My Journey Towards Sustainable Living
My Journey Towards Sustainable Living
lifestyle
Mid-Year 2020 Hopes Check-In
Mid-Year 2020 Hopes Check-In
How To Take Awesome Digital Notes
How To Take Awesome Digital Notes
Somehow, without evening knowing how, I've made it through twenty-one years of living in one piece.
Twenty-One
Twenty-One
Somehow, without evening knowing how, I've made it through twenty-one years of living in one piece.
It has taken me quite a while and a couple of re-writes to finally get to this post, but I'm finally happy with what I'm posting.
What I Hope 2020 Brings
What I Hope 2020 Brings
It has taken me quite a while and a couple of re-writes to finally get to this post, but I'm finally happy with what I'm posting.
I've barely written about books the last couple of years, mainly because when trying to grow a blog they say to pick a niche and well book reviews don't seem to fit smoothly into whatever mine is. But I'm at the point where I'm just going to throw caution to the wind because reading is something I love and since I blog about my passions on here then I should really be mentioning books more often than I do.
A Round-Up Of The 10 Books I Read In 2019
A Round-Up Of The 10 Books I Read In 2019
I've barely written about books the last couple of years, mainly because when trying to grow a blog they say to pick a niche and well book reviews don't seem to fit smoothly into whatever mine is. But I'm at the point where I'm just going to throw caution to the wind because reading is something I love and since I blog about my passions on here then I should really be mentioning books more often than I do.
With it coming to the end another decade, and it being that time of the year to reflect on everything, good and bad. I thought it would a nice idea to write down and keep a log of everything these past ten years that I've achieved.
I'd love to know what you've accomplished in this same time frame, so leave a comment.
A Decade Of Reflection
A Decade Of Reflection
With it coming to the end another decade, and it being that time of the year to reflect on everything, good and bad. I thought it would a nice idea to write down and keep a log of everything these past ten years that I've achieved.
I'd love to know what you've accomplished in this same time frame, so leave a comment.
At the beginning of this year instead of writing a list of goals or resolutions, I wrote a list of hopes. In the hopes, it would bring less pressure to have actually completed them by the end of the year. But with 2019 closing it's doors pretty soon I think it's about time I look back on those hopes to see which I've achieved and which are still hopes for myself to tick off whenever they seem to fit into my life.
Reflecting On The Hopes Of 2019
Reflecting On The Hopes Of 2019
At the beginning of this year instead of writing a list of goals or resolutions, I wrote a list of hopes. In the hopes, it would bring less pressure to have actually completed them by the end of the year. But with 2019 closing it's doors pretty soon I think it's about time I look back on those hopes to see which I've achieved and which are still hopes for myself to tick off whenever they seem to fit into my life.
Every year Christmas comes around. And every year I try not to let the stress of having absolutely no clue what to gift everyone gets to me. There is the stress of getting them something they will love and actually use and the stress of trying to also fit it around my views and ethicals on sustainability. Therefore this has led me to this post.
After doing some much-needed hunting and scrolling through the internet and trusty old Twitter I hope I've gathers some gift ideas that would be suitable for anyone who is trying to be more environmentally conscious this Christmas.
A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE GIFTS.
A good starting point for any kind of gift is to focus on what that other person might actually need. For example, as a student, I can tell you that even socks are an item that is much appreciated. From there you can look for versions of those products from ethical, sustainable and/or vegan brands.
I like to use Christmas, and any other celebration really, as an excuse to splurge on those things that otherwise you or your close ones might not have bought. Meaning that those items from sustainable brands might be more in your budget than any other time,
Anyway I've come up with a small list of ideas that hopefully will inspire you when trying to pick out gifts this Christmas,
SOME IDEAS:
- Pamper your close humans with treats from such places as The BodyShop or Lush. I always find these products slightly more on the pricey side to buy them all year round especially on a student budget, but being it the season of giving I like how I can treat my friends and family to things they hopefully will actually use as well as without the plastic packaging or at least packaging you can trade-in.
- Anything that could make student life easier is always a happy surprise when it comes to gifts, be it a cake mix to make on days where assignments have got you down to laptop stands such as ili Laptop Stand. Honestly as well if you get stuck on what to get a student for Christmas to think of items they might be able to use, I got scales on year and now I can measure out my food so no more wasting pasta.
- A typical sustainable gift idea is clothes. I actually want to do a whole post on sustainable brands furthering on from this one I did a couple months ago. But nonetheless, if you know someone has been eyeing up something that is more on the pricey side as many ethical and sustainable brands rightly are, even if its a joint present I'm sure they'll be entirely grateful.
- And there is always food! Set them up with a starting kit from places such as The Refill Pantry, even if you make it up yourself. Jumping into the world of plastic-free can be daunting and not the cheapest so giving them a starting hand is a great idea for a gift. You could even make it out as more of a hamper kind of thing, so add some personal touches.
- Classes are also an idea. There are such places out there as Cookery School which focus on sustainable learning while learning to cook. You could even make it into a day out together because especially at Christmas it is a time for getting together with your loved ones and enjoying each others company. Mind you make sure you book a class that you'll know they'll enjoy.
- My last idea is to focus on small businesses. Christmas can be a time to make or break those people trying to get their businesses off their feet so why not use your gift to help out more than one person. Brands like Wrap All About It not only make beautiful items but you buying them will help them and their families out at this time of the year as well. I've also got a code for you all for Wrap All About It HERE if you chose to spread the Christmas cheer.
As you can tell by my rather short list that coming up with gift ideas is still something I'm working on, but hopefully, if you've been a little stuck this year you've gained some kind of inspiration for gifts that are more sustainable this year.
What other sustainable gifts ideas can you think of? I'd love to be able to add to this list.
- Sophie
Sustainable Gift Ideas
Sustainable Gift Ideas
Every year Christmas comes around. And every year I try not to let the stress of having absolutely no clue what to gift everyone gets to me. There is the stress of getting them something they will love and actually use and the stress of trying to also fit it around my views and ethicals on sustainability. Therefore this has led me to this post.
After doing some much-needed hunting and scrolling through the internet and trusty old Twitter I hope I've gathers some gift ideas that would be suitable for anyone who is trying to be more environmentally conscious this Christmas.
A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE GIFTS.
A good starting point for any kind of gift is to focus on what that other person might actually need. For example, as a student, I can tell you that even socks are an item that is much appreciated. From there you can look for versions of those products from ethical, sustainable and/or vegan brands.
I like to use Christmas, and any other celebration really, as an excuse to splurge on those things that otherwise you or your close ones might not have bought. Meaning that those items from sustainable brands might be more in your budget than any other time,
Anyway I've come up with a small list of ideas that hopefully will inspire you when trying to pick out gifts this Christmas,
SOME IDEAS:
- Pamper your close humans with treats from such places as The BodyShop or Lush. I always find these products slightly more on the pricey side to buy them all year round especially on a student budget, but being it the season of giving I like how I can treat my friends and family to things they hopefully will actually use as well as without the plastic packaging or at least packaging you can trade-in.
- Anything that could make student life easier is always a happy surprise when it comes to gifts, be it a cake mix to make on days where assignments have got you down to laptop stands such as ili Laptop Stand. Honestly as well if you get stuck on what to get a student for Christmas to think of items they might be able to use, I got scales on year and now I can measure out my food so no more wasting pasta.
- A typical sustainable gift idea is clothes. I actually want to do a whole post on sustainable brands furthering on from this one I did a couple months ago. But nonetheless, if you know someone has been eyeing up something that is more on the pricey side as many ethical and sustainable brands rightly are, even if its a joint present I'm sure they'll be entirely grateful.
- And there is always food! Set them up with a starting kit from places such as The Refill Pantry, even if you make it up yourself. Jumping into the world of plastic-free can be daunting and not the cheapest so giving them a starting hand is a great idea for a gift. You could even make it out as more of a hamper kind of thing, so add some personal touches.
- Classes are also an idea. There are such places out there as Cookery School which focus on sustainable learning while learning to cook. You could even make it into a day out together because especially at Christmas it is a time for getting together with your loved ones and enjoying each others company. Mind you make sure you book a class that you'll know they'll enjoy.
- My last idea is to focus on small businesses. Christmas can be a time to make or break those people trying to get their businesses off their feet so why not use your gift to help out more than one person. Brands like Wrap All About It not only make beautiful items but you buying them will help them and their families out at this time of the year as well. I've also got a code for you all for Wrap All About It HERE if you chose to spread the Christmas cheer.
As you can tell by my rather short list that coming up with gift ideas is still something I'm working on, but hopefully, if you've been a little stuck this year you've gained some kind of inspiration for gifts that are more sustainable this year.
What other sustainable gifts ideas can you think of? I'd love to be able to add to this list.
- Sophie
Back towards the first couple of months of the year, I wrote a post about my typical day as an astrophysics student. Instead today I thought it might, hopefully, be interesting to continue that mini-series of a day in the life, with my day in the life of a placement student. In particular the Day of a research assistant.
Day In The Life Of A Placement Student | Research Assistant
Day In The Life Of A Placement Student | Research Assistant
Back towards the first couple of months of the year, I wrote a post about my typical day as an astrophysics student. Instead today I thought it might, hopefully, be interesting to continue that mini-series of a day in the life, with my day in the life of a placement student. In particular the Day of a research assistant.
Impostor syndrome. I feel like this phrase/word is popping up a lot in my life at the moment. So I thought of it as an indication that this would be a good chance and time to have a discussion about it. Since that is why I started this Mid-Week Ramble series for.
Impostor Syndrome | Mid-Week Ramble #1
Impostor Syndrome | Mid-Week Ramble #1
Impostor syndrome. I feel like this phrase/word is popping up a lot in my life at the moment. So I thought of it as an indication that this would be a good chance and time to have a discussion about it. Since that is why I started this Mid-Week Ramble series for.
So before I turn you all away with the talk of physics, if you're a student and are stuck in a rut maybe give this post a read to find out other ways to make what you are learning fun; because we all know exams drain the life out of is.
My CAPS19 Experience
My CAPS19 Experience
So before I turn you all away with the talk of physics, if you're a student and are stuck in a rut maybe give this post a read to find out other ways to make what you are learning fun; because we all know exams drain the life out of is.
So I've had this idea written down for nearly over a year now, and I guess I've just been putting it off for the most part due to a fear of upsetting someone. But a while back I had a conversation with the lovely Fran from Francisca Rockey and she brought it to the forefront of my mind that I can't live life fearing of disagreeing with someone over my own opinions.
So that brings us to this train of thought.
Mid-Week Ramble | An Introduction
Mid-Week Ramble | An Introduction
So I've had this idea written down for nearly over a year now, and I guess I've just been putting it off for the most part due to a fear of upsetting someone. But a while back I had a conversation with the lovely Fran from Francisca Rockey and she brought it to the forefront of my mind that I can't live life fearing of disagreeing with someone over my own opinions.
So that brings us to this train of thought.
It's crazy to think now we are pretty much halfway through 2019 and half a year away from 2020!
With that in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to look back on the goals I made back at the beginning of January and to see how many I've completed or how far I am away from reaching the end of those goals. The latter is probably more likely to be the case. But it's okay we still have another 182 days to go to tick them all off.
Mid-Year Resolutions Check-in
Mid-Year Resolutions Check-in
It's crazy to think now we are pretty much halfway through 2019 and half a year away from 2020!
With that in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to look back on the goals I made back at the beginning of January and to see how many I've completed or how far I am away from reaching the end of those goals. The latter is probably more likely to be the case. But it's okay we still have another 182 days to go to tick them all off.
It's almost a trend these days to talk and be sustainable in everything we do. And though I not sure how I feel about these sort of things, including vegetarianism and veganism being 'trendy', I can't complain that by being a trend they are bringing more light to some important topics.
So I thought for today's post it might be of some help to gather a bunch of ways that we can be more sustainable.
How To Live More Sustainably
How To Live More Sustainably
It's almost a trend these days to talk and be sustainable in everything we do. And though I not sure how I feel about these sort of things, including vegetarianism and veganism being 'trendy', I can't complain that by being a trend they are bringing more light to some important topics.
So I thought for today's post it might be of some help to gather a bunch of ways that we can be more sustainable.
Now that second year has officially finished and we're into the summer break, it seems like the perfect time to dust off those books that have been sitting waiting patiently on the bookshelf to be read. Or as for me take to Amazon to buy some books that have been sat on my to-read list for a while now.
I'm not going to include any spoilers in this kind of post for anyone who is worried, the most I might share is information which is also included in the blurb of each book.
Books To Read This Summer
Books To Read This Summer
Now that second year has officially finished and we're into the summer break, it seems like the perfect time to dust off those books that have been sitting waiting patiently on the bookshelf to be read. Or as for me take to Amazon to buy some books that have been sat on my to-read list for a while now.
I'm not going to include any spoilers in this kind of post for anyone who is worried, the most I might share is information which is also included in the blurb of each book.
It has been a while since I've sat in front of my laptop screen with blogger open and the cursor bar flickering as I have intentions to write something to all of you who read my blog. And maybe it's because I don't really have a topic to write about, but the words aren't flowing as smoothly as I would like them to be.
I say I don't have a topic but I guess updating all of you is also a topic, though not one that I find the easiest to write about.
So where have I been these last couple of month?
Well, honestly, there's not overly a lot to tell - though I still felt like this post is a good one to welcome back with after I've been away for a while - I've pretty much spent the last couple of month sat at my desk cramming every last physics and maths fact and equation into my head, in hopes that I can remember it for when I brain dump during the exams.
As of when this post will be up, I shall have finished my second year of university as of four days ago. I'm not sure how I'm already halfway through my time actually study at this university for my degree, but somehow it's flown by and I'm not completely sure what I've done with the ~17520 hours that I've used up. However somehow I have, and I know that for the next ~17520 hours and more I want to use my time a lot more productively so that I can work towards the goals that I have set for myself.
I'm now sat here, having written about what has pretty much taken over my life this last month or so without leaving any brain space for anything else, and I'm not sure what I should write. In terms of blog posts, my last life update wasn't all that too long ago. But I guess updating from that I've now got my placement year pretty much sorted, both work placement and study abroad placement pretty much there I just need to sort out the last few bits and pieces.
Since those two things will be my life for the next year, I want to be able to incorporate them into my blog as well. So is there anything you would like me to write about linking to these two? Any questions you want answering?
Honestly, I get so stumped for blog post ideas some times, so if there is anything you like seeing from me let me know.
So now it's time for summer!
I'm not sure how long my summer will actually be, since I'm not 100% sure when my work placement is starting, but I've made a pact with myself to not waste this year like I have done in the past. Summer break for me last year was pretty much spending a lot of time inside watching Netflix since I made no plans and my friends were then scattered all over the country. But this year I'm focusing on myself. My fitness. My mental health. My fears. All of these so I can do the things I've always wanted to do without the pit of dread in the bottom of my stomach that makes me feel like I can't get over the wall the new challenge puts up.
So I should probably wrap this up now. It's a day later than I was expecting it to be published since I spent yesterday away from my laptop after travelling back home from uni. But as I always say, "Better late than never".
How have you all been since I last posted? Anything exciting happen?
- Sophie
Keep up to date ... Twitter Instagram Bloglovin
A Little Life Catch-Up
A Little Life Catch-Up
It has been a while since I've sat in front of my laptop screen with blogger open and the cursor bar flickering as I have intentions to write something to all of you who read my blog. And maybe it's because I don't really have a topic to write about, but the words aren't flowing as smoothly as I would like them to be.
I say I don't have a topic but I guess updating all of you is also a topic, though not one that I find the easiest to write about.
So where have I been these last couple of month?
Well, honestly, there's not overly a lot to tell - though I still felt like this post is a good one to welcome back with after I've been away for a while - I've pretty much spent the last couple of month sat at my desk cramming every last physics and maths fact and equation into my head, in hopes that I can remember it for when I brain dump during the exams.
As of when this post will be up, I shall have finished my second year of university as of four days ago. I'm not sure how I'm already halfway through my time actually study at this university for my degree, but somehow it's flown by and I'm not completely sure what I've done with the ~17520 hours that I've used up. However somehow I have, and I know that for the next ~17520 hours and more I want to use my time a lot more productively so that I can work towards the goals that I have set for myself.
I'm now sat here, having written about what has pretty much taken over my life this last month or so without leaving any brain space for anything else, and I'm not sure what I should write. In terms of blog posts, my last life update wasn't all that too long ago. But I guess updating from that I've now got my placement year pretty much sorted, both work placement and study abroad placement pretty much there I just need to sort out the last few bits and pieces.
Since those two things will be my life for the next year, I want to be able to incorporate them into my blog as well. So is there anything you would like me to write about linking to these two? Any questions you want answering?
Honestly, I get so stumped for blog post ideas some times, so if there is anything you like seeing from me let me know.
So now it's time for summer!
I'm not sure how long my summer will actually be, since I'm not 100% sure when my work placement is starting, but I've made a pact with myself to not waste this year like I have done in the past. Summer break for me last year was pretty much spending a lot of time inside watching Netflix since I made no plans and my friends were then scattered all over the country. But this year I'm focusing on myself. My fitness. My mental health. My fears. All of these so I can do the things I've always wanted to do without the pit of dread in the bottom of my stomach that makes me feel like I can't get over the wall the new challenge puts up.
So I should probably wrap this up now. It's a day later than I was expecting it to be published since I spent yesterday away from my laptop after travelling back home from uni. But as I always say, "Better late than never".
How have you all been since I last posted? Anything exciting happen?
- Sophie
Keep up to date ... Twitter Instagram Bloglovin
Grab your cups of teas people because today's post is going to be a bit more of a chatty kind of post compared to my last few. Which were actually nearly a month ago now, your girls been busy with all things uni, but since I have about a week where things are not as intense it's time to drill out all that blog content so I can still post even when the next lot of assignments and test roll round.
Second Year Uni Catch-up
Second Year Uni Catch-up
Grab your cups of teas people because today's post is going to be a bit more of a chatty kind of post compared to my last few. Which were actually nearly a month ago now, your girls been busy with all things uni, but since I have about a week where things are not as intense it's time to drill out all that blog content so I can still post even when the next lot of assignments and test roll round.
Changing To Plastic-Free
Changing To Plastic-Free
For a university student, I might just spend too much time searching through Netflix to find something to watch while I procrastinate from the piles of work that I should probably be doing instead. But this doesn't stop me from getting through quite a selection of shows and films, while still getting all my work done of course.
I spend my time watching Netflix on my laptop, but sometimes a bigger screen makes the viewing experience that much more entertaining, such as the Oled Tv Panasonic. Alas while at uni I shall spend my time watching Netflix on my laptop tucked up in bed whenever I can.
Favourite Netflix Series & Films*
Favourite Netflix Series & Films*
For a university student, I might just spend too much time searching through Netflix to find something to watch while I procrastinate from the piles of work that I should probably be doing instead. But this doesn't stop me from getting through quite a selection of shows and films, while still getting all my work done of course.
I spend my time watching Netflix on my laptop, but sometimes a bigger screen makes the viewing experience that much more entertaining, such as the Oled Tv Panasonic. Alas while at uni I shall spend my time watching Netflix on my laptop tucked up in bed whenever I can.
Looking for something?