Lorna Cole

It's been a while since I've done a favourites post and I definitely feel like I missing something I wanted to share! Just a quick disclaimer - I've shared some Amazon products which are affiliate links but as always, my opinions are completely my own! Special Mentions Snow I had to mention the brief appearance of snow we had yesterday, it was so nice to see people's social media posts of them enjoying time outside! Photos of the snow are always so pretty and I mentioned on my Twitter recently about hoping to be able to take my own so was watching the weather all evening on Saturday. I had a feeling it wouldn't be that heavy and it would probably melt quickly so I got up early to take some photos! Although it was very cold, seeing a snowy sunrise was definitely worth it. Something about being outside when it's so quiet and still is also quite relaxing! Notion I won't say too much about Notion here as shared my thoughts about it in my last post. However, sinc...

I'm writing this just as it's been announced that we are back in lockdown (as was expected!) Knowing this, setting goals, or making plans for the upcoming year may seem pretty pointless and I fully get why people won't bother this year. For me, it's a way to be somewhat productive, something that boosts my mood if  I've been feeling uninspired. I'm not making any huge goals this year, many are short term things that should be relatively easy to achieve. I'll revisit them later in the year and make additional ones if necessary! Choose a university course My main goal for 2021 is to start a new university degree. If you've read any of my previous posts, you might know I was studying with the OCA and doing a Creative Arts course. Since completing (and passing!) the first course, I realised I want to focus on a more specific avenue, rather than creative arts as a whole. Another reason I want to change courses is so that I'm able to move to a new location...

We’re all going to be pros at finding things to entertain ourselves after this aren’t we! Being stuck inside feels very familiar, however, without the warm weather that accompanied the first lockdown. I thought I’d share some of the things I enjoyed doing and some ideas to pass the time over the next few weeks.  Get some fresh air  One activity I really enjoyed and valued during the first lockdown was getting out and going on regular walks around my town. When restrictions were eased more I also travelled to quieter beaches since I love being by the sea and find it so relaxing! It's definitely harder to get outside as much during the colder months but I've still made an effort and always feel better for it. Here are a few photos I've taken whilst out on walks this year! Watch anything and everything  The most obvious go-to activity is of course watching films or tv shows. I’ve spent my time watching all the cheesy Christmas films on Netflix recently and have no complaints...

To say 2020 has been a weird year would be an understatement, in fact, it's been pretty crappy and much worse for many people. I feel lucky to have been able to live with some normality when the world is so chaotic. However, the year seems to have gone ridiculously fast and this blog took a backseat. I definitely had writer's block too and didn't want to blog for the sake of it, however, after being away for a while I've missed it a lot! I enjoyed the social side of blogging as well as sharing bits of my life so am looking forward to getting back into it. I’ve still been posting regularly on my Creative Arts blog as part of my studying which definitely took up a lot of time! It's been a really interesting experience and I’ve learnt a lot. I’m actually making some decisions about my future studies which I’ll share on here at some point but I definitely have a better idea of what I’m really interested in! Obviously doing a course from home is pretty time consuming and...

Like me, everyone has times when it can be difficult to find the inspiration to write new blog posts. I feel like it’s easier to come up with ideas at certain times of the year but it can be frustrating when you can’t seem to write something that you’re happy with. I thought I’d share a few things that I try when writer's block hits me! → Pinterest - A classic go to for inspiration for pretty much everything, why not keep a board full of different ideas that you can come back to when you're feeling a bit stuck for fresh ideas. → Lists & Mind maps - Try making lists or if that’s not your thing then perhaps a mind map may help. I like to write down the things I enjoy and am interested in and often that can give me a burst of inspiration for some posts.  → Read other blogs - This is one of the best ways to get some inspiration for the content that's already out there. I'd recommend participating in blog chats as they're a great way to talk with and su...

Well, once again January has lasted twice as long as every other month does (seriously though, why does it always feel like that?) Anyway, I thought I'd share the things I've enjoyed during the start of 2019.  Creativity  After receiving a new camera for Christmas, I've enjoyed taking photos whenever I can. I definitely need to get out and about to test it properly but it's been great just experimenting! I'm really hoping that we get some good snow because I'd love to get some great photos of that, I always think it looks so pretty! However, if all else fails, you can always count on a good sunset for a perfect photo opportunity.  Food I feel like I have to mention all leftover snacks from Christmas firstly as it's always a good day when you remember you've got a whole chocolate orange to eat still. I also am a big fan of fudge in general and hadn't had any for ages so was pleased when my mum picked up some of the Rydale Farm G...

I'm not one to make resolutions particularly but I do think it's quite useful to make some goals, though it doesn't necessarily have to be January!  →   Start a Creative Arts degree - This year I plan to begin studying with the OCA, this is part of the University for the Creative Arts but you can do it from home which will allow me to continue working as well! →  Work with more companies - I've had a couple companies reach out to me already this year so I'm really looking forward to working with more brands to create content. → Create a list of book ideas - Writing a book is on my bucket list and although it's not something I plan to do yet, I would like to think of some potential ideas and themes. → Guest posts - I've done a few guest posts previously and would like to do more to build up my portfolio. I'd also like to contribute to places like Buzzfeed since it's a platform I use frequently. → 4000 followers on Twitter - I'm al...

I was recently tagged in the A-Z Alphabetical Advice Tag by Erin who blogs over at The Life of Erin , definitely go check her out and you can read her post here ! Since I'm no pro at giving advice, I thought I'd tailor it more towards self-care tips and advice, it was pretty difficult to think of something starting with each letter (mainly X) but I've given it a go! A Acknowledge that you need to take some time to focus on yourself and to make self-care a priority. B Balance is key. You can't give up all responsibilities but it's important that you give yourself time to enjoy yourself, to spend time with people and relax, as well as the normal routine things. C Create. Whether it's art, a new post, some food or just simply creating an environment you can relax in. D Don't put pressure on yourself to always be on top form, everyone has days that aren't as productive. E Eat whatever makes you feel good. If...

For quite a while I've always said that I'd love to write a book someday, it started when I was much younger and would often write different stories. Often they involved boarding school because I was obsessed with Enid Blyton's 'Mallory Towers' series, but I'd usually write 20 pages and then would forget about it until I found it in one of my many notebooks a year later. English was always one of my favourite subjects at school and I looked forward to writing different things, however as I got older my love of reading definitely subsided. In primary school, I read a lot in my spare time however when I got older and had other hobbies I stopped reading as much. I also think that having to read certain books when studying had an impact on not enjoying it as much anymore, especially after doing an English Literature A Level. Anyway, I think writing a book would be really rewarding and a great way to combine my desire to write as well as my creativity. When thin...

Yes we are approaching the end of July but I'm taking it back a month and sharing things I enjoyed over June. I took a break from blogging for various reasons but I want to get back on track and hate the thought of missing out a monthly favourites post so here we are!  Creativity  As I've previously mentioned on here, I've been experimenting with typography and calligraphy since it is something I find so intriguing. I've spent a lot of time using my graphics tablet to practice but over June I wanted to try out some more freehand stuff. I do have some brush pens but I've mostly been using some felt tips that I got in  Ikea  a while back, trying to keep it as simple as possible! It can be really frustrating and there are so many other styles I want to try out but it can actually be pretty relaxing if you just spend some time trying things out! TV Now I know there are a lot of mixed opinions about this but yes I have been sucked into the ...

Well, January seemed to last a lifetime, didn't it! I think it is because the Christmas period is always pretty fast paced and exciting so when we reach January the days just seem to drag. However, we have finally reached February so I thought I'd share some of my favourites from the last month. Movie/Music - This wouldn't be a favourites post if I didn't mention The Greatest Showman now would it, and I have to say I have definitely enjoyed being a part of the hype! I finally went to see the movie a few weekends ago and it met my expectations for sure so I can't wait for it to be released properly so I can watch it again and again! Obviously, a huge part of any musical is the soundtrack and The Greatest Showman songs have been on repeat ever since. They are so catchy and you can't help but sing them, how amazing would it be to have a part in those performances! If you'd like to know more about my thoughts then you can check out the review I posted ...

Everyone has days where you need to take some time for yourself and I've created a list of a few suggestions! Taking some time out of your day to focus on yourself may seem selfish but it can really improve your mood and day, anyway, being selfish every so often never hurt anyone! Have a pamper day Light some candles and run a bath with your favourite Lush bath bomb, paint your nails, do a face mask or even take a trip to a spa. Pampering yourself is a great way to make you feel relaxed and refreshed! Binge watch Netflix Sometimes all you need is a evening, (or an entire day) to watch your favourite shows on Netflix. Whether it's something new you've come across or you're re-watching something for the 80th time, nothing can beat a day of Netflix! Or take a trip to the Cinema  You can spend a couple hours lost in a great film and it is always good to get out and to watch something new!  Go for a walk One of the most obvious but not to b...