Focusing On My Health & Wellbeing : My Six Steps

As many of you noticed last week I popped out a tweet to share that over the next six months I am going to be making a conscience effort to focus on both my physical and mental health and generally my overall well-being.
I'll be honest with you all, lately my mind has been a little all over the place. From work to weight - I haven't been me. 

How To Stay Focused On Your Goals

Goals.

A word we have all seem to have adapted in our day-to-day life this past couple of years .... 'hair goals' 'relationship goals' 'lunch goals' ..... but today I've talking about actual goals. Plans and dreams we all have and our small but mighty mission to get there.

I, for one, am someone who seems to constantly be making new goals - I want to do this or be like that, strive for this, pray for that! But actually getting those goals.... that's another story.

Over the last few years I've realised that if you want something, you can get it.
 As much as I believe in timings, gut feelings and thing that are meant to be - there's also the aspect of attracting your dreams, believing in yourself and doing everything you think you can to get there!

I've put myself on a right health and fitness mission this year, and although now and again I seem to fall off the wagon (damn hormones) I'm always straight back on it with that end goal in sight. (Alot different than that giver-upper Kirstie from a few years ago... booo we don't like her).

So I've decided to create a short list of ways to help you stay focused on your goals - no matter what they are! 
These will work for everything.... whether you want to loose 5lbs, saving £1000 or become an astronaut (which you can totally do if you want to you know..... I think I'd puke though).

1. Small steps = big distance
The easiest way to start your journey is to make those small steps. Even if it's just one step a week to start with.
For example - want to loose weight but feel like you have a long way to go? Week one, switch all your drinks to water. Week two, make sure you're eating at least 3 portions of fruit and veg a day. Week three, start walking at least 20 minutes a day. Slowly but surely you would have added in everything you wanted to change into your routine and you'll be surprised by how much you've changed by just changing one thing a week... they all add up and make a difference, no mater how small!
In the same way you can save money, instead of buying that Costa or Starbucks daily ("there are also other coffee suppliers available...."), put that £3 in a pot and watch it grow and grow.... all from having one less hot drink a day - bring on Barbados!

2. Reminders
Another simple but easy thing you can do it give yourself little reminders. Why are you doing this? Why is it going to benefit you? Change your phone wallpaper, make a vision board, write in a diary - just remind yourself often of that end goal and how amazing it's going to feel (even if it feels a million miles away, it be get here as long as you stay focused and determined!)

3. Record accomplishments
This is SUCH a motivator! Everytime you feel like you've overcome something, improved or got a little bit closer to that end goal.... write it down! Whether it's on your phone, in a book.... in a blog post?! 
You'll see this list grow and grow and you can try and beat it each month - progression is the key, you're not going to get to your goal in, like, a week are you? Not if it's a big life change!
So each month that passes by look back at what you did in that month to help you achieve your end goal. 
Every accomplishment starts with the decision to TRY.

4. Vision Board
They'll be a new post up very soon about these! As a child I was obsessed with making collages, cutting things out of magazines and creating.
Vision Boards are an amazing way to keep yourself on track and striving! I'm excited to start a new one for myself this week - and yes... you will be seeing it soon :)

5. Don't be hard on yourself 
We all need to press pause sometimes. There is no point in burning the candle at both ends and over-doing everything. I mean that does sort gear towards diet and exercise a little more but it can also be adapted for other things!
Everyone needs some 'me' time, time to forget about stresses and pressures (especially ones you're putting on yourself) 
Saving money? You can go out for dinner with your friends or buy that top. 
Eating well? One Krispy Kreme in a month isn't going to hurt is it?
Changing careers/studying? A day off to watch the Kardashians and rest your brain is okay.
Keep yourself motivated by having those pauses, you'll treasure them and feel so much better afterwards. Depriving yourself of anything is the easiest way to head straight back to the start line.

To get something you've never had you must do something you've never done. #truth

Remember the only reason why you don't fulfill your goals is because - you choose to give up half way through that journey. Imagine how you would feel if you got there .... remember that feeling... bottle it up and when you feel like giving up, remember it. 

(And now I've written this I have an excuse not to give up on my goals.... take your own damn advice girl!)

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Lifestyle Book Haul

As you may have seen in one of posts recently - lifestyle books are something I am starting to invest in alot more. 
From health and fitness to positive thoughts, mindfulness and goal setting - there really is a book out there to help you with anything. 
I find it so motivating and helpful to have something on my bedside table to dip in and out of and I think it's not going to be long until I need to buy another bookcase for my home!


When I wrote my recent post (here) I asked if anyone had any book recommendations. Of course you awesome lovelies sent me some fab suggestions which sounded right up my street so ...... I went ahead and ordered some!

First of all was a suggestion from the lovely Emma (Owls and Stags) - with Reasons To Stay Alive by Matt Haig.
 She told me it was amazing for anxiety and staying calm, which I struggle with alot and with it being less than £4 on Amazon I couldn't NOT try it out.

On first looks I was a little scared, it all seemed very much orientated about depression which is a deep, deep subject - but the reviews and comments I keep seeing everywhere seem to portray that this is an incredible book for anyone to read for a positive outlook on life.
I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in. 

Next was a book that I cannot believe I hadn't heard of before, it sounds like it was made for me! I am a super messy person. I cannot help it, I always have been .... but hopefully won't always be.
I know how much better I feel in myself when everything in my life is tidy - from home to work to even my handbag, it's so much calming when everything is in order and neat. (I'm just a bit pants at it sometimes.)
This book was recommend by Steph (Nourish Me Clean) and as soon as I heard the title - The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying - I knew I had to try it out.
I'm actually SO excited to read this.... I need all the tips I can get! I feel like I need to de-clutter my home from top to bottom and start again with everything in tip-top-tidy condition! Have any of you read this?
The third book I bought recently was one that had been in my saved items/wishlist on Amazon for months. Kate Hudson's - Pretty Happy.
'Healthy Ways To Love Your Body' is the tagline and something which I need to hear. I'm always in a constant battle with how I feel about myself and this book is said to be a fantastic guide to confidence and everyday all round happiness with yourself.

I've had a good flick through of this and it all looks amazing - so many different sections and amazing focus on the 4 main pillars to focus on to achieve a balanced, healthy life. There's also great places to fill out your own thoughts and personal details - an amazing book for travelling with.

Anymore books recommendations? Keep them coming! I'm sure over time I'll review these books in full - is there are any you would really love me to talk about then just let me know :)

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How I Work Out At Home : Part 1 - HIIT

Working out has slowly become a regular occurrence in my life again - *thank goodness* yells my un-toned, podgey stomach and bingo wings!
 Growing up I never thought I'd become a lazy and 'un-sporty' girl but after leaving school and becoming 'adult' the thought of exercising slowly went to the bottom of my life priorities and I lost total interest in breaking a sweat and being active.
For a girl who used to be in every school sports team, head to dance classes for hours on end each week and chose P.E. as both a GCSE and A Level - I had rocketed to the other end of the spectrum!

I've had fitness phases over the last few years but nothing that's ever seemed to last more thana  few months - except for walking.... although that's probably just due to the fact that I'm a 26 year old who cannot drive. (yes, I'm saying that in a Clueless quote kind of way!)

I now have a gym membership... yes me! haha..... which means I can take advantage of all the fitness classes they provide, which I have fallen in love with - Dance Atomic is SO much fun!

I'm feeling so happy now I'm back doing regular workouts, runs and classes and slowly but surely I'm seeing a difference. (If I'm not annoying you on social media yet with my updates.... then you're clearly not following me on enough platforms!)

 I can't always get over to the gym and some days early mornings workouts are my only option.

I've been to a few HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) classes recently - I love the variety of moves and working out my whole body and the timed music that's used (so motivating for me knowing there's only 10/20 seconds left haha!).

It was while I was listening to this music that it suddenly HIIT me (haha get it?)  .... they must have downloaded this 'soundtrack' from somewhere, I could soooo do this at home! So I headed onto Apple Music and searched for HIIT albums and there they were - so many different versions and difficulties, perfect!

I went for a playlist that lasted around 20/25 minutes. Each set being 4x 60 second efforts with 20 seconds rest inbetween.

This is amazing for a quick morning workout or even after work before dinner! 

I try to break a sweat 6 days a week now, so 20 minutes in my own home is perfect - who can't spare 20 minutes?

You don't need alot of room and you can choose whatever moves you want! Whether you want to focus on an area e.g. legs/abs OR work the whole body with a variety of moves (that's my favourite way and it gives parts of me a rest!)

I have a kettlebell that I use to add a bit of weight work into my routines which I love - it was only £10 from Littlewoods #bargain and I have a yoga mat that I use for floor work (no-one likes a carpet burn) but apart from that all I need is my phone with the music on loud to keep me motivated! 

Like I said before, during the workouts you are actually given updates like "half way there" and "10 seconds left" - which really help me to focus and give my all for that 1 minute of intense exercise. (Plus you get 20 seconds in between... perfect for a sip of water or hair adjustment.)

So.... I'm sure you are all wondering what I get upto so here's a list of 10 of my favourite moves to do whilst doing HIIT at home..... (not sure what they are... google is your best friend.)

1. The Plank - great for working and strengthening the core.

2. Mountain Climbers - for someone who hates burpees these are a great way of getting the heart rate up.

3. American Swings - this is a kettlebell move that I probably find more fun that I should!

4. Squats - Booty goals.

5. Bicycle Crunches - a great way to target the abs and obliques in one easy exercise - I really like to push myself on these.

6. Triceps Dips - again with the kettlebell, I have NO upper body strength so as much as these pain me I know I need to do them to improve!

7. Squat Pulses & Squat Kicks - Again .... I need a good butt so these should work wonders.... I hope!

8. Alternating Sit-Ups & Press-Ups - these kill me.... but that means they are working! I normally do 4 sit-ups then 4 press-ups!

9. Scissor Abs - My belly is one of the areas I am most conscious of - I love these as I can really feel like working my muscles.

10. High Knees or Sprint - Another great one for getting my heart rate up - I literally power through this as hard as I can - it's only for a minute..... but it always feels longer (I'm not sure my downstairs neighbour appreciates it though....)

Like this post? Keep your eyes peeled for Part 2 of my 'At Home Workout' series coming soon..... featuring a certain lady's DVDs.....

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4 Books To Help You Create A Positive & Healthy Lifestyle

Books books books! 
I bloomin' love books and reading in general for that matter so whilst delving into my mission of health, fitness and mindfulness recently I've come across a few books that have resonated with me so much that I feel a blog post is in order to share them all with you. From quotes to tips - these 4 books have become permanent fixtures on my bedside table.

First up - Start Your Day With Katie by Katie Piper. I have actually had this book for years but never, ever get bored of it. 
Each day there is a lovely quote or uplifting and positive message to start your day with. I have shared snaps of this book so many times across social media and I'm always getting asked what it is - is it a book? is it a diary? So here it is! 
Buy here

Next we have Health Hacks by Esme Floyd - a book I actually found on ASOS!
This handbag sized book is full of 500 simple solutions to help with everything from migraines and nausea to sleep and weight-loss.
Quick and easy snippets to guide you with more or less any symptom - dip in whenever you want more information on a health concern or problem! Definitley one to take on holiday with you too!
I literally can not recommend this enough - now to invest in the rest of the collection.... beauty hacks and fashion hacks!
Buy here 

Calm is a book that came into my life whilst taking part in #calmday earlier this month and wow - this book is amazing. 
You may have heard of the Calm app  (which I've just started using and it is brilliant) but you can now create a peaceful, calm environment and mentality with your very own book by Michael Acton Smith.  
This book is FULL to the brim with different tips, techniques, things to do, facts and ideas to help you along the way.
The book is divided into eight sections including Nature, Travel, Relationships & Food, this is the perfect thing to pick up as and when you need it to help you in any aspect of your life.

There's gorgeous imagery and fantastic bits for you to fill out yourself - just head to Twitter and search #calmday to check out some of the gorgeous pages inside! If you're an anxiety sufferer/worrier like myself I highly believe this book and the matching app are  fantastic ways to help ease any negative feelings you may have.
Buy here

Last but not least is 'The Feelgood Plan: Happier, Healthier and Slimmer in 15 Minutes a Day'. This book is by Dalton Wong, Jennifer Lawrence's very own personal trainer - and I mean.... if it's good enough for J-Law, then - gimme gimme!

'Dalton taught me how to eat, move and live a delicious but healthy life' - Jennifer Lawrence

First of all I just want to say the layout of this book is incredible! It's so easy to follow, keeps my attention and Dalton along with fellow author Kate Faithfull-Williams have literally thought of everything!
Not matter what stage of fitness or health you are in this is a winner, the attitude behind it is everything I need to help me stay motivated and on the right path for me and my life.
Buy here

Do you have any books recommendations? Leave them in the comments below! 

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The April Lust List

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Easy Oatilicious Sugar & Dairy-Free Banana, Fruit and Nut Bars

Why hello there lovely ladies and gents!

I've been baking - can you Adam and Eve it?!
 I literally don't know when the last time I baked was. I'm so pants in the kitchen I tend to avoid the mess and immense disappointment usually linked with my attempts.

With my current lifestyle-change mission in full swing  I have been loving creating healthy and EASY meals/snacks and these are something I randomly whipped up earlier this week - and to my surprise... were edible!

After creating my new fav pancakes, I realised.... 1.I can actually use my kitchen and 2. maybe I can make more yummy things from just eggs and bananas?! Avoiding all that nasty sugar and dairy I decided that these two ingredients would be perfect to create some form of easy peasy snack to help me curb those sugar cravings and I was right! 

For my Oatilicious Sugar & Dairy-Free Banana Fruit and Nut Bars I used just 3 main ingredients.

3 x medium bananas

2 x large eggs

Porridge oats

I mashed the bananas together with a fork (that's hard work you know!) then popped the eggs into the mixture and whisked together until it resembled some form of even, runny mess.

I then tipped in the oats. Right, I know all you baking gods out there are going to hate me but yes, I just guess-timated the amount! I popped in what I thought was enough to create a 'flapjack' type consistency! (and it was fine - who needs scales?!)

So for the main mixture.... that's it! Literally that easy.

I then added in raisins, chopped almonds and dried cranberries to give it a bit of fun! (I think next time I might try a bit of peanut butter and maybe even some dark chocolate chips if I'm feeling a bit naughty..... although then they wouldn't really be sugar free would they?)

You can literally add in anything you bloomin' well please! Go crazy - I'm looking froward to trying all different kinds!

I popped the mixture into my baking tin, whacked the oven to about 180 degrees and left it for about 15-20 mins! (I started with 12 mins but they just weren't done so it was more like 20.)
Once the top had started to golden and the mixture was no longer a gooey mess, I took it out the oven and left to cool. (I'll warn you though are still moist  - ew I literally HATE that word - but they are still pretty squidgy once they are done... all that banana I think, don't panic!)

A short while later I was chopping them into bar sizes and displaying them on a plate to obviously Instagram away..... don't judge me.

Now... don't get me wrong, this isn't no rocky road or millionaires shortbread - but that's kind of the point! You can still get your sweet fix without actually having anything bad in it - totally GUILT-FREE (even when you eat 4!)!
 It's literally only bananas, eggs and oats after all - where's the harm in that?

Let me know what you think of these short but sweet recipes I've been popping up. I'm really loving this new mission I'm on and I find it so fun creating blog content from it too!

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3 Ingredient Gluten Free Chocolate Protein Pancakes

Finally! Back to the writing, it's been a week since my last blog post and it feels like forever - how I used to blog everyday is beyond me?!
 As I had mentioned in my previous post, it's time for my blog to have a bit of a content make-over..... so, here we go......

As you may have seen and read over my social media channels (Twitter/Instagram) I'm on a major health and fitness mission. 
No more late night biscuit scoffing sessions and squat avoidance, it's time to finally get myself looking and feeling the best I can, inside and out.

I've been eating clean and LOVING it! I feel fab and I'm loving my new routine of eating well and exercising. (Although HIIT class definitely killed me the other night!)

I've been looking at creating EASY and fun recipes for all meals (hello world of food Pinterest), and with my lack of knowledge in the kitchen and busy schedule I like to be able to make meals quickly and without the 'faff' of 57 different ingredients and scattered cooking times.

These pancakes are SO easy, with only 3 ingredients and taking only a matter of minutes these really are a fantastic start to the day (or snack!) and they taste great too!

All I use to create the mixture is :

1 x medium banana (ripe, not green)

2 x large eggs

2 x scoops of protein world chocolate slender blend (you can obviously do this with any protein powder/slender blend flavour, or maybe even a rice flour!)

Firstly I mash up the banana, which takes me straight back to having braces and living off soft foods every time they were tightened! (Mashed bananas and skips were diet staples.)
I then add in the eggs and whisk it all together.
Last but not least I pop in the 2 scoops of Slender Blend powder (I have chocolate but have just ordered vanilla too!) and mix it all up until it's even. I was a little worried at first that I hadn't mashed my banana up enough as it was a little lumpy but once you pop it onto the pan it really isn't a problem!

Just a couple of minutes or so on each side and you're done! Time to plate it up and add your favourite toppings!
 Photoed I went for raspberries, blueberries and a light drizzle of clear honey. The pancakes can be a little drier than you're usual everyday pancakes but with the added healthy toppings it's hardly noticeable! 
I think next time I going to go for a bit of peanut butter - I'm loving the Meridian's crunchy peanut butter at the moment which is 100% peanuts - no palm oil!

The best thing is that these are SO filling - no mid-morning snacks for me, these keep me full until lunch time!

With this mixture I made 1 large pancake but I think next I'll use it to create 2 or 3 smaller pancakes to stack... that's always more fun right?

What do you think? Are you a fan of quick and easy recipes too?

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Kirstie's Current Favourites

Well .... it's been a while since I've talked you guys through what I have been LOVING lately so I thought it was about time!
I've got everything from teabags to MAC products today, so sit back, relax and come and see what I'm talking about...

Now I'm going to start with the two randoms. Metcalfe's Skinny Dark Chocolate Popcorn Thins and Twinings Gingerbread Green Tea.
Yes, I've talked about the tea before on here in my January favourites but it's still a strong, strong favourite of mine! This stuff is so, so good - tastes just like gingerbread, perfect for a little sweet fix!
The popcorn thins are literally da bomb. I tweeted about them not long ago when I had stumbled across them in co-op and then the lovely people at Metcalfe's Skinny sent me a whole box full (I know, I couldn't believe it either!) - it's taken me all my strength not to sit and eat them all I tell ya!
Popcorn is literally my favourite food ever and I've got such a weakness for dark chocolate at the moment so this combined is just a WINNER.

 Strobing! Strobing, strobing, strobing. 
I mean .... it's basically just shiny highlighters right? Well.... I've been going through these 3 like no bodies business!
The MAC strobe cream (bottom swatch) is a total beaut - for £24 yes it's a bit of a splash out, for me anyway, but this is gorgeous and I'm really looking forward to rocking it with a tan. I miss being tanned so much!
The other two are by Make Up Revolution. Euphoria* and Hypnotic* - at only £5 each these are a bargain! One a silvery pink based cream and the other a golden shimmer cream - I'm obsessed. 
I've been rotating these 3 daily, basically just going with whichever one I feel like, I love them all! Strobing is a YES from me. (Although I'm just using them as I would a highlighter.... I don't look Pinterest worthy just yet!)

 Since getting a new prescription and starting my new job, glasses have become my life. I actually can't go through a day without them so new pairs are always a good thing!
I was recently sent this pair by William Morris London*, snazzy right?
This pair is actually from the 'Silver Collection' - this collection is super special as they have started to reuse the original shapes and designs that William Morris started out his business with 20 years ago!
You may have spotted me in them on social media recently - (here) - I totally look intelligent right? The quality is amazing, everything from the case to the arms, I'm so, so pleased with them.

MAC's eyebrow pencil in Lingering has changed my life. God lord how had I not tried this before?! I LOVE this eyebrow pencil, the shade is perfect for me, it fills in my sparse areas without making them look too bold and OTT and it lasts all day - this will be repurchased over and over again. As you can see I've already rubbed off all the writing on the packaging and I've only had it a month!

Next is a new skincare super hero! Bee Good Necta Perfecta* was recently released and I was lucky enough to get this mini sample size to try out. (Blogger perks eh?!)
 I've only tried it out a couple of times but I've loved the results! Made for a multitude of things you can use this skin perfecter n everything from your scalp to your elbows!
Hydrating, soothing and moisturising a tiny bit of stuff goes a long, long way - with the horrible weather we've been having lately my hands have been suffering, this stuff has been great for popping on at night before I head off to sleep for a deep hydrating treatment! I really want to try it out on my scalp as a treatment next!

Health is something I'm trying to take alot more seriously at the moment, I'm ona a real mission to make myself feel better and change my ways - so far, so good! This book was something I picked up from ASOS  as something to help me with all those health problems I seem to have day in day out. With it's quick and easy segments to read Health Hacks is so helpful and something I actually enjoying reading through! 
There are tons of different sections to read through so weather it's being bloated or something to help with a rash - there is a top tip on how to solve it! 

Instagram. I've been obsessed with Instagram. My username is : KIRSTIELOUISES

What have you been loving lately?

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5 Things I Cannot Live Without In My Cupboards

I don't know about you guys but when it comes to other people's shopping - I am so nosy.

I LOVE seeing what everyone else is buying and what everyone eats - haha.... the weirdest of the internet right?
So today I'm talking about the 5 items I cannot live without! The 5 things that are always in my shopping trolley and are essential to my week!

1. Green Tea
This has to be #1. I am an avid green tea drinker - I literally think I have a problem ... and now I work in an office full of other green tea drinkers my daily intake seems to have doubled! 
I love the stuff AND it's good for you, win-win! (Top tip : if you don't like normal green tea .... try the new gingerbread version from Twinings #amazing)

2. Peanut Butter
What an essential! The greatest of all the spreads  I'd say (although Marmite is a beauty.)
I have peanut butter on ...everything. It's such a winner when it comes to my sweet-tooth cravings (which hit daily). My favourite snacks are a granny smith apple with peanut butter and oatcakes with peanut butter.
When it comes to crunchy or smooth.... I'd have to go for crunchy but I do buy smooth aswell - I like to have options okay!

3. Eat Natural Bars
Over the last 6 months I have become completely and utterly obsessed with these and have one daily without fail! With trying to cut down on sugar and eat cleaner these have been the perfect replacement for any chocolate/cakes I seemed to have been downing before. With everything in the ingredients list clean and readable (none of those crazy additives that you can't pronounce) I never feel bad treating myself to one of these and they keep me going!

4. Porridge Sachets
Yes this is lazy. I know I could just buy a bag of oats and what-not but I love these easy sachets from Oats So Simple, I always grab the family size boxes (22 sachets) when they are on offer in Tesco for £1.99. I have one every morning with almonds and honey and at the weekends I like to treat myself to some raspberries and blueberries... crazy aren't I!

5. Wholemeal Wraps
My lunch. Every single day. I love my chicken salad wrap I do, and these wholemeal ones are the best! 

What are your top 5 things in your cupboard that you ALWAYS have stocked up?


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Toning From Hair To Toe With Touch Of Silver

Being a 'fake' blonde comes with a price.

The constant up-keep is enough to make anyone reach for the brunette box dye but I love being blonde and I'm willing to put in the effort (and extra haircare steps) that comes with being a platinum-wannabe.
I get people asking me all the time what products I use on my hair to keep my blonde as bright and brass-less as it is and I always have one simple answer - Touch Of Silver.

I have used Touch Of Silver products for years and years - the violet pigmented range is just the perfect addition to my haircare routine to ensure my hair stays as blonde, bright and healthy looking as possible.
The lovely guys at Provoke recently sent me the perfect little bundle to make sure I'm starting out my 2016 right and not just when it comes to my hair.... but my body too.

Along with some of my haircare favourites (we'll get to that part in a minute) Provoke have sent me an amazing collection of fitness bits and bobs to make sure I'm totally set for the world of fitness - it's all about toning and not just my bob!
In the package came a handy backpack, towel, water bottle and a fabulous yoga mat! (I've always wanted one of those!) 
I think you've probably all seen my social media posts over the last couple of months about loosing weight, exercising, feeling better, blah blah blah.
Well... before Christmas I was so proud of myself - I was doing so well with my new diet, avoiding everything 'bad'  and eating the cleanest I probably ever had.... that was until Christmas came and since then I have been so up and down with my eating I've got no idea where I am with it all and well.... I pretty much feel PANTS once again. *hangs head in shame*.

I can't wait to start some exercise classes over the next month or so and get back to that eating routine that I was loving so much at the end of last year - I felt so much better on the inside and out and I'm striving to get back to that again as I was so happy! It's time to tone ... plus I seriously want to try out some yoga with my new snazzy purple mat.
 (With festival season fast approaching and the thought of the hen night I have coming up where a bikini is pretty much a given I seriously need some #help!) - Bring it on.
Right now to talk about those pretty beauty bits.....

Provoke : Touch Of Silver Pre-Toning Primer, Brightenting Shampoo & Intensive Conditioner*

Two of these products have been in my haircare stash for months and months (probably years) on end and I've been through bottle after bottle after bottle.
Those are the shampoo and the intensive conditioner.
The shampoo is the classic Provoke product and most popular when it comes to the violet pigment range. This purple shampoo is the key to keeping my hair BLONDE, because I've just had my hair bleached I tend to just leave it on for a few minutes a couple of times a week and it works a treat.
As my hair colour fades over the next 8-10 weeks though I'll start to leave it on for a little longer each time!

The intensive conditioner is just the BEST. I cannot recommend it enough. The smell is divine and this leaves my hair feeling amazing - so soft and fresh, which, when you have a head full of bleach, is a struggle!
If you're a blondey nd want tot treat yourself to something new - this is the product to try.

The other product featured is the pre-toning primer. This little monkey creates the perfect foundation for even toning results before using the brightening shampoo!
 Just spray onto wet hair and comb through to make sure all the hair is covered then follow with the shampoo. It's as easy as that! (Plus it can be used as a handy leave-in conditioner too... amazeballs!)

This three step routine is something I do normally once or twice a week and it seriously helps to keep my hair how it is, my heart always sinks when my hair colour becomes dull!
Now.... want to know the best bit? 
This stuff is AFFORDABLE. All the products are under £5! 

If you bleach your hair or are thinking about going blonde - THESE are the products to stock up on - tone,tone,tone. 

Bye-bye brassy, Hello brightness.

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2016 Goals, Aims & Plans

Hello hello girls and boys, it's that time again - the year is coming to a close and we are all looking forward to that refreshing feeling of January!

Over the last month or two I have really felt like things have started to come together for me, I've totally overhauled my diet which has made me feel so much better and have finally been able to hand in my notice at my job ready to start my new career in January #yay!
2015 has been alright... I mean nothing major seems to have happened, I've had fun times and great experiences but nothing too life-changing - however that's not always a bad thing.

Looking back at my 'Goals & Resolutions' post from the beginning of 2015 it's clear that I did slightly fail on a few of those things I set myself and.. in fact... some of them are things that I still want to work on in 2016 - but oh well... the only way is up!

Running & Fitness

You may have read my post about my diet recently, so of course next thing on my list is fitness. Growing up I was always so active and a few years ago I was running every morning. I'm hoping that with this new job I can finally get myself into a good routine and include an exercise plan into this! I want to be fit and healthy and am looking forward to challenging myself a bit - bring on the abs, planks and squats!

New Job Confidence

Yay! It's only a couple of weeks until I fully start my new role as a PR & Social Media Executive and I cannot wait.

 Yes, I won't lie, it is a little daunting jumping into a job that I have no previous experience in apart from everything that I've done for myself but I'm so ready to take it on and put my all into it - I hope this is the start of something great as I've been stuck in a job for so long that I just haven't been happy with, aiming for the stars here people, lets do this!

Fashion Blogging

I feel like I've said this alot but I really, really want to start blogging more fashion bits. I always get lovely comments from you guys when I do and I really enjoy it! Fingers crossed I'll be able to afford some new clothes to chat about soon haha!

Grow Grow Grow

Well.... this has been my aim for the last (nearly) 3 years! I love blogging, social media, creating and I just want to grow my channels as much as I can. 

I mean..... that might sound vain or self-centered? Does it? I feel like if you're a blogger then you will understand how I feel. I love engaging with people and blogging has become something that has well and truly taken over my life - I love it, bring on another fun-filled year of learning and improving.

YouTube Take Two

I'm going to try. I'm really going to try - it just takes up sooo much time. The videos I put up this year I had so much fun doing, but I'm so hard on myself so just never feel like they are good enough. Vlogging has been a goal of mine since I started watching YT videos regularly back in 2009, so watch this space.... filming will commence shortly.

STOP WORRYING

I'm such a bad worrier. I'm always panicking about something, have a horrible feeling of dread or weight on my shoulders for no reason - so next year I want to try and let myself feel more relaxed. Take things as they come and don't let little things worry me, 99% of the time whatever I'm worrying about doesn't happen!

Get a Tattoo?!

Haha! How many times have I said this? My friends are fed up of me even mentioning it! I'm just so damn indecisive. 

Adventure Out

Weekends away, nights out, days with friends, seeing new places, experiencing new things - with a holiday to Florida on pause for now I want to spend as much time making memories as I can.

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