Healthy Habits

Since writing this post back in March about how I lost 8lbs I have actually managed to not only lose a further 4lbs and I have also managed to keep the weight off for the past 10 months!

My weight has fluxated 2-3lbs occassionally, but in general I have kept the weight off and I am so much happy with my current weight.

Today I wanted to write a post about a few healthy habits I have adapted over the past year in order to keep off the weight and lead a healthier* lifestyle. 

*I am not healthy by any standards, but in comparison to my previous lifestyle I am much healthier and these are a few changes I have made

- Weheartit - 

1) Be realistic
We all have tried or know people who have tried crazy diets, juice fasting and no carbs and then caved after the 4th day and ate everything in their entire fridge... I know I have.
Try not to set unrealistic goals, try to set lifestyle goals that you know you can stick to, if you know you can go your whole life living on no carbs then great for you, but instead try to maybe cut carbs once a week for example then after a few weeks maybe try it twice a week. If you are realistic you will more likely achieve your goals, failure always unmotivates people and you will more likely quit a lot sooner.

2) Dont drink your calories
This is something that I have been trying to do for years, in terms of soft drinks I only really ever drink water anyway, in the Summer I will indulge in a Frappicino here and there and in the Winter I am a sucker  for a peppermint hot chocolate but in general I only really drink water or herbal tea. I find that I only ever used to drink fizzy drinks if they were in my house, but since I have shopped for myself I never find myself buying them and therefore I never drink them..
Alcohol is a little bit more difficult. Obviously alcohol is not great for you for many reasons, but I do drink, I love wine, cocktails and tequila shots as much as any other 23 year old, but lately I have really tried to make better choices even with my bad choices, so instead of a large glass of wine I will opt for a flavoured vodka (vanilla or raspbberry are my favourite) with soda, or a glass of prosecco.

3) Eat a big breakfast
This one took me a long time to do, I'm never usually very hungry when I wake up and so I'll wait until lunch then I'll eat everything I see! So now I really try to make sure I eat within an hour of waking up, if I'm really not hungry then I'll just have a cereal bar or some fruit with cereal, but I generally try to get my calories in for breakfast, so I love bagels, eggs, beans, toast, yoghurt. I really try to fill myself up so I'm less likely to snack throughout the day. 

4) Sweat everyday
I use the term 'sweat' loosely, I know it's not realistic for everybody to do an hour of cardio everyday, but try to just do it as much as you can. For me I will do jumping jacks whilst the kettle boils, squats whilst the bread is in the toaster, a wall sit whilst brushing my teeth. Just these tiny things to get my heart rate up. Amongst those I have the app 'Seven' on my phone which is a quick 7 minute workout for when I have a bit of spare time. I try to do that twice a day. Just try to do exercise whenever you can and remember that even small bursts of exercise are better than nothing.

5) Find something you love
So not everybody loves a 5k to start the day the same way that not everybody loves swimming. There are so many different types of exercise that you can do, you just need to find what works for you. Do you love to work out alone or with a group? Indoors or outdoors? Try different things, tennis, spinning, Zumba, even pole dancing is a great exercise! Find something you love and stick at it!

6) Dont over do it
In January everybody will join the gym, they will go 7 days a week sometimes twice a day and then by February they are sick of it and wont go again for the rest of the year. It's so important to take breaks, don't over do anything. If you take up a class start with twice a week, then after a month maybe push it to 3. Listen to your body and make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. (Not just for that #GymSelfie)

7) Remember why you started
My ultimate goal has always been to be more comfortable within my body. I remind myself with scrolling through Fitspiration on Pintrest when I'm exhausted after a workout. This could be different for everybody, if you are doing it for more energy, to lose weight, to gain strength, always remind yourself why you are doing it and look forward. You will reach your goals if you are consistent.

I hope this helped some of you and I would love to know what you do to stay motivated!

Health and Fitness Ramble - 2016

Hi guys, it´s been a while since I´ve done a health and fitness post on here and what a better time to write one in January. If you´re anything like me you would have consumed way too much food, wine and Bailey´s throughout December and are probably feeling a little bit guilty right now. However, I decided at the beginning of winter that I would be quite vigilant with how much I do consume through the festive period. It can be so difficult to lose weight and so easy to put it all back on. 

Throughout 2015 I lost around a stone and managed to keep it off, it hasn´t been an easy process at all, but I feel so much better because of it. At the start of the year I was quite strict about my eating habits, being extra careful with portion sizes and only trying to put good things in my body, it took a lot of control and consistency. Towards the end of the year I have been a little bit more relaxed about my diet, I have however gained 1/2 pounds since the summer but I´m okay with that and will probably try to eat a little cleaner throughout 2016. 

My weight went from 9 stone 6 to now being a healthy 8 stone 8. I am 5"6 for those wondering. 

I was never overweight but I was unhealthy and very unhappy with my body. I am hoping for good things in the new year and will hopefully be doing one of these posts every month as well as sharing any recipes, apps, work outs etc. with you all. 

Image; Weheartit

Please let me know if there is anything you´d like to see, I´d also like to come up with a title for these kind of posts so any suggestions are welcome. 

Losing 8lbs!

Hello lovelies! 

Welcome back, I'm so sorry for my absence lately, I kind of explained a little about where I've been over on my other blog!

However, since I have been gone, I've lost 8 pounds!

Although my weight loss has been pretty quick, it has also been through consistency and some quite big lifestyle changes.

Firstly, back in November I started to make working out a regular thing, I was working a lot less than normal and my weight was creeping up, I had to do something about it, I started using the Nike Running App, and sometimes working out at home and others outdoors, aiming to do at least 10 miles a month, which I continued till January. On the days where I didn't run, I would do alternative work outs, some of my favorites being when I would drag my sister down to the river and we would do all kinds of work outs, from running up and down the steps, to star jumps to squats.

Although I noticed a change in the shape of my body, I wasn't really noticing any difference in my weight (which I know, muscle weighs more than fat but still...)

In February I realised in order to really notice a difference, my diet needed to change quite dramatically.

I was eating take out a lot and chocolate and wine amongst other things. I love unhealthy food and I don't think that will ever change, however, I tried to limit my intake of bad foods, if I was peckish I would choose to snack on fruit or yogurt. I made an effort to eat breakfast every day, even if I wasn't hungry I would force myself to eat something small, just so I wouldn't snack until lunch.

One huge difference in my diet has been swapping meat for fish, I'm probably eating fish 5 days a week now, as opposed to around 1 before. 

So although my diet has changed hugely, I have also taken on a job where I am basically running around for 90 hours a week, which I know has probably been a big contributor to my weight loss, and I had lost time for doing actual exercise anymore.

So this brings me to today, the weight has gone, so now I need to combine the two, what I was doing back in November and what I'm doing now if I want to get to a happy place with my body.

I've realised I went from a bad diet with lots of exercise to a good diet with not too much exercise (I'm active yes, but in terms of weight training and getting toned, I need some work).

I'm going to try my best to find time to work on my body as well as maintaining better eating habits and I will be sure to let you know how it goes!

Fitness Update | January

Oh January, here you are again, reminding us all of how another year has gone by and the fitness and health resolutions have to make another appearance. 

We all make them, and the majority of us will not stick to them.

I wanted to write a post today to tell you a few changes I've made lately and a few of my fitness goals for 2015. 

Exercise |

I try to do things that I enjoy when it comes to exercise, I've always been a fan of jogging and lately have been trying to do it as much as I can, even if I don't fancy going outside, I will put my Nike App on and jog on the spot. As long as I'm keeping my body moving I feel like it's better than nothing. It terms of jogging, I plan on doing at least 10 miles a month for the year, perfectly achievable. 

If I am at home I'm also trying to do fitness DVD's for half an hour of the day, just to keep myself moving.

This year I'm also trying to mix it up with classes, I want to maybe start playing badminton on a regular basis with my sister and maybe start doing boxing (I hear that's what the VS Models do!). I really want to keep as active as possible this year and make time for it, so hopefully by the summer I'm comfortable enough to get into a bikini!

Diet |

For me, diet is the hardest part. I love chocolate, crisps, cheesecake and wine far too much! As well as everything else bad for you, and I eat way too much of it on a daily basis.

I would never start a strict 'diet' just because I know I would never stick to it, but this year I definitely would like to try to cut down on the really bad snacks, and try to incorporate more fruit and vegetables into my diet. Also lately I am loving green tea more than ever, it has so many health benefits and I love trying all of the different flavors.

I'm good when it comes to water as I drink a hell of a lot of it, so mainly just need to work on portion control and cutting out a lot of sugar from my diet and we'll see how it goes from there.

I'm going to try to post these fitness updates monthly to share any progress and updates. I think it's a great way to track where I'm at.

I've always loved reading fitness blogs too, so if any of you are reading any at the moment feel free to tell me about them.

Thanks for reading!

Lush Spa - Kings Road

If you read my 21st birthday post you will have seen that for my birthday my lovely boyfriend treated me to a lovely massage at the Lush Spa. I've been a huge Lush fan for about 6 years now and had always looked at the Lush Spa but had never had the chance to, so of course when Chris sprung this onto me I was not only super excited but kinda nervous too as I'd never been to any kind of spa before.

Upon arriving the place was packed, I walk past this particular shop daily but have never actually been into this one so was quite surprised with how busy it was, once I'd given my name I was quickly swept away downstairs away from the hectic filled room upstairs and down to the spa. 

I was booked in for the Synaesthesia Massage, which is apparently supposed to use all of your senses, touch through the massage itself, sound through the music playing, see is the environment you're in, smell is the oils and taste is a yummy cup of tea when finished.

When I got into the spa I was taken to a kitchen like area and sat in front of a board with different words on it and the girl Holly asked me to write down which of the words I would like to feel, I choose 'Mind Cleansing', she then shown me some oils with other words on them and asked me to select one and I choose 'Focus - without Fear'. Then set up the room while I fresheners up in the huge bathroom, full of Lush soaps, perfumes, cleansers, toners, everything!

The room smelt gorgeous, it was quite small and filled with candle light and music, there was a shower in there which I didn't use but peeked in, to find loads of Lush Shower gels and other products.

Then on to the massage.

An hour and a half of pure heaven, starting with a face massage, hair massage then onto body, hot rocks, everything! I really was in heaven. I could have slept for days!

After the massage I freshener up whilst the lovely girl made me a cup of tea (using similar oils used as in the room) and gave me a massage bar and a bubble bar, one with each of the things I'd choose I wanted to feel earlier on.

Overall I had a truly brilliant experience. I am a huge Lush fan and an even bigger one now, I would recommend the spa to anybody, the whole experience was perfect. I will definitely be returning to try some of their other treatments.

Have you visited a Lush Spa?

Get to Know me Tag!

Before I begin I just wanted to draw attention to the fact that this Blog recently hit 500 Bloglovin Followers! I just wanted to say a massive thank you to every single one of you who has commented or followed this blog, your support means so much to me!

This Tag is a fun way of letting you know a little bit about me, but I warn you it's quite a long one. Enjoy.

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?

Neither. My hair can never make its mind up what it wants to be. If I blow dry it, then it's straight. If I sleep with it wet it's super curly and if I just leave it to air dry then it's frizzy. The joys.

2. Do you dye your hair yourself or do you go to a salon?

I used to dye my hair a lot myself when I was younger, then I had like a two year break then on my last birthday one of my presents from my boyfriend was a hair salon trip, I had them dye it and didn't like it too much, it sadly costed my boyfriend £300! Since then I have done my own ombre twice using Loreal's Ombre Kit. 

3. Do you wear your hair in the same style everyday or change it?

I mostly just leave it down and au natural. Especially in the summer. I change it up sometimes and will straighten it or curl it, or plait it. It depends on my mood and where I'm going. 

4. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?

Luckily for me my sister is a professional nail technician and my boyfriend has a nail salon (he doesn't do nails, just owns it)! So since I can remember I've had my nails done professionally by my sister wherever she has been working.

5. How often do you change your nail polish?

It depends, I get Shellac a lot because I hate chipped nails, so if I get Shellac then once every 1-2 weeks. If not then twice a week.

6. Do you polish your toes in the winter or just in the summer?

As much as I try not to put polish on my feet in the winter, I simply can't stand feet without polish! So unfortunately I do it all year round.

7. How long does it take you to put your make up on?

It depends where I'm going and how long I have, but roughly around 15 minutes, sometimes it can be longer, sometimes quicker if I'm in a rush.  

8. What do you do first face or eyes?

I always apply foundation and concealer first then eyes, sometimes I do bronzer, blusher or powder before or after, depends on what I'm doing.

9. Do you collect make up or just buy it when you need it?

Collect. Shamefully. Some things I do try to only buy when I need them like primer and foundation, but somehow I still end up with several at a time.

10. How often do you wear false eyelashes?

Fun fact: I have never actually wore them.

I have pretty long lashes anyway and I'm not a fan of anything looking too fake on my face. I probably will experiment with them at some point, but as of now I've never felt the need to.

11. Do you do a full face of make up every day?

Nope. If I have nothing to do or nowhere to be then I don't wear make up or I'll wear a little bit. Typically eyeliner and lip balm.

12. Do you wear make up when your home alone or with the family?

Usually no. However sometimes I just like to put it on, I really enjoy applying make up, so if I'm with family indoors for a few days and I haven't wore any for a few days then I just will for the sake of it.

13. Will you leave the house without make up?

Yes, and I do quite often. However, like I said, I just like to apply it and where it, so I sometimes just will even to pop to the shop.

14. How many high end products do you have?

I don't own too many high end products, I love drug store make up, however this year I'm going to branch out and splurge on more high end make up.

15. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you're getting dressed?

If I have a party or something on then I will try to figure it out ahead of time, but for day to day life, I just choose when I'm getting dressed.

16. How often do you change your handbag?

Not very often. I have a few handbags, I tend to buy a new one every 3-4 months, I switch up my day to day bag between a big one and a small shoulder bag quite often depending on where I'm going.

17. What time do you wake up and go to sleep?

This changes constantly! Lately I've been going to sleep around 1am and waking up around 11am. I need lots of sleep or I'm grumpy!

18. How often or when do you work out?

Lately I've been trying to work out more, aiming to do it 3-4 times a week. I work out typically in the afternoon or evening, I don't have much energy in the morning.

19. Left or right handed?

Left.

20. How tall are you?

5"6 exactly.

21. Do you speak any foreign languages?

Nope! I can say I love you in about 5 languages ha! I studied French for two years but I only know a handful of words. I know a few words in different languages but not enough to string a sentence together :( my boyfriend is Vietnamese so I also know quite a few words in that language. I would love to learn a language!

22. How many pets do you have?

None :( we had a cat, but we don't have her anymore due to a long story! Hopefully we can get another soon :( 

23. How often are you on Blogger?

Everyday. I don't blog everyday but I'm here every day.

24. Do you read comments posted on blogs?

I don't typically read comments on other people's blogs. But I read every comment on my own.

25. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?

Yes, I have a five page list in my notebook...oops!

26. How did you come up with your blog name?

I have no idea. It doesn't serve much meaning, I just quickly choose something.

27. What kind of camera do you use for photographs?

I use a Nikon Coolpix S9200. It was a gift from my boyfriend for last year's birthday and I love it.

28. How often do you clean your house?

I'm currently in between places as I'm moving next week. But usually every day because we have a small place.

29. What's your favourite colour?

I don't have one. I love any pastel colour. In fact I like most colours...

30. Do you swear?

More than I should.

31. What are you doing with the rest of the day?

Probably take some pictures for upcoming blog posts, workout, watch a few episodes of revenge and eat. 

Well that was pretty long, feel free to do the tag too! And let me know if you do so I can have a read! Have a lovely day.

Fitness Update #2

Hello lovelies!

Today I've decided to finally sit down and write about what's been going on in my world of health and fitness.I've done a couple of fitness related posts which you cab check out, here and here, but as I haven't done an update since August I thought it was about time I babbled away about what changes have been made and where I'm currently at with my health and fitness.

Warning: This could get very long and rambly, apologies in advance.

Since my last update I quit my gym membership, it was pretty pricey, I wasn't taking advantage of the facilities offered, I wasn't swimming because I had no body confidence, I never went to the free classes they offered and I was essentially going to the gym just to use the treadmill and the weights. Both things I didn't need to be paying £45 a month for. I could jog at home and I had dumbbells at home so it seemed a huge waste of money.

 So...it's a new year, and when January hits we all see it as an opportunity to get skinny, join a gym, start a diet. I didn't give myself a goal to start any kind of diet or join a gym, I tried to set myself a few goals, realistic ones that I would more than likely stick to. 
You can read a little about my new year fitness and health goals in a post here.

So number one was to drink green tea, if you know me at all you will know I am not a tea drinker, I don't like tea and I don't like coffee. I can drink tea, I tend to drink it if I feel ill and need a hot drink with not too much flavour like hot chocolate but I'm not a fan of it. After doing some research however and reading all about just how good green tea is for you, I decided I had to incorporate it into my everyday life. I bought a box of Twinnings Peach and Cherry Blossom Green Tea, and I surprisingly enjoyed it. It has a light tea taste but smells like peach which I love. I was also in a restaurant the other day and ordered green tea! Who am I? I haven't noticed any changes in myself from drinking it but I know it's doing me a lot of good so I plan to continue drinking it.

Another thing I really wanted to do was to jog more, I don't mind jogging, I'm not good at it as I'm very unfit and I have asthma. But it's one exercise I feel really works so if I'm going to workout I usually opt for jogging. Towards the end of last year I downloaded the Nike Running App on my phone and I have been loving it! It's so motivating to look at your progress and I really enjoy using it.  The app consists of 'levels' and I'm currently on the first level, a goal for this year for me is to get to the second level which requires a total of 31 miles! I can hopefully do this by the end of the year.

And finally, consume less sugar, I just want to be more conscious of what I'm putting into my body, opting for sugar free options when I can. 

As for exercise, when I really don't feel like jogging outside, I try to do things inside such as 'The 30 Day Shred' on YouTube, 20 minute exercises that literally kill me but are so effective, I've never done this for the full 30 days but when I get random bouts of energy this is great to do.
Another Youtube favourite is 'Blogilates', there are so many exercises on there, if I'm in for the day I go to YouTube and try to do one of her workouts.
If I'm feeling something different I will type in 'Zumba' and just go along with that or find some other type of workout online. 

I still use the app MyFitnessPal, I think it's a really great way to see what you're eating in comparison to how much you're exercising!

And that's about it, all fairly new changes so there's no progress to report yet, I hope you're all doing well.
 Have a great weekend! 

Winter Wonderland TAG!

Hello lovelies! 

So if you read my other blog you will know that I haven't been at home in a while so haven't been able to blog properly! I felt deprived from not blogging and wanted to at least get some posts up this month, so I thought I'd do yet another Christmas themed tag! I love TAGS and I love Christmas so if I can't bring you beauty related posts it's the best I can do, so enjoy! 

1. Favourite things about winter?
Everything! What's not to love? Snow, fairy lights, being with family, Christmas dinner, giving presents, receiving presents, Christmas films, the list could go on...


2. Scarves or beanies?
I'm a scarf person, I love wooly hats, but I love a good scarf! 

3. Favourite holiday movie?
Jingle all the Way just because I used to watch it every single year! And Home Alone! Still good no matter how many times you watch it!

4. Favourite Starbucks holiday drink?
I've been loving their Vanilla Hot Chocolate this winter, it's not a seasonal one but it's good.

5. Favourite winter nail polish?
I've worn OPI - Bastille my Heart a lot lately, and anything glittery!

6. What are you three winter essentials?
It's hard to pick just three! Hmm, a good comfortable pair of boots, an electric blanket and an extra thick scarf.

7. Name one item on your wish list this year..
I don't really have a wish list, I've almost bought myself a few things lately but put it off in case I'm getting it for Christmas, so anything I really want ill probably get if after Christmas anyway, one thing I do need/want is a new day bag. My boyfriend just broke the zip off mine, so I need a new one.

8. Favourite holiday song?
It has to be The Pouges - Fairy tale of New York! If not then Chris De Burgh - A Spaceman Came Travelling, I'm not even sure if that one's a Christmas song, but it reminds me of Christmas.

9. Did you go Black Friday shopping this year?
Black Friday isn't a thing in England, however this year for some reason a few shops decided to go all American on us and throw Black Friday sales. However I don't enjoy sale shopping, especially if it's only a one day sale so I didn't go. Far too stressful.

10. Must have winter lip product?
I can't link pictures due to not being at a computer, but a good lip balm (Blistex Intensive Moisturiser) and berry lips have been good to me lately. (Berry lip post coming soon)!

11. Will you be rocking an ugly Christmas jumper this year?
Ugly?! I love Christmas jumpers! I don't have one yet but will hopefully be rocking one on Christmas day!

12. Have you ever had a white Christmas where you live?
Yep, in England we get snow November to February sometimes!

13. Favourite winter candle scent?
Yankee Candle - Cinammon Stick

14. How will you be celebrating this holiday?
I'm going home which I'm so excited about, you can read all about it on my other blog. But I'll be spending it with my family in the countryside :D

And that's that, feel free to do this and let me know if you do or have already because I love reading them, and merry Christmas :) 

Visiting Home

Hello lovelies.

The past few days I've been visiting home, my family live 150 miles up north of London somewhere in the countryside so I like to visit now and again, to get away from the hustle and bustle of London and of course to see my lovely family.

I video'd my day for you all to see, I celebrated my niece's 6th birthday, ate yummy food and of course, explored the countryside. Hope you enjoy it!

I'm back!

Hello everyone and welcome back to my Blog!

If you read my lifestyle blog at all you will know that I have been on (a much needed) holiday in Marbella for the past 10 days.

Before my holiday life was a bit hectic, I'd been moving, my sister was involved in a serious incident, work was busy and just a bunch of things were consuming my time and energy and I didn't really have much inspiration inside me to want to blog. 

As much as I tried all of my posts (on both Blogs) were starting to feel forced and I was constantly apologising for not blogging much. 

However, it is a new season and I am returning from holiday with a happy and healthy mind set, I have plenty of blog posts planned and floating around in mg head waiting to be released. I did loads of online shopping whilst away so expect reviews and maybe some Autumn and Winter related posts too! 

I'll also be getting back into the gym on Monday so maybe a few fitness updates here and there. 

In the mean time, stick around, follow me on Instagram, Twitter or Pintrest for updates and more from me and I'll be back very soon!