Life Lately #3

Hello everyone! Hope you’re well! I began these ‘Life Lately’ posts in April as a way to round up what I’ve been up to and document where my head and I have been. I break the post down into categories and update you on each one. This will be the last Life Lately post as I am toying with a new segment for 2018 which will include more regular updates, possibly posted weekly. (Some of you may know three is my favourite number so it’s fitting I’m ending this mini-series after the third installment).

Blogging

I have been super consistent with my posting schedule and I have been getting posts written in advance. I am still learning about my camera and getting to grips with the settings to try and make sure my blog photos are acceptable. If you have any tips or feedback on my photos, please feel free to share! I have been thinking about the blog in the near future and as I mentioned in the intro my two posts a week may be going back up to three. I conducted a survey a couple of months back so I will re-read the answers and make sure I’m incorporating what my readers said they want as much as I can.

Work

In the last Life Lately update I had left my job and was getting ready to start at the library. I have been at the library for almost three months now and the difference in my mindset is very noticeable. I have more time and freedom and more of a work/life balance. I’m not stressed and I generally feel happier.

Personal

Everything on the relationship front is still going really well. It was my boyfriend’s 25th birthday in September and I surprised him with 25 presents. Related post: Boyfriend’s Birthday Surprise!

I have been reading a lot and shopping a lot it seems too. I’ve picked up some bargains and purchased new products that I have slowly been trying/using/wearing. (Most items are beauty/makeup related, good beauty blogger). Related posts: My Recent Purchases and My Recent Purchases #2.

I have also done the majority of my Christmas shopping and wrapped the presents I’ve bought. I’m not a big fan of Christmas but I do like giving gifts and wrapping them.

In October I got my hair cut. I don’t know why but I don’t feel satisfied with my hair 90% of the time I get it cut. I like the way it looks when the hairdresser styles it but a couple of days later it’s thick again. I like to keep my hair routine easy and I don’t use styling tools often. I’m still trying to decide if I prefer my hair all one length or with longer layers.

Music

I ordered an album package from Shania Twain’s store and I’m still waiting for it to arrive! I ordered it over two months ago and have sent numerous emails to the help team. At first the item was out of stock and now there’s a problem with the delivery partner. I honestly wish I had physically gone to a store and bought the album and not got all the extras. I’m only seeing the order through because my money has been taken and the order can’t be cancelled.

Steps re-released Tears On the Dancefloor this month (with new tracks) and I ordered a copy signed by my favourite band member, Lisa. My CD arrived this week. I have had the album on repeat since April!

2017 Goals Progress

Related Post: Hello 2017!

I have been exercising pretty regularly. I want to find some leg yoga to try and tone my legs up for summer so I’ll feel more comfortable in shorts. I am going with the flow more and definitely haven’t been stressing about blogging. I’ve got a social media routine and try to keep my time using it to a minimum – I check it in the morning and in the evening. I tend to check Instagram more if I’ve posted that day. I’m sad to say I haven’t done any more driving and I want to make that a priority in 2018.

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Life Lately #1

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well!

I have seen these ‘Life Lately’ segments on other blogs and I always think they’re a nice way to round up what’s happening/what’s currently going on. I haven’t abandoned my blog but I’m not blogging regularly. I want to share what’s going on with me in different areas of my life and just have a bit of chat. Who knows, this could even turn into a little series?!

Blogging

I haven’t been blogging as much as I would have liked over the past little while. In November 2016 I wrote this post about motivation which explains the reasons why. These still apply (minus travel) but also there were family related incidents that cropped up in January and February. In March I feel like I got back into more of a routine with blogging and in general and over the next couple of months that will improve. Post ideas haven’t been jumping out at me so I want to make sure I have plenty up my sleeve and don’t run out. I don’t like posting for the sake of it.

Work

As you may know I started my current job in August 2016. I have been there nearly eight months now and in February my hours increased a significant amount. I haven’t had as much time to blog as a result but as I said I am getting into a better, more constant routine and naturally that spark will come back.

Personal

Relationship wise, everything with my boyfriend is good. It’s been seven months since we first met and I love spending time with him now just as much as I did at the beginning. We always make time for each other and I’m always thinking about him. We message each other every day and I love just being able to relax and chill out when I’m at his house.

I’m a person who can get frustrated and stressed very easily. I’m sensitive and can get upset over small, trivial details. A couple of times over the past few weeks I have worked myself into a mood and felt like I’ve been crying more. I don’t know if it’s because I’m tired or if it’s just the fact I’ve never been a go with the flow person and like to have things planned and organised. I’m still working on learning to care less and it’s something I’ve been trying to do for a number of years. Thankfully, I’ve got a lovely boyfriend on hand that I know I can share things with.

Music

I didn’t feel 2016 was a standout music wise but this year is shaping up to be so far! Two members of The Saturdays have released solo material. The styles of music are completely different but I’m a fan of both Una’s folky-country pop and Vanessa’s smooth R&B. I’m pretty sure Shania Twain is releasing new material this year, her first in over 10 years so I can’t wait to hear it! 90s/00s pop super-group Steps are also releasing an album of original tracks on April 21st – less than two weeks away! They released a new single last month and are touring The UK in November and December.

2017 Goals Progress

In my Hello 2017! post I set five goals for myself for the year. I am doing well with the majority of them. I have gotten back into using my Exercycle and I try to ride 10kms three-four times a week. I work weekends and evenings so I try to squeeze it in around that. I don’t mind that that is my main form of exercise. I haven’t done yoga for a long time and I can Exercycle while I’m watching TV and multitask. I haven’t been stressing about blogging, I’ve been getting posts up as often as I can. I have cut down on the amount of time I spend on social media. I check my accounts two or three times a day and if I have notifications I respond. It’s about quality rather than quantity, if I don’t have something worthwhile to share I won’t. I haven’t progressed much with my driving although I did drive my boyfriend’s car (which is a manual) about 5 metres and I didn’t stall it! That was my very first time controlling/moving a car.

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At times lately it feels like my life is eat, sleep, work, and repeat. I’m trying to find a balance and get back into what I enjoy.

What’s been happening in your life recently?