Faded Spring

    How To Become Self Employed In The UK

    With 15.1 % of the UK labour market registering as self-employed in 2017 (according to the Office For National Statistics) in comparison to 12.10 % in 2001, a record 4.8 million men and women are learning how to become self employed, citing 'economic disparity' or uncertainty as a trigger for employment change. Surprisingly in 2017 the OFNS found that unemployment rates had fallen to just 4.3%, with the rise of self-employment counteracting the downturn of 'employee jobs' as more civilians seek 'alternative ways' to make an income in an economic climate fraught with instability. While many of us, including myself sought ways on how to become self employed as we were already 'dabbling in it ... read more

    5 Unique Things To Do In Iceland For First Timers

    You crawl back into time, as you become at one with the Vikings, who race through the iced glazed mountains and charge into the geothermal springs of the Blue Lagoon. The steam rises and envelops the Vikings as they fall into eternal slumber, their Icelandic home shape shifting before their own eyes. What was once a Vikings domain was captured by the 'Hidden Folk' who lurk underground, where the trolls and faeries discuss politics and the elves bring magic to Iceland for first timers. In Hellisgerdi Park the Hidden Folk have a royal family, the Queen And King and their royal children, made up of elves, trolls and other mythological beings. At times they stay true to name, hidden from its ... read more

    40 Vegan And Vegetarian Friendly Brands To Try In 2018

    In 2018, Veganism has become the most 'Googled Trend', with more people becoming vegans as opposed to vegetarians, quoting a need for a 'healthier lifestyle', a 'love of animals' or 'environmental concerns as a cause that prompted them to give up meat entirely. Whilst others have a 'flexatarian' approach to 'eating a vegan or vegetarian diet' there are others who are full time pescatarians, vegetarians and vegans. However despite being a vegetarian and cruelty free blogger myself, I have no concerns with others who choose to eat meat, because at the end of the day we are all entitled to freedom of choice and who am I to judge that? What we have to bear in mind is while many people would love ... read more

    How To Have A Stress Free Weekend

    As someone who has severe Depression, Anxiety and PTSD among other health issues, the idea of a stress free weekend, is like 'manna to my mind'. I visualize dipping my toes into tranquil waters, with the coral brushing gently against my weary feet. I envision me letting go of all negativity through a series of single balloons, that I let go one by one, as I feel the demons leave my body and mind. And most of all I crave a comfortable silence, where my mind isn't chattering nine to the dozen when I try and sleep and instead I lay dreamless, refreshed and vibrant the next morning. Because I was diagnosed so late in life, my struggle with depression and other mental health issues has been a ... read more

    Celebrating The Start Of Spring With Brand Attic

    Despite the blurry haze of snow that swirls around my road, like a flurry of demons, the start of spring has nevertheless broken. The daffodils peek through the glazed iced pavements, hesitantly at first, the smell of freshly cut grass coated in a thick layer of snow. The air is clean, despite the cars that zoom through the capital and the fashionistas walk hand in hand, mini skirts on show, unaware that the air is still chilled like its wintry predecessor, hailed as the 'Winter Queen'. But The Winter Queen must depart into the shadows once more as the cheerful Spring Princess gallivants through the snow and ice, warming the snow into a huge bowl of mushy slush. Suddenly the sun has come to ... read more

    10 Honeymoon Destinations You Should Book In 2018

    In a world where money ceases to exist, the idea of travelling the world, without a care in a world has never been more tantalizing. Imagine winning the lottery, they call out your number, the lucky number three, tears stream down your face, you're weeping with joy. The faint buzz of the songbirds outside as they frolic around the trees, becomes the soundtrack to your winning streak, and as you wonder what you will spend your winnings on, like a lightbulb moment it comes to you. You watch the songbird caress each others feathers gently, as they circle each other in a passionate embrace. It reminds you of the day that you got married, as you stared into your partners eyes, as you were bound ... read more

    Craving Hearty Italian Cuisine At Carluccios Spitalfields

    It was exactly what mama ordered; an evening dedicated to good food, drink and excellent company.The drinks were poured with gusto and aplomb, while the buzz of the nearby customers, who spoke in animated tones, added a liveliness to Carluccios Spitafield, from the moment that we had walked in. The air was bitter outside, but despite the weather our hearts were warmed by delicious food, that wafted under our noses like an aphrodisiac drug. The restaurant smelled like fresh baked bread and while the decor was simple, it was authentically Italian. Rustic wooden beams juxtaposed with modern booths and tables, that looked out onto Spitafields market, as we people watched from the comfort of our ... read more

    7 Cruelty Free Budget Makeup Brands

    I have been a vegetarian for quite some time, but my cruelty free journey began 11 months ago, when I watched documentaries that shed light on animal testing in the make up industry and I was horrified. I thought that being a vegetarian made me automatically cruelty free, but I had no idea how the suede and leather I was wearing impacted animals and immediately I threw out all animal materials that I had in my wardrobe, giving them to friends and family who were not opposed to animal products. I never wore fur, as I saw it as 'cruel' but when I realized how cruel wearing animal products like leather and suede were, I ensured that I would never buy an animal product again. I must have thrown ... read more

    What Not To Say To Someone Struggling With Depression

    Having been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and PTSD two years ago, I have heard the most laughable reactions to my mental health issues, that have either tried to 'trivialize and downplay' my mental health struggles or make me seem like I was just 'acting depressed' to get attention. But here's the 'real T'; because people's reactions to me getting upset over the years or feeling numb was to 'tell me to get over it' or to 'stop being a drama queen', it wasn't until I was 22 that I even had the strength or 'desire' to seek help for the mental health struggles and crack the code as to why-as others put it- I was so God Damn emotional all the time. So not only did friends and families ... read more

    Celebrating The Power Of True Friendship With Park Plaza

    The night was young but Park Plaza awaited us, reaching out its warm welcoming hand in the distance, just a stones throw away. The air was chilled but a rampant energy coursed through our veins, as we arrived as one, armed with suitcases to make the most of our stay in Lambeth North, Waterloo. The wind whipped our hair into a clouded ball of mess, but like children we ran into the night, scraping the pavement with the heavy clonk of our stiletto heels. I was dressed in a fifties ballgown, emblazoned with flowers that danced with delight and wonder, while my hair was tucked into a flower crown, in an attempt to withhold the tempestuous winds of change. L was more casual than I, a beautiful ... read more