Photo motivation - Italy

It’s Friday. That means Facebook and Twitter users will soon start posting their “TGIFs” and photos of barbecues and dinner tables to illustrate what lies ahead – if they don’t work weekends that is. I usually don’t work on Saturdays and Sundays, except when I’ve got some urgent assignment to finish. So for me, Fridays are motivating days. Sort of.

Motivation – it’s probably my no. 1 problem. When you don’t have a boss looking over your shoulder, it can be difficult to tell yourself “Go on, work!”. Discipline is key. I take short breaks and then I “get crackin’” as my Malteser says. And during these breaks I like to… look at photos of my favourite places. I find it soothing. It brings back memories. And we all know how powerful memories are.

Italy is my passion. It’s where I find solace when I feel lost or stressed. Italy is pure beauty. Italy is love in all its forms. Italy cannot be described, it can only be savoured to the full. Like every other country it has its own scents and colours, and a unique atmosphere that takes me back to my youth, to happy times, family, friends and laughter. Italy is a feast for the senses…

Florence, Rome and Venice. Cities that reflect who I am. What’s more motivating than looking at the beauty of art, architecture and the Italian lifestyle to make you feel alive, to make you smile and to get you through the day? When you're feeling down, remember that it's the little things in life that count - sure, the bills still need to be paid, dinner won't magically appear on your kitchen table and your report won't write itself, but at the end of the day motivation is a reflection of your will to keep going, to never give up, because life is worth living, with its ups and downs, with its Mondays and Fridays. La vita è bella. Sempre e comunque.

Wannabe beauty guru?

I like watching beauty videos on YouTube. I work wearing jogging bottoms and tank tops, without a scrap of make-up on – save for some lip gloss or lip butter, from The Body Shop, naturellement – and yet I love watching so-called “beauty gurus” transform their faces into works of art. I anxiously await their next product review, even if it starts with the word ADVERTORIAL, i.e. I was paid a few hundred dollars/euros/pounds to rave about this anti-acne cream that actually turns your forehead into a moon crater. Tutorials, hauls, monthly favourites… they’re all in my bookmarks.

I’ve tried to think about WHY I love this beauty stuff. Maybe it has something to do with my work situation. At uni, I thought I’d become one of those classy ladies wearing fancy suits and driving an Audi. To say things turned out differently is an understatement. Manicures? I’ve had one in my entire life. Trips to the beautician? Nope, never. Hairdresser? Three times a year, at most. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t look like a hermit, although I sometimes feel like one. But I’m not the epitome of classiness either.

Nevertheless, I’ve always loved make-up, hair products and the like. Unfortunately, I rarely have the opportunity to show off my skills in that department. So I’ve resorted to keeping a pocket mirror on my desk, along with lip gloss, mascara, eye shadow, concealer... The list goes on and on. Beauty gurus inspire me to buy fancy creams and potions that I never use. Yes, I fall for marketing ploys. When mascara costs € 9.99, that’s
€ 9 for me. I really believe there is a significant difference between lip balm and lip butter. And yes, primers really do smoothen my skin.

When I feel like my day couldn’t get any worse, I attempt to recreate celebrity looks – that often ends in disaster… and a desk covered with make-up remover pads, cotton buds and wipes. All while trying to focus on the latest L’Oréal press release. And if my boss ever catches me doing my make-up during working hours, I have an excuse: you gotta practice what you preach. Samples are always welcome!

We all have our little quirks. What are yours?

Oops, I forgot my moisturiser!