You must learn to let go.

I am a massive worrier. I stress about everything and sometimes suffer with anxiety, which seems to get worse as I get older. After having a couple of really bad 'anxious' months towards the end of last year, it seems I am finally getting a grip. As I seem more calm lately, I really wanted to share my ideas of how to relax, especially if you're feeling worried or stressed. 

Organisation

This is something that really works for me, I live by plans and lists. Having a schedule that I keep to is a huge stress reducer. Knowing what I'm doing and when I'm supposed to be doing it takes away a lot of the worry and anxiety from social events for me because I have taken the time to think about it. 

Take a time out

This could be watching your favourite TV show, going for a run, shutting yourself in a dark room (if that's what you're into). For me, it's running a bath with too many bubbles and settling down with a good book. I dedicated Monday nights to 'me-time' and really feel that it sets me up for the week ahead. 

Learn something new

I have recently been teaching myself to cook - and have learnt that I'm pretty damn good at it! Having something to stimulate your brain is essential. It could be anything; a new language, learning to dance or a new sport. It's inspiring and motivating and can boost your confidence insane amounts. 

Eat well

I don't mean dieting, I mean eating good food. Since Stuart and I ditched the frozen crap and started teaching ourselves to cook fresh, I feel incredible. I have noticed a difference in my skin, my attitude, my mood, my sleeping pattern. It is unbelievable how much your diet affects your whole life.

Let it go

Just let it go. It really is that simple. I recently read a quote by a man named Ajahn Chah; There will never be a time when life is simple. There will always be time to practice accepting that. Every moment is a chance to let go and feel peaceful.

And it is. It is so peaceful.

We read to know we're not alone.

If you know me at all, you'll know that I'm a huge book lover. Waterstones is a dangerous place and I try to avoid it at all costs, otherwise I will leave with at least 4 new books. I don't need 4 new books as I have a set of shelves in my bedroom dedicated to my books that are 'waiting to be read'. I should probably read those first, before spending 8 hours dragging Stuart round book shops. 

However, here are 4 new books. In my defense, I only brought two of these. Starting from the bottom we have The Iron Trial by Cassandra Clare. The writer of both the famous Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices series, which I am a insane fan of, has written something a little different. Keeping with the magic theme it seems, but a little more, shall we say 'fairytale' like. The cover of this takes me back to feeling like a child and there are little illustrations above some of the chapter titles which fills me with a childlike joy. Another Cassandra Clare book (I seem a theme here) that I was dying to get my hands on last year was The Bane Chronicles. Again, if you're a lover of her stories, you'll know that Magnus Bane is an extravagant, cat-eyed warlock who has been on more adventures in his 300 years than you've had hot dinners. The hardback contains 10 short stories of his journeys and mis-fortunes and again, I am dying to read this. Also, can I just mention, is there anything better than a hardback book? I think not.

Moving onto a more serious genre, I picked up Just what kind of mother are you? by Paula Daly. This is about a mother who was looking after a friend's daughter, who is now missing. Since Christmas, when I got my Kindle, I have been loving thrillers so I can't wait to get my teeth into this. It has been described as 'hypnotically gripping' and as that's a huge compliment, I'm hoping it lives up to it! Lastly we have Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Apparently this is now a film? I wasn't aware of that when I purchased it, but I now need to watch it! I brought this for a friend for Christmas and decided to get myself a copy as well (I do this countless times) and it has been described as 'addictive' and a book that I will be 'begging people to read'. That is some praise. Again, another thriller that I can't wait to get started on!

I'd love to feature more posts like this on my Internet space, I am an insane book fanatic and if it's something I love, I want to share it with you guys. Let me know if you like this sort of thing! If not, I'm probably going to post it anyway :) 

- Charli, xo

January Favourites

So, after showing you my January Empties I thought I'd carry on and show you my January Favourites. January was pretty boring for me, so I don't have too many favourites to share but I am loving these guys.

January Empties

My first 'empties' post of 2015 - I actually have a massive bag full of empty products, but I couldn't possibly fit them all into one post, so I'm spreading them out! 

Sephora Wishlist

Hello February