Podcasts I Have Been Loving

It is safe to say that I have been absolutely loving podcasts at the moment. Podcasts are incredible, they allow me to switch off from the world- whilst being entertained. It is an alternative to TV or youtube or music, a more relaxing form!
Whilst walking the dog, falling asleep, or just doing bits and bobs around the house, podcasts are the perfect option.

I thought I would share with you the podcasts I have been loving.

1) Happy Place- Fearne Cotton

I find Fearne Cotton really inspiring, I have for a while, she is so real and honest- you'll know this if you follow her on instagram. Her podcast is no different, she has deep chats with each of her guests, discussing important and personal topics, particularly associated with mental health. Though this is not a light hearted podcast, it is so interesting and calming to listen to, you may relate to one of the chats or you may simple learn something new. Either way, I find Happy Place truly that- a podcast in which I can listen to in order to feel calm and comforted.

2) Happy Mum Happy Baby- Giovanna Fletcher

No I am not pregnant, nor have I ever had a baby. I am only 18 and do not intend on having a baby anytime soon... yet I still absolutely love listening to this podcast in which parents, mainly mums, discuss their experience with pregnancy and child birth. Though I cannot relate to this podcast, I love hearing about peoples experiences and 'celebrities' being so down to earth and real about their childbirth experience. The only downfall is that it has put me off having children because childbirth sounds horrifically painful if I am completely honest haha.

This may sound odd but I just find Giovanna's voice really calming, I like the way she goes about the interview and how it is more like a conversation other than an interview for a podcast. Definitely have a listen, whether you are pregnant or not!

3) Loose Lips

The newest addition to my subscription. Truly hilarious. Some people may find this one a bit offensive or may disagree with some of the opinions, but personally, I really enjoy listening to people sharing their real opinions without fear of judgement, I find it really refreshing. It is very much a rant podcast, but again, I love that about it!

4) At Home With

This series has come to an end, I am literally awaiting the next one! Lily and Anna are incredible youtubers who I watched for years, I was beyond excited when I found out they were doing a podcast. It is different to any other podcast I have listened to before, in that Lily and Anna really speak about a variety of topics on every episode. It is formal in the sense of describing the surroundings and introducing themselves, however the conversation is very casual, especially the most recent episode with Caroline Hirons and Ruth Crilly.

I hope you found a podcast that you like the sound of, let me know your thoughts as well as your recommendations!

Ellie x

A festive day in London

This post is going to be picture based, including some snaps I took of all things festive in London- Carnaby Street. London is stunning and so christmassy at the moment, it was a beautiful day!

Liberty was like a shopping winter wonderland, the detail was gorgeous and it was clear how much thought was put into the design. The Christmas shop in Liberty was particularly festive, the fairy lights and the quirky decorations.

Dreaming of one these wreaths on every door in my house!

Yep, that is an indoor wonderland, absolutely stunning!

If you are looking for a modern Christmas, Carnaby street is the place to be. 

I hope you enjoyed this post, what city is you favourite during christmas? 

I would adore to visit NYC at christmas!

Ellie 

Real talk: When Anxiety Became A Trend...

I am worried that this post is going to be a bit of a rant, but at the same time, I feel passionate about this topic (as I am sure many others do) and so I feel like I need a little rant.

Anxiety is a mental illness that unfortunately affects so many people. People who suffer with anxiety and are brave enough to speak about it and share their experience with the view of helping others and ending the stigma should be supported, loved and respected. However, I have seen- several times- people being told that they are 'attention seekers', they are 'copying X' and are just 'joining a trend' when they share they have anxiety.

This deeply saddens me, not only because I know what it is like to suffer with anxiety, but because anxiety is an actual illness that affects people daily. It affects everyone differently, there is no rule book stating how everyone with anxiety feels because no universal feeling exists. After bravely sharing something so personal the last thing one needs is hate and criticism.

With the hard work of many and the pure courage of many, people are slowly breaking down stigmas attached to mental illness such as anxiety, why create yet another barrier for people ? I am sure there are many people who are afraid to share their story in fear of being accused of following a trend/making it up/exaggerating or being belittled by being told 'everyone gets anxious'.

Maybe more people than ever before have anxiety, but more people than ever before are active on social media and feel the constant pressure to meet certain standards. Social expectations seem to be constantly rising. We are used to communicating online, making it harder for people to interact socially- in *real* life. Or maybe mental illness is actually spoken about now and therefore more people realise that they are actually suffering.

I think people who are admitting that they have anxiety- or any other mental illness for that matter- should be praised. Not because mental illness should be glamourised, but because in an online world full of so much criticism, opening up can be so scary. A supportive comment could mean the world to that person.

Anxiety is not a trend, it is not 'trendy'. It is a real problem for so many.

Giving a label to a mental illness is only adding to stigma, which we do not need at all!

If you would like to read more about pressure and positivity, you can do that here.

Ellie x