Cosy Sunday in my English Cottage | Beauty Routine, Baking & Slowing Down

[@crystalotus6861]

I'm retired. I worked full time for 50 years. Not a lot of money, won't be traveling the world but I have a home, my dogs and my leisure. And I will tell you something - I was born to be retired lol!!! The best life is one that is your own.

[@lanageorge5865]

I have a boredom bowl. It’s just a lovely bowl with little papers of nice things that I want to do, but have no real deadline. When I have free time to spend I can just pull out a paper and do that task. It’s great.

[@zinavanlandingham5753]

Maddie! I - ABSOLUTELY - ADORED - THIS - VIDEO!!!!❤❤❤❤❤ I can’t give it enough “thumbs up”! I so enjoyed your “rambling” because it reminds me that it’s ok to take time for myself. I’m single, older & work long hours…Oh how I needed to hear this! What a joy it would be to have you do a regular “My Leisurely Sunday” or “Come Lounge with Me on Sunday” video series. It could be every other week or even only once a month. I loved the baking! The walk! The soup making! Truly every bit of the video! I surely will be watching this one again & again! Blessings & Hugs! 🧡🌻🧡🌻🧡🌻🧡🌻

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Awww thank you I’m so happy you enjoyed this video! We all need to take more time for our self and remember that life is for living!

[@phang5700]

❤❤❤

[@its.rachel.hickey]

I love the leisurely chats, please don’t ever stop them!❤

[@Retro-love-]

Yay a long vlog. I’m settling in with my morning coffee 💖 I have to add how much I agree with “getting ready” everyday. I am chronically ill and more and more in recent months I am too unwell to get out of the house even for my gentle walks but no matter how ill I am I find I have to at least get dressed and make my bed. I usually end up straight back on it for most of the day but just being dressed and a made bed makes me feeling so much better mentally. I highly recommend it

[@julisuz]

Also struggling lately, mine is OCD and health anxiety. Your videos are so calming and never stop showing that sweet pup!

[@julisuz]

I also just started doing more word searches and crossword puzzles because it’s fun! I don’t care how long it takes me it’s just for me 😊

[@stefaniegalea6810]

I’m the same. I find it hard to relax because of my OCD and I have had health anxiety since I was a child. These. Vlogs make me sit for a while and realise I don’t always have to be thinking !!!!!!

[@elizabethgreer2087]

I’m a stay at home mom - so it often feels like you’re job never ends. Always dishes or laundry or something to clean. I too LOVE to sing and would like lessons but feel ‘guilty’ for this because as you said, there’s this mindset that even our hobbies should be monetized! It’s such a struggle to remove that concept when you’re making choices on how to spend your time. All this to say - I hear you! ❤️

The hallway runner is beautiful and Roxy is so sweet. I love her ♥️

[@rachelspoon4741]

I had this sort of breakthrough on listening more to my inner child. I started doing jigsaws last year, something i enjoyed growing up. Reading childhood books was an eye opener, as it made me read with a more adult perspective. But was so much joy reliving those happy m hobbies. Watching childhood movies, too. Ive recently been lighting my fav candle at night when i have a bath and no lights on in the evening and its the most relaxing baths ive ever had ❤

[@wordsbygemm]

It wasn't boring at all! Really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on living a slower life and making more time for leisure instead of focusing on productivity

[@liv_in_cornwall]

Love the longer vlogs ❤ my favourite kind of content from you.

[@flgirl9128]

I love cozy relaxing days especially in winter when its cold. We all need to slow down. Great chat! Another great vlog

[@janr2133]

I have been struggling too. You are not alone!! Feeling isolated can be remedied by joining a group that enjoys what you enjoy! Reading, crocheting, exercising, cooking, gardening, whatever you fancy. Go once a month! I babysit 4 days a week so I do get out of my house and see my son and grandson and that helps!

[@jennifervictore5471]

Love your homey/chatty videos madeleine 💕 I do 500 piece jigsaws, just for fun. I cast on 40 stitches and knit scarves just for fun. I do word search puzzles just for fun. Joins a ladies walking group. If there isn't one in your area.. Start one. Is there somewhere you can volunteer for a few hours. Anything to get off the moby and spinning wheel. Your cake looked so tasty 😀👍

[@jangriffiths8013]

I totally agree with your analysis/comments. We all need to be more content, slow down, take care.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

We really really do!

[@thelowwastevegan]

So lovely to watch your videos again, I also turned 32 recently (Feb) and have been really struggling. Keep being kind to yourself

[@Sweetie8387]

I’m a new subscriber and I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed this vlog, going to watch it again at the weekend just really resonated with me. Thanks for being so open because it truly helps others

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Welcome! This makes me so happy!

[@allisonmae3445]

I have very much been feeling the same way about living in the moment and just enjoying myself. I get that same nagging when I decide to just chill, this guilt over not being productive. I always loved to read growing up, and I still read a lot, but it's studies, and news articles, and nonfiction. I finally started reading fiction books again, and it's been amazing! I also recently decided to learn to dance just for fun! I'm very excited!

[@Ojo10]

You look SO radiant in that color! I just kept thinking lord of the rings the whole time you were talking you looked absolutely ethereal today ✨🤗

[@michellehooper661]

I can really relate to you, I’m trying to be slower, but I have an active brain and find it tough to be slower. The book sounds really good, will read that, it sounds so interesting. Hope you feel better soon, I find nature walks, photography, music and reading helps me lots! ❤

[@elizabethemmerson4295]

Madeline this resonates so much with me ❤ I finished work came home and did a half hour yoga routine when I would normally start cooking tea! I have just watched this in the bath whilst using a face roller and relaxing with a rose and coconut green tea and I feel fab ! Keep going and you are an inspiration to many 🙏

[@rosalindhaydon9058]

Hi Maddie I use to feel so under pressure when I use to write out to do lists. I now do a job and write down on my achievements list. I found I accomplished so much more knowing that whatever was written down was a success and something to celebrate. Might sound mad but I found this really helped my mental mindset. I guess go whatever works for oneself and don’t worry about what others do or don’t do. Thanks for all you share and your honesty it’s real and such a joy to watch and feel a part of. You have both accomplished so much. Have been following you since you moved into your flat.

[@JBotch]

Really enjoyed this video, the TED talks are always welcome. I am one of those people who get A LOT from hearing you talk through your thoughts. Thanks for everything. Hope Alex is doing well.

[@josandham7844]

Had the strangest week ever ending up in A&E whilst visiting my parents with a suspected heart attack at 46. Left 5 days later, the cause being high cholesterol and probably a lack of exercise since leaving work with kidney stones. What I learned is that you can have high cholesterol with even the healthiest diet if it’s hereditary. I had some calcification in an artery that moved and led to my chest pain. Have to say, if I hadn’t had arm pain along side it I would have thought it was stress of heartburn as it was so mild. My cardiologist said many people have severe heart attacks because they don’t realise they had a minor one years before. My CT showed it wasn’t quite a heart attack but it’s completely changed how I’m going to live now. I’m also telling all my friends to get a blood test so they know if their cholesterol is high as it could save their life.

[@ruthneumann7019]

4000 weeks is the only book I've listened to on audible, e-book and bought the physical book. I agreed in your recommendation! Thanks for talking openly about mental health :).

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I definitely need to buy the physical book to absorb it in a different way and highlight the best parts!

[@sharonfennell6785]

So true, I spend my time running from one task to another in work due to my job. Even at the weekend I have a list of things to do, and I go from one task to another. It’s always what’s next, and I feel guilty if I sit down and read a book,or watch a film. Thank you for the reminder that we all need to slow down, and take it easy without watching the clock. Time flies by so quickly, I need to slow down and appreciate it more 🥰

[@emiliemercier8578]

I understand the struggle about productivity. When I went on maternity leave for the first time, it felt so weird to sit at home with my baby all day after working full time in an office. I felt like I had to take a course or start a side business to make that time of my life productive. I wish I had just enjoyed the slowness of that season without feeling guilty. I'm 32 like you and I'm also wanting to do things just for the enjoyment of doing them but it's still a struggle!

[@emmadunnett8290]

I loved everything about this video ❤

[@Maya-11146]

I am struggling with always trying to clean my place every single day over and over and over again. I have cats. The hair is everywhere! The problem is i have an autoimmune condition and i cant stand for too long. If only i would chill out with the cleaning!! I just bloody can't 🤦🏻‍♀️ Love your chatty videos btw.😊 So nice to escape from day to day nonsense 😊

[@trudiegordon6327]

I don't want you to ever get down as you are beautiful and talented and have made an exceptional home in Cornwall. You are kind and generous and fun so never ever doubt yourself and celebrate who you are a lovely human being.

[@catrobinson6282]

Thanks for such a lovely vlog! The book Four Thousand Weeks sounds fantastic, definitely going to read this. We live in such a fast paced "instant" World we could all do with making time for "living" whatever that means to you, for me I want to spend more time in nature, read more for enjoyment (currently doing this and loving it) less internet and more real life experiences. A pasta/pesto combo is always a winner!

[@trudiegordon6327]

Your countryside video was divine - you are a good cinematographer and to see the snowdrops was lovely. More strolls and to see your garden and to get Spring started with some planting would be great - seed time for instance.

[@knowthyselfandyoullknowthe8216]

Hearing you talk about productivity and slow life and knowing that in your birth chart you have Jupiter in Virgo and most of your planets in Capricorn, plus a Sun/Saturn conjunction in Aquarius I can hear your struggle...these signs are earth signs (plus Aquarius Air sign)and it is about making something tangible in this life. But with it also comes the shadow side of it which is about feeling the growth pains it takes to actually feel like you are growing as a human. That Jupiter you have in Virgo is sooooo strong, and Virgo is the sign of service, criticism, healing and organisation. You thrive in all this, for good or bad (e.g. being overly critical of yourself) but at the end a Jupiter in Virgo gives you the strengh to find meaning and enchantment in the everyday life and all of its small things and you actually made your work about it too. You talked about contentment, that's such a word for this Jupiter in Virgo (and also your Saturn) that is always looking out for more and that makes you sometimes feel like you are a failure for not being/achieving more...Archetypes are powerful and astrology is all about archetypes, there's nothing wowoo in it. Hope you get to find a good astrologer that might help you make peace with your Jupiter and your Saturn. I think I heard you say the other day that you are a libra rising (no doubt about it for how good an eye you have for art, fashion and Beauty as an aesthetical feeling and way of life). Libra risings are now receiving the South node (the past) in their sign and that means that until january you are in a process of letting go of many things (inside and out), your talk just felt like this letting go is happening. All the best Madeleine :) I'm sorry for my english, it's not my first language.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Omg this is the most incredible comment thank you for taking the time to share and analyse things! I really want to go and see an astrologer to properly talk me through my chart as it just all resonates with me so much! Without sharing what’s happening in my personal life I have really had to make a big switch recently and let go of a LOT for the sake of my happiness. It is hard but is the start of a new chapter for sure

[@knowthyselfandyoullknowthe8216]

@@MadeleineOlivia yes a 19 year cycle, the last time the south node was where it is now was in 2005 and 2006, you were only a child 13/14 years old but maybe there was also something that you (or your family) had to let go too. All the best for this new chapter (of 19 years old ) in your life !

[@haanimely981]

Loved ur previous recipe video as well Maddy❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉 awesome recipes

[@TheNebulaangel]

Love your slow Sunday and your chats ❤ thank you for sharing this beautiful little window into your Sunday life. Wish I could give you a hug when you were talking about your lack of hobbies outside being productive haha. I’m sure you’ll find something x

[@francineh.7825]

I always enjoy hearing about what you have been reflecting on! I think it is a very good idea to dedicate one whole day as a day off - a day that you know is just for doing what you love and ignore the to-do lists. I think the more you do it the easier it will become.

[@Denise-r6u]

Love this chatty video. What a treat to have an hour long vlog. My word of this year is "fun" 😊 life is so serious, so I'm trying to have more fun this year.

[@melodyaminian9008]

Thank you for sharing your reflections, they stand true for me as well.

[@nicolepike7922]

Hey Madeleine! Your beautiful cookbook just arrived in Cobble Hill, BC, Canada from Kenny’s bookshop in Ireland - very cool. Excited to dive into your delicious recipes. Congrats on this work of art! It’s very apparent that you poured your heart into it. Hugs🩷

[@EvelinaHepp]

Hey Maddie. Your video rang true for me right now. Isolated, working from home most days and just feeling a bit disassociated from the world. It's definitely had me feeling a bit low. Meh, February in the UK eh? I'm in London but don't think us Londoners are out and about gadding around (that gets too expensive)! I'm not ever going to pursue singing as anything beyond someone who loves music, but singing lessons were a game changer for me singing with my choir. It's so good to just know how to move your voice into the right places so your tuning and ease/enjoyment improves. I'll never be 'a singer' but learning how to sing is such a confidence booster. Not everything needs to be driven to the point of 'I must achieve'. It's enough to enjoy something just to enjoy it. For no other purpose. Brain decompression.

[@KendraWilson]

Getting ready is such a great intention to have when you're not feeling the best. I give myself of at least having a shower when I feel that way. I know that seems so simple but it really does help ❤

[@Gen45]

Thanks for sharing the book recommendation. It sounds right up my street. I've been researching a lot about human evolution, where and how we evolved. What our early behaviours were and how it evolved over millions of years. Knowing all that really shines a light on how we all behave now. We really have gotten ourselves into a hole. In the words of David Attenborough "bad planning and human error". Honestly, most people around me have no idea what I am saying here. But I have a suspicion you will get this❤

[@marendajudkins1262]

I love how you make sure to connect with us 😊it’s so personal i love that!

[@jeanmcintosh1653]

This is exactly what I needed to hear- I have always struggled with the guilt of doing something that is not productive or for a higher purpose and yesterday I woke with burnout, truly exhausted mentally and u randomly decided to pull out my sewing machine that has been gathering dust for almost a decade😮 in the box I found a patchwork blanket I started for my daughter when she was a baby and now she is 11 .. so I am determined now to enjoy finishing it with no pressure. I am 38 and you are truly an inspiration to me so I thank you and Alex immensely ❤

[@jeanmcintosh1653]

I*

[@TheAbbybabs]

Am really loving your cosy vibe vlogs. So comforting, and really helps me to relax also. and the longer, the better! It's like having a friend round! Thank you x

[@eneen]

this long cozy video was really perfect for me right now because i got the flu and watching something calm in bed like this was just about the only thing i could manage haha

[@lynseypeters]

Love your long chatty vlogs. I kept this one to watch this morning while I work from home, it keeps me company. I love to read and started a 'bookstagram' page on instagram which then made me feel like I should read more and it felt more like a chore than a hobby for enjoyment. But now I read as and when I want at my own pace without feeling bad for watching tv when i 'should' be reading. Im still have the page but don't post as much on my feed. Sorry for the waffling lol. Happy Friday 🤎

[@ronnaporter3325]

Lovely video. I downloaded the book and am already halfway through. Great that you are realizing this stuff so early!

[@seamarezai934]

It seems so hard and intimidating getting into hobbies as an adult when there are people who have been doing those things for years and are so good. I started taking voice lessons a couple years ago and joined a local choir last fall and it’s great! I haven’t been in a choir since I was 11 but I love having this outlet instead of just singing in the car.

[@cheimachmak2768]

I think this has to be one of my favourite vlogs of yours ! It was so validating and comforting ❤ I think it's so so easy to feel guilty for not wanting to join the hustle culture, we definitely need more of your words and courage to share your journey ❤

[@renegarofalo1569]

What a lovely place to live. Your walk was beautiful.😊 I’m sorry you’re feeling sad. I hope life gets better soon.

[@alexandramoore8200]

I've been trying to get back into hobbies too - currently watercolour painting. Following along with youtube tutorials has been a fun way to get more creative without just staring at an intimidatingly blank piece of paper

[@darklingdesigns8999]

The hallway rug is lovely and fits in very well. I loved listening to the water that you filmed during your walk, living in a suburban area, I do miss the peace and quiet. It's interesting to hear that you've been singing; I read a few articles a few years ago and in summary singing, chanting or even reading aloud has been proven to improve brain function; singing boosts the release of 'happy hormones' so I started singing myself, usually in the car 😁

[@MadeleineOlivia]

That’s so interesting! I can totally see why because singing is like therapy for me. Music really is too!

[@saraialegria]

35:21 instantly fell in love ❤ 🐶

[@charliecarter6020]

I needed to hear this today! Thank you!

[@rosieb3625]

Oh Maddie, I think this may have been my favourite video of yours ever ❤️ And quite serendipitous - I was having a very similar discussion with my friend just last week!! Since the agricultural revolution when humans literally first settled and stopped being so nomadic, we have constantly tried to make things easier, and more comfortable and convenient for ourselves and instead we have ended up more overworked and stressed and burned out than ever (I believe Yuval Noah Harari touches on this in Sapiens). I started making sourdough and sauerkraut last year and could not recommend it more! Particularly sourdough - it is such a slow process and it’s a living thing that you create yourself so you have to get to know your own starter and experiment and fail (although even the fails are delicious and not really fails!). A gorgeous lesson in both anti-perfectionism and slowing down, and there’s something about doing it with your hands too that is so fulfilling, and sharing it with others. For fermented veg, I used a Riverford sauerkraut recipe to start with which was amazing and made me realise how easy it is. Sourdough is also easy - try not to get pulled in by people overcomplicating it online! We have been literally creating fermented food for millennia. Highly recommend! Sending love and hope you feel better soon ❤️

[@kimberlymerritt1682]

Love the video and your hair looks lovely too.

[@lindagent9831]

Maddie, just remember you are beautiful inside and out. Peace 🧚

[@Lunacordelia]

Looove the runner in the hallway!

[@jofarrell4488]

I tend to do skin cycling, so one day with the AHA, the next day retinol the next day oil/cream and then start again. That works well for me. The AHA seems to be more intense when left on for the night and it leaves a lovely glowy effect in the morning xx

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Interesting! This sounds like such a good way of doing it

[@katymorgan4253]

La dolce far niente! The sweetness of doing nothing, I couldn't agree more we need to prioritise doing things we enjoy for the sake of them as we did as children, enjoyed your vlog ☺️

[@irismeeow]

i love crocheting. i've been crocheting loads recently and not even necessarily for specific projects. it feels so good to just do something for fun that's not for money or productivity :) i also love an evening karaoke session on spotify or youtube haha

[@jackiegibbins2675]

Hi Maddie. I made your tofu satay curry today, from your cookbook. Absolutely delicious! Will be doing the paella on Sunday. Lovely book, well done. 😊

[@trudiegordon6327]

Madeleine I so agree about the to do list and I was making one as I was listening to you. I do get down as I never seem to catch up on my list and when I do there is another one. I do achieve alot as I live on my own and have to but there is always something else to do. I care about my town and environment so that is what I help with too. Owning a home comes with maintenance and a car is the same and a dog and children all have their chores. We give ourselves so many things to do and I don't if I can help it and love to be at home rather than restaurants to cook and I like to watch the seasons and adorn my garden and window box and don't go out in the evening as I like a cosy eve at home and they are all relaxing.

[@nataliemartins2282]

Love the chats Maddie, will give the cake o go as all I have to change is flour to gluten free. Also want to thank you for these types of vlogs, I am feeling the same and thanks to you and your money off voucher I am for the very first time trying therapy with Betterhelp . Please keep doing these little chats It's always good to hear how someone else gets through these days xx

[@marykelley782]

I love taking a bath....usually try to take one during a full moon so I can watch the sky while I soak. Nothing better❤. That fairy bath bomb you recommended is so pretty! Got my hands on one. Relaxing!

[@alexadavidson6227]

Love these longer vlogs! ❤ I smile every time you wear your OSU jumper. My husband and I live just around the corner from the campus and stadium. People often park on our street and walk to see the games. 😂

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Oh wow! It’s so funny how many people have pointed it out because they’re from Ohio and wonder why I have this jumper all the way in Cornwall!

[@susiemartin3144]

Love your videos dear Maddie ❤❤❤ My mum used to be at home during the school holidays when we were young but she used to get up, dress, make up and go out of the front door around the garden and go in the back door and get to work with laundry, meal prep, housework or house painting and then we often used to all walk to the shop a mile there and a mile back! She’s 82 now and still talks about it! I wish we could realise when we are 32 that we are still so young and we could have two more careers before we retire! If I could send a letter to me in the past I’d say you’re not old or even nearly old you can do or be anything. I also should have tried to draw more of a line between work and time off! For years I did a whole days work in the day and another whole days work in the evening, I wish I hadn’t done that!! I know it’s difficult for you as vlogging your down time is your work and we all love it by the way! May be you just need a lovely holiday mmmm a warm one or a snowy one?????❤❤❤❤

[@irismeeow]

that runner is so beautiful

[@jenniferhorncastle6913]

I started embroidery recently as a hobby with no end goal. I can do it on the sofa whilst watching tv or listening to a podcast/ audiobook! Even thinking of personalising clothing with embroidery which is all over my instagram at the moment!

[@bruceteppo5200]

Love your videos . Makes me feel so good Beth from Minnesota ❤

[@susiemartin3144]

I love lazy! August is my lazy, I do as much gardening as possible through the year and make it look nice and when it gets to the end of July I do nothing apart from water and a bit of deadheading! But I do take time to sit in it and pretend I’m just on holiday!! Xxx

[@sofiapedras5764]

The blueberries cake sounds so delicious...I picture you and Alex eating it at the end of the afternoon with tea

[@crunchchrissy]

You can use the acids with your retinol as long as it isn’t causing too much irritation. If it does, just start slowly and do the acids once a week and add in an extra day at a time until you can tolerate it. I hear most derms saying to avoid the acids in your morning routine because it makes the skin a bit more vulnerable to the sun.

[@zacconemanagement2141]

Yes, coat berries or chocolate chips in flour to suspend them in the batter. Great video, love it!😊

[@briangenny8670]

Hi Madeline, Thankyou for the lovely vlog. I enjoy Nora jones music too , I’ll try cooking with her music on. Leisure is really important, I hope you enjoy playing records and play with your art materials too.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Cooking with Norah Jones is my favourite past time. My mum always used to listen to her while she cooked. So relaxing!

[@sunnydayforme1]

LOVE the new rug ❤️😍 I'm jealous!

[@PIC0630]

I only exfoliate with AHA/BHA 1-2x a week. I typically do it at night and skip retinol those nights, but I think using in the morning and continuing retinol at night is fine. All depends on how your skin tolerates it.

[@bellemathews4088]

So many thoughts, so this will be a ramble of my own, lol. Love the runner, goes so nicely with the wall color in the hallway. On hobbies: this is one of my goals this year as well, commit to trying new hobbies, or hobbies that I used to do when I was younger. I'm trying knitting and sewing again and have been reading for pleasure more this year than I have for a while. I'm refusing to use Goodreads or Storygraph or anything to keep track of how many books I'm reading, so that's helping me to not game-ify it and make it into a goal that I end up resenting. I also want to take up piano again and have always wanted to do voice lessons too but have had a hard time committing to it since I don't plan on doing anything with it. It's so hard to spend the time and money on yourself doing things for pure enjoyment when there are so many other things to think about! So, all this to say, you're not alone ❤ Hope you're doing well and are enjoying life in your comfy cottage!

[@seijitheclown]

I feel you so hard on yearning for slowing down right now. Work has been stressfull and I cope with art I make for myself (customizing dolls and making costumes for conventions for the fun of loving a series) and I turned this hobby into .. work the last month, I was producing so much that I am now sitting here not able to decide if I really want to create more or be slow or be fast and be out of things to do soon and .. well... I have time for this one as I did so much in January. It's good I am right now learning to work with a new material that needs to dry for ages, therefore I have to be slower. But we will see how my brain will cope with that

[@EmilyFox252]

So excited you're going to make kim chi. It's my favourite and I haven't managed to make it myself yet so I'd love to see how you get on x

[@mervee3673]

This resonates so much. Love you💜

[@MadeleineOlivia]

❤️❤️❤️

[@bouncyelf1]

Making kimchi is surprisingly easy! I thankfully have not one but three east Asian supermarkets near me so I can always get the ingredients! (And kimchi if I'm feeling lazy!) I use the Lakeland fermenting jar (that includes a recipe!)

[@cindyschmidheini1483]

The dresses are called Moo Moo's. It looks so cozy. I go thru times of hard days and can't get myself in gear. But my meds help. Take care of yourself and stay positive.

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Hi Maddie we really enjoyed this video. It was like we were at your house visiting with you having a chat.❤❤

[@brirose230]

Re AHA/BHA, the general rule of thumb (based on all the dermatologists I follow) is that they should be used on seperate nights of the week to your retinol (i.e. alternate them). Don’t use them together.

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Okiedokie 👍🏻

[@brirose230]

Also, try replacing the AHA/BHA in the morning with a Vitamin C serum instead

[@stefaniegalea6810]

My husband and I have been talking lately about the balance of life. He works hard and I run our house of 7 children . We both have this terrible guilt when we are “being lazy” that there is something we should be doing productive with the time. This year we have promised to ourselves that we need to do more things we enjoy because life can be an endless cycle of “things to do”. I loved your chat about relaxing and taking time to slow down. ❤

[@brirose230]

Re the brow gel, check out the Ilia, Kosas, BareMinerals or Hourglass brow gels

[@trudiegordon6327]

The soup looked amazing although I don't like the texture of tofu but love the idea of kimchi and must get some and have sauerkraut and seaweed and the cake I will try with fresh raspberries although I don't bake preferring dark chocolate if I want some sweetness. I have a birthday coming up so could do it for that. I adore your runner in the hall gorgeous colours. To see you using your vegs is lovely. I don't have room for a veg garden but love to see fresh vegs being picked to eat. I find you so inspiring and you are not pushy but very relaxed and that is the key to your success I think.

[@penelopebundy2494]

I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling Maddy! Can highly recommend the Kosas Air Brow, my go to brow product x

[@kritickatie]

This video is what I need!

[@trudiegordon6327]

Hey I bought the 4 weeks book and thank you for the recommendation as I think it really brings it home that we are all locked into the machine and some of us try not to be and I fight against systems like phones and will not have an i phone or TV channels or fall for all the hype. It is the public that get swept in and they don't have to. I try not to be a sheep and follow the herd.

[@JosieIrons]

Omg going to the microwave and it says 7 seconds… literally just happened to me 😅 so relatable - need to read this book!!

[@MadeleineOlivia]

I know right it was such a real observation!

[@katielouise210]

late to the party but a fellow anxious (and for me, possibly autistic) bean who wants to learn to slow down. it's been so wonderful to know i'm not alone following your journey, maddie 💛 also do you mind me asking, which shade of the charlotte tilbury do you use?

[@converseallstarish]

What an absolute hack how you cut the baking paper for the cake tins 🤣 worst job but will be trying your method!

[@LeonaMcLinden]

Love your content ❤ I’m at 1000 weeks and agree

[@lisashields3252]

I have some days exactly how you feel ❤

[@dutches8384]

I am not a dermatologist myself but my dermatologist said not to use any products like BHA/AHA etc next to retinol/tretinoin. They both exfoliate the skin and make you’re skin thinner and more sensitive. So it will be to harsh on the skin. To me they said use tretinoin let it sink in and than you can use niacinamide and serums and creams that hydrate and repair. In the morning you can use vitamin c and again serums and moisturizer that hydrate and repair. And always sunscreen. But never together with products that also exfoliate and make you’re skin thinner. That’s at least how my dermatologist said to use it ❤❤

[@monicarose2135]

Kosas brow gel in various colors is great. Also, I’m not sure if it’s available in the UK, but Miyoko’s is the best vegan butter.

[@Britbabe53]

You can use any skincare as you deem fit, as long as it's not irritating your skin, if it does, scale back. Btw your hairstyle is very Jane Eyre :)

[@MadeleineOlivia]

Thank you for the tip! And oh my gosh that’s the best compliment! I need to try out more hairstyles from period dramas as that is the aesthetic I’m going for!

[@JoannaStrange]

Love your videos but this one hit different… I worked from the day I turned 16 until last year when I was 30 in numerous different jobs and was self employed for a big chunk of that and working 7 days a week. I have been diagnosed with 6 MH conditions and I HAD to slow down, just like what you’re saying. I’m now not working and hopefully in the future can start part time working or volunteering but it is SO necessary. I hate the stigma I see and have heard unwarranted by those that ‘care’ about me regarding how I’m lazy and just want to live within the benefit system, yet those people that supposedly ‘care’ fail to take in to account that having 1 MH condition alone (let alone 6!!) is SO debilitating and stressful in itself that trying to hold down the typical modern work until you die system just is not possible for all of us. I live by daily to-do lists and probably am still over-doing it even without a job, but I agree that being SLOW is something we all need to do more of. Also you’ve inspired me to bake (not a huge baker and literally bake like once every 5 years haha!) also really looking to getting my hands on your new book soon. Love from a fellow English vegan wavy hair lady! 🌱🖤 xx