Life just seems to get more exciting every day – and busier if I’m honest. But I couldn’t be happier. And even though I sometimes feel the overwhelm, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

At the time of writing the summer holidays have just commenced. VIP and my eldest managed to get away to Berlin for a few days which was lovely for them. And, as I type this, I’m off to Margate on a whim to take the load off for a day or two. I always love going to Margate – there’s something about being close to the sea. Perhaps it’s because I’m a water sign?

I had a couple of highlights for me this month. One was doing a Facebook Live with my good friend Kris, who has built up a successful PR company for the last 11 years. As I’d done a few blog posts on productivity including 15 Things I Swear By To Get More Done and Productivity Tips For Crazy Busy People That Actually Work, she wanted to get me along to offer a few tips. I really enjoyed it and think Facebook Live is a great idea for reaching a wider audience and also for putting yourself out of your comfort zone.

The second highlight for me was reaching ‘Senior Ambassador’ level for Tropic – selling 100% natural skincare and cosmetic products that are vegan, non-toxic and cruelty-free. Most of my friends and family who’ve bought from me understand my ‘why’ in wanting to use the products and I’m thrilled to see most people who I’ve introduced it to take their health (and their skincare routine) seriously. You can find out more by visiting my Tropic page and taking the 5-questions survey to determine your perfect skincare products.

The #BCDiaries

I’m gutted because I forgot to book in my Zoladex jab at the doctors. I have it every month (for the next 10 years), but last time they were unable to book me in and suggested that I called two weeks later to get a booking. Life took over and I completely forgot to call!

The surgery was really good when I called four days later and are managing to see me in a couple of days which is a relief.

In more ‘Breast Cancer Diaries’ news, I had my second bone infusion (called Zometa) at the hospital this month. I have to have these every six months – again for the next ten years – and it sounds worse than it actually is. The actual infusion probably only takes no more than half an hour, but as we all know, a hospital visit is never just half an hour. The bone infusion is because the medicine I’m on (Letrozole and Zoladex jabs with calcium and vitamin D tablets) means that I’m more prone to getting osteoporosis. The bone infusion helps prevent this (or delay this) from happening.

Blog life

I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity of trying out a few brands that fit in with my Clean Living ethos.

First up was a brand called Ksoni who have launched the UK’s first ‘shampoo in a can’ with the aim of reducing bathroom plastic. I loved the concept and I also loved the design. When I tried the shampoo it was lightweight (great for my new hair growth following chemo) and is infused with essential oils for an aromatherapy blend, doing a great job at removing impurities and nourishing the scalp.

There are no bad boys in this product (Sulphate, paraben and SLS free) and even better is that they are vegan and 100% free of single use plastic. What’s not to like? The shampoo (250ml), conditioner (250ml) and body wash (250ml) cost £16 each and come in three core ranges.

The next product that I tried was another eco-friendly goody – this time a 100% natural and organic cleaning brand that kills 99.9% of all viruses and germs. It was developed by Squeeky Cleaners, a company that didn’t want to use harsh chemicals and instead wanted to unleash the power of plants. I loved the sound of it so decided to give it a try.

The design of the brand was nice and I found it just as effective at cleaning my surfaces as well as any of my other non- toxic cleaning brands. It’s guilt-free cleaning for the home that you can depend on. What’s great to hear is that squeeky cleaners have a range of products to make all areas of the home and garden super clean including the multi-purpose cleaner, limescale remover, bathroom cleaner, floor cleaner and glass cleaner or polish. Plus their aluminium bottles come with a concentrated refill meaning you can top again for just £7.99.

Talking of clean living and because of my new clean living lifestyle, I managed to launch a new Facebook Page based solely on that.  It’s been on my mind to launch it for a while but I just never got round to it. But when I few friends showed an interest in helping me out as admins and editors, I knew that I had to do it – I feel it’s part of my purpose to educate, inform and inspire others to live more cleanly. You can check out the page here.

Last but not least, Simply Vegan Sweets sent me a pack of their ‘World’s Best Vegan Pick and Mix’. I love the fact that the company is vegan, but that they are also very eco-conscious and even their packaging is sent in a biodegradable non-plastic bag that decomposes in as little as 10 weeks.

The company offers ready made bags as well as pick your own. And yes, I’ve already gone back and ordered more from them. If you’ve got a sweet tooth or fancy treating someone, you can use the code ‘LAURETTA’ to get 5% off your order. 

Business updates

From a business perspective, the community magazine that I co-founded and edit has been doing really well. It’s lovely to finally be back in print (we launched digital versions over the lockdown period) and it’s going from strength to strength.

In the meantime, I launched another new business during lockdown (yes, I do like to have my fingers in a few pies) and without having a website, name, logo or anything else, I’ve managed to get a couple of clients. It’s the first time that I’ve got clients even before I’ve properly set up the business, so it feels like I’m onto a winner already. Plus my good friend Sarah, who’s very in tune with guardian angels, said that she has a great feeling about it, so I’m definitely running with it. I’ll reveal more when I manage to get myself all set up properly!

Personal development

I’ve been trying to make time to do more exercise. I started off with good promise doing Joe Wicks but then when the kids and VIP gave up after a couple of months, I decided to look at alternative options. Given my haphazard work schedule, I wanted something that I could turn to in my own time rather than having to be somewhere at a certain time. A friend told me about an app that she downloaded that she uses to keep her in shape. It’s called FitOn and it’s free. I ended up downloading it and I’ve been trying some of the Pilates classes which have been easier on my bad back.

For the next month I’ve also decided to give netball training a go. If truth be told, I’m looking forward to seeing the friends I made when I joined the local netball team more than I am playing it again. But it will be interesting to see where I am from a fitness perspective!

Plus, the one thing I set out to achieve in lockdown -learn all the capital cities of the world by 31st July I managed to do by 19th July! Woooooooohooooooo! Given my very poor memory, I feel so elated that I actually managed to do this with time to spare. It feels wonderful. And that’s probably why I feel ready for my next challenge – it has certainly spurred me on to aim high!

My latest purchases

I saw on Instagram that Kate from Dream, Plan, Explore was chatting about a book she was reading called F*cked at 40: Life Beyond Suburbia, Monogamy and Stretch Marks that looked really interesting.

I asked her about it and when she explained that she couldn’t put it down and that it was about a mum who had a health scare (breast cancer) and developed a want to seize life, it really appealed to me. So I went and bought it. At the time of writing, I’m still reading it, but it’s a great read so far.

Something that made me smile this month was a book I came across on Firebox. It’s called The Older Persons Guide To New Stuff. I’m considering buying it for a family member or friend who can take a joke, but I might just get it for myself to read. In the description it said it was for anyone over the age of 45. Phew – missed being ‘an older person’ by a year. Well, kind of.

What I’m grateful for this month

Having the courage to start up another business in lockdown and getting customers before I’d even thought of a company name!

Launching the Clean Living UK Facebook page

That I focused on learning all my capital cities – and did it.

Having the opportunity to visit Margate

My goals from last month included….

1. Get my ‘favourites’ page done for the blog (I’ve added to it, but it’s not yet finished so I need to focus on this)
2. Get the capitals learned by 31st July! Yep! I did it!!
3. Finish reading another book. I bought two new books (on Mindset) but need to start doing more reading
4. Sort out the apps on my phone (and organise them!) All done

My new goals for August include….

1. Continue updating the blog
2. Start decorating the kitchen
3. Aim to sell more items online

How’s your July gone and what are you looking forward to next month?

**This post contains affiliate links meaning that if you end up purchasing something through a click-through, it will be tracked and I could receive a few pennies. This doesn’t affect the price to you – it’s just one way of saying ‘thank you’ for the post.

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