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On Totally Dropping Off the Face of the… Blogosphere

Published by Christiana

It’s already been 10 minutes since I started this post and I still find myself staring at a blank screen – typing a sentence then deleting it, only to start over again (story of my life: making things way more complicated than they need to be, lol). So, I figure, keeping it simple is the only way to go here…

I know I’ve been MIA for a ridiculously long time and, to all of you faithful friends and readers, I sincerely apologize! What started out as a short, holiday blogging break was suddenly – and quite forcefully – coupled by some quite adverse, external circumstances (if you’ve been following the news, I’m sure you will have heard something about the situation in Greece these last few months) and suddenly… beauty, design and all that jazz just didn’t seem that relevant anymore. Sure, life went on, but inspiration and my mood suffered a most definite blow. Then time passed… and the more it did so the weirder it felt getting back to it all, as if nothing had happened.

Now here we are, many months later – and it’s not that things have gotten better (if anything they’ve gotten worse, since I am now looking at being unemployed and needing to relocate in a few months time) but I’ve missed Lifestyle Counter and all of you – and I feel like it’s time to get back on the saddle, while I still can.

So… any of my peeps still around, do consider me officially back and expect more of LC’s usual content in coming days, weeks and months. I can only hope you are as excited to hear from me again, as I am to be back amongst you all. Looking forward to catching up with each and every one – and sending you all my love in the meantime…

Ones to Watch: ‘Meet the Cat’ Jewelry

Published by Christiana

Ioanna Koulouris was born and raised in Athens, as part of a very artistic family (her mother owned a clothing atelier, while her father was a self-taught handyman). She studied Statistics at the University of Piraeus and, upon graduating, worked in advertising until 2005 – when she, thankfully, decided to change career paths. She went back to her mother’s atelier, attended art seminars, experimented with different forms & materials and eventually designed her first collection and founded her own company: ‘Meet the Cat’.

Using a range of both conventional & unconventional materials such as wood , rubber & cement (!) Ioanna creates original, alternative, statement jewelry pieces – which will add that certain je ne sais quoi to even the plainest of outfits. Just look at some of her earlier work:

Her latest (SS2015) collection, AZTECAH, features “geometric cuts of gold, silver and pink gold-plated brass, embroidered with colorful threads” and is (as its name clearly implies) inspired by the art of the Aztecs. Here’s some of my favorite pieces, for your viewing pleasure:

The unique designs, coupled by the reasonable price tags, have put ‘Meet the Cat’ firmly on my style radar. I highly recommend checking it out for yourselves – I’m certain you’ll find something to fall madly in love with…

Check out ‘Meet the Cat’ on Facebook
Buy ‘Meet the Cat’ on: Fashion Lover and Esopou

[All Images: © Ioanna Koulouri/ Meet the Cat]

Home Workspace Inspiration…

Published by Christiana

I have been contemplating setting up a small workspace in my house for sometime now. I feel like it would be nice to have a dedicated spot to catch up on paperwork – not to mention it would be great for overall productivity and all my blogging needs (no more wriggling on the bed, trying to get into some sort of cozy position in order to type a blog post).

It was in that spirit that I started browsing the internet for inspiration, a few days ago – and boy did I find some gorgeous looking spaces & interesting ideas! All that remains is for me to find a cosy, available spot with great wi-fi signal (which might prove a tad hard to be honest), then start hunting for a small desk/ chair combo and fitting accessories…

Here’s some of the spaces that inspired me the most, for your viewing pleasure:

[via haileygolich.vsco.co]

[via gravity-gravity]

[via crystal-lize]

[via gravity-gravity]

[via minimal desks]

[via stylizimoblog.com]

[via emmalucywatson]

[via vintageluxe]

[via northernmoments]

[via eclecticdose]

[via lushlofts]

[via ernesthon.com]

[via violasian]

[via macpix]

[via flickr.com]

On the Couch

Published by Christiana

Today is a bit of a special day here on Lifestyle Counter in that, instead of my usual beauty, design, photography (etc.) related topics, you are in for a #DearDiary, personal type of post (if you are a regular reader you probably know that these, normally, don’t make much of an appearance – but sometimes a girl’s gotta vent/ share, right?).

If you have been following me for a while, you may have read my Goals (& Goal Progress Diary) for 2015. Now, I know I haven’t lived up to my word re: the Progress Diary monthly update part, but I have been working towards most of my goals and will be posting a cumulative update ASAP. That said, today’s post is specifically related to Goal No. 2 (a.k.a. deal with any and all psychological issues).

You may remember me mentioning that, these last few years, I have found myself getting increasingly restless and unhappy with my life and that the Greek financial crisis (which has taken quite a toll and is making things increasingly difficult for everyone, me and my family included) has not helped things. I have been trying to tackle my issues alone – put on a brave face and laugh pretending not to have a care in the world but, long story short, it just ain’t working. I’m not even enjoying the things I love anymore, so… today is my first ever appointment with a counselor.

Which brings us to the gist of this post: I am terrified. Ever since I booked the darn thing, about a week ago, I’ve been wondering what the hell I’m gonna say – and debating whether my problems are “real” or just ridiculous little ideas floating around in my self- indulgent head. I keep having this mental image of my doctor falling asleep on me…

… or thinking I’m a sorry excuse for a human being and should just deal with things instead of wasting her time (which might indeed be better spent with people battling actual mental problems like anxiety disorder or depression, for instance).

Since Lifestyle Counter is not that kind of blog (and I already feel weird talking to you about this, instead of something interesting, pleasing or uplifting) I will not blabber on and on. I was just hoping to maybe get some feedback and/ or a reassuring word – to tide me over to my doctor’s appointment, later this afternoon.

[images via The New York Times Well Blog and The Daily Beast]

Need to try > Body Shop Honey Bronze (& new eyeliner) Range

Published by Christiana

Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder – £13

Honey Bronze Face Gel – £13

Honey Bronze Lip Nectar – £9.50

Honey Bronze Highlighting Domes – £8

It has become quite evident to me lately that I am developing a bit of a Body Shop addiction. I guess it’s no wonder really, what with the company stepping up its game greatly these last few years, but I often find myself browsing their shelves (and, most often than not, leaving with a couple of new things in my possession). During my latest trip there I picked up the Nutriganics Smoothing Eye Cream (which I’m still trialing and will review soon) and also checked out the new Honey Bronze collection products – resulting in a bit of a “to try” list (as featured above). I am especially interested in the little, handy Highlighting Dome – which swatched dreamily in-store and immediately got me wondering what its effect would be like on a fully made- up face. The Face Gel and Bronzing Powder sound quite intriguing, too – especially now that it’s still early days tan- wise and we could all use a bit of a boost in the summer glow department. As for the Lip Nectar… well, you are probably all aware of my ~~obsession~~ love for lip products so my adding it to the list should come as no big surprise.

Skinny Felt Liner – £10

Matte Kajal (White) – £10

Two other products I first saw in person upon visiting last time (and am real excited about picking up/ trying) are the new Skinny Felt Liner (I refuse to give up on my search for a decent, budget felt liner – despite being disappointed time and time again) and the Matte Kajal in White (brightening up tired looking eyes is a bit of a priority for me, considering the amount of sleep I usually get).

There is, of course, a host of other products I can’t wait to try (i.e. the TeaTree Pore Minimizer, the Drops of Youth Wonderblur and Bouncy Sleeping Mask, the Fuji Green Tea Body range and half of the latest #HappySkin Vitamin C products, he he) but that’s a story for another post, I guess.

How about you guys? Are you feeling as obsessed with the Body Shop, as I’ve been? Have you tried any of the things in my wish list – and if so, what did you think? You know I love to hear from you, so do leave a comment below.