My Top Three Podcast Picks- Summer 18

The rise of podcasts in the last few years has certainly got my attention so I thought I'd share with you my favourites so you can hopefully discover and be introduced to some gems of your own!

Radio 2's Confessions Podcast

Find it here

My younger self would be HORRIFIED to know that I'm now partial to a spot of Radio 2 and in particular, Simon & Jo's show segment on confessions. It literally has me in stitches so when I discovered there's a podcast dedicated solely to it, I was all ears!

If you haven't heard the Radio 2 confessions, it consists of people emailing in their embarrassing and hilarious confessions from years gone in the hope that they can seek forgiveness from the Parish of Radio 2, Simon Mayo being known as Father Simon and Jo as... (well I can't remember but that's irrelevant.)

From farts to fibs and so much more that are mortifying but magnificent all the same- this podcast will make you crease up, cry and cringe all at once and I guarantee it'll put a huge grin on your face. I listen to it on days when I need a good giggle to cheer me up or just in general when I want some hilarity. I recommend it to anyone and everyone that will listen!


The Wonderland Murders by Wondery

Find it here

After my friend and fellow Prosecco Sessions co-host Laura introduced me to the podcast "Dirty John" , it opened my eyes to a whole new world of podcast genre; in the form of story telling. Similar to audio books, I'm down for some crime episodes  that are based on real life cold cases which makes them all the more chilling to listen to.

The Wonderland Murders are all about four brutal murders, a dodgy night club owner and a down and out porn star. It's set in the 80s and from the first episode I was hooked- so much so I binged the entire thing in two days. If you like reading but don't have time to sit with a crime book thriller or perhaps just want something to listen to whilst you multi task then this podcast is for you. It's gripping, chilling and really addictive! The fact that the case has also never been solved sent a shiver down my spine on several occasions whilst I was listening.



Wobble

Find it here

If I remember rightly, I discovered this podcast in Apple podcasts under where it says something like "other podcasts you may be interested in." I'm SO glad I clicked on it because it's a brilliant podcast hosted by Jules Von Hep and Sarah Powell. They talk about what makes us wobble; both physically and mentally, how we view ourselves and discovering what it is that actually makes us wobble. It's such a reassuring podcast and refreshing too; knowing that there are other people out there who have their moments with mental health and their body confidence. For each episode the duo have special guests on who have inspired them and/or have words of wisdom when it comes to happiness and  they share their own experiences. It all relates back to the fact that it is okay not to be okay and I love it. A particular episode they really resonates with me is Episode 3 with Lauren Mahon where they discussed her experience with being diagnosed with breast cancer and she feels about her body now going forward as well as her incredible campaign Girl VS Cancer. The episode really opened my eyes to what is really important in life and the bigger picture; putting everything into perspective which was so inspiring. If you only listen to one episode from this podcast make it that one as I promise you, you'll come away feeling completely uplifted and if you're like me- slightly mind blown!

So those are my current three favourite podcasts to listen to right now. I've linked to each of them under each of the imagery but if you're using Apple podcasts they're very easy to find in the search feature.

My favourites change depending on my mood and also from what I discover so keep your eyes peeled for another post in the following few months for Autumn and see what I'm loving then!

Before I sign off, I have to of course mention now that I also have a podcast of my own called The Prosecco Sessions! I couldn't NOT mention it but I felt a bit biased putting it in as a favourite. So if you love chatting over a glass of fizz or two this one could be for you! There's more on how it was formed in this post and the link to it on Soundcloud is this.

What podcasts are you enjoying? I love to discover new ones, especially when they're recommended!

Oh Hello Yellow | An Outfit for Hot Summer Days

With the weather being exceptionally sticky for the most part this summer, I needed a dress that would just flow and fit whilst being comfy AF and I think I've found the one!

This mellow yellow mustard beauty spoke to me on the Matalan website and I just had to have it. It's shirred bardot top is perfect for securing lady lumps without the need for a clinging bra- I mean, who wants to wear a bra when its 30+ degrees outside?!

It's honestly the comfiest thing, being 100% cotton and easy just to chuck on for hot summer days. My yellow obsession is real so I paired it with my mustard yellow bag from Accessorize but it would equally look lush with a straw bag, straw hat or even some tan wedges for more of an evening look!

Dress- Matalan

Bag- Accessorize (similar here)

Earrings- Boohoo

Sandals (old)- Vivienne Westwood

Can you believe these photos were taken in the UK? I honestly don't know what is happenin with the weather lately but I can't complain and discovering this beaut of a place know as Tapeley Park with its beautiful gardens was such a treat. There's also a lake, cattle grazing in the hectares of land and a sustainable organic vegetable garden!

The house itself is also stunning and you're even able to take your own picnic! There is of course the option to have a cream tea in the cafe which is what we went for and sat on the quaint iron chairs overlooking the gardens. It was pure bliss and I'd highly recommend a visit to anyone looking for a gorgeous day out and/or stunning scenery for photographs!

What is your must have piece of clothing for this hot and sticky weather? And where are you loving go for days out this summer?

Drink Too Much Coffee and Think of You Often

I can’t even deal with how glorious the weather has been this summer. It feels almost daft posting these pictures now with my pasty skin as now I feel like a golden goddess but sod it- I love the outfit!

 

It’s also pretty mega for those days when you just want to cover up a bit because maybe you’re sunburnt or you’re just sick of having to worry about whether your ass is on show (or is that just me?)

 
This maxi is actually from the tall section of Boohoo- something I didn’t realise until it turned up in the post. I toyed with sending it back but after looking up alternatives, I realised this was an absolute steal for the price and went about taking it up. Some wonderweb and a few stitches later, I have a floaty white maxi of dreams for this English summer weather.

I’ve been reminiscing a lot recently and thinking of the decisions I’ve made over the past few years. I’m starting to question everything and wonder: did I make the right choice? Am I being too safe in life? I’m having cravings for excitement and exploring something new which is probably due to visiting some totally gorgeous places such as The Lake District and north Devon in the past few months. Have any of you ever relocated and was it a massive ballache? It’s something my husband has wanted to do for the longest time and although America is his goal, he’d settle for a different part of the UK. 

The problem with me is I’m a worrier. I worry about everything to the point that my worries disturb my sleep on a regular basis but I can’t help thinking of The Lake District and a life up here; romanticising about taking stunning photographs of the landscape, dog walks and hearty roast dinners on a Sunday. 

The reality is my life is currently here and unless the stars align and both Chris and I find our dream jobs up north we’re kinda stuck here. Maybe I’m just suffering with post-holibob blues or maybe this is a sign I need to be brave and take control of my destiny. What do you think? 

Do you ever feel like this? Does it pass like some kind of phase or is it a thing? 

Dress- Boohoo

Boots- New Look

Belt- Boohoo

Hat- eBay

These photos were taken by my very talented photographer friend who is also my festival fairy godmother Sian’s Photography- that girl can party!

Pressure to Produce | Is Social Media Making Me Ill?

Social Media, blogging, recording, streaming, content content content...!

 I don't know if I'm the only person who puts themself under immense pressure to be in the game and on the ball with their social media outputs but after a beautiful relaxing weeks holiday, I cried...

Sunday night- the cusp of a new week. I felt happy, relaxed and rested after a weeks holiday. Everything in the house was up to date- a full fridge, an empty washing basket and the ironing all done. I felt GOOD! My next thought was I've got some time, lets create content!

I love producing content and being creative and I thought I'd try something new but after two hours of faffing on one task, getting nowhere and feeling like a downright failure, I burst into tears.

This isn't the first time I've cried over social media this year and it seems to be a reoccurring trend. Every few months I get this wave of overwhelming pressure wash over me and everything gets a bit much. To make things worse I then focus on all the things I haven't done like not putting out a blog post in over a week, my scheduled tweets running out and my whatsapp messages through the roof... I end up melting into a sorry mess and feeling like a failure. 

Luckily for me I have a husband and fellow blogger friends who are always there to listen and pick me back up. (Yes that's you Laura, Pippa and Chris.) The hubster likes to point out that nothing will happen if I don't post. It's not work, I don't get paid (generally) to post so why do I put so much pressure on myself? It's a bloody good question and one that I don't have an answer for in truth. My friends will tell me to take a stop back, chill and come back to it when I'm ready and in a better place. But what do I get myself in such a state in the first place?

 Is social media to blame? And is it contributing to our stress levels and pressure to produce, consume and be switched on 24/7? I honestly don't know but its how it can make me eel when it all gets too much. I's like a to do list that is never ending and I find I can never fully switch off from it.

If I'm totally honest with myself I have fallen out of love a  bit with blogging compared to how I used to feel. I have lost the drive, motivation and energy for it and I think its my own fault because of the pressure I put on myself. When and why did I start putting such ridiculous pressure upon myself when this is just a hobby after all?

I then sometime toy with the idea of jacking it in altogether but then I wonder what I'd do with my tie. Would I have fomo? Blogging has brought me so many wonderful opportunities over the years as well as amazing friendships which wouldn't be if it weren't for this hobby.

Denim Jacket- Primark (old)

Cropped Trousers- New Look

Slogan Tee- Joanie

Trainers- Converse

Photography by Sians Photography

My biggest fear of all (which I'm aware is going to sound insane) is if I don't blog... what defies me as a person? And even worse- I worry that my friends and family will find me boring!

Blogging has been "my thing" for such a long time. I feel I'd be lost without it. maye quitting isn't the ticket but learning to somehow release myself from my own grips of pressure? Anyway these are all just my ramblings, thoughts and feelings on the situation but I'd love to know if anyone else ever feels like this and what you do/have done to overcome it.