Social Media: The Importance of Taking a Break
In my last post, I touched (very, very briefly) on how I enjoy the occasional evening away from all things ~internet. When I got the cross-stitch kit mentioned in that post, it filled a couple of my evenings and, while I wasn't totally away from the internet (I had to catch up on Riverdale and PLL, ok) it did take me away from all things social media.
I was sat in bed watching Netflix, time which I would normally spend endlessly scrolling, and didn't look at my phone or my iPad once. I wasn't scrolling through twitter, liking endless Instagram photos or watching any snapchat stories. I didn't consciously choose to avoid these things, but I'm happy it happened. This might not seem like anything to a lot of people, it might come across as me being totally dramatic (which, wouldn't be a surprise as I can be *quite* the drama queen) but it just made me relax more than any other 'me-time' usually does. And that's because it wasn't really a decision to avoid social media, but something that just happened. Studies show that most people check social media 20-30 times a day, and that's bloody bonkers. It can be such a black hole to get out of!
We've all been there, scrolling though some girls Instagram feed after they popped up on the explore page (they always pop up on the explore page!), and it's all gorgeous tanned skin, perfectly tousled hair, matcha teas and luxurious holidays. Chloe from thelittleplum.co.uk (the biggest babe and one of my favourite bloggers who you should definitely check it if you don't know her already) did a fabulous post on how a luxury holiday doesn't equate to success. And it doesn't! But it still makes you feel a bit shitty when you're sat in an overheated office with no air-con and no chance of catching a tan, scrolling through photos of seemingly everyone bar you enjoying a cocktail by the pool in a bikini.
I think for anyone, it can be hard to get away from social media sometimes. But more so when you have a blog and want to put your work out there, because social media is the key, isn't it? Your audience isn't going to grow without it. And blogging isn't about the numbers, but knowing that there are people willing and wanting to read what you have to say, is the best feeling. So it can often be a catch 22, y'know!
After all the talk of Mental Health Awareness Week earlier this month, I toyed with the idea of sharing my mental health story, but I wasn't ready for that. So instead this post came to me and it kind of touches on mental health, doesn't it? Because I know for me, getting wrapped up in what everyone else is doing on social media, my anxiety increases tenfold. It's stupid, because I know the photos on instagram are only the highlights and don't show a true representation of a persons life. I know this because if I scroll through my own twitter and instagram, it doesn't always reflect what I'm going through. I've touched on this previously in my Instagram post last year.
Balance is key.
Make sure your social feeds are a happy place; unfollow the accounts that don't make you happy, keep your feeds full of positivity and inspiration. Cases of depression, anxiety and others have increased drastically over the past decade and earlier this week it was reported Instagram is the worst social media for aggravating these. But this can be managed by choosing who to follow and what you see wisely!
Loves. Emma.
2 Etsy stores you need to know about
I'm constantly wanting to venture more into interiors with my blog posts, but when you live at home with your parents and only really have the one room to make your own, well, there's only so much you can do, isn't there? So I might not be able to do 'room makeover' scale posts right now, but I can point you in the direction of some top quality, unique artwork for the low budget. Obviously, there's the likes of Desenio for all you Scandi wall print needs, but the real gem for finding unique pieces (I find, anyway) is always Etsy. Whenever I want any artwork it's my go-to site, if only for inspiration!
MacaronsandMimosas
If I recall correctly, I found MacaronsandMimosas some time last year (or the year before??) when Corrie (dizzybrunette3.com) mentioned them in a blog post/video. As you can tell, my memory isn't the best, when did I get so old?! But this is beside the point. If you want to create a bit of a print filled collage wall but on a bidget, this place is bloody perfect. There's a bunch of designs to choose from, and even to option to custom make prints with their font! You then get them via email, download them and print yourself. Easy peasy! Well I guess, not so easy if you don't have access to a printer, but y'know. I've revisited this store now while writing this post and it's like a bloggers dream, offering custom-made headers and the like. Definitely worth checking out!
TheInnocentBones
I actually discovered TheInnocentBones first through ASOS. One of their cross-stitch kits was in the gift section before Christmas and I remember thinking how cool it was, but of course it went out of stock before I actually made the purchase. Anyway, 5 months later I have a cross-stitch which I have completed mistake-free(!!) and, who needs ASOS anyway? They come with a very helpful set of instructions if you're a complete newbie, or if you're somewhat of an expert you can simply download the pattern and use your own kit. If you're not really into crafts or simply don't have the time to sit and make one though, you can just buy them ready made. Personally, I'm a bit of a nanna and love to sit with a lil crafty activity and have a break from all things ~internet once in a while. And well, the slogans are just idea for all your sassy needs.
If you have any favourite stores on Etsy then do let me know - I'm always looking for those hidden gems!
Loves. Emma.
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Red & Frills
Unless you've been walking round with your eyes shut, you've probably noticed the sudden influx of logo tees everywhere. Of course the leader of the pack is that Gucci one, but if I'm gonna fork out £260 on an item, it ain't gonna be a cotton t-shirt lemme tell you that! So I got more realistic with the classic Calvin Klein tee (obvs, basic af) and also this Levi's one. I saw this a while back on ASOS but I was having one of those times where there's nothing that I like on ASOS, nothing was inspiring me and I didn't want to place an order for just one t-shirt. So I left it, knowing I was going to Cheshire Oaks and they have a Levi's store there. Only when I got there, they only had the tee in a Mens L or XL, which not to be dramatic, would've literally drowned me.
I ended up back on ASOS when I was bed-ridden in IBS hell after a birthday weekend on over indulgence. What better way to make yourself feel better than an online shopping splurge? I got the tee (obvi) and also found these uh-mazing dungarees in the sale. Just look at them! The frills! I have a bit of a thing for dungarees so it might be my 8th pair (not counting short dungarees) but when they look like this and cost a mere £20 how could I resist?
Also, not to forget my new do(!), which somewhat matches my tee, huh. The blonde in the previous two posts was merely in preparation for the new colour, which is already fast fading because semi-permanent. Hmph.
Loves. Emma.