8 Things To Do When The Days Get Shorter

I'm one of those people that really struggles when the days get shorter, and it feels like you're living in an eternal night (mare).  I know there's lots of us out there who struggle so I decided to write up a list of the things I do to keep my spirits up and try to appreciate the cosier time year.

1, Candles - OK so this is an obvious one but my ballet coach once said to me that lighting candles in the evening helps her mood because the light they give off is natural light as opposed to the artificial light of a light bulb.  I have no idea if there is any science behind this but I do like the idea, and candle light is much more soothing than the glow of a bulb.  Bonus points if they're scented too.  I know candles aren't convenient though if you've got babies or pets so maybe try number 2...

2.  A salt lamp - I was on holiday in a seaside town and spotted some well priced himalayan salt lamps in the shops there.  It was something I had read about as being good for eczema sufferers (something to do with it giving off salt in to the air when warmed by the light of the bulb inside).  Well I will try anything once if there's a change it could help with my eczema but asides from that it gives off a really nice warm glow.  The light is very similar to the glow of a candle or a fire so if candles aren't your thing but you like the idea of the warm glow they give off I would really recommend you try a salt lamp.  I would have one in every room if I could during the dark wintery evenings.

3. A warm bath - There's no windows in our bathroom but this seems to matter less when it's dark outside anyway.  I love to run a bath with some salts or oils in it, light a candle and read a book.  It becomes a nightly ritual in the winter time and it really does help to relax you in the evening.

4.  Embrace winter fashion - It sucks that the weather is so dreary outside but autumn/winter fashion is appealing for so many reasons.  Treat yourself by buying the softest, warmest jumper/cardigan you can find so that you wont feel the cold when you leave the house.  Not to mention the gorgeous boots/coats/hats that you finally get to wear.  Getting experimental with your style could give you something to look forward to when you wake up in the morning.

5. Autumnal make-up - You can get away with darker shades of lipstick, eyeshadow or blush (not all at once though!) when the days are darker.  Whatever you like to experiment with, now is the time to do it.  I like picking out a darker shade of lipstick to wear out on an autumnal weekend.  Darker shades work so much better with autumn fashion than with summer clothes.

6.  Hot drinks - Whatever your favourite hot drink is now you get to drink it all. day. long.  I love drinking different kinds of teas and mix it up through out the day drinking tea after tea.  I pop out to the supermarket and grab myself a nice selection I can look forward to working my way through during the colder months.

7.  Baking - I haven't got my baking on yet but if there's a good time to get the oven on warming the house and filling it with yummy smells then this is it.  Eating hot food is much more appealing and enjoyable when it's cold outside and there really is nothing better than filling the house with the scent of a roast dinner or apple crumble baking in the oven on a chilly day.

8.  Go for a walk - A big part of enjoying the cold weather is staying indoors and getting cosy, but to keep up your mood I would definitely recommend getting out for a bit every day.  Particularly when the sun is still up.  Getting fresh air always makes me feel better so on a day off work I will still make sure I go somewhere for a little walk.  What better way to get out and about than to wrap us warm and walk to a cosy coffee shop for that nice warm drink?

Travelling Tips For a Plane Journey

Hello!  In my line of work we do a lot of travel.  Dancers will travel all over the globe for a job, often living far away from our families and friends.  This means making plenty of journeys in a year just to spend time with your relatives as well as potentially going over-seas on tour with the company.  I've passed through quite a few airports and found myself having my own mental travel check list to make the journey more pleasant.  I thought I would share some of these with you in case they might be useful.

Bags

I always have a medium sized bag to carry on board.  One that is definitely smaller than the hand baggage restrictions but large enough to fit all the travel comforts I need.  At the moment my oversized Cath Kidston bag is doing the job.  This bag is particularly useful because it is so light.  I always put my luggage in the hold because I don't want to be lugging loads of stuff round the airport and I don't want to be having to worry about whether or not my mini-suitcase is going to be a size issue at the gate.

I used to not bring any cosmetics with me in the cabin because of the hassle of putting them in a plastic bag and then having to get them out at security.  I have since realised that having a few bits and pieces with me is comforting, such as my perfume atomizer for when I feel a bit 'meh' on a long trip.  If you can, bring a small clear freezer bag from home as some airports charge for them.  This also means you don't have to sort your cosmetics stuff out at the airport and can have it ready when you leave.   I will do a separate post on my on board beauty essentials.

Sometimes I will bring a smaller handbag with a shoulder strap with me as well that I can take out of my larger cabin bag to wear around the airport and once I've reached my destination.  I put my purse and valuables in it.  It's good not to have to scramble around in your cabin bag when you want to pay for something at the airport or when you start to continue your journey onward when you arrive.  This bag can go inside the larger bag when you're at the gate to comply with some airlines 'one piece of hand luggage only' rule.

Before you leave home

Think about what you're wearing and make sure it's something that you're going to be comfortable sitting in for long periods of time.  Personally I much prefer to travel in a loose fitting dress made from soft fabric.  I find that the changes in altitude on a flight as well as plane food can make me bloated and uncomfortable in tight jeans.  Also bring something light with you in case it gets cold during the flight.  I like a light knitted cardigan or jumper that you can also easily fold in to your hand luggage if you get too hot wondering around the airport.  I would also sometimes bring a pair of warm fluffy socks in my travel luggage, particularly for long haul flight.

Drink plenty of water so that you don't get dehydrated and pack some snacks for the flight.  It can be much more expensive to buy snacks in the airport so I try to take some with me in my hand luggage.

If you can check in online and choose your seat.  I personally like to do this and make sure I am sitting in an aisle seat.  I feel much less claustrophobic in an aisle seat and I like to know I can get up to use the loo if I need to without clambering over anybody.

Packing your travel essentials

For me this often means a magazine or a book.  A small notebook and a pen.  Chewing gum, some sweets and my i-pod.  I like to make sure I've downloaded something to watch from i-tunes the day before.  The first couple of episodes in a new series I want to start watching, or a classic film you've always wanted to see for example.  If you're planning to sleep an eye mask and some ear plugs are good to have on you.

At the airport

Once you get through security I usually immediately seek out the cheapest place to buy a bottle of water and purchase it to keep on me for the flight.

 If I have time I look for somewhere to have a sit and a nice bite to eat so that I'm not forced to buy the plane food because I'm hungry during the flight.  Even though you have snacks with you it's nice to make sure you've eaten something meal like if your flight is going to be during a meal time and your food is not included, or is and turns out to be unappetising.

If you have time enjoy a nice little sojourn around the airport shops.  If you don't enjoy flying then this can be a nicer part of the experience so I like to make the most of it.  Just make sure you can fit your purchases in to your hand luggage if your flight operator enforces a one piece of hand luggage only rule.  Oh and be prepared to present your boarding pass every time you make a purchase.  This can be where the little handbag comes in useful as you can also pop it in there so you're not scrambling around for it in your hand luggage when you come to pay.

Go to the loo 5 minutes before you have to board if there's one near the gate.  You might be queuing for ages to get on the plane and then needing the loo when you're strapped in for take off.  Likewise try to go to the loo at least 40 minutes before you're scheduled to land so you're not strapped in for the descent needing the loo.

On the plane

Once I've boarded I like to sort my travel essential things out so they're in the pocket at the back of my seat ready for me to use (just don't forget to collect them all when you leave!).  I'll put my coat in the over head locker if I have one and keep my hand luggage under the seat.  Then try to sit back relax and enjoy the trip!  I like to start off with my book/magazine until the seat belt sign has been switched off and then you can enjoy using your electronic devices so music or watching something on my i-pod takes over.  I usually get inspired to write ideas down at some point when I'm sat for hours on the plane which is when the small notebook comes in useful.  Sometimes when I get really bored I'll touch up my make-up.  I am quite an anxious flyer and I find keeping myself pre-occupied and feeling productive helps to distract me from my anxiety.

So these are my tips for travelling.  I hope they have been useful even if some of them might be obvious.  Sometimes I travel so much I forget to do one of them so it's good for me to have this to refer to!

Till next time :)

xxxxx

Weekend activities:An Old Church and Cakes

Hello!

I had a nice relaxed weekend.  The sun actually shone which made me decide to take my camera out with me.

I wore my floral dress from M Butterfly.

There's this awesome looking old church in town.

We stopped at a local cafe for some coffee and cake.

The cakes were yummy.  I hope the sun shines more often from now on!

Twirlybirdie :)

Nail polish time

Hello!

I hope you're having a nice December.  I'm glad it's not been as cold here as it usually is at this time of year but I am really missing sunlight.  The daytime is so short and the weather is cloudy and grey more often than not.
I've hurt my rib and it is quite sore to dance with so I'm hoping that will heal up fast.  Luckily I only have one show to get through before I can rest up a bit for Christmas.

The other day I decided to experiment with my nail varnish as I hadn't worn any for ages.  I couldn't decide between pink or dark blue so I decided to wear both and then added some glitter to the last two nails.

 The dark blue and glitter polish were both China Glaze and the pink shade was by Misslyn.  The glitter polish is called Bad Kitty which is an awesome name for a varnish!

I think it's such a fun way to wear nail varnish.  For performances I can't wear anything so colourful but I've been doing something similar using pale pink polish and just some glitter on the ring finger.  I definitely want to experiment more and make use of the many varnishes I own!

I think I need to have a little bath to beat the chill I'm feeling right now in my flat!  I think an evening of bathing and nail painting are in order.

Till next time :)

Twirlybirdie

Tea time

Hello!

it's been a little while.  I've been quite busy moving and getting this years production of the Nutcracker underway at work.  I thought I would write a little post about my current favourite teas.

I've been drinking rosehip tea since I was given some at work because it was high in vitamin C.    Apparently it's quite good for warding off colds so now is the perfect time to be drinking it.  I love drinking coffee and normal English breakfast tea but I find that caffeine really affects me so I have to stop drinking anything caffeinated after about 4pm....did I mention that this tea is a deep pink colour too!!

Yay!  Pink tea in my favourite mug.  I know it says coffee but you know, I don't have a tea one yet!  You can brew this tea for 3-5 minutes and I tend to brew it for less time because otherwise it has a bit too much bite for me.

The other tea I've been enjoying recently is this gunpowder tea

This is a form of green tea that I've been trying.  It's still a bit caffeinated so I tend to stick to drinking this earlier in the day but it makes a nice lighter change from my usual black tea with milk.  Also I'm always reading that green tea is supposed to be really good for your health because it contains strong anti-oxidants.  I usually brew it for about 2 minutes or I find the taste becomes too bitter.

What about you.  Are there any particular teas you're enjoying lately?  I've done a bit of naughty shopping this past weekend so I'll be hopefully getting some more posts up of those items soon!

Till next time

Twirlybirdie :)
xxx

Natural Moisturisers, Burt's Bees Body Lotion and Pure Shea Oil

Hello!

I hope your week has started well.  Mine has started with a new apartment to move in to.  We have the keys to the new place and are in the process of moving.  It is a lovely but much smaller flat so we have a lot of sorting and figuring out what to do with our things.

My skin has calmed down loads since my eczema flared up and the eczema is pretty much gone now although the skin still looks a bit red.  I was in such discomfort and such a panic about it when it was bad that I threw money at plenty of different products in the hope that something would calm it down.  I discovered some great moisturisers and some that really didn't work for me in the process so now it's all calmed down I'm going to blog about some of my experiences.

Two moisturisers that really were great were these ones by Burt's Bees .  The first one I bought was the fragrance free body lotion with Shea Butter and Vitamin E.  It was great to use because it was the first moisturiser I bought which didn't sting my inflamed skin when I put it on.  It is a lotion so it was lighter than a body butter but it still left a bit of a waxy covering on the skin after I used it which is a good thing when you have to try to keep skin constantly moist.
The second one I bought was the soothingly sensitive lotion with Aloe and Buttermilk.  I bought this because I read someone's review on-line which said it was good for their eczema.  It was a milkier consistency than the fragrance free one but seemed to absorb in to the skin faster without leaving a greasy coating.  I really enjoy using this as well.  My skin seemed to soak it up.  I found the milky fragrance quite pleasant as well.
These moisturisers were more expensive than I would normally pay for body lotion but I've really enjoyed using them and they were very good for my skin when it was so sensitised.
I did also feel like I needed something heavier than a lotion to use when I was at home or during the night.  Anything less than 100% natural seemed to sting my skin like crazy so I was excited to come across this 100% natural Shea oil in the shops.

I was right to be excited.  This pure oil felt amazing to use on my skin.  I felt absolutely no irritation what so ever.  I wanted to use it on everything and reading up on it on the company website it sounds like it can be used for anything.  It was slightly thicker than normal oil which made it slightly hard to get out of the pump but it was worth the effort.  After using this it made me want to try everything else from this brands range of 100% natural products.  I'm not sure this brand is readily available abroad but I'm sure any range of 100% natural products would be the same.

Now I wonder why I would pay money to use anything else when the product in it's pure natural form seems to be so effective.  I don't have to worry about parabens or any other irritants hidden within.  I want to try out other pure oils such as jojoba and sweet almond oil on my skin.  It reminds me of the Body Shop's sweet lemon body oil which I loved using in the summer but was put off buying again because it was so expensive.  I loved that you could use it on body, face and hair and I feel the same way about the natural Shea oil I bought.  I want to use it everywhere!
This inspired me to buy the Virgin Coconut Oil that recently went on sale in the food stores here and I plan to review it soon.

As promised here is a clearer picture of the Lumene Lip Sorbet I reviewed earlier this week in action.

Nice and bright for winter!

It's time to get back to my herbal tea.  I need to try to get to bed a bit earlier these days as I feel I'm looking a bit tired!

Till next time :)

Twirlybirdie

Bits and Bobs

Hello!

I've got a few photos I've taken intending to either write full blog posts for in the future or include them in posts that have then seemed long enough with out them so I thought I'd collect some of them here.

This was my first attempt at using my new muffin tray.  I made muffins with prunes and seeds in them so they were healthy-ish.... They were good to take in to work for extra energy though.  The recipe is here.

I bought these glass containers to store dry goods.  I love them and want to buy more!

I bought some washi tape for future craft projects ( I just haven't figured out what yet!)  Actually I was thinking of using them to stick labels to the new kitchen jars.

I bought a milk frother so I can make foamy lattes!  My eczema has been flaring up recently so I've decided to go completely lactose free dairy wise to see if it helps.  So anyway I've been drinking frothy lactose free lattes.

I had a premiere of a new role in a show recently and was given this beautiful plant as a gift.  I know nothing about flowers though ( I think the label says Rhododendrons on it) so I hope I wont kill it off too quickly.  I thought the pink blooms looked gorgeous in the autumn evening sun.

I went for a walk today and the weather was gorgeous.  Those autumn leaves.  The sun.  Sigh.

I actually took these pictures whilst running for the bus.

Ahhh the autumn colour scheme.  Just so lovely to photograph.

Till next time!

Twirlybirdie :)

Baking Bread

Hi there

I hope you had a nice weekend.  I've been feeling a bit under the weather.  I don't like to take too many pills so on top of just one Coldrex tablet a day I've been drinking lots of green tea and taking my vitamin C.  I also bought some fresh ginger to put in my tea!

Lately I've been in a baking frenzy and was craving the smell of home made bread.  I've had a go in the past but this time was the most successful.  I like to just launch in to things instead of following a recipe perfectly so after looking at a few different recipes and techniques on line this is what I did.

I mixed 500g of strong white flour with 1 teaspoon of salt and a 6g sachet of dried yeast in a large bowl with my hands.  Then I made a well in the centre and added 300ml of warm water 2tbsp of oil and 1tbsp of golden syrup.  I mixed it all together with a spoon and when it was well mixed I took it out and kneeded the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 7 minutes.

I put the dough in my cake tin to rise and covered it with cling film.  I left it for 1 hour and then I knocked back the dough (pushed the air out of it again gently with my fists) and let it rise for another hour.  After all that it looked like this.

Pretty, haha.  Then I slashed it across the top a few times with a knife and popped it in the oven for about 40 minutes at around 200 degrees celcius ( I think it was actually just under).

I'm definitely no bread making expert but it tasted and smelt delicious.  Next time I really want to add some different flavours to it!  There's something so satisfying about making something as useful as bread at home.

I hope you had a great Sunday!

Until next time

Twirlybirdie :)

Life lately: Reading and writing

Hello!

Autumn is well and truly upon us and I am trying to adjust accordingly.  I try not to let the overcast weather get me down too much by distracting myself with the cosier things in my life.  It's nice to be snuggled up in my apartment and finally make use of all the crafty bits and bobs I buy myself and then neglect for too long.  In summer I'm obsessed with being outside.  If it's sunny I have to be outside and can't stand been cooped up indoors so I suppose now is time to enjoy life indoors!

I wanted to share this super cute 5 year diary my boyfriend bought me about a month ago.  I've been staring at them in the bookshop for absolutely ages but because I knew I could get one much cheaper back in England I never bought it.  Well I think he had had enough of me staring at them and one day he came in to work with one as a surprise gift!

The cover design and inside is just gorgeous.  The edges of the pages are lined with gold.

You answer a different question that is at the top of each page for every day of the year, for 5 years, and see how your ideas change over the time. 

I've enjoyed writing in it even more than I thought I would!  I think it would make a great gift.  They are produced by a company called Potter Style and I think you can buy them on Amazon in the UK.

Today I've been suffering from really bad stomach cramps so my lovely boyfriend bought me Vogue to read when he went to do the food shopping.  Another surprise gift!  I know I'm a very lucky girl :)

The horrible weather is another great excuse to cosy up with a magazine. There's even ballet on the cover!

Here's a peak at my knitting too.  I'm trying to knit a cosy throw for winter.  I have a feeling it's going to take me a long time though!  I'm knitting with mohair wool which feels luxurious!  I have to knit 2 then pearl 2 and I keep losing track of where I am!

What do you do to feel cosy when the weather gets colder?

Until next time, stay cosy :)

Twirlybirdie

Cath Kidston glasses case

Hello!  I hope your week is going well.  I wanted to show you some pictures of this great new glasses case I bought in the summer sale at Cath Kidston.

I had had the same case since I was 15 years old when I got my first pair of glasses.  I had even lost the cleaning cloth for it a while back and the case was looking pretty ragged so it was time for a change!

I often think replacing things like this that have a case already is a waste of money but I'm really glad I bought this.  It's really pretty and came with a cleaning cloth so it's good to have one of those again!

Till next time

Twirlybirde :)

Sundays are for Baking

Hello!  Did you have a good Sunday?

It was a really lovely day here.  We went to some shops out of town to try to get some things for our kitchen.  I had so many things to carry home though that I wisely didn't take my camera there with me.  The morning and evening I spent baking!

I had been waiting all week to make these biscuits which I've made a couple of times before.  They feel slightly healthier than normal cookies because of the oats (though I'm sure the butter and sugar more than make up for them!).  Either way they're delicious.

You can find the recipe here at the BBC Good Food website.  Hurry as the recipe is only going to be up until September 30th!

Before baking....

...and after!  They only take 10 minutes in the oven.  Quick to make and quickly gone in to my stomach too!

In the evening I decided that I wanted to use up the ripe bananas we had in our kitchen so I found a quick and easy recipe for banana bread!

 I bought a new loaf tin specially for it.  It worked really well!  It was one of those fancy new rubber variates.  I was impressed with it, it was really easy to use.

It is another good food recipe, this one here. 

I love the good food website, there are so many recipes up there!  I cooked the banana bread a little bit longer than stated in the recipe as I read the comments below the recipe and that's what most of them said to do.  The smell whilst it was cooking was delicious!  It tasted yummy too.

So it was quite a productive Sunday.  I hope my Monday will be equally as productive though I feel like I need to recover from eating too many biscuits and cakes!  Is Sunday a good baking day for you too?

I need to pop out to the shops now, I really want to go and find a blender so I can make my own smoothies.

till next time

Twirlybirdie :)