We all deal with varying levels of stress these days. From major life upheavals to the smallest annoyance, it infiltrates our lives on an everyday basis. I admit the last few months have been a bit more stressful than most as we navigated our way through the UK’s selling and buying process which, I’m convinced, is almost orchestrated to ensure maximum stress for the duration of the process, right up until the very last minute. Thankfully, we’ve managed to get in here and while it wasn’t what I would consider ‘smooth sailing’, I know plenty of other people who had homes they set their hearts on, only to have the proverbial rug pulled out from under them when deals have fallen through.

Carving Calm Out of Chaos 6 Simple Tips to Relax

But stress doesn’t have to only come from the big stuff. I mean, I get stressed out if I’m working on something that takes a lot of concentration and my dog starts going nuts, barking at a bird bobbing around across the street. I get stressed when I see my inbox overflowing and wonder how I’m going to manage to get on top of it. I get even more stressed watching the news. We live in a fast-moving world that’s constantly demanding our attention and we have the world just a click away on our phones, telling us how bad things are, how bad things are getting. It’s enough to send anyone reaching for a glass of wine to just chill out.

I’m not the type of person who ‘lets it all out’ either. I don’t lash out and punch walls (probably a good thing) or scream and sob into a pillow. My stress tends to build up inside me quietly and I internalise a lot of it which isn’t particularly healthy, I’m aware. But finding time to spoil myself a little (and I promise, it doesn’t mean having a spa day or blowing a huge amount of cash) on a regular basis means I also can release some of that pent-up energy so it doesn’t get on top of me.

And while plenty of wine was consumed the last few months (hey, I’m not here to judge), I know it’s not the only way to chill out, despite what the world around us constantly tells us. So today, I’ve teamed up with the lovely Bloom & Wild to share some of the ways I carve out calm in chaos.

If you aren’t familiar with Bloom & Wild, they are a nationwide flower delivery service that creates the most perfectly gorgeous contemporary arrangements straight to your letterbox. The gorgeous flowers you see above were sent to me to style this post and I’m utterly in love! More on them in a minute but here are just a few ways I choose to chill out these days…

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is one of my go-to ways to relax when I'm feeling stressed.

I’m a really big advocate of using scent to change my mood. The smell of incense (which I now burn quite regularly) instantly transports me to Cova D’en Xoroi in Menorca where we spent our holiday a couple of years ago. It’s a stunning bar, built into the cliff face over the ocean and everywhere, they had incense burning, even outside. Sitting there, watching the waves crash below and boats pass, drinking a mojito in the sunshine was a pinch-me moment. I still think about it when I burn incense now, the scent reminding me of our time there.

I also love scented candles and room fragrance diffusers. All of these wonderful scents relax me or transport me or simply give me the good-feels. If I want to relax, I tend to avoid citrus scents (which energise rather than chill me out) but I do love florals like rose and bergamot and natural scents like fresh cut grass, forest pine, cinnamon and vanilla. Figure out what your relaxation trigger scents are to be instantly transported to happier, more chilled out times.

Podcasts & Audiobooks

One of my favourite ways to relax is listening to Podcasts and Audiobooks

I don’t read anywhere near as much as what I used to but at the moment, I’m loving Audible. I have a monthly subscription which costs me around £8 a month and for that, I can download around one book a month to listen. At the moment, I’m listening to You are a Badass by Jen Sincero, the perfect book to get inspired to not let anything hold you back (mostly yourself) from achieving your dreams. A couple of others I’ve read recently that I really enjoyed and would recommend? Sara Pascoe’s hilarious and surprisingly informative Animal: The Autobiography of a Female Body and Robert Webb’s How Not to Be a Boy which I found incredibly funny, sad and heartwarming. Side note: it’s rather nice listening to audiobooks read by the author as you really feel as though they are talking to you personally.

I’m also a big fan of podcasts so if you don’t quite have the time to plunge yourself into a full book, then shorter, sweeter podcasts are where it’s at and there is literally something out there for everyone, no matter what your interests. I’ve recommended The Guilty Feminist to so many of my friends (hilarious, entertaining, incredibly informative) but I also rather love Control Alt Delete with Emma Gannon for creative digital types. If you are looking for interior blogs inspiration and chat, check out Style Matters by Little Yellow Couch, where I was interviewed a couple of years ago!

Go Analogue

My simple ways to relax include reading books and magazines.

Of course, nothing beats a good digital detox and while I’m more into paging through magazines these days, there really is something incredibly relaxing about getting off of the laptop or phone and just unplugging completely for a while. I recently received Kate Watson-Smyth’s second and latest book Mad About the House, named after her incredible multi-award winning blog and while there are very few interior photographs in it (I know, but let me explain), it’s so incredibly informative, filled with tips and advice for just about every single space in your home and all via the wit and wisdom of an experienced writer. I’ll share more about her best-selling book on the blog soon but in the meantime, I’m truly enjoying getting stuck into it.

The Pamper Sunday Ritual

My Sunday Pamper ritual is one of my go-to ways to relax

It may seem a cliche, but I find spending a little time to pamper myself is such a lovely boost at the end of a long week. Sundays are almost always a little more chilled out at home and so I like to take an hour or two to just relax and give my face some goodness. I have everything from facial oils to eye masks, pampering scrubs to nourishing balms in my stash and treating myself to a little in-home spa day is a great way to just be nice to myself.

I’ll do a post on my Sunday pampering routine at some point soon but a few products to get you started: Barefaced Brightening Face Mask with Rice Bran Oil is incredibly nourishing and reduces uneven skin tone and you get a nice big pot for just £13 so it’s really easy on the pocket too. After washing this off, I like to use a face oil followed by Sesderma’s Factor G Renew Face Cream. I’ve also been enjoying Skyn’s ICELAND Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels to reduce any puffiness around the eyes!

Create a Chill Out Playlist

Gold shelf styling with plants and Amazon Echo

A little relaxing music is something I’m always really fond of playing in the house. I tend to work in silence during the day (I find myself distracted when there’s music playing but that’s just me!) but once work is complete for the day, I have my Amazon Echo to fill the quiet with chilled out music. I have a music subscription service through it and so at my fingertips are tens of thousands of different albums and playlists. A few favourites for chilling out: Zero7, Hannah Cohen, Ben Howard and Agnes Obel.

When you work from home, finding a way to separate the two physically and mentally can be really difficult and often stressful. I find that music helps me to compartmentalise my day and when the music goes on, I know that’s a signal to my brain to stop thinking about work and start thinking about a chilled out evening.

Buy Yourself Flowers

Coffee table styling with fresh flowers and gold accents

And finally, when Bloom & Wild got in touch about collaborating on this post and offered some of their flowers to try out, I decided to schedule the flower delivery a few days after we moved in. I knew for a fact that things would still be messy and chaotic in the house but knowing I had a gorgeous bunch of flowers winging their way to me gave me a little boost. And when they arrived, I ooh’d and aww’d over their beauty, delivered in the most stunning pink-lined box. Over a week later (!) and they are still going strong.

Gorgeous bouquet from Bloom and Wild Flower Delivery Service

I know we tend to wait for people to send flowers to us but really, what better way to treat ourselves after a stressful week, month or year than with flowers? Every time I pass these, I bend down to give them a smell or caress the blooms (I can’t help myself, I always want to touch them!) and they add so much life into a room. Bloom & Wild‘s florists choose the most gorgeous flowers and they deliver nation-wide. They have a number of options available including their ‘Hand-tied’ version which is what I received. This means they are already arranged so you only have to pop them into a vase to enjoy them.

They also have their letterbox delivery option which allows for them to be popped through a letterbox and includes all the flowers you need to easily create your own stunning arrangement. You can try out their flower delivery as a one-off (either to yourself or a loved one) but they also offer a subscription service so you can get flowers delivered weekly, bi-monthly or monthly which you can cancel or pause at any time. There’s even an option to ensure your bouquets are lily-free, making sure they are safe for your furry friends. The best part? Deliveries start at just £18! At that price, it’s a service that I’m seriously considering now that I have seen how beautiful their flowers are! They really do create a little oasis of calm amongst the chaos for less than the price of a designer candle.

And now it’s your turn… how do you carve calm out of chaos? What are your tips for relaxation? Do you use guided meditation? Long hot baths? A yoga session? I’d love to know your own tips! The comment box awaits…

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Bloom & Wild but as always, all images, text and opinions are my very own. I only work with brands I love and think you’ll love too! Thanks so much for supporting the brands that support Swoon Worthy.


Pin It on Pinterest

Swoon Worthy
Carving Calm Out of Chaos 6 Simple Tips to Relax
Aromatherapy is one of my go-to ways to relax when I'm feeling stressed.
One of my favourite ways to relax is listening to Podcasts and Audiobooks
My simple ways to relax include reading books and magazines.
My Sunday Pamper ritual is one of my go-to ways to relax
Gold shelf styling with plants and Amazon Echo
Coffee table styling with fresh flowers and gold accents
Gorgeous bouquet from Bloom and Wild Flower Delivery Service
Meet Kimberly
undefined
undefined
undefined
Amara IBA19 Winner Home Styling
Vuelio Top 10 2020
undefined
Ad (Press Sample) There are few kitchen products that are considered absolute classics but there is one that I have lusted after for YEARS and that is the utterly iconic @lecreusetuk large casserole pot. 🤩

For nearly a century, Le Creuset has been trusted for its superior performance, lasting quality and iconic design and the enamelled cast iron allows incredible versatility - not only can you use it with just about any heat source (from induction, glass, electric etc), you can also do everything from stir-fry to slow cooking to baking a cake in it and more. 

So, imagine my delight when Le Creuset got in touch to ask if I'd like to shoot their brand new colourway 🍑 Pêche 🍑 in my kitchen. I mean, there couldn't be a more perfect colour match with that juicy coral shade which if you've followed my account for any length of time, you'll know is one of my all-time favourites (not to mention that beautiful soft gold knob! 😍). The matching petite casserole dish and mugs are the perfect companions but you could easily mix and match this colourway with Le Creuset's other designs (Might I suggest the Sea Salt, a soft blue-green which would be gorgeous with Pêche). This new juicy summer shade is currently available exclusively at Le Creuset Official. I'd love to know which colourway is your favourite in the range?

#lecreuset #kitchendesign #kitchenstyling #kitchinspo #victorianhome #englishhome
My little neglected makeup/dressing room has had a glow up 🥰

#swoonworthy #beforeandafter #dressingroom #makeupvanity #closetgoals
My new rug can't compete with that belly.

Rug is from @laredoute_uk (not an ad) not that anyone cares 😅

#kitchendesign
I've really loved making these pretty reusable Christmas crackers! I'm still in the process of finding cute bits for filling them but they'll definitely be a centrepiece for my table this year!🎄💕

Suggestions for what to fill them with coming soon!

(By the way, I'm not a skilled seamstress so I'm sure my techniques can be improved but just sharing what worked for me 🤗😅)

Let me know if this is something you'd try? ❤️

#swoonworthy #christmasdecor #christmascraft #diychristmas #diycrafts #easysewingproject
On 22 October 2022, I married my best friend! I can't believe it's been a whole year (and one day) I've been calling @2nilup my husband 🥰 We've been together for 15 years now and I simply can't and wouldn't want to imagine my life without him ❤️ 

#youandmeagainsttheworld #2222 

Photography: @violajayphotography 
Flowers: @primroseavenuefloral 
Dress: @camillawithlove
DIY REFILLABLE CHRISTMAS CRACKERS 🎄🎉

I've been thinking about making refillable crackers for so many years now - I just hate the waste the disposal ones create! So I'm so excited I've finally gotten around to starting this project!

I will be sharing more details on how to make them as well as ideas for what to fill them with too so stay tuned for more but in the meantime, what do you think? 

#swoonworthy #diychristmas #christmasdecor #christmascraft #easysewingproject #sustainableliving #ecofriendlyliving
Just wanted to introduce my latest plant baby in my dining room 🪴

It's from @botanique_shrewsbury and it's a Peparomia (I am probably pronouncing it wrong, I keep wanting to say
GUEST BEDROOM REVEAL 🌟

I decided on a whim, 2 weeks before we were expecting visiting family, that our guest bedroom was in desperate need of a refresh.

Well there's nothing like an impending deadline to light a 🔥 under my 🍑 and I managed to clear out the clutter, repaint the woodwork, ceilings and walls and hang wallpaper as well as restyle the room in one week 😅 (Meisha was zero help 😼)

I'm calling it Boho Vintage Victorian Grandma 😆

This wasn't sponsored in any way but the wallpaper and bedding is from @lauraashleyuk and the paint is @earthbornpaints Peach Baby - everything else I already had!

What do you think of the new look? ❤️

#bedroombeforeandafter #guestroom
#bedroommakeover
#beforeandafter
#bedroomdecor #cottagecore #vintagestyle #victorianhouse #ihavethisthingwithpink #bengalsofinstagram
🔥JOIN US ROUND THE FIRE PIT! 🔥

ad | One of my favorite things to do in summer is sit around the fire pit in the evenings with a cold beer 🍻 There's just something incredibly relaxing watching those flames and embers crackle, warming yourself up and taking the edge off falling temperatures as the sun sets!

Thanks to @homefireuk they've made the whole process incredibly easy and enjoyable with their Handy Firepit Bundle which include 2 bags of kindling, 2 bags of natural firestarters and 3 large bags of kiln-dried logs 🪵 for a really great price! 

No more standing around waiting for things to light properly or billowing smoke from wet wood, everything burns beautifully! ☺️ We literally sat around this for hours as the logs last so long, long after the sun set, just chatting and enjoying ourselves! 🥰🍻🔥

Do you love a good firepit in the summer?

#homefire #readytoburn #smokelessbyhomefire #heartofyourhome #logsbyhomefire #summerideas #firepit #gardenideas
San Sebastian photo dump - just a tiny selection 😄

We have had such a fabulous holiday to Basque Country - our first 4 days spent in the beautiful city of San Sebastian, land of pintxos, stunning architecture and some damn good wine.

#sansebastian #travelgram #photodump
A little kitchen reshuffle today so I thought I'd share 🥰

It's been 4 years since we created this space and it's still one of my favourites ♥️

#kitchendesign #kitchendecor #kitcheninspiration #kitchenideas #openshelvingkitchen #kitchenstyling
Ad 🩷 Before and after Deck makeover! 🩷

This little decked patio was looking worse for wear after a wet winter but @frenchicpaint came to the rescue with their beautiful Dusty Blush Alfresco Paint, perfect for all your outdoor projects!

The deck has been a few colours over the past few years but this is definitely the most fun and gives the whole space such a tropical vibe - even in Shrewsbury! 🏝️ 🦩🍹😄

The paint has incredible coverage and was so nice to use - I loved the tools they provided too, especially the oval brush which got into all the nooks and crannies easily!

Let me know what you think of the new colour! 

#frenchicpaint #beforeandafter #deckmakeover #gardeninspiration #gardeninspo #outdoorproject
So on a whim I decided to paint the bedroom pink yesterday 😅🩷

This room has been neglected for so long as I've wanted to fully redecorate for about 3 years now but there are always other bigger priorities or a lack of time/energy/money so I keep putting it off 🙃🙃🙃 (tell me I'm not the only one) but happily this didn't cost a penny as I used what I already had although it did take me the best part of a day!

I went through my paint stash and found that I had extra @coatpaints Percy from when I did the living room early last year -- well I'm not one to let something this good go to waste (honestly this paint is absolutely wonderful to work with and has amazing coverage) and my goodness it's just so pretty in here 🥰 I also moved my pink curtains from my office into here and the whole room just glows!

I might actually be able to live with the mural a little longer until the room gets the attention it deserves! Let me know if you like the change ♥️

*For those who are wondering, it used to be white walls and I had grey curtains! 😅

#swoonworthy #bedroomdecor #bedroommakeover #bedroomdesign #pinkpinkpink #pinkinteriors
A little photo dump from my recent living room shoot because I still love to dig into the details of a still photo 😄💕

#swoonworthy #swoonworthyscents #livingroominspo #livingroomdesign #photodump
ad How to De-stress at Home in 6 Simple Steps 😊

April has been #stressawarenessmonth and so I've teamed up with the wonderful @frenchbedroom to share a few simple tips in creating a cosy sanctuary at home!

One of my favourite ways to add a feeling of comfort and relaxation is with glorious touchable textures and the stunning Mulberry Silk ruffled cushion from French Bedroom not only looks spectacular but feels incredible too! Pairing this with other feel-good fabrics will add depth to your design and will beg you to sink in and unwind 😍

French Bedroom are also now stocking my own home fragrance brand @swoonworthyscents candles, adding another element of calm with scent to your home. I chose No 02 Sunday Morning for my living room with rejuvenating Jasmine and refreshing pine and lemon notes 🥰

Check out my latest blog post for more tips on creating a relaxing sanctuary in your home via the link in my bio!

#swoonworthy #swoonworthyscents #frenchbedroom #livingroominspo #livingroomdesign #calming #aesthetic #cottagecoreaesthetic
Who needs pancakes when you can have Lemon Drizzle Cake with Lemoncello glaze?! 😉🍋

I've had such a craving for this cake for a while so figured I'd make it today! This is a recipe from @bbcgoodfood and it's rather gorgeous 🥰

#baking #lemondrizzle #lemoncake #bakewithlove #shrovetuesday
Are you lucky enough to be owned by a cat? 🐈🐾

#bengallove #bengalsofinstagram #bengalcat #bengal #catsofinstagram #catlife
Finally managed to get the gallery wall completed in our hallway!

I couldn't have been happier with @violajayphotography capturing our little intimate wedding in October and knew as soon as I saw the photos I had to print them for our home! I admit, I've never been one to hang photos but it's probably because all we ever had after 14 years together was selfies 😂🤷🏽‍♀️ I'm so pleased we finally have some lovely shots of us together 🥰

Do you have photos of you/your partner/your family up around your home?? 🤔

#gallerywall #autumnwedding #hallwaydesign #hallwayinspo
✨These little vintage copper pans needed some TLC! ✨

After searching for a while for vintage copper pans, I found these on eBay - they looked quite grim on the ad but I knew they could be shined up nicely! A little @barkeepersfriend later (not an ad!) and I'm loving how they look in my kitchen 🥰

Let me know if you like the new addition ❤️

#kitcheninspo #kitchendesign #vintagestyle #kitchenstyling
Oh hey living room, nice to have you back ☺️

I always feel very ready to remove the excess of Christmas decor pretty much as soon as the 26th arrives but I've been later than usual this Twixmas as we've both been unwell the last couple weeks 🤦🏽‍♀️ Nevertheless, I've managed to get things packed away and I styled this little faux arrangement today for my coffee table so ya know, small victories 😄🙌🏽

#livingroom #livingroominspo #fauxflowers #coffeetabledecor