Mermaid magic + the colourful kindness of Herne Bay

Inspired by Cher's transfixing turn in the 1990 classic Mermaids, 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! ♥︎

Mermaids love to hit the pinkest beach shops to pick up pretty trinkets, and Personalised by Fk 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. Personalised by Fk 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! ♥︎

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! Jo Oakley has a beautiful website full of paradisal paintings, homeware gems and more, definitely worth a look and a visit if you're in this seaside town! ♥︎

Time for tea + macaroons at Peggy Porschen

I'm just a macaroon trying to make it in a cookie cutter world! 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! ♥︎ 

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 Peggy Porschen's pretty spring-time menu 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. ♥︎

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, Peggy's pink bicycle cake 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

Have you ever been to Peggy Porschen?

🎂🎉🍾

Christmas in London & ways I cope with SAD

Happy New Year everyone! Before I post my second ballerina themed post I thought I'd make the most of our London content 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. 

I don't pressure myself 

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. 

I cope with the season on my terms

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. 

Remember the season will pass 

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. 

Focus on what I CAN control 

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. 

You're not alone 

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. 

Wishing everyone a really magical 2021 & sending you all lots of love! 

🎉

Peggy Porschen's Nutcracker Christmas + my Sugar Plum Fairy

Introducing my new Christmas theme which will run throughout the winter months on my blog and social media; ballet! 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 Peggy Porschen's Nutcracker Christmas display, my favourite of their dream-like displays yet! ♥︎

Peggy's pretty parlour lit up the London streets as we braved the cold to shoot my Sugar Plum Fairy outfit and warmed ourselves up afterwards with candycane engraved hot chocolate and christmas tree cookies. Peggy's The Nutcracker Christmas Collection 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! 

It seemed fitting, of course, to opt for a Sugar Plum Fairy cupcake complete with mini ballet shoes and the most delicious winter wonderland icing! The Jolly Gingerbread cupcake was a real treat too, alongside a merry marching Nutcracker cookie. ♥︎

I really felt like I ruled The Land of Sweets 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!  ♥︎

At 11 years old I actually went to see The Nutcracker ballet 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! 

 

I'll be posting the second part of my Christmas in London adventures next week so stay tuned! ♥︎

Are you a fan of The Nutcracker?

Have you ever seen any ballet performances? 

🎄

Halloween costume: Barbie in a box!

For my Halloween costume this year I decided to transform into a real life Barbie in a box! 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. ♥︎

Last Halloween I donned seashell boobs and aqua-blue hair for my blue mermaid look, and the previous October Penelope Pitstop 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. 

Blog wise I've been away for months but find I need to be 100% committed 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 and 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! ♥︎

"I want to be Barbie - that bitch has everything."

🙍

Are you dressing up for Halloween this year? ♥︎ 

Penshurst Place Gardens: a fairytale jewel in Kent!

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. 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. Penshurst Place is a beautiful tranquil landscape of heaven; think apple trees, climbing roses and dream-like courtyards.

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. 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 heart shaped sunglasses finished off the summer solstice vibe, post-Barbados style!

Luckily it was a blue-skied day, and with social distancing measures firmly in place the acres were easy to explore in carefree harmony. 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 Alice in Wonderland 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! 

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. 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!

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, 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 Instagram and Twitter for surplus pictures and content! ♥︎

 If you want to visit the gorgeous Penshurst Place Gardens then be sure to check out their website for further information on opening times and social distancing measures. We'll most definitely be coming back for another visit very soon! ♥︎

Have you been to any pretty places or gardens lately? Let me know in the comments! 

Similar posts: 

London travel: hidden gems in Soho

A visit to candy coated Shanklin, Isle of Wight 

Peggy Porschen, pink houses of London & anxiety talk 

5 unexpected things helping my mental health during the lockdown

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. 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. 

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. This seemed both strange and bizarre, and I couldn't understand it. When I set eyes upon this really insightful article 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.

5 unexpected things helping my mental health during the lockdown 

Focusing on what I CAN do, not what I CAN'T 

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 could be doing, and instead putting all my energy into what I can 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.

Switching off from the toxicity on social media 
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.

Making mental mind blocks 
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.

When the lockdown was first announced I wanted answers - 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.

Being selective in who I give my time & energy to 
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.

Realising I can't control the situation 
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.

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! ♥︎

What's helping you stay positive during the lockdown? 

Similar posts you might enjoy:

What to do when social media makes you feel ill 

Anxiety: 5 positive steps for improvement 

Beautiful Barbados | Hunte's Gardens

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. Soon after we got back all the chaos descended and 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.

Hunte's Garden's aka 'the most enchanting place on Earth' was our chosen outing for the first full-length day we had in Barbados. 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!

Skipping stones, beautiful buddhas and wishing wells 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.

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! ♥︎ 

If you enjoyed this post you might also enjoy Barbados: top 5 colourful places to visit on the island.

~

"Yes it's true, the best things in life are free. Not material, chemical or physically. Try it for yourself, you'll get a guaranteed high, from spiritual love, natural miracle drug." - Stevie Wonder, Chemical Love. 

🔮🌿☘