HOW TO MOTIVATE YOURSELF AFTER A LONG BREAK

First things first, HAPPY NEW YEAR GUYS! This is my much delayed first post of the year, whoop whoop (finally got there). I took a little break from blogging over the Christmas period and was working loads of overtime, which took over my life. Things are back to normal, well as normal as they can be. I am back at it again with the blogging, with some regularity in posting ( I am gonna try).

Do you find that after taking a break,  it's hard to get back into the groove of things? I found it really hard to just think of what I wanted to post as my first of the year. A kinda put a little pressure on myself because I wanted it to be good, like with the all the content that I try to put on here. I knew I didn't want to do a '' new year, new me'' post or ''my new year's resolutions'' post ( I bet you have read far too many of those in the last couple of days) and also you pretty much know how I feel about new year's resolution after my last post (check that out here, if you haven't).

I am so waffling, guys this is kinda hard. I find the best thing to do when you are feeling this is not to force it. Take a little step back, not too much because you don't want to distance yourself so much that you don't ever come back. Just ease yourself into it, baby steps you know. Write a list of things that help you get there, so for me, I write down a list of posts that I could do and what I thought would be useful for you. Then, started writing a little at a time, I am not a writer and I find it so hard to sit and write. I have to be ''in the mood'' to write and I am always suffering from writer's block, always!

Next, find that inspiration and motivation to create content. It's hard when everyone is doing similar things but go on Tumblr, Pinterest and read your favourite sites and blogs. Or sometimes, completely not looking blogs, and what other bloggers are doing helps me a lot. I find that I am inspired at the most random of times, in the shower or while I am brushing my teeth (this happens quite a lot). This year, I really want to focus on creating the best content ever (well to my ability, I want to be proud of everything put out there, no room mediocracy).

I have completely forgotten what I was gonna say next but I know it was something good. .........10 minutes later, I am the type of person that is in their head quite a bit. I am always over analysing and thinking and thinking and thinking. It's so exhausting and I just wish there was a stop button because I would have used it already. I think, when you are trying to be creative it doesn't help when you are trying to control and plan every aspect of the situation. Sometimes, it's nice to just go with the flow you know? Life is unexpected and things often can turn out for the better, when you just loosen that grip and go with it.

Hope you guys had an amazing holiday break and smooth transition back into work and regular life. Happy New Year,  2018 is what you make of it, so make it a good one.

Zeynab x

3 AMAZING BLOGS YOU SHOULD BE READING

It's hard to say the exact reason as to why I started blogging, to be honest it's a whole number of different reasons. One thing, I do know that is that I was very much inspired blogs (duh). Youtube, has definitely taken over the world but it's got nothing on blogs. I always find myself going back and back to reading blogs.

For me, my blog is somewhere I can make externalise my thoughts, creative and feelings. It helps me to make sense of my saturated mind but not only that it's my own platform. It feel refreshing to have full control, of all the aspects and how I choose to present myself on this little space. I wanted to share some of the blogs that have been fully engrossed my attention and left me wanting to up my blogging game.

Shot From the Street : Not only is Lizzy, doing her own thing and may I add very well, she makes everything look good (her sense of style I could write a whole post dedicated to her style, it's goals - and yes I have just said goals). She is creating incredible content, I love how I can just go to her blog and go through the photos and be inspired because the visuals are so good that they tell their own story. You know what, it almost feels like going through someone's personal photo album, there something magical and personal about it. I am obsessed with her aesthetic!!! It's really nice because it's so easy to fall into a trap when you're blogging to produce ''typical'' content that will get the clicks and likes and she stepping far far away from that it's a fresh breath of air.

In my Sunday Best : I very recently came across Sade's blog, and boy have I been missing out on a lot. She has this way of writing that makes her content feel so important, that you just have to stop and read it. But it's delivered in lighthearted way so that it's easy to take in. I have lost many hours, catching up with all her old posts. A hidden gem. 

Alice Catherine : Another more recent discovery, is Alice Catherine. I first came across Alice on Instagram and I very quickly fell in love with her natural very real in that girl next door way. She seems so normal and relatable. I adore her blog, her writing comes across as very natural and friendly. It's almost as if I having a chat with a old friend. What I love the most about blogging is the realness and rawness - I feel like a lot blogs have become so edited and Alice is bringing a bit of that old school blogging back, and I am here for that. If you haven't checked her blog out, I recommend you don't waste anymore time. 

I have some many favourite blogs, but honestly I can't think of them at this minute. Don't you hate it  when this happens, when you can't remember the things you like, completely disappears from your mind. What is your favourite colour? Errrrrrrr Errrr...  I don't know 

Let me know what your current favourite blogs are and I will definitely giving them a visit.

Zeynab x

8 LIFE LESSONS TO TAKE INTO 2018

It was my birthday yesterday, I planned to put up this post yesterday but I was too busy partying (just joking). I thought it would be really nice to share some of the life lessons I have learnt this year. While writing this post, I got side tracked by the very important and breaking news that PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE ARE ENGAGED!!!!!!!!! This is amazing, how do I get my very own prince charming?

Back to business, I turned 28 on the 26th November. I thought I would be really sad about turning older but 28 isn't old at all and I hate the pressure society puts on us to have all our shit together by the time we are 30. To be honest, turning older is a privilege that not a lot of people have.

This year has been quite a whirlwind, it's just gone by so fast. Before I go on and on, just best that I get into the lessons:

1. Life is unexpected, always expect the unexpected:
At the end of 2016, I had very big plans and nothing has gone the way I was expecting it to. I was in a job that I was happy in, I thought that I would progress in that company. If I am being honest, it was my safe job. I felt super comfortable and then I got fired! It was the worse news (at the time it felt like it), it came out of nowhere (totally unexpected)! But to my surprise, I was really proactive and just brushed it under the carpet and went out of my way to prove to everyone that I was ok and had a handle on everything. I could give you all the deets but what I learned is that planning is great but don't beat yourself up if they don't go to plan essentially. Life has a way of working itself out, you just have to work for what you want. If you were wondering, I am definitely in a better position and onto doing bigger and better things and I am very very excited for the future!!!! I think that my post on rejection goes really well this lesson, check that out (of course after you have read this post, gonna leave the link here).

2. If you have an idea, go for it!
Life is too short and time just flies by! So if you have an idea or you want to start doing xyz, do it! Because tomorrow isn't guaranteed. I am taking my ideas and putting them into action and I haven't ever felt more passionate or excited about the future. It's hard to start off anything, but that is the hard part. Trust me, make that plan of action and do it. There will be hurdles and you will get over those hurdles because there is an abundance of resources and help at your command.

3. You have to be your biggest rock:
No one else has your back like you do. You will always be there for yourself. The hardest Lesson I learned this year was that you can't rely on anyone, that seems a little harsh but it's true. Everyone has there own thing going on and their own set of problems. You can be there for each other but,  at the end of the day you can always rely on yourself. My downfall was that I was relying on others far too much, and I would feel so disappointed and upset when they didn't live up to my expectations (this sounds so crazy, I know) and that is nothing do with them but more myself.

4. There is nothing wrong with a little self-promotion:
This point goes really well with the last point. You have to be your own champion. Something I learned early on in blogging, was that if you don't promote yourself, no one else is going to do it for you. There is so much noise online today, if you have 10 tweets linking back to your site only a very very small percentage of people will see that. Go for it, you have to get yourself out there to be noticed! Promote yourself and your craft whereever and do as often as you need to do it!

5. There is always gonna be someone that is better, prettier and younger than you: 
I am really dishing out the harsh truths today, I am sorry. It's true though, and when everyone's very glamorous and perfect lifestyle forced onto us in every corner, it's hard not to find yourself comparing yourself to them. It's hard, I am not going to sit here and lie to you guys, comparison is a right pain in the backside. You just have to try to be the best version of yourself, work harder and remember that it's good enough.

6. Manners don't cost a thing:
People always say that I am a nice person and that really used to offend me. I thought it was boring but you know what being nice is underrated. Some people are just horrible. Come on people, manners don't cost a thing I promise you. Also, being nice to others doesn't take anything away from you. Be nice, it's a good thing trust me!

7. Adult friendships are precise, don't neglect them:
People come and go, friends disappear. It's part of life, people drift and you outgrow each other. Making friends as an adult si nothing like the good old days. So prioritise the friends that you do have. You don't have to live in each other's pockets but make the time to see each other, reply to their messages. It's the small things, no one has time for big gestures. Good friends are hard to come by, so keep them close.

8. Life is too short to be stressing over society's ideals: 
I am that person that will try to please everyone. I have been known to put other's opinions and feels before mine. Not a good thing. I have been so busy living to fulfill society's, and everyone's else standards that I haven't forgotten about me. Start living for yourself (that is so cliche) and forget about everyone else. You set the standards and live life how you want to, remember it's your life!

I hope you all had a great weekend and lovely day on my birthday. Until next year, 26th November.

THE BEST WAY TO HANDLE REJECTION

Rejection is just part of life, it's ingrained deep with the core of all our very existence. For the last hour, I was just sat there imagining a life without rejection, could you imagine? If in a funny complex way, I can comprehend the role of rejection in life. You can be right for every job, person, even bank loan. It's when, you have worked your butt off and you really really want something that rejection can be a right B**** . And boy is it painful, it knocks right off your feet.

Life can be callous at times. But is a girl to do? The easy option, wallow in your sorrows and indulge in overly sweet sweet treats (I would suggest pistachio ice cream). Or you could be the better person and accept, acknowledge that it wasn't meant to be and move on with your life. Yes that is so much easier to type, than it's actually to put into practice. Again, I repeat life can be so shady (as I type this post, I am actually pressing down on my keyboard a tad bit too hard and it's quite alarming)

I have never been the type of person that deals with rejection well. Do those people actually exist, if you are one tell me your ways? I have always disliked the fact that I take everything so personally, it's ridiculous. I have to stop! What I have started to do is, tell myself ''hey it's not you' over and over. I am not going to lie, it actually sorts of working and after a little reassuring from me to me, I find myself just moving on and getting on with my life.

There is no particular reason why I am writing this post, maybe it's those end of year feels. I am getting older (my birthday is this week, whoop whoop), and the year has flown by and I want to have improved on myself. Also, achieved some of the goals I set out at the beginning of the year ( I am still typing very aggressively and it's probably annoying everyone working around but I don't care because I just have to get this out).

I approached 2018 ( I can't believe how fast the year has gone by, if only you had a penny for every time someone said that right) with an excitement for the future and desire for more for myself. With my first cardinal failure of the year, I was flooded with an overwhelmingness of the anxieties that come with rejection but also reminded of how dangerously unsatisfied with the status quo I had been. The future together with a little imagination is an exhilarating thing. Which has eclipsed my mind with the idea of an alternative future, so don't be sad that 2017 is coming to an end, be exciting for all the possibilities that 2018 will bring!

Zeynab X

THE BEST BLACK FRIDAY BEAUTY DEALS

Black Friday is definitely getting bigger and bigger! You can't deny that there is some big bucks to save on Black Friday, that is if you now where to look. Black Friday requires planning and lucky for you and me bloggers have put together the best Black Friday deals in one place. I thought that it would extremely usefully for you guys, if I followed suit.

I have put together the best beauty deals to be had this Black Friday, and also a couple of fashion deals that you can't afford to miss out on.

THE BODY SHOP:
The Body Shop are great for a smaller gifts, the awkward gifting situation, secret santa situation. They are offering 40% off , plus free delivery. I really need to stock up on my favourite Tea Tree Creamy Cleanser.

DEBENHAMS:
Debenhams have so much going on, it's definitely worth having a look on their site. There is 10% off all beauty products and discounts on all Urban Decay palettes!

CULT BEAUTY:
The best products in the beauty world in one place and with a discount, who can say no. Cult Beauty are offering money off depending on how much you spend.

LOOK FANTASTIC:
There is a massive 20% off thousands of products across all categories. 15% off your entire order with code UNLOCK

FEEL UNIQUE:

Feel Unique are offering 20% off fragrances. With new deals coming up as the week progresses, make sure you have them on your radar. 

MISGUIDED:

I know that Misguided will do something big for Black Friday, they never disappoint, it's definitely one to watch out for. 

HABITAT:

You can never go wrong with homeware, and Habitat are offering a massive 25% off everything.

NASTY GAL:

There is a massive 20% off everything and yes that includes sales items as well as free delivery whoop whoop!

NEW LOOK:

Good old New Look is offering 25% off all footwear and accessories right now. They have really nice boots in at the moment!

MONICA VINADER:
OMG 30% off, best belief that I am on there.

SUPERDRUG:
Have some really good deals on at the moment, like 50% off certain products.

BOOTS:
I love checking out their big special offer, better than half price on loads and loads of products.

NET A PORTER:
One of my favourite sales, I love having a good look! 

BOOHOO:
You know that Boohoo are gonna go all out, they have up to 50% off loads and loads of their items.

ANTHROPOLOGIE:
They have 20% off everything with code ITSYOURS

ASTRID & MIYU:
25% off everything on the site.

MANGO:
30% off everything with code BLACK17

MATCHES:
Up to 50% off, I have my eyes on some bags.

MISSOMA:25% off sidewide with code BF25, I need that horn necklace in my life. 

URBAN OUTFITTERS:Buy one get one half price site wide

SELFRIDGES:20% off using code SELFCCE

I will be constantly updating this post with more deals as I find them, so make sure you are coming back so you can save money this year! Let me know of any deals that I am haven't included as well.

Zeynab x

4 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO REALLY GET THINGS DONE

Jenna Peffley for MyDomaine

I am the queen of procrastinating and putting off things til the last minute, which isn't so great when you are self-employed and need to motivated 99% of the time. Keeping with blogging and everything else is difficult enough, to stay on top of everything I have had to really up my organisational skills. Now that I sort of actually stick to somewhat of a schedule, I can pass on what I have learnt to help me keep on top of things.

1. Lists:

I found that making lists for absolute everything, is just supernal helpful. It's much more efficient to have your tasks down on paper and where you can actually see them. I came across a really good post by Amber from Ember & March on why you should make lists. Also it's absolutely satisfying to tick off each tasks when you have completed them. 

2. Prioritise:

Having lists make it easy to prioritise and being the extra person I am I like to order my tasks in order of importance and when I have to get things done by. This way you can start of with the most important tasks and work your way down, I find this to really efficient and this way you won't ever fall behind (hopefully).

3. Distraction:

I am the sort of person that is easily distracted, by almost everything and anything, I once cleaned and reorganised the whole kitchen cabinets instead of starting on an essay. I literally have to lock myself in a room and with no distractions (even my phone, which is my number one distraction) to get things done or work at a library or coffee shop. Oddly enough I work better when I am around other people (strangers not friends), maybe I feel pressure to actually work in these situations. 

4. Single Tasking:

I am always trying to do a hundred things at once which doesn't always go so well because I get quite overwhelmed by it all and I end doing less. Over the last couple of months I have adopted the single tasking method, where I attempt to do one task at a time, which has been working so much better for me.Definitely the way forward, it make more senses if you think about it. 

5. Recognising when you are most efficient:

I am pretty useless came late afternoon anything after 4pm I can't be bothered to do anything that requires too much effort. I don't know why but I have become such a morning person, in the past I wouldn't really work during the mornings and just complete minor tasks and leave the more important stuff til the evenings. Which wasn't the best approach to tackle my to do list because since I have started doing more of the important stuff in the mornings, I have found that I am getting more done.  Find out when you work best and set a time to complete your tasks during that time.

Do you have any tips for keeping organised and getting work done ?

Zeynab x

HOW TO SURVIVE 30 DAYS WITHOUT A MOBILE PHONE

I  have probably made the intention to reduce the time I spend on my phone, way more times than I can count. Social media detox is something I have planned for and never quite succeed (but life isn't all about success right?) I have tried and failed time and time again. That was until I was put into a forced social media and phone ban. Yes forced, read on my friends.

My phone is permanently attached to me, even when I am sleeping my phone is close by.  I am never without my phone. My excuse is that I work in social media so it's my job to be on my phone, you know? So around June, my phone gave up on me. It just wouldn't turn on again, and long story short I was left without a phone and I let that roll on for well until mid-August time. 

Everyone has something to say about social media, whether it be good or bad. I couldn't tell you today, how I feel about mobile phones and social media. It's complicated. There are days where I think it's the best thing since sliced bread and there are days where I couldn't care less if it vanished completely. It's very much a messy situation.  Like all things, moderation is key. But, what happens when there is no self-control? We become completely engrossed with our phones. I dare you to look up from your phone and look around, almost everyone is staring down at this device invaded our lives. That is the one thing I was shocked by. When you don't have a phone, you look and noticed no matter where I was on streets, on the train or even at the park everyone was on their phone. I felt a sense of freedom. I wasn't tied down by the responsibility that comes with mobile phones.

Working in social media, I am on my phone quite a lot. My work can sometimes take over and I find myself consumed with things that I could be doing (I tell you what there aren't enough hours in the day). There is always something to be done, engaging with your following, updating your feeds and tweeting etc. There is so much pressure to be constantly present online. I almost feel guilty whenever I am not taking advantage, of all the time that I have. It can be both an advantage and disadvantage. Smart phones have made it easier to take our work with us, literally everywhere. For a workaholic, before you know it, you are replying to emails at 3 am. It's so easy to blur the lines between being online and offline. If you take a minute to think about, it's frightening how you could be easily living online all the time.

During this period, I was sleeping so much better. This was mainly because I wasn't on my phone until early hours of the morning, scrolling through Instagram and/or tweeting. I couldn't reach for my phone, first thing in the morning because I didn't have one. I actually got up and got on with my day. I can't tell you how much more productive I was. I was definitely on a roll.

This sounds so, I can't think of the word but I am sure you probably know. Being on my phone less meant I was present. I was actually engaging with my family and watching the telly properly. I couldn't tweet about the shows, I couldn't be liking or catching with comments while socialising with friends and family because I didn't have one.

You could say life with my phone was pretty darn good, yep! However, let me tell you it wasn't all good. I have definitely become too reliant on my phone. I mean, how am I supposed to go places without google map and how could I stalk my favourite people on Insta? Jokes aside, the worst thing was probably not having a phone when I was meeting up with people, that was no easy task. It took careful planning and a lot of waiting. Also, the fact that no one could phone me. Which, is a good thing but not when clients are trying to get in contact with you not so good.

There is a consistent and inexplicably draw to my phone. It's easy to slip back into my old habits but I am a mission to limit the time I spend on my phone - but I am not gonna be hard on myself. Social media is what you make of it. As long as it's a creative, positive and inspirational platform for me, I will continue to use it whether it be for work or personal use.

Let me know what you think of a social media and mobile phone detox.

Zeynab x

Check out: 5 Things you can do to up your Instagram game now

WHY IS NOTHING EVER EASY?

For while, I really believed that I might be cursed - I know it's absolutely crazy but that me for you. I can't remember a time when things have gone plain sailing for me, it's always been one struggle after another. I can hear you say, but life is hard and it's all about the struggle it makes it worth it at the end. Sometimes, I just want to things to go the way I want them to go without any hurdles, is that too much to ask? 

I am probably not cursed, and probably don't even have the worse luck in the world but it certainly feels like it. I feel like I have to work extra hard and that is just to keep up with everyone else. It doesn't help that we can constantly bombard with images of people's perfect lives all over social media. When you see someone your age or even younger doing so so well in life, it can be like where did I go wrong, why am I failing at life?

My mum always says I am in my head way too much. Ok, which I will admit this is very true, I will dissect everything little aspect of everything that's going on in my life -  it's so exhausting, why is there no stop button for thinking? She is always reminding me that things will happen when they are meant to happen, and everyone is on a different track. There is no point in comparing, where I am today to where someone else is at. So I have made a pledge to myself, to stop focusing on everyone else and what they are doing and just focus on me! It's easier said than done, but I am trying. All I can do is work hard on what I want and remember that I will reap the rewards when the time comes. 

I think the notion of only recognising the big major life milestones and celebrating those, plays hugely into this. Life is about the big and the little things, in fact, it's all the little that makes it. Waiting to celebrate and measure your success against milestones set up by society is a sure way to feel like a failure. We have to set immediate goals as well as long term goals, once you accomplish these immediate goals you become confident and empowered that you can achieve change. It builds your belief and motivation to strive for those bigger goals. There are so many little things that I have achieved and that you have achieved that we should be proud of. If we recognise these achievements and take the time to be proud of these, it will put you and me in a stronger position to go after those bigger challenges. Start small, I know it's very much cliche but there is a reason why people always say it.

When you are feeling this, it's so hard to remember that you are probably not  at lone and there are hundred more people feeling exactly the same. I guess that life can seem unfair. I was watching an episode of Keeping Up With Kardashians, and Kim Kardashian was literally in tears because she felt the exact same way and thought that nothing came easily to her. I was like on hold on a minute,  you are Kim Kardashian you have the world at your feet. It just goes to show that we really don't know what goes on in someone's life no matter how much they choose to put out there. It gives me some comfort that I am not alone in this. Remember social media is not a real reflection of someone's life, only the good parts.

It's easy to forget that everyone is going through their own set of problems and setbacks. Life is gonna be hard, it doesn't matter who you because life doesn't give two hoots if you are Kim K or you it's gonna dish out some hardship your way. So I am probably not cursed, it's just life dishing it out to me because well it can. All I can do it give back twice as hard to achieve what I want to achieve. I don't ever give up on yourself, you just have to remind yourself that you can do it!

Please tell I am not alone in this.

Zeynab x

WHAT IS RAMADAN: COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

Muslims all over the world are fasting, which means no eating or drinking from dawn to dusk. I have grown up as a Muslim, so I have been fasting for a long time now. Every year whenever I mention to people I am fasting I am flooded with an array of questions. The main one being, ''you can't eat anything, not even water''?  It's easy to forget that not everyone knows about my faith and all the special occasions Muslims celebrate.




Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims believe that Ramadan is the month in which our holy book was revealed. Ramadan is more than abstaining from food and drink, it's about charity, spirituality, religion and hope. The thing about not eating and drinking is that it's a conscious reminder of people that are less fortunate than ourselves and to practice gratitude for everything we do have. So during the month of Ramadan, Muslims give to charity, pray more, reconnect spiritually and try to be a better person.

I feel like, we should start with the basic Muslims observe their fast from during daylight hours. It's not fasting for 30 days straight, now that would be killer. It's only from dawn to dusk. The hours can be really long during the summer months because there are more daylight hours but Ramadan doesn't take place at the same during every year. Last year, Ramadan fell in late June and July time. This is because the Islamic calendar is dependant on the moon.

A lot of research has shown that fasting has so many health benefits, including rebooting the immune system and the pancreas. It's just about taking it easy and eating the right foods and trying to be healthy - staying away from all the yummy foods. I am not going to lie to you and say that it's easy but it's in the preparation. Also not every Muslim person has to fast, well because not everyone is able to observe their fast. This includes children, elder people, pregnant women and individuals with medical conditions which prevent them from fasting.

Now on the big one, water. The question I get the most is ''even water''? Yes, no drinking of any kind of beverage is part of the fast. I will be honest, this is hard especially during summer but I have done it for over 10 years now and I have managed. As soon as people find out I am fasting, they get awkward eating in front of people. Totally appreciate the thoughtfulness but it's alright. I promise it doesn't make it harder or easier if you do or don't eat in front of me. For me, I like to keep my routine as normal as possible and I wouldn't want to impose my beliefs on anyone or affect their daily lives. So just keeping guys!

Zeynab x

DEAR WOMEN OF THE INTERNET: NOTE ON ONLINE HATE

Naturally, I watched 13 Reasons Why? Isn't it frightening how our actions, even the smallest thing can affect someone? I have been extra careful with what I do and say. Boy, is it handwork and I am not perfect I make mistake and I do say the odd thing that may come across as not very nice but I am only human. Nonetheless, I have chosen to put in the effort to be more aware of make my actions and what I do and don't say to others.

I have the biggest conscious ever. I am the type of person that guilt will just be overwhelming even for the smallest mistake. I am known to be the person that apologises to everyone for everything - sometimes for no reason, which is annoying and I particularly hate when I do it when it's not my fault but that's just me. It's both a good thing about my personality and a flaw. 

In today's day and age, where it's frighteningly easy to say anything to anyone courtesy of social media, shouldn't we be more cautious? I realise that 13 Reasons Why?  Is fiction but we can't know everything that a person is going through. No matter, how much they put themselves out there, we still know only a very very small percentage. 

It's so hard for me to comprehend, that anyone will take the time to write something that is unkind like why? There is a reason why, they say 'if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. That certainly applies online as well. I am certainly no 'big online star' and thank god for that because I don't know how I would deal with the hate. It's bloody crazy that people should accept hate just because they have chosen to put themselves out there, it doesn't make sense. This is one of the reasons, I am so careful about what I put out there I am certainly not ready for people to push their judgements onto me. 

I always acknowledged that the internet can be a hateful place but it didn't really hit me until I was watching Kim Kardashian West talk about what people were saying about her Paris attack. Honestly, it might be silly but it honestly made me cry. Why do we have to be so cruel to one another? Is it so juvenile to want and believe that people can just be nice to one another? The woman has just gone through one of the scariest things ever and some people feel like they have right to make fun of the situation and her being robbed, what is wrong with you people? It's so nasty, and now I notice all the little comments under photos and videos it's disgusting the things people say - they would never say it to the person's face. It's disturbing to think that it's so easy for some people to make these comments. But how are people getting away with it? There have to be stronger rules against this sort thing.

You know what makes me even me sadder when women do it to other women. And it happens a lot. Where is the girl power? We should be celebrating the successes of all women and supporting one another. You know, it's true when women support one another great things do happen.

Just think before you say anything because all it takes is one small thing and/or comment. We don't know everything and there is no way we can know what someone else is going through. It doesn't hurt to be nice.

Zeynab x 

HOW THE INTERNET CHANGED THINGS: NOTES ON FRIENDSHIP

I recently watched Zoella's Q&A video and I found what she saying about friendship to be really interesting. She is right, not enough people focus on friendship and friendship developed online well at least not as much as romantic relationships. In this day and age, where social media has almost taken over our lives (well for me at least) more and more friendships are developed online - I have so many friends that I have never met, it's so surreal.

What Zoe said about not easily trusting everyone and jumping into a friendship with anyone and everyone, really resonating with me. I understand that for someone in her position,  it's reasonable to be wary of people that want to be your friend or want to be in your inner circle. I find that incredibly scary and I don't know about her but it would drive me insane. However, I am that person on the other side and I wanted to discuss it from my point of view as the person on the other side.

As a blogger, I get invited to events and at some of these events I met 'big bloggers'. I find it so hard to talk these bloggers because it's always that the back of my head that I might appear to don't want to  1 a fangirl (not that being a fangirl is not cool, it's really cool I can be the biggest fangirl) and/or 2 as someone that wants to befriend them for my own gain. It could also be that I am just a nervous and shy person especially when it comes to meeting new people. Nonetheless, that thought always crosses my mind and it makes me uncomfortable and hesitant to approach these certain individuals. I think it's heightened by the fact that I am also a blogger because there could be this hidden agenda like I don't know, you know what I mean right? I remember I went to this event recently, and there was a blogger I really like. I have followed her for ages, but I stood there contemplating for at least 10 minutes on whether I should go up to her. I know it sounds crazy but I am so awkward and then I have that added pressure of not wanting to come across in that way, trust me it's hard. By the way in the end, I decided to go up to her and she was amazing.

It's so hard not to feel like an outsider in these situations since it's natural people for people to stick with people they know. I would do the same. I hate to be the one that disrupts their conversation and is hey talk to me. A lot of this, I understand is to do with my social anxiety and also the complexity that surrounds friendships that has been reinforced by social media. Do you know what it feels like, an American high school tv series, you know where the uncool kid is lurking around trying to be friends with the cool kids. I hope you guys get what I am trying to say because I feel lost in my thoughts.

I think, what I am trying to say is that it's hard on both sides and that social media politics doesn't always make it easy. I am super interested in what your thoughts are, so let me know.

Zeynab x

THAT 1 THING THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING: HOW TO PICK YOURSELF UP FROM A KNOCK BACK

It's only right we start at the beginning, 2017 hasn't exactly panned how I expected it to and that hasn't necessarily been a bad thing ( well I see that now). For someone like me, that likes routine and familiarity change can be difficult. Change is hard for anyone, it's hard when things don't go the way you planned. It feels like you like you have lost control.

I had BIG plans for 2017, it was gonna be my year (and it still can be, yeah) ? The year hadn't started in the best possible way, well that is one way to put it. The unexpected had happened to me and honestly it bursted my comfortable bubble.

Isn't it crazy how one moment can change your life? My circumstances had changed in a spilt second, and everything was different just like that. I panicked, the adrenaline had kicked in almost straightaway and I had chosen to fight instead of flight. I did everything I could think of to rectify the situation and get myself back to where I needed to be. I remained uncharacteristically positive, well at least I pretended to be. I don't know who I was putting a front for me? every around me? It was the weirdest thing ever, I was confused about what had happened but I was dealing with it as if I wasn't fazed by the whole situation.

If I am being honest, I couldn't comprehend why this had happened to me. Like what had I done to deserve it? I needed to know what I had done wrong? But there were no answers for me, and naturally, I had started to question myself and spiralled into a dark hole of confusion and doubt.

I was in this strange limbo, I didn't know what would happen next and the days felt like they were dragging on and on (I am not lying two weeks, I had left like a lifetime). I still don't understand but sometimes it's best to stop trying to understand everything and needing to have an explanation for everything because life can be nasty and people make decisions that are good for them and not so good for you (and that is ok, well sort of. You just have to do you). It's just hard when you fully commit and give everything you have and you are left with the shitty end of the bargain.

What have I learnt? Don't put all your eggs in one basket and it's not selfish to look after yourself and put yourself first because if you don't, who will? Change is hard but there is no better time to get your shit together and take risks you wouldn't have otherwise and create the light at the end of the tunnel for yourself (you got this)! Before you go about chasing that light, make sure you take the time to realise that this just wasn't for you. Also, there is no harm is pretending to be alright and have everything in order, especially when people are constantly flaunting their successes all over social media and there is no harm in taking a day, a week however long you need to to actually feel and let it out. You can fake it til you make, believe in yourself and everything does happen for a reason and I full heartedly believe that with hardship comes ease (there is some goodness in the world).

Happy international women's day! Over the last couple of months, I have met and spoken to so many amazing women doing amazing things all over the world. They have all inspired me and motivated me to be myself and be great. Women's day is a great day to celebrate all the awesome women and recognise what more could be done for equality across the board, in all situations. Amazing things do happen when women support women.

Best,
Zeynab xx

NOTES ON THE LITTLE THINGS : LEARNING TO APPRECIATE THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE

Image from the Desenio site

I am the type of person that always focuses on the big wins in life, the major life achievements. Let me tell you it's exhausting and disappointing. I am so busy working towards these 'big moments' that I have been missing out on the small joys, the everyday moments. It might have taken me a while, but I have learnt that it's all the small moments that makes life. Focusing on the big moments, well for one you could be waiting for a long time for them to happen. I know it's especially hard in this day and age where we are constantly comparing our lives with random strangers (at the end of the day, they are still strangers no matter how much stalking we do I know that I can get deep. I have done it myself, checking the sister's boyfriend's aunt). Sometimes, I look at some of the amazing things and all the successes of people my age and even younger and I fall into that hole of feeling like a failure. I have taken a step back from social media and just trying to remember that it's suppose to 'fun' and light (by force). Yes, it's extremely difficult as it's part of my job to spend ridiculous amounts of time online but looking at the bigger picture I have realised that it's ok to celebrate the little things in life and really if we think about it that is what life is about - it's all the little moments that make life. I know it's very cliche but as soon as this clicked for me, something changed and I left much happier about me and my life because I have so many great little moments to be happy about.

Talking about small moments, I have wanted my own gallery wall for the longest time. I think I have about thousand gallery walls pinned (check out my Pinterest, if you want). I have created my very own gallery wall in my bedroom, and I am in love. How beautiful is the moon art? One of the problems was that I just didn't have time to put together the art to create a wall that resembles something on Pinterest, well that's where Desenio comes into play. On the site, they basically have an inspo gallery and you can just buy the prints in that gallery as simple as that. I really into that Scandinavian interior vibe (like probably the whole world) and I feel Desenio does that so well. You have probably guessed already but the posters and frames (how convenient are from Desenio). If you wanted, you could also just get the frames it's so easy.

Make sure you guys check it out and cos I am here to hook you up I have a code for 25% off all posters. If you do end up buying a poster, let me know. Before I forget the code is Zeynab25, all lower cases.

Zeynab x

* I had the privilege of working with Desenio on this post but all wording, imagery and opinions are my own. 

WHAT TO SEE IN LISBON: LISBON WALKING TOUR

A couple of weeks ago, I made a trip to the city of Lisbon. For a much needed break from life (wow). The city is absolutely beautiful, I adore the blatant mix of historical and contemporary design. I have never been to Portugal before and it was nothing like I expected it to be. The people are so friendly, on our first night we got lost and so many people offered to help even if they couldn't speak English -refreshing as in London people don't tend to speak to each other.

We crammed in so much into our short visit, (I was completely shattered by the end). I have put together some of my favourite things to do when in Lisbon. First thing, you have to do is the Chilled Walking Tour. Not only is it free but you get a tour of the whole (well basically) of the city in a couple of hours. Includes bonus history lessons. Our tour guide, Pedro was really lovely, funny and catered the tour to what the interests of the group was. My legs were not existent (I don't think I did as much walking in one before and I am a walker) by the end, but well worth it.

I am going to break this post into two or maybe three, otherwise we could be here forever. Make sure you come back for part two and the best Portuguese custard tarts (the real reason, I went to Portugal).

Zeynab x

A WEEKEND'S MUSINGS XV: TALKING ABOUT GIRLS

Hi guys.
How are guys are doing? The best thing about working at a school is the holidays and well the children are kinda nice as well. Anyone else watching the new season of Girls? So I was pretty late to the Girls bandwagon, I know I know what was I doing? Well all that matters now is that I am all caught up, and a Girls binge was most definitely worth it (check out what other shows are totally binge worthy here).

I have never been the type of person that always knew what they wanted to do in life. I remember growing up I wanted to be a police officer, then a doctor and then a fashion designer - I was such a random kid. It was pure by total circumstance that I decided that I wanted to become a psychologist and study psychology at University. The road to becoming a practicing psychologist isn't easy and I knew that but I don't think I completely understood the struggle and how long it would take.

For the longest time, I found myself feeling uncertain about the future and almost trapped by the idea that I had to become a psychology. I put a huge burden on myself to achieve this goal and I don't think it was particularly for me but more to prove to everyone else that I could do it and choosing to study psychology wasn't a complete waste of my time.

In my reality, the world was filled with perfect people that had everything figured out and never questioned themselves. Their sense of calm, and put togetherness (is this a real word?) seemed to emphasise my internal struggle and with the idea that I might had made the wrong choices. The guilt was eating away at me and my sanity. It's made worse by the fact that you have no one to blame but yourself, I made the choice to study psychology at University maybe it wasn't for me?

You know how in movies, you sometimes have the main character standing still and everyone else just movie forward around them. Well that is how I viewed my life, I was stuck because I didn't know what I want. I was mentally beating myself about that, who doesn't have their lives together at 26? I felt guilty because I wasn't really doing anything but then I didn't know what to do. I come to realise that it's ok because it's just not me and well even Marni from Girls has come to accept the fact that she doesn't know what she wants in life (season 5, episode 5 or was it 6). We saw Marni in a completely different light, she wasn't her usual uptight self she was letting go even if it was ever so slightly. I need to learn to let go. Why? Well because I don't hold the power to control and micromanage all aspect of life.

I still don't have a clue what I should be doing. But I not going to let that stop me from exploring other options, you never know where the 'sign' reminding you of what you really want to do in life will come from - usually totally unexpected. Sometimes life doesn't line up the way we had envisioned, and it's confusing and overwhelming but trying to escape from it can be too taxing. When we should be learning to function instead of letting it bring you down. As F. Scott Fitzgerald once quoted the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. So maybe the test for me is to accept the ambiguity that comes with life.

A Sunday post on a Monday, you lucky lot. I have a terrible headache and I have spent the day watching one too many Say Yes To dress episodes - I might have cried a little. Let me know what you guys are up to.

Zeynab x

P.S Before you leave, can you believe that I have over 11 of these A Sunday's musings post. OMG I can ramble a lot. Please check out some of the previous weeks and let me know what you think here and here.