I had been a while since I last wrote a post about my continuous journey with mental health, infant it's been over a year since I wrote the first tell all post 'Living with Bipolar, Depression & Anxiety - My Journey'.
A lot has changed since then, good and bad. So I thought it was time for an update.
BUYING OUR FIRST HOUSE:
The first big change is that I moved out and Tom and I bought our first home together.
But it wasn't that simple - buying a house never is.
The house we bought was gorgeous but in need of some major TLC so we got the keys and instantly began renovation.
Anxiety wise, firstly we bought a house in the area that gives me the most anxiety.
To some of you that might sound totally bizarre but, yes I do have a specific area that gives me awful anxiety. Also, some of your anxiety sufferers out there will be thinking 'What an idiot'.
I believe that you can't overcome issues unless you challenge them.
Be that being in crowded places, travelling, whatever causes your anxiousness..
Even moving to the area that once caused you to have a panic attack.
Basically my issue with the area in a nut shell, is it's where I went to school and it's kind of the local hub where people shop and drink.
It's where I used to feel bombarded and scared incase I bumped into the people I know longer talk to (for various reasons) or people who really wouldn't want to see me.
For a few years I've been unable to walk around the area alone, or even enter the local supermarket alone due to my anxious fear of the past.
However, the challenge was a good choice as crazy as it may sound because I'm slowly getting better, learning and challenging myself everyday.
MY 21ST BIRTHDAY:
Around my 21st Birthday during the house renovations I struggled.
I've always had a huge issue with my birthday. Just mine, no one else's and I've no idea why.
It's nothing to do with getting old or anything, I've always been very depressed, angry and emotional as soon as my birthday approached even as a child.
My mum seems to think it's due to expectation and disappointment but I can't confirm that, as I have no idea why it happens and wish it didn't.
Due to this I also have a really big problem with presents.
I'd wish people wouldn't bother as it's literally a fear for me, I can't stand receiving and opening presents.
My 21st was difficult for me, obviously I had just bought my own house and was decorating it exactly how I wanted, why wasn't I happy?
I think I felt that the whole 21st Birthday idea was overshadowed by the house and I didn't get my '21st Birthday' that you talk about as kids.
When actually looking back, I'd bought a house with the love of my life, got my dream dog and had nothing to be upset about.
But I spent most of my birthday sat in the car, there was tears.
THE ANXIETY RETURNS:
Once we moved into the house, I was fine. Absolutely buzzing in fact.
Until about 2 and half month later I start getting severe anxiety again and it was coming out of nowhere and effecting me in situations it never had before, like just sitting in my house or driving my car.
It was very random and scary.
So after trying to pluck up the courage for week to talk to the doctor about it, I finally managed to book an appointment.
This was an achievement for me as having such an awful time with counselling for my Bipolar in the past, talking about it with someone I don't know if difficult for me.
However, it went fine and the doctor understood that I knew my head and I've been on medication for a long time now and I knew I need to 'take the edge off'.
I've been on the same dosage of my medication for around 2 years now, without any adjustments.
Due to my increase in anxiety I knew that my antidepressants needed amending and the doctor agreed.
I'm now on 200mg of Quetiapine (mood stabilisers) and 75mg of Setraline (antidepressants) a day now and I'm feeling much better.
They only adjusted my antidepressants by a half but it makes all the difference.
With Mental Health Medications, the smallest thing can make such a change.
PARANOIA:
Overall, 2016 has been a quick start with lots going on and I think I've coped with it all quite well considering my past. The only problem I'm suffering with at the moment is increased paranoia.
I've not had paranoia for a couple of years, and it really has come out of nowhere at the minute.
I'm dealing with daily and is really hard to cope with.
So that is my next challenge, but I feel I'm in a good head space otherwise to be able to deal with it however I do think I'm going to gain the courage to organise a therapist appointment so I can hopefully treat these paranoia demons.
What I want to end this update on is, please don't be afraid to talk it is scary, and it's not easy.
But you need to talk about, to be able to treat it.
If you, a friend or family member suffers with anything I've suffered with and wants to talk, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Thanks for reading,
Charlie xo
MY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND
8.5.16
I'm a big lover of Bank Holidays - but who isnt?
Even though it's only one extra day, it makes all the difference.
But the best bit about it, is that I get the whole weekend with Tom.
SATURDAY 30TH APRIL 2016
I actually when to work on Saturday but after work I visited the opening of my friends new pub.
The Exeter Arms in Barrowden is a pub I've visited for many years since a child. Seeing my friend and her family as the new owners is just lovely.
Not only is the Exeter Arms in the most beautiful setting on the edge of the gorgeous Rutland village, opposite the green and overlooking the pond.
It has a been nearly decorated to emphasise the original features and stunning traditional style of the bar and restaurant but with the perfect balance of modern touches from the paint, colours and lighting completes the finished look of the gorgeous country pub.
It's so nice to have a local setting for food and drinks with an outdoor seating area as well as a large beer garden where dogs are welcome, so we can enjoy a walk on the green and around the village and finish it with a glass of wine, and bring the dog.
That's my favourite part.
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| The gorgeous beer garden and car park. |
SUNDAY 1ST MAY 2016
The first day of my Bank Holiday weekend and a day off work.
We took a trip to Corby for a quick shop and grabbed the most amazing ice cream from the towns new Dessert Parlour.
I couldn't resist a huge cone with a scoop of vanilla and a scoop of pistachio.
Delightful!
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| Tom picked up some amazing new Ray-ban's from Vision Express. He settled on the Erika Colour Mix Glasses with Blue Lenses. I want some. |
I then spent the afternoon giving the living a spring clean - again - and had a little move around and I love the finished look.
MONDAY 2ND MAY 2016
After a lie in we got ready, and the weather was lovely, which just complete a Bank Holiday right?
I decided to wear my new shirt from Primark which was only £8.00 paired with my favourite new trend which is this adorable pink neckerchief also from Primark and was a small £1.50.
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| Wearing my new favourite foundation Revlon's Colorstay Normal/Dry with my current favourite highlighter from MUA. Got to love the Drugstore! |
We spent the afternoon back at the pub for it's 3rd day of reopening for a classic car meet and entertainment from the Morris Men!
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| With a glass of Sauvignon - obviously. |
Finishing the evening and our Bank Holiday Weekend with this delicious Butternut Squash Risotto and Sweet Potato Fries in a Polenta Crumb, both from Sainsbury's.
Watching House with my dressing gown and a glass of wine.
The perfect evening in.
Let me know in the comments what you got up to on your Bank Holiday Weekend!
Thanks for reading,
Charlie xo
Having since moved into our first home (and before as well to be honest) I'm been obsessed with collecting homeware to add to our home.
I have a strong belief that pictures and art complete a home, and around our house we're still very much perfecting our walls with gorgeous unique art.
Then, I found Coconut Lane.
Love art and quotes?
Prepare to fall in love.
The first print I added to my basket was this 'Processo, Pizza, Pyjamas, Puppies' quote!
Literally everything in my life that makes me feel happy, loved and comforted - apart from Tom but I guess that wouldn't really work.
I love the font and size and I've already found the perfect home for this little beauty, on my picture shelf from IKEA above our bed.
Too cute.
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| The 4 P's Wall Art - http://goo.gl/H0T2qW |
The first one I actually added to my basket was actually this truly amazing Blogger quote which pretty much had my name on it!
I chose to get two prints because I love art displayed odd numbers; mostly three's.
But I chose to get just 2 of these based on the fact that there was two different fonts, and they really set off each-other and will look great on my picture shelf.
However, I'm so tempted to pop this one above my desk.
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| Superpower Blogger Wall Art: http://goo.gl/sqmeox |
I fell completely in love with these designs as they're so unique, so fun and only £6 each.
Yes. ONLY £6!
Coconut Lane have kindly given me a 20% OFF Discount Code to offer to you guys incase you want to try any of their amazingly affordable products across their many collections from homeware to fashion accessories, greetings cards and phone cases.
Get 20% OFF at Coconut Lane
USE CODE:
'styledbycharlie20'
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| Tweet me your purchases! Twitter: @pallettBLOGGER |
Let me know your favourite quotes in the comments and what is on your Coconut Lane Wish List!
Thanks for reading,
Charlie xo
KYLIE JENNER £16 SWIMSUIT
1.5.16
The Jenner sisters are about to break the fashion world again with their new swimwear line as we've been seeing all over Kylie Jenner's Snapchat in the coming days.
It looks there are going to be some serious swimwear envy this summer!
But what if you could get Kylie's Swimsuit look for £16?
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| Photo Credit: Kylie Jenner [Instagram] |
I stumbled across this fab style dupe for £16, and you can pick it up in your local supermarket!
It's this F&F Active Piped Chunky Zip Swimsuit and it's so similar to Kylie's orange zipped number.
For just £16 we can all have the Kardashian look this summer.
FINALLY!
I'm definitely going to be getting my paws on this one for my summer hot tub holiday!
... [Places F&F Order] ...
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| Get the Kylie look for £16 with this Tesco Swimsuit - http://goo.gl/LB3cQT |
Let me know if you have any other celeb style dupes you've bagged for Summer 2016!
I can't wait to get my floppy hat and flip flops out.
Bring on the sunshine!
Thanks for reading,
Charlie xo
HAPPY 2ND BLOG BIRTHDAY!
29.4.16
Wow, 2 years already.
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| Two of the best years. |
It feels like yesterday I took the random plunge into blogging after being asked by my Instagram followers so they had a place to shop my style steals.
I knew nothing about Blogging, I followed one Blogger on Instagram; Zoe and had no idea what I was doing.
Writing only about fashion and personal style I took a swing at all and gave it a whirl.
Initially called 'pallettt.blogspot.com', I finally picked a name.
Styled by Charlie.
I couldn't believe how quickly I caught the Blogging bug and was 110% completely riddled with it.
Styled by Charlie became the location of all my style tips, bargains and favourite outfits.
But after about a year my blog became a home to all things lifestyle. I started posting about everything from my favourite candles and recipes to my favourite beauty products.
I fell completely in love with writing.
Although I'd posting all my own opinions on my blog I'd never really touched on a certain subject area that was very close to me - My mental health.
I then plucked up to courage in 2015 to write a tell-all blog post about my Bipolar Disorder to raise awareness and share my story to hopefully help others.
I could not believe the response.
Something I never, ever thought I'd mention to even one stranger was out in the open on the internet for anyone to read, and I was totally okay with that.
In fact, I was more than okay with it.
It was like a weight lifted - no more secrets.
I'm never been ashamed of my Bipolar Disorder as it's something I have to live with every single day but I always worried about an outsiders opinions of it.
'Crazy'. 'Depressed'. 'Psycho'.
I am none of those things.
I have Bipolar and that's totally okay!
But writing that particular blog post was a turning point for me and I am so, so proud of it.
Without the support of my readers and blogging friends I wouldn't be at the point in accepting my battle with mental health, because I wouldn't of had my blog to be able to write and share my journey.
So, thank you.
The past 2 years have been amazing.
I've done some pretty damn awesome things!
From attending my first blogging event with The Bloggers Hangout (formerly Bloggers Love), to meeting some of my idols such as Tanya Burr.
I have my own chapter in a Book.
ME! In a Book? Crazy.
Thanks to my blog I now write for Metro.co.uk writing my own blog posts.
I've worked with some of the most amazing brands in not just the UK but the world.
I'm forever grateful for the amazing opportunities Styled by Charlie has lead me to.
But the best thing Blogging has given me is some amazing life-long friendships; Amanda, Camilla and Jess - to name a few.
It lovely to meet people you instantly click with and have so much in common with you can talk for hours.
So, here's for turning 2, and here's to 2016.
It's been a brilliant start so far and I can't wait for the next 2, 4, 10 years of Styled by Charlie.
Let's see where it will take me.
Thanks for everything.
Love you all.
Thanks for reading,
Charlie xo
THE ULTIMATE DATE DAY
27.4.16
Tom and I have always been fond of a date and have been together for 4 years.
Having just bought our house and got Arla (our pug puppy) we've not been on a date in ages!
So we decided to spend Saturday 23rd April having the ultimate date day.
It was perfect.
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| My amazing Coral, Mint and Glitter Festival Style False Nails from Primark - £1 |
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| Highcross Shopping Centre, Leicester. |
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| Urban Outfitters. [Highcross, Leicester] |
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| Levis Men's Jeans. [Highcross, Leicester] |
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| Levis offer a customisation station where can you get alterations free of charge and add studs, 80's style badges and embroidery from £2.00! Love this concept. [Photo Taken: Highcross, Leicester] |
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| Wagamama's with a large glass of Sauvignon. [Highcross, Leicester] |
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| My amazing Yasai Yaki Soba of wholewheat noodles, stir fried vegetables and my favourite extra helping of pickled ginger. |
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| Tom had the Wagamama's signature Chicken Katsu Curry. |
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| Vans or Converse? Tom went for the New White Leather Converse from Office. [Highcross, Leicester] |
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| As well as the converse Tom picked up a Tshirt and pair of 510 Jeans from Levis. [Highcross, Leicester] |
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| Curve Theatre, Leicester |
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| A second cheeky Sauvignon whilst waiting to take our seats for Legally Blonde. [The Curve Theatre, Leicester] |
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| 'Bend.. and SNAP!' [The Curve Theatre, Leicester] |
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| Our amazing as-good-as-front-row seats! [The Curve Theatre, Leicester] |
We'd planned a day which started with heading to Leicester's in Tom's New Car; a BWM 220d.
It was so nice to spend the morning getting ready and being able to put a face of makeup on.
It felt like ages since I've got ready for a full date and evening out of the house.
Highcross is on of two shopping centres that are close to where we live however they're both over 25 miles away and an 45 Mins - 1 Hour car journey away.
It has every shop you could possibly want as well as 3 department stores; John Lewis, Debenhams and House of Fraser.
However, the only shop I'd add is Jo Malone.
As I wasn't searching for anything particular to purchase we did a lot of shopping for Tom - much to his delight - in All Saints, Office and spent a lot of time in Levis.
It was time for a spot of lunch, and Wagamama is one of my favourite (if not absolute favourite) restaurant to eat out at.
I had no idea Wagamamas across the country had new year refits with a low lighting, edgy industrial update, but they look amazing!
Taking away the fast-food, get-in get-out vibe and gives more of am ambient restaurant feel.
I love it!
However in the recent update seemed that my favourite dish had been sacked from the menu.
Damn.
However thankfully my second favourite, Yasai Yaki Soba still remained.
We then headed to the Curve Theatre as we had ticket to Legally Blonde the Musical.
Legally Blonde is definitely one of my favourite feel-good films and after finding out the musical was being shown at the Curve, I had to be there.
Our seats with incredible, 7 rows back from the stage.
Legally Blonde featured Tupele Dorgu from Coronation Street and Danny Mac from Hollyoaks.
It was so much fun, and a really amazing date day.
Feeling loved and lucky.
We really should do it more often.
Thanks for reading,
Charlie xo
HOT DENIM MUST HAVES - SS16
24.4.16
There's one trend I'm looking forward to in SS16 and as a lover of Winter fashion over Summer fashion, this year there actually is a trend I'm mad above; Denim.
Not usually a fabric you associate with Spring/Summer this year there are so many summer friendly styles you're going to join me in being obsessed with.
As there is a collection of items I've added to my 'Save for Later' List at Asos.com I thought I'd share my favourite styling for the season ahead.
Whether it's a festival, holiday or a casual look to rely this heated season I'm going to show you my 3 favourite outfits I'd love to be wearing this season.
1. Triple Denim
I've always been a huge fan of double denim and love wearing matching and contrasting denim fabrics and shades.
This look is perfect for all occasions from First Dates to show your fashionable and fun side and those days to the beach or days out shopping with a comfortable shoe that will last the day.
Each piece is a great investment as each item can we worn in so many different ways dressed up or down for all occasions.
I'm obsessed with this outfit.
SHOP 'Triple Denim':
Outfit Total Price: £92.99
2. Hip Denim
This is a look that I think is fab for all kinds of body types due to it's sensible but sexy skirt length and flattering off-shoulder detailing, I really think this is a look for everyone.
Wear it with a sandal wedges for a smart/casual look or with a pair of converse high tops for the stylish but relaxed vibe.
SHOP 'Hip Denim':
Outfit Total Price: £120.00
3. Chic Denim
I'm all over this look, such sass.
The casual, dressed down detailing of the two piece combo with the frayed hem and casual tie.
Matched with the matching denim stilettos and patchwork clutch is such an on trend look you can wear with wellies or high tops to a festival this summer, or pop on your heels for a chic club feel.
Such great piece you can wear again, and again.
The crop top would look perfect with a pair of high waist jeans, trainers and a backpack.
Such versatile pieces, together as a complete style savvy finish.
SHOP 'Chic Denim':
Total Outfit Price: £122.48
I loved styling these looks around my favourite trend this season; Denim.
Let me know what you think of the looks in the comment, and what trend/look you're looking forward to rocking the Summer!
Thanks for reading,
Charlie xo
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