Me From A To Z

Tuesday 19 February 2019

This post may contains affiliate links. Read my disclaimer policy here.

I feel like I have a great connection with my readers and you all know me and my work from a bloggers perspective, but there is so much you don't know about me. It's not that I'm keeping them a secret, most of my blog posts are aimed towards inspiration and motivation, and 'being Aycan' doesn't fit under that criteria.

Instead, I wanted to give you a quick rundown of me - from A to Z. Maybe it'll inspire you to give this challenge a go - I'm always working on-brand here.

letterboard office flatlay

A IS FOR AYCAN

Well, I am Aycan - hey, hi, hello! It's a blessing and curse having a name a majority of people haven't heard of or pronounce. And yes, registration at school was a pain. I think maybe 2 teachers I've had in my entire schooling knew how to say it without me having to repeatedly shout it across the room. I think it became a sort of game for everyone too, as the teacher would stop and hesitate just before they had to say my name, and everyone was waiting to see what new way they would come up with. By the age of 12, I realised that whatever was going to come out of their mouth wasn't going to be anywhere near right, so I'd preventively shout it out to stop the embarrassment for everyone. (It's pronounced as i-jan in case you were wondering).

B IS FOR BAKING, BREAD + BLOGGING

Don't get 'baking, bread' and 'baking bread' confused. I am such a bread connoisseur that I don't think I'd be able to bake bread at the standard that I'm used to. I could never give up bread, as it makes every meal. Isn't garlic bread just the nicest thing? I'll stick to baking sweet things. The more I experiment with baking, the more I start comprehending the science behind it so my confidence and skills are getting better.

I would, of course, have to include blogging here! I have spoken about my blogging journey in multiple posts, and I'm so happy that Little White Socks has become more than just a hobby. Almost 5 years on, and it's become a creative outlook I can thrive on, but also a place which has allowed me to connect and work with brands I could only dream of, a place to earn money, but also a way for me to explore new avenues and exciting opportunities.

C IS FOR CREATIVITY + CALIFORNIA

My creativity is my strongest asset. I enjoy making, baking, drawing, designing, constructing, and photographing. While having my blog, I get to work on my creativity daily in ways that really pushes me to constantly learn and improve my skills. I don't know how it started, I guess I was just born with that creative eye. I love being able to see things slightly different to most people - makes my world that little more fun.

Moving to California is a dream that arose a few years ago while visiting on holiday. I didn't think I'd imagine another place feeling like home. I know it's very different visiting and living, but it has the weather, beaches, and a 'vibe' that I adore. Even if I don't manage to move there, I would want to spend a huge chunk of time road-tripping and exploring what California really has to offer.

D IS FOR DREAMS + DRESSES

I have an entire post dedicated to my dreams. It's quite exciting going to sleep not knowing what unusual story you're going to wake up telling - as long as it's not a nightmare. I used to always dream about overflowing toilets, but a recent theme is going to China and Canada?! I'll be posting a rundown of my most recent dreams soon.

If you see me, there is a 95% chance that I will be wearing a dress. A simple smock dress is my go-to daily fashion of choice. I have them in most (pastel) colours, with different prints and a slight alteration in shape. They're so easy to adapt to all seasons, and they're just the cutest to wear.

E IS FOR ELEPHANTS

An elephant is my spirit animal. I don't know what stands them out most, but for me, they just do. For my birthday I was given the opportunity to adopt a family of elephants in Kenya, but my real dream is to one day see them in their natural habitat, and maybe even feed them too.

F IS FOR FASHION + FLOWERS

Fashion plays a big part in my life, both designing and styling. When putting outfits together, I'm inspired by many different aspects as well as trends and my style icons. I just wish I had more space for my clothes! I love making clothes, but it's something I have abandoned recently. I did, however, find a huge batch of adorable pink gingham fabric which I know need to be made into dresses asap.

I wish I could fill an entire room with flowers. All those beautiful colours, shapes and scents. I've even made a flower garland to try and keep the summer flowers vibe alive for as long as possible.

styled journal flowers flatlay

G IS FOR GLITTER + GIGS

Cover everything in glitter is my life's motto - that includes food too! I'm just like a magpie who's attracted to anything that's shiny, so I make sure it always surrounds me in my beauty products, clothes, and of course diys.

I've spent many nights at gigs, I can't even remember how many it's been. Many memories have been made singing along to my favourite songs performed by artists I adore. It's the best way to escape the world when it's just me, them and the music for a few hours.

H IS FOR HALSEY + HAPPY MAIL

As soon as I discovered Halsey, I became obsessed. I love that her music is conceptual and her songs are something I could never get bored of, even if I have literally listened to them a thousand times before. Her live shows are at the top of my list too.

Sending and receiving happy mail is the most heartwarming thing! Packing a handwritten letter full of lovely memories, quotes and stories are what I enjoy making for those who are most special to me.

I IS FOR ITALY

There is one place at the top of my wanderlust list and that's Italy. Like the theme with most of the points here, food is very important to me. Imagine the fresh pizza, pasta and gelato every day. The architecture looks breathtaking, such as the Florence Cathedral. The coast of Lake Como would make a beautiful view, especially at night.

J IS FOR JOURNALING

I'm not sure if I should be allowed to use journaling just yet as I haven't actually started... unless you count my online journal. I want to start journaling to be able to keep track of feelings, events and hold onto memories in a creative way.

K IS FOR KNOWLEDGE

I could never say that I've finished learning. I'm constantly looking out for ways to increase my knowledge and skillset. As soon as I find something that interests me, I'll be online searching articles and watching videos to soak up as much as possible.

.@helloaycan is sharing an A-Z all about her!

L IS FOR LISTS + LAUGHTER

How can someone not enjoy making lists? They'd be missing out on the satisfaction of crossing an item off and feeling accomplished. I make lists to help in all situations; organising daily activities, books to read, monthly goals, shows to watch etc.

Laughter is the best medicine and I completely understand why. Laughing is a release that needs to happen for me at least once a day. One of those good laughs though, that makes your insides hurt.

M IS FOR MEXICAN FOOD

Mexican food is my favourite cuisine. It's where I navigate towards when I'm eating out, and also what I enjoy cooking at home. Fresh salsa, black bean dip with tortilla chips to start. I love too many main dishes to even name, but you can't go wrong with a classic cheese and bean quesadilla or taco bowl. Let's not forget the churros too! One day I'll visit Mexico and experience the food in its natural environment.

N IS FOR NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY

NTU is where I studied and achieved my degree in fashion design back in 2013. It was the first time I lived alone and had to look after myself, which was the biggest learning experience I could have ever asked for. Spending three years focusing on and learning about all aspects of fashion design was a dream of mine for many years, and I was even luckier to have met lifelong friends too.

O IS FOR ORGANISATION

I am the ultimate organisation Queen. I'm talking both objects and people - don't confuse that with being bossy though. I have to be practical and logical with both time and abilities, so organising a group of people to get a job done in an orderly fashion is what I can do. Organising a room is my idea of a fun day. Making sure that everything not only has a logical place, but is labelled (if needed), and also looks aesthetically pleasing. Sadly, I'm not so great at organising my time well, but I'm working very hard on that.

letterboard flatlay

P IS FOR PASTELS, PINK, + PEACHPUFF

This letter is very colour based! As I'm sure you can tell from my blog, I adore pastels, especially pink. I have always been this way, and I doubt I'm ever going to change. This theme runs across everything including my fashion choices, and how I decorate my surroundings. My heart is instantly warmed when it sees something pastel.

Peachpuff is not only the name of a colour, but it's also the name of my new and of course, exciting business. If you enjoy my content and the themes around it, you're going to fall in love with Peachpuff Studios too. It's all very behind the scenes at the moment, but give my Instagram a follow where I'll be updating on everything soon.

Q IS FOR QUOTES

I live and breath for quotes. They help me articulate what I want to say or how I feel in the best way, and can always inspire or motivate me too. I have a Pinterest board dedicated to my favourite words, and if I'm reading a book and discover a phrase I connect with, I'll jot that down too. A bucketlist item of mine is to write down 100 of my favourite quotes, which I'd illustrate and make look beautiful.

R IS FOR RELAXATION

This is something you wouldn't have seen on an A-Z of me about 2 years ago. It's taken me a while to realise that I deserve breaks and time to relax. Things I love to do include reading, watching movies, taking photographs, eating good food, and shopping. I may even treat myself to a pamper night with a face mask and a bubble bath. Sometimes, it's actually nice doing absolutely nothing.

S IS FOR SEWING + SUNSHINE

Sewing is a skill I'm most confident with. I have been sewing since I was a young child, firstly making cross-stitch and as I got a little older, using a sewing machine. I have lost count with the number of products I have made, but my favourite kind to make is home decors, - cushions, pillows, wall hangings. My next project is making my own pair of curtains.

I live for the sunshine. Mornings when you wake up and the sun is peeking through your curtains; I know it's going to be a great day. Being able to wear cute outfits and sandals which aren't hidden by thick tights and a coat, and eating your body weight in cold fresh fruits, smoothies and ice-cream. I feel more productive and my work ethic is the best it can ever be.

T IS FOR TURKISH CYPRIOT

You may have been wondering where my name had originated from and it is Turkish as I am Turkish Cypriot. I have only been to Cyprus twice, and my favourite thing was definitely the food. I absolutely love the Meze; bread dipped in hummus and cacik (tzatziki) is all I need in life.

U IS FOR UNDERSTANDING

I definitely perceive myself as an understanding and compassionate person. I try and assume the best in people, no matter how they're acting towards me, and being mindful on what may be the true reason for their frame of mind. If someone is in need, I will always try my very hardest to give an empathic helping hand. It does mean I forgive people too easily, but I'm also strong in the fact that I won't forget how someone has made me feel, and I would never let anyone treat me badly time after time.

journal styled flatlay

V IS FOR VEGETERIANISM + VIRGO

I have been a vegetarian for 10 years now, which is crazy as a big part of me didn't think I'd last even a month! I was inspired by a lot of different factors, but a few of the main ones were that I wasn't happy with the amount of meat I was consuming, and it made me feel awful after every meal. I had seen videos of how animals were slaughtered, and I really didn't want to be a part of that industry. I'm so happy that I have stuck to it as it's allowed me to really think about what I put into my body and also, create some delicious foods.

Born 22nd of September means I am a Virgo. Some of the characteristics are analytical, responsible, hardworking and creative; all of which I agree with. Some of the worst characteristics are remembering everything, being overly critical, and a perfectionist; again I have to agree with all of those.

W IS FOR WEMBLEY ARENA + WAFFLES

Wembley Arena was the first place I saw a concert. I was 13 years old, and I went to see Blue - I was obsessed. I remember having every single piece of merchandise possible. I would stick their pictures in my school planner, and I honestly thought all my Christmas' and birthdays' had come at once when I managed to persuade my parents to take me. I was sitting way back and I could barely see them, but I still managed to sing, dance, and wave my glow stick around having the best time ever.

Aren't waffles just the tastiest of all foods? And since getting my waffle machine, even savoury waffles are also on the menu. (Grate a little courgette in with the batter, and then you can thank me later). They are so versatile too. Breakfast waffles with fresh fruit, or vegan waffles and chicken is my go-to vegan meal when I eat at The Diner. But the most loved is waffles for dessert! I love them crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle, with a little cinnamon too. You've obviously got to top it with as much as possible like ice-cream, sauces, syrups, and nuts.

X IS FOR XOXO

We are very limited with X as (luckily) I've never had an x-ray, so xoxo it is. It's a very cute term too, plus who doesn't like hugs and kisses?

Y IS FOR YOUNG ADULT BOOKS

Reading and writing have always been a struggle for me, so the last thing you'd catch me doing is reading a book. I would get frustrated trying to understand what's going on, and what seemed like an enjoyable experience was somewhat absolutely hell for me. After I started my blog, I wanted to be able to put out the best content I possibly could, despite the difficulty I was having trying to get across what I wanted to say in a well and constructed manner. So that's when I started to read books and fell in love with young adult books in particular. There's nothing better than getting lost in another's world. My favourite books would have to be I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson, and All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven.

Z IS FOR ZZZZZZZZZZZ

Catching those zzzz's. Maybe it's because we are in winter, but my bed and I have a stronger bond than ever. There's something about snoozing your alarm and getting an extra 15 minutes wrapped around a duvet which enhances the rest of the day. Though I've got to admit, I apparently have a strange sleeping situation going on. Even when it's cold out, I love sleeping with the window wide open - You'll always have a cold side of the pillow to roll onto during the night, and it just makes everything seem so cosy. Who is with me on this one?

Let me know in the comments below if you can relate with me on any of these points. I would love it if you gave this tag a try, and make sure you share it with me too!