Faded Spring

    5 City Breaks You Should Go On This Summer

    It goes without saying that life has taken its toll recently and I am in serious need of a break. I am stressed out to the max and am so overwhelmed with all the issues that I am dealing with at the moment that my mental state of mind is not in a good place right now. I can't sleep, have panic attacks most days and despite the positive happy go lucky attitude that you see me have, I am very much struggling to remain positive right now and all for good reasons too. Now is not the time and place to go into detail, but I have been very candid with my mental health struggles, which is why now more than ever a holiday is just what I need. I want to be able to escape my home and not have to worry ... read more

    How To Make Online Shopping Easier

    I was having this conversation with my friend who was visiting from India, who told me that she hated shopping in public with a passion and always preferred online shopping, from the comfort of her own home. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that she was right, being able to browse through clothing, accessories, interiors and food from your own house, makes much more sense than scrambling through the crowds, fighting for that top you saw on Instagram, only to find out that they sold out 10 minutes ago, not cool. And don't get me started on the struggles of shopping on boxing day, as you push and shove other customers out of the way to grab that £1 handbag that was ... read more

    Delicious Authentic Greek Food At Hungry Donkey

    Night has fallen and we wade through the darkness, in search of authentic Greek food that will tame our hunger, in one swift bite. We pass the colourful murals vying for our attention, blues and pinks dancing together in perfect harmony, until we reach a quiet road in Aldgate. A light flickers our way, like a torch in the darkness and as the street lamps flicker on and off, suddenly the manna that we had been after stands before our very own eyes. It's small, but nevertheless overflowing with customers, whose radiance gleams through their harmonious laughter. At first we are seated at a table, with barely any space to photograph food, or to even feel comfortable, but the manager kindly ... read more

    Modern Indian Cuisine At Salaam Namaste

    The air was chilled but the night was still young and despite our frozen fingertips, we raced from Chancery Lane to Bloomsbury, in search of modern Indian cuisine at Salaam Namaste. The two friends found it at last, tucked away in a small, quiet street away from the hustle and bustle of Central London, the fragrant aromas of spiced curries and naan breads wafting tantalizingly under our very own noses. We were welcomed by jovial staff, who shook our hands and smiled upon us with genuine joy. There smiles were infectious and we found ourselves smiling too, as we devoured the menu in one cursory glance. Presented with a bottle of house red, we toasted a glass, to old friendships and new ... read more

    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