Crochet Mojo: Loosing/Finding it

 Source: Google Images

I seem to go through stages with crafting/crochet (usually the latter) where I'm super productive, have lots of ideas and make loads of items and then I just can't be bothered or find the motivation to pick up my hook and make something. That's where I am right now. It can be frustrating as I find it something to relax with and I always feel a sense of achievement when I complete a project.

For the first time in a while I've had nothing to make for other people, no projects on the go except my cardigan which is actually for me. I'm nearing completion but now have lost my mojo to complete. I think it came about after finishing one sleeve and the thought of having to do another one was just too much, yet there have been occasions where I've thought, "I'd love to be wearing that cardigan today".

So how do I overcome these pangs of un-creativeness? Well this can be a hard one and can depend on other things going on: work, mood, social and home life which can all play a part and if other activities are taking up your time, how are you going to be able to relax and fit in a spot of crochet? I find that taking a break from crafting really helps and clears my mind before I finish or start a project. Of course the length of the break can vary but this current one seems to have been a few weeks.

Another tip would be when you do pick up your hook again, start small. It can be hard to jump straight into a big project (unless you're feeling very creative!) so I always pick up a hook and yarn and try out some new stitches or make a flower to get my mind back into crochet land.

I also like to read other people's blogs for inspiration; usually seeing their wonderful creations kick starts my need to crochet again.

So, I'm off to finish my cardigan and then hopefully onto my next project soon! Have you ever had breaks from crafting? What are your tips to get back into the swing of things?

Betty xXx

Reasons to be Cheerful #3

I've been a bit quiet on the blogging front over the past week or so mainly due to the Easter break. I've also not done any crochet in what feels like ages (although it has probably only been a week or two), I just haven't felt very creative and don't like to force myself to do it just for the sake of it. So here's my top five of what's been putting a smile on my face this week. The picture above is the big finale which looked so pretty. 

1. Rest: Although I didn't do anything special or go away over Easter, it was so nice to be able to just relax and spend time with the husband. I went back to work on Tuesday feeling rather refreshed and happy that Easter had been peaceful. 

2. Elbow: No, not my arm joint, the band. We went to see them at the O2 arena in Greenwich and they were brilliant. Our first dance at out wedding was One Day Like This so to hear it live was really special. 

3. Chocolate: I'm definitely more of a savoury person (I could eat my body weight in crisps) but chocolate has been my vice this week and I could certainly eat another packet of mini eggs before they disappear. 

4. Brioche: I bought a pack of brioche rolls couple of weeks ago as I was a bit pecking and am now addicted. I love them warmed up in the oven, then smothered with butter and marmite! 

5. Work: it's not been too bad this week, although busy and stressful at times I'm grateful to have a job and not absolutely hate it (there have been moments). Plus there could be new and exciting things on the horizon :) 

I hope you've all had an amazing Easter!

Betty xXx

Evening Skincare Routine

As with my morning routine I like to keep things simple. I wear make up pretty much every day so it's important to properly remove it so there are no nasties left behind, plus pollution and touching my face through the day I like to keep it clean and fresh.

Make up removal: This wasn't a step I always did; I would usually just jump straight into cleansing but after reading lots of posts about the importance of double cleansing or removing make up before cleansing I have now started to include this step. Think of it this way; if you use your cleanser once you're just removing the make up and not actually cleaning the skin - make sense?

I used to use face wipes and still do occasionally when I'm being lazy but I've recently bought the Garnier version of Bioderma. This is a Micellar water which contains oil particals to break down make up. I use this to remove my eye make up and then swipe over my face to take off the bulk of my face make up. It's actually really good and I find it to work in exactly the same way as Bioderma.

Cleanser: My current cleanser is Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel which comes out in a gel consistency but when massaged onto the face, changes to an oil and then mixed with water it goes milky! It took a while to get used to the texture and it definitely does a good job of cleansing my face (I have used it to remove make up, including eyes and it is really good) but I'm not sure if I will repurchase. It has lasted a long time so for the money it is worth it, I just want to try something different next time!

Toner: As with my morning routine I use the same Lush toner, Eau Roma Water.

Serums/Oils: At present I am using the Body Shop Vitamin E Serum in an Oil. It claims to be eight hours of sleep in a bottle. It feels lovely on the skin, sinks in very quickly but I'm not sure if it has a massive affect come the next morning. When I've stopped using it for a few evenings I do miss it and notice my skin looking a bit grey, however I think there might be better things out there. I would recommend it for the price and would possibly repurchase; I think I'm just a bit on the fence with this one.

Moisturiser: My current moisturiser, which I'm loving is Superdrug's Vitamin E Night Cream. For £4 you get a massive tub that is lightweight but very rich and moisturising. I use this all over my face, neck, chest and hands in the evening and my skin loves it!

Morning Skincare Routine

Sometimes I feel like I've tried every skincare item going (drugstore brands at least). This is mainly because I'd never found anything that settle my often disrupted skin so would quickly move onto a new item, which probably added to the problem instead of helping.

Another reason for this trial and error approach was because I thought my skin type was normal/combination when actually it leans more towards the sensitive. This has taken me years to realise this and in turn I was using products that were not helping the sensitivity and making my skin more blemished and red. I remember going into Space NK years ago for the first time, not really bothered by skincare and make up back then and the lady telling me I had dehydrated skin. I was shocked! I think most people had taken one look at my skin back then and just thought oily/combination/acne prone. I wish I had taken her advice on board but for years I continued to use harsh, oil stripping products - I do blame certain brands for providing the wrong information about acne prone skin, claiming that harsh products will help!

It was only when I started watching QVC one day that I realised I might have sensitive skin; the lady explained that sensitivity to products makes your skin react (obviously) but using these harsh product can make your skin produce more oil to over compensate for the lack of moisture! I started trying new products from Elemis and and Liz Earle that really helped and I feel like finally my skin is in much better condition and I know which products will work. Of course I still have the occasional break out but it's not as bad as it used to be. Oh and everyone should read Caroline Hirons' blog - she is a skincare god and everyone needs to listen to her advise. 

So, after that mammoth introduction, here are the products I am using on a daily basis in the morning:

Cleanser: I've been using a cream cleanser for a while now, and at the moment I have Superdrug's Vitamin E cream cleanser. I was using Liz Earle until it ran out and I didn't have time to pick up a new one so I've been using this and it is doing a good job. I still prefer Liz Earle (it just feels like it's doing some good as soon as I start using it!) but Superdrug's cleanser is clearly a lot cheaper so great as a stand in. I use this with a regular flannel/wash cloth run under warm water and then I rinse it under cold water at the end and press it again my face to help me wake up.

Toner: This was a step I skipped for a long time, thinking I didn't really need to use one. My skin started to look a little lack-luster so while in Lush I picked up the Eau Roma Water and I've noticed such a difference already. Not only is the smell amazing but it plumps up my skin ready for the next step.

Serum: I never used to care much about serums and oils, especially in the morning but as I'm getting older I feel like I need an extra boost of moisture. As I mentioned previously I never thought that my skin would be of the dry category and believed that adding more moisture would make me look more oily and shiney - how wrong could I have been?! After reading lots of reviews I picked up Hydraluron and I cannot live without it! Its a clear gel that contains hyaluronic acid (sounds scary but its really good) that plumps up the skin and locks in moisture. I find it really does make a difference and when I have stopped using it, I feel like I do miss the extra boost.

Moisturiser: I've been using La Roche Posay Efficlar Duo (original version) for quite a while now and highly recommend it for anyone with sensitive skin. After watching Ruth's video saying that it cleared up her spots I thought I would give it a go. It really helps to keep any blemishes at bay and is a water based, very light weight moisturiser.

It's a fairly simple routine but I'm really happy with all the products and don't think I'll be changing them any time soon. Check back soon to read about my night time routine.

What are your skincare recommendations?

Betty xXx