Make your own magic

Creating the life that you love to live can feel like an elusive dream. It's so easy to get bogged down in the messiness of the daily grind but we all have a choice on how we wish to live.  It can be so easy to blame unhappiness on outside forces; on our parents or our upbringing, on our jobs or life experiences, on losses we've suffered or partners we've had. But here's the thing: You are the only person who can create that magical life you so desire. It starts within you and it's the small daily choices that we make day after day that contributes to the way you feel and live your life. Here are my six steps for creating your own magic in the every day.

1. Make happiness a priority

Do more of what makes you happy and think about how you can bring more joy into your daily life. You're more likely to reach your potential in all areas of your life if you think positively. A simple way to help with this is to write down a list of all the things that make you happy, big or small. I like to break it down by daily, weekly and yearly joys and refer back each week to make sure that I'm doing more of what makes me happy. So on a daily basis it may be taking time out to have a long lunch or taking a bath and reading your fave mag or listening to a positive podcast. A monthly thing may be going to a spa or heading out to the country and living slowly for the weekend. A big holiday each year is always a great way to bring adventure and inspiration to your life and to help recharge those batteries. This may sound counterintuitive but it can also be helpful to write down the things that make you unhappy. By understanding what makes you upset, angry or anxious you're in a better position to avoid situations or fix problems, making positive changes. Recognition is half the battle. The Happiness journal by Kikki.K is a great way to help you prioritise your happiness. We love this journal so much that we've decided to give away a copy to each person who comes to our Shine Bright wellness day. Tickets can be bought here  

2. Give fear the heave ho

Hands up if you ever let fear get in the way of your dreams? For so long I let fear get in the way of my dream of leaving my comfy job and starting my own business. The fear was big, you know the usual what happens if I fail? I will look ridiculous and how will I make it work and juggle being a mum and so on. It all seemed too hard because I was letting the fears manifest in my mind and they became bigger than they actually were in reality. There was a point in my life where I turned fear upside down and worked it in my favour. Very simply the fear of not achieving my dreams was far greater than those other fears of looking like a fool or failing. Sometimes we just have to look at fear in a different way and remind ourselves that the fear of not going after that dream can be greater than the original fear itself. Don't know about you but I don't want to be 60 years old and regretting what I didn't do. I want to look back and think; wow I've lived my life.

Source: Zeutcher

3. Visualise your dreams and aspirations

I'm very much a visual person so for me I like to bring my dreams and aspirations alive through images. If I can see it and be reminded everyday of my dreams I am more likely to make small changes to get to my finally destination. Pinterest is a great way to bring your dreams to life or go the old fashion route and cut out images, photos, quotes and anything that makes your heart sing and stick it on a board. Look at it daily for inspiration and remind yourself what it is you need to do in order to achieve your hearts desires.  

4. Surround yourself with positivity

Surrounding yourself with people who are positive is obvious but sometime this may mean going outside your comfort zone to meet new, like minded people. When I was on my journey to starting my business I found new energy and positiveness by going to networking events or inspirational evenings. I was overwhelmed with the support and positive vibes from complete strangers. I've made some fantastic new friendships with people on similar journeys and I know they will support and lift me up when I'm having a wobble. For me it's not just the people we surround ourselves with. It applies to all aspects of our life- the trashy magazines, gossip columns and mind numbing TV.  It all can be so toxic and negative so instead try reading interesting blogs or listening to positive podcasts or reading good books. To be honest I'm getting nothing from reading about the feud between Kanye and Taylor or pics of celebrities looking less than perfect. Tip out the crap and fill your cup with the good stuff. Here are a few of my favourite alternatives:

Podcast: Ted radio hour : Stuff you should know : Happiness 5 a day

Blog: Decor8 : Abigail Ahern : Danielle Laporte : Local Milk : The Dailys

Magazines: Psychologies : Open House  : Cereal : Kinfolk

5. Look forward - let go of the past

We have all made mistakes in the past and we'll probably make more in the future but thats ok we're human and that's how we grow as a person. It's easy to obsess about the things that didn't work out or the missed opportunities or the mistakes we made. But how about we accept that we can't change the past and instead use that energy to focus on the lessons learnt and how we are going to make tomorrow even better. Today is a new day for opportunities and adventures, yesterday is just old news. 

Source: Zeutcher

6. Disrupt habits

Do you ever feel like each day blends into the other and before you know it another mediocre week has gone by. You yearn for some excitement or something wonderful to happen but it doesn't. Well, it can if you really want it to but the chances are only you can make it happen. Think about what you do each day. What you do when you wake up, how do you get to work, where you eat your lunch, what your evening routine is etc. Without even realising it, your habits make up your day.  If you want positive changes and new energy you need to disrupt your daily habits and make a conscious effort each day to change something. It could be as simple as walking the scenic route to work. You never know who you might bump into! Or doing something completely random like aerial acrobatics or just putting yourself out there to meet new people. Ever travelled on your own? It can be pretty intense but an amazing adventure. I did this in Thailand and met some amazing people and had some incredible experiences that I will cherish for ever. I also had some hairy moments but that's all part of the adventure. I've had life changing things happen to me just by overcoming fear and getting the courage to talk to someone about a potential collaboration. It's often the little things you do that often come back to you ten fold. This year has been such a magical year for me and it's all down to daily habits or changes I have consciously made. I really do believe we make our own magic, so what are you waiting for? Go out and create some magic of your own. 

Comment below and tell me how you make your own magic. Enjoy the rest of your sunday and have a great week x

P.S Don't forget to check out my shop for up coming events as new dates will be added and I'm sure there will be something there to give you a little joy x

Craft by hand

Hi there

Don't know about you but I have a small obsession with beautiful stationery and I love the idea of handwritten notes in a world where text and emails rule. The only thing is I absolutely hate my handwriting so I rarely send a handwritten note but hopefully that is all going to change. Let me introduce you to Lucy from Quill London who is hosting an introduction to Modern Calligraphy in our Candle and Calligraphy workshop 10th July with Earl of East London. Tickets can be purchased here. 

For those of us that are not familiar with Quill London tell us what you do.

Hello, we're a boutique dedicated to stylish stationery (online at quilllondon.com and with a bricks-and-mortar shop in Clerkenwell) and we also have a calligraphy studio and run lots of workshops for lovely people.

What is your background and where did the idea for Quill London come from?

I love stationery, and wanted to build a brand that specialised in showcasing beautiful stationery from independent designers, makers and studios. I am not a designer but love curating our ever-changing collection of stationery. Together with an amazingly talented UK Calligrapher Imogen Owen, Quill hosted its first Modern Calligraphy workshops two years after launching Quill London, having spotted the trend over in the states and there was nowhere you could learn in London. I hadn't picked up a pen before that, but it's safe to say I've definitely caught the Modern Calligraphy bug. I love that, although unplanned, it's now such a huge part of Quill, that I get to meet all kinds of amazing people through it and work with great clients, and that I now get to teach other people too.

In your opinion what are the hottest trends in stationery right now?

Modern Calligraphy is definitely super hot right now! But in the shop we're getting a lot of requests for personalised stationery for kids?!

What has been your proudest moment to date?

Opening our bricks-and-mortar shop earlier this year. I didn't plan or particularly dream of having a store but now that we have it, I am very proud of the achievement.

What would be your advice to someone who is thinking about starting up a business?

Be prepared for a serious amount of hard work, make sure you have a good squad of friends and family to support you, research, research, research and get your mistakes out on paper in a business plan before you start, and just go for it and be prepared to go with the flow, you never know where it will take you.

What exciting things do you have in the pipeline for Quill London that you can share with us?

Hoping to launch our wedding & event stationery this year…..although it's taking a lot longer than I hoped! Maybe even a second store...

Complete these sentences:

Every home office should have a collection of lovely cards and notepaper so you can quickly send off thank yous after dinners, events and overnight stays. 

Your favourite part of London is Southwark because it still feels like 'real' London and there are so many gems (especially foodie ones). 

My favourite thing to do when I have a day off is hang out with my husband Alex, feast, wander and explore.

I hope you enjoyed getting to now Lucy a little better and if you want to join us for our workshop in June then head over to the shop now. 

With love,

Sommer x

House Curious gets the lowdown on culinary goddess, Anna Barnett

 The first thing you notice about Anna Barnett is her beautiful smile and warm personality. This is what drew me to her when I first heard her speak about her then new cookery book Eat the Week at an event called Creative Social. House Curious was just a seed of an idea in my head at that stage but I knew Anna would be the perfect partner in crime. I just had to convince her... Not the easiest task when you don't have anything to show, but to my surprise she loved the concept and was up for getting on board. This was the start of a beautiful partnership and we're very excited to announce Anna's first cookery class called The Ultimate Dinner Party Menu. Click here for more info and to buy tickets. Be quick though as we only have limited spaces available. Trust me, you don't want to miss it as you're in for a real treat. I've had the privilege of eating her delicious food and it was out of this world.

We sat down with Anna to find out more about her, what makes her tick and how she went from fashionista to culinary goddess. Get comfy and have a read of her interview below.

Tell us a little bit about yourself for those of us who don’t know what you do?

I live in a converted pub in hackney with my fiancée, five housemates and our dog, Ted. I run my website out of my home where I also do all of my recipe testing and host Supper Clubs. I cater events- working with different organisations to design menus and collaborate on projects. I have a small team that will help me with cooking for bigger events. I also contribute recipes and articles to a number of publications; I’m currently working with Vogue, Grazia, Elle & The Arcadia Online.

How did you make the transition from fashionista to culinary goddess? 

I always wanted to work in food and I started off writing my blog in my spare time as a hobby. Things started to take off and I began writing for The Independent and other publications and then came my book deal for Eat The Week. Once the book came out I decided to leave my job at House of Holland and run Anna Barnett Cooks full time and it’s been the best thing I’ve ever done.

Where did you get your passion for food and cooking from?

I come from quite a big family so I’ve always enjoyed cooking for people. I learnt a lot from my Nan and Mum who are both amazing cooks. My fiancée has been vegetarian for 13 years, when we got together his diet wasn’t especially varied or exciting so I made it my mission to experiment with different meat free recipes and show him what he’s been missing. 

What would you say has been your biggest achievement?

Writing my book Eat the Week while holding down a full time job! I’m so grateful to have had that opportunity so early into my cooking career.

For anyone out there thinking about leaving his or her day job to pursue a dream or turn a passion into a business what would be your advice?

Just be aware that it’s really full on, you’re doing everything yourself so you need to be super organised and on top of everything or it can get overwhelming. I hire an assistant who comes in a couple of days a week to give me a hand with admin stuff & events so I have time to keep cooking & writing. But more than anything I’d say DO IT. Have confidence and just go for it. 

What’s in the pipeline for you this year? On a personal and business level?

I’m getting married in Italy this Summer, it’s going to be a week long event with 100 of our closest friends and family and I can’t wait! Still need to actually start my diet though… I’ve got some exciting events and collaborations coming up, I’m particularly looking forward to my Supper Club & Cookery Class with Soho Farmhouse.

What do you love about your neighbourhood?

There’s so much to love about Hackney, I rarely leave this area. I tend to walk everywhere as I usually have the dog so I love strolling through Broadway Market or Columbia Road. Hackney has everything you need- amazing restaurants, loads of organic shops, parks, great pubs and bars. I could go on and on!

If you were throwing a dinner party who would be your perfect guests and why?

Massimo Battura because he’s my foodie idol and doesn’t take things too seriously. Bowie- for obvious reasons, Adele- I think she’d be such a laugh! My friend Grimmy- he loves food and a good night out and my fiancé Thom- to represent the vegetarians.

Complete these sentences

1.    In the future I would love to… release another book

2.    I try to persuade people to… cook with locally produced, seasonal ingredients & less meat!

3.    My foodie crush is…. Antonio Carluccio…!

4.    My favourite foodie destination is… Italy (or my local Italian restaurant, Lardo)

5.    My last meal would be… An incredible Bolognese with the largest hunk of parmesan or my Nan’s shepherds pie

To cook with Anna book your tickets here
To follow Anna’s foodie adventure go to www.annabarnettcooks.com
Instagram @Annabarnettcooks