DOES EVERYTHING RUN ITS COURSE?

2 weeks ago, this website just would not co-operate and I was unable to publish the post I shared last Sunday. I spent hours trying to resolve the issue. To say that my frustration level was extremely high would be a bit of understatement. I was angry. “But, why?” I asked myself.

There has been a decline in readers, despite the stats I shared several months ago across my social media [with evidence because, we know how some people think everything is click bait], very few bother to leave a comment underneath the posts, share them with their network, or send any feedback and the Facebook page is just, "meh"! The interaction is at an all time low and that makes it’s far more difficult, not only to know what content to produce, but, to stay motivated.

When something is first launched, almost everybody is about it! We want to be the first to know, to inform others; to be seen to be up to date with the latest. We’re fascinated, keen to be about it, interested to learn of any benefits there might be to ourselves and so, we’re all over it like a rash. Then, the novelty wears off. We don’t need it anymore, or we find better; something more engaging so, we, without any warning, just up and leave, or stay but, fall short on communication.

From material possessions to people, this is how some of us tend to operate. Or, am I being a tad dramatic?

A little while ago I shared a tweet about the life span of this blog, if you will. I began blogging in 2010 and have loved it because, I really enjoy writing, reading, research, taking pictures, educating, inspiring, learning, being creative, etc. However, there’s very little joy with it these days. That struggle is more real than I know how to articulate. The thousands of views are amazing, and I wholeheartedly appreciate each person, around the world, who takes the time to read what I share in this space, especially when I consider just how much talent there is worldwide and the vast amount of content being shared 24/7! That said, I’d trade those thousands of views for genuine interaction any day! Views do not tell me what readers want, or don’t want; what they like, dislike, or need. Only written comments/feedback will do that.

Time is precious to us all so, I understand the need to have a quick read and then leave, but, that extra 30 seconds to 1 minute; the added effort to leave a response to the blog posts you read, will make every bit of difference necessary to continue with The Real Talk UK Blog. It’s way too much work to amount to nothing. Are you with me on this? Do you get where I’m coming from? I just cannot keep spending hours on writing, editing, proofreading, research, photography, resources, money, etc., etc., etc., for nada!

Has it simply run its course? I don’t know. All I know is that I think I may need to leave it here with the blog. I’m not one to force content and I certainly do not want to exploit my own time, because, it takes an incredible amount to create each post, without seeing its worth. If that makes sense.

I mean, what do you take away from my blog posts? What do you enjoy about my writing style? What would you change? What do you want to see on this website? What do you want more/less of? Is there something I once did which I no longer do that you'd like to see return? What are you currently struggling with? Is there something you’re curious about? Do you have any questions about me, or blogging?

This blog has always been about you. I do not earn from it; writing is simply my zen but, I will continue to write no matter what. The same can be said of photography and the alike. The difference is that, with my writing, it will remain private if not published on here… So, what do you think? Are we going to build a more interactive community on this space, or should we say our goodbye’s? Be honest with me...

Charley x

BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

If you’ve been reading my blog for several years now, you will know that I absolutely love me a hot, steamy bath mostly for how amazing it is for my face! So much so that I sometimes share Instagram stories of the before and after, or just the results, and have created my very own Home Spa Experience which you can see here.

In recent years, I have learned just how vital it is to spend time deeply relaxing, rejuvenating, resting and giving my body [as well as my mind] some time to recover from the daily routine of being on the go as soon as the alarm rings until it's time to hit the sack again, often 6 days a week!

My choice of restorative joy, if you will, whenever I feel in need, is to meditate and to also give myself a full body pamper session before getting an early night and this would be done on a Friday evening [if I’ve no other plans] so I can still make the most of my weekend!

HAIR

Currently rocking braids, I condition my hair using castor oil, coconut oil, pure olive oil and the African Pride Olive Miracle Braid Sheen Spray. There's a theme there, ha-ha! A small amount of each product is used and once conditioned, I tend to leave the hair wrapped for 30-45 minutes. This process leaves my hair soft, shiny and fresh. I do also wash my hair whilst in braids using organic products which, at the time this post was published, I've actually run out of! Eek!

HANDS

My hands can get so frikkin dry which annoys me big time, however, I've found that ‘showing them some regular love’ has improved the actual look and feel of them! After cleaning them with hot water and a gentle hand-wash, I apply a scrub, rinse, then moisturise with one of the above-mentioned oils and place them in gloves until the moisture is completely absorbed. I then work a tiny amount of deep heat into them after which I give my nails a manicure.

FACE

As you may know, I give a lot of care and attention to my face. I have done since my mother taught me the best, simple cleansing routine which I’ve pretty much stuck with since my early teens! I wash my face with hot water only, cleanse using either the Boots Essentials Facial Toner, or Distilled Witch Hazel, I then apply a face mask [one that is gentle, includes antioxidants and smells amazing], after which it’s all about the eye patches. When the patches have been removed, I wipe my entire face with the Boots Cucumber Cleansing Facial Wipes, leave for 5 minutes and then I apply quite a lot of oil [either coconut, or olive].

BODY

Shower first, of course, at least 2 rounds to ensure all the yuk has been removed, lol, thorough application of my body scrub [I currently only use those pictured], then rinse and shower again, pat myself dry [so that some water remains] and then apply a generous amount of Aqueous cream mixed with either olive, or coconut oil. I clearly love me some oil, LOL!

FEET

Although I do not have very nice-looking feet, real talk, I’ve a good pair, if I do say so myself! My heels are soft and free from any cracks, there is zero rough skin and they don’t smell. Chuffed to be winning somewhere in my life, LOL! After washing them [I may have had a pedicure beforehand, ideally 1 – 3 days prior], I pat them almost dry and apply a foot mask, I then work the remaining product from the mask into the feet followed by some Aqueous cream mixed with olive oil.

Summary

It’s all about switching off from everything and everyone for a few hours, or an entire day, to unwind, relieve stress and give yourself the space to treat your body from head to toe, literally! It’s super simple, but it takes a dedicated period of uninterrupted time.

Making sure my phone is set to silent and away in a drawer, I have calming music in the background, a cup [or 3, lol] of chamomile tea and a couple of peace inducing candles burning while I immerse myself in a full on pamper session and I absolutely LOVE IT!! The way I feel SO amazing after half a day, or a full day, of self-care is beyond all words. I highly recommend it!

What are some of your essentials for a pamper, or energizing, session?

Thanks for reading.

PREVIOUS POST: 6 THINGS I KEEP ON MY BEDSIDE TABLE

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6 THINGS I KEEP ON MY BEDSIDE TABLE!

Some of you might be wondering why I’ve decided to share this. Well, surprisingly, this is one of the many questions I have been asked by quite a number of you lovely, loyal readers. It's funny, to me, that such a thing is of interest but, I'm happy to share this with you. So, let’s get into it…

Typically, before I go to bed, I make sure the little table in my room has a few essentials which may aid my sleep, or that I might need throughout the night. Admittedly, sometimes I just don’t bother and other times I only add a couple of bits. Depends on how tired I am to be honest.

NIGHT LIGHT
These are great! I find lamps a bit too much, or not enough. However, the night light, which plugs into the wall [so, no, doesn't actually sit on my bedside table, lol] and automatically senses when to come on and go off, is great for if you want to have a tiny bit of light in your room. The one I've pictured is from Amazon.

A GOOD BOOK
I try to read 2 chapters of my current book before I sleep and, with that, drink at least 1 - 2 pints of water [for which I’d first sit and read in the kitchen]. Reading both stimulates my mind [in a calming, positive way] and makes me tired, so, not only do I dream well [if I can sleep, one of my neighbours is a bit of a nightmare to say the least], I feel quite relaxed which means I settle down quicker.

BOTTLE OF WATER

Do you ever suddenly get ridiculously thirsty during the night? I do! Now, here's the thing. Once I'm all tucked in, I don't want to leave my warm, cosy, snugly bed for some water, which, in the past, has completely broken my sleep and kept me awake until the early hours. To the point where I just stayed up! Not good! So, having a bottle of water on my little table just in case, works a treat.

MY DIARY and a PENCIL

Randomly, on a few occasions, I've woken up in the middle of the night realizing that I agreed to meet with a friend, for either lunch, or dinner, etc., but I forgot to write it in my diary, LOL!! Oh, and, the reason for the pencil is because, I enjoy the luxury of being able to erase instead of scribble/cross something out which is also a more effective way to keep my diary neat. Yes, I am that person, ha-ha!!

OLBAS STICK
Now and then I get a bit of a stuffy nose during the night, which instantly makes it difficult to breathe and this can then have a big impact on sleep. So, having a sniff of my olbas stick clears my airwaves thus enabling me to get right back into snoozeville.... Does this happen to you? I find it so strange. What do you do for relief?

SEEDS, or DRY FRUIT

It very rarely happens, but I can get quite peckish at night and am not one for consuming a sandwich, or a full plate of food at bedtime! A handful of seeds, or some dry fruit [I actually only ever have half an apple, to be honest], usually curbs my hunger and doesn't prevent me from getting back to sleep.

That's pretty much it! My phone is left away from me and switched to silent [not charging overnight, the Samsung S8 is quite good and holds battery well]. The only other item I sometimes keep on the table is a piece of card just in case I get too hot and want to fan myself.

Do you have a bedside table, or a designated spot near your bed for keeping some essential items? What do you keep in/on there? Is there something you think I should add to my own? 

Thanks for reading. 

PREVIOUS POST: THIS HAPPENS TO US ALL

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