Monday 25 August 2014

Fall fashion

I love the transition of clothes from Summer to Autumn. I love layering different textures and colours (although I mainly wear black clothing in the Autumn!). I thought I'd show you some outfits that I love that I found on weheartit.com .  WARNING: Photo heavy.












I'm a lover of neutral colours, especially during the Autumn and Winter, so I don't really tend to gravitate toward much colour, as you can see from the pictures I've chosen above. I love all the different textures available during Autumn and Winter, and I love the look of chunky knits and oversized coats. I also love slightly oversized plaid shirts with a vest and a pair of skinny jeans. 

What's your favourite kind of Autumn style?

x










Saturday 16 August 2014

Fitness motivation and tips


We all know how important keeping fit and healthy is, but I think we also all know how hard it can be at times. Sometimes we just don't feel like doing exercise, or we really really want that chocolate ice cream. It can be hard to motivate yourself to get up and do things and to keep yourself on track concerning your diet. Here are some motivational pictures and some tips I use to help keep myself on track (most of the time). 


I often like to do a workout earlier on in the day, because that way I can get on with the rest of my day without thinking or worrying about fitting a workout into my evening. I also find I'm a lot more tired in the evening and I find it harder to motivate myself to do something. 


If you can, try to go for a run somewhere with nice scenery, it will make it that much more pleasurable and will make you want to do it more often.If you don't live anywhere with nice scenery, I would still try and motivate myself to go for a run, even if it's just for 10 minutes, it's better than nothing. Just listen to some music and it'll be over before you know it. 


Running isn't for everyone. Personally I'm not a massive fan of running, so I don't do it often. I like to focus more on workouts that include legs, arms and cardio. A great workout to do is either pilates or yoga. They're great workouts to do if you don't fancy a hardcore, jumping about workout, but still want to do something. They're really effective workouts that target certain areas and really help tone your muscles. The slower you do a movement, the more it tones your muscles. I like to do a pilates/yoga type class at least once a week.


Doing a workout with a friend is so much easier than doing it alone. Friends motivate you to keep going when you really don't want to. I often do workouts with my mum, we go to two classes a week and do home workouts three times a week. I find it much easier because we motivate eachother to keep going and it also makes you think if she can do it, I can do it. Going to classes really helps too, because you have the instructor to constantly motivate you and you can also see everyone around you struggling, so you know you're not the only one who's finding it difficult. 


I know everyone says this, but I can't express enough how important eating breakfast is. I never used to eat breakfast, simply because I wasn't hungry. But I started to make myself eat something, even if it was just a banana, and after time I started to feel really hungry in the mornings. Breakfast helps keep hunger at bay throughout the rest of the day, so you snack less and also eat less at mealtimes. It also helps speed up your metabolism, which helps burn more calories throughout the day. I normally eat fruit and yoghurt, porridge or eggs for breakfast. I also like to drink a mug of green tea, as this also helps speed up your metabolism and is full of antioxidants. 


Try and eat as many fruit and vegetables as you can. Citrus fruit really helps clear the skin, especially lemons. I like to include lemons in most salads and also like to squeeze it in my water. Which brings me on to water; water is so important. I drink 3.2 litres of water a day (4 800ml bottles) and I've noticed such a difference in my skin since drinking so much water. It's so much clearer. Water also helps flush out any toxins in your body and aids weight loss. 


In order to keep track of what I eat, I keep a food diary. This basically means I write down everything I eat in a day, just so I know if I've eaten well that day. I usually have 3 meals and 1-2 snacks a day. Keeping a food diary also helps make sure you eat healthily, because it saves you from the guilt you feel when writing down all the junk food you've eaten that day. 


Having nice workout clothes also helps motivate yourself to do a workout. Whenever I buy new workout clothes, I can't wait to do exercise, because I can't wait to wear my new clothes. Make sure you have a good pair of trainers before you start working out, because believe me, they will make the world of difference. The better they are, the comfier they will be and they should be nice and springy.


I use Kayla Itsiness fitness guide, which is available here. These workouts are great workouts and really helps target areas. They really help build fitness and strength. Just take a look at the transformations to see how effective these workouts are. I hope this post has been helpful. 

x



  
  




Wednesday 6 August 2014

Current night time skincare routine


Liz Earl Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - To remove all of my makeup in the evening, I use this cleanser. I have been using this cleanser for about a year now and I still love it, although I am thinking of trying a new one once this one is finished. I love this cleanser because it really removes all traces of my makeup, especially in conjunction with the muslin cloths it comes with. It's a quick and easy process, which makes it that much more enjoyable to use. It also smells so soothing and relaxing, which is perfect for the evening.

La Roche-Posay Eye-Make up Remover - I use this to remove my eye makeup in the evenings, after using my cleanser, just to thoroughly remove every trace of stubborn mascara. This is designed for sensitive eyes, but don't let that fool you, it really does remove all traces of makeup. I personally don't have sensitive eyes, I just like to use gentle products on my eyes. 

St Ives Apricot Scrub - I love love love this scrub. It's so affordable and also does a really good job. It's not my favourite scent in the worst, but it's far from being and offensive smell, so it's not really a problem. It's not too harsh on the skin. I really notice a difference in my skin if I use this 2-3 times a week, which is recommended with any exfoliating scrub. It brightens my complexion and really helps reduce blemishes because of the thorough cleanse it gives.

Boots Coconut Body oil - Now this is something I know most beauty bloggers wouldn't use on their faces, especially as it's an oil. But I've been using this for about 3-4 months now and I honestly believe it's helped clear up my skin so much. I use this every night and really massage it into my skin so that it's not left too oily. It really softens my skin and helps clear any blemishes and spots that I may have. I definitely recommend you try this and I've heard that if you have oily skin and use oils, it tricks the skin into thinking it's produced enough oils and sebum, so it may even help reduce oiliness. 

Nivea Vanilla & Macadamia Lip Butter - I apply this to my lips every evening. It's super nourishing and hydrating and smells divine. It's also really affordable and sold in most drugstores so very accessible. 

x

Thursday 31 July 2014

TMI Tag

I've never really done a personal post before, so I thought a good way for you to get to know me would be to do the TMI Tag that I think was originally started on youtube, as most tags are. Hope you enjoy :)

♡ What are you wearing? - I'm wearing a Zara floral skirt and a Topshop lace bralet which you can find here  


♡ Ever been in love? - Nope


♡ Ever had a terrible breakeup? - Again nope


♡ How tall are you? - I'm 174cm tall, which after googling, I found out is 5 ft 8 1/2 inches 


♡ How much do you weigh? - Honestly, I have no idea, I don't really believe in weighing yourself, mainly because of the reason that muscle weights more than fat so I don't think you should worry yourself with a number on the scales 


♡ Any tattoos? - No, but I really want this tattoo when I'm 18 because I am so obsessed with palm trees, and I personally really like tattoos:

♡ Any piercings? - Yes, I have my ears pierced and I kinda want my belly button pierced too


♡ OTP? - Delena or Stelena, honestly I'm rooting for them both haha


♡ Favourite show - 100% Vampire Diaries - I am obsessed! But I also love Pretty Little Liars, Keeping up with the Kardashians, Teen Wolf, Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill


♡ Favourite bands? - One Republic - I love their stuff


♡ Something you miss - My dog - he passed away this year while I was away on holiday and it was the worst experience ever 

♡ Favourite song? - This changes too often for me to pick, but my most played song on itunes is Pia Mia Going Home cover - I could listen to that song over and over 


♡ How old are you? - I'm 17, and I'm soooo excited to turn 18 


♡ Zodiac sign? - Pisces 


♡ Quality you look for in a partner? - He has to be funny 

♡ Favourite quote - 'You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams' - Dr. Seuss

♡ Favourite actor? - Leonardo Dicaprio

♡ Favourite colour? - Red

♡ Loud music or soft? - Loud for sure

♡ Where do you go when you're sad? - To my bedroom to either watch something or listen to music

♡ How long does it take you to shower? - My morning showers only take about 5 - 10 minutes but my night showers last about 30 - 45 minutes

 ♡ How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? - Depending on where I go - if I'm going to school, about 30 minutes, but if I'm going out, about 40 minutes 

♡ Ever been in a physical fight? - Nope

♡ Turn on? - Smells good


♡ Turn off? - Smoking


♡ Fears?  - Not getting to where I want to be in the future


♡ Last thing that made you cry? - My dog dying, which was in February - I'm not really a crier, I hate crying


♡ Last time you said you loved someone? - About 2 hours ago


♡ Last book you read?  - The Game of Thrones - it's so good! 


♡ The book you're currently reading? - A Clash of Kings


♡ Last show you watched? - One Tree Hill


♡ Last person you talked to? - My mum 


♡ The relationship between you and the person you last texted? - Childhood friends 


♡ Favourite food? - Greek salads


♡ Place you want to visit? - California 


♡ Last place you were? - Austria


♡ Do you have a crush? - Taylor Lautner, Chace Crawford, Colton Haynes, Stephen Amell, Dave Franco, Theo James to name but a few


♡ Last time you kissed someone? - Last week


♡ Last time you were insulted? - Not sure really


♡ Favourite flavour of sweet? - I hate sweets, so I can't really answer this


♡ What instruments do you play? - Unfortunately none, I would love to play the piano


♡ Favourite piece of jewellery? - My vintage crystal bracelet 


♡ Last sport you played? - Hockey 


♡ Last song you sang? - Becky G - Shower - it's such a catchy, happy song


♡ Favourite chat up line? - *Lick finger and wipe on guy/girl's shirt* 'Right, let's get you out of those wet clothes'


♡ Have you ever used it? - No haha


♡ Last time you hung out with anyone? - Tuesday


♡ Who should answer these questions next? - Anyone who fancies it :)


x



Thursday 10 July 2014

June favourites

For the month of June, I've had a few favourites. I've especially been loving new lipsticks and my Clarin's face tanner. I don't like to wear much makeup in the summertime, so my favourites have been more based on skincare and lips.



Liz Earl hot cloth cleanser - I love love love this cleanser. It smells so lovely and is the perfect texture for my skin, a nice, fairly thick cream. It completely removes my makeup and the cloth that comes with the cleanser very gently exfoliates the skin, leaving it smooth and soft after use.

St Ives apricot scrub - This scrub is so pleasant to use. The exfoliant grains aren't too big or too small, making it perfect for a good but not too vigorous scrub, leaving the skin silky smooth after use. The smell is fairly strong but not in any way offensive. I use this about 2 - 3 times a week, and I honestly notice a difference after using it, as my skin does appear clearer.


La Roche-Posay eye makeup remover - This eye makeup remover is perfect for those with sensitive eyes. My eyes aren't that sensitive, but I like to use more gentle eye makeup removers just because I don't want to be using strong stuff on my eyes. I used to think eye makeup removers for sensitive eyes wouldn't really work at getting all the makeup off, but don't be fooled. This works perfectly at getting rid of even the toughest of mascaras. 

Bourjois Volume Glamour Ultra Black mascara - This mascara is perfect for me. I really don't like clumpy lashes at all and I'm not looking for super lengthening mascara either, I just want a bit of volume and curl and this is perfect. It doesn't run at all during the day and doesn't clump, although it does have quite a thick consistency. I'll be repurchasing this for a while. 


Dolce & Gabbana the one perfume - I got this perfume for my birthday back in February. Before getting it, I was constantly spraying it in any perfume shop I was in. I use this perfume every single day and I will never tire of it, I love it so much. It's a fairly sweet perfume, but not overly sweet or sickly because I can't stand perfumes that are too sweet. I am terrible at describing scents so this is how the perfume shop describes the scent:"The fragrance features top notes of mandarin and peach that leads into a heart of jasmine and ends with a base of vanilla, amber and musk. The One for Her is a warm, oriental floral with modern sensuality. It's a fragrance with a strong personality and a contrasting golden sweetness. Created for the ultimate diva, the one is at once tempting, modern and glamorous, embracing a touch of classicism."


Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster - I'm all for a natural tan, but when the weather in the UK doesn't allow me to have that (which is most of the time) this is a life saver. I hate looking pale, simply because I think I personally look better with a tan, so this has been such a nice product to use. It gives such a natural looking glow, it's in no way orange and it is just perfect for when the sun doesn't shine. Simply mix a drop or two in with your moisturiser and you're good to go.


Maybelline lipstick in 916 Neon Red - I have been looking for the perfect red/orange lipstick for so long and this is it. This lipstick is really creamy and very pigmented, giving me the perfect vibrant coraly colour. This colour is perfect for this time of year as it's so bright and I tend to wear a lot of white so it really compliments my ourtifts.

Clarins lipstick in 107 Tea Rose - Oh my gosh, I cannot describe how much I love this lipstick. The picture shoes this lipstick as being a lot darker than it actually is. This is my everyday lipstick because I love it so much. The colour compliments any outfit and any skintone. It's slightly darker and more pinky purple than a nude, but it's not in any way a vibrant or dark colour, making it extremely wearable and perfect for any occasion. Love. 


Topshop sunglasses - Last but not least, I have been wearing these sunglasses to death for the past few months. I think they are so cute and the shape is the perfect shape for my face. I love the stripy pattern and the slight orange colour to the frames. I just adore these sunglasses. 

What have you been loving this month?

x