Appearances and Disability

Today post is going to be my appearance and disability. I wanted to share this post not just as a way to say that style is so INDIVIDUAL and should not be judged, but also that trend is not the be all and end all you can feel glamorous in your own way. I also wanted to share with you some lessons I have learned about developing a unique style because it is not all jeans and shirts, I believe that disabled people can have the best sense of style and practicality together. 

I have always envied girls who wear heels because of my instability in my ankle I can't wear heels but I have found a few cheeky ways of feeling on trend without the frustration. The first invention is tights and black shoes. I found the perfect pair of black flat shoes and ever since I started wearing them with black tights. I feel more glamorous and more myself than when I wear jeans and trainers. I have also found that whenever I go shopping I look at shoes whether it is local ASDA or Sainsburys. There may be a pair of shoes that are perfect for you. Also, if you are like me who did have two feet which were two completely different sizes (eg my left was a size 4 and my right was size 3) don't be afraid to go for a cheaper option and buy two pairs because no one will ever know. Also be inventive there are places where it would be more appropriate for you to wear your leg brace, be creative and set a new trend with the thing that always seems to be in the way. I like to think I was one of the first to wear a shirt under a maxi. 

A well made decision for my graduation, made my graduation even more perfect. 

My next lesson I learned from a friend of the family, and it is if in doubt accessorise. Handbags have been my glam weapon before the more recent addition of a bold lip. Handbags can instantly change an outfit from dull to exquisite, make an old top or dress completely new and refreshed. I also love jewellery a big statement ring or necklace makes simple outfits glam. I always try to stick at least a bracelet with an outfit to make me feel even more confident. I think it is probably why I have such a big bracelet collection. 

Told you my bracelet collection was huge. 

So, I hope you enjoyed my post about my style and how I make my disability suit it. I am always learning when it comes to style. I have learned that being me is the most important thing. I think the fashion industry should embrace identity and diversity by allowing more disabled people onto the catwalk, as we do represent a big minority group. Let's show the world how brilliant and stylish disability can be. 

NEW SERIES! Wellbeing Update August 2015 - Loving Me

I thought I would start another series on my blog called Loving Me, in which every month around 14th of the month I update on how I have been feeling about myself, what I have learned about myself, any achievements I have made over that month. 

This month has been quite interesting to say the least, in the fact that I have learned that I am actually able to accomplish a lot on my own terms. I think this is a big to learn as a disabled person because you are told by some people in society how you are supposed to be, but this is not the case at all. I have learned I need to grab every opportunity I can but not at cost leaving my personality and enthusiasm behind. If you work hard, the rewards will come. It is why I am in the process of setting up a lot of goals and projects I want to accomplish in achieving a really truly healthy wellbeing both mentally and physically. Mentally, it is about putting my creativity to good use in order to achieve my dream. I have a lot of exciting news to tell you about that soon (hopefully within the next few months). 

So, three lessons I have learned about myself in the last month. 

1. I don't believe in I can't it is all about I can. My favourite saying this month seems to be I tried but it wasn't for me at this time. 

2. The most important opinion is MY OWN. 

3. The reflections may not be what you interpret. A little explanation/ anecdote is that I always thought that everyone saw the disability before they saw me, but it is the complete opposite some have said after knowing me for months that they didn't realise I was disabled and then others see the fact that my disability is a part of me along with my personality. To those who have said this to me I can't thank you enough and I love you for it. 

How do you remind yourself to be who you want to be? What have you learned about yourself this month? Comment below or tweet me on Twitter @MissKathrynAB. 

Planning and Organisation (Erin Condren Life Planner Review)

After finishing my degree, I was frustrated with the fact how long it took me to recover from the intensity of the final weeks of my degree and how I felt in those last weeks. I am very aware of the fact that I need to be organized but at the same time I need to be in optimum health. It has been a struggle to maintain. I thought I needed to change my planning ways. I have had planners but they never stuck whether they were electronic or paper based. I knew I needed a three box  daily system with room for a non urgent weekly to do. 

I started watching planner videos of the Erin Condren Life Planner. I loved how it worked in the videos so I had a look on the website. I initially thought they were very expensive especially with both shipping costs and international shipping costs combined with the planner cost, but I just couldn't get this planner out of my head. So I bit the bullet and got one. I never knew how useful it would become both creatively and from an organization perspective. 

A picture of my creative outlet. 

I love the spaces to colour and be creative to make it my own planner. This may be done on the divider or in the weekly spread. 

From an organization point of view I have urgent am, urgent pm daily and tasks to be done when extremely tired. A month later, it is working well, everything seems to be keeping on track. I love the sidebar for my to dos that I would like done but can wait to a quieter time or if I complete tasks at a quieter time. It is a superb outlet and makes a stressful job a calm experience. 

Week spread of grad week w/c 20/07/15

Week spread for 6th July with a Favourite things Theme to keep me entertained. 

I have found that my planning is getting better, but for me organisation is an ever changing learning curve. I know as I learn more about myself my organisation is going to change. So if you like comment below I will do another update in 6 months.