0h26U28Q9tAHJbstE1qF6uaiTLS_7On7LrzFyNvgWic3Q5W4_pRroSYjAf0zY5gf8ao2MmbhlUbDimUq89AqAS0_HeGI1oCE8zSbkzWactkQva4k/s1600/capink_diamond_pool_float_soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm a candy girl in a candy world ♥︎ </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Welcoming this look from Candyland; wearing sweets has never been such a sugar-rush rollercoaster! The days of eating 90s candy bracelets and bikinis are dead, in the new millennium we wear them as style inspiration instead. The beaches are a blast of blue, so long as you bring your candy shades with you. In this post I'll be sharing what to expect when you visit Candyland, with a few top tips thrown in ♥︎</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxhtGnOU0YSbG-XZxL9KLaC1R-rQKu4kBc0IHm8PG3nNB3DyXirq8AryGx5fL-pn_ORySZB5LuDTHq5FxSGf8rHwWU1Iy0FS6JFaWSff5XJ9NLxMq5d1nFOW7mjzsP4pG9S6MiZ1RCbE/s1600/aaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxhtGnOU0YSbG-XZxL9KLaC1R-rQKu4kBc0IHm8PG3nNB3DyXirq8AryGx5fL-pn_ORySZB5LuDTHq5FxSGf8rHwWU1Iy0FS6JFaWSff5XJ9NLxMq5d1nFOW7mjzsP4pG9S6MiZ1RCbE/s1600/aaa.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bring sugar-screen </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The weather forecast for June hits tropical temperatures, so don't forget to bring your sugar-screen and sunhat! On a cloudy day expect rainbow drops with the odd flying saucer zooming overhead. Bubble jugs are provided when temperatures hit blistering heights and chocolate umbrellas are stacked near the sherbet fountains when it rains candy canes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi878k_HsWSu5Tm69qDvMPofeZaD6tuJyEK9GfbVMNwRqPjCKqKyXTHayf_T_fxFbicEdxPyI5pCffZkkMdrAWSMAaQ6jyrhbGmbg4tIi0iMqymFB5lB3Tz87lu_efx-2HSdvpyvb489X4/s1600/usnm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="669" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi878k_HsWSu5Tm69qDvMPofeZaD6tuJyEK9GfbVMNwRqPjCKqKyXTHayf_T_fxFbicEdxPyI5pCffZkkMdrAWSMAaQ6jyrhbGmbg4tIi0iMqymFB5lB3Tz87lu_efx-2HSdvpyvb489X4/s1600/usnm.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pool a pink diamond! </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jelly rings not your thing? Pink diamonds are a hotter alternative, buried deep in the sparkling seas. You'll have to battle through bubblegum webs and pink shrimps to unearth yours, but I can confirm it's 100% worth it when you reclaim your booty. As you can see I took up the challenge and the glimmering pink diamond was worth every mermaid-escapade. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCmaLtmyUOWM51UMd0x4O66DPrcXbBytzS5ZMc94eFa4aNuFPr_Dz_08Jefop56u2nJ96JhyphenhyphenfMSic8BgaHQzT_p_KrAa-DCb9_LG06e1JOckuusXbugQF_x9xp5rBB0uvrknbXXGv0WE/s1600/pink-diamond-pool-float.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCmaLtmyUOWM51UMd0x4O66DPrcXbBytzS5ZMc94eFa4aNuFPr_Dz_08Jefop56u2nJ96JhyphenhyphenfMSic8BgaHQzT_p_KrAa-DCb9_LG06e1JOckuusXbugQF_x9xp5rBB0uvrknbXXGv0WE/s1600/pink-diamond-pool-float.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9ZmhIUvp3hLBz6_HJqELlRUO8rBlpCNM7R_jFX0gOibGrCKiQ5FUHM0ssfRUlHsrlqCxEGN3meoAxSjDEyTEOGJ0c3LN9SnGHjoJqN7Vbj_UwXndz8VDX1T_tNHUAQIafk199vnD9SI/s1600/usy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9ZmhIUvp3hLBz6_HJqELlRUO8rBlpCNM7R_jFX0gOibGrCKiQ5FUHM0ssfRUlHsrlqCxEGN3meoAxSjDEyTEOGJ0c3LN9SnGHjoJqN7Vbj_UwXndz8VDX1T_tNHUAQIafk199vnD9SI/s1600/usy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">If your bikini snaps... </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can pay a visit to the Love Hearts, always sickly sweet, they'll fix you with a brand new candy bikini. The candiest babes ever, they'll even take a few candid shots of you in your candy bikini if you ask nicely. Candyland is full of sugarcoated souls; some good, some bad. Stay away from the sours, with their acidic attitudes, and the frosties with their glacial air. The Nerds and Dweebs are just misunderstood, and all the Astros will lecture you about scientific matters. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBixA7JnuEl03EGzskKjh4R22LdbmCfCygSGGrhcgFUsngqj6i_be0RU20TgaBQ6mRQqD9MJd0_VTsIdQcpd8mc0hw-MN5aUFTiTFApYpqnL1Wa2IwEJCGXMw0X5nGnbmJXmmlSYlr88/s1600/u.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBixA7JnuEl03EGzskKjh4R22LdbmCfCygSGGrhcgFUsngqj6i_be0RU20TgaBQ6mRQqD9MJd0_VTsIdQcpd8mc0hw-MN5aUFTiTFApYpqnL1Wa2IwEJCGXMw0X5nGnbmJXmmlSYlr88/s1600/u.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnJekTGjNCAT7wvOnuTb_oU1I1Y6tdyCGj-L_NCnrAnW2erEE8XYqvPRHpVi70bCn4PCZTbxncybVdH8rIRzw2Lzpg2XES-o4FOtS2Q80ryO6GPe8bXK0pnhCTrsvJ7FLcBvSECxt548/s1600/pink-diamond-pool-float.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnJekTGjNCAT7wvOnuTb_oU1I1Y6tdyCGj-L_NCnrAnW2erEE8XYqvPRHpVi70bCn4PCZTbxncybVdH8rIRzw2Lzpg2XES-o4FOtS2Q80ryO6GPe8bXK0pnhCTrsvJ7FLcBvSECxt548/s1600/pink-diamond-pool-float.jpg" /></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Candy killings </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Don't worry, you don't get hundreds and thousands of murders at Candyland but if you see roads sealed off by Hubba Bubba tape, you'll know some serious Gum Girl sh!t has hit the fizz whizz. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5JziOzdtse0Ro5ECTXOPinmh_cC_xutGTBObnZJWgMsvFR1ra6196kdAQF8jw2ROgrxJELcfFZ5AHwLdvCWotT7irJToyVZ9mJRfytn9iE9Md8iN-aC-YKmhFgWrkmATE4XqLkHb6Zs/s1600/candy-bikini-soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5JziOzdtse0Ro5ECTXOPinmh_cC_xutGTBObnZJWgMsvFR1ra6196kdAQF8jw2ROgrxJELcfFZ5AHwLdvCWotT7irJToyVZ9mJRfytn9iE9Md8iN-aC-YKmhFgWrkmATE4XqLkHb6Zs/s1600/candy-bikini-soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1G9grnBjLkMPLpchrDGnnHSlMYYOWRnqYqegi_ngpHd1D3o3OvYhG9jYNpiUgvby-5-0VjRDVjL3SdyjsKClCFw5Z8bzkkJ5Pi4cwRWtNbHqaEe-rwShdek7X0UDfMW_kViPPZRi52Nc/s1600/use.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1G9grnBjLkMPLpchrDGnnHSlMYYOWRnqYqegi_ngpHd1D3o3OvYhG9jYNpiUgvby-5-0VjRDVjL3SdyjsKClCFw5Z8bzkkJ5Pi4cwRWtNbHqaEe-rwShdek7X0UDfMW_kViPPZRi52Nc/s1600/use.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Hit the fairground!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
Carousels of caramac and sugar plum funfetti, what's not to love? Candy floss carts and sugar plum pixies dispatched at various marquees. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOKpyJ_UdvBnVN5Xmkee5NA_LZGy5iwbfMSyp_fhuL4rKgn7EjfJQM_v4nyc5Urnr_PTLWWb89vlwhQC2KDe-dtmIu26uHchOUbWow7Fo_reiBszyl8EK8wHGdMzxKgM-1D8wQnqcSww/s1600/use..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOKpyJ_UdvBnVN5Xmkee5NA_LZGy5iwbfMSyp_fhuL4rKgn7EjfJQM_v4nyc5Urnr_PTLWWb89vlwhQC2KDe-dtmIu26uHchOUbWow7Fo_reiBszyl8EK8wHGdMzxKgM-1D8wQnqcSww/s1600/use..jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTW0tPt7nMUdZZIsl1fZjuBxzwHCBs7xCrTR1KahuIdtuE1pBG3HF9uRKctO20mhdHuEKMYtF4cHudpFtUUdmr9n_MW07bpt0nFmIv6DhPa0y7AcCJOCIrvYZB7Vp5n7uJwpylFBZSn8/s1600/candy-bikini-fashion-soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTW0tPt7nMUdZZIsl1fZjuBxzwHCBs7xCrTR1KahuIdtuE1pBG3HF9uRKctO20mhdHuEKMYtF4cHudpFtUUdmr9n_MW07bpt0nFmIv6DhPa0y7AcCJOCIrvYZB7Vp5n7uJwpylFBZSn8/s1600/candy-bikini-fashion-soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Music & entertainment </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
WHAM plays on a constant loop around Candyland, with occasional melodies heard from The Sugababes and The Sugarhill Gang, not forgetting lots of bubblegum pop! Movies such as Candyman and The Sweetest Thing are broadcasted now and again, with ridiculous re-runs of My Super Sweet 16 on a constant loop. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZJZCicUl2PHPojlBXyVkW7qCm_IVATzLfjBlg-kSF0Ksh57ko1onAEObzj90isxq1wt8G9WhbWSy1anEE5aluQNocS2oJUPolretdSXXeUufQ36sd4XMmSB3GlkS3KlVwZYr93MNopY/s1600/candy-bikini-style-soinspo-fashion-blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZJZCicUl2PHPojlBXyVkW7qCm_IVATzLfjBlg-kSF0Ksh57ko1onAEObzj90isxq1wt8G9WhbWSy1anEE5aluQNocS2oJUPolretdSXXeUufQ36sd4XMmSB3GlkS3KlVwZYr93MNopY/s1600/candy-bikini-style-soinspo-fashion-blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoy your trip to Candyland! </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">🍭</span></b></div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-15321191833055719592019-05-11T15:24:00.001+01:002019-05-11T16:29:48.015+01:00Selfie Factory: a colourful fun-house! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpOurvvn7ymuqJhfrpHqFUOe8Drxhnz9UhNSKqYt1VqtJbdSgT8m9GbaZ6NsvVv6zIAaGK5NH4PC-KrptvQBfS2MpmK7d4HcotlFVDkhhIYoj4Os5pfYyZnm-vs9-FE0sp-qOLOmUDrM/s1600/selfie-factory-soinspo-fashion-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="646" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpOurvvn7ymuqJhfrpHqFUOe8Drxhnz9UhNSKqYt1VqtJbdSgT8m9GbaZ6NsvVv6zIAaGK5NH4PC-KrptvQBfS2MpmK7d4HcotlFVDkhhIYoj4Os5pfYyZnm-vs9-FE0sp-qOLOmUDrM/s1600/selfie-factory-soinspo-fashion-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">As soon as I heard about the Selfie Factory I knew I had to go ASAP! </span></b>Described as a "quirky, interactive experience for selfie-taking", the pop-up place luckily appeared at one of our favourite haunts, Bluewater. Intrigued, we wandered in and were shown a demo of what to expect should we enter. Colourful rooms, babetown backdrops and a fun place to get lots of insta-worthy dreaminess to satisfy your feed. Completely cliche for the millennial era, but I was 100% hooked and walking on sunshine when we booked our tickets. Glimpses of a pink ball pit and the promise of changing rooms for the army of outfits you're willing to bring had sealed the deal. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwNVwEHN7zrxgC-rUixMSonC5R-NBWsSf-SyjWWNnpnHlIS-732JfTVmhB__RL-vRCjJWvrIcy27DbSRGQOgGPbXoutqJpv95WzGq3OGS41DBIh5FrP6hz-7pKnAINX9LZGEO0zDlkrM/s1600/selfie-factory-bluewater-soinspo-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwNVwEHN7zrxgC-rUixMSonC5R-NBWsSf-SyjWWNnpnHlIS-732JfTVmhB__RL-vRCjJWvrIcy27DbSRGQOgGPbXoutqJpv95WzGq3OGS41DBIh5FrP6hz-7pKnAINX9LZGEO0zDlkrM/s1600/selfie-factory-bluewater-soinspo-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">For someone always on the look out for that colourful photo opp, </span></b>the <a href="https://selfiefactory.co.uk/" target="_blank">Selfie Factory</a> entranced me instantly. The first <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sophiesierra90/" target="_blank">Instagram </a>inspired fun-house in the UK, it's nice to finally get something like that over here. We booked a 1 hour slot, and upon arrival found it to be quite busy. Initially I wondered whether we would get the photos in the rooms I wanted, but luckily everyone there chopped and changed quite a lot, meaning any pop-up you fancied was pretty much free at some point. The Selfie Factory hosts about a dozen or so backdrops, all quirky and eclectic. I thought it would be fun to share my favourite rooms with you, and show you what to expect should you visit the Selfie Factory yourself!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pink ball pit! </span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScdLOrv6hLN_bb16RABDL3bL0qO8MZTEs1TKNzzBX8IBvQe3lU5hV-OFXgdD_bjLlAMk0S81RovwXPCVPIC26yfpuirT1mOY9Z9pY0KePhXSRcqE5YB9iUhKL89DJJjQfFoxZv5W8aJs/s1600/pink-ballpit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScdLOrv6hLN_bb16RABDL3bL0qO8MZTEs1TKNzzBX8IBvQe3lU5hV-OFXgdD_bjLlAMk0S81RovwXPCVPIC26yfpuirT1mOY9Z9pY0KePhXSRcqE5YB9iUhKL89DJJjQfFoxZv5W8aJs/s1600/pink-ballpit.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Diving into the ball pit, swimming around amongst all the pink, </span></b>and all the while curious glances emerged from outside of the shopping centre which made me laugh. People wondered what the hell was going on - the pink ball pit the only slice of Selfie Factory on display to the outside shopping centre. Swept away by all the pink, we got various Boomerangs and photos, and I laughed off all the strange looks and finger pointing we kept getting from passers-by. I seriously didn't want to leave! I want my future living room to be a massive pink ball pond, just saying....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8OLkf96fSCVpzFRV4wiEZ05AyE5zjiOREBx8sWVWfY5nx-8hEzfdAQzEn6UrEhn6pjTw54p9Po3HW0PyXyRYVPzZJ7txInyiozrFIuPTB6VdLrLSr_Aw_oDq75-VHgjWMVAOxMGB7rE/s1600/selfie-factory+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8OLkf96fSCVpzFRV4wiEZ05AyE5zjiOREBx8sWVWfY5nx-8hEzfdAQzEn6UrEhn6pjTw54p9Po3HW0PyXyRYVPzZJ7txInyiozrFIuPTB6VdLrLSr_Aw_oDq75-VHgjWMVAOxMGB7rE/s1600/selfie-factory+copy.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PeLLAX4vvdnonrTFDbViuIZw8k3R_6HLFy-AX4mxSxFL8YCKQwVjgpoyS3FajJD2sRoQ2DHUr_D2hl8UAjKZ0P9Ro3O644KgSbC80ztHzpV0gBib8V4UCfQ3NLshzSXHryYBMC4-KtY/s1600/selfie-factory-pink-ball-pit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PeLLAX4vvdnonrTFDbViuIZw8k3R_6HLFy-AX4mxSxFL8YCKQwVjgpoyS3FajJD2sRoQ2DHUr_D2hl8UAjKZ0P9Ro3O644KgSbC80ztHzpV0gBib8V4UCfQ3NLshzSXHryYBMC4-KtY/s1600/selfie-factory-pink-ball-pit.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnTsWM16AjJyXj72eSrCjpce61iq_sRsk2N1ZDNb6DQDAYUN0wLS0KE8tf9gcLyg__XvfPF31-XpLbzGkQ5ZKNhvpAGOepXi0Z5qCdDbyJ6rT-VDX9xWx2KuF7hPlD0OZQw_dW_VyyOw/s1600/selfie-factory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnTsWM16AjJyXj72eSrCjpce61iq_sRsk2N1ZDNb6DQDAYUN0wLS0KE8tf9gcLyg__XvfPF31-XpLbzGkQ5ZKNhvpAGOepXi0Z5qCdDbyJ6rT-VDX9xWx2KuF7hPlD0OZQw_dW_VyyOw/s1600/selfie-factory.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Balloon wall </span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjyVT66WY_flfrlWQXQiobKMFbWb20yNF1MlPCCWjwM2SQD9wYyhmzJWgqA5VE5mxLd9Y2iIEB_15f6pk7bstja9FLZ_edct2a0VklA43wssc6Y9Qr2inUdCi3wQQFnaLknBNM4rHXtM/s1600/selfie-factory.JPG" /><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A celebratory gathering of pink and white balloons, </span></b>this display caught my eye first. Balloons have been high up on my agenda recently; as you've probably seen from my birthday captures in London. I love how simple yet stunning this feature was, a dose of fairytale fever for your camera roll! I wore my new <a href="https://www.missguided.co.uk/orange-lace-crop-cami-top-10133222" target="_blank">orange lace crop cami top from Missguided</a>, alongside my favourite Skinnydip flamingo bag, trusty pink denim skirt and <a href="https://www.missguided.co.uk/rose-gold-dome-stud-wedges-10126546" target="_blank">wedge sandals,</a> also from Missguided. My shell necklace was an impulsive buy from Topshop, it's what mermaid dreams are made of! The one pop-up I hadn't really known about, this balloon wall soon became a firm favourite. Opposite the balloon wall was a multi-coloured pastel wonderland of roses, all colours of the rainbow. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuQNvPXUSW2ccAFKPR89ip_1Rk5E7CgqjGfl9jhbSsefBtEM7gsB9616L_EYoIt6sxGWO_10a33Muwa27_4s-UcwAdCrUreuYkyOzGVTJ5ORuL18fyBebni9Uv85WSGD6aLTV1C60Dws/s1600/selfie-factory-balloon-wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuQNvPXUSW2ccAFKPR89ip_1Rk5E7CgqjGfl9jhbSsefBtEM7gsB9616L_EYoIt6sxGWO_10a33Muwa27_4s-UcwAdCrUreuYkyOzGVTJ5ORuL18fyBebni9Uv85WSGD6aLTV1C60Dws/s1600/selfie-factory-balloon-wall.jpg" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKt3J6UcLNe6idwRWalQiGKqj5FEXxWC9XBa_EUoWzPGEW428lc8N_DDKZ0kUX47-Iogo0S1kdmtWVwuKAs15evqdO1Gdz3j2Rrr76xdaM5Ex9Sl4C3utwHuFre1c0Lvq2rorNCZnw8M/s1600/selfie-factory-balloons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKt3J6UcLNe6idwRWalQiGKqj5FEXxWC9XBa_EUoWzPGEW428lc8N_DDKZ0kUX47-Iogo0S1kdmtWVwuKAs15evqdO1Gdz3j2Rrr76xdaM5Ex9Sl4C3utwHuFre1c0Lvq2rorNCZnw8M/s1600/selfie-factory-balloons.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> ♥︎</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Doughnut wall </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Having admired the likes of Museum of Ice Cream in the US, the doughnut wall finally brought some sugary sweet magic my way. Hot pink deckchairs sat before the cutest display of doughnuts you did see. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdn8uBgGOsdAu2ZKVo3X58NEdGRIliNz1oKNMpgrjWM7y_JFZ-fYOxdy1rI0XNUF_lhQ-Bj8PQ2sYxa0iykLTeoO-aLY1aszXSn8VJ2leji3NLKFQmZb9JVv1BD10KusgsHhPRACTih0/s1600/selfie-factory-doughnut-wall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdn8uBgGOsdAu2ZKVo3X58NEdGRIliNz1oKNMpgrjWM7y_JFZ-fYOxdy1rI0XNUF_lhQ-Bj8PQ2sYxa0iykLTeoO-aLY1aszXSn8VJ2leji3NLKFQmZb9JVv1BD10KusgsHhPRACTih0/s1600/selfie-factory-doughnut-wall.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> ♥︎</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rainbow room </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My dream living room would look like this, anyone else? I settled in the sunshine yellow armchair and decided to dial. By this point I'd changed into my <a href="https://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/sunshine-on-my-mind-vest-8585243" target="_blank">"sunshine on my mind" crop from Topshop.</a> Yellow heels to match, which suited the mood of this room perfectly. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSWPih3mtoF9ZWq2ov6WndsSdtAs6mhAYCVrNXyR4wEVHf5Bcug-3gk6IzFu9ORmYFEjNqqutsbQA2Id7oXJf7INUD146E32Tp8AQV-Pz0_y5nDfXZJb01fxPc7LPw_Y5doXmx4ZWfI0/s1600/selfie-factory+copy+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSWPih3mtoF9ZWq2ov6WndsSdtAs6mhAYCVrNXyR4wEVHf5Bcug-3gk6IzFu9ORmYFEjNqqutsbQA2Id7oXJf7INUD146E32Tp8AQV-Pz0_y5nDfXZJb01fxPc7LPw_Y5doXmx4ZWfI0/s1600/selfie-factory+copy+4.JPG" /></a></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">♥︎ </span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Confetti Cave </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFFwuTjAFetk1mffudC588hOzVa9zHXs2Dk6fIIgNr6YsCvPSkhgVdD_qhwHwxKGuHcjJLVAb1g60D0LOxbceDOBfQIMa1tsGi7ZPNgMY_1pSxa4V1Ioz67JUcJe-0u-wGlBs4VC_YvA/s1600/selfie-factory-confetti-cave-soinspo-fashion-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFFwuTjAFetk1mffudC588hOzVa9zHXs2Dk6fIIgNr6YsCvPSkhgVdD_qhwHwxKGuHcjJLVAb1g60D0LOxbceDOBfQIMa1tsGi7ZPNgMY_1pSxa4V1Ioz67JUcJe-0u-wGlBs4VC_YvA/s1600/selfie-factory-confetti-cave-soinspo-fashion-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Colourful confetti strewn across the floor, dotty walls and a party the night away vibe, this room had me heart-eyed.</span></b> Honestly? Twirling around whilst throwing confetti aimlessly in the air is a task and a half. I changed into my ice cream dress and candy beaded sunglasses to switch things up. In hindsight I wish I'd used more outfits for the photos, but I was so excited and just wanted to experience it all!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZIkNFJRYpKj5rJMlvH3mc3wg-2nYgJyrXnLU0KnMOUfB2RBkdZ7jx2fjxbvmBTpoVSiDeaEjfgIgTrrsMlyCUwS5N8j6cAd_pCYsz02kwFQuCA2HTwga6hPLU-P7zjWoKoNb0Gd72m0/s1600/selfie-factory-confetti-cave-soinspo-fashion-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZIkNFJRYpKj5rJMlvH3mc3wg-2nYgJyrXnLU0KnMOUfB2RBkdZ7jx2fjxbvmBTpoVSiDeaEjfgIgTrrsMlyCUwS5N8j6cAd_pCYsz02kwFQuCA2HTwga6hPLU-P7zjWoKoNb0Gd72m0/s1600/selfie-factory-confetti-cave-soinspo-fashion-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">♥︎</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pink Diner </span></b><br />
This baby pink booth with surrounding hot pink walls came complete with make believe milkshakes and its own dreamy dialling system - for an emergency fast food fix I'm guessing? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCgllLb91WtmtP-ISoN3LCobMWS3qlWPt2PfE4AU__qpKYtdc8hQFFhAlMIsiof35jsEyWmObAmJQdLibC60k2iKfhAaoNr2y8AmQN3VYVp3vo_w0cQJeqBi9bz3jkwm6h6bmrBwhsPw/s1600/selfie-factory-pink-diner-soinspo-fashion-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCgllLb91WtmtP-ISoN3LCobMWS3qlWPt2PfE4AU__qpKYtdc8hQFFhAlMIsiof35jsEyWmObAmJQdLibC60k2iKfhAaoNr2y8AmQN3VYVp3vo_w0cQJeqBi9bz3jkwm6h6bmrBwhsPw/s1600/selfie-factory-pink-diner-soinspo-fashion-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqqe65EvwMxWVzVcS0RtFSg30lSJ3ThMqnB565ImJRbiI5KR-HgAW0yBqCFwEymPe3A3oi4hVC7-9rcJM4IaEtG1IeYBicsfcjkDnAbEFLDKCxC-TYVuTXpPv-7AcbDP4AJkU-xPG_Q8/s1600/selfie-factory-pink-diner-soinspo-fashion-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqqe65EvwMxWVzVcS0RtFSg30lSJ3ThMqnB565ImJRbiI5KR-HgAW0yBqCFwEymPe3A3oi4hVC7-9rcJM4IaEtG1IeYBicsfcjkDnAbEFLDKCxC-TYVuTXpPv-7AcbDP4AJkU-xPG_Q8/s1600/selfie-factory-pink-diner-soinspo-fashion-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkJ1cG-V_raENsCuu48DWrQo0W9e7gID9bGvDSsZfz-9jJ0BG_f5xeSCYb5JKMTWZM07W1271WzXxRhcImrq48eOmtaj7A-6gbeqoByA67ox11VqUJkIwZRkA_3abrxjPoMlCYAC60t4/s1600/selfie-factory-pink-diner-soinspo-fashion-blog-by-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkJ1cG-V_raENsCuu48DWrQo0W9e7gID9bGvDSsZfz-9jJ0BG_f5xeSCYb5JKMTWZM07W1271WzXxRhcImrq48eOmtaj7A-6gbeqoByA67ox11VqUJkIwZRkA_3abrxjPoMlCYAC60t4/s1600/selfie-factory-pink-diner-soinspo-fashion-blog-by-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Pink is always an option" </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Come on babes, need I say more? Channel your inner Mean Girl with this sassy statement.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPZORajn1OzjDP2yB-e7qzEGl5LyB2z7b5slgCrsjzIH7jLI2-tateeBx04LdqIL9lDAVshVdER2-w-Cm-WScTdutWOL7SphwsBNQ3TQbs4o8fLyaFwhXEQDvtLORDBFSArMTMCWQyy4/s1600/selfie-factory-pink-is-always-an-option-soinspo-fashion-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="1175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPZORajn1OzjDP2yB-e7qzEGl5LyB2z7b5slgCrsjzIH7jLI2-tateeBx04LdqIL9lDAVshVdER2-w-Cm-WScTdutWOL7SphwsBNQ3TQbs4o8fLyaFwhXEQDvtLORDBFSArMTMCWQyy4/s1600/selfie-factory-pink-is-always-an-option-soinspo-fashion-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">♥︎</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Angel halo & wings </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm loving angels (or being an angel) instead. Out of all the displays, this one stood out in all its evangelical glory. Instant halo status? Yes please. Reminiscent of Instagram's glittering halo and wings filter, this darling display is a must for all my fellow pinkaholics out there. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioffeEGxqaQMhX0yNLJiQSYUue3X4K0fOsMTxJVJBdpee0vFhCk3rWA-nlEQSBKmy0hdlm49wm06joEAloxTYRXk3i80_Xc0G9QP6qAPUXj2qA4ezpAERJcsC9L_clKpfAhin-RjGXqI/s1600/selfie-factory-instagram-funhouse-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1089" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgioffeEGxqaQMhX0yNLJiQSYUue3X4K0fOsMTxJVJBdpee0vFhCk3rWA-nlEQSBKmy0hdlm49wm06joEAloxTYRXk3i80_Xc0G9QP6qAPUXj2qA4ezpAERJcsC9L_clKpfAhin-RjGXqI/s1600/selfie-factory-instagram-funhouse-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Selfie Factory finished their run at Bluewater on May 5th.</span></b><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b>They are yet to announce their next pop-up location, but I'm looking forward to where they choose next! Previously the Selfie Factory has been at Shoreditch, and I'm hoping they may make a return to Bluewater in the future. I'll be first in line! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">In other news, I've got an <a href="https://www.theartisandetour.com/blog/2019/8/5/interview-with-upcoming-novelist-and-style-blogger-sophie-sierra" target="_blank">interview up with The Artisan Detour </a></span></b>where I talk more about my writing, plus I've composed an original short story which I hope you enjoy too! The Artisan Detour is a platform for creatives, all about encouraging and inspiring dream-chasing, giving artists a space to share their talents. I feel so blessed and lucky to have been a part of it! ♥︎</div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-48477158781209453902019-04-25T01:03:00.000+01:002019-04-25T01:03:28.282+01:00A very pink birthday in London <div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PmQwqYi-Dd9IPRzz08GhlMAtlFk_7APNY5KswIh5zlDce81T8dKajtIiOEW2zas_qwrbxZP05jtcVQVTZq2I-ibrVi-E6AjbPjNVbJEXkcCEmCn_osbFWHndkQmzo8N6m5CbZxVqzss/s1600/peggy-porschen-pink-cafe-london-soinspo-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PmQwqYi-Dd9IPRzz08GhlMAtlFk_7APNY5KswIh5zlDce81T8dKajtIiOEW2zas_qwrbxZP05jtcVQVTZq2I-ibrVi-E6AjbPjNVbJEXkcCEmCn_osbFWHndkQmzo8N6m5CbZxVqzss/s1600/peggy-porschen-pink-cafe-london-soinspo-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My birthday in February was a pink affair in London </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">that I'm so excited to finally share! </span></b>I spent the day with my boyfriend and parents as we celebrated in the prettiest pink hot-spots that London has to offer; a few of our traditional haunts amongst a few new gems added to the mix. The previous day I'd organised my outfit and we'd bought pink confetti balloons and a helium machine in preparation for lots of blog and insta photo opps. It's no secret that I have a major love/hate relationship with London, but last year after doing a <a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2018/08/peggy-porschen-pink-houses-of-london.html" target="_blank">pink tour of the capital</a> I really conquered a lot of my anxiety when it comes to visiting the city, and since then I've been full-steam ahead in my enjoyment of all the cute cafes and colourful streets the capital vibrantly showcases. On the eve of my birthday Graham sweetly bought me a beautiful bunch of birthday blooms and we spent the day local to my mum and dad, visiting one of our favourite haunts and enjoying a Nando's (the one near my parents is the best!) My birthday started bright and early, the four of us getting on a train to Central London where our first stop was.... </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Peggy Porschen, balloons & Valentine spirit </span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-lhFWTkdxc5hcJ8baRBIB-bpgCohFJ-DZTA_UTTx5i1yG2zmXTD2QW7Hdb1I1TYavQcj70gRjXhz7iHCyzRES9UgwxKkk-IV5o71PrDAObvGxObbCazy3G4Yv4NTtqe6TVevqQgCPnk/s1600/IMG_4768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-lhFWTkdxc5hcJ8baRBIB-bpgCohFJ-DZTA_UTTx5i1yG2zmXTD2QW7Hdb1I1TYavQcj70gRjXhz7iHCyzRES9UgwxKkk-IV5o71PrDAObvGxObbCazy3G4Yv4NTtqe6TVevqQgCPnk/s1600/IMG_4768.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So my birthday breakfast started outside the Peggy Porschen parlour</span></b><b style="font-size: xx-large;"> </b><b><span style="font-size: large;">with confetti balloons in hand and a sequin/holographic outfit </span></b>I'd painstakingly chosen for the event. Initially a little nervous about posing with balloons in a busy London street, I found myself getting into the spirit of things - soon firmly ensconced in a "f*ck it, it's my birthday" attitude. We settled down to a stylish "La Vie En Rose" cake date, Peggy Porschen's Valentine theme providing all the birthday joy. You can read more about my previous <a href="https://www.soinspo.com/2019/02/peggy-porschen-at-valentines-la-vie-en.html" target="_blank">Peggy Porschen Valentine brunch date here</a>. During our breakfast we saw a little girl admiring my birthday balloons and before we left Graham gave her one to take home with her. We got chatting to her dad and found out the family were visiting from France, which made the Parisian theme all the more perfect. Her dad told us she hadn't been feeling well, and that it was their last day in London before heading back home to France, which made the balloon seem even more symbolic.<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Nail'd It! </span></b><br />
This gorgeous phone box is mostly meant for clients to use, but a lovely lady working there kindly took some photos of me after I explained how much I'd been admiring their floral phone box online. She noticed my balloons and urged me to include them in the photos, so of course I didn't need asking twice! I vowed to make a future appointment for a glittery manicure for the future which I'm determined to do. I still can't get over the fairytale fabulousness of it all! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4o5_P5bcTvlvu554vvFdzweCA9y1VYqaF95hYEKAHrUJTviFde0XBRnkgQbSomQlQ_gamy62IQNU59D_C8uqwug_XP_4N3ajQITcNnPSp6eNExuDu0a4tBcJYcHiYP-XVR0jxiBVGac/s1600/pink-floral-phone-box-soinspo-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4o5_P5bcTvlvu554vvFdzweCA9y1VYqaF95hYEKAHrUJTviFde0XBRnkgQbSomQlQ_gamy62IQNU59D_C8uqwug_XP_4N3ajQITcNnPSp6eNExuDu0a4tBcJYcHiYP-XVR0jxiBVGac/s1600/pink-floral-phone-box-soinspo-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> ♥︎</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The prettiest pink house </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'd admired this pretty pink house for years online and my birthday seemed as good a day as any to visit it IRL. A couple of women walking by noticed us getting photos of my sparkly outfit and balloons in the street and as I moved out of the way so they could get a photo, one of them said "oh no, please stay in the picture, you make it even better!" which totally made my day. When strangers are this kind-hearted it really restores your faith in the human race. I was so cold by this point that we didn't stop long, but I was over the moon that we managed a few fun outfit snaps. As we walked through the streets my mum took hold of the balloons, cue a load of random strangers wishing her a happy birthday <span style="font-size: x-large;">☺︎</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiirVjdo_ae0Rgz8pf9LH4s1Fmr0uSHI9W2m5PlspARGe1ciXo2lhka3SpTblkHP17c1vsTvY6CpNjOsjPguW71VNinoIgTCXswQEhnsE7hzn75J5z3SHaeGzquumY2vM_qgYOIg0OcU/s1600/D48NHTbXkAE-wS3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsiirVjdo_ae0Rgz8pf9LH4s1Fmr0uSHI9W2m5PlspARGe1ciXo2lhka3SpTblkHP17c1vsTvY6CpNjOsjPguW71VNinoIgTCXswQEhnsE7hzn75J5z3SHaeGzquumY2vM_qgYOIg0OcU/s1600/D48NHTbXkAE-wS3.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">♥︎ </span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">EL&N Cafe (Belgravia branch) </span></b><br />
The newest EL&N cafe to open, I decided my birthday was THE opportune moment to go! The stunning floral wonderland booths looked both beautiful and alluring, and having visited both the Knightsbridge Elan cafe and the Hans Crescent one, I was excited to see what this newest feature was like. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldxfeb1DZ8o6NKjDdHp6ZpZmFiQmyZ3cjBTMhT8aFn5EMG4cG25mlp_lQFL4oQks9KmOwBcew3BPAPD567l5JmhZMO0O8pyll45ijCBk2U_I1lh6Nr6l2AZsqyJRsldmCBA2bJdx7KC8/s1600/155613250114609530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="1212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldxfeb1DZ8o6NKjDdHp6ZpZmFiQmyZ3cjBTMhT8aFn5EMG4cG25mlp_lQFL4oQks9KmOwBcew3BPAPD567l5JmhZMO0O8pyll45ijCBk2U_I1lh6Nr6l2AZsqyJRsldmCBA2bJdx7KC8/s1600/155613250114609530.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Both my dad and Graham were a little shell shocked by all the pink, but were soon tempted by beetroot lattes and leafy rainbow salads. </span></b>To be honest this branch was my least favourite. Despite loving the downstairs decor the whole vibe seemed to be a little less welcoming than the other branches and I just didn't feel like it gave off as nice a feel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNAYt57VcN-kbMLetiyMO9VY0S4agouH6QsrhMYTLl31qd_lBatM2uGqfGhs6FmVCcxxxdIEkHjO42ddSyg3un-RZlNu1U5OZxSL_TjN5C86Ew4XJsgELSmKPzQe7JJsHbbjhTR59_II/s1600/elan-cafe-belgravia-soinspo-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNAYt57VcN-kbMLetiyMO9VY0S4agouH6QsrhMYTLl31qd_lBatM2uGqfGhs6FmVCcxxxdIEkHjO42ddSyg3un-RZlNu1U5OZxSL_TjN5C86Ew4XJsgELSmKPzQe7JJsHbbjhTR59_II/s1600/elan-cafe-belgravia-soinspo-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Saying that I still adored every moment of our lunch-date; by some miracle we bagged a sought-after booth despite it being in the lunch-time rush and I had a flower tea whilst Graham smashed Instagram-husband potential by ordering the pinkest drink on the menu, the beetroot latte.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk_Vt8-8e8HLsTs2bwdJyMHLawHW8sbc-o7izTxXd89nghldpVQ6iq4mbwCRZZd_TLZLQ2ZkmByc5eILKg0LgIt4RZVlojqalKvC4NmVZ6LMc3_nh2BxX-s6cW3CdmIWPWpA0v14gcOM/s1600/elan-cafe-belgravia-soinspo-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="1217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk_Vt8-8e8HLsTs2bwdJyMHLawHW8sbc-o7izTxXd89nghldpVQ6iq4mbwCRZZd_TLZLQ2ZkmByc5eILKg0LgIt4RZVlojqalKvC4NmVZ6LMc3_nh2BxX-s6cW3CdmIWPWpA0v14gcOM/s1600/elan-cafe-belgravia-soinspo-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> ♥︎</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Kalifornia Kitchen </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvM0vwxk-LiK3aDejqcyFuZ_89tCo0MBgQN-tZ5-QRF_aGEvGI7Gkh5Kly_9FMuZgqb3R4aZu2pUN9Vcl1D9A1sbAf-54VR7FP8e-c5rR4z8EIOiiNK_p4W99e3naiYYEVFpZaAIjudk/s1600/IMG_4891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvM0vwxk-LiK3aDejqcyFuZ_89tCo0MBgQN-tZ5-QRF_aGEvGI7Gkh5Kly_9FMuZgqb3R4aZu2pUN9Vcl1D9A1sbAf-54VR7FP8e-c5rR4z8EIOiiNK_p4W99e3naiYYEVFpZaAIjudk/s1600/IMG_4891.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Allegedly the next insta hot-spot on the block, this pink vegan restaurant became mine and Graham's dinner date destination.</span></b> Already full from Peggy Porschen cake and Elan's eateries, we opted for a rainbow salad and fries to share. The guy serving was friendly and when I complimented the pink decor he started telling us that some customers take Instagram divaish behaviour next level by sending their plates back and demanding more flowers on them for photos. Sorry, what?!?!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRMPlZGNtUeJ1Dh_c_l_ziNJvN7ItJvf_rDd5glyHOYhGhjZPZ-7TLsnO86nB6ZKovWH61Ml00telz44Qd3XVcPBT733v1LZoNK9zL3dZ-kOctP7u8k9u24trerBOz-xLgMQqzkVIebc/s1600/kalifornia-kitchen-soinspo-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRMPlZGNtUeJ1Dh_c_l_ziNJvN7ItJvf_rDd5glyHOYhGhjZPZ-7TLsnO86nB6ZKovWH61Ml00telz44Qd3XVcPBT733v1LZoNK9zL3dZ-kOctP7u8k9u24trerBOz-xLgMQqzkVIebc/s1600/kalifornia-kitchen-soinspo-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gotta be honest here and say the restaurant was a little bit on the disappointing side, the food was nice but the place tiny and quite limited in terms of personal space.</span></b> I'd wanted to take more photos of the pretty pink surroundings but kind of felt like some of the staff were a bit offish and people seemed to react a little weirdly when I took the select few photos on my camera that I did - which was a bit odd. Perhaps it's just the selfish millennial streak coursing through my veins but surely there's no point to an Insta worthy restaurant if you can't grab a few pics along the way? Ah well, at least I didn't demand more flower power on our rainbow plate (and I have zero photos of our food, so I guess we were too hungry at that point!) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9Y7C5v-8JGhSr0Piph-ToqE5fJW-gFPhiXfw5qgGxNew7exM_bTbjJR2SY6wX-uLotdwvtdX2_zQlbzwmUkuJnt6LLFKnHa5yokDTfadTT1JtUEICGkXs6oa7XiEjmQ2bL-xZ4nT2Kk/s1600/IMG_4802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9Y7C5v-8JGhSr0Piph-ToqE5fJW-gFPhiXfw5qgGxNew7exM_bTbjJR2SY6wX-uLotdwvtdX2_zQlbzwmUkuJnt6LLFKnHa5yokDTfadTT1JtUEICGkXs6oa7XiEjmQ2bL-xZ4nT2Kk/s1600/IMG_4802.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I had such a special birthday and truly cherished every moment. </span></b>It was so much fun to enjoy some of our well-loved places whilst stumbling upon some new treasures. I hope you all enjoyed reading about our pink adventures in London, and I'm looking forward to exploring colourful fields afresh for lots of upcoming summer shoots, so stay posted! XO<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you been to any of these pink locations? </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">🌸💖💅👛</span></div>
</div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-83991276977294470292019-04-08T16:01:00.000+01:002019-04-08T16:01:55.811+01:00What to do when social media makes you feel ill <div style="text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3AVTQyJbZZLBuS5gCUNjIaPPfrLCd2Z9vhyIUXi4qZMny1CoxsjIEamxW9pm5wSdbyKi1_2oqIV66yWzcgU4Ce4qxHcn_CBCPqYuzbxCdIn-d-VR969yL1dHzW8lvZapd2578u8K_Qg/s1600/ELODIE+CREPE+FLARED+SLEEVE+CAPE+DRESS.jpg" /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Six months ago, if you'd have asked me if social media made me feel ill I would've said a definite no. </span></b>Is it toxic at times? Highly. Upsetting? Definitely. Irritating? Yep. But not so bad as to make me feel physically sick to the stomach. These past few months, however, my answer would be a definite yes - yes social media has been making me feel ill. On occasions it's left me shaking, crying, in such a bad way that my special birthday week became ruined with sick to the stomach nausea and paranoid dread. The exciting lead up to my holiday was wrecked with self-doubt and upset, I was on the phone to my boyfriend more than once at work because of a bad blip in my mental health due entirely to several things that happened on social media. The last time I'd felt this horrendous was over two years ago.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">This chain of events was one of the reasons why I stopped blogging. </span></b><br />
I was too frightened to post anything because of feeling so vulnerable by several things that had got me in such a bad way. All of this stemmed from my supportive nature being taken advantage of by someone I thought I could trust who turned nasty. This taught me a lesson I needed to learn; that I should have listened to my gut feeling earlier, and that I needed to be less trusting online. We don't really know who someone is behind a screen, and often we don't know what their intentions are. After speaking to a few close friends I was heartened yet disappointed to find that they'd found themselves in similar situations too. I wasn't alone. It was comforting but worrying, how badly time online had affected us. How people, practical strangers, had made us feel so paranoid and worried, costing us our health in the process. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDll3aqb-MxTD-ZSABM_vC4mSNUVBNNBd7I_TRctVG0ePp7xdR3yuR5Dn2dtplu7fY-gFTigQCq5bGG_AYWQ52H58jC2u_VBB55WC_a7zdGWW6PXbv79_GhAWqRXy8WvTF1tiSzgW9zfI/s1600/what-to-do-when-social-media-makes-you-feel-ill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDll3aqb-MxTD-ZSABM_vC4mSNUVBNNBd7I_TRctVG0ePp7xdR3yuR5Dn2dtplu7fY-gFTigQCq5bGG_AYWQ52H58jC2u_VBB55WC_a7zdGWW6PXbv79_GhAWqRXy8WvTF1tiSzgW9zfI/s1600/what-to-do-when-social-media-makes-you-feel-ill.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The pettiness of social media seems to have ramped up a notch this past year, </span></b>with people taking offence to any given thing, stabbings in the back that belong in secondary school, sarcastic subtweets flying back and forth and social media users using their platform to promote harm, instead of good. Bullying, criticism, hate and witch hunts seem to occur on a daily basis. The amount of negativity online is astounding, reaching levels of spite that are unbelievable at best, hateful and disgusting at worst. At one point I was seriously considering deleting my social media handles and just leaving it all, full-stop. If you come offline, the nastiness and negativity all just disappears, a lot of people will be quick to point out. But why should those people win and ruin it for everyone else? Deep down I didn't want to come off social media for good, but I didn't see any other solution when it was affecting me so badly. Just as I was feeling better and had enjoyed a lovely Sunday sitting outside in the garden, I went on Twitter for all of five minutes before someone leapt on something I said, and I started shaking with upset. I didn't want to be shaking over a stupid comment but being a naturally sensitive person who takes everything to heart and also battles with anxiety every single day, I couldn't help it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOmu1ekchsZ5xazJ3PDPbQadWuWIrIpY_VDh1u3MTs0zJMmyrkhLlzulYlt7FsfRmOzBOVZZteBHfw_aOZpK9reoao_88y4hlK1iZIkUlfJyVFXCs_RxDUgkdtZz9eGE8IcYOM8w1YRc/s1600/what-to-do-when-social-media-makes-you-feel-ill-soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOmu1ekchsZ5xazJ3PDPbQadWuWIrIpY_VDh1u3MTs0zJMmyrkhLlzulYlt7FsfRmOzBOVZZteBHfw_aOZpK9reoao_88y4hlK1iZIkUlfJyVFXCs_RxDUgkdtZz9eGE8IcYOM8w1YRc/s1600/what-to-do-when-social-media-makes-you-feel-ill-soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The worst thing when someone turns nasty with me on social media,</span></b> is that I immediately start to worry that others will follow suit. People that I care about, people that I consider life-long friends, people that I enjoy chatting to. I know this is unlikely, but this is the state in which anxiety leads me. Despite being initially upset, I managed to disregard the online exchange as quickly as possible, making sure it didn't ruin any more of my night. Even though this may only be a small victory, it's practically unheard of for me - someone who replays every negative remark and nasty word said in my head for days afterwards. Someone who can't help but hurt when little inconsequential things like this happen.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I recently decided I needed to put my health first and stop letting strangers online ruin my life.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b>Despite Instagram being highly criticised and understandably a platform that a lot of users find can do more harm than good, I always find it a safe and happy place, and it's often Twitter that sees the root of a lot of upset and negativity impacting on my health. I've got some friends for life online, and I talk to many kind hearted, supportive and caring people on Twitter who often make my day with their kind comments and show me so much love and care which I always appreciate and try my hardest to reciprocate. This makes it even more of a shame that a choice few can ruin what would otherwise be a perfect platform. These past few weeks I've realised I need to take some steps to improve my time on social media, to ensure my health comes first. I thought I'd share a few of these in the hope of helping others out there who have been feeling the same. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzW9vpS99QIUN5Rf-GJWaM8v2gXu87bUgwDlgezi-htecfIT8nT8eRe4Z7mwHqDaXTwOgw9RpExdTkt7kTdj39sRzGjjvXKnjM_K-szYXMY9Tzp9wPKYyBdkGCBRC5i9aA9vYq5TR4vaw/s1600/how-to-stop-social-media-making-you-feel-ill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzW9vpS99QIUN5Rf-GJWaM8v2gXu87bUgwDlgezi-htecfIT8nT8eRe4Z7mwHqDaXTwOgw9RpExdTkt7kTdj39sRzGjjvXKnjM_K-szYXMY9Tzp9wPKYyBdkGCBRC5i9aA9vYq5TR4vaw/s1600/how-to-stop-social-media-making-you-feel-ill.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">♥︎</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">5 ways I've improved my time on social media </span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I've stopped scrolling </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Twitter can be like an achievement roll of other people's successes, which is fine. I've posted things I'm proud of on there, and it can be a great platform for sharing and engaging; that's what it's all about! But too often I'd feel deflated from Twitter, in a switch of a second suddenly feeling low and down about my own life, when minutes ago none of this had been concerning me. These past few weeks I've stopped scrolling, especially seeing as the negativity on the app has been harder and harder to bear. Instead I focus on the people who I speak to the most, who bring me the most positivity and light, and who I enjoy connecting with. Making this change has already made a massive difference to my state of mind; already I'm feeling more positive and enlightened about life.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Switching off after posting </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my biggest downfalls is immediately assuming a blog post, an Instagram pic or content I've been excited about is going to flop. A dangerous habit of mine would involve constantly checking up on comments, interaction and reactions - optimism draining away by the second as nothing seemed to happen. This would not only make me feel like a failure, it would also lead me down a destructive path of negativity; should I just stop blogging? What's the point? There's no interest, I may as well just give up. It's not healthy, and only now am I making sure it doesn't become a repeat performance, time and time again. Taking time to step away from the content I've just posted is proving a better move for me, and instead of worrying and focusing on the negatives I'm feeling more positive about all the content I'm creating.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Muting, blocking, disengaging </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
VITAL. I recently wish I'd hit the block button on several individuals a lot sooner, it would have given me peace of mind and the opportunity to have had a lot less upset. Guilt grounds away at me if I feel the need to mute or block - but our health is the priority here, and recently I've dropped the guilt and realised if those actions need to be taken to ensure my time is healthier online, then that's no.1.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUDlEfodPjivtmrFe5YCwngt7cLowZRokU89xzXLc39YALBsRzeoGExvSxfpryWnRgk0IsN56m_BfUPqK1Cu1COFvYsKiZLWJ8Bsz9tJBzo7GauZNyydZuXN2n0-Q5n02PU2qR170KJc/s1600/marble1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUDlEfodPjivtmrFe5YCwngt7cLowZRokU89xzXLc39YALBsRzeoGExvSxfpryWnRgk0IsN56m_BfUPqK1Cu1COFvYsKiZLWJ8Bsz9tJBzo7GauZNyydZuXN2n0-Q5n02PU2qR170KJc/s1600/marble1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Realising my worth</span></b><br />
I've wasted too many precious hours worrying about people online. I spoke about <a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2018/05/when-friendships-fck-up-how-to-cope.html" target="_blank">meeting an online friend in this post</a>, and how it all went wrong. It shook me up for a while afterwards - I found myself in a bad way self-esteem wise. The same thing has happened these last few months, just because of some nastiness I started doubting and worrying what everyone thought about me, convinced other people might turn too. Rising above is tough, but I'm constantly reminding myself that so long as I'm happy in my own skin, I haven't got anything to prove to anyone. I'm a kind person who has big dreams, works hard and has a loving partner, mum and dad, friends and this is all that matters.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoying life offline </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since moving in with my partner I've realised even more what really matters in life. Our time together comes first and if that means lesser time online, so be it. On days off I make sure if I post something I turn my attentions away from my phone and usually don't look again until later in the evening. Messages that I used to pressure myself to answer I put on the back burner, waiting until I have the time and not before. I used to be guilty of checking my phone too much when we were out but now I find I do that less and less. There's no need, and everything else can wait. In the evenings if we're watching TV or having a meal I've got into the habit of leaving my phone upstairs, forgotten and out of my peripheral vision. It's amazing how applying such a small change can make such a big difference. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lastly I think it's important to remind ourselves that everyone we interact with online is a real person behind a screen. </span></b>Making an offish comment, turning on someone, being unkind for no given reason or typing that critical comment could just be a blasé remark to you, but it could cost someone much more. You don't know what state of mind someone could be in, and choosing kindness over cruelty is everything. "If you've got nothing nice to say then don't say anything at all", applies to this ever-increasingly toxic online world in more ways than one. Instead of engaging or giving time to people and scenarios that bring me down, I'm curating my time online solely to share what I need whilst interacting with those that boost me up, not bring me down. Our health comes first over everything, and I'm not going to waste another second of my life being upset by the toxic side of social media. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">♥︎</span></div>
</div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-11014520005822845212019-03-23T15:08:00.000+00:002019-03-23T15:23:18.500+00:00Barbados: my top 5 colourful places to visit on the island <div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCT32d2RfjmNvys_uuslzZ0LbK5jPKzhRVTmYlETw-zz1G4MECrRsWKOlcqXwKQrj7LL6Qpnvjp8UlyomTUXcoHkS5SdG57XsVNChqJgCLqkNQsqUJ4sRR5K_ZWQ7MGicsN1696VltW4/s1600/barbados-top-5-colourful-locations-soinspo-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCT32d2RfjmNvys_uuslzZ0LbK5jPKzhRVTmYlETw-zz1G4MECrRsWKOlcqXwKQrj7LL6Qpnvjp8UlyomTUXcoHkS5SdG57XsVNChqJgCLqkNQsqUJ4sRR5K_ZWQ7MGicsN1696VltW4/s1600/barbados-top-5-colourful-locations-soinspo-blog-sophie-sierra.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hey you babes, it's been a while! I returned home from a trip to Barbados earlier this month </span></b>and was immediately hit with major holiday blues. Throughout most of February and March I took a step back from blogging to focus on other projects and found the longer I stayed away the harder it was to come back. Saying that, when I'm not blogging I do miss it. But without further ado I thought it was high time I shared some Barbados content with you! Last February I took a vacay to the island as well, but this time round my boyfriend and I both agreed we fell even deeper in love with beautiful Barbados. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Barbados is everything you could possibly dream of; </span></b>it's colourful, vibrant, fun, tropical, kind-hearted and welcoming. The island is stunning, with lots to see and do. Palm trees frame golden coasts and aqua blue seas. You get frequent rain showers but typically those end within minutes before the sun bursts out again blissfully. Everyone is incredibly friendly and the pace of life ticks along refreshingly slowly. Yep, we loved every minute. Seeing as we're fairly familiar with the island now, I thought I'd talk about my favourite colourful locations we discovered whilst staying there.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3pFOaBHo35kTv6l35FIzYEzer2gbE19_p6QkVmpNHIQDrgbEXoPPN5Z8Smxf1RxNjBrRWiJi9Ivi2dek-pW0r-p_quvJ8rKyIjpK6b6dA00OHZvJVy4Bah7kqPmJXEOMNwMrvpXvqcM/s1600/barbados+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3pFOaBHo35kTv6l35FIzYEzer2gbE19_p6QkVmpNHIQDrgbEXoPPN5Z8Smxf1RxNjBrRWiJi9Ivi2dek-pW0r-p_quvJ8rKyIjpK6b6dA00OHZvJVy4Bah7kqPmJXEOMNwMrvpXvqcM/s1600/barbados+copy.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Read on for my top 5 colourful places to visit that are a must-see in Barbados! </span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dover Beach </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We stayed at the mega colourful Dover Beach Hotel, which I'd definitely recommend if you want the stunningly divine Dover Beach on your doorstep... literally! The room blocks are painted vibrant, rainbow colours and last year as we were situated in the blue block, I gazed adoringly at the pretty pink hotel building but this year we were granted a pink paradisal room of our own! Cue our pink balcony becoming my very own insta outfit shooting backdrop. Dover Beach and the surrounding sights are full of colour and happiness. The area is a must-see if you're after a luxurious hotel stay and a babelicious beach.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXXzRqPh9oWyQ2KqKAjcjmyeoe6b5AkDEa9fZRZmBPEDa4ER_-lEtu8ab75-Bdyn3DEuXJ0h-3heQfzcPa4I5drMX0zI8dgY7J8noDS1RT_Q923nFFjQ1ja9r-JDLe9JvF0_I2M-IWyo/s1600/barbados_travel_post_soinspo_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXXzRqPh9oWyQ2KqKAjcjmyeoe6b5AkDEa9fZRZmBPEDa4ER_-lEtu8ab75-Bdyn3DEuXJ0h-3heQfzcPa4I5drMX0zI8dgY7J8noDS1RT_Q923nFFjQ1ja9r-JDLe9JvF0_I2M-IWyo/s1600/barbados_travel_post_soinspo_blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> ♡</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>St. </b><b>Lawrence Gap</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Vibrant and funky, St. Lawrence Gap is buzzing with colourful nightlife and dreamy restaurants. We particularly adored Mimosas which overlooked the crashing waves and served the most delicious rose. There are cocktail bars and sunroof cafes, a Chattel village with its own restaurant and many bars that have live music playing during the evenings. Only a five minute stroll from Dover Beach, St. Lawrence Gap provided all the piña coladas and pizza we needed after many a day sight-seeing or beaching it up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TKqC2PN7KeiRp9lwGpOX0mHxqCtWDnw2UVaTqfzUUmGnF594FIHsJsOJoOgBrbTiqKHDOIh9__06hMUuepX8J6FCDYDZMgA4QCRqyvepycV8ZNx9tPsfLy2Okts_XbooHShTuiEJ_mc/s1600/barbados_colourful_places_soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TKqC2PN7KeiRp9lwGpOX0mHxqCtWDnw2UVaTqfzUUmGnF594FIHsJsOJoOgBrbTiqKHDOIh9__06hMUuepX8J6FCDYDZMgA4QCRqyvepycV8ZNx9tPsfLy2Okts_XbooHShTuiEJ_mc/s1600/barbados_colourful_places_soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> ♡</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Holetown Chattel Village </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Holetown is easily one of my favourite places to visit in Barbados. This year we decided to take it easy and mainly have beach days instead of venturing out so much, but Holetown was first on our list when it came to exploring. The Chattel Village is one of the main attractions; brightly coloured huts that materialise as shops, cafes and boutiques, and sit prettily amongst balmy palm trees. The nearby beach is a beauty while there's a cute shopping mall a few minutes away and even a pink phone box!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LSiH3hZFXk4QqN4Q0HjRzoJ41UAdmRF7QTUaKawkDG73DGc6y2CqAhXYCA-DcNeYexVCKYI-zQ27GnADKFbEZH_JlddpDielCg-ZTwThSOs6mzrLChwS4PDFShoJADefVszeYesS0_4/s1600/chattel_village_holetown_places_to_visit_in_barbados_soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LSiH3hZFXk4QqN4Q0HjRzoJ41UAdmRF7QTUaKawkDG73DGc6y2CqAhXYCA-DcNeYexVCKYI-zQ27GnADKFbEZH_JlddpDielCg-ZTwThSOs6mzrLChwS4PDFShoJADefVszeYesS0_4/s1600/chattel_village_holetown_places_to_visit_in_barbados_soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> ♡</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The pink phone box </span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOr_O2w51aPGwN4-cGrq0PQc-re23MraiXvAyfJdzugqhbsj9Vm-To_NQHMGD1_18kKWqgDcDdGz3bB-dIMoq9PDy5Wpery-NkKa1lBYHRzJe7-zK52wbA2OphdyPKlAB-ObKnf5Zp6o/s1600/barbados-top-colourful-locations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOr_O2w51aPGwN4-cGrq0PQc-re23MraiXvAyfJdzugqhbsj9Vm-To_NQHMGD1_18kKWqgDcDdGz3bB-dIMoq9PDy5Wpery-NkKa1lBYHRzJe7-zK52wbA2OphdyPKlAB-ObKnf5Zp6o/s1600/barbados-top-colourful-locations.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A personal favourite of mine, this pink gem of a phone box was found during our trip to Holetown, to see the Chattel village. If I'm being honest, it's a superstar in its own right! Perfect for some fun blog photos, we took our opportunity and click-click flashed away.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYWuiMkMjC_LaxzD8xEksbMCeC37Y-bSAGuHIQ9UJK99fPu_OiA_oZgcwAJLRKgdqGfYi7dwAoK3RiRCS-CcPuaH-RCQGFoge09LlI7qP377902RifAY2TBtdjNFI47TSAxZIEcC5iCg/s1600/pink-phone-box-barbados-colourful-places-to-visit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="653" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYWuiMkMjC_LaxzD8xEksbMCeC37Y-bSAGuHIQ9UJK99fPu_OiA_oZgcwAJLRKgdqGfYi7dwAoK3RiRCS-CcPuaH-RCQGFoge09LlI7qP377902RifAY2TBtdjNFI47TSAxZIEcC5iCg/s1600/pink-phone-box-barbados-colourful-places-to-visit.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
One of my favourite colourful hot-spots, it's worth a walk by if you're already hitting up Holetown. Opposite the Chattel Village, it's too cute to miss! Not far from the phone box is Holetown beach, a gorgeous haven of soothing waves and unblemished sand. There's also a shopping village nearby with a cafe serving to-die-for smoothies.<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Oistins </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oistins is one of the most talked about must-see places on the island of Barbados. They host their annual fish fry which is a big thing every Friday and also have music and food stalls. Turtles can be spotted by the nearby shores. The brightly coloured huts drew us in but unfortunately we had a bad experience with a dodgy woman who kept offering us a free tour of the island and wouldn't leave us alone, so we fled the place before too long to escape her clutches. A lot of people seem to have gone to Oistins and loved it, and due to its colourful nature I felt it only right to feature it in this blog post too. Despite that one experience last year at Oistins, we felt really safe on the island and it now feels like an absolute home from home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPMcVyo7G9ANtRTo1_oOFOFpSWrmB1f4f7vecSVujA2YavqBMRnHOBCB3Vvzt3YUYiwfkr43kugf76ZaF8NA6WCpfWIA09ZBJ127l4dDg28KRf_MTKdwFNZ3ENAtvu0TnkDeUc-xVXSI/s1600/barbados.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPMcVyo7G9ANtRTo1_oOFOFpSWrmB1f4f7vecSVujA2YavqBMRnHOBCB3Vvzt3YUYiwfkr43kugf76ZaF8NA6WCpfWIA09ZBJ127l4dDg28KRf_MTKdwFNZ3ENAtvu0TnkDeUc-xVXSI/s1600/barbados.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> ♥︎</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Have you ever been to Barbados? </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">🇧🇧</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2018/03/my-birthday-in-barbados-our-travel-diary.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2018/03/my-birthday-in-barbados-our-travel-diary.html" target="_blank">For more Barbados content read my travel diary from last year! </a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-57235359688860670702019-02-11T15:03:00.002+00:002019-03-10T00:57:04.711+00:00Peggy Porschen at Valentine's: La Vie En Rose <div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UMHUtzEr8ei04cWvscGHtiQzcp6gxfToeadKWAlKw2Hp5S1it2jQD6IBpPlzo18srHlXc9YH1DWPaJBPkd4-RAYBCbbtJpwM3cbQ-D_8E2nskPUXbVsIOm7VTwoxkdTeIgff6ZXdWFA/s1600/valentines_heart_embellished_jeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UMHUtzEr8ei04cWvscGHtiQzcp6gxfToeadKWAlKw2Hp5S1it2jQD6IBpPlzo18srHlXc9YH1DWPaJBPkd4-RAYBCbbtJpwM3cbQ-D_8E2nskPUXbVsIOm7VTwoxkdTeIgff6ZXdWFA/s1600/valentines_heart_embellished_jeans.jpg" /></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So Valentine's fever has hit Peggy Porschen's pink parlour hard. </span></b>Since my first visit to Peggy Porschen last March, I've become pretty addicted to a cake date there every now and then, and I was especially excited for their La Vie En Rose collection. Every season Peggy Porschen gets a magical make-over, and their Valentine's display didn't disappoint. With a <i>love </i>adornment of flowers lining the entrance, Eiffel Towers lit up in the windows and gorgeous to-die-for pink cupcakes, I was head over heels in L-O-V-E ♥︎<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAcXPU7gP6YYK26sAGb7Mrl5LVqGo3bSWgG0yuLuA5Hmt9dcOoaBPANkHaI-JmWiZUhuYh-9B7sAVYw5nzk_1PFijEmGNC4GcTzgmWOcLiQAVDuJf3xLy128KLxiK03_5N4uC1syS37c/s1600/peggy_porschen_valentines_collection_heart_embellished_jeans_soinspo_fashion_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQAcXPU7gP6YYK26sAGb7Mrl5LVqGo3bSWgG0yuLuA5Hmt9dcOoaBPANkHaI-JmWiZUhuYh-9B7sAVYw5nzk_1PFijEmGNC4GcTzgmWOcLiQAVDuJf3xLy128KLxiK03_5N4uC1syS37c/s1600/peggy_porschen_valentines_collection_heart_embellished_jeans_soinspo_fashion_blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">For our Valentine's date (or as I went with my mum and her lovely girlfriend, should that be Galentine's date?) to Peggy Porschen, </span></b>I opted to wear the most romantic outfit I own. Glittery embellished red heart jeans and a baby pink sweat top with sassy hearts embroidered up the sleeves and a cut-slash front design. For a final injection of pure pink paradise I wore my shocking pink boots from asos, killer and fronting all the February 14th auras. Admiring the gorgeous heart wreath on the entrance door and the twinkling fairy lights amongst the flowers, our attentions soon turned to the stunning Valentine's menu.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpapMNoGudMJ_0s0tsUEJZDYDKoHAfrvS8iCdcO4Eole2zZjTM0YsYYZ3Tv1zTnK24bZeYM4mZBuIqzgvI3bwfn7xhRpRVC0_HtuI7-23ivR6_ZTvwvILtdvT1nyD0QVjbBsvWBHa2D5I/s1600/la_vie_en_rose_hot_chocolate_art_peggy_porschen_valentines_soinspo_blog_sophie_sierra.jpg" /><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Devoted to Peggy Porschen's mega cute hot chocolate art, </span></b><span style="text-align: justify;">mum and I chose our drinks with this in mind and were rewarded with an Eiffel Tower masterpiece and an adorable heart design that had me seeing stars. Obsessed with the enchanting cupcakes on display, we selected a pretty pink rose affair atop of the most beautiful icing, and a chocolate love cupcake with sweet little hearts and gorgeous frosting. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5iekwY39GrnBMkJYQUJMo2pNLXho0zxx8FiKxFCehrRrf3RBOBxUSUop_zn05q6VCohXK7ad7VKm7uFQhHLb5e5Ucu7MO-pQR6P6Z8ChwQvCRVar3nsONX_MFq2X3xlCLAQEhjDE874/s1600/peggy_porschen_valentine_range_la_vie_en_rose_cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5iekwY39GrnBMkJYQUJMo2pNLXho0zxx8FiKxFCehrRrf3RBOBxUSUop_zn05q6VCohXK7ad7VKm7uFQhHLb5e5Ucu7MO-pQR6P6Z8ChwQvCRVar3nsONX_MFq2X3xlCLAQEhjDE874/s1600/peggy_porschen_valentine_range_la_vie_en_rose_cupcake.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NIzOOmdHaKIvU77FfOExttEotkX-qcedP2v0kuxaQsPzAvm2m70q3BaKIIoEev7P1w-6NR3_XPR2pSPckXdzGndIOcYl4m2V8ey0go0pmNAtgVjFiS-jZAcLL5B-0n6sjvlT4MyS6lU/s1600/peggy_porschen_valentines_la_vie_en_rose_collection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NIzOOmdHaKIvU77FfOExttEotkX-qcedP2v0kuxaQsPzAvm2m70q3BaKIIoEev7P1w-6NR3_XPR2pSPckXdzGndIOcYl4m2V8ey0go0pmNAtgVjFiS-jZAcLL5B-0n6sjvlT4MyS6lU/s1600/peggy_porschen_valentines_la_vie_en_rose_collection.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaC-g1Yg_Z3aNwOZI9qm2c-55N-8zSLcYDuoHWzgqjQUzbcCEAM4wnqxCBrzQipUzXQ_TNVrkdVMhxqyiZ7MUCASdZcjdHHN-6I-LsS2QpFOsRsyqh-RNXpb9aWZroKcY55VfpBasklh0/s1600/peggy_porschen_valentines_la_vie_en_rose_love_display.jpg" /><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Charming cupcakes aren't the only desirable offerings on the menu, </span></b><span style="text-align: justify;">Peggy also has dreamy La Vie En Rose layer cake, the cutest cookies known to woman including perfume bottles, poodles, Eiffel Towers, hearts and roses. I had to capture the magic on camera, and brought my fluffy pink heart bag from Skinnydip along for the ride, a firm February favourite. Who knew February could look so fabulous in the cold? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A78z4_QJz4k3WkoYIGQKYivSR5vop_Cpk33UWpR9PMVx3rc_t1TueUTcmwOhQnzBsSV65i7ns_jby7T2T7ixUKWV-oKBzUyH-Q6vrAU5voimj4dNA6ht0Q4gJs3LPDMjUenqvQllVHc/s1600/peggy-porschen-valentines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="669" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2A78z4_QJz4k3WkoYIGQKYivSR5vop_Cpk33UWpR9PMVx3rc_t1TueUTcmwOhQnzBsSV65i7ns_jby7T2T7ixUKWV-oKBzUyH-Q6vrAU5voimj4dNA6ht0Q4gJs3LPDMjUenqvQllVHc/s1600/peggy-porschen-valentines.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-XrRukeGX0wAMlR9fQW2NlThclNQQInPXkPilVsv5xph_KYQ9SpuFuIRtDbL77qQ8c8KrAhBpo5PzcDYx4bj4HUYV8hLMaiMkwmackpGJ5Vr138jyN29j7tboswaHfH14H0abMubh-E/s1600/peegy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-XrRukeGX0wAMlR9fQW2NlThclNQQInPXkPilVsv5xph_KYQ9SpuFuIRtDbL77qQ8c8KrAhBpo5PzcDYx4bj4HUYV8hLMaiMkwmackpGJ5Vr138jyN29j7tboswaHfH14H0abMubh-E/s1600/peegy.JPG" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Always enamoured with Peggy's seasonal offerings, their La Vie En Rose collection for Valentine's is something else! </span></b>I'd never been to the parlour before for Valentine's, so this was a really special and memorable trip. Forever thinking ahead, I'm getting very excited about the prospect of what their stunning spring and Easter displays might look like. I can't wait!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvDADGfs0E3rNyrrx0sBlM8fftY78iBMoHjygHABfCjehjN5fbk5hWx4od2keFEyVrJdHd3d22ESt2ktTMxD3wCb7EQWQ6qOw4ghNFD2OGpl0Hv2IMU2pSw7lNuQAUieiOkLFqpgN-z4/s1600/cupcake_peggy_porschen_soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvDADGfs0E3rNyrrx0sBlM8fftY78iBMoHjygHABfCjehjN5fbk5hWx4od2keFEyVrJdHd3d22ESt2ktTMxD3wCb7EQWQ6qOw4ghNFD2OGpl0Hv2IMU2pSw7lNuQAUieiOkLFqpgN-z4/s1600/cupcake_peggy_porschen_soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mum's girlfriend loved Peggy Porschen as much as we thought she would, </span></b>and we enjoyed a girly chat in the parlour whilst adoring all the Parisian prettiness surrounding us. If you're after a girls day out, a cute cupcake date with your one true love or a bit of "you" time, hit up Peggy Porschen for a Valentine's wish come true! I cannot wait to go back very soon, counting the days! <span style="font-size: x-small;">♡</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Similar posts: </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2018/08/peggy-porschen-pink-houses-of-london.html" target="_blank">A pink tour of London</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2018/12/elan-cafe-christmas-review_17.html" target="_blank">Elan Cafe at Christmas </a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2018/10/a-halloween-cake-date-at-peggy-porschen.html" target="_blank">Peggy Porschen at Halloween</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2018/10/london-travel-hidden-gems-in-soho.html" target="_blank">Hidden gems to visit in Soho </a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Have you ever been to Peggy Porschen? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><img alt="🧁" aria-label="Emoji: Cupcake" class="Emoji Emoji--forText" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f9c1.png" style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(20, 23, 26); color: #14171a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; height: 1.25em; padding: 0px 0.05em 0px 0.1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: -0.2em; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 1.25em;" title="Cupcake" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-86253216887282550402019-01-31T19:26:00.002+00:002019-02-01T01:21:50.876+00:00How to stop putting yourself down <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMVNUa3QD1SeC4PPwnNFGzuyg2MGoY9UBNbsKh5EHbjQdMXR7fzjecJubiSgZHe_WgUwzEifmyBh4aEQxpCDIJyUh7K8E1_BJy7NgaNTY3JbmmQ98jAG-4vDwqBa3B7x78c5on5MU-cE/s1600/49933374_280550849231069_1515854227130039298_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMVNUa3QD1SeC4PPwnNFGzuyg2MGoY9UBNbsKh5EHbjQdMXR7fzjecJubiSgZHe_WgUwzEifmyBh4aEQxpCDIJyUh7K8E1_BJy7NgaNTY3JbmmQ98jAG-4vDwqBa3B7x78c5on5MU-cE/s1600/49933374_280550849231069_1515854227130039298_n.jpg" /></a></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> ♡</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I used to put myself down a lot in front of other people. </span></b>So often in fact, that it became a dirty habit I couldn't break; a defence mechanism I used to shield off criticism from anyone I was talking to. Any belief in myself ran for the hills when faced with a group of people, or even one other person. If I criticised myself, if I got in there first then surely people wouldn't feel the need to do so themselves, right? Wrong. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm rubbish. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm useless. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I make so many mistakes. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can't do anything right. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why does this always happen to me? </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the last few years I've quit this negative self-talk</span></b> and stopped apologising for who I am as a person, taking the blame for anything that isn't my fault, saying sorry needlessly, running myself down for the sake of it. I'm the kind of girl who does believe in herself but has always struggled with a seabed of insecurities that strangle all that self-belief into twisted weeds of doubt and uncertainty. During my early twenties, no matter how much I psyched myself up, I'd still wind up smashing down all my self-esteem in front of other people. Many things ebbed away my self-belief and confidence, one of the most prominent being all the bullying I suffered within office jobs, which I spoke about frankly in my last post. Treated like a dogsbody, naive schoolgirl and general punchbag when anyone was feeling like taking their stress out on me, any pride I had in myself vanished. I found it tough to hold my head up high or to ever utter a good word about myself to anyone. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhFtp0YP5w280A8LEjqLsJwjYV15njYxeDMANKk8l7h6lT0OE1oqw4Od4ukpc6EIJAiJOPQeMyxr1XWsfHGGO2zHut2KGFC0Y_urCERGobyG7zu3e5MznNNnhWzlPXtdrvj7D_9pzoqY/s1600/asos_rainbow_sequin_co-ord.JPG+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhFtp0YP5w280A8LEjqLsJwjYV15njYxeDMANKk8l7h6lT0OE1oqw4Od4ukpc6EIJAiJOPQeMyxr1XWsfHGGO2zHut2KGFC0Y_urCERGobyG7zu3e5MznNNnhWzlPXtdrvj7D_9pzoqY/s1600/asos_rainbow_sequin_co-ord.JPG+.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">A turning point came in my early-twenties </span></b>when I was heading off on a work training day at a local hotel. "You're so disorganised, just useless!" One colleague at my work sniped at me, as always enjoying the satisfaction of running me down in front of the whole office as she pointed out that I wasn't taking any notepads or pens with me in preparation for the meeting (funnily enough, they provided us with notepads and pens, so her pathetic stab in the back was all for nothing). Her comment hurt but I tried to laugh it off as I always did because I used to put up with crap like that, it was par for the course. The training day was a tedious waste of time, we sat in stuffy conference rooms and I didn't enjoy the droning on of so called "professionals" nor did I enjoy the lunch we all sat down with, feeling excluded and lonely like I so often did in that job role. Ignored and overlooked with nothing to add to the conversation and a tendency to be treated like a school kid just because I was a lot younger than most of the people there. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">But during an ice breaker challenge one woman treated me like an actual human being, another adult. </span></b>'What do you do?' She asked in a friendly and calm manner. 'I'm just an admin assistant," I waved a hand dismissively in the manner I always used when asked questions about myself. "No, you don't do that", she said in a firm but kind manner. "You are not <i>just </i>anything. We don't "just". Saying "just" gives people the right to disregard you." She made me say it again. "I'm an admin assistant". Her words struck a real chord with me. I realised that all I did was disregard and disrespect myself when I spoke about who I was to people. Whenever anyone asked about my blog I'd tell them "it's a load of rubbish really, nothing special". Even though I didn't mean it. Even though I was very proud of my blog. Courage evaded me when it came down to portraying a confident stance in view of other people, an absolute impossibility. I realised things needed to change. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Another bad habit I'd gotten into was slagging myself down </span></b>when other people criticised themselves. If a person I was chatting to said "I'm so bad at this or so bad at that,' I'd immediately bat back a criticism of myself their way, just to make them feel better. But I came to realise that I was only destroying more of my self-worth under an audience not to mention giving people a free-pass to see all my flaws for free. Laying out all my insecurities and vulnerabilities on the table for anyone to pick their way through should they fancy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UPvOrcl5F3Z4pJGjH9l1zcSI7J_JRnapgCN39GK7PRVPqcR4zlyhiqiNpPlkgRSjUfNO9U_DOjlfmNY4Iv2dkDxpumperVPVH47rW6mg0mZLTZHH6mc6kSmuiPdt3sTC_TpuHdPRMyA/s1600/cocktails+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UPvOrcl5F3Z4pJGjH9l1zcSI7J_JRnapgCN39GK7PRVPqcR4zlyhiqiNpPlkgRSjUfNO9U_DOjlfmNY4Iv2dkDxpumperVPVH47rW6mg0mZLTZHH6mc6kSmuiPdt3sTC_TpuHdPRMyA/s1600/cocktails+.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Feeling like a failure at my favourite magazine</b></span></span><br />
A dream opportunity arose around this time but unfortunately it quickly turned sour. An opportunity to work for my (then) favourite magazine on the fashion and beauty team. My anxiety got on top of me, not helped by the bitchy, scathing attitude of the women I was working with. Instead of realising their cattiness was the problem, the experience unleashed a torrent of self-hate and doubt on my behalf which took a long time to recover from. Now I look back and wish I'd called them out on their rudeness and stuck to my guns. The more time passes for me, the more I realise I'm not going to apologise for who I am anymore. Past experiences have made me feel worthless, hapless, useless, untalented and like an absolute failure. But I know I am none of those things. I have to work hard on self-love, self-confidence and self-esteem, it's a rocky journey but one I won't let mislead me any further up the wrong path. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">"You need to stop putting yourself down"</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A colleague said to me, as advice for the future when a temporary job was coming to a close. I thought this was quite rich, seeing as during this short-term position they'd told me numerous times that (despite offering zero-training) I needed to be more confident, that I didn't "bullshit" people enough on the phone, that I was all but useless at the job before making the body shaming comment about me having no boobs. She then proceeded to joke about me "hiding behind the computer" as a form of confidence when talking about my blog. Is it any wonder that we struggle to maintain a confident outlook on life when there are so many people like that ready to trip us down? This point in my life was a terrible time, I was in the process of seeking counselling for a near-breakdown and spent a lot of time crying in the toilets because I just couldn't cope. But another bad experience gave me more strength, and sometimes we need bad moments to allow us the courage to carry on and be all the stronger for it in the long-run. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc14YpOJeEcov-We2vCbfpntmHWF6Qa73QQYHdjcC9ErGfW9MLXIWpg8oP0K8ZhC8_U1COTW3HCXS0RPBeCxJ48j8GM0IkBKJFqqzNm4GTK6PDxnLDLa5Q1BULPcciK8obkVTXydcPWGs/s1600/IMG_0700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc14YpOJeEcov-We2vCbfpntmHWF6Qa73QQYHdjcC9ErGfW9MLXIWpg8oP0K8ZhC8_U1COTW3HCXS0RPBeCxJ48j8GM0IkBKJFqqzNm4GTK6PDxnLDLa5Q1BULPcciK8obkVTXydcPWGs/s1600/IMG_0700.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">No more self-hate</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These days when I speak to people about my blog I don't tell them it's a load of rubbish, I tell them I love running it. If someone compliments me on my outfit I'll hand them a blog card, say there's no obligation but as they like what I'm wearing they'll probably enjoy my blog too. If people ask me what I'm doing I can happily engage with them about what dreams I'm following, safe in the knowledge that no apologies or explanations are necessary other than the ones I choose to give. If someone slags themselves off in front of me, I'll try and uplift them without putting myself down in the process. And most importantly, I realise all the difficult experiences I've had aren't a reflection of my worth or talent. They are simply bad experiences that don't reflect on my abilities or personality. I can keep my head up high most days, finally confident and carefree in who I am and what I do. We don't deserve to hate ourselves, criticise ourselves or put ourselves down - our short lives deserve so much more value and joy than that. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>How do we stop putting ourselves down in view of other people? </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">♥︎ </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lose words and terms like "failure", "useless", "not good enough", "not pretty enough", "this always happens" from your vocabulary. When things go wrong in life it's hard not to blame yourself, drown under negativity and/or a lack of confidence in your abilities, personality or worth. Replace negative terms with "a bad experience doesn't define me", "I AM good enough", "I AM pretty enough", "I AM worthy enough", "these are bad experiences I will learn from, they won't break me down". It takes time to shift into a more positive gear, but once you keep repeating these mantras, they'll become natural. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">♥︎</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A lot of people are out to criticise, but usually it's because they are insecure themselves. Keep in mind that their words don't reflect your worth - nor are they true. During CBT my counsellor told me to remind myself in a cloud of criticism that it's simply an opinion, not a fact. Stand strong in who you are and what you're doing, mostly the critic won't be anyone important to you, so why should their opinion matter? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">♥︎</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Keep your head up high if you find someone is making you feel run-down and low about yourself. Often we are made to feel apologetic or arrogant when we are passionate about chasing our dreams and leading our lives. We should feel neither. Being confident and assured in following your path isn't vain or conceited, it's a natural necessity to accomplish what you want and go for it. Remaining firm and reminding ourselves and those around us if they doubt us of our worth and capabilities is so important. If anyone criticises, patronises or doubts us an almost immediate reaction is to feel guilty or worthless in the face of that criticism. Use it as fuel to be even more set in stone about who you are, and don't apologise for it either. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">♥︎</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Try and bottle up all the confidence you have and all the wonderful things you feel about yourself on more positive days. Picture unscrewing the bottle on those negative days when you find that you are projecting doubt and criticising yourself in front of others. You don't deserve to doubt yourself. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">♥︎</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You don't owe anyone an explanation, an apology, a sorry or an excuse about who you are or what you are in this world. And in turn, nobody owes to make you feel bad, guilty or discouraged about yourself. "I am proud of who I am", "I won't apologise for being who I want". "I love myself unconditionally". </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Remember on those negative days: </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I'm talented, strong, brave </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I'm worthy, loved, important </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I learn from bad experiences </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I am trying my best & doing well </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ups and downs won't stop me </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Related posts: </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2017/09/what-to-do-when-dream-opportunity-turns.html" target="_blank">Work experience from hell</a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2018/06/how-to-cope-in-unhappy-job_28.html" target="_blank">How to cope in an unhappy job</a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2019/01/being-belittled-bullied-in-workplace_17.html" target="_blank">Tackling bullying in the workplace</a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2017/07/reasons-why-people-will-criticise-you.html" target="_blank">What to do when people criticise you </a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>💁</b></span></div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-29350750993780363432019-01-17T19:08:00.000+00:002019-01-18T19:08:58.847+00:00Being belittled & bullied in the workplace <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM3acGjWvcHGYQUTRRuSp6e2zFtEu3nPBGFfpz3_mCfNeUtOfmb4QqXeoDAaL4deQCrcW0wmcimItjMfsTzHarjvKBkDwUImlXNCe9tpSiTdmYjgthODqbcf3fwu2T7gkMbzKhN3RaCw/s1600/bullying_in_the_workplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEM3acGjWvcHGYQUTRRuSp6e2zFtEu3nPBGFfpz3_mCfNeUtOfmb4QqXeoDAaL4deQCrcW0wmcimItjMfsTzHarjvKBkDwUImlXNCe9tpSiTdmYjgthODqbcf3fwu2T7gkMbzKhN3RaCw/s1600/bullying_in_the_workplace.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've touched on feeling lonely, unhappy and belittled in the workplace before </span></b>but after sitting down in a cafe before Christmas and overhearing a group of grown women laughing loudly about a work colleague of theirs who was having a breakdown, it reminded me that this is a subject that never really goes away. One that always needs to be discussed; an important reminder to all that there are lots of cruel people out there who regularly make people's lives hell in the workplace. For this post I decided to just be honest and talk about my experiences with being belittled and bullied in the workplace, because people in this position, going through the same situations, need to know they're not alone. One of my mum's friends made it clear to her recently that they didn't like some of the things I said in a blog post, but I won't let my voice be stripped away by other people's opinions. This post has been a long time coming and I hope it helps anyone out there who is feeling belittled and bullied at work. You're never alone, and hopefully by sharing my story it can provide others out there suffering with some comfort. ♥︎<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Next time Sophie, you can clear up the sick."</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">My boss said to me, in front of the whole office who were gathered for a meeting. </span>Someone had been sick in our building and the boss was huffy she'd been the one who had to deal with it. Her insinuation was that I was the dogsbody of the office and therefore next time I was the one who should clear up any sick. Funnily enough, I don't remember "sick clearer" in my job description when I applied for the job. As her words stung the air I felt myself flush red. I felt belittled, lacking in courage to speak up about this kind of treatment. To challenge it head on and ask why I was always the one singled out? But I knew why - I was the youngest person in the office and also the most willing. Always keen to just plaster on a smile, act like everything was fine, even when it was the wrong thing to do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-w7jrSL0jRDmUSiFUxi2wee7zIbsIMM954f0eGM2AVGv66uRfs5Iulh1PuiLaVnGmzWvKJOMGuyH91O4efme6QwSfNIzWFprZX1miN91lx_lIR80Y-_1H4KSTGA3t4ktja5Sgu9wYf4/s1600/spring+blooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-w7jrSL0jRDmUSiFUxi2wee7zIbsIMM954f0eGM2AVGv66uRfs5Iulh1PuiLaVnGmzWvKJOMGuyH91O4efme6QwSfNIzWFprZX1miN91lx_lIR80Y-_1H4KSTGA3t4ktja5Sgu9wYf4/s1600/spring+blooms.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">♥︎</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">During this job I was bullied. </span></b>It was common knowledge, yet sod all was done about it. Alongside that, I was constantly belittled, patronised, criticised and singled out. A few of them knew they could get away with treating me like that because try as I might, I couldn't find the strength to stand up for myself. Early on I became aware that certain colleagues would spend any free time they could bitching about other members of staff which I found exhausting and I was always paranoid of what they'd be saying about me when I was out of the room.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The boss was quite predictable, </span></b>she'd often sweep into the office, address the whole room and turn her back on me, blanking me entirely - but if she needed an errand running? Yep, you guessed it! She was suddenly interested in me then! Funny that. I remember once she made a mistake on payroll, yet she blamed it on me. "It seems I've been paying you too much money..." she said, narrowing her eyes at me and using this <i>I'm so angry, I'm the boss and I'm so justified in feeling oh so angry </i>kind of tone. "I'm not very happy about it, as you can imagine. But I won't make you pay any of it back." That's very nice of you, I thought sarcastically. In reality I gave her a "thank you so much, and I'm so sorry about that." Why was I sorry?! I have no idea. I went back into the office shaking, telling everyone what had happened and feeling all the while like I'd done something terrible. When I got home and told my boyfriend he was furious about the way I'd been treated. So many times did he want to go in to my work and give them what for due to the way I was being treated but I stopped him, not wanting to make a scene.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZkq6diQ4QzMLFOrHmr19xpzJmnHJFaX3Ds8TRe5qcVr0Al2QbGnKrsTMggdhr-2Y6kCBVrGusEM4IISjH9lj2SHQXl-4srGhyphenhyphen2K3OkLZ8jaWXq_fndsRThBoBLwlESSckplo-SvZ5vw/s1600/stop_bullying_at_work_soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="766" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZkq6diQ4QzMLFOrHmr19xpzJmnHJFaX3Ds8TRe5qcVr0Al2QbGnKrsTMggdhr-2Y6kCBVrGusEM4IISjH9lj2SHQXl-4srGhyphenhyphen2K3OkLZ8jaWXq_fndsRThBoBLwlESSckplo-SvZ5vw/s1600/stop_bullying_at_work_soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> ♥︎</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Humiliated in front of the whole office </span></b><br />
One member of staff constantly made comments concerning my weight, introducing me as "this is Sophie, she doesn't eat or drink" to someone coming in for an interview in front of the whole office, humiliating me in the process. Remarks were made about my naturally slim frame, insinuations that I didn't eat. Sly remarks about things I did and didn't do at the weekends, my social life, everything and anything she felt like criticising. Once she screamed at me in front of the whole office for not using these new phone systems we had yet I hadn't even been given training and had no clue what to do. That was pretty much the last straw. I think this woman led quite a sad life and often took her home-related stress out on her job. Everyone was on tenterhooks in the mornings in case she was in one of her "moods". She could be a laugh sometimes, and kind other times, but it was a shame as I never had the energy or strength to stand up to her when she was emitting bullying behaviour. Once another well-meaning colleague dragged me into the manager's office because she'd witnessed the way the woman was speaking to me like dirt. When confronted with this news, and realising she'd upset me, the woman laughed it off, making me feel like I was in the wrong; being too over-sensitive and blowing things out of proportion. I felt embarrassed and guilty, as if I was just making a big fuss about nothing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHGjYfIbvoQQbRzV6oyhILN4SdXC1ohwV_77Bopht8aBQMN_eVTtaFtxobcYykLtrUsqmrDRX60uJcSDAdL32Pxafz5_EW2VX-9Txi3Nq9Mf_QolhCnTB-nz2_5vWtpGuCh0LJf0NRKw/s1600/stop_bullying_soinspo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHGjYfIbvoQQbRzV6oyhILN4SdXC1ohwV_77Bopht8aBQMN_eVTtaFtxobcYykLtrUsqmrDRX60uJcSDAdL32Pxafz5_EW2VX-9Txi3Nq9Mf_QolhCnTB-nz2_5vWtpGuCh0LJf0NRKw/s1600/stop_bullying_soinspo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> ♥︎</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Ignored for saying hello?! </b></span><br />
My voice was never heard in that place. I was only useful when they wanted me to do something. Occasionally relatives of staff members would turn up. I remember once saying "Hi,' in a friendly, cheery voice to one relative of a fellow colleague. I actually couldn't have cared less about her, but I tried my best to be polite anyway. She just smirked at me, looking me up and down and completely ignoring me without a word. This happened a few other times too. I felt like I still needed to bother, yet hated the fact that this person could be so unbearably rude. Once we were sorting out brochures and she'd come to help and she whinged "Can't Sophie do it?!" while everyone looked on and laughed, humouring her. It made me laugh to see this girl follow me on a few of my social media accounts, why on earth she'd want to follow me when I wasn't even worthy of a "hello" all those years back is beyond me, but it made me smile nevertheless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRA-1IpEzS2knCQ7q9zb4LFEoI7_fVjP4NW0_3Y8LEJUe4rexXZwZ4k1nNXtYA4VbbEfRl4WuDtmSlfuEK6u6BRFOaREC_FbzKY57LOjT8jP_BRdWEzUvjh6A-naoAQVo9zo8nUaTCjPs/s1600/bullying_in_the_workplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRA-1IpEzS2knCQ7q9zb4LFEoI7_fVjP4NW0_3Y8LEJUe4rexXZwZ4k1nNXtYA4VbbEfRl4WuDtmSlfuEK6u6BRFOaREC_FbzKY57LOjT8jP_BRdWEzUvjh6A-naoAQVo9zo8nUaTCjPs/s1600/bullying_in_the_workplace.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> ♥︎</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Reduced to tears </span></b><br />
Rubbish days were a regular occurrence, I remember one staff member spoke to me once in such a nasty manner that I was unable to help myself and broke down in tears behind some filing cabinets. I was heaped with parcels for the post office that weren't even work-related; all for another colleague's daughter. She found it quite funny, I think. Like a good girl I'd take them without complaint and do as I was told. There were some good moments, some general laughs and nice days and I loved a few of the colleagues I worked with but unfortunately the bullying coupled with the general lack of respect and deflating treatment made me dread every day at that job. My weekends were miserable, full of dread as soon as Sunday reared its ugly head, and my working week was unbearable. Thank goodness the job propelled me to do one thing - start writing my first novel as a form of escape from all the misery I felt.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Spoken to like dirt </span></b><br />
It was a hard lesson to learn; especially after going through rough spells at both sixth form and college where bullying was concerned, I just couldn't believe it was happening yet again - in an adult workplace. "Tell Sophie a woman makes my life utter hell at work and I'm fifty-four!" My mum's friend passed the message via a phone call with my mum, a message to reassure me that I wasn't alone in the way I was feeling or what I was dealing with. This woman is nothing but a lovely, warm, kind, outgoing and sweet lady who you couldn't imagine anyone wanting to bully. I can imagine she'd stick to her guns and stand her ground, not take any flannel from anyone if pushed. Yet this fellow colleague treated her like dirt, put her down at every opportunity and picked on her for no apparent reason. It was hurtful to know she was the target of bullying too, yet strangely reassuring to realise I wasn't going through it on my own. Perhaps if she was going through it too it didn't make the bullying I was dealing with my fault? Didn't make me completely useless or deserving of the treatment I was being subjected to? I'd never really heard of bullying happening in the workplace before, perhaps not to the extent I realise it does now.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Not taken seriously when I spoke out about bullying </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a shame as I absolutely adored a few people at that job, and felt almost close to tears when I did leave because there were some genuinely lovely members of staff there who had helped me and been so nice to me. When pressed on why I was leaving, I told the boss about the woman's behaviour and how it had affected me, but all the boss was concerned about was getting me out of her office before this woman came back and saw us discussing something serious. She did not give a toss, she couldn't have cared less if she tried. That said it all, really.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeharEcXSdbSo09EJLWo_jKl-aAZxmB6U45b4T93fCPzPnO-XrdG0LZpGuxmMZ2UpSToLq8gXizym8qh_D4PdCPTfp21xSwrIBjXnuemFq6qI6xX-3EzswY3enQT9ila7gygttHvAWwE/s1600/motel+rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeharEcXSdbSo09EJLWo_jKl-aAZxmB6U45b4T93fCPzPnO-XrdG0LZpGuxmMZ2UpSToLq8gXizym8qh_D4PdCPTfp21xSwrIBjXnuemFq6qI6xX-3EzswY3enQT9ila7gygttHvAWwE/s1600/motel+rocks.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">♥︎ </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What are the next steps to take when you're being bullied at work?</span></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don't suffer in silence - report it.</b> </span>Easier said than done, as I've already been there before and never reported it (not until I was leaving and it was too late, anyway). But no one deserves to be scared to go to work or dreading the week ahead or even calling in sick because you can't face things. All the while this behaviour goes unreported the bully will carry on with their behaviour and you'll have to suffer in silence. Any professional company should take you seriously and take the relevant action needed to improve your working life. </li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Make sure you write everything down. </span></b>This will give your manager, HR or whoever you're discussing the bullying with a clear idea of what's been going on and noting everything will give you a better and more solid ground for discussing what's been happening. Often it's easy to forget, overlook or miss important points, so be clear on the events and situations surrounding the bullying at work you're dealing with. </li>
<li><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">If you're not being taken seriously, report to higher management. </span>This would have been tricky for me to have done at the job I left because there <i>was </i>no higher management. Only an unprofessional boss who saw the bullying as nothing but an interference - she didn't want to call out the woman in question on her behaviour as she knew how difficult and argumentative she could be. I was leaving, which made things very convenient for her; she didn't need to do anything about it. If your company has an HR department as your boss isn't taking your claims seriously, then seeing HR would be the next step.</li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">With any meeting or claim you are entitled to representation </span></b>from someone in your company, be it a close colleague, someone from HR. If you can't trust your next in line manager then as mentioned HR. You can write to your HR department too, if speaking to them face to face is difficult. If your company has a Counsellor Rep that can be a good step. Anyone impartial who can witness the events of the meeting. The manager cannot then make lies up or pull the wool over your eyes (as some do), if someone else is there witnessing the meeting and what's being said. </li>
<li><b><span style="font-size: large;">Worst case scenario and you are unable to speak to anyone in your company </span></b>about the bullying or you aren't being taken seriously then you can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau. My boyfriend as a manger, advised me for this post that if the bullying continues and there's no sign of it stopping or being dealt with, the next step can be a case of claiming constructive dismissal if you are unable to work at your job any more due to bullying. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">And lastly, remember: </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">✘ </span></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">You are not being "too sensitive",</span></b> if someone's behaviour is ruining your work life, it's unacceptable for it to carry on happening.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">✘ </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's not a case of "you need to toughen up"</b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">,</span></b> if someone is causing grief at work it's a case of "it needs to stop". We are often made to feel too sensitive or too emotional, when bullying is what needs to stop, not our emotions.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">✘</span> </div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bullies are good at twisting things,</span></b> they'll make you feel guilty and apologetic for their own behaviour. They'll upset you and make out you're overreacting, or downplay it. It doesn't justify anything.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Putting a stop to bullying in the workplace</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b>is something I feel truly passionate about. I've always thought, and I'm not sure how, but that I'd love to somehow make a difference in changing things. It still happens so much, <u>too much</u> and so much more needs to be done to improve bullying in the workplace. People suffer in silence everyday, others become ill because of it, some leave an otherwise happy job because someone is making their life hell and it isn't being taken seriously. Please don't suffer in silence if you are being bullied in the workplace. Tell someone you trust ♥︎<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">#StopBullying </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Stand up ➕ Speak out </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">🌋</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">"Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Related post: </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2018/06/how-to-cope-in-unhappy-job_28.html" target="_blank">How to cope in an unhappy job </a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-1516820759943599942019-01-10T18:55:00.000+00:002019-01-11T01:08:46.424+00:00Topshop pink faux fur coat & mental health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevnOhkFWf92sz22UX_SvL4e5dtFbwCC9SwpMUvnWA-ydrWmG2ghrqBWJUmFG5FX6OnmLCdWg7oxiGcgx9ZaMA_Lc2AEJSZlbwoVSjeuhdt2Hrym9EcoRSFrhsFYLKvu3dUEvIT69GXNA/s1600/winter_pink_faux_fur_coat_topshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevnOhkFWf92sz22UX_SvL4e5dtFbwCC9SwpMUvnWA-ydrWmG2ghrqBWJUmFG5FX6OnmLCdWg7oxiGcgx9ZaMA_Lc2AEJSZlbwoVSjeuhdt2Hrym9EcoRSFrhsFYLKvu3dUEvIT69GXNA/s1600/winter_pink_faux_fur_coat_topshop.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">As soon as I saw this pink faux fur coat </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">on the rails in Topshop</span></b></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">,</span></b> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I knew it was destiny calling my name. </span></b>Why have only a hint of pink when you can have a full blown love affair with the colour? I'm not big on winter clothes, so this season it's been a lottery win to have found some faux fur fashion pieces that keep me cosy and make me feel sassy at the same time. I'm keeping my fashion blogger radar on pink alert for some other vibrant gems that might help update my winter wardrobe a little, but to be completely honest, I'm just not interested in winter style unless it's as fun and funky as this cute pink faux fur coat is. This <a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2017/09/the-most-sugarlicious-sweet-shop.html" target="_blank">pink ice cream dress </a>matched dreamily against the pink coat and of course I had to bring back my<a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2018/01/a-2018-life-update-goals-personal-life.html" target="_blank"> Dollskill candyland sunglasses</a>, forever keen to inject some sugar into proceedings. Add in my fluffy heart bag from Accessorize and slogan heels from asos, this outfit became my seventh heaven. This has to be one of my favourite outfits, very Barbie-esque. Talking of Barbie, is anyone else excited about Margot Robbie's role in the new Barbie film? The casting is spot-on! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67YMvgSFTj0U3hA6L91b09FT1vWoa8MmcQoYtoUi45PbuArUZA3iPUUiFzFTm2mL0cGdbNkbTg3jZJ3B8jeCzClLRefzg6Be9bIDDbiFZe81BfxVBt9wkmaxTIBM2vdi7zhn7ZClHUq4/s1600/topshop_faux_fur_coat_winter_style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg67YMvgSFTj0U3hA6L91b09FT1vWoa8MmcQoYtoUi45PbuArUZA3iPUUiFzFTm2mL0cGdbNkbTg3jZJ3B8jeCzClLRefzg6Be9bIDDbiFZe81BfxVBt9wkmaxTIBM2vdi7zhn7ZClHUq4/s1600/topshop_faux_fur_coat_winter_style.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I took a blogging break because I needed some time away and found Christmas </span></b><span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">pretty tough to cope with. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I</span><span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"> </span>haven't been doing my best mental health wise, even though I'm now feeling a lot more like myself. For a long while I felt very low, crying lots and struggling to manage at all. People assume things like "you've got your own home now, what have you got to feel down about" which doesn't help and results in more feelings of guilt and isolation. I've felt a bit cut-off from a lot of people since moving which hasn't made me feel like I really have too many people willing to reach out or even remain in contact. I don't want to be so downbeat, and even feel a bit worried when I talk frankly on here as I think some people connect honesty with negativity when it's just a case of getting it all out of my system, but there's no point putting on a false facade of everything being POSITIVE POSITIVE POSITIVE when life just isn't always like that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBu4wD-tILw-IEKYvW89UvYYBaVmvrxyXlTX9Ds8UKxuePKiH1rOXL1pxsTgKF0uMplRu6aECaAn5j4JG3hyphenhyphenmELtrCmMWlB35YEuaYAIevKZdyonTEJNLn6p7ypzOHiXix6eUEXTBhRY/s1600/faux_fur_coat_topshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBu4wD-tILw-IEKYvW89UvYYBaVmvrxyXlTX9Ds8UKxuePKiH1rOXL1pxsTgKF0uMplRu6aECaAn5j4JG3hyphenhyphenmELtrCmMWlB35YEuaYAIevKZdyonTEJNLn6p7ypzOHiXix6eUEXTBhRY/s1600/faux_fur_coat_topshop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmjOOLLSy_K4XQsTf5wG7Y5H0_mnznUdUYuesGEKqEX3zWaIGKA4gu5H5_gEs_gemQ1_-zh39uKngd3e257HMGgTDFJis5dHQJmOV_eCW6z2K5QnZS4VVkRSCsUXHlCU3Ahhn9MI_YL0/s1600/dollskill_candy_sweet_sunglasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="673" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmjOOLLSy_K4XQsTf5wG7Y5H0_mnznUdUYuesGEKqEX3zWaIGKA4gu5H5_gEs_gemQ1_-zh39uKngd3e257HMGgTDFJis5dHQJmOV_eCW6z2K5QnZS4VVkRSCsUXHlCU3Ahhn9MI_YL0/s1600/dollskill_candy_sweet_sunglasses.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">I'm getting back on track, </span>even though horrible things<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"> </span>like two men turning up on my doorstep yesterday, threatening to cut our water off because they'd made an error about our house being unoccupied when it clearly isn't - can set me back again. I was on my own in the house and had no idea what to do and was shaking all over once I finally got rid of them. We made a complaint and apparently the men who came to the house had logged me down as seeming "quite upset and distressed", which ironically is how I've felt over the whole festive period. These photos however, remind me of a happy day where I felt like a million dollars, and I know there'll be days like that in the future, too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5sYPZLXULvYEjKjtHwazDETmnUdjOEPnXp3pbrI5-FYFrcQvklcf-P4gjkK1j-HDoO0MdgCH-OIizrRQ5cXRyi-lIdtG1yHyTsIS8BG2otH5mte9cUsSQTxwKQuHMi7iEbKHEFUmYjk/s1600/dollskill_sunglasses_candyland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5sYPZLXULvYEjKjtHwazDETmnUdjOEPnXp3pbrI5-FYFrcQvklcf-P4gjkK1j-HDoO0MdgCH-OIizrRQ5cXRyi-lIdtG1yHyTsIS8BG2otH5mte9cUsSQTxwKQuHMi7iEbKHEFUmYjk/s1600/dollskill_sunglasses_candyland.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHEOdhmkJ8OWpSyDlLhIODi6a0VEfNSuXTAntFTgC7qXkwnJok__KKw0sVzV2LK9h0jodnAbpmnhNZ2vmgSD1rhrH-NuSr1J6q4-4akOa9tznHUbMnAmK538YDZdX2P4LyGQM27fgE1g/s1600/topshop_pink_faux_fur_winter_coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHEOdhmkJ8OWpSyDlLhIODi6a0VEfNSuXTAntFTgC7qXkwnJok__KKw0sVzV2LK9h0jodnAbpmnhNZ2vmgSD1rhrH-NuSr1J6q4-4akOa9tznHUbMnAmK538YDZdX2P4LyGQM27fgE1g/s1600/topshop_pink_faux_fur_winter_coat.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">During Christmas we did take a trip to Swindon though which resulted in a lot of happiness.</span></b> It's a near 3 hour drive away from where we live and has always been a comforting place when in need of some solace and inner peace. When I saw the signs indicating Swindon I felt like crying with relief because it just felt like the escape I needed from all the anxiety and depression that had swallowed me whole. Our cosy home from home, with a garden full of promise and a silver Buddha that's uplifting for the spirit. I love that garden so much. We went to Butterfly World, a tropical haven of tranquility which was nice and hot (my idea of heaven). We also went out for cocktails to a restaurant we love, and I even had a mini fashion shoot in the garden, trying on my sassy summer clothes and styling some new season Skinnydip London bags I got for Christmas, which definitely gave me the boost I needed. We spent some time sampling some Costa Christmas drinks before coming home from our short break. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOudeO2UMUw43mfGRg8yV5LMxCLKyeB95tdGX-GElczRj2Ko8Flj4hCGyJAP7KRGfVjqp2NuR7o8hMBltJK94XesGE0p-lB4ByWkGGdmeFpbrNWvkzhmwkAU3Ra50Y8p1jy79AFMHYvw/s1600/topshop_winter_style_pink_faux_fur_coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOudeO2UMUw43mfGRg8yV5LMxCLKyeB95tdGX-GElczRj2Ko8Flj4hCGyJAP7KRGfVjqp2NuR7o8hMBltJK94XesGE0p-lB4ByWkGGdmeFpbrNWvkzhmwkAU3Ra50Y8p1jy79AFMHYvw/s1600/topshop_winter_style_pink_faux_fur_coat.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3_wV25NxL6S4MTWQ0ySSo3UPDKsjPmdzNOI8OM-kHBc_lZntvD47tJi6IfAFm2ZT_nqqgqRw1ddy9gllg2KWNxutdBnQoHvMN-kjs4ueAOeBuwK_SdDaN2OFjwzhPVbeOv-Q93xFLWM/s1600/pink_faux_fur_coat_topshop.jpg" /><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">This winter SAD has hit me like a brick, </span></b><span style="text-align: justify;">but there are a few really happy and exciting things I'll be telling you all about soon that have kept me going. Despite those bad days, I know spring isn't too far off now and since New Year is over, I can finally look forward to holidays I actually enjoy with a passion; like Valentine's and Easter. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggifTzpm8DCAP5el0EyODLjIkyhYIf8K6HUB__mvMaKMA-PkJEWEufr-5-pvLURGFI80uq4IQgdCx6bJJhCfEfPfrgtFAJRd3G8Z04gKilOvccuU0oTu9kBvJmQjOfqF0nvUMpOJrZJPI/s1600/topshop_pink_faux_fur_coat_soinspo_fashion_blog.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="671" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyBTRL7djiO1ptcyjdQ-VGSLsUi1-EnWaKWL0gBdfGPdhKGSvlZaewvPV4Da8JWp3pjN0ZwHyLqAlWA86qs7SvGom2S4JOCjyWHfyJpN9SuY5wYyfJJcXhj00pea1ZyCylb5-zAJYbGU/s1600/winter_pink_faux_fur_coat_topshop_style.jpg" />We now live about ten minutes or so away from one of our favourite castles, and cupcake cafes, so those'll provide comfort and cakes when there are more dark clouds than rainbows. I'm also looking forward to all the dreamy flower displays the castle will have come spring. What can we do in life but try our best, keep going & hold our heads high. <b style="text-align: center;">I just want to feel like myself again, but I'm getting there ♥︎</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">🎈</span></div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277551661161970722.post-71097854962311376782018-12-17T15:19:00.000+00:002018-12-17T15:19:30.350+00:00Elan cafe: a Christmas review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimV2aSMehUzHhnz0er6PN64uXs5Hn0dxdAMSqP0sdPWGFoxptmD58SLm31upYDwt2z8bouuTk0HOipoQiTV5xuEgpx80X1sv_5VvcG5O3iRJpEayIlX7pQtpTNps3fwTYPo-pTN5948bo/s1600/elan_cafe_pink_christmas_review_soinspo_blog.jpg" /><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.elancafe.co.uk/" target="_blank">Elan Cafe</a> was my next Instagrammable hot-spot</span></b><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">to hit, </span><span style="text-align: justify;">so back in late November mum and I took a trip there. There are four Elan Cafes to choose from (with a fifth just this minute opened) we opted for the Knightsbridge branch as it looked like the prettiest and was also the easiest one for us to travel to. From gorgeous flower walls to pink lattes, to divine sugary treats, I hoped it would be magical and magical it was! A total blogger babes dream. Turns out going to Elan cafe during the Christmas period was the right move to make; as we entered the cafe I was enchanted by their pretty pink Christmas tree, a sparkly tower of unicorn heaven! To say I wanted to steal it and take it home with me is an understatement. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEfka3qMmIpJ5z0nbWWGzf3CRp_eMI3FC0lMkBP72heBMSA2Ttys6Gv2l4VKjjtFMCDLHaHe7IyVEGJtinF5stTTdXUNNWN0hFgAER9nvPbbiCH6deO7xNzGj24x7QgLlc1LY0kuZwAE/s1600/elan_cafe_london_christmas_decorations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEfka3qMmIpJ5z0nbWWGzf3CRp_eMI3FC0lMkBP72heBMSA2Ttys6Gv2l4VKjjtFMCDLHaHe7IyVEGJtinF5stTTdXUNNWN0hFgAER9nvPbbiCH6deO7xNzGj24x7QgLlc1LY0kuZwAE/s1600/elan_cafe_london_christmas_decorations.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROkjA6lFYbVSSf_HCe5mJYj9Gyxcie92XA9rL8HGeBqiz-aQ8y9loxkWgNVJ2EkfrDNf9Enq9Xvst918qIrUMiwQIi3jUvZS7F2rCvnFb7Pm7IHPKxZgv574t4ivD9qF1Fx5cnWqVUuE/s1600/DulYlsgX4AAaRQW.jpg" /><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We took our seats by the flower wall </span></b><span style="text-align: justify;">located right next to the pink Christmas tree (lots of pictures were taken). Their sparkly Christmas menu was filled with delicious festive fun and I decided to opt for a woodfire hot chocolate which came topped with marshmallows, and a slab of their chocolate and cherry cake. Mum had the strawberry cake but couldn't be talked into getting a beetroot latte which was the pinkest drink on the menu. Despite persuasive attempts from both me and the guy working there, she went for a normal latte instead (boo!) </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKBN0PCCD_ETfpKp2LxV-iQbI-TCzi3jB4e-7q9DDqzRv30heXoRTt18Fs7E7QmynwXb98as3pemVw2T27FBxzS_61feGT38Y5fsX59XJN-DDu9VHlL64_IqbbqbZcvZp-hshG9hFeaM/s1600/elan_cakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKBN0PCCD_ETfpKp2LxV-iQbI-TCzi3jB4e-7q9DDqzRv30heXoRTt18Fs7E7QmynwXb98as3pemVw2T27FBxzS_61feGT38Y5fsX59XJN-DDu9VHlL64_IqbbqbZcvZp-hshG9hFeaM/s1600/elan_cakes.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotMvSfBC8e6r6G0qSeZYwlD_q4gRG31HgHwgETcX97pgxLSEVAAkTDWGYdO2WtXu-U8z6tqwutvXHFqzgw08G6PBbeffrOXuLmAukHmpw1ZtVRWJwpJTWuiwe7_Aqi6Z27w1-6fKDtA4/s1600/elan_cafe_cakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotMvSfBC8e6r6G0qSeZYwlD_q4gRG31HgHwgETcX97pgxLSEVAAkTDWGYdO2WtXu-U8z6tqwutvXHFqzgw08G6PBbeffrOXuLmAukHmpw1ZtVRWJwpJTWuiwe7_Aqi6Z27w1-6fKDtA4/s1600/elan_cafe_cakes.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wrapped up in my pink fluffy faux fur coat,</span></b> there was a fantastic friendly atmosphere that punctuated the cafe; from the Britney Spears and N*sync Christmas classics blasting out of the speakers to the welcoming and upbeat staff who were lovely and made us long to go back as soon as we stepped out into the cold. Mum and I were heart-eyed over our massive cakes, so huge in their heaven that we had to take them home. I admired all the dreamy baubles on the tree; spellbinding shocking pink, glittering angel wings, flower power and unicorns adorning the tree. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhqtCV0Mb047HGFco6ViIRov7p9xwVExUtxmGeEG478G_1_1jrc7rFOz7GuXLuarGd-Ti7WFRL7sLy8ix9oxOr9yLyuxJjnGw1KpT5fliENyCinWOMCUVCfh3giJwHwX5TLSkDKHPzq8/s1600/elan_cafe_at_christmas_london_soinspo_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhqtCV0Mb047HGFco6ViIRov7p9xwVExUtxmGeEG478G_1_1jrc7rFOz7GuXLuarGd-Ti7WFRL7sLy8ix9oxOr9yLyuxJjnGw1KpT5fliENyCinWOMCUVCfh3giJwHwX5TLSkDKHPzq8/s1600/elan_cafe_at_christmas_london_soinspo_blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqrz4bxrv271yD0SVv6y_K-9Coq0h-lp6eBCv_IZFOflOSpXUU4mqtb5TfDatyiTjFqD5mRO8WyIoUfo8bwpJEmW85xRYHsyKwkFyJ95KSqrUqo6LhyvcXwPenaGwq5H0sm77tbCsx-I/s1600/elan_cafe_pink_christmas_tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqrz4bxrv271yD0SVv6y_K-9Coq0h-lp6eBCv_IZFOflOSpXUU4mqtb5TfDatyiTjFqD5mRO8WyIoUfo8bwpJEmW85xRYHsyKwkFyJ95KSqrUqo6LhyvcXwPenaGwq5H0sm77tbCsx-I/s1600/elan_cafe_pink_christmas_tree.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Elan Cafe was a winter wonderland welcome </span></b>that I'm sure is just as sparkly during any given season. I've seen via Instagram that yet another branch has opened which I hope to visit in the New Year, it looks like Valentine paradise! As you probably know by now <a href="https://www.peggyporschen.com/" target="_blank">Peggy Porschen </a>is my number one cafe and pink haven in London, but Elan Cafe definitely came in at a close second for sure. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTOHKrxT45DkZ-8DsEJtuE2L35693p8-Nz-20dFE08HV7ixGBG0wIeNC3bPkzoFZTqbPNF2RuNw_RBkepB5Ii5hdn4bZLuZKoaK9a9kAt6QcRxZj6EViGGSiMiTBNTj_ho81uHGeJbVI/s1600/elan_cafe_christmas_review_london_soinspo_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTOHKrxT45DkZ-8DsEJtuE2L35693p8-Nz-20dFE08HV7ixGBG0wIeNC3bPkzoFZTqbPNF2RuNw_RBkepB5Ii5hdn4bZLuZKoaK9a9kAt6QcRxZj6EViGGSiMiTBNTj_ho81uHGeJbVI/s1600/elan_cafe_christmas_review_london_soinspo_blog.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7x0fqS1T5XIw9zFa0jSskiRSq9imObiRBzJgVFiWscmchKiVpjf_FQCpcu-U5gPY9eK28kZODNzHG_Ekzz2USMVm16SDd770edTVOCGqQZMQyjafO4Te1UntA7BRV6VpITacuDMNkIw/s1600/flower_wall_elan_cafe_london.jpg" /><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was lucky enough to visit the beautiful Saint Aymes</span></b><b style="text-align: justify;"> </b></span><span style="text-align: justify;">cafe</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">last week too which I also loved. Eyes peeled for a review coming sometime next year! Making it my mission to discover all the pink gems London has to offer, I hope to unearth lots more fabulous cafes in 2019. I've converted a good few people into Peggy Porschen addicts this year and I can't wait to find lots of other insta-worthy haunts soon! ♥︎</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Related posts:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2018/08/peggy-porschen-pink-houses-of-london.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">A pink London tour</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2018/10/a-halloween-cake-date-at-peggy-porschen.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Peggy Porschen at Halloween </span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.soinspo.com/2018/10/london-travel-hidden-gems-in-soho.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">London travel: hidden gems in Soho</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Have you been to Elan Cafe before?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let me know if you've got any favourite pink cafes! </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><img alt="🧁" aria-label="Emoji: Cupcake" class="Emoji Emoji--forText" draggable="false" src="https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/72x72/1f9c1.png" style="border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(20, 23, 26); color: #14171a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; height: 1.25em; padding: 0px 0.05em 0px 0.1em; text-align: left; vertical-align: -0.2em; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 1.25em;" title="Cupcake" /></span></div>
Sophie Sierrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04864483154745669239noreply@blogger.com21