H E A R T A U T U M N

The purpose of finding more sustainable brands isn't to simply switch out everything in your wardrobe, that would be very *unsustainable*. But more so to have these brands at the forefront of your mind for when you want to buy particular pieces, to stop you defaulting to fast fashion! So far, we have Lucy & Yak for bold, statement clothing; we have People Tree and Armedangels for more classic pieces in your wardrobe. There's of course charity shops and vintage stores GALORE for anything and everything. But there are certain things which I think you just can't buy vintage, and these are the basics in your wardrobe. The simple white tee, vests and underwear. So isn't it just wonderful that the perfect brand for these presented themselves to me earlier this month!

*These pieces were gifted as part of an Instagram collaboration. This blog post is purely my own choice; all words and opinions my own.*



Who Are Organic Basics?
So you might have heard of Organic Basics already, I've seen them pop up a few times on Instagram before, but if you haven't, they're a Danish company founded in 2015 with the tagline 'Basically Better Made'. They put sustainable thinking at the centre of everything; choosing only fabrics that care for the environment and working only with factories that care about their impact. They offer a range of underwear and loungewear designed to last; package everything in recycled and recyclable materials; and are completely transparent with their sustainable practices. You can find out all about the factories that make their products on their website, including how long they've been in business, employee working hours and the certifications which they have.



The materials which Organic Basics use are all carefully chosen. They vary from organic cotton and recycled wool to SilverTech and recycled nylon. All good for the environment in different ways. As you can see from the labels, this set is made from recycled nylon which has been proven to result in 90% less waterwaste and 80% less CO2! And considering how soft and comfortable it is, I'd say that's an all-round winner!

















I'm wearing pieces from one of the starter packs (which consists of a vest* and 2 thongs*) - I'd definitely recommend buying a pack as you make a saving on the individual item prices. There's a range of packs for both men and women consisting of underwear sets, sportswear and various multipacks. 
But both of these pieces are just super soft and comfortable, as well as being stretchy and fitting true to size. My only fault is that the straps are a little long on the vest, but that's just me! You can pick these up in either black, white or rose nude.


Where Can I Buy It?
So if you're after some (very) comfortable, sustainable basics in your wardrobe head on over to organicbasics.com to place your order! And you can use EMMOB1 for 10% off - don't say I never give you anything!

This is quite the dramatic title for what is a rather mundane post tbh, and if you're coming here expecting me to announce that I'm off to travel the world or something equally as exciting, then I am very sorry.  I'm very much a homebody; I hate being away from my home comforts and I don't like sleeping in a bed that isn't mine, so as much as I would love to be trecking across Australia and 'living my best life' to the fullest, I just can't see it happening.
I simply couldn't think of a title for this post! 
The contents are actually very mundane really, in that I've recently been getting into some good routines and am feeling much more happy and comfortable with myself than I ever have before. So I wanted to share what it is that I've changed!



Yoga
I've dipped in and out of yoga for about a year now, just doing short workouts from YouTube in the comfort of my own living room, but since last month I've gotten into a good routine practising 3 times a week. (Still at home, I haven't found a local class with times that suit!) I find it works best for me and my body to get up and do this on a weekday, at 6am before work; it's the perfect wake-up and sets me up for a good day. It helps me to de-stress and stay calm, set an intention for the day ahead and my body is just feeling much more free than before I started! If you're looking to start some yoga at home, I would definitely recommend Yoga With Adrienne and Cat Meffan! If you've got any other recommendations, leave them below!




Bullet Journal
I started a bullet journal and not to be dramatic, but it has quite literally changed my life. I'm a serial planner; I like to write everything down, known what is happening when and how long I have to do things, so I've always kept a diary. But bullet journals are so personal and allow you to be much more creative, I am honestly loving it! I keep a gratitude list each month, marking down at least one thing each day that I'm grateful for and it really makes you appreciate the small things in life. I have lots of little sections, such as monthly goals and a 'bookshelf' but my favourite thing is to just fill random pages with doodles and motivational quotes to get my creative juices flowing!




Making time for hobbies
I've really fallen out of love with social media recently; I love writing and creating content for my blog, but the whole social media side of it and the competition of Instagram is just not for me. So I've been making an effort to switch off and make more time for things that I do enjoy. So along with spending my time doing yoga and getting creative with my bullet journal, going to the gym and reading everyday, I've also rediscovered some old creative loves! Cross-stitch and painting. (Hobbycraft is my new favourite store right now!) And I feel far more productive having something to show for my time that isn't just a bunch of photos I've double-tapped from an hour of scrolling! I've also spent this morning (yesterday, when this goes up) tie-dying a t-shirt and doesn't it feel good to customise your clothes?!



















And to showcase me being so happy in myself, what better outfit than that with all 3 of my pieces from my favourite designer! Triple Stella McCartney yas! Unfortunately they're all old season because a girl can not afford new, and even the jeans are no longer available (they were Next). But this shirt is iconic with the 'No Leather' and 'No Fur' statements down the back which unfortunately we didn't capture very well.

I don't go to many blogger events, but when I do boy are they good ones! A couple of weeks ago I was invited to a cocktail masterclass with Portobello Road Gin at Manahatta in Leeds, a bar that I've never actually visited before (but would definitely recommend if you're in the city centre!), and it was so much fun that I wanted to share it all with you. I met new bloggers and reconnected with others; enjoyed good food and drank great cocktails; laughed a lot and even won a full-size bottle of gin!

Now I know what you're thinking, in my IBS post I did talk about how I no longer really drink alcohol; that is to say that I don't drink in great quantities, I don't get drunk and I don't drink often. But if there's one thing that I can't resist it's a good cocktail! Gone are the days of a pitcher of Woo-Woo in my local spoons drunk straight from the jug though (we've all been there, don't lie!), we're stepping things up, getting mature and sophisticated and all that sha-bang. Good quality cocktails are where it's at now, guys! And Portobello Road Gin are wanting to bring back some forgotten classics. 



Made fresh for each of us on arrival was Portobello Roads signature drink, French 75. A good choice if you're a fan of all things citrus/tangy/sour. I first had a French 75 2 years ago at a Christmas party and it was like a pure mix of gin and champagne. So I was very glad that when I tasted this one it had the measurements perfected! (My photos of this one turned out not so good but it's a pretty pastel lemon colour served in a champagne flute, if you were wondering!)

The first cocktail we made and my favourite of the night! A fresh and fruity choice, I would highly recommend this if you're a fan of all things sweet and sugary. Put cherry liquor and grenadine in anything and I'll drink it.



A simple cocktail with only 3 ingredients, the almond taste that the syrup gives this is divine! This ones a bit stronger (or maybe I just made it that way?) and when the guys from Portobello Road Gin tasted our attempts, I actually won (along with 2 others) for making the best one. So now I'm gonna have to invest in some orgeat syrup and force my spectacular Army & Navy cocktail making skills on my nearest and dearest. It's the rules, no?



The final cocktail of the night was definitely the strongest, but what do you expect when the absinthe comes out?! Complete the drink with a cherry and a piece of lemon and it's good to go. I think this was my least favourite of the night, but that's only personal preference. A good choice for those of you who like to really taste the alcohol in your cocktail!



I'm not a gin snob. I don't have a favourite brand of gin. Flavoured ones are good, pink ones are good. But if you're looking for a classic, Portobello Road is a top choice! 
Side note: if you're put off gin because G&T's are vile (this was me last year) try gin with lemonade and it will change your mind!