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2016, goals and improvements

It’s finally the new year and we have to start getting used to writing 2016 after all our dates, something that always takes me ages!

It’s a bit of a cliche to to write down new year’s resolutions and it hasn’t been something I was ever particularly into when I was younger but since I became a business owner and then a blogger, I definitely saw how it could be helpful.

Last year, I didn’t write down goals as our dogs had puppies, which totally took over my life and I noticed that my year had less structure, so I wanted to get back on that again this year.

The first thing I did was write a list of all the months and outline my main collections, projects and photoshoots for the year, including adequate preparation times. There is no point releasing a wonderful themed photo-set, perfect for a certain occasion or season when that is already upon us coming to an end: This has happened to me before and I know it is something small companies often struggle with but I’m going to try my hardest to release everything early this year.

Seeing the whole year outlined in one little list actually makes it seem quite short and I feel like breaking it up into sections is helping me set realistic time-frames for achieving each project. When I think I’m not sure what to work on first, I often waste time trying to decide and end up falling behind.

You don’t have to run a business to make a monthly plan of the year, you could include your holidays and social calendar so you can start budgeting in advance or know which months you will have extra cash for luxuries, or you could include goals to achieve in your work or hobbies.

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 I have also made a bullet point goal list:

2016 GOALS

  • Make a more conscious effort to use cruelty free products. This is something I was already interested in and have done for most of my beauty and household products but I’m still sometimes surprised by the types of products are tested on animals so I’m going to make a bigger effort.
  • Only buy clothes I really love, support more independent designers, invest in designer items or make things myself. I have always hated fast fashion but sometimes I run out of time or money and decide to go for the easy option. I want to fight against that this year but ebay will still happen sometimes. 
  • Go out to eat and drink in more interesting places. My boyfriend and I can both cook, so we hardly ever go out to eat, but I’d like to be less of a hermit this year and explore the new places that have opened in Manchester, there are so many I’ve heard good things about.
  • Be more active on social media! This may surprise you, but I don’t like to be glued to my phone like a lot of people. I particularly enjoy instagram and pinterest at the moment but I could really use some encouragement, if you’re on there give me a follow and say hi! 
  • Go to America. I think I’ve said I wanted to do this for the last 5 years and I’m still sitting here writing this with an empty bank account but hopefully some magic will happen this year. 
  • Manage my daily tasks and still have some time for myself. This sounds pretty vague but my entire existence is like a juggling act and I’m always striving to complete it without dropping any of the balls. My appearance is always the first thing to go and I want to take more pride in that this year (while also having a clean house, successful business and well-behaved dogs).
  • Feature more beauty products on here. This follows on from my decision to take more care of myself. I’ve been getting more into beauty and skincare over the last year after a bit of a break in my “don’t buy anything that isn’t for the business” years and I thought it would be nice to share some of my favourites. 
  • Start doing videos. I thought I might as well write this one down to see if it motivates me further to do something about it. From how to put on strappy harnesses or latex leggings to house/studio tours and tutorials, I think it would be pointful and fun to make videos. I have wanted to do this for about 3 years now and I go through phases of trying to make a start but it getting it to the stage where it can be released just seems daunting. 
  • Post regularly. This year I’m taking a step back, planning only two posts and week and trying my hardest to keep up. If I can do that till May, I’ll think about adding something extra. 

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Vintage Eustratia photos

Photographer Al Overdrive emailed me this morning to share this set of photos, taken about a year ago, backstage at the katzenjammer club, just after the fashion show.

It was the shortest Eustratia show ever, with the least amount of models, but there was certainly no lack of glamour.


Maxine Anastasia


Amy Statik


Cici Von Crypt


And last but not least, myself. My years of modelling do come in handy when I’m a model short for a show!

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Style update: Long earrings

Since starting to stretch my lobes 4 or 5 years ago I hadn’t really been interested in “conventional” earring types. This may have had something to with the fact that I’m allergic to a lot of the cheaper ones and can’t wear them for long periods of time. When I was younger, I always had to find real gold or silver ones. As I got more piercings and moved over to body jewellery I found that I was fine as surgical steel and titanium don’t irritate my ears.

I recently realised that as I already have permanent body jewellery in the holes that doesn’t irritate me, it’s fine to put other “fashion” earrings through the same hole for effect. After experimenting with a few different types I decided long earring really complement my current style. I love them so I decided to share a few of my favourites with you guys.

1. Feather earrings

These were the first ones I got so the feathers are a bit battered now but I thought they lasted quite well. They are from Topshop and cost £18. They weren’t on the website but might still be available in store. If not there are loads of similar ones around, though I must admit I haven’t seen any I like as much.

2. Spike earrings

As you can see these aren’t both the same. They were custom made for me by Cloe from Life’s big canvas at Bird’s yard and I couldn’t decide which one I like best so I got one of each to try them out. I think asymmetrical earrings can look really cool and I’m glad I got them like this but matching pairs are also available. At £9.00 they are very reasonably priced, just like the rest of the life’s big canvas ever-growing jewellery collection. I find something new and interesting every time I go into that shop!

3. Long multichain earringsThese are pretty simple but also something I’ve wanted for a while. They go with almost everything and are a great compliment to other earrings. I made them myself and it was really easy, all you need it the earring hook, a jump ring and an assortment of chains in different lengths. For those who are too lazy to DIY there are available to purchase for £8.00 and will also be added to my site soon.

4. Bird claw earrings

These are definitely my new favourites and were custom made for me by the lovely Sophie Adamson. I’ve wanted some earrings like this for a while but couldn’t find anything like them. Obviously people sell the straight bird feet ones but I always thought they looked a bit naff so when I heard Sophie had some pheasants in the freezer (yes, they are real) I had to commission a pair. I only gave her a description and a really crude sketch to go by and she did a really amazing job. I would definitely recommend her for taxidermy accessories commissions.

Here are some pictures of what they look like on: