I think I speak for everyone reading this when I say that sometimes you can get so wrapped up in “life” that time for yourself (and by that I mean chilling out by doing something you love)… goes straight out of the proverbial window.
And although for the most part your day being controlled by commitments and duties is unavoidable, I have been thinking that it would be beneficial to make a real effort and get bit of “Me” time back, even if it’s just for an hour or so a week. Because I don’t know about you gorgeous lot, but there are occasions where my head is so full of “stuff” I can hardly think, let alone write a decent blog post.
And I bet that there are many of you that would kill for just five minutes to get away from everything W-day….right?
So this afternoon I’m going to share a few things I like to do and I’m going to set a goal for myself to do them ALL before 2012 and I would love it if you could share your favourite “me time” moments too.
Trying Out New Hairstyles
As I’ve probably mentioned before, I’m not very skilled at hair-do’s however, I did used to try new things every now and then, I also find that discovering a “new way to wear it” prevents me from longing for a could-be-dangerous drastic cut….
I found this side braid with plait on A Beautiful Mess blog the other day and I am going to attempt to have a go myself (maybe even for drinks tonight – wish me luck!)
You can see the whole tutorial here lovelies… (and has anyone tried to do a fishtail plait yet?!)
Talking On The Telephone
Yep. Actually talking, rather than just emailing or texting or sending Facebook messages….
What happened to actually hearing someones voice? I’ve missed it. And so lately I’ve been ringing people. Lots of them, friends, family, work collegues…because I’ve missed the sound of laughter. You know?
And just incase Santa is in fact reading RMW I would very much like one of these down my chimney please:
This grey retro number is from The Old Cinema. And if you haven’t visited this (original) vintage home furnishings site yet I strongly suggest you DON’T . And whatever you do don’t EVER sign up for their weekly updates…. it will be credit card suicide.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you people.
Words That Get Under My Skin
As a blogger I guess it’s no great secret that words are my “thing”, I studied both English Literature and English Language for A-level and one of Mr O’Shea’s pet names for me is “book worm” (I like to think this is a term of endearment referencing the fact I am a voracious reader rather than any resemblence I may bear to a type of invertebrate).
Books make me happy. They are my escapism, the foundation of my creativity and without sounding melodramatic, often my one true salvation. When we have confirmed a holiday it’s not the sunshine I look forward to the most, it’s the opportunity to become completely absorbed in really beautifully written prose.
I have many books in my “must read” list. Many. But there are only a handful that I have read more than once, and that for one reason or another I think about for months, sometimes years after I have finished the final chapter.
One of those books is Taming The Beast by Emily Maguire. I picked it up one Sunday afternoon whilst browsing the shelves of Borders purely by chance and have since only lent it to those who I think can handle the topics that are evident throughout, obsession, delusion, abandonment and ultimately the blurred line between lust, love and desire. This is no teenage angst ridden Twilight-esque fairytale, neither is it a Jilly Cooper style romp. Taming The Beast is raw, brutal, unapologetic and one of the most un-putdownable books I have ever had the pleasure of becoming completely and utterly lost in.
Should you fancy a butchers you can purchase Taming The Beast off of Amazon.
And as well as sharing your ideal “me moments” any must-reads would be much appreciated too. I will be making a special trip to the huge city centre Waterstones this weekend in a bid to fulfil my self made promises.
Have a perfect weekend RMWers.
Big I Also Like Wallowing In A Long Hot Bath Love
Charlotte xxx
Oooh – love the hairstyle shown above… may have to try that one out, but not so sure it will look as great as it does on the model with the AMAZING red hair!
Charlotte – the fishtail plait is easy to do (and looks amazing), once you’ve had a few practises. I taught myself by watching a You Tube tutorial…and my only advice is, don’t look in the mirror whilst doing it, and the messier the better. Oh, and the more hair you have, the better it looks!
Books-wise, I’ve just finished The Ugly Sister by Jane Fallon. It’s trashy but worth a read I think!
So, back to the questions… me-time moments… I too love nothing more than snuggling up with a good book, or playing some epic tunes to sing along rather loudly too. Nothing beats cuddling up with the boy to watch Mad Men either. If you’ve not seen it… you need to. It’s possibly the best thing I’ve EVER watched. Fact.
xoxo
P.S. Please can I too have that delicious grey phone. Would look incredible in the new house that I want/need/hope/dream of/lust over (just need to sell ours ha!)
I agree with Katie, fishtail plaits are easy. Way easier than French pleats. But it does take ages. Love the hairdo though it’s gorgeous
Lovin’ the hair – I’ll judge it out of 10 tonight….
Books wise, I’m trying to tick off some classics – just read To Kill A Mocking Bird and am now on Cider With Rosie…. although I also like a good Will Self novel.
Me time… my guitar doesn’t get played much anymore and It makes me angry… I would also love to have piano lessons…
One day maybe,
Have a great weekend folks.
Ooooh i love the hair, but I am particularly in love with the phone!
Charlotte – I am exactly the same books really are ‘me’ time and I particularly love combing Long Bath with Good Book… although can get a bit wrinkly!!
I also love to have a play about with my hair, try clothes on I have forgotten about, look through pictures in attempt to ‘sort’ but rarely do and also playing with makeup.
Chatting to my friends on the phone always perks me up too
Ok books I have recently read have been a bit ‘dark’ – The End of the Affair by Graham Greene (This is for a book club I am part of – which mainly consists of chatting about the book for all of 5 minutes then listing Men who we would if we werent married/engaged/with a significant other…) and the other book was We Need to talk about Kevin So I need something a bit ‘lighter’… Any suggestions?
Pride and Prejudice, but i’m sure you’ve read many a time. ‘You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you’. Original Edward and Bella!
Pride and Prejudice, but i’m sure you’ve read many a time. ‘You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you’. Original Edward and Bella!
@Adam – when I am reading Mike is usually almost always playing his guitar and looking up tab on Ultimate Guitar
I too am a bookworm – this may be long!
If you’ve never read anything by James Frey, go for it. Ignore all the online to-ing and fro-ing over how much of his ‘autobiographical’ books are true – they are so good you should read them anyway. His is a writing style that you need to get used to but it’s so worth it. His fiction since – ‘Bright Shiny Morning’ and ‘The Final Testament’ are among my favourite books.
If anyone has had or been close to an eating disorder, Marya Hornbacher’s ‘Wasted’ is hands down the best account I have read; its so searing in its honesty I go back to this book again and again.
For anyone enjoying a feminist moment – ‘Bitch’ by Elizabeth Wurtzel is SO great and thought-provoking.
More recent reads I enjoyed: ‘The Help’ and ‘The Hand That First Held Mine’ were both page turners.
And I can’t post without my all time faves – ‘What We Talk About WhenWe Talk About Love’ by Raymond Carver and ‘Me, You and Everyone We Know’ by Miranda July.
Have fun!
Ah books, how I love thee.
I’ve been caught more than once bending in half to try and read the cover of someone else’s book while on the tube. Not a good look.
So, two books that I recommend to everyone are A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard by James Frey. Yes, they had a lot of bad press because of Oprah, but do I care? I do not. I read them at least once a year and I laugh, squirm and cry every damn time. My brother reads them as much as me too and everytime a certian sad thing happens in the book, he texts me, really sad! THAT ladies and gentlemen, is the sign of a good book.
I met Mr Frey at a book signing not long ago and was so star struck I actually couldn’t speak properly. Embarrassing does NOT begin to cover how I felt.
I also love Donna Tartt’s The Little Friend. So atmospheric, it’s totes amazeballs.
Oh, and The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George is another corker. So big and heavy that you could knock someone out with it, it’s completely divine and I’ve burnt more than one dinner because of it.
Happy Friday!
Hols
x
Oh I love that side plait!!! Def. want to see the result! x
i just read ‘the minotaur takes a cigarette break’ odd title but excellent book (and yes, it really is about the minotaur), also yan martell’s ‘beatrice and somebody or other (i forget the other name, damn google ruining my memory!), a little dark with a slightly unsettling, unsatisfactory ending but thought provoking
if you’re reading donna tartt,’ the secret history’ is excellent. i wish she’d write another ruddy book soon!
for light relief and lots of literary in-jokes the thursday next series by jasper fforde is brilliant. every single person i’ve lent them to have loved them, the first one is called ‘the eyre affair’, buy it immediately
lots more recommendations if you want them!
mrs r x x x
My favourite book of all time was the Time Travellers Wife – once I understood that the dates at the start of each chapter stop you getting confused that is! For a giggle, I would HIGHLY recommend Sophie Kinsella’s ‘Can you keep a secret?’ – the only book I have embarrassingly laughed out loud to on the train into work (cringe!)
However, I have recently started reading Harlan Coben books in, but only the ones about a character called Myron – great mix of thrills and laughs. Bit left field, but I would definitely recommend them.
Happy reading
I really recommend ‘The Silver Linings Playbook’ by Matthew Quick or anything by Paul Torday. Read them before they’re made into films!
Hi lovelies – so sorry about the erm… downtime earlier, lord knows what happened there.
And thanks so much for all the book recs, I am going to be checkin every single one out.
@Stacy – I liked can you keep a secret too – my guilty pleasure
I am not sure where to post this pic of my hair thingamy – on FB?
Charlotte xxx
Howdy Charlotte,
Maybe I shouldn’t admit this, but my ‘me time’ is reading RMW everyday, I just absolutely love it, I never get the feeling of ‘bogged down in wedding stuff’, but maybe that will come! I too love reading and only do it when on holiday, I have just bought ‘Taming the Beast’ on ebay for £2.60, bargains!!! Love a good book me. My absolute fav is the Bronze Horsman by Paulina Simmons, is a beautiful book.
It is very important to make ‘me time’ for yourself, otherwise you’d go crazy I think
xxxxx
I am LOVING the braid and that blog! I am having a huge love affair with all things braidy anyways at the min and have been having fun finding ways to incorporate them into my updo’s for work.
Have not done fishtail on myself yet but did one on my niece who has gorgeous hair and it looked pretty good for a first attempt so may try it out. My hair is so thin though that unless I really REALLY pump on the product my braids are super flimsy thin! But tonight in an effort to attempt this I have ended up with two braids on each side pinned together at the back and then tonged the hair that is down into curls, brushed them through to add volume and it looks pretty good! (I also love the messing with hair/make up looks)
I am not a huge fan of books “shocking”! I have to really like them to read them and I am so not intellectual enough to want to read any deep dark political or serious novels. I like light hearted/soppy/trashy/ typical girl books. But even then I always read a few chapters and they get left behind. I have on my bedside table currently “The Lovely Bones” (bit ungirly actually and gruesome) and Cecilia Aherns new one “Life as we know it” which seems to be good.
My me time is more likely to be browsing the internet or reading fashion mags…they are my guilty pleasure for reading!
Walking our choc bear somewhere really lovely either woods/beach/fieds with our wellies scarves hats and gloves on is also one of our favorite things to just relax and get to talk. Really truly talk. Leave phones in the house, it’s bliss. Especially cold crips days.
Horse riding is my own big love, I have sacrificed it this year as I feared the tragic would happen and pre wedding would break both my legs or my face or something that would mess up the big day! But as soon as we are wed I will be back in the saddle…literally! It really blows the cobwebs away a good old gallop in the fields!
But that’s it really, just being with Mr M either in our home or somewhere having a coffee and cake is my perfect day.
I am rubbish at doing productive things in my time off, other than housework which I rule at, and sometimes think I should do more…but then down time is for doing naff all I suppose!
Loving reading everyones “me time”!
xxx
My me time usually consists of reading RMW, but also my favourite me time loves are:
Long hot bath
Painting my nails
Sticking on F.R.I.E.N.D.S
A good movie, or a typical romcom, just for good measure
Books, currently reading One Day by David Nicholls
x
Hi charlotte for a good read I can highly recommend room by emma Donoghue. It is such an emotional story, I spent as much time sobbing on my sun lounger as I did laughing. I have never read a boil that has moved me the way that one did.
X
I just finished shutter island …..very Weird but good – I now want to watch the film !
Seems RMW is rapidly becoming my go-to place for everything, not just wedding pretty but hair styles (this side braid has immediately leapt to the top of my ‘wanted’ list), interior design (loving the introduction to coulson macleod – thank you!) and now even book recommendations. And perfect timing to boot – was beginning to get nervous about almost being at the end of my book and not knowing which to pick up next. Problem solved!
Reminds me of two books I would also recommend, “the book of human skin” and “perfume – the story of a murderer” (read the book, don’t watch the movie!). both quite dark and intriguing. x
I make a point of painting my nails at least twice a week! It started as a “stop picking at biscuits/crisps/chocolate” strategy – cause who can really pig out whilst waiting for a base coat, two coats and a top coat to dry?! Gradually its become a little bit of me time for me, and its still keeping me out of the biscuits, so its win-win.
I can also admit to being a complete and utter bookworm – however, I only really read two genres – Sci-Fi and Fantasy. If you’re into post-apocalyptic Sci-Fi, I found the Metrozone series by Simon Morden really interesting – the way he portrayed London and society was scarily believable. If you’re after fantasy, I really enjoy Karen Miller (or her penname K.E. Mills for comedic fantasy) – the Godspeaker Trilogy is fantastic as is the Rogue Agent series.
My other me time? Having a massive geek fest with the h2b. We’re both massive gamers, so a good gaming session is definetly needed now and again!
Lizzie, a great tip to stop reaching for the biscuits
When it comes to ‘me time’ I head straight to my recording studio and start composing music. Within 5 mins I’m oblivious to the stresses and strains of everyday life. We should all give our creativity the space to breathe.
Majorly late to the game here but my book recommendations would be:
The Fire Jumper by Nicholas Evans
Anything by Philippa Gregory or Penny Vincenzi
And of course, Eat, Pray, Love – had me up until unknown o’clock because I couldn’t put it down!
xoxo
Charlotte, thank you so much for posting how to do that braid, I love it!
@HollyDove was Pocket I also really like A Million Little Pieces, it does actually make you feel quite sick at times (ok, not something that everyone looks for in a good book!) but it shows how brilliantly it is written!
We’re reading Freedom by Jonathon Franzen in our book club at work (yes, we love a good book, so we do have one) so I’ll keep you posted! x
This is so weird! I’ve just been charity shop shopping for wedding chintz (success with that one!) and in the Children’s Society shop I veered towards the books, which I never do. I was rummaging, found one I wanted, then realised it was buy one get one free. Carried on looking, not seeing another one I wanted, when suddenly – there was Taming The Beast! So of course, I got that one – two books for £1.99, bargain!
I recently decided to take up horse riding – i go twice a week and it is really nice just to do something for myself!
Books wise, here goes:
The Little stranger – by sarah waters – could NOT put this down A proper old fashioned creepy ghost story
Snow flower and the secret fan – Amy tan – a wonderful story, v much like Memoirs of a Geisha
Jilly Cooper’s Riders – totes bonktastic trash
the shadow of the wind – carlos ruiz zafon – just. amazing. that is all
Will totes check out the book recommendation x
Happy Saturday you gorgeous lot, and thanks so much for al of the recommendations – I spent a ridiculous amount of time in Waterstones today, Mr O’Shea had to drag me out (!)
@HollyDove – I have never read James Frey but now I will, If you like Donna Tart then you will love “She’s Come Undone” by Wally Lamb – an amazing book.
@Mavourneen – I must read Perfume – one of my Mum’s favourites, have you seen the film?
@Louby Lou – That is the book I have just finshed pet (James bought it me for my birthday in March) and I thought it was unbelievably clever (the writing from a 5 year olds perspective) to the point where I exclaimed out loud on numerous occasions.
@Lizzie – I do actually like a bit of Sci-Fi, My Mum was a Trekky (!) so I used to watch it every week with her – I also used to be into computer games in a big way as a kid, maybe I should take it up again? I am fascinated by the adverts on telly for games these days – the graphics are out of this world.
@Lauren A – it was fate!!!
@bec – Ah I love a bit of Jilly, the Riders series was my sixth form escapism from studying!
So I have a million books to buy now – and quite a few on my Christmas list
but today I chose “Eat Pray Love” – so thanks @Keika!
Also I am so chuffed you all like the hair braid, I’ll find more stuff like that if it’s inspiring etc
Mine went wrong (I was rushing to be fair) so did a messy bun instead – can’t figure out how to load it off my iphone instagram app to FB though – will try and work it out!
Charlotte xxx
I do love a good book but I have to say that my ultimate ‘me’ time is with my ponios. They poke their faces out when they hear my car with their little ears pricked and that’s it – everything else is forgotten. I don’t even need to ride – just the minute-to-minute noises of the yard are a tonic to me. Gently swishing tails and the gentle huffing and shuffling in their straw – so peaceful and content! After particularly stressful days (hello marquee company!) there is nothing better than equine fur against the face. Soaks up tears pretty well too (but shhhh! don’t tell the boy).
PS Having horses makes you pretty freakin’ hot at plaiting too!
You have just made me google pretty much all the words you used in this post honey, because I didn’t have a scooby doo what on earth they meant! Wonderfully written I feel educated now love!
I have suggested this to our RMW Naomi already, but Paulo Coelho is a fantastic writer. Eleven minutes and Aleph are two of my faves.
A Thousand Splendid Suns was an amazing read, and Shantaram is a ruddy good book too.
Also can’t beat a bit of chick-lit either (Sophie Kinsella and Marian Keyes)
For ‘me’ time I like to wash my hair and ‘do stuff’ to it, I find it relaxing. Even if i’m not going out anywhere i’ll faff with my hair and try something new out. Hardly very exciting, but it floats my boat!
It’s so important to take a step back from W-Day planning and focus your mind on other things, funnily enough what got me through planning my wedding, was writing for Rock My Wedding!
I heart RMW x
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I do love the hairstyle shown above. The pics are quite useful and so is the explanation. But it´s a pitty ´cause I don´t have this amazing red long hair, mine is shorter and finer, but I´ll try. By the way, I am interning for the Pinspire project, a website which is a vision board based social network. We have found content on our site that was originally sourced from your website and just wanted to verify that this was okay with you. We’re a young start up from Berlin and we are eager to grow up! Our project is quite challenging! Here is the link, check it out: http://www.pinspire.de/pin/show/54391