REFLECTIONS

I think sometimes, it's quite easy to get caught up in it all. You find yourself saying yes to things you don't really want to do.. You commit to things that won't make you happy. And you find yourself overwhelmed by all this extra stuff that you know will make you miserable.

I'm kind of at a crossroads at the moment. This year has been a tough one for me, but also an amazing one. I am in a space though, where I'm re-evaluating my life and trying to figure out ways to make it the best it can be. I've already made some huge progress in terms of making my life a healthier one, and it is definitely one of my biggest achievements. My Etsy store has doubled in profits this year, which is something I never imagined would happen. No, it's not at a place where I could just quit my day job and work on design all day, but it's definitely growing into something that I love and am super proud of.

This blog, seems to be where the trouble lies. Lovingly, Kate started off as a space where I could share my design work. It was somewhere that I could post things that inspired me and influenced the work that I had been doing. Now, it's grown into something else and I'm not 100% sure it's me. I'm so happy to be able to inspire and motivate you guys with my weight loss progress, but it's actually not something that I feel confident talking about. I love doing DIY projects, but writing DIY posts isn't really my thing.

My passion, is design. And I've decided that that is where my focus should lie. From now on, this blog isn't going to be something that I regularly contribute to. It's going to be a space where I can share mood boards, or inspiration, or design work that I've done. It's not going to be something that I feel like I HAVE to do, because I've found that kind of approach doesn't really work for me. 

This is definitely not the end. My blog has taken a wee while to get where it is, and I'm really happy with what it's become. There are just going to be a couple of tweaks so that it truly reflects me and who I am. I'm going to take a step back from trying to post every week, and just post when I feel inspired or have something to share. I will, however, still be out and about on Instagram and Facebook so you can still keep in touch with me there!

Thank you lovely people, for all the support and encouragement over the last year. You guys are amazing and I'm so lucky to have and know you all.

IT'S FRIDAY // 19

Every Friday I'll be sharing a wee collection of links with you. From DIY to my favourite music tracks, there will be something for everyone.

THIS FURNITURE

Uh, hello pretty furniture! I first saw this on Let's Die Friends and had to have a little look for myself. Man, don't they have the neatest and most unique home and decor items. I'll have one of everything please. Okay, make that two!

THIS POST

I really love this from Wonderforest. I think fashion really is just another way to express yourself, and there's no way that we should be worrying what other people think. Hello! It's a reflection of your personality, and you should let it shine. I actually felt quite liberated when I cut my hair. Never did I think I'd do it, but I guess I was just a stage where I didn't really care anymore. Hair grows back! Be fearless. Do what you want.

THIS BRANDING

Even if you aren't a designer, like myself, I'm sure you can appreciate a great piece of design. This one is perfect. I love the colours and pattern, and how clean and fresh it is. 

THIS ROOM

Isn't this little bed nook the sweetest? I really wish I owned a house when I see these kind of posts. I'm really into hanging plants at the moment and it's pretty hard to recreate when you can't drill into your walls or ceiling.

THIS RECIPE

Oh my goodness, yum! As I've mentioned before, I have a "sort of" issue with gluten so this recipe is perfect. I'm a huge fan of fruit, especially the hot kind, and have been missing out on crumbles all winter. Not anymore! A super easy recipe and a fairly small ingredient list. My kind of dessert.

THIS SONG

I'm sure you would have heard this one by now, but I bet you'll listen to it again anyway. Lorde is just so talented, and this song caught me from the very first note. I'm not a very big lyric person, I generally like a song because of the beat and melody, rather than the lyrics. I love these though and they are perfect for Hunger Games. Perfect.

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Not only is today Friday, but we've got a long weekend this weekend! YAY! Pretty much the ultimate weekend. Tonight I'm having out with some lovely ladies, and then spending some quality time with my Mum and Grandma on Sunday. We are going to the french markets so I'll definitely have something to share with you next week. Other than that, I think it will be a pretty easy weekend for me.

Hope you guys have a good one! 

WORK IT // FITNESS BLENDER CARDIO WORKOUT

Right, first off.. How about a little introduction? A couple of weeks ago, I put an idea out on Facebook to see what you lovely people thought of it. Well, seems like you guys were pretty interested so I decided to make my dream, a reality. Ha! Dramatic. Anyway, I'm a little over running and have decided to explore the "realm" of exercise.  

I thought I could include you all so I've decided to start a series where I review workouts. They will either be ones that I find online, or even real life ones! Fun right?! I know the pain of getting half way through a workout online, and realising that it's probably the worst one I've ever done, so I thought I'd spare you that and let you know which ones are the best.

First up, FITNESS BLENDER! This is quite a well known exercise channel on Youtube, they have over 1 million subscribers. The workouts have all been created by a husband and wife team, and they have over 360 full length workout videos on their channel. Clearly, they know what they're doing.

  

FAT BURNING CARDIO WORKOUT - 8,622,824 views

Search - "30 Minute Cardio Workout" / Time - 37 minutes  /  Intensity - Medium

Exercise - Mix of Cardio + Strength  /  Equpiment - None

WHAT HAPPENS

What doesn't happen?! Basically, there is a warm up, a whole lot of exercises, and the cool down. This workout is very "time" oriented so you are doing an exercise for a set time, rather than for a certain amount of reps. One "set" includes two exercises. You spend 40 seconds doing one exercise, followed by an active rest (jogging on the spot.) Then you spend 40 seconds doing the other exercise, followed by another active rest. These two are repeated, and that's one set.  

WHAT'S GOOD

Voice over. While there aren't many words of encouragement, he does remind you about form and breathing which definitely helps you focus during the workout.

On Screen Graphics. On screen there is a timer, a calorie counter (not so helpful if you aren't sure where in the range you're burning), and the names of the exercises you're doing come up

Intensity. You can go as hard or easy as you like. Most of the exercises have a slower or easier option, so if you are struggling you can slow it down a bit. Likewise, if you're finding it easier, increase your pace and movement for a bigger burn.

Easy Exercises. Yes, they are hard (physically) but they aren't complicated so you can pick them up pretty quickly. I wasn't familiar with most of them but had no problems with being able to do the movement.

WHAT'S OKAY

My only criticism, and it's totally a personal preference, was that there was no music. I find that I work harder if I'm working out to a beat, but I still found it pretty easy to focus. I quite like time driven workouts because they encourage you to work as hard as you can, with the reward of a break. You can always play your own music in the background while you're doing this workout, it's definitely something you can work around. 

OVERALL
I actually really enjoyed it. It was a good balance of cardio and strength. Each and every exercise had me puffing and sweaty, and the active rest was a good way to keep your heart rate up even when you're resting. It's also only 37 minutes, so I think that's a good length of time. I'm sure we all have 37 minutes in our day where we can put our sports bra on and get in front of the computer of TV. 

And there you go! My first review. Thankfully, it was a pretty good workout to do. Let me know if you guys try it, and what you thought!

IT'S SUNDAY // 05

Oops! I totally forgot about my Three Things Sunday last weekend. My Dad came over, and I didn't even manage the three things I had planned to do, so I just kind of boycotted the post. I'm back though, and after a pretty successful week (exercise wise) I'm feeling pretty good about this one.

ONE MORNING RUN

I'm going to try this one again. It's lighter and warmer now, and I know I'll feel so much better for it. I actually managed one last week, and it was so nice coming home after work and not having to worry about exercising. Plus, I felt more awake during the day. Win win really!

ONE WEIGHTS SESSION

At the moment my focus has kind of shifted from running all the time, to working on more strength training. An awesome friend of mine gave me a three day weights workout a couple of months ago and I haven't touched it in ages. It's so good though (and I definitely feel it for a few days after) so I know that my body will benefit a lot if I keep it up.

AN INVITATION

I haven't quite specified what kind of invitation this time, I just figure anything is better than nothing. I've got loads of 21st and a couple of wedding, so I think a kids one might be a good idea. It's hard to know what's gonna sell, but I know that Mum's definitely frequent Etsy quite a bit, and themed parties are always a winner!

So, there we go. I do have two exercise focused goals, only because health and fitness is currently my priority. It makes me feel good, and my body and mind benefits from it so I figure it's a pretty healthy way to be. Have you guys got anything you want to work on this week?

IT'S FRIDAY // 18

Every Friday I'll be sharing a wee collection of links with you. From DIY to my favourite music tracks, there will be something for everyone.

THIS COSTUME IDEA

I wanted to save up all my Halloween posts and just do a "Halloween Themed It's Friday" but there are way too many cool links out there. This is such a cute family costume idea, and not too hard to make either! Katie did hand make a lot of the elements, but you could totally do a less intense "no sew" version.

THIS CHICK

Georgina may be the most stylish person I know. Seriously, this girl knows fashion. I'm a bit all over the place with my taste, which seems to be how I am with most aspects of life. She has the coolest outfits though, and awesome features where she mix and matches items in her wardrobe. Totally creative, and she always looks amazing. Make sure you check out her blog.

THIS POST

I love this post. Love it. Sometimes I don't feel like blogging, like sharing my life with a whole bunch of strangers, but this is a little reminder why I do it. No way am I on the scale that she is, I definitely don't get paid to do any of this.. But I wanted to blog for a reason, and this totally reminded me why.

THIS DIY

I was going to say "this is one for the kids" but then I realised that I would love a crown like this. Whether it was part of a costume, or an alternative "party hat," they are totally lovely! So easy and cheap to make, plus they look mighty cute.

THIS BIKINI

I LOVE this bikini set. Since I lost weight, I am feeling a bit more confident about my body, to the point where I'm quite happy to show it off. I know that my size shouldn't dictate my self image, but I'm so much more proud of my body compared to when I was bigger. Asos have the best swimsuits though, their patterns are wicked and they have some pretty interesting cuts. Summer is coming and I'm feeling pretty adventurous!

THIS SONG

Isn't this song beautiful? And I love the video clip as well. No matter what Ed Sheeran does, I'm always a fan and this song is no different. Give it a listen, and then listen again. So lovely.

THIS VIDEO

Animation is awesome. Seriously, some of my favourite movies are Disney or Pixar. This clip is pretty clever, a little sad, but mostly great.

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And it's Friday! Today I'm going to a wedding and I'm wearing a crop top! I've never worn one before, I'm a little nervous, but mostly excited to try something new. The wedding is for Rob's cousin who has been engaged to his lovely lady for about 8 years now! Haha it's about time, and I can't wait to see them tie the knot. Other than that, I have another weekend of working (yay 14 day week!) so it's going to be a tiring one.

Have you guys got anything exciting planned?