11 things to do this weekend

Happy Hump Day!

What are you up to this weekend? Well, if you don’t know what to do, or you want to switch things up, then why not do something different?

I work very hard during the week so I usually spend the weekend chilling or blogging. In my ‘chill time’ I like to read, listen to music, watch YouTube videos or watch programmes via HayU.

So, if you don’t want your weekend to go to waste and you want some ideas, then here are 11 things to do this weekend.

1. Clear out your makeup collection.

If you’ve got some time, then spend some of it decluttering and clearing out your makeup collection. It’s a great way to remove items that you don’t use, but don’t throw these products away: you can give them away to friends and family, or you can put them away for recycling.

From time to time, I like to clear out my makeup collection and donate products to friends.

2. Donate your clothes.

Thanks to Stacey Dooley’s 2018 documentary, there’s a lot of focus on the unsustainable nature of fast fashion. I’m glad this is getting a lot of attention now and fashion influencers are beginning to realise the problem, but it’s been a long time coming. Clothes are some of the biggest pollutants of the Earth and they are often produced using unsustainable methods.

This weekend, look into your wardrobe. Chances are, you have clothes that you’ve never worn, or you have clothes that you rarely wear. Have a clear out and take your clothes to a local charity shop, homeless shelter or women’s shelter. It’s always good to give back and there are people who could really benefit from second-hand clothing. This is something that I like to do once in a while.

3. Have coffee in an independent coffee shop.

I’m a big believer in supporting local businesses and I prefer to go to an independent coffee shop over visiting one of the ‘big chains.’ When I lived in south-west London, there was a coffee shop near me that I loved going to, and I’d usually go there to get freelance work done or to have a catch up with my friends. I loved it because it’s close by (only a few minutes’ walk away), it serves delicious food and drinks and the staff don’t expect you to leave as soon as you’ve finished drinking your coffee. Currently, I live outside of London but there’s a high street near me that’s full of local coffee shops, so maybe I’ll pop into one at the weekend.

4. Call a friend.

I know we all lead busy lives, but I believe that you’re never too busy to get in touch with a close friend or a loved one. It’s important to make the time to speak to those who are close to you and life is too short, so pick up the phone and call. Make an effort. And if you don’t have time for a phone call, then at least send a message - check up on them and show that you truly care.

5. Read.

I love to spend my spare time reading books, magazines and blogs. Reading is one of my favourite things to do – as a child, I was a bookworm – and since graduating university, I’ve tried to make more of an effort to read in my leisurely time. It’s so easy to say ‘I don’t have time to read’ but I think it’s important to make time if it’s a priority to you. I used to think I didn’t have time to read, but then I realised that I did have time, but I was wasting it by mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds.

I recommend setting aside at least 10-15 minutes a day to read if you lead a busy life - it makes a difference.

It’s always good to catch-up on what’s going on in the beauty world, so here are some of my favourite beauty blogs:

• Cruelty-Free Kitty

• Wonderlusting

• Velvet Report

• Ethical Elephant

• Vegan Beauty Girl

• Cruelty-Free Becky

• Gemma Louise

• Demi Colleen

• A Woman’s Confidence

• Kate La Vie

• Jasmine Talks Beauty

• Pint Sized Beauty

• The Sunday Girl

• Makeup Savvy

• Caroline Hirons

• Hayley Hall

• A Model Recommends

• Organic Bunny

• Gemma Etc

• The Makeup Directory

• Lady Writes

• Dizzy Brunette

• British Beauty Blogger

6. Listen to music.

Chill out and listen to music. Stream your favourite Spotify playlist. Play your favourite radio station. Listen to a podcast. Here are some of my favourites:

• Jazz FM

• Magic FM

• Smooth FM

• Nile Rogers Spotify playlist

• Prince Spotify playlist

• George Michael Spotify playlist

• Wham! Spotify playlist

• Soul Grooves album

7. Take a digital detox.

Sometimes it’s better to switch off from the digital world. Turn off your phone and get away from the screen. Get out into the real world and be mindful of your natural surroundings.

8. Increase your water intake.

You should drink plenty of water every day. Increase or keep up your intake over the weekend to hydrate, cleanse and detoxify your body.

9. Wash your makeup brushes.

Even though washing your brushes might seem like such a chore, it’s worth it in the end once it’s done. Wash your makeup brushes and keep them clean.

10. Get some beauty sleep.

I really don’t believe in the idea of ‘catching up’ on sleep because you should always get plenty of sleep every night. But the weekend is a good opportunity to get lots of sleep and have a lie in, so if you can, then do it.

11. Spend a weekend in the country.

If you live in the city then you’ll know how hectic it is. I used to live in London and even though I was born and raised there, I sometimes find the hustle and bustle to be incredibly overwhelming.

So, if you feel the same way, then spend a weekend in the country. Enjoy the fresh air and peace and quiet, and be at one with nature.

What are you doing this weekend?

*Photography credits: Hello You Designs