NOTD Natural Collection Antique Coral

Natural Collection available at Boots

At the moment I have to say that I am really loving Coral nails, however it has to be the orangey coral rather than the pinky coral and this is why Natural Collection Antique Coral is perfect for me! The colour pay off of this product is lovely and opaque after two coats or so (depending on how thick you apply one coat) and its staying power is definitely no less than five days! Application is quite smooth, however as expected the brush isn't anything special but it does the job just fine. For the price you are onto a winner!

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - The Original

Product bought from Debenhams

Without a doubt this is definite cult product. Elizabeth Arden is one of those muti-purpose items that just doesn't fail you no matter what. For quite sometime I was suffering from dry lips and skin at the corners of my lips and finally caved in and bought some of this to tackle the problem after my beloved Vaseline just was not working anymore. Of course it worked a treat and I just have to write my happiness and thoughts into a review post - even though there are no doubt tons and tons of these already out there on the internet and in the blogging community.

I want to talk about the consistency and what the actual product looks like. I have to say when I first used this product I was little bit grossed out because it reminded me of ear wax with both its look and consistency. Of course with that thought in my mind I wasn't that excited about putting on it my lips but I perceived and I am so glad that I did because the results really are worth it! I tend to apply this over night and leave it on my lips - usually no more than a little squeeze (I used my little finger to apply it as the smallest amount of this product really does go a long way, especially when you only need to cover a small area such as the lips). The cream is golden yellow toned and is thick in consistency - quite sticky too but not in way that you are left with a horrible residue look or feeling. Every morning after application my lips look as good as new - I usually apply it one or twice a week because if I keep up with Vaseline applications throughout the days in between I am perfectly okay.

A quick tip to avoid foundation lips also is to apply this when you are applying your foundation swipe a small amount of this over your lips and if any foundation makes its way to your lips it can easily be wiped away with a cotton bud. Not only are you avoiding what I think is a horrible look but also moisturising and prepping your lips for you lip product application.

Without a doubt this is worth the money that you pay for it and I know now that this is a product that I cannot be without! Definitely check it out if you are a Elizabeth Arden virgin - it really will make you think how did you manage without it before.

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Mascara Review

Product available at Boots and Superdrug 

Before I start writing I just want to make it known that I am quite the mascara hoarder. I am always on the look out for a better mascara and constantly find myself being let down or wanting to buy more and more until I find my perfect product. Unfortunately I have to say that this product fits into the first category.

I had high hopes for Scandal Eyes. I surprisingly loved the packaging and brush, I'd heard great things about it but just wasn't impressed. Firstly, I found that whilst the brush was pretty great the watery consistency of the product didn't let it reach it's full potential. Once this mascara has dried out a little I'm sure my impressions of it would have been more positive but together the forumla and brush, for me, just did not work well. For some reason my lashes just would not lift with application and often began to stick together into clumps, rather than look naturally thicker and more voluminous. Also, the product often took a long time to dry which meant that 9 times out of 10 it transferred onto my upper eyelids.

I don't like giving negative reviews and rarely ever do so but I just don't see the hype of this product at all (of course this may be different for you). The best thing about this product has to be the brush. Maybe I'll feel differently if I go back to this product in one months time and the formula has dried out a little, who knows, but as of now it's a huge thumbs down from me - unfortunately!

*I go on holiday tomorrow and won't be back to posting until after 16th of September! Apologies for this - hope some of you stick around!* 

NOTD Barry M Peach Melba

Barry M polishes available at Boots and Superdrug

 
A super summery colours Barry M's Peach Melba is my nail polish love of the moment. The colour is a gorgeous pastel peach and makes your hands look that little bit more tanned than usual. To achieve an opaque colour I would suggest two coats and a good top coat for the polish to last a good week without chipping. I can't wait to see how this looks with a tan (only three days until my holiday, yay!)

the denim jacket.

denim jacket: moto at topshop  top: topshop  skirt: asos  tights: primark  bag: forever 21    

Honestly thought I wasn't going to get a post up today... I've been really busy today trying to figure things I'm taking on holiday and starting my packing. I know this week its going to be hectic considering I need to get ready for uni which is gonna be starting up again soon, I'm going on holiday at the end of the week and I need to see my cousin before she heads off to embark on her first year at uni. 

 

I didn't really dress in anything special today, just something that made me look a little bit respectable. The weather was rather gloomy today, but then again we are on the cusp of autumn. Autumn is usually my favourite season - even more so because it means my birthday is right around to corner. Just a little over two months until I turn 21, eeek! I hear it's all downhill from here! 

 

 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in Shade 52 Vanilla

Bourjois can be found in Boots and Superdrug

This most likely isn't the first review of the infamous Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation that you have set your eyes upon and read. This product is near enough a cult item amongst the beauty blogging community. It has so many fans, perhaps this is down to it being claimed as a dupe to Chanel Vitalumiere - they are made by the same company so perhaps this is true! However as a student I can't afford the Chanel foundation so am unable to give a comparison but here is what I thought of Healthy Mix! 

Firstly I'll start off explaining my skin type for everyone just for reference. I am quite dry/normal skin on my cheeks, sides of my forehead/temples, jawline. Sometimes I can go oily on my chin, other times not. The end of my nose and middle of my forehead (think in between eyebrows) can sometimes get oily too (although at the moment it is dry). The oilest part of my face is the end of my nose, just in the center.

I picked up shade 52 Vanilla which sometimes I find too dark for me, but I am unsure how shade 51 would look on my skin. I think I may be a mixture of both these shades but have yet to test this thought out. If I buff shade 52 Vanilla into my skin for long enough it looks perfectly okay. To do this I use a Real Techniques Buffing Brush.

What I like about this foundation is that it really does make the skin look great. I think it gives more of satin finish rather a dewy - you look smooth, healthy without looking entirely glowing or totally matte. Basically it still leaves a shine to the skin without looking or being oily. Application of the product is always smooth. I find that it doesn't cling to dry parts of my skin and sits against the skin creating and achieving a lovely base. It really is a joy to blend! Coverage wise I would say it is medium but definitely buildable. It's not entirely heavy on the face but neither is it light. It never looks cakey but gives the perfect amount of coverage needed.

The claims of it wearing for 16 hours I don't think are strictly true - maybe 8 to 10 hours - but then again depending on skin type this could be different for everyone. I wore this during my internship where I was leaving the house at 7:30am and not returning until at least 7:30pm at the night. The only aspect of my face that looked anywhere unnatural were the end of my nose and chin. With blotting (I used toilet tissue split in half for this) I eradicated this easily without losing too much product that I looked patchy. The wear is definitely one of the better foundations I have used.

For many the packaging isn't that great as it is plastic - for me however this isn't a problem. The pump is great as you control the amount of product being used (no one likes to waste, lets face it!) and I like how you can see how much product you have left as you use the foundation with the bottom of the packing following the product as it goes. It's really easy to keep clean too!

If you hate products that hold a fragrance then I wouldn't recommend this to you. Whilst the fragrance isn't too over powering (I rarely notice it) it could aggravate those of you who it doesn't appeal too - both in scent and in what it could do to your skin. However I wouldn't say that this is too much of negative to rule the product out completely.

Overall this foundation (baring in mind it is drugstore) is great! It works amazingly on the skin - it's moisturising, not at all drying. The coverage is great, as I said it never appears patchy on the skin, nor is it too thick. If you get the chance to pick this up, I for one wouldn't pass it up and can't think of a single reason why you should either!

Andrew Barton 'Frizz Tamer' Range: Shampoo and Mask

Andrew Barton 'The Frizz Tamer' Salon Smooth Shampoo £4.00(*)
Andrew Barton 'The Frizz Tamer' Tame It Mask £4.00(*)

Andrew Barton to me is a name synonymous with hair care and products. I have only ever heard and found great things about his products, so when I was offered to try some of his Frizz Tamer range that is exclusive to Asda I knew that I couldn't pass it up. 

I have most impossible hair in the world. Not only is it ridiculously thick, wavy and course but the majority of it is damaged from constant straightening that took place whilst in my early teen years. Therefore I'm always on the lookout for products that can give me a sleeker look without having to constantly apply heat with straightening (as this can only make my already naturally frizzy thickness worse in the long run). It is always a bonus if these products give intense condition without adding weight to my hair. In my opinion there is nothing worse than treating your hair to achieve sleek look only to have it feel greasy and oily straight because the products used are so heavy.

Straight away I fell in love with these products because they achieved a smoother feel and look to my hair without making it appear weighed down with product. 'The Frizz Tamer' shampoo kicked off the process incredibly well. A little really does go a long way with this product. Unlike most shampoos it didn't feel too creamy but thick enough so that it did a good job in leaving my hair squeaky cleaning (literally), fresh and free from any unnecessary product build-up. As a shampoo goes I would definitely repurchase this with my own money without a second thought.

The product that I really wanted to try was 'The Frizz Tamer' Mask. Conditioning for me is definitely the most important part of the process in taking care of your hair. I like something that I can place onto my head, leave and then wash away with the knowledge that my hair will look in incredible condition after such an easy process. I followed the instructions on the back and applied an almond size amount of this product onto the length and ends of my hair to give a deeper condition to my hair than usual and left for three minutes. Personally what I looked for in a good conditioning mask is something that is of fairly thick consistency that can stay on my hair without slipping and dripping off. Whilst this product was thick, it's staying power wasn't the best - however a way in which to eradicate this is to make sure that the majority of the water used to wash away your previous shampooing process is gone. Once I did, I found that this product stayed put for a lot longer. Regardless of this tiny negative the end results were great. My hair felt a lot smoother than it does after a normal conditioning process and looked a lot sleeker and healthier - it's definitely worth a try just to give your hair that little extra something.

I adore about these products has to be the smell - it's warm and lovely spicy scent! I can't stop smelling my hair! I even tweeted about it!

Another thing I want to note is that I allowed my hair to dry naturally after using these products. I gave my hair a light brush through and noticed that at the end of a drying process my hair was so much smoother than usual. More importantly I want to say it was much more manageable - kinks that are usually and naturally visible in my hair weren't present as much in an messy but in more of a sleeker, healthier way. My hair felt a lot less weight down too!

My overall opinion is that I would definitely recommend this product. Whilst I think results would be better on those with finer hair, those with naturally thicker hair shouldn't turn a blind eye to this collection. The products are great value for money, at £4 you get a lot for you pennies as they come in fairly large quantites. I can definitely see myself turning to more of Andrew Barton's range in the future once more - to be honest I don't even know why I stopped using his products in the first place!

checkered check.

top: topshop (old)  skirt: asos   tights: primark rings: gift, asos   

Today's outfit features one o those shirts that I have finally managed to get back into. I was routing through my wardrobe and came across it and tried it on... I was so happy when I could button it up again. I don't really talk about weight loss on my blog because I find it really personal, for me weight is probably my biggest insecurity so when I wear an item of clothing I haven't picked up and thrown on since 2008-ish you can only imagine how I felt! Of course that makes the item incredibly old but I'm sure (no, I know) that you can find something like this in Topshop still to this day. Checked shirts are always everywhere on the high street no matter what season, no matter what year! 

I haven't been up to much today, just focusing on catching up on some TV and burying my head in my Highway Code book. I'm making the most of home comforts before I go on holiday in two weeks... And then back to Uni for my final year. I cannot believe how quick it has come around - literally feels like yesterday that I was starting my course. It's kinda scary how fast the time has gone! Also looking forward to a girly night out this weekend, it's been a while since I have gotten properly dressed up and gone out dancing! Cant wait! 

NOTD Barry M Blueberry I/C

Barry M polishes available at Boots and Superdrug

At the moment I am really into bright coloured nails and find that Blueberry Ice Cream is such a lovely colour whether tanned or pale. As a brand Barry M is incredible - especially when you take into account the RRP. The colours boasted by this brand are so vibrant and I love that. Also they are so long lasting - up to 7 days worth of wear if you use a good top coat. 

This colour to me says Summer and whilst we haven't had the best one in the U.K I'm in preparation for my holiday in early September - I guess I'm just jumping the gun and can't wait!!! If you haven't checked out this colour yet then I definitely recommend that you do - it's one that I wouldn't be without now!

simplistic.

top: topshop
jeans: dorothy perkins rings: asos, h&m   

I didn't have much planned for today other than getting the odd thing ready for my holiday in two weeks time. I've made a little list of things that I need to get done before then because I do not want to forget a single thing - that's always my worst nightmare! To be honest I can't wait to go on holiday with my best friend and just have some fun before we both embark on our third years at university.  It's nice to be productive once more. Last week I was in such a funk and everything just went completely belly up over the passed couple of days. Hopefully I'm back on the straight and narrow now and can get back into the swing of things. 

Obviously this lack of having things to do reflects in my outfit. This shirt was something I bought in the Topshop sale and I have to say it isn't my favourite thing I own but I cannot let is sit at the back of my wardobe - such a waste of money and I hate doing that! Jealous of everyone who went to V Festival over the weekend - then again the weather wasn't the best! Guess there can be a positive in a negative. 

fitness friday: eat breakfast

What's for breakfast? Nothing? Really? Are you sure? Why's that? You're on a diet? Ohhhh. That's fine.

Wrong. So, so, so wrong! However this is how most people when on a "diet" think. Yet, there is ample evidence that the simple act of eating breakfast - every single morning - is a big part of losing weight. Just because "dieting" is most about cutting calories and moving more this doesn't mean skipping meals is the way to. If you are doing this, by mid-morning you are likely to be starving and therefore, more likely to enter the area of mindless nibbling, binging come lunch time and dinner and in turn setting yourself up for failure.

Breakfast provides you with energy needed to make it through the day and keep your body at the top of its game. Obviously the body gets energy it needs from the fuel that you put into it. After a night's sleep you need to replace glycogen, which provides energy to your body. Starting a day with breakfast affects your energy level for the whole day. You will be more physically active as you have refueled with energy after the "sleep fast" and therefore more likely to be active leading to the more calories will be burnt.

As previously said eating a healthy breakfast means you won't be as hungry during the day - therefore less likely to snack and essentially "over eat". When eating in the morning your bodies blood sugar remains level, but if you skip meals your body responds with an increased insulin response - so that when you do eat you are more likely to sore the calories as fat. A big breakfast makes you less likely to snack and risk the choice of a high fat snack option in your rush of curbing those starving hunger pains. Breakfast that include high fiber options help you stay fuller for longer - so choose your breakfast wisely. I always tend to pick Porridge Oats which are a slow releasing carb, sometimes with blueberries or a chopped banana on top.

In short reaching for breakfast in the morning is better for you in the long run than missing it. You will kick start you metabolism, refuel your body giving in the energy needed to start the day in and good way and make those pesky pounds go and stay away for good. 

NOTD Models Own Grace Green

Models Own is available at Boots  

Models Own - Grace Green is a shade that I always find myself going back to time and time again. I bought this a long time ago with a couple of other shades for the sole purpose to wear during autumn months. However I have found that this shade is definitely one that can be carried throughout any month. I have to say it looks lovely against pale or tanned skin - just what I like to see from a nail polish! 

 

Grace Green is a gorgeous dusty shade of green that also looks grey and khaki in different lights. The formula like a lot of Models Own nail polishes is on the thicker side and allows you to be lenient on the amount of coats you have to apply to achieve an opaque, strong colour. The above photo is showcasing two coats, but I have been known to only use one and still achieve a brilliant colour. I absolutely love this shade and know that it is definitely going to be a strong favourite of mine in the months to come!

currently coveting #2

tunic top // trousers // dress // boots // bag 

It seems to me that I just can't help myself when it comes to browsing websites when I'm on a "spending ban", so here I am again with another 'currently coveting' post!

Zara, both accessory and clothing wise, is really getting to me. They have been bang on with every single thing in their store and online website lately and slowly it's getting to me. Like near enough every blogger out there I caved in and bought the greige bag with rose gold hardware which got me many compliments in the office during my work experience. This studded bag is screaming out to me so much - I know its something that I would use time and time again without it being boring. Sigh. 

Now it's just a case of will power - will I cave in and buy or stay strong and let my bank balance thank me later.

real techniques blush brush

real techniques available at boots
No doubt that you have already seen tons of reviews regarding this or any of the other real techniques' brushes for that matter - and rightly so! There is no doubt about it, these brushes are amazing. Ever since I first purchased the core collection I haven't looked back and don't intend to either, in my eyes no other brand comes close.

There are many positives when it comes to the real techniques brushes designed by makeup artist and youtube guru Sam Chapman - firstly it has to be how soft these brushes are. They are possibly the softest brushes that I have ever used. Another point is that they are so easy to wash and they hold their shape and apply makeup like a dream. For the price you pay (they are a little bit on the pricey side especially for me - student income and all that) but you really do get your monies worth.

Slowly but surely I am building up a little real techniques kit of my very own and I am extremely excited about that (maybe a lot more than I should be - sorry for being a tab bit materalistic here) but for those of you reading this who haven't grabbed at these brushes in your local Boots, I would definitely check them out as soon as you can! For someone who isn't that great at applying makeup and lacks experience in that area these brushes changed my perception that makeup applying was a chore and made me enjoy making myself up. Real Techniques brushes really are the way forward! 

Olympic fever! GB nails tutorial.

Items needed:
- Bobby pin/Hair grip
- Base coat/top coat *I opted for Rimmel Superwear Topcoat*
- Red nail varnish *I opted for Rimmel 030 Double Decker Red*
- Blue nail varnish *I opted for Avon Speeddry+ Twilight Blue*
- White nail varnish *I opted for Rimmel Nail Tip Whitener*

Firstly before I get onto explaining the steps of this tutorial I just want to say that Olympic fever has definitely gripped and took a hold of me! I haven't moved from my television screen (okay slight exaggeration considering I've been to the gym and showered etc...) since the games started. I am completely hooked and so proud of Team GB!

Throughout the games I have noticed that a lot of athletes have been sporting nail looks that feature their flag/flag colours and I decided that I wanted to achieve the same look. Of course there are nail foils that are going around with the GB flag on but considering I don't have enough patience for those to come in the post I decided to give it a go myself. Granted my Team GB flag isn't that neat but these nails took me fifteen minutes tops and I am really pleased with the end product!

Anyway on with the process! (Just to pre-warn you I'm not the best at explaining stuff sometimes! Sorry!)

#1. I painted my base coat and base colour to each of my nails. Of course you can choose any other colour (preferably something on the flag to keep it tied together) for your other fingers but keep the ring finger as the base flag to achieve the same look (hence the blue for Team GB).

#2. Once the bast colour coat has dried, take your white and follow the white of the Great British flag to achieve the second to first colour prominant on the flag. If need be have a picture of the flag close by and copy the image as best as you can.

#3. Again, once this has dried, take your bobby pin and coat one end of the clip with the next colour polish needed (in this case red). The reason I used a hair grip/bobby pin here was because I needed to achieve a thin line of red to allow there to be a peek of white still visible on the nails. Paine and wait to dry.

#4. Once all the nails are fully dried apply a topcoat to allow wear of the nails to last longer and enjoy the games!

Go Team GB!!!

fitness friday: its not always about the scales

picture courtsey of weheartit

I'm not gonna lie seeing the number going down on the scales has to be one of the best feelings known to man when you're on a health kick. After all most people venture out into the area of "diet" and "weight loss" wanting to lose weight and this is what the scales show - therefore it is easy to "befriend" them. However, the scale may not always be the friend that you think it is when it comes to the tracking of your progress. In fact the scales are better at helping you in the maintaining stage if anything. Today's post is going to show you why weight loss isn't always about the scales with the following:

Body Composition: Whilst the amount of weight that you carry is important, what is even more important is the amount of muscle you have. Muscle takes up less space than fat, making you look slimmer, more toned and it's more metabolically active (the more muscle you have the more fat you burn). When you exercise you gain muscle, raise your metabolism and lose fat - but the fat loss won't show up on the scales. Where it will show up in measurements, how clothes fit and how your body looks. All this can happen without the scale moving.



Changes on the Inside: What happens on the inside may not neccessarily interests you (after all people will only see what the outside product looks like) however what happens on the inside definitely effects the outer shell. Exercise teaches your body how to release more fat-burning molecules. The fitter you are, the more fat you burn (a cycle which repeats) and the leaner you look - again this is something that won't show itself on the scales.

More Strength and Endurance: Regular exercise is important, there's no doubt about it. It keeps our organs in working order as well as us a little trimmer. If you exercise regularly, you’ll be able to do more and more each time. Whilst you may start out exercising for a few minutes at a time or lifting light weights but, after a few workouts, your body adapts, allowing you to lift heavier and go longer. That strength and endurance means you’re making progress, but if the scale isn’t moving, you may not pay attention to how fit you’re getting (even though this can be considered key in the long term regarding weight and maintain).

Weight is just one aspect on a wheel of many different aspects. In many cases it's not even the most important factor. However for many the number on the scale is the determining factor in whether or not success or failure has occurred.What I'm trying to say is as humans it's easy to be hard on ourselves - yes, having your weight at a certain number might be nice, but the scale can't tell you how fit you are, how much muscle you have etc... Your scale doesn't give you the motivation to push through another 1km on the treadmill, or lift that extra kg in weight. Relying on the scale may even make you feel that those above things mentioned, those milestones, aren't as important as they are. It may make your think that any progress created in other areas is a waste of time when in fact each baby step created elsewhere has helped and made you burn those extra few calories, get that little bit stronger and more importantly protect your body from diseases and make you more fit than you were before.

Like age, weight is just a number. Don't let it tie you down. Don't let it control you.

Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Moisturiser For Dry Skin Review

nivea rich nourishing body moisturiser for dry skin £1.78 at boots
Body moisturising is definitely the weakest part of my beauty regime's that I keep up. I find the whole process of applying lotions and potions to my entire body boring, annoying etc... Basically it's something that if I can skip, I will. However, I don't exactly have the skin that can be skipped. Both my arms and legs have incredibly dry skin (a type of Keratosis pilaris) - the type that looks like constant goosebumps. Therefore skipping on moisturising really isn't and shouldn't be an option.


Recently I wanted to change the way I thought about my skin. Since I have turned twenty and my youth is slowly deteriorating I have decided that I need to take care of skin, that and I also wanted to try some fake tan. So, my moisturising regime that was previously non-existent changed over night.
I'll admit that this purchase was courtesy of my Mother, whom I asked to pick me up a random lotion when she was out doing the family weekly shop. I have to say however that this random, purchase whim, is definitely going to become a regular occurance.

Considering there are a lot of them, I am definitely going to start with the positives of this product. From the cheap price tag I wasn't expecting a lot, then again Nivea and their skincare are quite known to be considered better than other's on the high street. The formulation and consistency of this product was definitely going to be a deal breaker for me. Expecting something thin and almost watery-like (again from the cheap price tag) I was surprised to find that the product has a rich formula that truly does deeply moisturise your body and gives it a healthy glow. It reminded me a lot of suncream and whilst this may not appeal to many of you I liked this aspect of the product. It was soothing and glided onto the skin with ease.

The length of moisture in the product was excellent. It kept my skin smooth and hydrated from application and the morning after I noticed a difference in the finish, nourishment and softness of my skin.

Whilst I love this product there is one negative and this has to be the absorption time of the product into the skin. Unlike previous moisturisers that I have used this product doesn't absorb into your skin very quick, it takes about 30 seconds to a minute for it to completely absorb into your skin. This can get annoyed as the product changes to a film-esc feel over the skin until completely absorbed. However it is something that I can definitely live with as I tend to apply my moisturiser before bed.

fitness friday: taking some you time.

picture courtesy of weheartit

During my experience of "dieting" and changing my lifestyle, I have found that you can get a little wrapped up in the whole thing. Stressing about numbers, clothes, inch loss or lack of. It's fair to say that sometimes it can all become a little too much for one person to take. It then becomes a viscous cycle - thinking constantly about why the weight isn't falling off as quickly as it piles on. Well, it has been suggested that all this worry, endless thinking and constant stressing is one of the reason why those thighs aren't shrinking.

Stress. We have all suffered from it in one stage of our life or another. Whether it's university work, paying bills, children; everyone understands and knows the feeling where everything around them is bubbling under the surface and close to exploding. When you feel like you are doing everything right but everything is going wrong, it can be hard. So my advice is to take a step back, and take some you time.

Before you start blaming yourself, ramping up the treadmill a notch higher or cutting out another one of those food groups; relax.

It's no secret that stress isn't healthy for you, or your blood pressure. Now, growing evidence has shown that stress makes you gain pounds and is more often than not partly responsible for that excess muffin top finding its way over the top of your favourite Topshop jeans. Good news is like everything else, there is a way to combat it with the right calming techniques, diet and exercise.

Take some you time
Take yourself out of the situation and focus on something else. By taking some time for you, your mind will be else where. Maybe on what colour nail varnish you want on your toes during the pedicure that you are treating yourself with/to.

Slow your breathing
Can't slow your life down then try your breathing instead? Five deep, long breaths in 30 seconds will calm your down and reduce stress levels fast. As your breathing patterns show how stressed you are, try and remove yourself from the situation or sit quietly and count how many breaths you take in a minute (more than fifteen and you are probably worked up). Practice slowing your breathing a few minutes daily until you can take ten long, slow breaths in one minute. You will feel calm, collected and rebalanced as more oxygen enters your bodily system.

Keep it moving
Studies have shown that just ten minutes acitivity - especially outside - can reduce the levels of cortisol in the body. Exercise is natural anti-depressant. Next time you fancy eating your feelings, try a quick walk or run. It may not solve the problem entirely but for that moment you are else where, feeling happier (post exercise high) and feel like you can cope for the next couple of hours.

Tip:
- Look out for certain foods: 
          - Celery: Celery contains relaxing compounds that help inhibit the release of stress hormones into the blood stream.
          - Walnuts: Walnuts contain a natural anti-depressant called uridine. A small handful could keep your blood sugar stable. 

currently coveting #1

aztec coat, peplum top, khaki jacket, khaki boots, tweed-esc jacket, sandal heels, mink bag

Of course it's sod's law that when you are on a spending ban you find a ton of things that you really, really want. Whilst I was browsing a couple of websites, namely topshop, river island and miss selfridge this is exactly what happened to me.

From looking at what I'm "currently coveting" you wouldn't think that it was summer. Near enough ever single thing I like screams autumn/winter - maybe I'm mirroring the awful weather we have in UK at the moment (no maybe about it really!).

My biggest loves featured have to be the mink bag and the army jacket with the leather-look sleeves. Sigh, if only money was infinite huh?!

I Got Stripes.

blouse: asos
jeans: dorothy perkins
rings: h&m and primark

nails: antique coral - natural collection  

Again another simple outfit, blouse and jeans. I'm loving this combination because like I said last time you can look put together without having to put a great deal of effort in. Of course that makes me sound considerably lazy, but when I'm having to get up early in the morning to fit in workouts sometimes making myself look pretty isn't at the top of my list (really the only thoughts that are crossing my mind are that I just want to take a long bath/have a refreshing shower and eat some good food for breakfast and refuel).

Therefore it's more than likely going to be a slow week on the blog this week. I haven't really bought anything new for me to review (watching my pennies considering I'm going on holiday in Sept!) and sometimes putting together outfit posts takes a lot longer than I can find time for in my day, especially with the awful weather we have been having lately (lighting is such an issue - even in the daytime!). Hopefully you guys will bare with me and enjoy the posts that I do put together and publish and wait for my mojo to return! 

P.S. excuse the no makeup (eek! Red skin galore!)

week in pics #22

#1. Barry M - Red Black, #2. Brushing up on my driving, #3. Hot bath + bath salts = goodbye muscle ache from running, #4. Another driving book, #5. Snacks, #6. French Mani, #7. Soup, #8. Dinner, #9. Treat, #10. Volvic challenge, #11. Highway code, #12. Catching up on one of my fave youtubers/bloggers, #13. c25k training, #14. Yummy!, #15. Obssessed with Bejeweled Blitz (no life), #16. Food diary 1, #17. Food diary stuffs, #18. Natural Collections' - Antique Coral, #19. c25k, #20. Breakfast, #20. Loving this series from Gemma at gemsmaquillage, #21, 22, 23. Food, food and more food!, #24. WW, #25. New high score, #26. c2k training for the week complete!, #27. porridge, #28. SLTAT, #29. Lunch, #30. Weight/toning training plan, #31. Another new high score, #32. Primark goodies, #33. Tackling my new crosstrainer!

fitness friday: food diary roundup #1

*Before I start writing this week's diary roundup, I just want to point out that this is what I eat, what works for me etc... I am quite a fussy eater (haha!) and whilst some of this may not be considerably "healthy" it is what is working for me. For those of you who are unaware I follow the Weight Watchers programme.*


I went into this week with a positive outlook. Monday wasn't that much of a struggle food wise and I honestly believe that this is definitely down to planning. One thing that I like about the Weight Watchers plan is that you can actually eat as long as you understand portion sizes are key to success and actually eating your points you're good to go! White carbs aren't really something that I like to eat but considering we didn't have any brown bread in the house at the time, I had to reach for some of dreaded white bread (I swear it's the devil in food form!). Dinner was my favourite of tuna, cheese and pasta, unfortunately before I had time to photograph it I had chomped up the entire bowlful. A lot of people think that in order to diet you have to step away from "fats" and "carbs", however I still reach for both of them (especially in my final meal of this Monday's food plan) and it's not doing me any harm. However, I have to note that the amount of cheese I use and what pasta I eat (always Wholemeal) significantly changes the "healthy" aspect of the two foods.

After a successful morning run, I probably didn't fuel my body in the best way that I could. In order to improve on this a slice of wholemeal toast would have most likely been greatly appreciated by my body. Once again the odd treat is fine, everything in moderation. For my lunch I threw a packet of two WW (weight watchers) cookies into the mix. They fill any sugar cravings and make you feel less deprived. You may notice that once again any "proper" veg is missing from my diet, I'm not a huge veg lover - I tend to reach for fruits as my five-a-day and have no more than four pieces per day (due to hidden sugars, that naturally are still better for you than sugars found in chocolate etc... but still nonetheless need to be monitored).

Breakfast was repetitive, but porridge is brilliant start for the body. Consisting of slow releasing carbohydrates, it definitely keeps me fuller for longer. I have to say that lunch was my favourite meal of Wednesday. Tuna (in spring water) is considerably low in points on WW and I find it very filling. My plate for lunch felt considerably balanced, protein, carbohydrates (both slow releasing with the wholemeal toast and a bit of rush with some WW Cheese puffs) and fibre (Apple's are incredible for this). As a mid-week pick me up, if you will, I managed to fit a "proper" dessert into my week and hate a mint ice cream (all within my daily points value). Job well done!

Whilst this wasn't the entire amount of food I consumed throughout the week, it gives you a little idea of where my diet is going. I'm choosing slow releasing carbs, lean proteins (tuna, cod, chicken) and minerals through fruits - whilst still having a treat along the way! So far these food choices have helped me lose 10lbs (not including the 23lbs that I lost beforehand).

Until next time, keep tracking and everything in moderation!

that shirt.

top: asos
jeans: dorothy perkins
nails: models own - grace green   I love outfits like this; one's that I can throw on and not put much effort into but still look put together. A lovely blouse and a good pair of black skinny jeans are definitely something that every girl should have in their wardrobe. I honestly never thought I would see the day where I became a jeans girl all over again. I went through a phase where I only wore leggings, tunics and cardigans - I even think some of that was documented on this very blog (eek!) but like everything style changes and moves on.

This blouse like I said when I first debuted it on this blog (read about that here) is a little out of my comfort zone. I say that it was a little garish but at the same time muted. If you let the shirt do the talking I think you can look effortlessly stylish and when thrown with my comfy black skinnies from Dotty P's in my eyes it does exactly that!