The High Fives August 2017

If you've been keeping up to date with The High Fives you'll have gathered that I land on the end of each month totally bamboozled as to how we got there so quickly. Blink and you miss it (life, that is!), so I particularly enjoy taking the opportunity to reflect on the month's highlights, recalling fun moments with friends and family, new-found faves and the buzz of discovering something quite special that I then can share with you lovely lot! So without further ado....here's August in 5!

1. READ

August saw Mimi and I take some needed time out, migrating to sunnier climates. On holidays abroad I always require a book to accompany my afternoon balcony chill-out sessions (whilst hubby takes his siesta). When it comes to reading, I tend to opt for non-fiction, biographies and alike and if you can throw in some life-hacks or some inspirational and motivational stories, I'm there with bells on! My dear friend Linzi had been recommending Matt Haig's Reasons to Stay Alive for sometime and having heard an interview with him on a podcast I listen to regularly, I was really keen to read it. The cover, adorned with quotes of admiration from so many well-known respected public figures, gives you the sense that you may be about to read something quite special and indeed, I found the book to be outstanding in so many ways. Such an incredibly open, honest account of his mental health issues, Matt Haig speaks to you, whoever you are, whatever you're dealing with and reminds us that ultimately we all have mental health which we must be tuned in to and treat with the utmost care. He speaks from experience and although his may be unique to him, the resounding message is that there is always light where there is shade and depression, anxiety and similar illnesses are treatable. His wit and the humanity permeating his writing  helps the reader to digest and relate to what can be, for some, still is a taboo subject. Chapters appear in list form at points, with bite-sized chunks giving you food for thought, helping to put you right there with him. He writes in a way that you feel you are reading a friend or a family member's story, in their words which you can connect with wholeheartedly. Matt Haig's zest for life and the gratitude he has to be living and not just existing is palpable and something to be greatly admired. Everyone should read this book....yes, even you!  

2. EAT

 A trip to the Edinburgh Fringe would not be complete without some seriously good grub and boy did we feast on some tasty treats?!! Meze Meze on Rose Street Edinburgh is a must-go...must-eat-EVERYTHING! Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, the tapas-style dining (although the portions were incredibly generous!) allows you to try a number of dishes, perhaps brave something new and also, share with others (yes, I said share!). Halloumi, falafel, hummus, calamari....everything was fresh, flavoursome and filling. We literally had to be rolled out of there! Don't even get us started on the desserts! Opting for the pre-theatre menu which was awesome value for money, we found the restaurant small but perfectly formed, with an informal, friendly atmosphere that we were more than comfortable with. Can't wait to go back....and we won't be waiting until next years festival, that's for sure! 

Psst. If you're in Glasgow, why not try Maggie's Buns (no, I'm not alluding to anything remotely dodgy!), Maggie Mays' new burger joint?! Tasty grub, cool decor, live music and in the city centre. Boom. Done! 

3. WATCH

Photo from Twitter

I'm not much of a telly buff. I'll rarely make an effort to tune in to a programme regularly or series-link something-I'm more of a Netflix viewer and even at that, I'm fickle in my loyalty to anything that requires more than one sitting. However Channel 4's Craft It Yourself came along this month and it converted me-I was hooked! Upcycling, DIYing and crafting have always fascinated but slightly terrified me. Fear of royally screwing up a piece of furniture or super-gluing my index fingers together, I've shied away from attempting anything (apart from painting and glossing the skirting boards) that may require manual labour, apparatus and well, a certain level of skill (or maybe just patience?!). That is, until now! The bug has most definitely bitten and I'm mad on transforming and creating home ware bits and bobs. Craft It Yourself not only inspired me to give-it-a-go but gave practical, handy tips for mini-makes, as well as more involved projects. Transforming one room each week, working with a different theme, the 3 presenters made a variety of pieces demonstrating a number of skills and techniques which didn't all seem so specialised that you couldn't at least try your hand at it. Sadly the series is now finished but you're be able to get it on catch-up so go check it out! Definitely worth doing if you're looking to get crafty and need some inspo other than Pinterest. 

4. LISTEN

If you haven't quite jumped on the podcast bandwagon as yet, you must subscribe to BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. Originally created in 1942, this popular radio series, now hosted by Kirsty Young invites each 'castaway' to select 8 tracks they would take with them to their desert island. Famous footballers to actors, musicians to fashion moguls, the stories that surround each track chosen are truly fascinating. Kirsty Young is a wonderful interviewer and I'd be hard pushed to pick out a favourite guest, as there are so many I've listened to that I have loved, not only for their music choices but for the tales they've so brilliantly told. Music has a real power to evoke feeling and to spark memories for us all and with every selection, there is an opportunity to learn more about each guest as a person, rather than the personality we already know. A perfect driving companion, this series is a firm fave and with over 3000 episodes I've got plenty of commuting time left to continue my love affair. 

5. SHOP

Some days things are just okay and other days...Glasgow gets an H&M Home!!!! Oh my giddy aunt was I excited when I heard that, finally, beautiful home ware would be adorning Buchanan Street?!! A visit to the new (mahoosive) store quickly confirmed what I already knew to be true....I NEED EVERYTHING! Honestly, I moved from one god damn gorgeous aisle to the next, loving every single item. I managed to restrain myself to a modest purchasing of just 4 cushion covers but that was merely a warm-up for the up and coming spend-athon that will inevitably ensue when we finally decide what room we are decorating next. Affordable, stylish and decent quality pieces for all corners of your humble abode, H&M Home Glasgow is well worth a look...just don't buy everything...leave some for me please!

And just like that August was over. Hoping September has lots of goodies in store!

Thanks for reading...hope you found something you like!

Until next time,

Weesse x

What A Weesse Wants. What A Weesse Needs.

 A new year encourages you to think of your hopes, dreams and aspirations for the next 12 months and possibly further. In early January, the year ahead to me feels like this long and winding road where life potentially could change entirely from beginning to end....and I guess in reality it could and often does and you make big plans to ensure that road is as exciting and interesting as it can possibly be. But in contrast,  I often feel in December that the year has passed me by. Sounds a bit negative and I don't mean it to. I'm a super busy person who I'm sure friends and family wouldn't label remotely lazy or unambitious....I do like to cram a fair amount in to a year it has to be said. But I always feel I've let myself down a bit at the end of the year, like I could've tried harder at life or let myself go a bit. There's some deep-down psychological shenanigans going on there for sure, eh?! My report cards at school would have NEVER read, "Lisa must try harder" and I guess once a swat, always a goody-two-shoes and so it may be that's why it's always 
'I could've done more or that I WILL do this year'...

 And something's gotta be done about making that so......

 In turn, I aim to list (as they come to mind and not in one fell swoop) and go about achieving any goals I set for myself this year, however small or large, monumental or seemingly insignificant. The phrase 'Life's too short. Buy the Shoes' springs to mind. I'm a bit of a procrastinator when it comes to treating myself. I see things I like and instantly begin to mull over the pros and cons of committing to a purchase, before making the final decision which I then in turn furthermore agonise over, regardless of whether it was a YAY or NAY. I think it stems from being self-employed and the uncertainty of the next pay cheque. I'm pretty sure I used to buy way more stuff for myself when I wasn't one's own boss....although I still agonised over the purchase just as much!!  Anywho, that aside, don't know about you but I continually see beauty products, fashiony bits and just random nice stuff that I rrrrreeeeally wanna try/buy but for some reason or other I just don't get round to. It would seem that in 2015 Weesse is gonna be that girl buying those shoes.....trying not stress about it afterwards!!

 I've made myself a lil' wish list of 'must have/try' bits 'n' bobs that, over the course of the year, I'll aim to road test or make a long-term investment in. Of course, I'll be adding & scoring off items as the year goes on but along the way I'll be sure to review & feature many items on here for your perusal. 

 I really want to invest in a decent pair of black heels/stilettos. There's those shoes we were just talking about! I feel that years of continually opting for cheaper weekend/going-out footwear (guilt-free shopping perhaps??) may becoming a thing of the past pour moi. I just don't get the longevity in terms of the quality and durability that I want and it's often false economy, as you end up having to repurchase more regularly, hence spending what you would have on one quality pair of shoes. I want a pair of black leather pointed-toe heels with very little detailing that will go with everything! First mission of 2015 I feel! I will chant the mantra that is 'Life's too short. Buy the shoes. Life's too short. Buy the shoes' as I go!!

 I literally boycotted books post-university for several years. I did an English Degree (and Spanish lit for a while too) and with devouring (at lightening-speed!) umpteen books a week for 4 years solid I just found that after graduating I had no real desire to make the time for reading at all. It had become a chore rather than a pleasure (despite enjoying my course and the literature immensely). I was well-read in more ways than one. There's well-read and then over cooked!  My interest was sparked once again a few years down the line but I found that I had no real stamina and never completed any books on a regular basis. 

 More recently though I've gotten back in to it. Nothing heavy. Just some light reads that for various reasons have taken my fancy and so thus far,  the book list for 2015 looks like this....and yes, I'm a little late to the party on these particular selections.... 

'Not That Kind of Girl' by Lena Dunham

  'It' by Alexa Chung

'How To Be Parisian'  by Anne Berest and Audrey Diwan

'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn

This list ain't a 'New Year Resolutions' list but more a 'Let's Get Sh*t Done in 2015' affair. There's already a few things I'm thinking I'd like to try/achieve/keep doing/be better at and I better start now as I'm confident that each month the list will have many additions. 

Sing More

Generally in everyday life but also performing. Singing with others too (again in everyday life would be nice!)

Try New Things

Whether it be food, restaurants, activities, clothing styles, ways of walking downstairs....Anything new I wanna be down on the list for!

Don't Worry. Be Happy.

Emphasis on the 'worry' part and definitely the 'don't' of that. I'm a wee stress-head worry-wart and although I'm chillin'-out a little more in my old age, I think there's still room for improvement in the Worrying vs Not stakes.

 For instance, I no longer worry if the plug is out of the socket.....not now that I just take a photo of it before I leave the house. Winning life right there peeps! 

Become a Successful Blogger

And you my friends hold the key! 

Read, like, share, comment and Tweet! The more the merrier to this one thanks. I'm finding this blogging malarkey  really good fun and actually super relaxing. It's a nice way to take stock and reflect on certain aspects of your life and after also giving up writing (other than appointments in my diary) after uni, it's lovely to be putting pen to paper once again (well finger to keyboard to be exact....but you knew what I meant!). Good for the soul this stuff! 

That'll do for now me thinks. 

Gives you lot the time to go away and make that last one a reality! That way I can tick it off the list, you know?! 

Right off you go.... Share, Tweet, Like away my friends! 

Over and out 

W x

 

Weesse's SEPTEMBER FAVES

Hey

It's Weesse here with my September Faves! Each month I'll give y'all the low down on any purchases I've made, whether it be beauty products or some fashioney bits & bobs & pop the links on here to anything I'm loving right now for you check out.

My birthday is in September so between some lovely gifts & my birthday money splurges, I feel I've been buying left right & centre. Not at all complaining of course! Even made some Autumnal purchases whilst holidaying in Portugal! 

BEAUTY PICKS 

In terms of beauty recommendations for September, two of my faves are from URBAN DECAY. My mate Kelly had recommended their SUBVERSION lash primer & PERVERSION mascara duo & having never really found a mascara that I absolutely love, I was particularly eager to try these out, especially when I mistook Kelly's lashes for falses! Those bad boys were looking good! 

   So far, I'm really liking this primer meets mascara scenario. The wands on both are a decent size & easy to use which I like & I really do notice a significant difference in using the primer prior to the mascara. I apply the white primer (looks a tad weird but hey, it's not like you're going out with just that on!), allow it to dry & then layer up the mascara on top. The biggest difference I've noticed has been on my lower lashes which rarely look very defined. This combo seems to making them far more fuller & fluttery (word?). I wonder if the primer or the mascara alone would do the trick. Which one is the magic ingredient or is it really this specific combo that's making it all happen? I will have to use the primer with another brand of mascara I guess...and will report back on my findings! 

My next beauty fave is from Benefit & it's another primer! Maybe I'm just in the prime of life, eh? Badoomtish! Their POREfessional makeup primer is super silky on the skin & you need very little of it to get maximum coverage. I've never been one to use a primer before applying my foundation but had heard so many good things about this one I just had to try it. So far I'm loving it & that extra layer on the skin can only serve me well to achieving a very even coverage & flawless application of foundation. Always love Benefit's packaging & the handy sized tube is great for storing it in the old makeup bag.

FASHION PICKS

Moving swiftly on to my first fashion find of this month, it has to be from my Zara hit in Portugal. Yes I'm the gal who goes all the way to sunnier climates & buys a jumper & scarf from a store we have here at home. Had to be done as when I spotted these beauties I had to have them immediately. I always admire Zara's Autumn/Winter scarves as they're always beautiful patterned, a great size for wrapping yourself up on & uber soft to the touch. I swithered between quite a few in this year's collection (and may purchase another) but finally opted for a mixed of greens, greys, blues, red & black thinking that this would go with all of my winter jackets (and any other future purchases). I can't wait to as it's super snugly! No cold necks here! I'm not sure this exact pattern is available in the UK but there's plenty more to choose from.....which I'll probably end up doing again....well a girl's gotta have options, right?!

My second purchase from Zara was this thick knit, black jumper with leather trim around the neck. It was this detail that sold it to me. Love a lil' bit of leather so I do & I reckoned that black was a stylish, timeless option.  Also available in grey which could squirm it's way into my wardrobe before November!

Finally, I'm in love with this bag from H&M- a gift from Mimi herself! It's THE perfect shade of grey, an ideal size for everyday use & it's sturdy fabric gives the bag a fixed shape which I particularly like. Phone, makeup bag, diary, perfume, notebook, magazine, space for my scarf & a bottle of water....it's all getting in there & they won't misshapen the bag to boot! Result! Ideal Autumn/Winter purchase & will seriously go with anything! 

Photo credit: H&M UK

ET AL PICKS

It's a 'GOOD READ' pick this month with Sophia Amoruso's #GIRLBOSS being an absolute corker of a book. From humble beginnings on eBay, Nasty Gal has reached dizzying heights in a mere 8 years, selling clothing & accessories online worldwide to the tune of over 100 million dollars! This frank, witty account of her troubled teen years, the struggle to pinpoint her path in life as a young adult & then finding her passion for selling vintage treasures (like the Chanel jacket, bought for $8 & sold for over $1K!) online is a joy to read! I devoured this book on my week in sun. It's inspiring, funny, honest & motivational. A must for any budding #GIRLBOSS indeed! 

So peeps that's us for September! 

Me and my winter woollies and primers are off to do our thang and  I'll be back with an October Haul soon!

Peace out! 

Weesse x