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Lately, I’ve been struggling a little when it comes to this blog, which is so frustrating when it’s something I’ve enjoyed a lot for the past few years. In part, I’m pretty tired being back in a Hong Kong kindergarten, which takes a lot of my time and energy every day. However, I’m also struggling creatively, in terms of inspiration. I want to stick to my posting schedule, of three times a week, but it’s proving harder to maintain lately, as I don’t know what to write sometimes! (source)     My Monday outfit posts have been a staple for a long time, but since my apartment has no space to take the photos, this now involves setting time aside specifically at the weekend to go out somewhere and take them. I’ve done this a couple of times, but it’s becoming more difficult, especially if I’m really tired or have other plans. When I go out at the weekend though, and see new parts of Hong Kong, it provides new material, and other upcoming travel plans I have will make for some big, interesting (I hope) posts. It’s the in-between I’m struggling with, the days or weeks when I’ve had to skip other posts planned, or haven’t been out anywhere to write about. What do I write about at those times?      I feel like I keep churning out tag or top five or travel inspiration posts, which are all fine, and which I will continue to do, but I don’t want to keep reverting to those out of laziness. I do want to get into the habit of writing posts in advance, so that if I’m tired or busy on publishing day, I can still post and not keep skipping days. Which is also part of the problem, these types of post I just mentioned are easy to write when I’m not feeling mentally switched-on. But then I worry that my lack of energy and inspiration is causing me to keep up my quantity of posts, at the risk of their quality. I want to write interesting, thought-out, reflective pieces more often, but it’s not something I often feel up to doing after a long day (or week) at work.      So that’s the two prongs I guess – I need more energy and motivation to write the pieces I want to write, and I need some more inspiration, both for those sorts of pieces – I want to write them, but I’m still not sure where to start a lot of the time – and for lighter, easier pieces to post in-between, to mix things up a bit from the rut I’ve fallen into. I’ve written a couple posts like this one before, when I’ve been struggling with some writer’s block, and sometimes it’s helped. I’m going to try going back to some of my old inspiration sources again, like other blogs and websites, or making more observations about people and places when I’m out and about. Here’s hoping that they throw up something new for me! I don’t want people reading this to get bored, and I’m getting bored sometimes myself, so I need new ideas.       I’d love to hear anyone else’s suggestions, for how to get more motivated again, or new post ideas!

So in last week’s outfit post I said that these might no longer be a weekly occurence. However, due to popular demand – i.e. the insistence of Jason and Bridget – they will be continuing for now. This was my outfit of choice for the Young Guns gig last week. It’s been much sunnier and warmer in Edinburgh recently, so I thought I’d crack out some shorts this time – although gigs finish late, and it’s still freezing at night, so the tights were a must. I like these black shorts, as they look a little smarter than my denim ones, and the grey and black combination here seemed to suit a rock show well. The t-shirt is super light and easy to move in. And as I’ve said before, what’s a gig outfit without Converse and armfuls of wristbands? Top – Forever 21, Shorts – H&M, Converse – Schuh Necklaces – Gift, Wristbands – Young Guns, You Me At Six & The Blackout merch Tights – Unknown, Nail Polish – ‘Black Out’ by Rimmel

So, most regular readers will have spotted that my blog doesn’t ever contain recipes or many food related posts at all. The reason is simple – I’m a terrible cook. I cook to eat to survive, not for pleasure or anything else like that. But, I was looking for new post ideas and a friend suggested summer drinks, and seeing as I’m a borderline alcoholic (that’s a joke, for anyone who may now be concerned about my alcohol consumption levels!), I thought this was a food related post I could manage! We’ve had so much sunny weather in Edinburgh lately, that all most of us want to do is lounge around outside, having a few drinks. Summer drinks, to me, should be cold and refreshing, above everything else, and I often go for light, fruity options too. Anyways, I’ve searched the internet for some recipes (linked for credit) and ideas, and compiled a list of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options (credit to Tasha and Bridget for the ideas)! mai tai (source) This is one of my go-to favourite cocktails, and rum is one of my favourite drinks. It’s especially good for summer cocktails, since you can mix it with so many different things. Mai tais are fun and refreshing, without being overly sweet and fruity. There’s a few variations on the recipe, using different syrups, with some adding Cointreau or coconut rum, and others adding pineapple juice, but the traditional version seems to be white and dark rum, lime juice, orange juice or curaçao, and orgeat or almond syrup. A few of these are quite specialised, so I never make this myself, but it’s a favourite order of mine in cocktail bars! mojito (source) Another rum based option, this time white rum usually, and an easy classic to whip up quickly, without too many ingredients. Aside from the rum, all you need is soda, lime juice, sugar, and mint leaves. In all honesty, it’s not always my first choice drink, with all those leaves floating about, but I do like mint, and the fun thing about mojitos is that you can do all sorts of variations on it. Try it with gin or tequila, if you aren’t a rum fan, and mix in different fruit flavours to see what takes your fancy – plenty of options for experimentation! frozen margarita (source) Tequila can be a dangerous drink for some people (myself included sometimes!), but I love a frozen margarita, as it’s so refreshing and fun! I’m also not generally a frozen cocktail drinker, but this is my exception, for really warm weather. I also like the various flavour combinations you can get with these, which I usually prefer over the classic recipe – strawberry, raspberry, mango, peach, so many possibilities! This one does take a little more preparation to do yourself, since you’ll need a blender (which I don’t have), but the ingredients are easy enough to get together – tequila, ice, lime juice, simple syrup – or orange liqueur, as this recipe suggests – and salt! caipirinha (source) I spend half my Saturday nights in a Brazilian bar here in Edinburgh, so I’ve drank a fair few of these over the last few months. It feels tropical, without being excessively sweet and fruity (I like a cocktail where I can actually taste the alcohol, not just a smoothie!), and is light and refreshing, perfect for summer weather. And yes, more rum. Traditionally, you should use cachaça, a Brazilian spirit, but white rum will also do the job, if you’re not a purist or can’t find any. Then it’s just sugar syrup (or  even sugar alone) and lime wedges, so easy to make, and delicious every time! pimm’s (source) You’ll have to chop up a bunch of fruit for this one, but it’s a quintessential British summer classic, especially if you have a whole punch bowl or jug full of it! I remember being allowed to drink this way back in my early teens, as it’s not really that strong, but then you can drink a fair amount before you start to get tipsy, which is great on a hot day when you’re feeling thirsty! The classic recipe calls for strawberries, oranges, cucumbers, and mint, with the Pimm’s mixed with lemonade, and ice of course. beer (source) And if you don’t have the time or patience to make any of these recipes, a nice, cold beer will also do the job just fine! I’m a pretty big beer drinker at any time of year, but in summer weather, I’m most likely to buy something like a Corona, or maybe Sol, with lime added, as I just find them lighter and more refreshing than other, heavier beers. I normally feel a bit bloated after too much beer anyway, so a light option is especially good when it’s hot out! I also know people who swear by shandies in summer, half beer and half lemonade – not my thing, but a good option to bear in mind if you aren’t a big beer drinker! iced tea (source) Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the non-alcoholic options too, for when I need something refreshing but also can’t get drunk yet! Iced tea is super refreshing, as the name suggests, and you can try all sorts of variations on it. For instance, I’m not a big fan of an iced tea that has too much citrus in it (a little is good) or anything too fruity in general, but I do like iced tea to be quite sweet (in contrast to the fact that I drink regular hot, breakfast tea without sugar). You can buy pre-produced bottles of it of course, or this is a good recipe to make it yourself, with a basic option, or various fruity additions to try. old fashioned lemonade (source) To clarify, for readers from around the world – here in the UK, lemonade is a fizzy, carbonated drink, while old-fashioned lemonade is a still drink, made with just lemon juice and sugar (I know Americans refer to the former as Sprite, and the latter as lemonade). I don’t like fizzy drinks much, except to use as mixers, so I find still drinks much more refreshing. Old fashioned lemonade is a nice one, especially loaded up with ice, and is very easy to make at home, plus of course, there’s also the fun, pink variation, with added cranberry, raspberry, or strawberry juice! mango lassi (source) Well, it does’t have to be mango of course, you can make lassis of all flavours, but mango seems to be a classic favourite, and I like that it feels tropical, for in the hot, summer weather. The dairy can make this feel a little heavier than some of these other recipes, so I for one, probably couldn’t drink too many at a time, but they are a great option if you prefer that sort of drink! It can be more complicated to make than some of the other recipes too, with many variations across the internet, but this is a pretty easy version, if you have a blender. There’s also plenty of scope for experimentation with different flavours here – I recently had a rose and cardamon one in a restaurant, which was amazing! cold brew or iced coffee (source) I’m an absolutely caffeine addict, specifically in the form of coffee, and I became especially addicted to iced coffees when I was living in Asia, where it gets super hot and humid, but even on a sunny day in Edinburgh, I find myself reaching for them again sometimes. I take hot coffee black, with no added sugar, but I tend to prefer a little milk and sugar in iced coffees, as I just like them to be sweeter. I don’t order cold brew often, and it’s a bit more complicated to make at home (it has to steep for ages, often overnight), but doable if you’re a coffee aficionado. Iced coffee is pretty quick and simple to make yourself though (unless you want texturised barista milk), though can end up being more watery, but I could start doing it more perhaps – iced mochas are a firm favourite of mine in particular! What’s your favourite summer drink? Do you have any other recommendations I should try?

Hong Kong is hot. I knew this before coming obviously, but dealing with the heat and humidity and near-constant feeling of sweatiness is quite unfamiliar for me! It’s nice to get a chance to dress a little differently though, as usually back home I have to start bundling on the layers soon, whereas here I get a chance to stay in my summery stuff for longer. I could only bring a small portion of my wardrobe with me though, so expect to see the same few pieces on rotation for the next while! Darker or vibrant colours are my usual choice in any season, and although it’s warm, it’s more humidity than direct sunlight, so dark colours don’t cause much of a problem anyway. This outfit was thrown on without heaps of thought, as simplicity is best for this heat! Although the top is black, it’s very lightweight, especially with the semi-sheer stripes, and the lace on the skirt makes me feel a little more dressed up than say, shorts, for example. This isn’t a work outfit though, it’s more for evenings or weekends exploring the city. I like to wear my jewellery then too, as I haven’t been wearing much to work. And of course, sandals are perfect for warm weather! Top – LaRedoute, Skirt – H&M, Shoes – New Look Earrings – Gift, Necklace – Accessorize

Is this dress really that short?! I’ve never really noticed when wearing it, but it certainly looks it in these pictures. Oh well, wouldn’t be the first time I’ve worn something like that anyway. I took these pictures a few weeks ago, when we had great weather and I was in a summery mood – sadly that hasn’t lasted in Scotland. I like adding layers to outfits, even in summer, so obviously short sleeves is a good choice when it’s warm. This vest is actually much too big, but it was on sale and I quite like the over-sized effect actually. I also love pairing boots with dresses too, and this light shade of brown is good for summer, and I think the whole outfit has a bit of a grunge-festival-hippie type look (if that makes any sense?). The earrings are one of my favourite parts of this though, a birthday present that my mum brought back from Dubai (airport) for me. Denim vest – Forever 21, Dress – Forever 21, Boots – New Look Earrings & Knot ring – Gifts, Necklace & Leaf ring – Forever 21, Bracelet – Unknown

From Writing Prompt -“Mind your step, its narrow” you said leading them down the alley. (Note: My children are not called Nathaniel and Fiona, though they are 5 and 7) Shadows were falling across my bedsheets, warmth was flooding into my room.  I was lying in the place between asleep and awake. Wanting to stay in my snug, quiet place a while longer, I tensed when I heard the words, “Mummy, its morning” then a second voice, “Mummy, I’m hungry” I rolled over in bed and groaned, last day of the school holidays.  My body ached, I felt pain from the demands of yesterday.  They said being a mum is the hardest job in the world, I did not believe them, I believe them now. Fiona, blonde hair, curls bouncing down her back, in her favourite leggings and pony top.  Her sunny face looking at me expectantly.  She is my baby and fiercely independent.  Nathaniel, unruly blonde curls, now in his jeans and Star Wars top.  Both ready for the day whilst I still lay in my pyjamas.  Daddy had left on his journey to work, he had escaped the mad house for another day. Reaching out I pulled both children towards me for a hug.  Feeling their silky soft skin on mine, I felt the warm rush of love between us.  No matter how much my head or heart ached these two are my world. I watched them as they ate.  Fiona lit up as she ate her Weetabix and dropped milk over the table.  She always managed to make a mess but then she is just 5 years old.  Nathaniel always enjoys his toast; peanut butter fell on the table as well as his plate. I told myself we have just one more day then I must take them back to school. I sat my hands wrapped around my mug, its elixir warming my throat and stomach.  The caffeine helping to wake me from my morning mum fog. Leaving the children with Peppa and George Pig, I got myself dressed.  Then made sandwiches and shovelled down some Weetabix with honey.  I was determined to make the most of the day despite the sleep in my eyes and greasy hair.  I had scooped it up into a pony tail, it desperately needed the attention of a hair-dresser, but the children came first.  This month had been school uniform and new shoes.  I mustered up all the energy I could and called the kids to get ready as we were going out. “Where are we going mummy?” “Are we going to a castle?” “No castles Nate, Daddy has the car.” “Are we walking mummy? where? Fiona bounced up and down. “Yes, we’re walking, and we’re taking a picnic, we’ll see where we end up.” “Can we go to the park?” “Nate we will see where we end up” he screwed his face up. “I don’t want to walk.” “Come on kids, we’re not staying here all day.” Both children moaning, found their trainers, Nate sat playing with his laces and whined.  Impatiently I showed him again how to tie a neat bow, gratefully he gave me a hug.  Then I forced Fiona’s size 10’s into hers and we were ready to walk out of the house.  The kids walked out as they always did as I frantically grabbed the lunch, drink and locked up. Walking by the river we could see the light sparkling in its ripples and dancing, ducks playing, casting their reflections on a scene of beauty.  7-year-old, Nathaniel suggested swimming with the ducks, disturbing their calm.  No, I said, no swimming in the river.  He then beamed at me and commented on the ducks. Relieved we continued to walk, walking down the river further we reached a field.  The children walked on ahead, the scent of heather filled the air and the bees were buzzing.  The birds were singing, and the trees were swaying in the breeze. Soon after we came to a field of cattle.  We could smell them as they stood there swaying their tails, and the kids simultaneously said, “Moo.” “Moo,” I said, their faces were radiant, and I felt lucky to be their mummy.  We then had some squash and went on our way.  It is times like this that parenting is easier.  Enjoying each other’s company and loving nature.  After the field we came to a narrow alley, we had to be careful as the river ran alongside it. I said to the children, “Mind your step, its narrow” they both slowed down, not wanting to get wet. Watching where I was walking, I was grateful when we came out to another field.  Red poppies were everywhere, and we saw brown rabbits playing under the shade of an impressive old oak tree. Fiona wanted to touch them, but I restrained her, and we sat and watched, she was upset that I would not let her go to them. However, the noise that both children were making meant that the rabbits soon noticed us and ran, their white cotton wool tails bouncing as they went. As we walked we discussed the nature around us.  The animals and the plants, even the ants that crossed our path and the brambles that we stepped over. The occasional fallen tree at the side of the path led the kids to walk along them, Fiona refusing to hold my hand, she was a big girl and could steady herself.  They worried me as we came to a tree with low branches. Nathaniel started to climb, ignoring my cries to get down. Fiona then followed him, both not seeming to hear me.  I stood there and reflected on the number of trees I had climbed, and they were not climbing high.  The sturdy branches were still under their weight, and the sound of their tinkling laughter filled the air.  I sat on the grass in the shadows now watching them. We had walked along way and they did deserve a break. I was not planning on going to the park so climbing the tree would have to suffice.  It was not long before I heard the familiar whine of, “I’m hungry.” “Mummy can we eat?” The children came down from the tree as I opened my backpack.  Pulling out sandwiches, cake and crisps, we sat quietly on the grass.  Relaxed until Fiona wanted to spin around in circles, like a whirling dervish and Nate went to climb the tree again.  I laid on the grass and tried to stay calm, they were not doing anything wrong, just not sitting as I had wanted them to, at least they might sleep tonight I thought. The laughter started again and then shouting as Nate wanted company in the tree.  I packed up the back pack and said, “Come on, kids, time to move on, let’s see what else we can see”. “Mummy I’m tired” Fiona was still spinning. “Come up the tree”. “Right, Nate come down and Fiona take my hand”. She walked over and took my hand, then looked at me and gave me a hug, Nate stayed in the tree.  I looked at Fiona, “Are we walking back or walking further?” “I want to go home, my legs hurt”.  We turned around facing the way we had come. “Okay, Nate we are going”.  He stayed up his tree, we started walking, leaving him there.  We had only walked a little way when we heard familiar footsteps running behind us and there was Nate, who now took my other hand. Walking three abreast, I thought about our summer, it felt like it was over before it had started.  In those moments where your child makes you angry, it is hard to keep focussed on the good and why you love them so much.  Cherished moments that are sometimes lost amongst the pain and stress of being mum. The times in shops where they have melted down because I would not buy them what they wanted.   Then the other times when we have had time together laughing and just being us.  The times where I have felt like the worst mum in the world are lost amongst times like today where both are happily holding my hands. Walking through the fields today my heart felt heavy that another summer holiday was nearly over.  Despite the exhaustion of the last six weeks I wanted our time to carry on.  Time is precious and so important to make time for each other, to soon my babies will be having babies. Now is the time to do things together and enjoy being together creating happy memories, whether it be cuddling on the settee with a film, or taking a nature walk, we cannot get time back, we can only go forward.  Looking down at my two children next to me I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, I squeezed both their hands, they both looked at me and giggled, precious moments I thought, precious moments.

As I’ve mentioned before, just because it’s summer, doesn’t mean I stop wearing the darker colours I prefer all the time. And on a rainy, overcast day here in Hong Kong, these colours feel more appropriate somehow (because summer is the rainy season here). I was never a fan of wearing ballet flats with jeans, especially skinny ones, for a long time, since I thought they made the tops of my legs look bigger, but when the weather is warm, it’s much more comfortable to wear light shoes like this. This is also the sort of outfit I wear to work on Saturdays, when there’s no kids and we don’t have to wear dresses. It’s very simple to throw on jeans and a t-shirt, but with a fitted top like this one, and some small jewellery, it looks much smarter and more stylish. Top – Primark, Jeans – New Look, Shoes – New Look Earrings & Necklace – Forever 21

Today’s outfit is the first to come to you all from Hong Kong – apologies for the photo quality, my room (and flat!) is tiny, and I’m still figuring out the best way to take my photos! Anyway, the dress code for my new work, in a kindergarten, is that I have to wear a dress or skirt, and dress fairly respectfully and conservatively. I had a few dresses with me anyway, but most aren’t work appropriate, so I had to go buy a couple more. There are lots of brands I know from the UK out here, as well as others I don’t recognise, such as the shop I ended up getting this dress in. It might be a tiny bit on the short side, but no worse than I’ve seen the other teachers in, plus I’m tall! I have to change into indoor shoes at work, so these are just for getting there – this humidity won’t stop me from wearing my boots at least sometimes, though it has allowed me to ditch the tights that were so necessary back in Scotland! Jewellery is minimal (aside from my usual rings), since little kids tend to grab, but the bracelet strategically covers my tattoo (irritating, but conservative), and I quickly realised a watch is a necessity in my work! Dress – Cotton On, Boots – Ziga Bracelet & Rings – Gifts, Watch – Ladies Market, HK

It’s easy to feel like you’re being left behind as you navigate adulthood. Friends and acquaintances you’ve grown up with are buying houses, getting married, starting careers, having children. It’s easy to feel jealous of their triumphs, to feel like you are failing at life somehow. We make it worse for ourselves too, by getting stuck inside our own heads and dwelling on the things we don’t have, the things we haven’t achieved, the thing we’ve done wrong, and the things we wonder if we will ever get right. (source)      It’s both a blessing and a curse on our generation. Many of us no longer feel the need to settle with a home, career, and a family immediately. Instead, we choose adventure and freedom and the wild, globetrotting our way around the world, trying out numerous jobs until we find what’s right, and dating until we understand who we need in our lives. Yet that pressure to become a ‘real adult’ never fully goes away when we see others who are ‘further along’ in life than ourselves. But they are only ‘further along’ if their end goal is the same as yours, which is probably not the case. Each life is unique, and someone’s complete picture of life may look completely different to another’s. And life is a journey, not a race. Who cares if that girl from high school has a successful career by the age of 24, or that guy bought a house already? Maybe you haven’t found the right career yet, or maybe you’re saving your money for other things. It doesn’t mean you’ll never get there; it just means you’re taking a little longer, or doing other things first. And that’s perfectly fine.      Do whatever makes you happy. Stop comparing your life to someone else’s. Your life in ten years will be completely different to theirs and that’s ok, as long as you are happy with where you’re at. And if you aren’t where you want to be yet, don’t be deterred by others who are. Just keep going. Even if you don’t have clear goals in mind, even if you feel like you’re floundering and lost, and have no clue what you’re doing, keep going. Keep trying to figure it out, keep doing what makes you happy, keep working towards smaller goals, whatever they may be. Celebrate what you have, what makes your life unique, what makes it special and enjoyable, instead of dwelling on the things that are missing. Song: Sing – Deaf Havana For more Musically Inspired posts, click here.

This week’s Disneybound inspired look comes from the great hero, Hercules! I did a Meg look a couple of weeks back, so there’s a few elements that have crossed over into this one – I’m wearing the same strappy sandals, and gold coloured jewellery, which seemed right for a Grecian look. For Hercules though, I chose this bright red top – which is very light for summer, and I really love the high-low hemline on! – with blue jeans, to match his colour scheme, and I picked trousers over a skirt, for a more masculine vibe. I added the cardigan for some shots, to mimic his cape, but it’s really been far too warm for that here in Scotland lately! I also added the sunglasses, which would be appropriate in sunny Greek weather, and for his “celebrity” status achieved throughout the titular song. I kept my makeup light and natural, as I typically do for male characters, and wore this headband to replicate the one he wears, though it’s not really the right colour! Top – H&M, Jeans – New Look, Cardigan – LaRedoute Sandals – New Look, Necklace – Accessorize, Bracelets – Forever 21 Sunglasses – Ray Bans, Headband – Monoprix

Oh, it’s been a while since the last outfit post! They kind of got pushed aside while I was doing travel posts, but I’m back home now (my childhood room, to be specific – apologies for the not-so-great lighting) and I have a wardrobe full of clothes that never came to HK with me, to make new outfits from! We’re actually kicking off again though with an outfit left over from HK, that I never had time to photograph and post there. I’ve worn this skirt previously, normally paired with tights – which is definitely necessary back in Scotland in October! – but I was able to wear it like this back in Hong Kong’s summer heat. I wore a version of this for the kindergarten’s graduation, but was required to have a white top – I switched back to red here, as I stained that white top after just one wear (which I why I rarely wear white). I like the red and black pairing though, darker colours being more my usual fare, which I think makes this a dressier, evening outfit for the summer. I’ve also added some silver jewellery, all of which were newly purchased in Indonesia. The earrings and necklace were from Celuk, the silver village outside of Ubud, while the ring I made myself during a workshop in Yogyakarta. I love having pieces like that, with specific places and memories attached to them. Top – New Look, Skirt – Forever 21, Sandals – New Look Necklace & Earrings – Budhi Ayu Silver (Ubud), Ring – Studio76 (Yogyakarta)