How do I Love me? Let me count the ways...Part 2

<a style="background-color:black;color:white;text-decoration:none;padding:4px 6px;font-family:-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;San Francisco&quot;, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:bold;line-height:1.2;display:inline-block;border-radius:3px" href="https://unsplash.com/@gmat07?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=photographer-credit&amp;utm_content=creditBadge" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="Download free do whatever you want high-resolution photos from Gabriel Matula"><span style="display:inline-block;padding:2px 3px"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" style="height:12px;width:auto;position:relative;vertical-align:middle;top:-1px;fill:white" viewBox="0 0 32 32"><title>unsplash-logo</title><path d="M20.8 18.1c0 2.7-2.2 4.8-4.8 4.8s-4.8-2.1-4.8-4.8c0-2.7 2.2-4.8 4.8-4.8 2.7.1 4.8 2.2 4.8 4.8zm11.2-7.4v14.9c0 2.3-1.9 4.3-4.3 4.3h-23.4c-2.4 0-4.3-1.9-4.3-4.3v-15c0-2.3 1.9-4.3 4.3-4.3h3.7l.8-2.3c.4-1.1 1.7-2 2.9-2h8.6c1.2 0 2.5.9 2.9 2l.8 2.4h3.7c2.4 0 4.3 1.9 4.3 4.3zm-8.6 7.5c0-4.1-3.3-7.5-7.5-7.5-4.1 0-7.5 3.4-7.5 7.5s3.3 7.5 7.5 7.5c4.2-.1 7.5-3.4 7.5-7.5z"></path></svg></span><span style="display:inline-block;padding:2px 3px">Gabriel Matula</span></a>

"Behavioral economists and psychologists have long known that people tend to throw 'good money after bad' or 'stay the course,' meaning they continue to invest in something even after an initial investment doesn't give them the effect they desire," Townsend said. "What our research shows is that purchasing an attractive item causes a person to feel better about themselves and this 'affirmation effect' frees them up, mentally, to admit to the error in their ways. The result is that they no longer need to justify their initial bad investment with additional funding and consequently make better decisions." - Claudia Townsend, an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Miami School of Business

It is not being selfish at all to love me and do things for me to bring calmness, happiness and joy to my life. - https://www.kolours.uk/blog/how-do-i-love-me

"I stress to those who read this, this is based on my life and my findings and is no way gospel or scientifically proven. What you read is my opinion that I wanted to share with you!"

I am very guilty of feeling guilt about purchasing items for myself. Kids come first, then home including food, bills the list goes on and on, then maybe possibly I may browse one of those online fashion shops and daydream about the next outfit I am going to buy for myself the next time some cash ends up in my account. My other problem is when I do feel ready to make that buy I realise I have no idea what my style is at the moment. I tend to revert back to the 1990s, leggings, grunge and glamour. No, no, no it's 2018. I need some help.

Well I found a way to solve two of my bad habits with one amazing styling master. I met Maggie at one of her video tapings for her personal styling company. She provides Personal Shopping and Wardrobe Consultation. The guidance that someone like me, desperately needs. Plus it's really nice having someone who will encourage you to do for you and have an unbiased view. She helps you discover yourself. Working closely to find the pieces that make you feel great about yourself. Read more about Maggie and how she does her magic here, she also shares some videos .

Even though I am a bit stuck in the 90s with my dress sense, I have a small, by small, I mean huge weakness to coats and camouflage. And I was over the moon to discover the brand Bird and Wolf. A UK based ethical apparel that bring camouflage military and ulitliy fabrics and materials back to life and also, it doesn't stop there. You can personalise your own with unique quotes/sayings on the back. I was really lucky to have an interview with Emma Roberts the founder of this brand, Bird and Wolf. Read the full story here.

Now, my day job is a photographer. I specialise in Boudoir and Body Confidence photography. Yes, I help other people feel great about their bodies, isn't it ironic!

I won't lie I have a weird relationship with my body. I love being naked on good days. But somedays I am not too sure. My work has made me come across some beautiful and stunning ways to accentuate all types of bodies. Beautifully Undressed is one particular lingerie boutique that I love to take time to browse their gorgeous site. Feeling good underneath is just as important as it is to feel good on the outside. Lingerie makes you feel phenomenal underneath. You can find out more about Beautifully Undressed here.

In case you are still umming and ahhing about making the purchase for yourself I found the pièce de résistance. Phiiish by Tresor Paris. Whilst researching items for this blog this literally fell into my lap, well "ping" in my inbox. I couldn't believe it. It was perfect. The description was as follows. "Award winning jeweller Tresor Paris is bringing out a fish inspired collection...each piece symbolises water, healing and purification." I read on. The Phiiish range is customisable to change according to your mood. I had the opportunity to meet with Dean Greenfield, the senior designer; and his brother,who is a doctor. They both opened up my eyes to understanding these stunning pieces of jewellery. One really couldn't feel guilty about purchasing these as they are helping with love and health. Full details here.

How are you feeling now? Less guilty? Browse online and make mental lists of things you could purchase for yourself to treat you and your closet/wardrobe. Want to learn more ways I discovered ways to perform more acts of self love? Then subscribe to receive part 3 in your inbox.