breathe happiness

mmm bacon!

 

I am approaching the end of my first year as a vegan and whilst I want to shout from the rooftops how great I feel the truth is it hasn't been easy and it has changed me more than I could ever put into words. 

The first thing that springs to mind is what the hardest part of this journey is, giving up cheese right? who wants to live a life without cheese? well, cheese is what had me clinging on to vegetarianism for so long but in fact dropping cheese was nothing compared to my biggest struggle. 

When I decided enough was enough and made the commitment to veganism I, perhaps naively, expected nothing but praise. Surely someone choosing to live in a way that is compassionate to all, not just the animals is a good thing. It was a huge smack in the face when I realised that that was never going to happen. I became the butt of the joke and was constantly tagged in posts on social media. Don't get me wrong, I have a sense of humour and most friends were tagging me in things I genuinely found funny, but others chose a darker route and it hurt. 

The first few months were a bit of a roller coaster. People would question my reasons for wanting to be vegan only to jump on me the minute I gave an honest answer. I'm quite fiery in nature so initially saw this as a personal battle I had to fight. I would argue my point and get frustrated at their lack of understanding. I soon learnt that when some people ask you why you are vegan they don't really want to hear an answer, they want you to say something they can mock or argue with. I've learnt to approach these questions with extreme caution because shouting and screaming about why only fuels the rep that vegans are constantly labelled with. I'm guilty of labelling them the same way in the past but now I see why they react the way they do. Imagine being constantly told that your lifestyle means you "are forcing your views onto others" when the other option is forced onto us every day, in the media every other advert is for fast food, meat, dairy, leather, products that use animal testing not to mention the one being everyone forgets. By not being a vegan you are guilty of forcing your views on the voiceless, those animals that are bred and killed in huge numbers. Your choice to eat meat is forced onto them every day... and that is why vegans get so angry because they are hitting their head against a brick wall every day. Living in a world that operates on hypocritical waves of "I'm such an animal lover" whilst tucking into a burger. It's beyond exhausting believe me. 

I don't consider myself to be a pushy activist. I never share graphic posts on social media because I can't even bring myself to look at them. I haven't been able to watch EARTHLINGS or any of the other documentaries. I didn't need to, it didn't take seeing it for me to admit it was happening and to decide I no longer want to be a part of it. I won't list all the reasons I wish everyone would go vegan because in truth I think that we all know we can't carry on living as we are. The food chain comfort cushion we are all guilty of holding on to does not cover industrial farming. It is unnatural and unsustainable. 

 

 

 

I lost my exercise mojo

About two years ago I found exercise and it literally changed my life. I joined a gym and actually managed to stick to it. I found doing a variety of class exercise really worked for me. Exercise became part of my everyday routine and if I am totally honest I got a bit obsessive when I started seeing results. I lost over a stone and a half and saw muscles I hadn't seen since my pre- children days.

I opened my showroom  on my 40th birthday a little over 4 months ago and it took complete priority in my life. I was ok about letting the exercise slip and thought I would just squeeze in a few classes each week, rather than every day. I can hear you all saying that is perfectly normal but I have put half a stone on and completely lost my enthusiasm for the gym.... that makes me incredibly sad as I type those words. 

I couldn't quite believe how fast that actually happened but there you have it, I have said it out loud. My clothes size hasn't changed which is really odd but oh man I wobble!! The wobble is real!

I have decided to take action. I have joined a brand new gym to add a bit of spice to my workouts and no more excuses about there not being enough classes. My new gym David Lloyd has classes running all through the day at times that suit me.

I think this is a really common story for so many of us and I wanted to reach out and let you know we are all the same. Nobody is perfect!!

I think it is all about setting myself some new goals but realistic ones that I can actually achieve and maintain. At David Lloyd they have this amazing thing called Boditrax. It basically reads all your body stats including your BMI, muscle mass, fat mass, ideal weight and much more. It even gave me my metabolic age which made me VERY happy... let me just slip it in here 25!!! That was one of the only figures I really loved reading on the screen. They then can create a personalised  workout programme tailored just to you and your body. I had my programme set by a lovely lady called Becky, she set me up with some really interesting exercises on the gym floor using new (to me) equipment. We also looked at the class timetable and set out which ones would challenge me and help me reach my new goals. 

David Lloyd MK

There are some amazing offers on at the moment at David Lloyd, they are promoting a 3 month membership which is perfect for families over the summer holidays. They have so much for little ones to do, they have summer camps, swimming and arts and crafts. Milton Keynes also has an amazing outdoor pool which I have been making full use of this week! 

If you feel changing your exercise location is too drastic for you I also think investing in some new gym gear is always a winning move. It tends to give me an extra bit of motivation. Trying a different type of exercise is another good tip. Your body gets used to your routine and style of workout quite quickly, I think for me moving gyms, meeting new people and trying something new will hopefully give me the kick start I really need.

I will let you know in a few months time how I am doing.... LOVE Hayley x 

 

Garden Rooms

With the hint of summer in the air I am all about spending time in my garden. I am a bit obsessed with garden rooms as most of you will know from my pinterest. I found this lovely lady on Facebook and fell in love with the space she has created. I have been working on my own garden room as we relocated my shop a few months ago. I will share my progress in a few weeks but for now I am going to hand you over to Alice...

 

Alice Collyer, Mother, Writer/ Blogger from Cornwall.

With 2 children under 5 and a smallish house I’ve wanted a little place of my own to run away to for quite some time. I’ve been a stay at home mum since Nancy, 4.5, was born, but since starting to write my Alice in Scandiland blog the need for a child free zone has gone up a level.

My husband built the Garden Room/ playhouse/ climbing frame creation about 2 years ago, using almost exclusively recycled pallet wood, as well as some other bits and bobs he had lying around. Since then it has mainly been used for storage, the place where things get sent when they are banished from the house. A few months ago I decided enough was enough and cleared it out completely, starting again with an empty room was exciting and I couldn’t wait to create a calm and inviting place to go and hide away, read, write or just sit and think.

The Hello doormat makes for a cheerful entrance to the room, bought from ebay for a few pounds. The desk is made from Birch faced plywood, a piece leftover after making my kitchen table. This tones beautifully with the Ferm Living round dorm shelf, bought initially for the soon to be started extension, but I think it’s found a true home here, even if it was by accident. I’ve had my eye on the Fine Little Day ‘Up’ print for quite some time, but didn’t really have a suitable place for it in the house, it sits comfortably here, adding some depth and detail but also staying in keeping with the toned down, natural feel I was hoping to achieve. The copper mirrors were from Maisons Du Monde, frustratingly they all arrived smashed, due to poor packaging, but I received a full refund then had the glass replaced by a local company. I love how they create individually framed little moving pictures of the willow tree that hangs down in front of the building and the garden beyond. The chair was a lucky right time right place freebie, found on the side of the road recently whilst en route to playgroup. It had a rather ugly loose cover over the top but I soon ripped that off to discover quite a nice little armchair, somewhat sun bleached in places but comfortable and just the right size for here. The wicker stool was a very recent purchase, from Ikea, once again bought with the extension in mind, but looking rather lovely where it is.

It may not be big or grand but my little She Shed is exactly right for the space and budget we had and I am filled with happiness every time I step foot in there.

We would like to say thank you to Alice for allowing us to peep into her amazing space. If you have a beautiful garden room we would love to see yours too. You can hashtag us on instagram #breathehappiness

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A few holiday snaps

Deebs Day Festival 2016

 

 

 

I'm really lucky. I grew up with four of the funniest and kindest boys ever, my cousins. We spent summers climbing trees and running through fields near their home in Hertfordshire. Myself and my brother saw them like siblings and to this day they are my favourite people to spend time with.

When my brother passed away suddenly at the age of 22 from cancer we were all shocked and we still haven't come to terms with it.

A few years later they decided to host a music festival at their farm to raise money for the charities that had helped us so much during that traumatic time, and Deebs Day was born.

 

Every year my cousin Darren makes it bigger and better and this year, July 9th, is promising to top last year, which was brilliant!!

 

He has everything covered. Live music, a cocktail bar, a Caribbean food vendor catering for carnivores and vegans alike (he had to cater for his older cousin after all) and even a big screen for the sport lovers with the Goonies and Lion King showing too.

 

 

Every year people unwind on the hay bales to mellow live music before heading off to the dance tent or relaxing by the huge bonfire. It's an uplifting, authentic and honest festival with this years proceeds going to St Francis Hospice.

The farm is located near Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire and tickets are £30. To purchase yours email - [email protected]

 

I'm off to buy a flowercrown.

 

Surround yourself with positive people

A couple of years ago I made a conscious decision to surround myself with positive people that inspire me. I work a lot of hours and my spare time is really precious to me. I found I would often agree to put myself in situations I didn't want to and hang out with friends more out of loyalty rather than  actually really wanting to.

When I say I now chose to spend my time with positive people I do not mean they are always jolly and agreeable to everything I am talking about. In fact the friends I have the most respect for are the ones who sometimes tell me things I might not want to hear. The friends that challenge my way of thinking, the friends that push me to become a better version of myself. They understand my passions, my desire to become successful in business, more than that they share these passions.

You would of all heard this a million times but I have read time and time again that we become most like the 5 people you spend most of your time with. So I think it is really important who you surround yourself with. 

I purposely have different friends that bring different things to my life, deep heart felt intelligent conversations to jokey banter. I need a mixture of all of it in my life. I also love being around strong women who inspire me in different ways too. I am very lucky to have amazing friends that enrich my life and don't get hung up about tiny things. I love strong independent, confident women who live happy full lives, a reflection of what I am aspiring to be.

Love Hayley x 

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Origami Est at Southwood Social Hub

This Saturday Shaneen and I finally met our lovely instagram friend Esther. We were both so excited when Est asked if she could bring her Origami workshop to Southwood Stores Social Hub.

Shaneen took these lovely photos on the day and we couldn't wait to share them with you all.

Est is based by the sea in sunny Kent & has been running workshops in London & in her coastal home for the past 2 years. She is an experienced, recently published, origami artist & used to teach small people for a living, so is the PERFECT tutor. Esther was so much fun!! 

Everyone had a wonderful time and there was lots of laughter as well as origami. Esther is running two more workshops here September, the first one in the morning 'Party diamonds & Crowns' and the afternoon session is 'Giant Lampshades'.

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Anti-ageing

I have never been into beauty maintenance, in fact I am quite lazy. Over the past few years since I found exercise I guess I have become a little more interested or it could be because I am getting older. I hit the big 40 this March and decided maybe it was time to try and fight a few of these wrinkles. 

I have a lovely friend called Michelle who works as a Manger at Derma Spa in Milton Keynes. Michelle is one of those amazing girls that you cannot help fall in love with when you meet. Michelle unlike me has always been in love with all things beauty and has only recently moved over to the beauty industry but it couldn't suit her any better! 

I decided to try Collagen Wave after hearing all the raves about it. 

WHAT IS COLLAGEN WAVE ?

'The Collagen wave skin tightening treatment has now cemented its place as one of the most consistent performers when it comes to offering clients healthy rejuvenated skin.

With the Dermaspa clinic being only one of a handful of clinics offering this procedure appointments for the treatment have risen significantly due to the overall result this procedure can offer its clients

This particular machine has been created and brought onto the market by our visiting Cosmetic Physician Dr Saleh (FRCS(Ed), MRCPI, MSC(UCL) who has worked all over the world lecturing and continuing to improvement aesthetic procedure'

Radio frequency combined with ultrasound waves are used to heat up the deeper layers of the skin to encourage the production of new collagen. This non-invasive treatment is a painless effective way of long-term non-surgical skin tightening and lifting.
Treatment is carried out using a machine with a probe which the operator gently slides around the face delivering radiofrequency energy into the skin.

Courses of 3-10 treatments spaced 1-4 weeks apart are recommended. The results may last up to 2 years depending on age, genetics, extent of response and treatment.
However, remember that your skin is constantly ageing, so it is envisaged that further top up treatments of one or more session as maintenance every 3 /4 months may be needed'

MY REVIEW

I was a little nervous during my first session but the therapist who treated me called Tamsin was amazing, she put me at ease straight away. I was prepared for it to feel a little uncomfortable but in all honesty it was absolutely fine! Laying still for an hour is always a big ask of me but seriously Tamsin was a pure delight to chat to.

The best way I can describe this treatment in my own words - I felt as if I had had my skin ironed out. I actually saw the tiny fine lines disappear especially from near my eyes. I have one big crease that runs across my forehead, I have seen a vast improvement here too. It hasn't completely gone but it is not as deep as it was.

I would  recommend this treatment if you have wrinkles you want to rid, I also think this is a nice alternative to botox. saying that I have read it works really well alongside that too.

I also need to tell you all that whilst I was in the beauty salon I saw several celebrities (who knew MK was so cool). I am not very good at recognising celebrities but even I knew who they were and that is saying something! I am more likely to recognise Instagram Mums but I must say it did kind of impress me that MK is on the beauty map.

The salon was founded by the amazing Nilam Patel and what an incredible woman she is. Nilam was also the founder of the well known HD BROWS that has changed the world of brows as we know it. As you all know I am a huge fan of female entrepreneurs and this lady is a shining example of realising your dreams. 

 

Modern Networking in an uninspirational city

 

 

To me traditional networking groups feel stuffy and out dated, just the thought of one puts my teeth on edge. Living in a city where there is a lack of creativity can make you feel uninspired, my aim was to counteract this and provide a hub where people's natural creativity can shine. I decided to launch an online (anti-networking) networking group as that is where I spend most of my time. Social media is a HUGE part of my life and plays a gigantic role within my business. It felt like the perfect place to start and connect with my tribe. I created a closed facebook group called the 'Conversational'. It is the most positive, feel good place where my mates support one another and develop their ideas.. 

This was the first meet up at my new Showroom. When I looked around the room it was the most incredible feeling. To see women really connecting in person, smiling and laughing. It was just how I had imagined, informal and the room was buzzing with excitement. If you would like to join us at the next one you can check them out HERE.

If you live too far away from me, I seriously urge you to start your own group. There are people out there just like you looking for sisterhood at its finest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This is 40

A few weeks ago I had a HUGE birthday! The big 40!!!!!

I remember my Mum turning 40 and blimey she felt ancient to me. I was kind of dreading 40 if I am honest but it turned out to be one of my most favourite birthdays ever.

Paul and I went to Copenhagen for a weekend escape. I had never been before and as you as know I am obsessed with Dutch design so it was the perfect city to visit for me. 

We stayed in SP34 which was a recommendation from an Instagram buddy. We were not disappointed. The rooms are quite small as you would expect in any city hotel but they are styled beautifully. 

Whilst we were away I also found out that after months of waiting for a 'moving in' day into my new office, the official key day was going to be Monday 14th March. That is my actual birthday. I had a little cry as I received that news and the first person I wanted to tell was of course my Mum. I miss my Mum so much and especially at big times in my life. 

After 5 days of moving into my new office and showroom I felt totally exhausted but I had a weekend with my girlfriends in the Cotswolds to look forward to. We rented a large house a few miles from Daylesford. It was the most relaxing weekend ever, spending time with my girl tribe. The women who I have know for years, the ones who know me best. I am so lucky to have such an amazing group of girlfriends that I can be around and always just be myself without judgement. This is not the best photo, it's blurry and I am sure a few of my girls will say they don't like but it means the world to me.

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Southwood Stores New Showroom & Social Hub

For the past few weeks I have been working really hard to create the 'Southwood Stores Showroom'. I have been visualising how it would look and feel for so long. Seeing it all come alive feels like a dream coming true to me.

I have a beautiful showroom where my customers can come and see products in the flesh. People are now able to come and try on our GRAY sweatshirts. I also have a lovely office and stock room where I work behind the scenes.

I have created a place where the online community can come alive too. We will be holding creative workshops where people can gather, have fun, maybe even learn new skills. We have a few things listed HERE to let you know what is going on.

We have the amazing Origami Est coming to teach us the art of accordion folding. You’ll have the chance to make your very own pendant lampshade, a stunning addition to any abode. EST will provide a beautiful spectrum of colours to fold from, any specific colour requests are welcome when booking.

My whole business and ethos has always been about women supporting one another. There will be lots of different events and workshops aimed at helping women gain confidence in their own abilities. We are looking forward to some amazing guest speakers coming along to our 'Southwood Social Hub'.  

I will be teaching Social Media/Branding sessions from my beautiful new space too. 

 

If you just fancy coming along to say hi, the kettle will always be on! 

We are open for people to pop in on-

Monday 10am-2.30pm

Wednesday 10am-2.30pm

Friday 10am-2.30pm

First Saturday of the month 11am-2pm