Sunday Stuff: Edition Two

It's been a lovely weekend. The weather not so much.... but I guess we can forgive that. It is autumn after all.

After a standard 'wild' Friday night spent food shopping cleaning and hitting the gym (I did say it was wild), I'm happy to announce that the weekend vastly improved. Friday night chores are seriously a bore but getting them out the way leaves time for the weekend to be spent doing better things.

It's OK to Be You

People are all very different. Some feel the desire to constantly surround themselves with others, having huge friendship groups and giving off a glowing appearance of extroversion. Others like spending time alone, associating themselves with a very small and very well defined group of friends and enjoying the sensation of being alone. This type of person is often seen to be introverted - shy and self-enclosed, not giving away too much of themselves too soon.

Sunday Stuff

For me personally, Sunday is a bit of a weird day filled with anxieties and preparations for the week ahead. It can sometimes feel like a wasted day spent waiting for Monday to roll round once again. It's a real pity... but I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels this way.

However that being said, if there's a day in the week when you can treat yourself, it is most definitely a Sunday. If you only do only one thing today, make it a simple act of self care. Whether you spend ten minutes or several hours treating yourself to something that makes you happy, it's so important to take time to unwind. In today's society it's easy to be constantly absorbed in what is going on and always obsessing about whats to come.... but sometimes we just need to turn off and be in the present.

This Sunday, as we welcome in the first weekend of September here's what I'm doing to show myself a little bit of love. 

Blogging is Hard

Oh hey...it's been a while.

I'm not really sure where 2017 has gone. I mean, it's June already yet it only seems two minutes ago that I popped up my last posts about Christmas and New Year. Right now, that famous Ferris Bueller quote seems pretty damn apt.

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while you might miss it."

Blogging is hard. 

I love writing, it's one of my favourite things to do; however when your job involves a hell of a lot of writing already, it's difficult to come home and feel inspired to write even more. So I kind of dropped off the blogosphere. Fell out of love with Things Tanith Did and the social media platforms that once made up a huge part of my life. 

But I want to come back. I get home from work some nights, settle down with a cup of tea and flick through some of my favourite blogs and think YES. This is what I want to do. I want to write and create content to be proud of. Capture beautiful moments, pretty photographs and rekindle that love for creativity I once had.

I think after three intense years at university (studying Media and Communications if you didn't already know) followed by a full time job that takes up a lot of my creative thought, the inspiration I once had gradually dwindled away.

But I want to get it back! I think to do that I just need to strike when the inspiration comes, not force something that isn't there. I'm not committing to a 'schedule'. I'm not committing to a 'theme'. I'm not committing to specific content. I'm committing to creativity and to respark that passion I once had.

So, hopefully this isn't goodbye for too long. It's the start of something new.

Tanith

xx

Hello 2017

How is it 2017 already? I know we say this every year... but time really does fly. 

Although for the world in general, 2016 wasn't the greatest year, for me personally it has held some wonderful memories and some truly fantastic moments. When a new year begins its always nice to reflect on that of the past, and remember what made you happy and grateful. Of course, not everything is easy, but it is remembering the good times of the past year that set 2017 off to the right start. A new start. 

Some Lovely Gifts

Happy New Year! I truly hope 2017 brings good health and happiness to you all!

I may be a tad late on the bandwagon, however I'm kicking 2017 off with a 'What I got for Christmas' type post. I know it already seems like so long ago since we celebrated Christmas, and many people have already popped these posts up on their blogs a while back... however, I just wanted to enjoy Christmas with my loved ones so I thought the post could wait.

I was so very lucky this year and received so many lovely gifts from family and friends. Alongside tickets to see Lord of the Dance (for the 3rd time), and vouchers to spend on nice little things for myself I was also given some really thoughtful and generous presents.... and I am truly grateful.

An Instax Christmas

I've always loved photography. I have far more cameras than any one individual should own, but yet I found myself extremely excited to be unwrapping another one on Christmas day. This time it was an Instax Mini 8 in the gorgeous pastel blue colour.

I've wanted one of these cameras for years. I know the films are expensive, and you don't get many shots per film (blah, blah, blah)... but there's just something so exciting about taking that one shot. You're capturing that single moment, as it is. No edits, no filters. Just a raw, original moment without all that 21st century crap that ruined the truth of a photograph (don't worry I still love my DSLR). 

Just point, shoot and see what happens next. 

I'm 100% amazed that everyone's eyes were open on all these photographs! 

I just love every single photo taken so far and can't wait to get snapping throughout 2017.

Tanith

xx

Merry Christmas, Everyone

So it’s now Boxing Day and I’m sat stuffing my face with every kind of food (chocolate, cheese, turkey… you name it)! To be honest, why would you spend Boxing Day in any other way?!

I’ve never been one to rush out shopping as soon as the sales begin. One because I hate routing through sales racks and two because I think Boxing Day should be spent with loved ones. It’s an extension of Christmas Day. For me, Boxing Day has always been spent at home, watching films, eating good food and enjoying good company… and this year it’s no different.

I’m extremely luckily to be surrounded by my wonderful boyfriend, aunt/cousin and mom on this relaxed day, and soon we will be joined by my other aunty to give out even more Christmas presents. As lovely as it is to receive gifts, what I like most about Christmas is getting presents for all my loved ones and seeing their faces on Christmas day when I give them out. I mean, this year I’ve been slightly less extravagant with gift giving, mainly due to being skint after forking out lots of money for my bathroom refurbishment… but that doesn’t take away the magic. It’s not about how much you spend, it’s about the gesture and thought of giving those you love a little something to enjoy (no matter how big or small).

I was extremely luckily and received some truly wonderful gifts from my family (more on that later in the week), but most of all I enjoyed a day of relaxation. Christmas Eve was the same, and I’m going to make today no different. Christmas only comes round once a year, so it’s best to make the most of every second while you can…. shopping can wait.

So today, as I sit in my comfy clothes surrounded by those I love, I make a toast to you all. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The Christmassy Day

Yesterday marked my first day off for Christmas! It was lovely only having a two day week, and finishing work knowing that I have two whole weeks off to relax, unwind and refresh.

To be honest, the office on Tuesday was lovely, as although everyone was finishing off work ready for the break, people were in such high spirits and cheerful moods!

For my first day off, I knew I needed to do something festive! Of course a lie in was requied first... but after that I knew I couldn’t just do nothing. I’m determind to see as many people as possible over this break, so yesterday, I started by seeing my lovely friend Lucy.

The Christmas Tree

The tree is decorated and the house is festive! Christmas is well and truly on its way.

As a child we always had a real tree up in the house at Christmas time and nothing can beat the smell that hits you every time you walk into the room. It really screams Christmas. However unfortunately, with the cost of real trees getting more and more each year teamed with the fact that the living room floor becomes covered in a blanket of needles every time you so much as tap the tree, has meant that artificial is the way to go.

The 6ft tree I have sits perfectly in my living room and is almost perfectly made for the space… despite it being passed onto me from my mom and our old family home. It looks so beautiful decorated with simple lights and a gold/red themed baubles (how very festively coloured).

A Beautiful Week

So last week I was a very lucky girl. After a wonderful 23rd Birthday weekend celebrated with my family, myself and Dan went down to the beautiful Cornwall on October 17th for five days of relaxation. It was his wonderful present to me and we had the best week.

The Power of the Blog!

When I established Things Tanith Did two years ago it was a hobby. Somewhere for me to write and express myself. A place to just be me. I didn’t really expect anyone to read it, and I particularly didn’t expect it to help me so much in other aspects of my life. But it has helped me…a huge amount.

Before starting my blog in 2014 I was interested in pursuing a career within the television industry, preferably in some sort of editing capacity. However, as time went on, the passion I had for this area dwindled and I found myself feeling more and more distant from an industry I’d once revelled in. Through blogging, I’d gained a great deal more hands on experience in writing and photography alongside promotion via social media. I began with under 100 followers on Twitter and have somehow managed to get that up to over 630 people! To many people that will seem like nothing, but for someone who created this space for my own personal enjoyment and with no experience in using social media in a promotional capacity, this is pretty damn fantastic.

Turning 23.

On Sunday I turn 23. That makes me feel really old. I mean, I know I’m not that old, but 23 sounds like I really should have my s**t together… y’know, be a ‘proper’ adult. I mean in some ways I suppose I am a ‘proper’ adult. I’ve completed my education, I live on my own in a lovely little house, I have a full time career and at present, my hard earned wages are being spent on home adjustments. All those things combined would make one assume that I have in fact got my life in order… however I still feel so young and as though I still have years to figure my life out. I guess I do, but turning 23 means I’m well in to my 20’s now, so it just feels as though the pressure is on......

23. Lets do this!

Tanith

xx

Happy Birthday Grand Central!

Thursday was a lovely evening. After a busy week at work, it was great getting the chance to have a girly evening with my mom, particularly since I never really do too much on the evenings after finishing work. I was lucky enough to be invited to an event at THBaker in Birmingham’s Grand Central shopping centre to mark their 1^st birthday of being open. It’s crazy to think that Grand Central has already been open for one whole year… it seems like only yesterday I was visiting it for the first time with everything seeming so different and new. Even now I still love the look/feel of the shopping centre (alongside the new and improved train station), and whilst it doesn’t contain a huge number of stores, there’s still a great atmosphere when walking around. I love how there are yummy food places located all around the circular centre, giving off delicious smells as you browse the shops (not so great if you’re trying to diet). There’s something for everyone in terms of both shops and restaurants, but without it feeling at all overwhelming.

Halloween is Coming

To be honest, I've never been big on halloween. Some people go all out and decorate their houses with tons of decorations.... but that's never been me! However, I do love that halloween means autumn, and cosy nights tucked up on the sofa with a blanket and hot chocolate (or chai latte)!

When Dan's family returned from America with this mini Bath & Body Works candle for me I was pretty excited! I've heard many a great thing about these, with everyone raving about the quality of the candles and the scent they give off. Now, with Halloween on its way, this is a limited edition themed candle... which is actually pretty cool.

Now the name 'vampire blood' may seem slightly strange, but hey, I'll just go with it.... especially since the pumpkin vampire on the glass jar is so darn cute.

A Busy Weekend

What a lovely weekend it was. Normally I spend the majority of my weekends sitting around doing not very much at all…. And while that is nice, it can get a bit boring. I don’t like feeling as though I’ve wasted my two days off, so it’s always good to go out somewhere, even just for a little while. This weekend however, it seemed as though everything hit in one go and everyday there was something going on.

Two Years of Blogging!

Who would have thought my little blog would have survived its second year?! Not me! Particularly since it’s been a damn busy year what with completing the final year of my degree (and all the madness that comes hand in hand with that) and starting full time work. It would have been all too easy for me to give up. Throw in the towel and just think of myself as ‘too busy’ to blog. Yes, I dropped the ball for a while, and posts weren’t as regular as I’d have hoped, but I carried on. Blogging is something I’ve found myself really enjoying, and seeing my following grow is both exciting and truly humbling. It’s a hobby, and it’s so very important that we all have hobbies and engage with the things we enjoy. I couldn’t throw in the towel and lose something I’ve worked so hard on. I didn’t want to deprive myself of the joy I get from snapping photographs and writing things that are interesting to me… and so, here I am, writing up a little post all about surviving two years in the blogosphere. Two wonderful years.

My Hero

My Dad was a wise man, full of knowledge about pretty much everything. As well as this, he was kind, loving and my ultimate hero. I like to think he moulded the person I am today. I definitely have his sense of humour, sarcasm and impatience for people... but also I'd like to think I have some of his caring/loving side too. 

Since last Thursday would have been his 57th birthday, I thought I'd post something in homage to him. The man that made my life wonderful (alongside my amazing mom of course)!

On Sunday, my mom tagged me and my sister in a Facebook post written by my dad in 2009. It was one of those "25 things" in which you write random facts/thoughts/hobbies. It was crazy seeing this again and just reminded me of how amazing my dad was..... I also like to think I got my passions for writing from him, so thanks for that too. 

A Tasty Snack

The brand Love Chin Chin originated in West Africa and create delicious 100% natural 

snacks that 'crunch like biscuits, taste like a cake'. After reading that it's safe to say I was intrigued. I'm definitely a snacker. Someone who likes to eat often throughout the day. I'm not one of those people who can just eat three straight meals and thats it... hell no! So when the brand kindly offered to send* me some of the snacks to test out, it's safe to say I was excited to give them a try.

Finding Motivation!

As I’ve mentioned numerous times here on Things Tanith Did, I’m forever struggling with my weight. I don’t mean to sound overdramatic, but it really is a battle and sometimes it seems as though I’m never going to reach where to want to be in regards to my weight. My weight fluctuates at a ridiculous rate, and even in the course of a day or two, my weight can change dramatically either way (which I suppose can be a good thing when the weight comes off). Saying that, it more often than not leans to the gaining weight side of things, and I’m pretty sure I only need to think about chocolate to gain weight.