5 of My Favourite Articles That I Wrote in October

Hey, guys!

If you're new to this blog - welcome. If you're a loyal reader - welcome back.

The latter will know that I recently started doing a round-up every four weeks of my favourite articles that I'd written as a freelance writer during that particular month. (If you missed the July, August and September instalments, catch up on them here, here and here.)

I'll also start including a little overview of how things are going with my business Dream Scribe for those who are interested! #freelancewriterclub

October was a great month for me and my biz. In fact, it marked six months since I started this whole freelance writing thang. And, I have to say, it's going swimmingly!

I actually had my first four-figure month (mini Mexican wave in celebration of me - a-woohoo) which is a milestone I'm so happy to have reached in such a short space of time.

I'm still writing primarily in the fashion and travel niches, but I've also branched out further into the lifestyle/happiness/self-help sector, which I hope will continue to progress. As a 27-year-old millennial woman who's been through a helluva lot (haven't we all?), I have plenty of stories to tell and tips to share on how we could all live our best lives!

Without further ado, here are 5 of my favourite articles that I wrote in October.

Fashion

1. How to Choose the Right Clothing for a Gift

With Christmas around the corner, I thought this article was very fitting for October's round-up. 

I don't know about you guys, but I really struggle with buying gifts for other people sometimes - especially when it involves clothing. In this article for Love to Know, I share my knowledge and expertise to make sure you purchase a clothing gift that your loved one will not only wear, but wear with pride.

Beauty

2. You're Going to Love These AW17 Beauty Trends

Sure, I love to explore fashion trends season upon season (check out my AW17 fashion trend round-up here), but I also adore seeing what's new in the world of beauty.

As an avid make-up lover, I was only too happy to write this trends-based article for fashion retailer Obsessory, which includes details from the AW17 designer runways. You're welcome, fellow beauty fanatics!

Dating and Relationships

3. Ladies, Chill Out! Let Him Miss You

My friends always tend to come to me with their dating and relationships problems. Why, I hear you ask? Well, they say that I give good advice.

One of my friends (who will remain She Who Shall Not Be Named) was recently making a lot of mistakes when it came to guys, bless her. She wasn't giving the guys that she was dating any opportunities to miss her. Therefore, she inspired this article for women's lifestyle magazine The Bolde, in the hope that other ladies out there will also benefit from it.

Mental Health

4. From Socialite to Recluse: Depression and My College Years

This article was an incredibly personal one for me to write. I was first diagnosed with depression during my university years, and I have battled with it on and off ever since.

I wanted to share my story through mental health community Sad Runner, solely for the reason that it might help someone out who currently in a similar situation as I was. 

Remember, depression is an illness and we must fight back!

Family

5. 10 Important Questions to Ask Your Dad

Let's end this on a feel-good note, shall we?

Your Dad is one of the most significant and influential people in your life. In this article, I explore 10 subjects that you should ask your Dad about whilst you can. Trust me, it'll make you want to go give your Dad a big ol' hug. 

That's all for this month, folks! Hope you lovelies all had a fabulous Halloween and have an even better Bonfire Night!

Let the Christmas countdown begin.

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10 Reasons Why Life is Beautiful on the Average Day

Sometimes it's so easy to lose sight of the beauty of life. We become distracted by everyday problems and issues which, in the grand scheme of things, aren't really problems at all. If it's not going to matter to you in five years time, then why get so worked up about it now?

We, as human beings, sometimes lose perspective. Instead of focusing on climate change and natural disasters and things that truly matter, we can't help but be self-centred. We become so consumed by our day-to-day lives and it can make us forget or lose track of what's really important.

That selfie no-one's liked of you on Instagram? Irrelevant. That little bicker you had with your sister? Trivial. Your sandwich that someone stole out of the fridge at work when you were going to have it for your lunch? Unimportant.

Here's a friendly reminder that life is supposed to be enjoyable. Sure, it has it's challenges - but it's not meant to be straight-forward. You've got to go through the downs in life in order to appreciate the ups.

Essentially, you've got to appreciate life. Because the next moment, in a flash, it's gone.

Here are 10 reasons why life is beautiful on the average day.

1. You're physically well.

You wake up on the average day and, besides needing a coffee (or five in my case) to get you going, you're feeling good. You're well-rested, you've had a great night's sleep, and your health is on top form. Aren't you a lucky one?

Think about all those people who aren't so fortunate. The people with chronic illnesses, disabilities and health problems that stop them living their best life.

People take their health for granted on a daily basis, and it has to stop. You're still young, you're physically able to do things, and ain't it just wonderful? There's life in the old dog yet.

2. There's a whole world out there to explore.

Whether you're only just starting to explore the world, or you've got the travel pretty bad like a certain someone I know (myself), it's easy to forget that there's a whole world out there.

A world outside your four walls, a world outside your hometown, a world outside everything and everyone that you know. Embrace it.

Travel broadens the mind, as well as makes you feel grateful for the things you've already got at home. So, expand your horizons and travel far.

"I really regret all that travelling I did," said no one ever.

3. You have your own kickass support system.

Everybody's a little biased and think their support system is the best. Whether you've only got a handful of people you can count on, or your popularity is ever-growing, you're so lucky to have people in your life who love you.

And not just love you, but love you fiercely. Make sure you tell your support system regularly how much you appreciate them because why not? They should be told. Everyday. Before it's too late.

4. You have experienced love.

And I'm not just talking about the kind of love you have for your family and friends.

I'm talking about that wild, passionate, irrevocable love you have for your other half. (Or romantic partners in the past if you're currently single.)

Even if you're one of those select few who doesn't experience that head-over-heels, can't-live-without-them, I'd-die-for-them passionate kind of love until they're older - I bet you've still had a taste of the beautiful emotion that is L.O.V.E at least once in your life so far. Am I right or am I right?

And ain't love grand?

5. There's beauty all around you.

A lot of people get so used to their day-to-day surroundings that the novelty of the place that they live in soon wears off.

Sometimes we become too distracted by working Monday-Friday and only having weekends off to catch up with life, that we forget to open our eyes and take a good, hard look at what's around us.

Just take a moment and look what's around you. Whether you're reading this on your phone on the bus on the way back from the office, or on your laptop in the comfort of your own home, I bet you anything that you can find at least one piece of beauty in what's currently around you. Even if it's only a picture that your four-year-old nephew drew for you that's currently stuck on the fridge, or a pretty flower that a stranger has planted in their front garden.

If you actively start to look for beauty around you, then you will find it. And it makes life wonderful.

6. There are things that you're passionate about.

Living on this earth as long as you have, you're bound to have become passionate about something or things. And these are things that you love to encapsulate yourself with, because you enjoy them so much.

For me, my passions are writing and blogging and binge-watching shows on Netflix.

If you spend your time doing the things that you enjoy, and revel in your passions, then you will appreciate life just that little bit more.

Also, find new passions as you evolve as a person, because why not? Variety is the spice of life, after all.

7. You have a purpose.

You earn money, you make a living (or if you don't yet then you will do one day) and you contribute to the economy.

Hopefully you're building a career in which you love and perhaps encompasses some of your greatest passions? If not, then why are you working in a job that makes you unhappy?

Life is too short. Only you have the ability to change your misfortune. Get out while you can and pursue something else that you actively enjoy.

Life's not a dress rehearsal. This is the real deal. And you spend most of your life working, so you have to love your job - or at least like it, right?

8. There are many things to look forward to.

Whether you're a late teenager and you've still got all your university years ahead of you, or you're middle-aged and yet to start a family, there are always things to look forward to in life.

Sometimes they're only little things, like visiting your Grandma tomorrow evening and having a portion of her famous stew, or catching up on the latest episode of Game of Thrones that you missed on TV the other night.

But still, there are always things to look forward to, whether big or small. And they make life worth living.

9. You have some incredible memories.

Sure, you're only supposed to look forward in life. But you can also look back, especially if you're reminiscing happy memories.

The chances are, you've lived through some pretty amazing things already. If there's all that behind you, can you even imagine what's to come? Well, I'll tell you - there's still bucket loads of memories to be made! So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make 'em!

10. You get to live another day.

Everyday you should wake up feeling thankful that you're still alive. You're still here, living on this awe-inspiring planet, and you've been given another opportunity to live life up to the max.

So, make sure that you do. Because life is beautiful, it's precious and we've only got one shot at this.

Here's to living an extraordinary life!

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8 Reasons Why I Love Chicago

The America Part 2 Series

Following LA, Vegas, Cancun, Miami and Orlando, it was time for my sister and I to make our final stop on our America Part 2 travelling trip. That's right, it was time for Chi-town.

We have two friends who are both Air Hostesses that fly to Chicago with BA on a regular basis. They told us that the city was a MUST DO. We sort of laughed it off thinking, yeah we're sure it'll be okay but it's not gonna be a PATCH on some of the other places we've visited.

MAN, WE WERE WRONG.

Chicago has vastly become come one of my all time favourite American cities for a number of reasons. Read on for details.

1) The buildings.

For starters, the skyscrapers, architecture and general skyline are extremely impressive giving the look and feel of New York City. (AND WHO DOESN'T LOVE NYC?!)

2) Willis Tower.

Speaking of this stunning skyline, there is an observation deck at the top of the Willis Tower (one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world) which will give you the most PERFECT view of the city.

There is even a glass ledge that protrudes out the side of the building. You can stand, or even sit down, on this - which is TRIPPY AS HELL, I might add - but captures the best photographs.

3) The food.

You can get every cuisine imaginable in this city, but - whatever you do - you have to try the famous deep-dish pizza. This is a standard pizza cooked in a deep dish pan with about 2984 layers. Okay, that may be a slight exaggeration - but bear in mind you can hardly get through a slice of this pizza, never mind the whole thing. IT'S YUM THOUGH.

There's also some cute little cafes, including The Original Pancake House, that does every kind of pancake breakfast you can think of. #GetInMyBelly

4) The Bean.

Situated in Millenium Park and perhaps one of the most touristic attractions of Chicago, the Bean is definitely worth a visit.

Basically it's a giant steel sculpture, called 'Cloud Gate', but nicknamed due to the shape being like - you guessed it - A BEAN.

It's definitely cool to see if you like art as it has an interesting reflection of the skyscrapers surrounding it. You can also walk directly under it and use the shape to play with your reflection for some pretty unique photos!

5) Oak Street Beach.

Chicago is the only city I have been to so far in this world with a beach that just comes out of nowhere when you're making your way through the skyscrapers.

OH HEY, SAND - didn't see you there.

It's so awesome that you can have your photo taken overlooking a beautiful beach, on the edge of Lake Michigan, with the Chicago skyline directly in the background.

COR, IT AIN'T HALF GORGEOUS.

6) The shopping.

Basically you can get anything you want, whether luxury goods or high street bargains, on Michigan Avenue. If you want to walk the length of it, you can expect to be shopping all day long.

It's GREAT to have everything down one street - makes life SIMPLES.

7) Navy Pier.

Another reason why I love Chicago is Navy Pier. It's is a bit like Santa Monica Pier in LA where you can find rides, bars and restaurants all on one strip at the water's edge. It's always busy and bustlin', no matter what time of day, and has a great view of the city.

#THATSKYLINETHOUGH

8) The sunsets.

Finally, Chicago has some of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. We stayed in a hotel at the heart of the city, called Inn of Chicago, which actually has a rooftop terrace. This was the most perfect viewing platform for when the sun was going down at the end of each day.

Chicago, YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL.

I fell in love with you and all the little things you have going for you. Truly, madly, deeply.

I really hope to be back in you someday so we can continue our love affair.

But, for now - it's been emotional.


(This concludes the America Part 2 series of posts - I hope you have enjoyed reading about each instalment as much as I have enjoyed living it! Look out for more travel posts upcoming on the blog and let me know your thoughts! Thanks for all your support. Katie-xo)

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The Most Honest Blog Post I've Ever Written

Time is honestly running away with me this year. I cannot, for the life of me, believe that it is now February and the first month of 2016 is over.

I find that I've been a bit of a bad blogger of late, only posting now and again every few months when I decide to get my ass in gear. For this, I can only apologise.

The truth is, I love writing. I love my blog. That's never going to change.

However, sometimes life gets in the way. I don't plan on being so blase with it, but I have had a lot on my plate recently.

Everybody has their own problems and their own battles in life that we know nothing about. The truth is, I think I lost my identity a little bit. I forgot who I was and where I was going... and, as my blog is such a big part of myself, it got neglected too.

Sometimes I forget how much I love writing when I'm not writing regularly. Then when I get back into it, I realise how much I've missed it.

I probably only have a few real loyal readers left, which I know is nobody's fault but my own, although I'm hoping as I post more and more in 2016 and fall back in love with writing (and myself) that I will gain more followers and make people smile again.

This is the turning point for me. Goodbye negativity and sucking myself into a deep black hole, hello positive mindset and a more hopeful outlook on life.

I'm always cautious of giving away too much of myself on my blog and letting people in, especially strangers, because sometimes I don't show my emotions to even my closest family and friends. But I'm finding that, as I'm writing this, it's feeling quite therapeutic so I'm willing to share more and more.

If I'm honest, I've been stuck in a rut a bit lately. I've been working to pay the bills, plodding along, keeping my mind afloat by trying to feel nothing. That's not to say that I haven't been social - I've been doing things with my evenings and weekends, but I've found I haven't been enjoying them as much as I normally do.

I've come to realise that I need to allow myself to feel more. I am only human at the end of the day, there's only so much I can take. I don't have to keep my emotions in - nobody is going to judge me if I hold my hands up and go, 'hey, you know what? I don't feel good today. I don't think I'm coping and I need to talk about it'.

Sometimes I don't want to burden others with my negative energy. But we all need to let it out every now and again and true family and friends will be there for you to rant to and won't mind one little bit.

I do truly believe that I need to fall back in love with myself. I need to make myself happy, before anybody else can make me happy. I haven't been happy recently. But I want to be happy. I strive for health and happiness more than anything.

This dark cloud is passing. The night is ending. I can see the dawn and the light at the end of the tunnel.

I will get through this and I will be okay. I just have to keep making the baby steps towards recovery.

(Thanks for listening to me moan. I really do love and miss you guys and will try my best to not disown you again. Katie-xo)

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