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Category: Life

  • Trust the Timing of Your Life

    Trust the Timing of Your Life

    Photography by STVP

    This is just a little post to say that it’s okay do things slowly, to take your time or to even at times feel like you’re not moving anywhere at all. It’s natural, we all have these periods, some longer than others and these each can take place at different times in our lives entirely.

    With the internet these days it’s easier than ever to promote yourself, start your own business, create your own content, reach out to your dream employer, or whatever it is you want to do in life in terms of the growth of your potential career and dreams. However with that, it also becomes increasingly accessible to see what other people are doing too.

    You might live in a cosy little village in a secluded part of Scotland but with a few taps on your phone you’re able to see what Emma is doing on her travels around Bali, how Jason in London just bought a second flashy new car with his latest bonus, or how Julia in L.A has just got engaged to Mr Right and is celebrating the start of her new clothing label. Okay, those are really poor examples of fictional people but what I’m trying to say, is how we can easily see what’s going on with everyone else and use it as an example for how we should be doing in our own lives…But, everyone’s timings in life are different, as well as each of our journeys.

    One person might have their dream job by 25 but might be unable to find work at 30, whereas someone else might get their dream job by 40 and stay in employment until their retirement. Life happens very differently to us all and there are so many different examples like this, relating to all aspects of life, be it with work, love, relationships or goals.

    Womens Fred Perry Polo Shirt Outfit
    Samio shot by STVP
     

    There are no time limits on achieving goals or getting where we want to be, only the ones that we create for ourselves. Just because you aren’t where you hoped or want to be right now doesn’t mean you won’t be in five, ten, or fifteen years, or you may even end up somewhere completely different than you’d ever imagined but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. We change as we grow and so does life around us.

    Everything happens differently for different people at different stages of their lives. It’s important to focus on your own passions, goals, interested, love life and relationships and don’t take anyone else’s successes, growth or current situation as an example of what you should be doing, or where you should be at that exact moment of your own life.

    Life is always going to be a bit of a rollercoaster and will never be one smooth sailing ride towards the finish line. Because what really is the finish line anyway, and who knows where you’ll end up. Once one goal is achieved you’re only bound to make another one and who knows exactly what life has in store or where it will take you on your journey. Just remember that your timing is bound to be very different to someone else’s. So whatever your dreams or goals in life, just keep working on those things that make you happy. This is your unique journey and you’ll do things in your own time.

    Samio x

    Turtle Bay Manchester Oldham Street Northern Quarter
    Samio Manchester Blogger
     

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  • Lately

    Pink Sweater Jumper Outfit
    Topshop Pink I am Happy Sweater Jumper
     

    Most Worn

    It’s probably a tad bit inappropriate to post an outfit of me wearing a sweater when it is in fact (for once) boiling in England at the moment but in today’s post I wanted to share some of what’s been going on in my life lately, and this pink jumper is one of those things. Now I realise this jumper doesn’t fit with my usual style but my whole point for buying it was to have something super cosy that I could throw on when travelling or on those chilly early mornings when I’m heading to a shoot and want nothing more to be comfortable. I thought if I’m going down the cosy/comfortable route, I may as well make it fun and so I went for this bold oversized 80’s style sweater from Topshop. I believe it says ‘I am happy’ on the back in French, which I think is très appropriate as I’m often smiling my head off.

    Happy Samio Natural Hair Style Blogger

    Eating Out

    I’ve been eating out A LOT. This is something that at the start of the year I said I’d sacrifice somewhat in order to fund my travel addiction but alas that one didn’t last very long and I find myself eating out more than I dare to admit BUT with so many amazing new places forever popping up in Manchester (along with many old favourites), it’s hard not to!

    A recent new spot I visited was the Brasserie Abode in Manchester, where I went along with my friend L’Oréal for dinner last Friday. The food and service was excellent. And although I may have gone for one of the least photogenic dishes on the mains menu (fish and chips), I have to say it was really good. My starter was the winning dish for me though, as I went for the Tuna tartare, spicy avocado and it was absolutely delicious! Just thinking about that dish makes my mouth water…after that we were too full to even think about desert but we did manage to wash it down with a tasty champagne cocktail which was the perfect way to start our Friday evening.

    Brasserie abode Manchester
    Brasserie Abode Manchester Food
     

    Music

    I’ve been listing to some new(ish) music recently. I say some and by that I mean the same three albums on repeat, quite literally. I listen to music almost everyday but I must admit I easily get stuck in my ways listening to my firm favourites. Some current tracks I’ve been particularly obsessing over from from of these albums are:
    Big For Your Boots – Stormzy
    Sweet Dreams – The Last Shadow Puppets
    PRIDE. – Kendrick Lamar

    I have quite the eclectic taste in music so I never find myself listing to just one genre. Now I’m greatly anticipating the new Lana Del Rey album. So far I’ve been obsessed with every one of her previous albums so I can’t wait to get this new one in my life. Unfortunately it looks like we will have to still wait until the 21st of July for this one but at least we now know the release date.

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    And that’s it, just a little bit of what I’ve been loving and been up to lately. I’m happy to see that the weather has hotted up here but it probably won’t last long so I best go and make the most of it. Have a great weekend!

    Samio x

  • Home

    Home

    It just hasn’t felt right for me to post today. On here or on any platform really. But then as my mind has been going round in circles trying to process it all and not being able to think of much else (as I’m sure has been the same for many people), I thought it better to write something at least acknowledging what has happened, rather than nothing at all. Of course I am referring to the bombing that took place in Manchester on Monday night. Even writing that sentence feels surreal and emotional and I am well aware that this type of thing happens continually across the globe but when it happens in your city, in the place you call home, I must admit it is a real shock to the system. I feel somewhat selfish saying that because like I say this type of thing happens all too often and all over the world and the very thought is truly sickening.

    Now Manchester too has faced some of the horrors that many have faced before and I hope that in our grief we can continue to stand united. It makes me feel so sad each time I think about what has happened, so I can’t even begin to imagine what those involved and the family and friends of those involved are going through and my love goes to each and every one of them. There’s been an overwhelming amount of support between and for Manchester and that has been so heartwarming. Seeing the amount of love between the people in our city has been amazing and it just shows how much good can be done when actions are done in love and with compassion for others.

    I feel I’m not going to be able to say anything that anybody else hasn’t already said before and in a much more eloquent manner than I have in this post but I just feel so overwhelmed with emotion that I just needed to say something in my little space, as un-cohesive and rambling as it may be. I know we are all feeling it right now, the people of Manchester, the North of England and anyone else who feels connected to our city. I just hope that we can continue to share this love and support amongst us all and prove that love can do so much more good than hate ever will. You’re not alone, we stand together and we do so in love.

    Sending my love to my amazing city, Manchester.

    Samio x

  • Writer’s Block of The Blogging Variety & Practicing Gratitude

    Writer’s Block of The Blogging Variety & Practicing Gratitude

    Photography by Jess Petrie. Makeup by Chloe Gray

    I’ve been feeling a little off recently. Not necessarily unhappy, just off. I haven’t quite been able to focus and any attempts at productivity have been distracted by a feeling of frustration that I’m not getting enough done/haven’t done enough and in turn have halted my productivity. See the silly, vicious cycle here.

    Call it writers block of the blogging variety, or call it my brain thinking of too many things at once to the point where it can’t think of anything at all for longer than five minutes. I’ve ultimately got myself into a bit of a rut that seems to have halted my creativity and as a result, left me feeling unsatisfied.

    How to clear your mind
    Samio Makeup By Chloe Gray and shot by Jess Petrie
     

    I woke up this morning and as I opened my eyes, my first thought was one of gratitude. It filled me with contentment for a moment but then as that moment passed, a feeling of dread crept over me. A subtle reminder of all the things that I haven’t done and likely won’t be able to do today. You see, silly, vicious cycle. I wanted to go back to that carefree moment of contentment again.

    Then it hit me. Gratitude.

    As I lay there, I realised that one thing that I was usually very good at but that I hadn’t been lately, was practicing gratitude. It feels quite funny to see it as something that needs to be practiced, but the realisation is that if you don’t actively engage in it, you can easily forget to do it at all.

    By focusing on the things that I’m grateful for, I felt a weight slowly lifting, a grey cloud above me dispersing and a ray of sunshine breaking through.

    I could almost laugh. It’s surprising how something so simple could become so detrimental when forgotten.

    I feel somewhat different. There’s a shift in my emotions and I can feel my ‘can do’ attitude slowly resurrecting.

    The moral to this little story: Practicing gratitude everyday can make a huge difference to your emotions and attitude and in turn your productivity. It’s too easy to take your situation, or how far you’ve come, for granted. Now when I step back and think about it, I’m exactly where I need to be and have a lot to be thankful for and for that I am truly greateful. That thought alone makes my emotions feel resolved and my thoughts a lot clearer. It’s funny how something so simple can make all the difference.

    Samio x

    Practicing Gratitude
    Samio
     
    natural hair blogger Samio
    Samio Renelda Olowu
    Manchester Blogger
     

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  • Don’t Hate, Appreciate

    Don’t Hate, Appreciate

    Photography by Jess Petrie. Makeup by Chloe Gray

    I’ve always been supportive of my girls, especially if you’re one of my besties, I’ll be like your ride or die cheerleader always…However there was a time when I didn’t always feel quite this way when it came to those outside of my circle.

    Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never been an actual hater, that’s never been in my nature and it certainly isn’t about the troll life! However, I must admit, in the past I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy at times when I’d see certain females, usually those I didn’t actually know (seemingly) doing really well, when I felt like I wasn’t. I often could’t help but make comparisons, especially when in my own life I wasn’t quite where I wanted to be.

    Inner thoughts shot by Jess Petrie
    Don't hate, appreciate
     

    The difference between back then and now, isn’t that I’ve completely got all my shit together since becoming an adult (I think that’s pretty much a constant work in progress regardless of your situation), but it’s the fact that now my perspective has changed. I don’t see any other women who are doing well as competition, I see them as motivations, inspirations and just generally super cool bad asses most of the time.

    As women we have to realise how far we have come as a whole and not just as individuals. There are so many opportunities available to so many of us now that probably once could have only been dreamed of. Another woman pushing the boundaries, succeeding, doing new and amazing things is only paving the way for more of us. It’s not about who did it first, it’s about someone doing it in the first place and actually making it possible!

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    The thing is, when you see a person’s success, you also have to appreciate the journey. It’s often all too easy to speculate and imagine a person’s success is purely down to luck. And whilst I do agree, timing and ‘luck’ can certainly play a part in ones growth, it also usually still takes a whole lot of hard work along with it.

    When I see women putting their all into something that they are passionate about and in the process doing amazing things, I see it as something to be celebrated. I love seeing a person’s journey and their growth and even then we often don’t see the full extent of what goes on behind the scenes. So now when I see my fellow females (or super cool bad asses, if you like) doing awesome things, I appreciate the journey, the hard work and the dedication. It makes me feel proud to be a woman and nothing inspires me more.

    Samio x

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  • You Are What You Do, Not What You Say You’ll Do

    You Are What You Do, Not What You Say You’ll Do

    Photography by Jess Petrie. Makeup by Chloe Gray

    Making dreams a reality

    We’ve all had hopes, dreams and thoughts of becoming something in particular at certain points in our life. Many of us still do and some of us actually have become those things that we’ve always dreamed of.

    The thing that is important to remember when it comes to actually placing ourselves in these particular roles that we wish for ourselves in life, is that strong desire alone isn’t purely enough to get us there. We also need to act upon these desires in order to get us to where we want to be. I’m sure this all sounds pretty obvious but so many times I’ve seen people mix up intention with action, myself included (and on many occasions).

    In the past I’d often sit and daydream about where I wanted to be, I’d even chat to friends about it, without actually making any progress in the process. To want something isn’t enough, you actually have to become it.

    Make your dreams a reality
    Samio in black and white lingerie shot by Jess Petrie
     

    Some things are easier said than done, of course, but I’ll use myself as an example with one of the things that I decided to ‘do’. I used to say that I’d like to do modelling but by saying it, it didn’t really get me anywhere until I actually started doing it. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t just get with an agency and start getting booked on jobs right away. Initially I started shooting with photography students who were building their portfolio, then established photographers and then eventually I got with my first agency and starting making a living from it. Regardless of which step of the process I was on, I was modelling from the beginning step and even though I didn’t label myself a model until I started actually working as one, there’s no denying that it was doing it from the off set that helped me to become it.

    I’m well aware that this makes it all sound so easy, when you and I both know that it’s not. When it comes to pursuing something that we want in life, at the start it can often feel like there’s such a very long road ahead. I’m not going to deny it, there often is, but, if we never start on that road, we’ll never even begin to get there.

    I know that life can get in the way. We have bills to pay, current roles to fulfil and other people in our lives to take care of, but we also need to give a little bit of that time to ourselves; To study, to write, to practice an art, to blog, or to work on whatever it is that we want to do.

    You can talk about what you’ll do until you believe it will happen and others start to as well, and that’s fine, there’s nothing like self-assurance and moral support to help get us to where we want to be. But just remember, at the end of it all, you are what you do, not what you say you’ll do…So what are you waiting for?

    Good luck!

    Samio x

    Samio in triangle bra by Jess Petrie
    Samio in Asos Bralet
     

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  • Prioritising Time

    Prioritising Time

    Photography by Rosie Butcher

    The Struggles Of A Procrastinator

    I just watched a Ted Talk on How To Gain Control Of Your Free Time. It came at the most appropriate point as I’d planned to get to work on a blog post straight after it. Needless to say, it has sparked some inspiration for the topic of this post, as well as given me a much needed kick up the bum when it comes to thinking about working on my own time management.

    I’ve always been somewhat of a procrastinator, if I’m honest. I can often become idle, working on meaningless tasks for long periods of times, or simply find myself not working at all, when I have more important things that I really wish to focus on.

    I always say that you’ll prioritise what’s important to you, but my problem is often that I don’t. It’s easy to make excuses and say that we don’t have enough time but as that recent Ted Talk rightly highlighted, it’s usually just that we aren’t prioritising the time that we have in order to do the things that we would like.

    The women from the Ted Talk uses a great example about prioritising time, she says ‘I could tell you I don’t have time to dust my blinds but that’s not true, if you offered to pay me $100,000 to go dust my blinds, I would get to it pretty quickly.’ Aside from the fact that I actually do dust my blinds (erm, what did I say about procrastination earlier), although she makes her point in a jokey manner, it’s still very much a clear one. We always have room to make some time for those things that are important to us, we just need to make them a priority.

    Are you a fellow procrastinator or are you good at prioritising time for all the important things?

    Samio x

    Grey coat close up and all saints bag strap
    Samio Castlefield shot by Rosie Butcher
     

    Coat – Asos (similar here) | Roll Neck – F&F (similar here) | Jeans – Asos | Bag – All Saints | Boots -Asos (similar here)

    Castlefield Manchester
    Pink Roll Neck and grey coat outfit
    Samio street style by Rosie Butcher Photography
     

    denim and outfit details

    Samio shot by Rosie Butcher
    Minimal style blogger
     

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  • Casual & Comfortable But Never Badly Styled

    Casual & Comfortable But Never Badly Styled

    In today’s post I want to talk about looking well styled even on those super causal days when you want nothing more than to just be comfortable. Of course by ‘well styled’, I’m not talking about anything fancy here, if you know my blog, then you’ll know I like to keep it simple…We all have those days where looking good may be our last priority until we step out of the house and wish we’d made a little more effort. So, for those days, I’m sharing my three tips to help you avoid the style disaster and still keep it cool whilst being casual and comfortable.

    topshop black jamie jeans

    Remove The ‘House Clothes’ From Your Everyday Wardrobe

    If you have no intention of going out in your ‘round the house’ sweat pants, then don’t risk the temptation of throwing them on before quickly nipping out to run errands, by storing them with your jeans (and other outdoor bottoms). You know it’s always the day that you decide to wear these things that you bump into an old school friend that you haven’t seen in years or you end up in a situation where you really wish you’d made the slightest bit more effort, but alas, we’ve all been there. By taking the things we don’t intend to wear out and about, out of our wardrobe, we don’t run the risk of wearing them, simple.

    black denim jacket

    Shop Strategically

    When shopping it’s always important to think about function as well as style. Even if you’re quite a dressy person, there are still likely days where you want to just be comfy and casual and if you don’t have the right pieces in your wardrobe, these will likely be the times you’ll find yourself reaching for those sweat pants! *Don’t do it girl!*…Whether your style is dressy, causal, or a bit of both, it’s always good to take into consideration your surroundings and day to day life when you shop. If you walk a lot then maybe invest in a decent pair of trainers that are both comfortable and look good. If you live somewhere cold think about the kind of layers you can style and wear on a regular basis. Practicality planning really does help and that way you’ll know you have pieces in your wardrobe that are perfect for those minimal effort days.

    samio

    Create A Lazy Day Uniform

    Comfortable doesn’t have to mean ‘ugly’ or ‘unstylish’. My comfiest jeans for instance are actually my most worn, easy to style and most complimented jeans (you will have seen me praise and wear my Asos farleigh jeans in plenty of blog posts)…I think what helps most is knowing what to wear and when, so that on days when you don’t feel like putting any effort whatsoever into an outfit, you’re still able to throw on that comfortable yet previously thought out look. That way you can still feel comfortable and happy with how you’re dressed even on the laziest of days.

    black denim everyday casual outfit

    Jeans – Topshop | Jumper – Asos (similar here) | Denim Jacket – Pieces via Dizen Clothing (similar here) | Trainers – Converse | Bag – Whistles (similar here)

    samio manchester style fashion blogger

    So those are my three tips for keeping it well styled whilst still being casual and comfortable. Let me know your thoughts and if you have any tips add, feel free to comment down below.

    Samio x

  • Three Mid-Year Goals

    Three Mid-Year Goals

    We’re slightly further than mid-way through the year but it’s never too late to set yourself new goals or work on old ones for that matter! Sometimes it’s good to give yourself a little reminder of the things you’d like to do/achieve in the coming months and I find the best way to focus on exactly what those thing are, is to write them down. So feel free to continue reading if you’d like to hear me self indulgently divulge three of my personal current goals.

    Cos T-shirt

    Keep Blogging More Consistently

    I really do love blogging so much. I find it really fulfilling and each new post I publish feels like a new little accomplishment…My problem however is balance. Modelling is my full time job and although this is partly a job as well, I often do let modelling take over and more often than not, when work outside of my blog gets busy, I do unfortunately let this space get neglected. Very recently however I have been trying to overcome this, as I know there is absolutely no reason why I can’t juggle the two things at once (I’ve proven it to myself on more than one occasion). It’s a case of old habits dying hard (massive procrastinator over here). I need to remind myself that on those long train journeys travelling around to jobs, I can still be utilising the time to think of new ideas, write and keep on top of posts.

    Cos Mint Green T-shirt

    Keep Up With Social Media

    This point is somewhat similar to blogging and it’s also the reason I want to keep up with it, as for me I feel the two go hand in hand…I do love social media, especially Instagram and Twitter, so it shouldn’t really be hard to keep up with but sometimes I have days when I just completely switch off and don’t share anything on any platform. I know you’re probably thinking – surely that is a good thing – but I just need to get better at managing it all and actually utilise some of the many social media scheduling apps that are out there. I’ve avoided many of them for so long, as I do really like the idea of ‘being in the moment’ but I’ve come to the realisation that if I wish to keep on top of things, then it’s something I’m going to have to start doing.

    Natural Hair

    Canal Flowers

    Keep Up With Youtube

    Yet another blog(ish) related goal here…When I posted my first YouTube video at the start of last year, initially it had just been a one off to show how I did my hair but little did I realise that it would lead to further video request and for me to develop a love for filming and editing my own videos.

    I feel like I may have found my ideal creative outlet with this one, as it’s a process I thoroughly enjoy. However, once again my scheduling can be a little off. I’ve also gone through a little bit of a creative lull and whilst I love filming and the rest of it, I often can be a little over critical and find myself publishing nothing, rather than something I’m not fully happy with…I’ve surprised myself however and just recently reached 7,000 subscribers, which I know isn’t much in terms of the whole YouTube world but for myself it’s certainly an accomplishment and something I wasn’t expecting when I first started. So that has been the great little incisive I’ve needed to spur me on and get things back on track.

    Green T-shirt and jeans

    Matt and Nat Cross Body Bag

    Flowers

    So those were my three mid-year goals for the coming months. Yes this post was a little self indulgent as I said but I actually find it really helps to write things down a lot of the time and before I began this post I hadn’t realised that all my goals would be blogging related. So I guess it’s helped me realise what things I want to be focusing on and work harder at in these coming months.

    Samio

    What are some of your current/mid-year goals?

    Samio x

  • 5 Tips To Help You Keep Inspired & Motivated

    5 Tips To Help You Keep Inspired & Motivated

    It’s only a couple of weeks into January but this year I’m feeling super motivated and positive about the months ahead. I was just talking to my boyfriend, Damien the other day about how different things were this time last year and how so much can change. Although many things can often be out of our control, I do believe that our attitude and staying motivated when it comes to the goals that we want to achieve, plays a big part in how certain aspects of our life turn out.

    How to get inspired and motivated

    I’m naturally quite a positive person but like most people I do have days where I lack motivation and feel uninspired. However this year I hope to keep on top of those all important things I want to keep on top of (vague but like many people I have a list)… The things that inspire me are what help to really motivate me to work harder, keep at things and achieve goals. So here are five things that help me do just that and maybe they can be of some use to you too…

    Give Yourself Daily Reminders Of Your Goals

    This sounds silly but in our everyday lives, it’s easy to forget about goals that we may have set for ourselves, or at least turn a blind eye to them. Days quickly become weeks and weeks quickly become months and before we know it, we’ve forgot to do that little thing we said we’d start doing several months ago. Daily reminders, be it a desk top picture of your dream holiday that you’re saving up for, setting a reminder on your phone to go to the gym each day or leaving yourself little motivational Post-it notes around the house to do those things you want to get done, it’s good to reminder ourselves each day of the things we really want to achieve and keep working at it to make them happen.

    Hang Around With The Right People

    It’s important to surround yourself with positive people. Other people’s attitude can have a big impact on your own. If you have friends who are positive and supportive, then you’re more likely to help spur each other on and help to motivate one another. Not everyone can go around feeling super positive and motivated all of the time but if you have good people around you then you can always be there to help pick each other up when you’re down and keep that motivation going. Often for me when I’m feeling down or lacking motivation, all it takes is a catch up or a phone chat with one of my closest friends and I feel my mood is quickly lifted and my motivation is back on track.

    Seek Out Like Minded People

    As well as the important people in your life, it can really help to find like minded people who have similar goals to you. Be it in real life or online, it’s great to join a little community of relatable people who can really help to inspire you to achieve what you want in life. It could be that you want to gain more confidence and so decided to join a local theatre group, or that you want to get fit and you find out that a few work colleges go to the gym on their lunch each day and you decided to join them. Even online you can find many like minded people, be it in forums or social media groups. Join in discussions, find like minded people and get yourself inspired.

    Set Yourself Achievable Goals

    If you set yourself up for a fall too early on, chances are that you’ll fail and then be left feeling demotivated. Giving yourself regular achievable goals that you can stick to will really help you to feel good about yourself when you reach each little mile stone and that can help you to push yourself to go even further.

    Create Your Vision

    Inspiration in photo form can be really helpful. I find Pinterest a great way to get inspired when it comes to designing the interior for our new house. Doing up the house is a long and at times tedious process but by constantly gathering different interior design ideas, it keeps us inspired and motivated to get it finished and decorated just the way we want it, as we envisage our end goal. Of course this can be done in many other forms, as you could even create an actual scrap book of the things that inspire you, or create a collage on a pin board. I also like to take down notes each time I read or hear something that I feel inspired or motivated by and read over them on days when I need to go back to those sources of inspiration.

    Those are my five tips for staying inspired and motivated. Do you have any particular things that inspire you and help you to stay motivated?

    P.s, if you were wondering where the 2016 dairy is from, you can find it here.

    Samio x