Pampas and Pearls

"Y.A.N.A."- Doctor Who Christmas is often a time when people feel the most anxious when it comes to money and happiness. You often feel the need to present yourself as happy when inside you might not be. It is considered to be a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for many people, it can also be a time of stress, anxiety, and worries. You are not alone and other people feel these things to  So here are five common anxieties that many people experience around Christmas: Financial concerns: The festive season can be an expensive time of year, with many people feeling the pressure to buy gifts, decorate their homes, and prepare elaborate meals. This can lead to worries about overspending, debt, and financial insecurity, especially in the current climate that we live in. Family conflicts: While Christmas is often portrayed as a time for families to come together, the reality is that family dynamics can be complex and fraught with tension. People may worry about

"Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together." - Woodrow Wilson I’m the type of person that’s mainly been part of smaller circles. Throughout my life my friendships have always been intentional.  Of course I’ve had my share of bad friends too but there have also been friends that really stuck around. I’ve always believed that within every friendship there is always something to learn from and gain. It’s a bit of a romanticised perspective but I find it kind of beautiful. Connection is so vital in life, it helps your energy to flow and to feel other energies all around. When I connect with my friends, I feel so much happier. It finally feels like things align well in my life. It’s always much needed. Your friends have the power to make your life complete. Connecting with friends can often cure you from burn out or feelings of loneliness. When I’m with my friends I often have to pause and just look at them for a second, I do this because I’m in awe of t

"Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart"- The Polar Express Christmas is a time full of various traditions and often traditions are different for each person and each family. For me Christmas traditions have a purpose, I don't just do them because its festive and it's Christmas, although there are a few that just are because it is Christmas.  These meaningful traditions often relate to late family members or good memories.  My first Christmas tradition is baking on the 23rd December. This is usually when I bake the Christmas cake and anything else I plan to bake for Christmas. This happens to be the date my step-grandad passed away, so it have become an annual tradition. This year I plan on making biscuit trees and a chocolate fruit cake so be on the look out for them over on our Instagram account. The second Christmas tradition I have been doing for the last few years is baking a Chocolate fruit cake (of which I will be sharing in December) I

“I’m going to make everything around me beautiful - that will be my life.”   - Elsie de Wolfe I’m in my late 20s and I’m still so confused about what my purpose is.  As I’ve been reflecting on my life and my choices, I’ve been thinking that there’s no way I’m in this alone. Speaking to my friends about it, turns out no one in their 20s knows what they’re meant to be doing. Heck, there’s people in their 30s that are still going with the flow. We’re all a little lost and it’s okay. It’s okay to not be certain of which direction you want your life to go. It’s okay to not know what you are supposed to be doing and it’s okay to not know what to do. There might be a chance that you’ll never know what to do in life, but one thing that is certain is everyone around us is in a similar position. The best thing we can do is be patient with one another. It might be worth noting that even though you feel lost in life, the people you do life with are important as they can either make or break you. I

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”– Lucille Ball So, Christmas is vastly approaching, it's blooming cold outside and the snow is (hopefully) on its way. The festive lights are here there and everywhere and it is safe to say I love it!  Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year as it is often a time, from my perspective, that brings people together. I adore the festive feelings and drinking all the hot chocolate and spending time with friends and family, and just the whole lot. For me Christmas is my self-care, and here are three things that I do that I count as self-care: Going for a walk around a Christmas Market . Now being a Birmingham girlie we all know the Frankfurt Market is the place to go, and especially at night when the festive lights are on and there singing is the loudest. You cannot beat it.  Snuggling up on the sofa with a blanket and hot chocolate . Now this one does

"Sweater Weather. Better Weather." - Unknown Now that it’s starting to get cold. It’s officially time to bring out the high necks and scarves. I’m a summer girly so I love being able to leave the house without a jacket. However, don’t you think there is something so aesthetically pleasing about a coat and a scarf paired together, with matching boots.  I’m sorry if you’re not into fashion. But as someone that grew up on Barbie, Bratz and MyScene. I have a passion for fashion. This passion has never left and will never leave. Here are some cold weather essentials: Sweaters: there are so many different styles of sweaters you could own. From Cardigans to High necks. All of these would be help keep you warm but looking and even feeling stylish. It’s a bit like the Gilmore Girls aesthetic. For a minimal wardrobe you can make do with about 5 different styles of sweaters. Scarves: 4 scarves is all you need. 1 black, 1 grey, 1 white and 1 brown. These are colours that complement many

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them." - For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon Remembrance Sunday in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth is the day we remember the soldiers who lost their lives serving the country they loved in numerous battles and wars including World War I, World War II and many other fights for freedom. Throughout the month of November the Royal British Legion sells poppies for the poppy appeal. You can find people, often volunteers, selling poppies on most highstreets, supermarkets and even in schools and churches.   Why Poppies? The Poppy has a strong connection to World War I, in particular Armistice Day, as they were a commonly seen along the Western Front growing on battle fields. Traditionally the Poppy is worn over the heart with the leaf pointing to 11 o'clock on the clockface. It is a personal choice to wea

"There comes a time when people get tired of being pushed out of the glittering sunlight of life's July and left standing amid the piercing chill of an alpine November. ”    -Martin Luther King, Jr. I think November is such an awkward month. It’s in between Halloween and Christmas, and I don’t quite know what to do with that information. I’m glad two of my best friends are born in November so I get to do some present shopping and celebrate their lives. But other than that, it feels like we’re so close yet so far from the new year, a new beginning. Lately I’ve been hearing some negatives about November. Like, why you shouldn’t be pregnant in November or that it has the same pointless energy as Thursday. And I’m thinking, why is everyone being so harsh on November?  If we look at November in a more positive view, November can be a good time to look back on the past year and reflect on all that you’ve done or not done. It’s the perfect time to start planning the year ahead and ma

“The most important thing in life is to stop saying ‘I wish’ and start saying ‘I will.’ Consider nothing impossible, then treat possibilities as probabilities.” — Charles Dickens A seasonal detox can provide numerous benefits for your physical and mental well-being. While it should definitely be mentioned I am NO medical expert I just go off of things I have researched and know about my own body. Here are some advantages of a seasonal detox: Boosts Immune System: The colder weather can make us more susceptible to illness. A seasonal detox can help to strengthen our immune system and fight off any unwanted bacteria or viruses. I especially stock up on orange juice and ginger biscuits.  Increases Energy: A detox can help to eliminate toxins and improve digestion, leading to increased energy levels. This can be especially helpful during the winter months when it's common to feel sluggish and get numerous coughs and colds. Improves Skin Health: A detox can help to clear up acne and ot