5 GOALS FROM FEBRUARY TO FEBRUARY

Grab a cuppa, its a long one! 

Goodbye January, hello February. You are very welcome here.

 As a February baby, I am biased in giving February the golden month award. Let's be honest, its a new beginning after the January lull, days start to become longer and lighter, moods pick up, not to mention you don't have to wait a bloody lifetime 'til your next pay check but most importantly... ITS MA BIRTHDAY MONTH! 

Shout out to all my February babies out there!

I've never understood people that don't like their birthdays or don't do anything to celebrate. I get the part about not wanting to be older or not throwing a massive party but I think reflecting on the past year and acknowledging this next stage in your life is important for growth. In a couple weeks I will have my 23rd birthday. 

Which, ladies and gents, brings to reflect on what I've learned this year... 

- Somewhere, somehow, shit just works out. Stop worrying. We're a lot stronger than we think. When you're about to give up just keep going you'll be amazed with what we can get through!

- Consciously take the time to speak and check on the people you love - we all get so caught up in our busy lives that sometimes its hard to remember other people may need you too. 

- Its okay to tune out and ignore the world every now and again. Whether you need a social media break, not responding to everything right away, or you're tired of hearing people tell you how to live your life just tune out! Its okay and also as my momma says "you're not a slave to your phone". 

 In the same breath, cut out all toxic relationships or anything that doesn't make you happy *cue Marie Kondo* Does it spark joy?? If the answer is no, CUT THE TIES!! And don't feel bad about this, you have the right to live your life the way you want to.

- How to manage finances/living within my means - this is something I'm still working on but would be happy to go into detail on another post

     

- Its important to maintain the relationships you care about most and to know that its okay to ask for help or advice from those around you  

I also think its important to recognise your achievements, here are a few of mine from this past year...

- Graduating university with a First Class Honours in International Business with Spanish degree 

- Getting a job straight out of university - I work in legal marketing for barristers in London for anyone thats interested

- Passing my driving test first time around &  buying my first car

- Being financially independent and contributing to our home - barely but independent nonetheless. Did I mention I also managed to pay for all my travels?! Basically, getting a job has allowed me to freely cover my costs - who would've thought?!

- Maintaining the relationships that matter to me most. Some may argue this isn't an achievement but to me, if it takes work then it bloody well is! 

  

And last but not least, I'd like to set myself 5 goals for the year ahead...

1) Start my own company/run a successful "side hustle" - This has been a goal of mine that for some reason I have yet to act on. I've now put it out there and officially accountable!

2) Being more mindful and taking care of my mental health and helping others around me with this.  More in this in future posts.  

3) Blog more and just doing more of what I love in general including at and with my job, travelling and eating whatever I want without feeling guilty about it

4) Potentially move out - this one is a difficult one for me for many reasons I won't bore you with but long story short - Im too attached to my home

5) Continue to build and maintain the relationships I have

Do you set yourself birthday goals? 

xx M

REGROUPING

Well guys, I guess I should start by saying I hope you had a great start to the New Year! 

Oh how I have missed you and the therapeuticness that writing here brings me <3 

Enjoy some recently discovered pics of mini me :) 

I'll admit, it hasn't been so much of a good start to the year for me or end to the last either. I was sooo ready to start off the New Year with positivity and making progress but there hasn't been much of that and I'll get in to all of that in another post. This one is all about hitting refresh on that 2019 button, pushing for positivity and channelling the passion I had two weeks ago, before things went south. 

There's some big changes coming my way in the coming months and with some uncertainty ahead, I felt the need to regroup and ground myself back to where my passion lies...here! 

 I guess what I want to say and/or let you know is that I'll be bringing a different vibe to my blog, sharing a little more of what I'm going through and how I deal with it. The last time I posted was 6ish months ago and that makes me sad, I'd hate to let my blog go after 6 years just because I "don't have time for it or to be all dressed up" anymore. So I thought, hmm Maria, why not expand! I already have the categories I want to share, so why not fill them in more?! During my 6 months of silence, I learnt a lot of things that I think have and will continue to shape me into the future me, and with my busy brain it seemed only natural to write them down and share it with the world. Who knows, maybe I could help a few people too!?

What I want is for my blog/readers to grow with me or to see my progress rather. Which, for the most part, has been the case. The vibe from post one to post 122 is madness! Looking back and seeing your progress is everything and I think part of the growth process. I've always said how this blog is for me to express my passions and to share those with you (if you're interested!), nothing more nothing less. Just a hobby not a chore. This all started out with a fashion focus but I want to do moving forward is share my life experiences and how I got through them. I want to inspire and be inspired so you'll be seeing a lot more personal posts - into the nitty gritty we go. I'm talking setting goals, dealing with loss and uncertainty, managing finances, how I stay motivated, fitness, beauty industry theories, recipes, as well as my usual fashion posts and more! 

So, now that I've filled you in a little bit, I want to wish you all a lovely lovely Sunday and I guess I'll see you in my next post, lets kick this year's ass with a whole lot of positivity!!!!

xx Mimi

THIRTY, FLIRTY, AND THRIVING

 Thirty flirty and thriving...

Lol I know it might sound like something I'd do, but no I didn't decide to skip some years and jump to thirty! My sister did, not me.

We had such a great night, barely took any photos though until the end- just goes to show how into it we were. But thought I'd scramble up what I could and share a few pics of my outfit (and the night) as I got many a compliment on this one! 

I put it down to the "effort less chic" and how high street and high end can work perfectly well together.

You know the little orange Prada I alwayssss use (getting my £ worth and its such a convenient size), my sister has it in a deeper red so I borrowed that "for the night", thought it looked more suitable than the bright orange tbh, not to mention hers is in pristine condition so that sold me. She'll be lucky if she ever sees it again, I'm obsessed!

Happy Birthday again my beauty! 

Excuse the face - this is purely in here for the outfit!

PRADA BAG

TOPSHOP TROUSERS

H&M HIGH NECK LONG SLEEVE TOPZARA COURT HEELS 

YA GIRL. IS FAMOUS.

 You guys!!!

Way back when I told you I had something exciting that I did last summer and I couldn't tell you what it was...ringing any bells? Probs not buuutt anywayysss I'm telling you now! 

Ya girl is the face of Gifting for BURST Oral Care!! 

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST

Its a super cool and unique oracle company based in the US so go ahead and click the link below 

https://www.burstoralcare.com/product/christmasgift

Be sure to also check out the rest of their website for all the details but mostly go show some support on the gifting page! 

Maybe you could even go the extra mile and 

"GIVE THE GIFT OF  

A BEAUTIFUL SMILE!"

WHY NOT!?

Here are some behind the scenes...

DOWN TIME/ STAYING MOTIVATED

Seeing as I always talk about how busy and stressed I am, I thought it might be a good idea to 

say how I actually try to get rid of all that stress and just calmmmm myself...or at least try to. Its not to say  these things work every time, sometimes you just need to switch off and thats okay, but its certainly a good place to start! 

To avoid stress in the first place I try to be as organised as possible, I have a weekly planner where I write down all my key tasks per day, whether its uni stuff, work, appointments or even things like cleaning out my closet its all there listed and I can work through it day by day. Then on the actual day (I do this mostly on the busier days) I write out every task I need to do that day and the steps to complete it. This form of small goal setting is also a way of motivating me to actually get the job done. 

Ticking everything off is probably the most rewarding part of it all!

I'm definitely a strong believer in rewarding yourself especially between tasks if you've been focusing for a long time you need to take some time to just breathe, have a snack, a cup of tea - I'm probably a 2- 3 a day on those! I often take the time to catch up on a cheeky youtube video or a 30 min episode on Netflix, the trick is NOT TO GET SUCKED IN!! If I have anything to blog about I might also draft that up, it just depends on what I fancy at the time. If you can't hack 30 mins of screen time going for walks or reading is also a good idea and if you're in to maybe do some yoga! 

In terms of long term motivation, I think having events or holidays booked is something that really keeps me going. It doesn't have to be crazy. Its amazing what a dinner or drinks added to your diary does when you're constantly in and out of the library/office. 

When I'm reallllly really in relaxation mode - I'm talking end of day, tasks done, bra off moments- I light a few candles and just do whatever I feel is right at the time...it may or may not involve a glass of wine but who am I to say?! ahaha But honestly theres just something about a candlelit room (especially with fragrant candles) or you can get those relaxation ones which are supposed to calm you down. 

Of course spending time with my family and 

friends whenever possible is one of my absolute favourite things to do. 

Its all about getting that balance right, which of course is easier said than done. These are just a couple of my tips so if you have other things that help you, feel free to share and I'm sure we all need the extra help!  

NEW YEAR, NEW ME?

Can you believe it's aaalllmost 2018?!? Just one more day and we'll be starting a whole new year with fresh opportunities and what some may see as a fresh start. 

I always take the last few days of the year to reflect on the ending year and think about what I want to come out of the new year ahead. Making 'resolutions ' in the traditional sense isn't really my thing because honestly, I know I'll only stick to it for the first week or two if that! 

However, I do know that I what I want to come out of every year is for me and my loved ones to be happy and healthy. As cheesy as it sounds, its the truth.  

For 2018 in particular, I hope to have the motivation and determination I need to finish my degree and get a job that I will love. I hope to also bring one of my major projects and possible future business to life. This is the year of career building.

"New year, new me?" Hell ono, New year ,same old me but MOTIVATED I say!  I've been lacking that these past few months but its time to shake off the feeling and get busy with it!

For people who do make resolutions here are a few tips to ensure you stick with them whether it be following a diet, exercising or anything else:
1. Be Realistic
2. WRITE THEM DOWN
3. Review them often to ensure you're staying on target
4. Make milestones to achieve the wider goal
5. ACHIEVE THEM!

2017 has had its major ups and downs which I'm sure everyone else feels too, so with that, I wish you all more ups in 2018 and to always remember to keep persevering and achieving your dreams.  

Happy New Year lovelies! 
(Here are a couple pics from my recent trip to Holland, whole look from pull and bear) 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Merry Christmas my beauties! Wishing you all a wonderful festive season, may all your wishes and dreams come true. Lord knows its been a rollercoaster of a year, but I am grateful for it all! Bring on 2018.

Love,
Mimi <3 

 Whole outfit from H&M, Heels from Public Desire!

CURRENT REALITY

Ever wonder where all the time goes? This time last year I was literally sat on my "secret" beach taking in my last few days of Miami...sigh :( 
 On top of that depressing thought, I'm looking back at my blog this year and seeing how little I posted which is quite sad! 

Although blogging is my get away, it still takes a lot of time and effort to build content. Despite my plan to 
spend the summer building up my blog, here we are knee deep in winter and still no movement. I have come to the realisation of 2 things when it comes to blogging: 

1. BLOGGING IS A FULL TIME JOB.  I blog for me, because I enjoy it and sometimes life gets in the way and I get too busy, sometimes too busy to dress up cute all the time (85% of the time I'm in sweat pants at my desk - photographic evidence to the right, laundry basket and all!) or if I do I'm not thinking about having a photoshoot or its an outfit thats already been up (Yes, I repeat outfits - thanks to my washing machine!). Sometimes I do get the chance to get the photos but then I end up not posting it because by the time I'm ready, England and it's radical weather tell me I can't! (It becomes "out of season"). So hats off to all my regular bloggers out there!

2. PRIORITISE & DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY. Lesson two leads on from lesson 1, blogging may be my happy place but I have to prioritise and right now thats what I'm doing and sadly Glam Chowder cannot get much of my attention, buuuuut in the same breath I have learnt that you need to take time to do what you love. Therefore my beloved blog, hang in there and hopefully sooner rather than later I can put you first and build lots of content in the New Year. But this is not a promise or a plan - refer to lesson 1 - its a go with the flow and hopefully the flow is in my favour! 

In other news, with all the stress and other stuff going on in my life I decided to come home early for Christmas break, theres nothing momma's cuddles can't fix - am I right!? Being home and in the country side especially in winter is literally the best! I don't do it often but walking in the fields (sadly I always miss the sheep!) is super refreshing and helps clear my head - I defs recommend. 

Sooo wrapping up this long post, which I often know what structure I'm taking before writing but not this time, I just typed my little fingers away so apologies if its random but I just needed to let it all out and thats just how these things go ahah. 

Right, I shall end with a quick quote and then its back to the books for me. 

"God will never give you anything you can't handle, so don't stress."
- Kelly Clarkson

SCARILY BORING HALLOWS EVE

HAPPY HALLOWEEN YOU GUYS!! BOY , HOW I'VE MISSED YOU!! 

I just wanted to drop in and say hello, you know, dust off the old cob webs on this blog! Also, I'm trying not to get too depressed because what a bloody difference a year makes! This time last year, I was living the high life in Miami, seaside events with gin and tonics or a glass of bubbles always in-hand and surrounded by such beautiful vibrant people, celebrating this fun and exciting day!

 Today, one entire year later, however, I'm sat here surrounded books on books, paper on paper, tear after tear(jk, those haven't come..yet!) and wearing about a thousand layers. 

LOL 

But honestly... who knew when I said I was going to crack on with final year I ACTUALLY would?!  Ahaha 

I guess this is God's balance, it can't allllllways be fun and games :( 

Anyway before I start waffling, shall we reminisce together? If your answer is yes then SCROLL DOWNNNNNN NOWWWWWWWW!

Don't forget to like GlamChowder on Facebook and follow moi on Instagram  @xMariaYx 

xoxo

TWENTY ONE, SAY WHHAATTTT?!| Part 2

Can you guys believe how long its taken for me to finally get this post together? I mean we're no 5 days into March and its not up yet which is rather unlike me but just goes to show how go go go the last week has been ever since I landed back in Spain.

So as many of you probably know I celebrate my birthday for like the entire month and this birthday wasn't an exception: from cocktails to dinner to party followed by more partying back in London and brunching, I did it all! 

Thank you to everyone who helped me celebrate, I had the best 21st I could've asked for annnd an even BIGGER thank you to my Mommy and Pia for throwing such a great event at Sway Bar London for both mine and Pia's birthdays. Absolutely amazing night, love you guys! 

     

 

EDITE MODE DRESS ((sold out) Boutique in Miami, I'll be selling mine on depop!)

PUBLIC DESIRE HEELS