Faded Spring

    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

    Escaping The Big City Of London With Drivy UK

    Despite the snow that swirls menacingly around my window sill and the bitter frost that glazes my windows, I crave an escape. The world would stand still and I would walk into another dimension, where time and space would draw to a halt, where time would stand still. In the dead of night, a mystery itinerary would be drawn up, escaping the big city, one click at a time. No one would be none the wiser, but us two, who would leave behind our grown up responsibilities and plunge into a magical irreality, where the concept of 'adulting' would be left behind in the past. We would see stretches of golden sand, juxtaposed by crystal blue waters, where children would gasp with delight on nearby ... read more

    Countryside Art:The Quest For Beautiful Printed Giftware

    It is no secret that I am somewhat of 'quirky character'; from my incessant need to colour-ordinate every outfit to the unique trinkets that I pick up on my travels, there is something so deliciously creative about quirky gifts. When I was younger (and had more disposable income) I had a reputation of being someone who would buy gifts that 'weren't mainstream' and was suited to the person I was buying gifts for. For example I would create personalized canvases and mugs, with photo collages to represent all the memories that we had shared together, and I was so delighted with one gift from a friend that followed the same vein of thought. It was a beautiful photobook, chronicling all the ... read more

    5 Top Tips On Creating An Energy Efficient Home

    For many of us who are battling the snow, the urge to turn up our thermostats or leave on our radiators for longer periods of time can be an easy solution to follow, unaware that our use of energy has a dramatic impact on both our energy bills and of course the environment. It is little wonder why 'Blue Planet' became 2017's most watched programme, drawing attention to how our use of plastic was affecting the oceans and the fishes and mammals habitat. And while it is great that more people are paying attention to their 'plastic consumption' we should also take into account how our use of energy sources like 'heated showers' or radiators are also having an impact on the environment. In fact ... read more