tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35093833692048723162024-03-28T07:21:13.183+00:00being little • bristol uk fashion & lifestyle blog.The blog of a woman living creatively in Bristol. lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.comBlogger1146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-65638207949545974002021-10-13T07:43:00.002+00:002021-10-13T07:55:24.379+00:00An Autumn Mindset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGLuypBetrzUWzgSDKg0MpyDWDeU_X_g70AzIgsXkoUgYVpz5t5p-iWX9zRT70o450j1zGg6TCzLxZjcEeG0qJlSTAj-xnXMEay4b9dgRp76KY0kgS-cl8qg-Xdg8u6FGOppAwG1XmwA/s2048/Photo+05-09-2021%252C+14+16+32.jpg"><img alt="Lyzi sitting on a vintage chair in front of a plaster wall and large plants. Wearing simple black underwear and a Daisy x Estee Lalonde snake chain and forget me not signet ring." border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGLuypBetrzUWzgSDKg0MpyDWDeU_X_g70AzIgsXkoUgYVpz5t5p-iWX9zRT70o450j1zGg6TCzLxZjcEeG0qJlSTAj-xnXMEay4b9dgRp76KY0kgS-cl8qg-Xdg8u6FGOppAwG1XmwA/s16000/Photo+05-09-2021%252C+14+16+32.jpg" title="Wearing Daisy London snake chain" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Wearing <a href="https://www.daisyjewellery.com/collections/estee-lalonde/products/estee-lalonde-flat-snake-chain-necklace-18ct-gold-plate" target="_blank">Daisy London Estée Lalonde Short Snake Chain Necklace</a> <br />& <a href="https://www.daisyjewellery.com/collections/signet-rings/products/forget-me-not-signet-ring-18ct-gold-plate" target="_blank">Forget Me Not Signet Ring</a> (both gifted)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">With the end of summer there always comes a shift in mindset for me, as well as a shift in my physical feelings - which seems exaggerated this year. I've slowed down, f a s t.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I think we are all tired. I don't need to reiterate how much we've all had to deal with over the last year and a half; it doesn't seem to be getting any easier. Restrictions are loose, but sometimes it feels like we're heading into more uncertainty.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">For me, this is the perfect time to slow down and look inward. It's the perfect time to re-learn how to rely on myself.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gHE2dL8ePy2dsDYzGup3kiyqH7CYeAMNUEvScECplAQ7pAqIT6zkLbZZWtWg179_oShBWq_xQWg1s12cd52oQJKI8mRqF2hRheeP772Hafz5hN5MQmeWsyPRxlvv4s9PF5f6hEl1us8/s1597/Photo+05-09-2021%252C+13+46+35.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of Lyzi sitting on a vintage chair in front of a plaster wall, wearing simple black underwear and a Daisy x Estee Lalonde snake chain." border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gHE2dL8ePy2dsDYzGup3kiyqH7CYeAMNUEvScECplAQ7pAqIT6zkLbZZWtWg179_oShBWq_xQWg1s12cd52oQJKI8mRqF2hRheeP772Hafz5hN5MQmeWsyPRxlvv4s9PF5f6hEl1us8/s16000/Photo+05-09-2021%252C+13+46+35.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMszFdsEmvveG_7wVlA6N83kfx-Zmd2taOZz3c2LPMZVIDqT1F3u2Ib7kl_ZQJvdBIPowg5FQKpS_CdBeSQvE8zbsm3Ux6v2sR6YKvXcJW88KaGbUlB6mgMaoH6nHcE6X79OoBWyi65Y/s1597/Photo+05-09-2021%252C+13+33+45.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cropped shot of Lyzi sitting on a vintage chair in dramatic shade and sunlight shining on tattoos and Daisy London forget me not signet ring." border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMszFdsEmvveG_7wVlA6N83kfx-Zmd2taOZz3c2LPMZVIDqT1F3u2Ib7kl_ZQJvdBIPowg5FQKpS_CdBeSQvE8zbsm3Ux6v2sR6YKvXcJW88KaGbUlB6mgMaoH6nHcE6X79OoBWyi65Y/s16000/Photo+05-09-2021%252C+13+33+45.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The low sun and the orange light are telling me to hunker down, be inside. It's time to nourish my sense of self, and to remember the importance of self and the power within me. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It's time to be warm - arms wrapped around self - feeling small, and safe, and calm. I have everything I need.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_uDfnrifK9-oVfV4sxOSros_Ln-2pS0ZKELl0yXSzkWN7aQlbeuV0DjL4NNI7uX66IUmvQbLplxxJ_frJdN6xPGdu_HxzMQqvWJtkmzwKJeBYnEBzex6EmiU39wcCdbIRg6UIemHN6E/s1590/Photo+05-09-2021%252C+14+16+13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lyzi sitting on a vintage chair in front of a plaster wall and large plants. Wearing simple black underwear and a Daisy x Estee Lalonde snake chain and forget me not signet ring." border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_uDfnrifK9-oVfV4sxOSros_Ln-2pS0ZKELl0yXSzkWN7aQlbeuV0DjL4NNI7uX66IUmvQbLplxxJ_frJdN6xPGdu_HxzMQqvWJtkmzwKJeBYnEBzex6EmiU39wcCdbIRg6UIemHN6E/s16000/Photo+05-09-2021%252C+14+16+13.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GUYAXK89JVBpL4bJ_pgQJXPUOXOX66u68ttQ0Ha3V2wNlEKQ2uI1HJLJsnNrYexvOwrQ3tm7qWN6CY-ec5egX1cBiyB0oIP9wTtyH_yHSRDl7Siyta-KGrAT5PiYeKVB79-tX9lfryI/s1600/Photo+05-09-2021%252C+13+22+41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hand in dramatic shade and sunlight, with Daisy x Estee Lalonde snake chain wrapped around fingers." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GUYAXK89JVBpL4bJ_pgQJXPUOXOX66u68ttQ0Ha3V2wNlEKQ2uI1HJLJsnNrYexvOwrQ3tm7qWN6CY-ec5egX1cBiyB0oIP9wTtyH_yHSRDl7Siyta-KGrAT5PiYeKVB79-tX9lfryI/s16000/Photo+05-09-2021%252C+13+22+41.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This season I want to be more intentional. I want to be slower, more steady, more focussed. There is an eagerness to do all of the things while we can, before it's taken away again. But if I'm feeling burned out before even starting, it's safer to stay small.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I want to be more vulnerable and honest with myself, and therefore others. To truly understand others and to be understood requires authenticity. I want to have the hard conversations, and to try my best to voice my feelings. I want to know where I am.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4lBvQLWg38w2gDRrKeVO-trtMlHukL57fEOx7o2KwaclGlD6rrKm-3ZPza_xu-m-MN5Bx5QQ5AMXiMbQBLSt_BMUUZLuPgR0xNrt8up1PLulTHaN_6fZaH38ivaI536tw9RUhcmeaHM/s1713/Photo+05-09-2021%252C+14+24+24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of hand wearing Daisy forget me not signet ring, with tattooed legs in the background" border="0" data-original-height="1713" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4lBvQLWg38w2gDRrKeVO-trtMlHukL57fEOx7o2KwaclGlD6rrKm-3ZPza_xu-m-MN5Bx5QQ5AMXiMbQBLSt_BMUUZLuPgR0xNrt8up1PLulTHaN_6fZaH38ivaI536tw9RUhcmeaHM/s16000/Photo+05-09-2021%252C+14+24+24.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Aw2hDKAO2rX8xLTVhOY1-BqCdAZtZ5ucLNZMVw9KGe4aLWVhLkKW6O1tneB_VO3ONDMp6CHZKFFhYaHYidQCnTiUVpwbezhZJ9HtRlZpM5eK1zS4dIj9byiQcoq3wd3gJ4BiAnwXR2s/s1600/Photo+05-09-2021%252C+14+29+07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of tattooed thigh, focusses on heart shaped tattoo that reads "me first"." border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Aw2hDKAO2rX8xLTVhOY1-BqCdAZtZ5ucLNZMVw9KGe4aLWVhLkKW6O1tneB_VO3ONDMp6CHZKFFhYaHYidQCnTiUVpwbezhZJ9HtRlZpM5eK1zS4dIj9byiQcoq3wd3gJ4BiAnwXR2s/s16000/Photo+05-09-2021%252C+14+29+07.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;">When I start to lose my sense of self, I want to remember the words tattooed on my thigh - ME FIRST.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I want to sit in quiet hope that things will be ok.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Steady, safe, consistent. Relying on me, for me.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Telling myself, "I'll keep loving you, even when you're too tired to."</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.daisyjewellery.com/collections/estee-lalonde/products/estee-lalonde-flat-snake-chain-necklace-18ct-gold-plate" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Daisy London Estée Lalonde Short Snake Chain Necklace</a><span style="text-align: center;"> & </span><a href="https://www.daisyjewellery.com/collections/signet-rings/products/forget-me-not-signet-ring-18ct-gold-plate" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Forget Me Not Signet Ring</a> both kindly gifted, but all words are my own. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-55013542023943386242020-05-19T21:30:00.001+00:002020-05-19T21:36:15.755+00:00How Chronic Illness Prepared Me For Lockdown. <div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD9EZFq0k05qC7dgTDIfQqxM0SoadImHM8FBNyYcB3w6Vi89omZYIwQ_wAYRz44N2XtogYUX-qpPqiJhB05yIQGi1IHBv-1JUZYGxdHYIQYLhlCPNeyjLQKXpnDTB3j1TrkzPDYVW9Y0/s1600/2020-05-07+09.07.29-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wallflower" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1208" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD9EZFq0k05qC7dgTDIfQqxM0SoadImHM8FBNyYcB3w6Vi89omZYIwQ_wAYRz44N2XtogYUX-qpPqiJhB05yIQGi1IHBv-1JUZYGxdHYIQYLhlCPNeyjLQKXpnDTB3j1TrkzPDYVW9Y0/s640/2020-05-07+09.07.29-1.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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When lockdown started, I discussed with a fellow chronically ill BFF, as well as a stranger I connected with through the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pen.powerment/" target="_blank">Penpowerment</a> project, how this time has really echoed the times when we've been incredibly unwell. It's also highlighted how many able-bodied people have no idea that this is how chronically ill people live for much of their lives - on one hand it's baffling how ignorant people can be, but on the other hand, how can they know if they can't see it? </div>
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Some of you will know my story, and some of you won't, so I'll give you a general overview alongside what I learnt. </div>
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During my second year of uni, I became extremely exhausted, very anxious, depressed and confused. I could barely get out of bed, let alone leave the house to go to uni. I spent my days resting, but never felt rested. My body felt like lead, I couldn't remember basic tasks like brushing my teeth and eating breakfast, as well as so many other symptoms. </div>
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I left uni and moved back in with my mum, because I couldn't look after myself. I didn't socialise a lot because it was exhausting to catch a bus from my village to see friends, and many of them were still at uni. Not to mention the soul-crushing shame of having something wrong with you. </div>
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This is the part which in hindsight has prepared me for lockdown - I've lived it before. </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Vr9fpN-zH4PWWhpEVQYZj7HDRCdHo-q0jwh00MBDMpmeegP7PhsUHbPj1yTALtBKqifi-3hOz2VNLzUbH8aboz77nSCLHQuDqGuyzjggX4DwLBIBtq8tQyzo2X2XIgvOg5o8vuKGXA8/s1600/2020-05-13+18.10.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="homesick" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Vr9fpN-zH4PWWhpEVQYZj7HDRCdHo-q0jwh00MBDMpmeegP7PhsUHbPj1yTALtBKqifi-3hOz2VNLzUbH8aboz77nSCLHQuDqGuyzjggX4DwLBIBtq8tQyzo2X2XIgvOg5o8vuKGXA8/s640/2020-05-13+18.10.46.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just like this situation, it wasn't my choice to stay at home. It felt like my freedom was taken away from me by illness. It felt so sudden and unexpected, and it was completely out of my control. There was nothing I could do at this point, but stay home and hope things got better. </div>
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Most of my social life became conducted online instead. I learnt how to stay in contact with friends, and tried to make the best of it. I'd send special letters, chat all day with friends who could be available, and call people in the night. I wanted to feel connected, even though I felt so far away from everything. I already felt like I was being left behind, and staying in contact with my friends made me feel like I was still part of the world. </div>
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Plans had to be changed or cancelled. Spontaneity fell away. Sometimes I'd get halfway out to see a friend, and have to turn back because I felt so unwell. I couldn't make it to events that I'd been really looking forward to. I couldn't just do whatever I wanted to anymore. </div>
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The future became uncertain, and I stopped making plans. It's hard to think about a future when you don't know if or when you'll be able to do anything. You can't make any set plans, because you don't know if you'll be well enough to fulfil them. Now, we can't make plans because we don't know when it will be safe for us. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdAgJ3AYFH5vKZUP7LnEGLpw-jj43piAUMsiLmBwvR03yAAjQ9jQE42PKQ-ketTgGzIbVa5lyft5_2AEnI5GXBEiblNJmhSNdIzeolQWfzPo-OTN6q5Qlb_nOduMaqT7Z2IEJw9AoTrU/s1600/2020-05-12+08.04.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="roses" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdAgJ3AYFH5vKZUP7LnEGLpw-jj43piAUMsiLmBwvR03yAAjQ9jQE42PKQ-ketTgGzIbVa5lyft5_2AEnI5GXBEiblNJmhSNdIzeolQWfzPo-OTN6q5Qlb_nOduMaqT7Z2IEJw9AoTrU/s640/2020-05-12+08.04.45.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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I felt tired, sad, angry, frustrated... I was grieving my previous life. A lot of what we're all feeling right now is grief. It's traumatic. It takes huge mental toll to lose what we had before. It's hard to believe, and really difficult to come to terms with. </div>
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My home became my sanctuary - I spent pretty much every hour of every day in my bedroom. It had everything I needed, and it was safe. I filled my space with things that made me happy to look at, as well as books, films, manageable activities to keep my mind occupied. </div>
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I developed coping mechanisms for being indoors, filling time. Not all of these are necessarily healthy ones (hello, snacks and disassociation), but they would get me through a small period of time and make me feel something or nothing, or distract me from the bad feelings. My biggest and best coping mechanism is accepting the situation, however it's also a hard one to grasp. </div>
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I learnt to settle for less and embrace a smaller, slower life. Accepting the situation and what you have is incredibly hard when you feel like you've had your life taken away from you. Making the best of it is so much easier said than done. But if you're able to appreciate what you do have - instead of yearning for what you don't - it can make things a little easier.</div>
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For many of us, having things to look forward to is important for good mental health, so perhaps we just need to learn to look forward to the small, certain things, or look forward to the bigger things without attaching a date to them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJuaTJdDhmJkBzQty77VVe3UdSTDTsx1SHKhVHgfuBd0XkjgyuvAIfkVlhwu-PCAwu1agIHuwznGDcaRtDsoDZJf9DLS_VH2omjP8EvgJqmA918XmF-cpx0UUkjCGKT-zSRfKxLPgNLY/s1600/2020-05-12+08.04.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="flowers on dark leaves" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJuaTJdDhmJkBzQty77VVe3UdSTDTsx1SHKhVHgfuBd0XkjgyuvAIfkVlhwu-PCAwu1agIHuwznGDcaRtDsoDZJf9DLS_VH2omjP8EvgJqmA918XmF-cpx0UUkjCGKT-zSRfKxLPgNLY/s640/2020-05-12+08.04.20.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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After a few months to a year (just like now, the timeframe is fuzzy in my head) I was diagnosed with an illness that could be treated with medication (<a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/underactive-thyroid-hypothyroidism/" target="_blank">hypothyroidism</a>), and gradually got better from that point, but it was a very odd feeling to be in such a similar state in March this year. A strange and painful nostalgia. That time reminds me of a lot of feelings that I don't really like to remember, as I touched on in one of my last blog posts - <a href="http://www.beinglittle.co.uk/2020/01/2020-and-why-im-not-looking-back.html" target="_blank">2020 and why I'm not looking back</a>. </div>
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As always, I'm not writing this to be all woe-is-me - I am incredibly lucky to have had the chance to get better! But this is the reality for chronically ill people day in day out, even without a national lockdown. There are vulnerable people in your neighbourhood, in your community, and maybe in your family, and we need to be more aware of that. </div>
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It is so hard for us all to be doing this and incredibly heartbreaking to be away from our loved ones, but for most of us, this is just temporary. Please think about the privilege you have, and how you can help end this sooner, simply by staying home. </div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com25Bristol, UK51.454513 -2.5879151.296248 -2.9106335 51.612778 -2.2651865tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-43965123951413171572020-01-09T10:39:00.000+00:002020-01-09T10:39:04.670+00:00now studio yoga.<img height="830" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49337933358_8c70b7535a_b.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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It's January, and you may have decided to take up a new form of exercise or to be kinder to your body.. if that's the case, you need to know that there's a new kid on the block in Bristol, and it's VERY lovely.<br />
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I've spoken about how much of an effect yoga has on me emotionally on here before (<a href="http://www.beinglittle.co.uk/2018/03/yoga-brunch-club.html" target="_blank">read my post about yoga brunch club</a>) - I find it such a wonderful experience to think about and connect to my body in a different way that it has made me cry during practice many times in the past.<br />
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How I feel about my body has definitely improved over the last year or two, but I still have a strained relationship with food and exercise. I am trying my hardest to lean away from that into a kinder frame of mind, and things like this really help.<br />
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Before Christmas, I was invited to check out <a href="https://www.nowstudiobristol.com/" target="_blank">Now Studio</a> in Easton. I was a little apprehensive, as I hadn't done much exercise in a while, let alone yoga - I thought I wouldn't be flexible enough, or strong enough.</div>
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The day was to involve restorative yoga - and this sounded like something I really needed, whether it would be a challenge or not - followed by lunch and a floral workshop.</div>
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I headed over to Mivart Studios and made my way up the stairs to the artists' studios, and followed the signs to Now Studio. The welcome was warm, and I was so pleased to see so many familiar and friendly faces there. </div>
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After some conversation over warm cups of <a href="https://www.pukkaherbs.com/shop/organic-teas/love/" target="_blank">Love</a>, we headed to our mats ready for practice. </div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Now Studio10 ©Kasia Kiliszek"><img alt="Now Studio10 ©Kasia Kiliszek" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49338557531_379cac9fdd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Now Studio14 ©Kasia Kiliszek"><img alt="Now Studio14 ©Kasia Kiliszek" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49338777822_06133f99a7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Above two photos by the wonderful <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kkiliszek/" target="_blank">Kasia Kiliszek</a>.</div>
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We were guided through our restorative yoga session by Pip - founder of <a href="https://www.nowstudiobristol.com/" target="_blank">Now Studio</a>. She gently directed us to lie in different positions, concentrate on our breathing, and do what felt right for our own individual bodies. </div>
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Turns out the only challenge was fully switching off. I spend so much time "on" - working, socialising, home life, losing myself in social media, and all the other things I fill my mind with - that I needed someone to tell me to relax and clear my mind. I didn't realise how much I needed someone to tell me to slow my thoughts and be still. </div>
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There were moments during practice that I felt so peaceful that I could drift into sleep, and there were moments that brought me back to my body and made me feel so grateful for all the things it's capable of. </div>
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I felt so blissed out when it was over.</div>
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Once we'd all regained consciousness, we floated downstairs to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/delabristol/" target="_blank">Dela</a> for lunch. They do a great selection of brunches and lunches, and all in a beautiful setting. I sat on a table with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/roughmeasures/" target="_blank">Sus</a> and Pip, and we had a lovely time chatting about yoga and life and everything. </div>
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Back upstairs, and the studio had been set up for our floral workshop with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/loulabelflorals/" target="_blank">Loulabel</a>. We made smudge sticks out of lots of lovely foliage and tiny, beautiful crystals. </div>
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I highly recommend heading over to Now Studio to try out their yoga classes, and it is also available as a photography studio!</div>
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Check them out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nowstudiobristol/" target="_blank">@NowStudioBristol</a></div>
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• gifted experience, but all views are my own! •</div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-68180201884245731862020-01-06T10:00:00.000+00:002020-01-06T10:00:28.284+00:002020 and why I'm not looking back.<img height="900" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49338608227_cfb236cc24_b.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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I posted about this on Instagram yesterday, but I have a bit more to say on the subject, which I've squirrelled away in my notebook. That post seemed to strike a chord with many of you, so maybe this will too. I wrote the following on New Year's Eve.</div>
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There are a lot of posts on social media looking back at the beginning of this decade, and forgive me, but I really don't want to.</div>
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I started 2010 ill, confused, tired; and I remained that way for some time. I find it quite painful to think back to that year, and to compare it to others', so I'm trying not to.</div>
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There's a huge gulf - between me and them, between then and now. I chose to disconnect myself from those memories, and to concentrate on the present - strange for someone who loves nostalgia so much.</div>
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I'm sure many could relate to this - it's not always a joy to reminisce. If you've experienced chronic illness, loss, and any other traumatic experiences, sometimes it's easier to just leave them in the box you put them in and get on with it. The amount of frustration, guilt and sadness I felt is not something I want to go over any more than I already do. I'll deal with any residual emotions when they arise and look forwards.</div>
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What I can see quite clearly is how far I've come in those 10 years. No, I haven't married, had kids, bought a house.. but I've learned a lot about myself, and other people. I've learnt my strengths and my limits. I've slowly created a life that I like rather a lot. </div>
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And, of course, there have been countless happy moments!</div>
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I have absolutely no idea what the next decade will bring, especially as I gave up making life plans a long time ago. But I'm certain it will be filled with love, sadness, and learning, as all decades are.</div>
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Luckily, those year/decade round-ups have pretty much stopped now, and I hope they haven't made you feel too bad about your own experiences. We are all moving in different ways, and that's okay! That's what makes us so interesting. </div>
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Take your time, focus on you, and focus on now. And please, don't feel too defeated when you inevitably reach setbacks or bad days - we all have them, we all feel shitty sometimes, and we're all just trying our best.</div>
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All the love to you in this brand new year.</div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com84tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-47616234384871709462019-11-26T14:16:00.000+00:002019-11-26T14:16:55.434+00:00hearty vegan stew. <img height="725" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49127422751_fe98288007_c.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Don't worry pals, this isn't going to be one of those recipe posts with 40 paragraphs of my life experiences with beans - let's just jump right in. It isn't the prettiest, but it's so easy, and so so delicious. </div>
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INGREDIENTS</div>
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• 1 large red onion</div>
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• 1 large red pepper</div>
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• 1 aubergine</div>
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• 4-5 cloves of garlic</div>
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• 2-3 tsp harissa paste</div>
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• 2 tins chopped tomatoes</div>
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• 1 tin baked beans</div>
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• 1 tin kidney beans</div>
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• 1 pack pre-made lentils </div>
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• oil</div>
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• thyme (dried or fresh - doesn't matter!)</div>
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• salt & pepper</div>
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• paprika </div>
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• nutritional yeast</div>
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• marmite/stock</div>
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• wedges, mash, rice, or whatever you want to accompany - if anything! </div>
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METHOD</div>
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• Heat oven to 180ºC</div>
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• To a large oven dish, add 2-3 tblsp oil, salt, pepper & thyme. Chuck in your garlic cloves (still in their papery cases) followed by roughly chopped onion, pepper and aubergine - I think it's best to keep these pretty chunky.</div>
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• Toss them about to cover with oil and seasoning, and cook for about 45mins, or until soft and delicious.</div>
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• Once that's all done, heat up a big casserole pot on the hob, pop the garlic out of its skin, and chuck all the roast veg into the pot. Stir with 2-3 teaspoons of harissa paste.</div>
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• Add in all the tomatoes, beans and lentils, stir well, and bring to the boil before turning the heat down.</div>
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• Taste and season to taste - nutritional yeast, marmite and/or stock can give your stew a deeper, richer flavour, but this is up to you! I used 3 teaspoons nutritional yeast and a teaspoon of marmite.</div>
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And that's it! It's so cheap 'n' easy, and I'm actually quite surprised at how good it was, considering I basically just made it up as I went, with only a vague idea of how it might turn out. </div>
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It's amazing alongside some spicy wedges, but equally fulfilling on its own! </div>
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Enjoy! </div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-53365082704580045232019-09-06T14:36:00.000+00:002019-11-25T09:49:27.273+00:00sustainable swaps. <img height="780" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48671615157_5496c884b2_c.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Like a lot of people currently, I'm painfully aware of the state of the world. The world is on fire and it feels like there's no way to stop it, and yet so many people in positions of power are claiming ignorance.. anyway, this isn't a political rant, this is just about the little changes that I've been making that are better for the environment, and ease my woes slightly. </div>
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I've been thinking a lot about the things I use frequently which are actually incredibly wasteful. I've started gradually making a few changes in my life, and I thought they might be of use to you lovely humans.</div>
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One key point to make here is DON'T JUST CHUCK OUT ALL THE THINGS YOU'RE CURRENTLY USING!</div>
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Use them until they're falling apart, reuse them, repurpose them, do whatever you can to stop them heading to landfill/into the sea. It's hard with some items, but a quick internet search will come up with loads of innovative ideas! </div>
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One brand I am particularly loving at the moment are <a href="https://uk.organicbasics.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Organic Basics</a>, and some of these items were gifted, but some I have bought purely because I love them - for example I bought an underwear set in another colour after being gifted one set, because they're so damn comfy, as well as being better for the environment and the people making them. </div>
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My favourite items are the organic cotton tees (honestly, the softest t-shirt I have EVER worn!), organic cotton underwear (so comfy and natural fibres are better for your bits) and now the bamboo toothbrushes too. </div>
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I have a code for you to get 10% off which is <span style="background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-family: "segoe ui" , "segoe ui web (west european)" , "segoe ui" , , , "roboto" , "helvetica neue" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">LITTLEOB2 - </span>annoyingly I've been really disorganised and this expires on 11th Sept, <a href="https://uk.organicbasics.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">so use it quick</a>! </div>
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FYI old toothbrushes are great for cleaning things, especially around taps and hard-to-get-at, little spaces! </div>
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Something in my mind switched a couple of months ago, and I suddenly realised how much waste I was producing with period related products. I've thought about what chemicals I could be putting inside myself before, but didn't really care too much because it felt easier than anything else. But once I had enough money to invest in some reusable products, I did, and I've been SO pleasantly surprised by them. </div>
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The <a href="https://www.modibodi.co.uk/" target="_blank">Modibodi</a> pants were honestly so easy and great - for me they were perfect for the first and last day of my period, as well as wearing at night when I was getting used to the cup. They come in various shapes & absorbencies, so hopefully there's one that would suit you. </div>
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I'm not going to lie, I was pretty daunted by the <a href="https://www.organicup.com/" target="_blank">OrganiCup</a> at first - putting a new foreign object into your body, not knowing if it was in right, not knowing how long I personally could leave it before it had to be emptied, whether it would end up like that scene from The Shining etc. But I got used to it pretty quickly and learned to feel whether it was in correctly and how long I could leave it. </div>
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My top tip is to be in the shower the first time you remove it. I won't go into too much detail here, but if you have any questions I am very open to talking about it. Like, yeah it's kinda gory but also really fascinating at the same time, and I think this is connecting me more to my own body in a way. I've never really been that squeamish about blood anyway so.. </div>
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I did a little bit of research as there are quite a few brands doing these pants and cups now, but they are all kind of similar, so just have a look and see what could work for you! </div>
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I completely understand that this is not an option for everyone, and it is your choice as to how you deal with your periods, so no shame heading your way if using any of these products makes you feel uncomfortable! </div>
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I already have a reusable cup which I keep at work for when I need a mid-afternoon takeaway coffee to wake me up, and have been slightly put off <a href="https://uk.keepcup.com/" target="_blank">Keep Cups</a> as I thought I'd just smash it instantly. However, since I got this one in a goodie bag, I've been taking it out in my tote bag and so far, so good! </div>
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It feels really nice, looks super cute, and is a good size for an americano, though they do come in other sizes too! With the amount of reusable cups on the market now, there really are very few excuses to not have one of your own if you're a frequent hot drink buyer! </div>
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I was sent these <a href="https://tealtrunk.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Teal Trunk</a> scrubbers a while back and have been putting them to the test. They feel really nice to use, and other than washing up, they're great for cleaning make up brushes and loads of other stuff - there are tips on their website and Instagram. They come in lots of colours too! </div>
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Also, they are...</div>
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• made of FDA approved sillicone</div>
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• free from BPA, allergens and toxins</div>
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• bacteria and mildew resistant</div>
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• dishwasher and microwave safe</div>
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I would love to hear about any changes you've been making, as I'm keen to continue on this journey of thinking about these things and being more conscious about the things I use! For example I still need to swap to sustainable cotton pads for removing make up, and more natural toiletries like deodorant and <a href="http://www.beinglittle.co.uk/2019/06/cruelty-free-summer-look-boots.html" target="_blank">make up</a>, so any tips would be welcome! </div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-12874471896229698432019-09-04T08:10:00.002+00:002019-09-04T08:10:51.164+00:00swimming in late summer. <img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48671551407_169da52c21_z.jpg" /><br />
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I woke up tangled - my body aching and my mind ached too. </div>
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So I walked to the river. I bought coffee, and moved through the still, hot air - it smelled so sweet. Those breathless late summer days. I listened to birdsong, ducks and dogs in the distance as I looked for the right spot to sit and be. </div>
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Balancing on a log as canoes floated past, distant voices and a train rumbling behind trees. The coffee was bitter and so was the cookie. </div>
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I dipped my toe into the water. I sunk my whole body into the cool quiet, and my feet into the mud. All alone in the magic water, I was untangled. </div>
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I was home. </div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-70201979816872596022019-07-31T10:32:00.006+00:002019-09-03T13:59:22.410+00:005 days in lisbon - city guide.<img alt="" height="890" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48420928137_be4de042cf_b.jpg" title="Being Little - 5 Days in Lisbon." width="640" /><br />
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Oh beautiful Lisbon, I miss your cobbled streets, tiled buildings and trams! </div>
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It was a citybreak that had been high on my list for quite a while, so when my friend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/right_good_kitchen/" target="_blank">Sarah</a> suggested we go, along with her friend <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justcallmekirsty/" target="_blank">Kirsty</a>, I said yes straight away. I hadn't left the country since my big <a href="http://www.beinglittle.co.uk/2016/10/spend-3-days-toronto-city-guide.html" target="_blank">trip to Canada</a> almost THREE YEARS AGO (what!) so I was super excited.</div>
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We jumped in an uber as soon as we landed (they're pretty cheap over there!) and headed to our apartment. We freshened up a little, ate our first pastel de nata from the place around the corner (which also did amazing coffee and loads of beautiful fresh fruit, as well as the owners being super friendly) on Largo das Olarias - I can't find the name of the place but it's tiny and has two seats out the front!</div>
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Then off we went for a wander - down to the waterfront, where we stopped for a drink, and then in search of tacos, under the impression that the recommended spot wasn't far away. After quite a hike we found <a href="https://coyo-taco.com/" rel="" target="_blank">Coyo Taco</a>, and it was so worth the wait! </div>
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The food was AMAZING, and not just because we'd barely eaten all day. Highly recommend the esquite corn and all the tacos, and of course the margaritas! Definitely head there for some brilliant Mexican flavours. </div>
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There's a beautiful view point just down the road too! </div>
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We headed back to the apartment to drink a beer or two and chill out for the evening, as we were all pretty tired from travelling. If you're curious, we stayed in <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/plus/29405668?euid=6afd083c-9063-3257-ad76-c59c55dd623c&_set_bev_on_new_domain=1559569691_Y0XGOzjjwizUhaxj&source_impression_id=p3_1564565123_PpyqdtztDGTa%2Bxew" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this Airbnb apartment</a>, which was a really good location! You can get <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.uk/c/lyziu?currency=GBP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">10% off your first booking if you use my link to sign up</a> (that's up to £300 off!) and you also get £9 towards an "experience" which you can book through the website - like tours etc.<br />
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It was big and clean, had everything we needed, and even had a pool! So nice to have a bit of outside space to chill out in.<br />
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Bikini from <a href="https://elbhandmade.com/" target="_blank">ELBhandmade</a>.<br />
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A slow morning the next day, as none of us felt very well after eating some fried chicken late at night.. but we hopped on a train by the middle of the day and headed out towards the beaches. There are quite a few to choose from, so just do a little research to find one which suits you. The train goes along the coast and it only took about 30mins to the beach we went to. </div>
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We treated ourselves to the comfy sunbeds, had a few dips in the sea, read books and napped in the sun. There was a lady going along the beach selling these donut things too, so we got one each! It was the perfect chilled out day. </div>
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<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/6vsp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amuse Society bikini</a><br />
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We popped home to get changed before heading out to <a href="https://lxfactory.com/en/homepage-en/" target="_blank">LX Factory</a>. The tuk tuks caught our eye, and after a bit of haggling we took a very bumpy ride over in this Simpsons one! </div>
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I instantly loved LX Factory, but there were so many places to choose from, it was hard to know what to eat! After a little wander, we decided on <a href="https://lxfactory.com/en/dogs-2/" target="_blank">hot dogs</a>, which were great (but not photogenic) and a hot chocolate from <a href="https://lxfactory.com/en/landeau-chocolate-2/" target="_blank">Landeau Chocolate</a>, as well as deciding we'd be back the next day.. </div>
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Here we were back again - and it was so different in the day, as the narrow streets were lined with market stalls! It was busy and bustling, with so many things to look at. </div>
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<a href="https://www.thetherapist.pt/" target="_blank">Therapist</a> had caught our eye the night before, so we had brunch there, and it was really delicious. The portions weren't huge, which was actually great because it meant we could try out another pastel de nata not long after.. </div>
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We spent ages wandering around inside and out, buying a few bits and bobs (I got a flowy pink jumpsuit and some earrings) and just enjoying the general atmosphere. It was probably my favourite place that we visited on the trip, and one that I would say is a must do! </div>
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Something I really loved about Lisbon is how pretty it is. I'm sure you have all heard about the tiled buildings, but there was so much more to see! I loved all the old signage and the colours. Make sure you keep your eyes wide open when you're walking around! </div>
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After a rest we headed for <a href="https://www.timeout.com/lisbon/restaurants/time-out-market-lisbon" target="_blank">Time Out Market</a>. It was a little overwhelming! An absolutely massive building, crammed full of incredible food. The best thing to do is find somewhere to sit first (it's all communal seating, so be prepared to wait and to share!) choose your meal from the establishments around the edge and a drink from the bar in the middle.</div>
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It took us ages to choose what we wanted, as there was just so much. The food was really great, but it is very busy and very touristy. </div>
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The next day we were up and out for brunch again, this time to a place not far from where we were staying. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/manjericalisboa/" target="_blank">Manjerica</a> does lovely healthy brunches and is really cute! We would recommend the eggs with mushrooms, and the pancakes with nutella and peanut butter!</div>
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With full bellies, we headed to the train station. We hopped on a train to Sintra, and then a bus up the steep steep hills to <a href="http://www.sintra-portugal.com/Attractions/palacio-pena-palace-sintra.html" target="_blank">Pena Palace</a>. You can book online to save time, but we didn't and the queue didn't take too long in the end. </div>
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It's an incredibly beautiful and amazingly colourful building, which means it is also a big tourist attraction. We just paid to go around the outside, and that was enough for us really! I would also recommend taking your own food & drinks, as the amenities there aren't great.</div>
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Being up that high, literally in the clouds, was amazing! I really loved the contrast of the red and yellow against the white sky, as well as all the amazing plants.</div>
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We grabbed some food from <a href="https://madpizza.pt/" target="_blank">Mad Pizza</a> on the way home and had a pizza party on our balcony. They were pretty good! They market themselves as healthy pizza, and although the bases weren't chewy and doughy like I like 'em, the combinations of toppings were really delicious!</div>
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Somehow it was now our final morning, and we had saved the best 'til last. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cafejanis/?hl=en" target="_blank">Cafe Janis</a> had come up time and time again when we asked for recommendations, and just one look at their Instagram had us sold. </div>
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Places like this can sometimes be style over substance, but that is not the case for Janis. Not only are the interiors absolutely gorgeous, but the food is too. </div>
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Despite it being pretty busy when we turned up, we didn't have to wait long for a table, and by about 12 it was almost empty, so I would recommend heading there at noon if you don't want to wait at all! The coffee was delicious, the freshly squeezed orange juice very moreish, and after a little wait for food, I had the best shakshuka of my life. </div>
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Sarah was even kind enough to save me a little slice of her earl grey and chocolate waffles, which was the perfect sweet ending to the perfect brunch. </div>
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We sat around on the grass for an hour or so before heading to the airport, and back home to our own beds! </div>
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An absolutely wonderful city break, a real treat and a whole load of fun. </div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-49317659277904905552019-07-02T12:02:00.000+00:002019-07-31T08:55:09.787+00:00out with the old and in with the new.<img height="870" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48178993097_054a74ff6d_b.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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It takes a long time to change bad habits.</div>
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It's hard to stop the voice in your head that says "you don't deserve good things." It's hard to stop believing that you only deserve love if you look a certain way. It's hard to make those voices stop and to go outside and enjoy life, sometimes. </div>
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This morning I woke up still tired, still with a headache leftover from yesterday, and the thought of the gym did not feel like a good one. </div>
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Outside it was beautiful - the brightest blue sky - so I decided to stop lying in bed overthinking, and go out into the lovely world. </div>
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I decided I would walk around the river, and try to notice all the lovely things. It's a route I have trodden hundreds of times, but sometimes a break from routine makes the familiar seem new. I felt like I was on an adventure by myself. Even the air smelled different - fresher. </div>
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I watched people on the way to work, and noticed how their footsteps sounded. I stopped to smell flowers and marvel at all the different shapes and colours, and bees! I watched swallows zooming through the air to catch bugs for breakfast. I watched the water move and sparkle, and saw a glitterball on a boat do the same. I saw flowers growing through the holes of a balcony. I crossed many bridges. It really turned my mood around.<br />
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When I got back to my neighbourhood, I decided to stop in to one of my local cafes for a bit of breakfast and a cuppa. There I bumped into two lovely ladies that I know and are always a positive presence, and waved hello to someone I know who works there. My heart felt full as I sat outside with my cup of tea, watching people go about their daily lives. </div>
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As soon as I got home, I sat in the garden, in the sun, in the quiet, and wrote it all down. </div>
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It really does help to do a little bit of what you want to. </div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-38328813206196687792019-06-17T21:59:00.000+00:002019-07-02T11:23:48.843+00:00cruelty free summer look with boots.<img alt="Cruelty Free Summer Make Up From Boots - Being Little. blog review flatlay make up skincare products" height="870" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48082089243_0dea4a4b05_b.jpg" title="Cruelty Free Summer Make Up From Boots - Being Little." width="640" /><br />
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<small>• this post is an advertised collaboration with Boots, but all thoughts are my own •</small></div>
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Summer is here (although I don't think anyone has told the weather) which means a change in beauty routines for many of us. More focus on the prep and protection, and a little lighter on the make up. We want glowing skin which is allowed to breathe, rather than being caked in <a href="https://www.boots.com/beauty/makeup" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">make up</a> - especially if we get another heatwave this year... I'm crossing my fingers and hoping we get one soon! </div>
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I got to choose a few lovely things from Boots to help me switch up my skincare & beauty for summer. They have some beautiful stuff for this season, including some amazing<a href="https://www.boots.com/festival/glitter-accessories" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> glitter make up</a> if you are heading to a festival! I decided to only select things that were cruelty free, as I'm trying to gradually change out all my beauty bits for less harmful things.</div>
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<img alt="Cruelty Free Summer Make Up From Boots - Being Little. blog skincare No7 SPF, Ole Henriksen banana bright primer review" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48082152057_318e63ee1e_c.jpg" title="Cruelty Free Summer Make Up From Boots - Being Little." /><br />
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First up, a bit of prep and care. The No7 goodies were thrown in as an extra, but an <a href="https://www.boots.com/festival/sunprotection/no7-protect-and-perfect-intense-facial-sun-protection-spf-50-50ml-10175459" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SPF</a> for your face is always needed and incredibly important. This <a href="https://www.boots.com/ole-henriksen-banana-bright-face-primer-10262794" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">face primer from Ole Henriksen</a> is amazing - it smells lovely and gives your face a fresh glow. I'm still feeling like I'm not tanned enough to go completely bare faced in public, but I'm sure that once I am, a little bit of this will be all I need. </div>
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I don't know about you, but I also like to wear a lighter scent in summer, and Boots have so much choice in <a href="https://www.boots.com/fragrance/perfume" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">perfume</a>! This <a href="https://www.boots.com/gift/her/sanctuary-spa-fragranced-body-spray-125ml-10229003" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sanctuary body spray</a> is lovely - floral and sweet - and lasts really well. It really reminds me of my teenage years, before I discovered my usual perfume. I love a bit of nostalgia. </div>
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Next up, for the face I went for this <a href="https://www.boots.com/bareminerals-original-spf-15-foundation-10134290" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">loose mineral foundation from bareMinerals</a>. I'm not sure I've ever used a powder foundation before, but I like how light this feels on the skin. It almost feels like you're wearing nothing at all! The <a href="https://www.boots.com/elf-contouring-blush-bronzing-powder-10257003" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">powder bronzer</a> works really well alongside this too - having the paler shades in there is really working for my skin right now, and I can see it being versatile well into the summer months when I eventually get a little more colour on my face.</div>
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For my eyes, I like to keep it pretty simple in the summer. A bit of definition in my eyebrows is always needed, as you can see from the photo below, they disappear a little without any make up at all! I usually love a brow gel, but this <a href="https://www.boots.com/no7/no7-gift-with-purchase/no7-beautiful-eyebrow-sculpting-pencil-brown-10192560" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">No7 eyebrow pencil</a> gives a soft and natural look too. One end is the pencil, and the other end has a spoolie to brush and blend it in. </div>
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<a href="https://www.boots.com/beauty/makeup/eyes/mascara/no7-extreme-length-waterproof-mascara-10143353" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Waterproof mascara</a> is a must - whether you're jumping in a body of water, or just simply getting a little hot day to day, you want to know that you're not going to end up with smudgy mascara all around your eyes. This one is great because it also gives good length to your lashes!<br />
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A simple bit of eyeshadow to make your eyes pop is the perfect finishing touch. This <a href="https://www.boots.com/beauty/makeup/eyes/all-eyes/barry-m-in-the-buff-eyeshadow-palette-10255954" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barry M palette</a> of nudes is lovely - a couple of light, shimmery shades, and a bunch of different pinks and browns. I went for a mixture of a couple, along with a bit of the dark gold from the bronzer, which really complements blue eyes. The slight shimmer of the bronze <a href="https://www.boots.com/no7-stay-perfect-amazing-eyes-pencil-10196762" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stay Perfect eyeliner</a> makes it really lovely to use along the lower lash line. </div>
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As you can see through the progression below, these few products give me that glowy, sun-kissed skin, without overdoing it. And that's what a summer make up look is all about for me! No fuss.</div>
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<big>What's your go to for a summer look? What products are you excited to use this summer?</big></div>
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<img alt="Cruelty Free Summer Make Up From Boots - Being Little. Lyzi Unwin bare face natural" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48082150667_97569ca748_z.jpg" title="Cruelty Free Summer Make Up From Boots - Being Little." /><br />
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<img alt="Cruelty Free Summer Make Up From Boots - Being Little. Lyzi Unwin face " src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48082086093_e542b7cbf2_z.jpg" title="Cruelty Free Summer Make Up From Boots - Being Little." /><br />
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-72237074484189725932019-05-25T09:00:00.000+00:002019-06-17T18:25:31.266+00:00<img height="850" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47891154431_997e8e2247_b.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A hazy childhood memory - I wasn’t sure if this place really existed, or if I’d dreamt it up. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">We drove along the familiar winding roads, past my second home - my grandparents’ house - they were the ones who took me to this beach. Branches full of leafy fingers waving to us - hello, and welcome back! Those sweet smelling hedgerows full of colour and promise and froths of flowers. Ferns unfurling. Curling up to the sky, arms outstretched like morning. Chasing shadows along the road. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Down we went, and down and further down the steep path. The seaside flowers shivering in the wind, nodding us in the right direction. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I knew it when I saw it: on the right hand side of the beach, behind that big rock - a magical place where the waves crash differently; the waves sound different here. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Imagine me, a child, hand-in-hand with my older brother or perhaps a cousin, in a hand-me-down cozzy, small feet in the water, excited screams and laughter as the water rushes in. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Now on the cusp of 31, I feel just as small as I did then. I was so happy to see that I really did remember it right. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: , , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The dusty moon guided us home with the white bellied birds dancing below.</span>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-12408101678724904332019-05-23T09:00:00.000+00:002019-05-23T09:00:28.373+00:00one for me and one for you - muru jewellery.<img alt="Muru Jewellery - being little blog blogger bristol moon necklace fashion blog" height="850" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47839357032_8a5c633563_b.jpg" title="Muru Jewellery - being little." width="640" /><br />
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• gifted items •</div>
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<big>The moon is a symbol of female empowerment.</big></div>
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It reminds us to celebrate the most important women in our lives, because there is no limit to what they can achieve.</div>
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When <a href="https://www.murujewellery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Muru</a> offered to gift me some jewellery, I decided I wanted to share this with someone I love. Matching necklace for me and my kindred spirit. Someone who really deserves something special. </div>
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I have always had a thing about the moon, and knowing it's significance as a talisman meant I had to choose that design. </div>
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I decided to post one to <a href="https://www.vivatramp.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bee</a>, along with a matching card. It's a surprise, and as I'm writing this, she has no idea. I can't wait for her to open it! </div>
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She has always given me unwavering support. The most fiercely loyal friend I have ever had - she has seen me through thick and thin, and always, always had my back. She does everything with strength - especially loving. She takes no shit, and sticks up for what she believes in. </div>
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Not only that, but she is incredibly talented, and has created some of the most beautifully written pieces of poetry and prose. She's got a gentle and sensitive soul, mixed with a wicked and dark sense of humour. She's sassy AF. She's beautiful.</div>
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She's someone I know I will have a deep connection with until the day we die, and maybe after that too. She's very special and she deserves to be celebrated.</div>
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Love you, Bee.</div>
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• <a href="https://www.murujewellery.com/necklaces-c1/female-influence-crescent-moon-necklace-gold-p320" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cresent moon necklace in gold,</a> gifted •<br />
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-8825319322506119842019-05-21T15:00:00.000+00:002019-05-21T15:00:04.470+00:00crying in the shower.<img height="850" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47891318451_482130a273_b.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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I don’t know how long I’ve lived with a chronic illness, but some days it feels like forever. Dragging at my heels, holding me back. I am one of the lucky ones - most days I barely even notice it, thanks to medication. I’m not used to feeling bad anymore, so the bad days hit hard.
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I’ve felt tripped up by it lately. I was smugly going along, doing all of my 4 jobs to a reasonable degree, having a busy social life, and even getting to the gym when I could fit it in. And then the crash came.
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I forgot my medication one very hungover morning, and the combination of the two set me off into a spiral. I have found myself feeling anxious the day after I drink anyway, and am always exhausted by it, so the combination of that plus a lack of what my body needs to function led me into a few days of feeling utterly terrible.
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Tired, anxious, low. I could barely make conversation with my best friends, let alone anyone else. I didn’t want to do anything, I couldn’t concentrate on anything, I didn’t even want to look at a screen.
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Three days later I woke up tired, again, after promising myself that it’d be a better day. I felt so frustrated with myself.</div>
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The parts the others don’t see of being self-employed and living with a chronic illness are things like: sobbing in the shower once your housemates have left for the day, and then just getting on with it because you can’t afford not to.
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Things like: the internal monologue of being defective and not good enough, so you have to work twice as hard to “make up for” whatever you’re lacking. Just dazzle them, and they won’t notice that part of you is broken and rotting.
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I put a lot of pressure on myself to be on good form around other people – which is probably quite detrimental to me and maybe to them as well - so when I feel this bad I just shut myself away as much as I can.
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I've felt a little up and down since then - two weeks ago - but a week off full of lovely things and people seems to have recharged me, so hopefully it's all up from here, for now. We all know that recovery isn't linear, we all have good days and bad days.<br />
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Technically, this is a sob story (I cried again writing this) but I’m not here for sympathy, just empathy. Illness is not always visible. I hide this side of me from most of the world, but the reality is that we all have something we struggle with to some degree.</div>
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If you're feeling the same, know that you're not alone, I'm with you, and some days will be easier. And I will always, always listen to you if you need someone. </div>
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We’re all humans, and we all falter.
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-38183304091690125562019-05-20T15:30:00.001+00:002019-05-20T16:06:32.368+00:00dinner at lost & found, bristol.<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47101592834_1ec98c470c_z.jpg" /><br />
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A couple of weeks ago, we were invited along to <a href="https://the-lostandfound.co.uk/restaurant/bristol" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lost & Found</a> to try out the menu and sip a couple of cocktails. Having not been since the opening weekend, I was keen to see how they'd settled in and what had changed since then..</div>
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I arrived just before 7pm on a Thursday, and the quiet bar area soon filled up with people eager to drink lots of delicious cocktails. The restaurant at the back provided a little oasis away from the crowd, and we set about deciding what we fancied eating. </div>
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We chose a couple of cocktails, and our starters arrived not long after. Mike went for the crispy duck and shredded vegetable salad - really lovely crunchy textures and fresh Chinese flavours running through. I went for the crispy squid and chorizo with sundried tomatoes - clearly we were both in a crispy mood, and I can never resist squid, which thankfully was cooked perfectly! </div>
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These dishes were pretty generous, so come with an appetite if you're thinking of having more than just a main! </div>
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For our next course, we both ordered steak. It's been a long time since I had steak, and I was relieved to see that it was cooked perfectly and the meat soft and tender. The veggies on the side had a good bite and colour to them (I can't bear sad, overcooked vegetables!) and the peppercorn sauce had a great little kick to it. </div>
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Finally, dessert. We both chose something chocolatey - warm chocolate cake for me, which was cooked to order and had a gooey centre - the perfect ending. Dark chocolate and peanut butter parfait for him - you can't go too far wrong with the combination of chocolate, peanut and banana! </div>
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The drinks we chose were sadly a little too perfumed for us, but perhaps we just made the wrong choices for our tastebuds, as I don't remember having that problem last time! However, we left very full and happy - all the food was very tasty. Probably one for a more special occasion, especially as there is a huge menu of cocktails to go alongside!</div>
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• this meal was complimentary in exchange for a review •</div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-35237112032149733442019-05-18T15:49:00.000+00:002019-05-20T15:49:55.516+00:00snapshots from 31.<img height="853" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40924814433_98fc39b38b_b.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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Such a lovely week, despite the bouts of anxiety. Anyone else get birthday anxiety? </div>
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Thanks everyone who celebrated with me in some way! </div>
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I'll let the photos speak for themselves. </div>
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Is it really a birthday without a Bertha's pizza?<br />
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<span style="color: #ff0099;"> • follow on: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/being_little/">instagram</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/beinglittle" target="_blank">twitter</a> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/beinglittleblog" target="_blank">facebook</a> • <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/4754785" target="_blank">bloglovin'</a></span></div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-1130894205388782612019-04-12T10:57:00.000+00:002019-05-09T10:18:17.991+00:00most worn. <img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7862/47591782781_ddb0d99b61_b.jpg" /><br />
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It's slightly warmer, the sun is out for longer, and I just don't want to be reaching for dark colours anymore. This is what I've been wearing a LOT lately - comfy, cute, and springy. That's all I want. </div>
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There's a running joke with my boss at Rhubarb Jumble, that I never take these trousers off.. and well, it's <b>almost</b> true. I wear them numerous times a week at the moment! They're the perfect transitional trousers, and the fit is perfect - cropped and high waisted. Ideal with my chucks (although I'm hoping to be able to swap those for sandals more regularly soon) and a cropped sweatshirt, showing <b>just a hint </b>of skin. </div>
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<big>What are you wearing a lot at the moment?</big></div>
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Read on for outfit details!</div>
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WHAT I'M WEARING:<br />
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• <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/1YvF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ASOS cropped sweatshirt</a><br />
• ASOS pink cropped tee (just seen, old!) (<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/1Ytg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">similar</a> / <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/1YvT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">similar</a> / <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/1YvU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">similar</a>)<br />
• <a href="http://rhubarbjumble.com/contact/" target="_blank">Rhubarb Jumble</a> vintage trousers<br />
• <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/1Yv5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Converse Chuck '70</a><br />
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<span style="color: #ff0099;"> • follow on: <a href="https://twitter.com/beinglittle" target="_blank">twitter</a> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/beinglittleblog" target="_blank">facebook</a> • <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/4754785" target="_blank">bloglovin'</a></span></div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-14380514773516280522019-04-05T14:00:00.000+00:002019-05-20T15:51:58.313+00:00cut out poetry.<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7821/46621720245_e3d6dd4cdc_b.jpg" /><br />
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I recently came back to this fun way of writing after about 10 years. I loved creating slightly abstract poems in college by way of black out or cut out poetry, but somewhere along the way, it got lost. </div>
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My wonderful friend Bee reminded me of it in <a href="https://www.patreon.com/vivatramp/overview" target="_blank">one of her Patreon posts</a>, and one evening after work, I spotted some books for free on somebody's wall. I took one home. I didn't want to read that book, but I did want to cut it up and make something of my own.</div>
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I spent an evening cutting out any words that caught my eye, and then tried to piece them together into something resembling sense. I had an idea of what I wanted to create, but as I went along, the words found me and turned into something completely different. </div>
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I've spent a good few more hours since then creating little bits of poetry and prose. Some of which have <a href="http://www.beinglittle.co.uk/2019/04/untitled-prose-sea.html" target="_blank">inspired stories</a>. I kind of really like the ones that seem unfinished, too. </div>
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It's such a lovely process, and I really encourage you to give it a go! </div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-86063345210015869012019-04-04T18:55:00.002+00:002019-04-12T10:40:36.422+00:00<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/7845/46621681295_400afb2591_z.jpg" /><br />
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A scruffy little thing, waking among the pebbles. Breath sour from sleeping in the day again. Clothes creased, undone, torn and worn in.</div>
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Some rocks are sharp, and some rocks are soft.</div>
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Body soft, body waves, body rocks; she looks out to sea. Tide rolling in as she rolls a tiny pebble between fingertips.</div>
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The clouds are heavy and so low that they calmly touch the water. Strands of hair are alive, and gently kiss her cheeks.</div>
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"sssssshhhhhhhhhh," she replied in kind to the sea, hugging her dirty knees, and closing her eyes for</div>
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second.</div>
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She fell into freezing waters, still asleep.</div>
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Cold - sharp like rocks - pinched her awake, and she turned to face the sky.</div>
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She floated with prickles behind her eyes, and sand escaping from swirling strands, as she thought about the magic of drowning. Prickles turned to patters and the clouds covered her.</div>
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She closed her eyes for</div>
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second.</div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-77474368100525033862019-03-12T16:33:00.000+00:002019-04-04T14:39:10.541+00:00making tactile memories with papier.<img alt="being little blog blogger lyzi unwin papier photobook photo coffee table book customisable discount code" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7878/33483846538_4dcc0e30ab_z.jpg" title="papier photobook - being little." /><br />
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• ad - this is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own! •</div>
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I take photographs of everything, all the time, but I very very rarely get any of those photos printed out, no matter how much I love them. I am obsessed with nostalgia, and love to look back on photos that remind me of particular times, so when <a href="https://www.papier.com/photo-books/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Papier</a> got in touch & asked if I'd like to make my own photobook, I said yes.</div>
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<img alt="being little blog blogger lyzi unwin papier photobook photo coffee table book customisable discount code" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7925/40394581143_5a71c9a108_z.jpg" title="papier photobook - being little." /><br />
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It took me a while to compile the photos I wanted to have in my book - I chose over 100 photos from last summer up until this month. Gradually, I narrowed them down to just the very best or most special. </div>
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<a href="https://www.papier.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Papier</a> sent me a £100 voucher, which meant I could get two books. I chose the minimal, square option, uploaded all my photos, and set about filling the pages. I didn't have a finished look in mind when I started, but they came together so easily and so well. Once I'd planned it all out, I couldn't wait to receive my printed books. </div>
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It felt only natural to name the books "open", as they are filled with images from a very important time in my life, when suddenly it felt like there were so many doors opening for me. Inside there are photos from special days, special people and creatures I love, as well as photos I just love for what they look like. </div>
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I was so impressed with the quality - lovely thick, matte paper and the images have come out beautifully!</div>
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<img alt="being little blog blogger lyzi unwin papier photobook photo coffee table book customisable discount code" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7902/46636855274_6d04fb383a_z.jpg" title="papier photobook - being little." /><br />
<img alt="being little blog blogger lyzi unwin papier photobook photo coffee table book customisable discount code" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7816/40394575383_f62589961f_b.jpg" title="papier photobook - being little." /><br />
<img alt="being little blog blogger lyzi unwin papier photobook photo coffee table book customisable discount code" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7887/32418101627_bd923cd78b_z.jpg" title="papier photobook - being little." /><br />
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It's so lovely to have these memories in my hands. Having a tactile book of these special moments to flick through, instead of scrolling through my phone, is such a good feeling. I know these are books that I will keep forever.</div>
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The books are fully customisable, and would make incredible gifts, or a wonderful way to showcase your best photos and create a coffee table book! </div>
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There's currently a discount code for 40% off photobooks, if you enter SNAPSNAP at the checkout!</div>
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<img alt="being little blog blogger lyzi unwin papier photobook photo coffee table book customisable discount code" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7823/40394573713_8f4af40ac6_z.jpg" title="papier photobook - being little." /><br />
<img alt="being little blog blogger lyzi unwin papier photobook photo coffee table book customisable discount code" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7864/46636848194_aac805b24e_z.jpg" title="papier photobook - being little." /><br />
<img alt="being little blog blogger lyzi unwin papier photobook photo coffee table book customisable discount code" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7841/40394571593_8e1ea5dfb3_z.jpg" title="papier photobook - being little." /><br />
<img alt="being little blog blogger lyzi unwin papier photobook photo coffee table book customisable discount code" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7882/46636846114_2150e55d91_z.jpg" title="papier photobook - being little." /><br />
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-74605255516104723162019-02-02T21:25:00.000+00:002019-03-12T15:06:36.123+00:00an evening of beer & cheese with two belly.<img alt="being little - beer & cheese with two belly whiteladies road clifton bristol shop fondue party toastie menu craft beer " src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7812/46048515015_6be8769e03_b.jpg" title="being little - beer & cheese with two belly." /><br />
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Otherwise known as my ideal evening! </div>
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In the interest of transparency and adhering to the rules - I was invited along as a guest/gifted this cheesy, beery extravaganza, but I am under no obligation to write about it - I just wanted to share it with you! </div>
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<a href="http://twobelly.co.uk/" target="_blank">Two Belly</a> opened in September 2018, and along with many other new establishments in Bristol, I have been meaning to visit for quite some time...</div>
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I was invited for an evening of beer & fondue one very chilly evening, and there's no way anything would stop me, not even the threat of snowstorms. </div>
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<img alt="being little - beer & cheese with two belly whiteladies road clifton bristol shop fondue party toastie menu craft beer " src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4879/46048515395_d6a785461b_b.jpg" title="being little - beer & cheese with two belly." /><br />
<img alt="being little - beer & cheese with two belly whiteladies road clifton bristol shop fondue party toastie menu craft beer scandi interior" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4858/39997956643_e99a8e1547_b.jpg" title="being little - beer & cheese with two belly." /><br />
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The interior of the shop is beautiful. Husband & wife team - Dom & Lara - have done a brilliant job. It feels welcoming, but also looks really cool. There's a cheese counter near the front, along with a few tables, and at the back is a fridge packed full of an array of beautiful beers - they also have a few on draught, as well as a few ciders & wines.</div>
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You can pop in to buy some cheese and/or booze to take away, or sit in for a tasty toastie and a drink. Scroll to the end to check out their menu.</div>
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<img alt="being little - beer & cheese with two belly whiteladies road clifton bristol shop fondue party toastie menu craft beer fridge" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4812/32021439167_0e2c1918eb_b.jpg" title="being little - beer & cheese with two belly." /><br />
<img alt="being little - beer & cheese with two belly whiteladies road clifton bristol shop fondue party toastie menu craft beer " src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7868/46048514615_77124aa263_b.jpg" title="being little - beer & cheese with two belly." /><br />
<img alt="being little - beer & cheese with two belly whiteladies road clifton bristol shop fondue party toastie menu craft beer homemade pickles" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7847/39997952453_8c064a89ba_b.jpg" title="being little - beer & cheese with two belly." /><br />
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After chatting with Lara and Dom, we sat down for a few generous treats - first up was a beer & cheese pairing, which honestly was amazing. The duo really know their stuff, and I really enjoyed learning about the different pairings, and why they go together. </div>
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Next we had some charcuterie and INCREDIBLE pickles. I love pickles anyway, but these were next level. I'm now imagining them in a toastie, and my mouth is watering.</div>
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And finally, I had my first taste of fondue... oh my.</div>
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I'm not entirely sure how I've gone this long without experiencing it before, especially as I love cheese, but there you go. </div>
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Obviously, I don't have any other fondues to compare this to, but it really was so wonderful. There were different layers to the taste, and it's such a fun group activity to dunk tasty little things into that gooey hot pot of deliciousness. </div>
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You can book your own fondue party, or check out these events that are coming up: </div>
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<a href="https://www.getawriggleon.com/o/bristol-grain-barge-beer-cheese-evening-hosted-by-solvay-society-two-belly?utm_source=bristol-offers&utm_medium=bristol_email&utm_campaign=email" target="_blank">Beer & Cheese evening at the Grain Barge on 7th Feb</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.getawriggleon.com/o/bristol-two-belly-fondue-night?utm_source=bristol-offers&utm_medium=bristol_email&utm_campaign=email" target="_blank">Fondue evening at Two Belly on 14th Feb</a></div>
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Keep an eye on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/two_belly/" target="_blank">their very beautiful Instagram</a> for upcoming events.</div>
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<img alt="being little - beer & cheese with two belly whiteladies road clifton bristol shop fondue party toastie menu craft beer charcuterie board" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7844/39997949153_8a6d588bf4_b.jpg" title="being little - beer & cheese with two belly." /><br />
<img alt="being little - beer & cheese with two belly whiteladies road clifton bristol shop fondue party toastie menu craft beer " src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4913/39997946873_60518fcb24_b.jpg" title="being little - beer & cheese with two belly." /><br />
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Oh, and if you want to see their regular menu:<br />
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<img alt="being little - beer & cheese with two belly whiteladies road clifton bristol shop fondue party toastie menu craft beer " src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7837/39997951153_db5d9d2808_z.jpg" title="being little - beer & cheese with two belly." /><br />
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-45242034489203753582019-01-28T20:57:00.001+00:002019-02-01T18:56:13.214+00:00lying dormant.<img alt="lying dormant - being little - pink winter outfit lyzi unwin pink cord skirt and other stories jumper handmade ring vintage gallery wall" height="853" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7828/45994585275_cf118d91a8_b.jpg" title="lying dormant - being little - pink winter outfit" width="640" /><br />
<img alt="lying dormant - being little - pink winter outfit lyzi unwin pink cord skirt and other stories jumper handmade ring vintage gallery wall" height="844" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7801/45994580735_bdb13a4716_b.jpg" title="lying dormant - being little - pink winter outfit" width="640" /><br />
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Chapped lip, a little holiday weight, a few blemishes, pale legs, dirty hair, something written on my hand, waiting, happy. </div>
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This time of year, I really do feel like I'm waiting for it all to start. Spring feels much more like the beginning of something to me, and these first few months I'm lying dormant, just waiting for the warmth to come back.</div>
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Understandably, a lot of time is spent indoors, so I've been making sure it's a happy place to be - plants, candles, tidy (sometimes), music, art on my walls, and endless cups of tea. </div>
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I thought I'd take this bright day as a chance to show you a few of my favourite things lately. It's a little chilly to wear this dream skirt outside, but I love how it looks with my new (perfect) jumper. And I'm still very obsessed with these earrings that my mum gave me for Christmas, after I dropped quite a few hints. </div>
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Scroll down for details. </div>
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<img alt="lying dormant - being little - pink winter outfit lyzi unwin pink cord skirt and other stories jumper handmade ring vintage gallery wall" height="853" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7823/46909062791_4b134d50f4_b.jpg" title="lying dormant - being little - pink winter outfit" width="640" /><br />
<img alt="lying dormant - being little - pink winter outfit lyzi unwin pink cord skirt and other stories jumper handmade ring vintage gallery wall" height="853" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7869/31968053127_74f83e9b1a_b.jpg" title="lying dormant - being little - pink winter outfit" width="640" /><br />
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I'm wearing:<br />
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<a href="https://nighttimeholiday.com/" target="_blank">Night Time Holiday earrings</a><br />
<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/YPcV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">And Other Stories jumper</a><br />
<a href="http://rhubarbjumble.dreamhosters.com/" target="_blank">Vintage skirt from Rhubarb Jumble</a> (<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/YPej" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">very similar and in the sale</a>!)<br />
AND OTHER STORIES DISC RING<br />
<a href="http://www.beinglittle.co.uk/2018/09/the-workbench-ring-making-workshop.html" target="_blank">Ring handmade by me</a><br />
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<img alt="lying dormant - being little - pink winter outfit lyzi unwin pink cord skirt and other stories jumper handmade ring vintage gallery wall" height="848" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4865/33033824198_c52aa71e87_b.jpg" title="lying dormant - being little - pink winter outfit" width="640" /><br />
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I've had so many days spent with a foggy brain - can't think straight, eyes won't open. Head on his shoulder feeling the warmth of the sun on my face, waiting to wake up. </div>
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Today I feel awake, and I'm looking forward. </div>
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Hurry up spring, hurry up spring, hurry up springtime adventures. </div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-25616655878775372272019-01-23T20:15:00.000+00:002019-01-28T20:27:21.326+00:00grief.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="granny and grandad's house, black and white photograph, kitchen dining table" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4911/43862509540_74129ec636_z.jpg" title="grief - being little." /></div>
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I think a lot about grief.</div>
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I wasn't sure whether to publish this post, but a few people have encouraged me to, and agree that it's good to be open about grief and death. I find it hard to talk about in person, unless I'm in the right mood/environment, but writing things down always helps.</div>
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It's always been something that seems to stick with me - a little shadow in the back of my mind that pops up every now and then, to remind me: "everybody dies". That voice gets louder whenever it happens to someone close to me, as well as around anniversaries.</div>
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The loss of my aunt Lyzie to cancer is the first I really remember, although barely. I still wear her jumper and still bear her name. My favourite man in the world - my grandad - died when I was 15, and truly, I don't think I've ever really dealt with that. His wonderful wife, my wonderful Granny, died nearly 5 years ago.</div>
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<img alt="torcross start bay stormy ocean" height="490" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1978/45629976342_cc068a0793_o.jpg" title="grief - being little." width="640" /><br />
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Towards the end of last year, the little voice started creeping back in. It was two years since I <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BM18HX2jTH5/" target="_blank">saw Geoff for the final time</a>. That was an important day for me - both because I got to see him and his home, and really take it all in, and because I did something that I would normally try to avoid - I said goodbye.</div>
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Just over a year later, I went to say goodbye to my grandmother, Jean, my one remaining grandparent. My friend drove me home from Bristol, through the dark, through the rain.</div>
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<a href="http://www.beinglittle.co.uk/2018/01/if-2018-new-year-turned-shit.html" target="_blank">Her death last January</a> hit me a lot harder than I thought it would, and crying into cups of tea in cafes with my mum became a familiar pastime again. I was so tired of saying goodbye.</div>
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At her wake, we saw dolphins swimming out to sea.</div>
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Seeing someone you love and knowing that they are dying, and that this is the last time you will see them - that is the worst heartbreak I've ever felt. That black abyss of emptiness when they're gone is hard to bear - I can understand why people would want to believe in an afterlife, and I wish I could make myself believe in one.<br />
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Once the funeral is over, belongings are cleared away and property sold, where does it leave you?<br />
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Most days I'm completely fine - I don't think about it. Some days it feels like I'm dragging the weight of each person behind me, and it's hard to get anything done. I'm sure nobody deals particularly well with grief, but it's the source of a lot of my anxieties - though I have worked hard to try and overcome them. The thought of losing the people close to me used to cripple me. I would try to prepare myself for it, expecting it to come, but that doesn't help at all.</div>
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Sometimes I believe that I'd be letting them down if I got over it - they deserve to be remembered and mourned forever. But does anyone really get over it? I know it's possible to move on and get on with life, because I have, but does it ever really go away?</div>
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And so,<a href="http://www.beinglittle.co.uk/2018/05/in-my-skin-gossard-uklingerie.html" target="_blank"> I honour them by inking my skin</a>.<br />
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<img alt="kingswear dartmouth river dart devon black and white photograph mist" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4804/44766273225_c39816c01b_o.jpg" title="grief - being little." /><br />
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"It seems to me, that if we love, we grieve. That's the deal. That's the pact. Grief and love are forever intertwined. Grief is the terrible reminder of the depths of our love and, like love, grief is non-negotiable. There is a vastness to grief that overwhelms our minuscule selves. We are tiny, trembling clusters of atoms subsumed within grief's awesome presence. It occupies the core of our being and extends through our fingers to the limits of the universe. Within that whirling gyre all manner of madnesses exist; ghosts and spirits and dream visitations, and everything else that we, in our anguish, will into existence. These are precious gifts that are as valid and as real as we need them to be. They are the spirit guides that lead us out of the darkness."</div>
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Nick Cave.</div>
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<img alt="south hams devon blackpool sands unusual rock photograph black and white" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4807/31911996307_0d2951b162_z.jpg" title="grief - being little." /><br />
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The night before last, I dreamt that my mum and I drove past Jean, looking so beautiful, just walking down the street. I was screaming at my mum to turn around so that I could see her again, and crying and crying and crying. I woke up feeling so sad and drained.</div>
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I shared that on my Instagram story, and had a few lovely responses. Some were just sending their love, and some were talking more deeply about grief, as well as their own experiences. Though no two situations are the same, so many of us are quietly dealing with loss - we need never feel alone in it.</div>
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Maybe I should share more when I'm feeling that way.. it's a fine line between being honest, and bumming everybody out. There is no right or wrong timeline for how it plays out, and knowing other people feel a similar way can be really helpful.</div>
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Grief is not just for a dead loved one. It comes in all shapes and sizes, for all reasons - you can grieve a childhood home, a memory, a broken relationship. We are all affected in some way, and we can all relate. Those emotions are what makes us human, and what binds us together, even after death.</div>
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Photos from the area I grew up in - my grandparents' house, Torcross beach on a stormy day, Blackpool Sands, and the mouth of the River Dart.</div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-1287458680192668412018-12-18T09:30:00.000+00:002019-01-04T08:14:43.981+00:00pass the love on.<img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4856/45445173805_7a00d7d272_z.jpg" /><br />
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<small>• this is a sponsored post, but all opinions & photos are mine! •</small></div>
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'tis the season to spread love and kindness! </div>
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How do you let your loved ones know that you care? Are you a big gesture kind of person, or a day to day little things lover? </div>
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I try to make my friends and family feel loved, but it is easy to let it slide when you see those people all the time. As part of <a href="https://www.thorntons.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thorntons</a>' Pass The Love On campaign, they've asked me to show you how I make my loved ones feel valued. </div>
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It can be as simple as being honest about what you love about them and how much. So often we don't tell people how we feel. Positive affirmations, encouragement, and affection are the best way to express how much you care, so why don't we all try to do that more often?<br />
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A FEW SIMPLE WAYS TO SHOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE:</div>
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• send a heartfelt letter</div>
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• offer to help, especially if it's something they find difficult</div>
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• take them on a little date or day out</div>
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• pop round for a chat</div>
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• cook them dinner</div>
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• do helpful things without them having to ask</div>
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• call them </div>
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• bring them a cup of tea</div>
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Little gifts are a nice way to remind people they are loved, too. Sometimes I see things and think "X would like that!" so I buy it. Sometimes I'll give it to them for no occasion, sometimes I'll squirrel it away for Christmas or a birthday. </div>
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Edible gifts are always welcome, in my opinion. I left a box of chocolates for my housemates before heading down to Devon with another one to give to my mum! A selection of lovely chocolates is a sure fire way to let someone know you love them.</div>
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<a href="https://www.thorntons.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thorntons</a> recently gave 3 people the chance to be reunited with loved ones who cannot be with them this Christmas. The competition is now closed, but there will be some tear jerking videos out soon showing how those reunions went.</div>
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A donation of sales of all products in the Thorntons Continental selection will go directly to SSAFA, who support servicemen & women, veterans and their families.</div>
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<big>How are you passing the love on this Christmas, and throughout the year?</big></div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-78093684718328267012018-12-16T13:53:00.000+00:002018-12-17T19:31:57.534+00:00tote bag essentials. <img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4905/31398939897_54214fff04_z.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/WYrt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coffee cup</a> | <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/WYtq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Notebook</a> | <a href="https://www.papersmiths.co.uk/products/artline200pen" target="_blank">Pen</a> | <a href="https://driftrecords.com/search?type=product&q=bag" target="_blank">Tote Bag</a> | <a href="https://www.sudio.com/gb/earphones/tio-pink" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Earphones</a> | <a href="http://www.melissabroder.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">So sad today</a> | <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/WYtH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She must be mad</a></div>
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What do you carry around on a daily basis? </div>
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My essentials seem to change over time, other than the usual wallet and keys. In the past year I've fallen fully back in love with reading, writing, and music. I often find that when I'm stressed and anxious, these things fall by the wayside, and little pleasures become secondary to just trying to keep on top of basic daily tasks. </div>
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Reading is a real treat, one that I truly appreciate after years of not being able to concentrate on it. Just this morning I finished So Sad Today, and will be dipping into <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/WYtH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She Must Be Mad</a> by this evening, I'm sure. </div>
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Alongside reading often comes writing, for me. I get so inspired. Instead of annotating my books like I used to, I make sure to carry around a notebook & pen/pencil at all times. I have so many now, littered with half-thoughts and prose. I'm not sure whether anything will ever happen with the things I write down, but it's good to get it out of my head. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/WYtq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This one</a> is good as well, because the pages are blank, so I can draw in it if the feeling takes me. </div>
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I finally got myself a reusable coffee cup a couple of months ago. <a href="https://shopstyle.it/l/WYrt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This Stojo one</a> is brilliant, because it's collapsible! </div>
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Finally, some new earphones, kindly gifted from <a href="https://www.sudio.com/gb/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sudio</a>. I've been thinking about going wireless for a while, as I thought they'd be much better for the gym, and lo and behold, they are. I can cycle and lift weights without getting tangled up. They're also perfect for stomping into town, without having to thread them through all my winter layers, and they're so light I forget they're there.</div>
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And, just look at them - the perfect colour. Studio quality sound. And they don't get tangled! </div>
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<a href="https://www.sudio.com/gb/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sudio</a> are currently offering a free gift box with every purchase & free delivery, so if you want to get a last minute Christmas gift, go go go!</div>
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You can also get 15% off with my discount code: beinglittle </div>
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<span style="color: #ff0099;"> • follow on: <a href="https://twitter.com/beinglittle" target="_blank">twitter</a> • <a href="https://www.facebook.com/beinglittleblog" target="_blank">facebook</a> • <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/4754785" target="_blank">bloglovin'</a></span></div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509383369204872316.post-42408832283879732902018-12-04T15:13:00.005+00:002018-12-16T13:22:50.156+00:00finding calm at christmas. <img alt="Finding Calm At Christmas - being little blog lyzi unwin cowshed soy candle lionheart magazine deal with christmas stress overwhelm introvert at christmas" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4803/31236542687_a472715f66_z.jpg" title="Finding Calm At Christmas - being little." /><br />
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<small>• this is a sponsored post, however all words & views are my own •</small></div>
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It's the most wonderful time of the year - when your diary starts filling up at an alarming rate, you're panicking about seeing everyone, and trying to fit in present buying, wrapping, and generally being the best, most organised, and kindest person you can be. </div>
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But are you remembering to be kind to yourself?</div>
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I love the run up to Christmas, the buzz, and being sociable, but it doesn't take long for me to get burnt out and need some time alone. I start to crave being at home with some quiet music playing, a couple of <a href="https://www.cowshed.com/uk/home/candles" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">soy candles</a> burning, and a pen and paper.</div>
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<img alt="Finding Calm At Christmas - being little blog lyzi unwin cowshed soy candle lionheart magazine deal with christmas stress overwhelm introvert at christmas" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4890/31236543887_5e7f6d0ef4_z.jpg" title="Finding Calm At Christmas - being little." /><br />
<img alt="Finding Calm At Christmas - being little blog lyzi unwin cowshed soy candle lionheart magazine deal with christmas stress overwhelm introvert at christmas" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4856/45263346725_ce7f47c491_z.jpg" title="Finding Calm At Christmas - being little." /><br />
<img alt="Finding Calm At Christmas - being little blog lyzi unwin cowshed soy candle lionheart magazine deal with christmas stress overwhelm introvert at christmas" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4869/45451949384_2f2217ec5f_z.jpg" title="Finding Calm At Christmas - being little." /><br />
<img alt="Finding Calm At Christmas - being little blog lyzi unwin cowshed soy candle lionheart magazine deal with christmas stress overwhelm introvert at christmas" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4882/46175966731_26f197f469_z.jpg" title="Finding Calm At Christmas - being little." /><br />
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Cowshed Winter Candle *</div>
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Of course, it's the season of giving, but that doesn't mean you should forget yourself and what you need! We put so much pressure on ourselves to give amazing gifts, throw the perfect party and be constantly jolly this time of year, and so many of us end up really stressed out and unable to enjoy it. </div>
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If it's possible, schedule in a little time to relax by yourself. Quiet time is incredibly important to quell the overwhelm, especially if you're a bit of an introvert like me - I'm already eyeing up a few hours here and there over the coming weeks that I'm hoping to keep for myself, not saying yes to every single invitation, and keeping a couple of evenings free. </div>
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My favourite way to spend an evening alone always involves candles, one of <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5UOct0dz1bRg8ZIRizKOYm" target="_blank">my favourite playlists</a>, and something other than my screen to occupy me - whether that be reading, writing, or drawing - though I always find it very difficult not to succumb to the lure of my phone! </div>
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I've been finding it really helpful to sit and write down how I'm feeling whenever I start noticing that overwhelm bubbling up. I just write and write every tiny thing that is on my mind, and I feel so much better to have it out of my head and slightly more in order. It's an exercise I come back to every now and then, when everything feels like it's speeding up. </div>
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To stop the stressful feelings, I also try to break to do lists down into manageable tasks, and focus on the good, calm things I'm looking forward to - sitting by the log fire at my mum's with a drink, baking gingerbread, taking time to write heartfelt cards. All of these conjure up relaxing images in my head, and help me to really look forward to the season.</div>
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<big>How do you find calm during this time of year? </big></div>
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lyzihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702565346806385157noreply@blogger.com4