Little Things 4

New Season, New Favourites & New Beginnings.

I’ll try and not start this post by pushing the British stereotype and blabber about the weather, but it’s safe to say autumn is well and truly in full swing.

While drowning in blankets, I’ve spent the last couple of days brainstorming what I’d like to cover on my blog over the next few months. It’s clear that my online space doesn’t have a niche; I write and post whatever comes to mind. Sometimes I write just to offload some thoughts, other times my mind is completely blank. Today it’s as if to be a ‘true blogger’ you need to have a strict schedule, upload 4 times a week and promote your posts like hell over on social media. I just write when I want and upload when I want. Who says there are rules when it comes to blogging anyway?

Nevertheless, it’s been a while since I last did a Little Things post! So without further ado, here’s a round-up of what I’ve been up to, what my September entails, and some of my hallowed favourites over the past couple of weeks.

A Week Away

I spent last week in Cumbria with the family and oh it was cold. I spent most of my free time revelling in the autumnal atmosphere; swaddled in my dressing gown beside the fire with a book and a cup of green tea while the rain echoed throughout the caravan. How idyllic. What better time to take a step back from social media than now?

It’s not often that I have a proper ‘digital detox’. While yes I still posted the odd tweet and scrolled through my Instagram, I wasn’t tempted to check my phone every two seconds. I ignored the persistent voice in my head nagging at me to refresh my Twitter feed and spent more time away from my phone screen. Ultimately, I didn’t miss anything, social media didn’t go anywhere and it felt good.

The rest of my week consisted of a few country walks, for one of which I wisely chose to wear my vans. It’s safe to say my feet were soaked after dragging them through a field of wet grass from the preceding downpour of rain. Wet feet aside, we visited some picturesque villages and towns where I tried to keep my purse away while perusing the independent bookstores. I somehow only ended up picking up the one book, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, so I did pretty well.

A few favourites

Yes, Bake Off is officially back blessing our TV screens and the cake-sized hole in my heart has been restored. While it will never be a match to the Mary Berry and Mel and Sue days, what’s an autumnal evening without Bake Off? The show, in general, makes my bakes look like a four-year-old’s been let loose in the kitchen, and are put to shame by their orange and cinnamon infused creations. If you need me, I’ll be spending my Tuesday evenings snacking away waiting for the next Hollywood handshake.

Another show I’ve been watching lately is Velvet, a Spanish TV series set in a department store in Madrid. I’m trying to scrub up on my Spanish before I leave, so I’ve aptly been streaming this in the background while getting ready in the morning. Just think a combination of Downton Abbey and Mr Selfridge but in Spanish. There’s drama, romance, deceit plus a little extra language practice as a bonus.

Finally, I don’t normally mention skincare, but two products I couldn’t resist sharing are from the L’Oreal pure clay range. The charcoal face wash paired with the detox face mask twice a week has left my skin feeling refreshed and, well, clean. I’m always tempted to purchase more high-end products, but there’s no need considering with these affordable products you really do get a bang for your buck.

September

Judging from social media, it seems like September marks more of a new start than January for many. It’s the start of a new academic year – some students starting university, others moving on into their final year. September also marks the start of Autumn and while I detest the cold weather, I’m all about wearing cosy jumpers and multiple layers. Of course I’ve already kicked off my autumn wardrobe shopping. I spent hours wading through the new ASOS and high-street collections, well aware that I’m meant to be saving money. But who can resist adding to their jumper collection?

Autumn wardrobe aside, September this year really does mark a new start for me. I move to Madrid in a few weeks and while I’m terrified, I’m SO excited. I can’t wait to settle down in a city I adore, speaking the language I love and gain new work experience.

But really, how is it September already? I’m as clueless as the next person as to where this year has gone. Every year we set goals with lofty ambitions and a rose-tinted view of how the year will go and now only four months remain. I can’t quite get my head around it. Time is flying. But, mild panic aside, thinking about how quickly the year is passing by reminds me that time is precious, so I’m planning on making the most of what remains of 2018.

The first half of this month will be devoted to organising and prioritising what to pack away in a single suitcase and working the last few shifts at my part-time job. Then, after settling down in my new Spanish home, it’ll be October. A new month in a new city.

Favourite posts

Being someone who relishes in their alone time, I loved this post, Alone Time and Why it’s So Important to Me by Michelle over on Daisy Butter.

The Blogging Starter Kit: Where to Spend and Where to Save by Nati Creates is super useful for anyone who is just starting out with blogging – you don’t need to spend a load of money to blog! This post is great, showing where you can save yourself a penny or two.

An honest and insightful post from Alys Journals, 12 Things I’ve learned in the past 12 months touching on making mental health and personal happiness a priority.

As part of her back to school series, Annie over on Blossoms and Bullet Journaling takes a look back some of the required reading on the school curriculum – books we loved, hated, and what she’d add to the curriculum. This was so nostalgic; I thought I was the only one who actually enjoyed The Catcher in the Rye!

What do you have planned for September and what have you been loving this week? TV recommendations, beauty buys, blogs you have enjoyed reading, let me know in the comments! 

Evie

♥