Hey gorgeous people,
Im back, albeit having only missed one post, but I wanted to kick start this post by saying a huge thank you to you all!
Thank you for understanding and for all the truly gorgeous comments on my last post; It means the world to learn how understanding you are and how you can totally relate to the way I feel. I wrote that post on a dreary Monday morning in January and whilst it felt somewhat cathartic to get everything off my chest and out into the world, my week continued to be somewhat dreary and what I like to call a non-starter of a week.
George was feeling it too, we both struggled to find our creative mojo and to find the motivation and drive to work, to create and to do anything other than paint our kitchen... Which by the way is a delicious burnt orange shade, I can't wait for you lot to see it, I just know you colour-loving babes are gonna love it!
But anyhoo, as I shared how I was feeling a little out of the loop just last week, and with it being Blue Monday just yesterday it got me thinking about ways in which I could shake that feeling and bring myself back into the loop as such.
And in true meganellaby.com style, I thought I'd share it all with you wonderful bunch, in case like me you're feeling a little bit lost this new year and are looking to get back into the loop yourself. Feel free to read on, or perhaps bookmark this post for when you're next feeling a little lost, I know I'll be doing the same, because sometimes we just need to give ourselves a good talking to, a virtual kick up the backside to shake those blues once and for all.
First up, a beautiful reader named Hannah made a great point as to why I may be feeling out of the loop, something that struck a chord with me and forced me to rethink the way in which I was working.
I moved out of the city centre of my beloved Manchester late last year. We threw ourselves into doing up our home, shopping and of course vlogging our way through December. We got the puppies and worked hard at training, loving and working with them to be the two kind, playful, well behaved and loving puppies that we have today, almost two months down the line.
We were in real nesting mode and to some degree we still are.
I LOVE being at home, I'm SO proud of the house we own and it's really getting their with the much needed Megan and George stamp throughout each and every room. I've always been a home-bird, but nesting mode really, truly set in and I very rarely ventured out of the house. I was enjoying working from my all new office and was scared to leave the puppies on their own for longer than an hour or so.
The new year came around and I was still nesting, but feeling a little out of the loop with the whole blogging world, fashion world and everything in-between.
Hannah made a point in the comments of my last post explaining how she felt the same when she left the city centre. Also a resident of Manchester, she explained how moving from the centre made her feel a little lost, similarly to how I'm feeling now. She forced herself into the centre as much as possible, walking through the Northern Quarter on her lunch break and hanging with friends after work. It wasn't long until she had her mojo back, something I'm desperate to get back myself.
I've become SO comfortable and really quite happy being at home that I've barely ventured into Manchester, apart from my once a week personal training session, of which I'm desperate to get back home to my lil pups straight after. I'm going to make a conscious decision to head into town for a couple of hours twice a week as I really truly think that Hannah has hit the nail on the head with her comment. I love Manchester and city life in general, it's something that really, truly inspires me so I reckon with a twice-weekly dose of city vibes I'll be back to my normal self in no time. Thanks Hannah, you babe you!
HAT- ASOS, COAT- c/o TARA JARMON, JUMPER- NEXT, TROUSERS- c/o STAUD NET-A-PORTER, TRAINERS- c/o SUPERGA x CHARLOTTE SIMONE, BAG- SAINT LAURENT c/o NET-A-PORTER
This past week has been a bit of a lazy one I must admit.
With both George and I feeling the same way and dealing with the January Blues at once we've revelled in staying in bed for an extra hour or two every day. We've made excuses (such as painting the kitchen) to put off replying to emails and we've just basically given ourselves a break.
This, I feel is key to reconnecting with yourself again.
In the past I've always felt guilty for taking time away from work. I've felt inadequate when seeing other girls in my field uploading and posting every other day and I've given myself a hard time for not doing the same when deep down I know that doesn't work for me. I woke up on Monday feeling disconnected, so I just let that be. I still worked don't get me wrong, but I didn't force it and that is the key learning from this little off-spell.
You can't force these things to be better, you've simply gotta roll with it and give yourself some time to come out of the other side. Rather than sitting at my desk and putting pressure on myself to come up with an idea, I had a lie in, stayed in my pyjamas, played with the puppies and cleaned the house from top to bottom and here I am today (Friday) full of words and feeling a heck load more motivated than I did yesterday. And whilst I know not all of us can simply take the day off, I'm frankly saying don't force it, just roll with the punches and just let it be. Be kind to yourself and let yourself be down in the dumps for a day or two, it's totally normal (particularly at this time of year)
Everyone is different and everyone will have their down days at different times, yours is just happening right now. Don't look to other people and compare your mood to theirs as often they'll leave you feeling worse about yourself. Just do you and ride the wave, you'll come out the other side in a day or two feeling like a brand new you I promise. And if you don't, hey, thats okay too; just talk to someone, we're all ears!
Sometimes all we need to do to get ourselves out of a downer is to wear something rather fabulous indeed!
I created a video last week, despite my funk, about reworking your party wear pieces for right now and that really did get my creative styling juices flowing! Sparkles, sequins and pretty colours are a sure-fired way to make you feel better, trust me, this one is tried and tested.
We spend SO much money on party pieces, only to wear them once and have them gathering dust at the back of our wardrobes. I'm challenging you to bring out the sequin party dress that you wore to your works do, and to style it up for a casual day out in January. Re-working pieces in this way leaves us feeling less guilty for the super HIGH cost-per-wear but also, as previously mentioned, anything that sparkles is always a good idea for brightening our own sparkle! Take this look for example, these trousers were quite the splurge piece and I wore them with a V sexy one shouldered lace number (see this post here to jog your memory) They're quite honestly the most comfortable trousers known to man and I was DESPERATE to wear them again. Throw in some knit wear, the best trainers I have ever seen c/o Superga and Charlotte Simone, the softest faux fur coat by Tara Jarmon and a complimenting pink beret and your'e onto a winter winner!
Also clothes related, get your little booty to the shops and TREAT YO'SELF! It's true what they say about a good ole bit of retail therapy working wonders for the soul, especially at this time of the year.
I've hit the sales HARD this January and I don't think it's any coincidence that I've also had a bad case of the January Blues. Treating myself to new clothes, shoes and bags makes me happy, I know that, so it's always a no brainer for me when trying to cheer myself up.
I've bought some absolute corkers, all of which you'll be seeing on the blog soon and in Wednesday's video (or Sunday's depending how I feel this week), so stay tuned for that.
Treat yourself to something you've always dreamed of. Whether thats a pair of shoes, a handbag, a holiday or simply a large glass of wine, doing more of what makes you happy and spoiling yourself from time to time is all we need to sort ourselves out.
When you're feeling a little down in the dumps and out of the loop, just remember that this won't last. This feeling of being a bit lost is only temporary and all it takes is a little something to brighten your mood. The above points along with receiving a bout of good news was all I needed to come out of the other side a happier person... FINALLY!!! I was beginning to worry if I'd ever cheer the F up!?
On Friday morning as I was begrudgingly heading to the gym, I received a phone call that said I was going to be used in a huge L'Oreal television campaign... I mean, once I'd got over the initial shock and the tears had stopped, I knew that this was the news I was waiting for to kick start my year in a positive way.
So with that, just know that the good news will come, however big or small; something that will shake you up and bring your out from under the January Blues for good this time!
And I'm here, on the other side feeling much more chirpier and finishing off the blogpost I started on Friday, today, on Monday morning. And even though I wasn't quite there with the 6am start (I snoozed my alarm for 90 minutes FFS) and my get-up-and-go hasn't quite returned just yet, I'm feeling much better after a week of looking after myself. I took my foot off the gas, just for a week or so and gave myself some slack. I've had an awesome couple of years but it's okay to feel a little lost and out of it sometimes. But, I think I'm back on track (PLEASE!?) and ready and raring to go, who's with me?
x M
Hi Megan
I just wanted to say, I have felt so inspired and touched by your blog posts of 2018. I mean, I am always watching your vlogs and reading your posts, and I love each one massively, but the past three blogs you have done have really connected with me and each time I have finished reading I have been left feeling relieved and motivated by the fact that you have shared your feelings with us like this. I can very much relate to how you have been feeling lately, January is always a tough month for many of us. Your posts have reminded me that it is okay to feel this way and that we are never alone, it has truly meant a lot to see this and has encouraged me to try and be a little less hard on myself and to try my best to get my mojo back. Please do know that even if you are feeling uninspired, you continue to inspire thousands of us with every video and every blog that you post. I just wanted to thank you for sharing these posts so honestly and for always providing hope and fabulous fashion inspiration despite it all! Personally, I have gained so much confidence in myself through reading and watching your posts over the years, I’ve had so much fun finding my feet with new styles and home interiors, it’s been wonderful! I know this may seem a little cheesy, but I just thought I should let you know that, even if you may not feel it at times, you provide us all with so much enjoyment and love, so never let anyone dull your sparkle (as you would say!) and keep being fabulous.
Lots of love, Lorna x
Beautifully put
Oh Lorna I think I’m going to cry! Thank you SO much for the beautiful comment, it means the world to me that you’ve been enjoying my blogposts so much recently, although I promise they’ll be a little chirpier soon…
You are most definitely not alone in anything and I hope I can continue to remind you of that through my writing. I always feel like I’m the only one in the world going through and feeling the way I do, but writing it all down and seeing comments, like yours, make me realise that it’s certianly not the case and rarely ever is. We’re all in this together and please know Lorna that if you ever wanna chat, I’m all ears!
Thanks SO much for the positive and beautiful comment, it’s giving me the strength I need to take on today! Loads of love! xoxoxo
I’m so glad to hear that you’re feeling better! And I think Hannah really did hit a nail in the head with her comment – being a city girl myself, I sometimes notice that I feel a bit uninspired if I haven’t been exploring for a while, and if all I’ve been doing is commuting back and forth and stayed at home. I think there’s probably a balance to be struck somewhere – I just haven’t really found it yet!
Good luck with kicking the January Blues away! xx
Thank you lovely Laura! I am certainly going to make more of an effort to explore some more of my home city, but also new cities too! And I feel you on the whole commuting malarkay, such a drag hey!? I think we both need to find ourselves some balance don’t we… Any tips please throw them my way 😉 x Good luck to you too gorge x
The BIGGEST CONGRATULATIONS on your L’oreal campaign Megan!! I also love that you did that partywear video, I love a good sparkly dress but the cost per wear is sooo awful ha! xx
Frances Kayleigh | Fashion & Lifestyle
Ohhhh Frances WOW thank you darl, means the bloody world!
SO glad you enjoyed my video too, yay! x
I always say that January is the Monday of the year. Throughout December, we allow ourselves that little bit more – an extra mince pie, another glass of mulled wine -, fairy lights are twinkling wherever we go, it smells of pine and clove and orange. Then Christmas comes around, we slow down, we spend time with our loved ones, we ring in a new year. But then we get back to work, the fairy lights are put away, the Christmas cheer is gone yet it is still cold, grey and miserable outside. We no longer allow ourselves chocolate and cheese at any time of the day, and it takes a bit of time settling back into a routine. I think we should all be a bit more gentle on ourselves, allow ourselves to feel the January blues and ease into a new year gently. After all, we still have 11 months to go once this 31-day-long Monday has passed! xx
You’re SO right!
I’ve never heard that saying before but I love it and will most definitely be using it! Thank you!
The way you’ve described December has made me miss it even more, but once again you’re SO right!
Lets all be more gentle on ourselves and just roll with January, not long to go until Feb ey?
Thanks for your lovely comment Lisa, it truly means so much x
Hi Megan, I can totally relate to how you are feeling. I’m definitely feeling the January blues at the moment after going back to working full-time and saying goodbye to the excitement of Christmas but it is always good to know that I’m not the only one feeling this way.
I also decided to write about this topic in my latest blog post at http://www.idreamofclothes.com x
You’re definitely not the only one my lovely! Sending you lots of love and positive vibes x
Hi Megan, my name is Hannah too and I also just left the NQ in Manchester to live in Prestwich in December. I totally relate to what you’re saying! I owned my flat in the NQ and lived there for 10 years and it was so hard to go. On the day of completion I sat on my bedroom floor clinging to my chihuahuas sobbing like a child who was told they can’t have any sweets!! I think the dogs were like dude calm your tits!
I absolutely love prestwich and my lovely new house but it’s a real change of pace. I wouldn’t go back to city living now and know the suburbs are where it’s at now but it is certainly a big adjustment and I do sometimes get FOMO of my former life. But it will take a miracle to get me out in town any time soon for a night out! Couple that with the standard January blues and the shitty dark mornings and even shittier dark nights and we’re bound to feel crap and most people have a touch of the blues at this time of year. You go from the most exciting month of the year to the worst month of the year where everyday is like a month of Monday mornings! It’s bleak but it’ll soon be spring!
I’m fully hibernating until March and I’m not even sorry! I’m stocking up on colourful knitwear and hats to get me through the next few months and will probably book a nice holiday to cheer up and have something to look forward to. You’ll be fine my lovely ? it’s totes ok to feel a bit meh now and then. Xx
Oh Hannah I am SO glad that you can understand how I’m feeling! It’s a weird one isn’t it as I feel like I have everything I’ve ever dreamt of, right here in front of me, but something isn’t quite right.
It’s my love of Manchester and not being in the thick of it but being SO close there really is no excuse is there!? I’m certainly going to make more of an effort to get back into town as often as possible but like you, I wouldn’t go back to city living ever ever ever!
I think I’m also with you on the hibernating until march, that sounds like a great idea haha! xo Lots of love babe and thanks so much for your gorgeous comment x
Hi Megan, just wanted to add (another) comment saying how much I needed to read this today. I’m currently finishing my degree and the amount of work involved is starting to get to me to be honest! Also there has been trouble with my flatmates which I hate. I’ve been in need of content like this and the fact it came from one of my favourite fellow Manchester gals is only a bonus! All the love xx mwah
Ohhhh babe thank you! I’m so glad my post helped you and I’m so excited for you that you’re almost up with your degree, huge congrats babe, you did it! The end is near, and you’ve SO got this!
LOADS OF LOVE! X
Such a great read! January Blues is something I struggle with each year, I believe the more you love Christmas, the more you struggle to come back to reality in January! This is helpful and, as you said, I will make sure to come back to it every time I feel somewhat lost! On another note, lovely, lovely coat, Tara Jarmon is one of my all time favourite brands! And congratulations on the L’Oréal Campain of course!!!
http://fannyanddailybeauty.com
Yes, I think you might be right on the ole loving christmas thing, although saying that this is my first time dealing with the january blues as often I feel more motivated than ever when a new year comes around.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post babe and I’m always here if you wanna chat 🙂
Thanks so much, for always being so supportive babe, it means the world x
Hiya Megan,
I don’t usually comment on posts like EVER but… I really felt the urge to this time. I just wanted to say thank you for your realness in your last 2 blog posts. Everything you wrote totally struck a chord with me. After coming down with an awful flu in the first couple of days of January-( even though I am 99% recovered)- I have been putting down my lack of ‘get up and go’ attitude down to still recovering from the flu?? But really I know it is defos the January blues. Something I have never suffered from before and find it very strange to be feeling low. But I suppose after the excitement of Christmas and the reality of ‘back to porridge’ settling in it is only to be expected. I can’t help but wish there was just more sunlight in the day time!! It is my first January working 9-5 Monday to Friday so I suppose I’m still getting used to the daily grind and lack of holidays (compared to Uni- cry cry!)
Love your content and everything you do! Keep smiling- we can do this!! <3
Terese (Irish lassie living in Manchester) xxx
Oh Terese thank you SO much for dropping by and for finally commenting, that really means so much to me! I’m so glad you enjoyed the blogposts, the personal ones are always so tricky to write, to read and to hit publish on, but are often SO worth it as I get to chat with lovely people such as yourself.
The flu!!! NOOOO that sucks! I feel like I’ve had a cold 80% of winter, which is not ideal but the flu, now thats rubbish. Glad to hear your’e feeling better now though! I also really love the “back to porridge” phrase, that is SO true and really quite hilarious!
Good luck with your new job babes, you’ve SO got this 😉
Thanks again for the gorgeous comment and I hope to chat to you again soon.
Lots of love x
Hey Megan,
I totally get you, January is a non-starter and I never get people who try and do health kicks or diets at this time of year, we need all the comforts we can get!
I also think it’s super important to not compare yourself to others, much easier said than done but in the end it’s wasted energy!
Great to see you back in your groove!
Emma x
YES I’ve never understood that either!? Dieting in January is a sure fired way to fail! I’m deffo all about eating as many carbs as possible and snuggling under a blanket until the month is up!
Absolutely, I’ve totally learnt not to waste energy on comparing myself to others, we’re all SO unique and beautiful in our own way that nobody else can replicate! x
Loved this post Megan and I can totally relate to feeling a little bit lost. So glad you’re starting to feel back on track now though! The pictures in this blog are gorgeous.
Bekah / rbekhaj.com
Thanks darling girl 🙂 Really thrilled you love the photos and hope that you’re also feeling back on track v soon xoxoox
i’ve also been feeling a little out of sorts so far this year too. just taking each day as it comes and trying to relax into things.
these photos might just be my fave on your blog ever, which is saying something!
katie. xx lacoconoire.com
Ahhh it’s that dreaded time of the year isn’t it 🙂 We mustn’t be too hard on ourselves and you’re so right, taking each day as it comes and relaxing a little more won’t do us any harm!
Really!? WOW thats awesome, SO SO thrilled that you love the photos xx
Oh wow! That is one stunning coat, so so gorgeous! I love the look of it x
holljc.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks babes, it’s honestly the softest thing EVER!
firstly, I absolutely love this outfit, you look stunning. This blog post has come at a perfect time for me, I have been really struggling to start my dissertation, all my friends had started and I have felt awful all week. I did some retail therapy today and after reading this post, I feel ready to get myself together and get the dissertation done.
thank you for being so honest about your feelings, its really helpful when you know someone else is experiencing the same thing as you.
Much love x
Ohhhh wow thank you babe, really glad you like the styling.
Oh eck, dissertations, don’t remind me! I hated writing mine and felt like there wasn’t a light at the end of the tunnel, but alas I got there with it and you will too! I’m SO glad that the blogpost helped you get yourself together ’cause giiiiirl you’ve SO got this!
Lots of love x
What a cute outfit, Megan! I loved your restyling-party-wear video … you’re sooo brilliant! Also those bird pictures are incredible!
Ahhh thanks so much gorgeous girl. Means so much that you enjoyed that video and the imagery from this post 🙂 thank you x
You’ve completely nailed this post, Megan! I spent a month off from blogging after my boyfriend’s mum passed because I simply couldn’t write. I let it be and didn’t beat myself up (too much) about missing weekly uploads, and now I’m back into it and feeling more inspired than ever 🙂
Congrats on your L’Oreal commercial by the way, that’s such an awesome achievement!
Also, the photos in this post are to DIE for – I’m obsessed with your outfit hues against the greenery *heart eyes*
I would love this chance to be able to interview you if that’s possible? You’ve become such a huge inspiration for me creativity-wise, so either way thanks for being you and sharing your wisdom with us all 🙂
Viv
Viv, I’m so sorry to hear about your boyfriend’s mum, thats so heartbreaking! I hope both you and him are doing okay and I’m sending you both lots of love and positive vibes!
You absolutely shouldn’t be beating yourself about missing uploads, but I’m SO glad you’re back to it and feeling more inspired!
Thanks so much darling, really means so so much! Lots of love and lets stay in touch x
I just love you! I adore this post, it’s relatable on so many levels, and then the pigeon pics. OMG I howled (with laughter) because it’s amazing and resonates such home alone-esque vibes (in a chic sense). I’m still trying to shake those Jan blues, and just know that what you post really does help! Thank you (and congrats on the l’oreal campaign! You’re killing it!) X
Ohhhh Kat I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and the imagery, means a lot! You’ve got this girlie, this month is V horrid so hopefully we’ll all be feeling better once February hits! xoxox
Congratulations on the campaign Megan! I saw you in the ad in Grazia magazine, then the other night there you were on TV! I shouted out “that’s Megan!”, My husband had no clue what I was on about of course.
I work in retail, which of course is crazy over Christmas and the sales, so it’s been quite nice to get back to normal, and I’ve been using these dark January days, firstly to spruce up the house with a good clean, a clear out, and a few new bits and pieces; secondly, to start catching up with friends I haven’t seen since before Christmas. Doing things like this has really helped me just to relax into the new year.
Ahhhh thanks so much Helen, it really is so crazy to see myself on television, bonkers!
Oh gosh I bet, I worked in retail for many years so I know exactly how you feel about the craziness of retail at Christmas!
Have a great 2018 babes xo
Hey Megan,
I am a 19 year old Australian and over this ridiculously hot summer we have been having I started watching Helen Anderson’s channel and from that found yours, which I have been thoroughly enjoying! You’re content is stunning and really creative. I live in a pretty small rural town so often it is hard to get away with doing anything too daring in fashion as I know nearly everyone . However I have been probably enjoying the January sales a little too much. After assessing all of my new purchases I have noticed that there is definitely a 70’s theme going through the items- I blame you!
This year I am moving 6 hrs away to a city called Geelong for university and am looking forward to branching out in my personal fashion a little more. So thank you so much for your fashion inspiration it really helps to give me that little kick I need to go for it in my own personal style.
Oh AMY wow that is so amazing to hear 🙂 I’m thrilled to hear you liking 70s style, yes girlie!
Good luck with university and please stay in touch, I’m excited to hear how your personal style changes once you head to university!
Thank you x
Huge congrats on the campaign Megan, what an amazing way to start January and 2018!! I feel like that A LOT by staying holed up a lot at home, doesn’t help that despite being in a town centre I feel super alone as all my friends and fam are far away – hopefully soon I’ll be closer to my social circle and it’ll be a huge mood boost.
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Cruelty-Free/Vegan Beauty • Lifestyle • Photography
Thank you poppet, it was just the thing I needed to shake me out of the blues! YES I’m sure being close to your fave humans will boost your mood, sending lots of love your way my lovely x
Dear Megan, first of all I totally loved this post and those pictures ! What you put in your posts definitely conveys the idea that you are an amazing person, you’re real and it transpires in everything you write. I loved the fact that you incorporated Hannah’s comment (I always read the comments on your blog because all the girls are so nice and it feels like a little community). You always take the time to answer everyone, and I really love that about you : you actually care about people who read and love your blog, your comments are always so genuine and it doesn’t feel forced at all. One could think that with your success you wouldn’t even bother, but you do 🙂 You’re definitely my favorite blogger, first because you have the best style, but also because you have the best personnality.
(I’m always late for commenting but I’m slowly catching up on your posts haha)
I’m sending lots of love and energy your way <3
Oh Madeline stop it, I’m going to cry! Thank you so so much for your gorgeous comment, it means a lot! I truly ADORE chatting with you lot in the comments, it’s one of my favourite parts of the week when I get to reply to every single comment. My blog is my baby and you’re all my online pals and it’s such a beautiful, special thing to me, so I’m glad you appreciate it, I really am!
It doesn’t matter that you’re late, it just means so much that you bother to catch up! Thank you Madeline, from the bottom of my heart! Have the best week girlie and I hope to chat with you again soon 🙂 xoxox
Beautiful look, love the velvet and the colours 🙂
http://www.ivanasworld.com