Monday 29 June 2015

Lifestyle: Healthy Habits

Well hello there...

I've been feeling rather unmotivated as of late. I feel quite tired and a bit run down.
I think it's because I've been busy working, running errands and doing the usual day to day bits and bobs, which means I haven't been looking after myself as well as I could be.
So I thought I would share with you some of my habits, for a healthy mind and body.

Let's get started...
Get moving
Yes I know it's tempting to veg out, and watch just one more episode of Orange is the new black, but step away from the Netflix... 
I try to be active for at least 30 minutes every day. Be that doing a quick HIIT workout, going outside for a walk in the sunshine, or even just running up and down the stairs at work. 
Get that body moving, and your blood pumping!

Sleep easy
Sleep is vital for a healthy body, and a healthy mind. It's important to get a good night's sleep, I try and aim for seven to nine hours. 
You'll wake feeling fresh as a daisy, your body will thank you for it, and you'll feel less inclined to reach for chocolate or caffeine, to give you an energy boost.

Drink up
The best health tip I can give you is to drink more water. I drink at least 3 litres of the stuff every day. Try to aim for 1.5 to 2 litres per day. Remember that tea and coffee also count towards your daily intake. 
Not a fan of water? Add in some lemon slices, or strawberries to jazz it up a bit. Or you could even try sparkling water, if you are a fizzy pop fiend. 

Eat mindfully
Slow down and enjoy your food. Take small bites, chew thoroughly and actually taste your food. Wolfing down your dinner in a hurry, will lead to indigestion, bloating and you'll probably still feel 'hungry', as your brain takes around thirty minutes after eating, for it to register that you are full.

Eat your greens
Your mum was right! The more vegetables you consume, the better you will feel. As you are adding much needed fibre and vitamins to your diet, which will keep you feeling satisfied and full of energy!
Try throwing some sliced mushrooms in to your usual cheese omelette, or a handful of spinach in to your morning smoothie.
Easy peasy!

Stay positive 
It's far too easy to let yourself get stressed out. Be it about the way you look or feel about yourself, a deadline at work, or even a family issue.
We all put so much pressure on ourselves to be the best at everything, and for our lives to be 'instagram worthy'. 
Life isn't always fresh flowers and cupcakes, sometimes you have down days.
Try to take some time out, an hour or even a day to relax, unwind and concentrate on you.
Take a break from your computer, read a book, watch an episode of your favourite show, or even just whack on some tunes and do nothing at all!

Balance is key
I live by the 80/20 rule. I eat healthy, nutritious food that nourishes my body, for 80% of the week, and then allow myself to indulge in a little of what I fancy for the other 20%.
I love having dark chocolate, ice cream or a squidgy doughnut for my twenty percent.
If you deny yourself something that you fancy, you'll only crave it more and could end up overindulging. 
Take your time and really savour your 20%!


I hope you enjoyed this 'Healthy Habits' post. What are some of your healthy habits?
What do you think of my tips?
I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Want to connect?

Love Laurenx

Tuesday 23 June 2015

#3 Wish Want Need!

Well hello there...

I love a good ol' wish list, it's a great way of sharing your wants, needs and must haves, without spending a penny.
 (Unless you have a sudden urge to splurge, and add everything to your bloody basket, looking at you ASOS, and your discount codes!)
It's a bit of an eclectic mix... I have some fashion pieces, a fitness tracker, shoes and even an appliance! 

Let's get started...


Wish List

Striped Bikini / Greek Yoghurt Cookbook / Misfit Shine / Kenwood Blender / Britney Spears Perfume / Black Slip On Shoes / Fringed Bag / Namastay Tee

The sun officially has his hat on, so I've been lusting after a new bikini.
I love this classic black and white striped number.

I have wanted a new blender for a while now, as mine is getting a bit past it.
 I love the sound of this smoothie to go one, from Kenwood. After making your smoothie, you can simply pop the top on and take the cup on run, it even has a handle!

I've heard great things about the Misfit Shine fitness tracker. I have a Polar watch, but it is quite bulky and the heart-rate monitor strap is showing signs of wear and tear.
I love how sleek, and trendy the Misfit Shine looks.
 It tracks your steps, sleep, exercise and is also waterproof, so you can wear it for swimming or in the shower!

I'm a sucker for a slogan tee. How cute is this one!

I hope you enjoyed this 'Wish, Want, Need' post. What are you lusting after? What do you think of  my picks?
I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Want to connect?

Love Laurenx

Wednesday 17 June 2015

Summer Essentials

Well hello there...

Summer is officially here, and the sun has definitely had his hat on recently.
I love the summer time. I relish the long, warm evenings, and bright sunny mornings.
I thought I would share with you, some of my summer must haves.

Let's get started...

1. Sunglasses
A give in really. The sun comes out, and the shades go on.
I have to wear prescription sunglasses. Although I really like mine!
I love the statement red leopard print detail on the sides, and I think they suit me quite well!
I also am a big fan of cheap, and cheerful sunglasses.
My go-to places are always ASOS and Primark, they both have some fab ones at the moment.

2. Denim Jacket
I bought this jacket from Forever 21, a couple of months ago, ready for summer. 
I love the slightly cropped style. I find it looks more flattering, as it nips you in at the waist.
I love throwing this over a sun dress come evening time, when it gets a bit breezy.

3. White Pumps
I love simple white pumps. I picked these beauties up in Primark for £3.00.
They go with everything, from sun dresses to skinny jeans. 
I love wearing pumps, as I find them more comfortable than strappy sandals, for walking around all day in the sunshine. They are breathable, they don't rub my feet, and for £3.00 they are a right bargain!

4. Face SPF
Sun cream - the most important essential for summer! 
No-one likes looking like a lobster, and of course you need to protect your skin, against those nasty UV rays! I like to use a separate sun lotion for my face, as I find regular sun cream can be very greasy on my skin, and often breaks me out. I love the Soltan Once face cream from Boots. 
It has SPF 30, protects against UVA rays, offers 8 hours of sun protection and is water resistant. 
It doesn't feel at all greasy on my skin, and it also can be worn under or over make up.
Perfect for midday touch ups!
5. Coral Lips
I'm usually a light lipped kinda gal. I rarely stray from my trusty nudes. 
But come summer time, I always fancy a bit of a change. I've been loving this Seventeen lipstick, in 'Cheeky Secret'. 
(I have raved about it quite a lot already!)
 It's the perfect coral shade, that can be built up to a bold lip, or kept as a low key tint.
 It also feels super moisturising on my lips. A winner. 

6. CC Creams
I always dig out my trusted CC creams, when the weather starts to get warmer. 
I hate having a heavy foundation on, when I'm sweating buckets!
I love this Bourjois one, it's light on the skin, gives a good medium coverage, and it smells amazing!
Hello apricots.

7. Smart Sun UV Indicator Wristband*
I was recently sent a couple of these SmartSun wristbands to test out. 
It's a great concept; you simply apply your sun cream as usual, and then pop the band on your wrist. The band is yellow, but changes colour to beige when it's time to reapply your sun cream, and turns pink when you should be staying out of the sun. It's a comfortable, and discrete wristband. 
You can just pop it on, and forget you're even wearing it, until it starts to change colour. 
So many people, myself included, apply their sun lotion in the morning and go about their day, but often forget to reapply throughout the day. 
You can wear this band in sea and pool water. 
This handy band reminds you when it's time reapply, and is a smart way to enjoy the sun. 
For more information on the SmartSun concept, or to buy some wristbands for yourself, check out the website here. 

I hope you enjoyed this 'Summer Essentials' post. What are your summer essentials? What do you think of the SmartSun concept?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Want to connect?

Love Laurenx

Thursday 11 June 2015

Fashion: Adidas Gazelle Range

Well hello there...

I was recently offered the chance to review some trainers, from the new Adidas Gazelle Range*
Of course I jumped at the chance! I love wearing cute trainers and pumps, in the summer time.
After browsing their website, I chose this simple grey pair.
I love the style and light grey colour of these trainers, especially the pretty 'Gazelle' gold motif, and the classic Adidas three stripes on the side.

 These trainers are great for the summer time. Me and my boyfriend go on a lot of country walks, so comfort is definitely key.
(Three inch heels and strappy sandals, aren't really going to fly in the rural Devonshire countryside.)
I think these trainers will look fab paired with jeans, casual dresses or denim shorts. 
As they are a light neutral colour, they will go with a variety of different outfits.


I have paired my trainers with my favourite grey jeggings, a simple vest top and my new bright pink cropped jumper from Primark. I think it's the perfect outfit, for a long walk in the woods. 

They are extremely comfortable, and don't rub my feet. They have a removable insole inside, which cushions my feet nicely.
The grip is great. I have been wearing these trainers to walk up steep hills, and they have been brilliant, no slips or trips. They are very durable.
I would say they are pretty true to size. I am a 7 and they are a little loose at the back, but I like to have some wiggle room, for my feet to breathe.

Overall, I am a big fan of the Adidas Gazelle Trainers, they are stylish, comfortable, and come in a variety of different prints and colours.

The Adidas Gazelle range is available from JD Sports, check out the entire collection here.

I hope you enjoyed this 'Adidas Gazelle Review' post. What do you think of these trainers? Will you be treating yourself to a pair? Are you a comfort-kinda-gal like me?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Want to connect?

Love Laurenx

Wednesday 3 June 2015

Father's Day Fashion: Dapper Dad

Well hello there...

Woodhouse Clothing are running a Father's day themed competition, for the chance to win your lovely dad a dream wardrobe!
My dad is a rather fashionable guy. He wears a crisp suit and tie everyday to work, which suits him down to a tee (see what I did there...)
 His wardrobe consists of 20% suits, 80% Fat Face clothing! He may have a slight obsession.
He lives in jeans, chinos, jumpers and simple cotton t shirts, when he is off duty. 
I think he deserves a bit of a wardrobe revamp, to add some new pieces to his collection.
 (That aren't Fat Face!)

I have put together a little 'wish list', of the items from the Woodhouse Clothing Dapper Stag Collection that I think he will love!

Let's get started...
Dapper Dad

As my dad has to wear suits to work everyday, it doesn't leave much room for individuality. 
So he wears a lot of 'wacky printed socks', I think he'll love these geometric print ones. 
As I mentioned, my dad lives in cotton t shirts and jumpers. 
I love this navy jumper. It's a lightweight knit with a crew neck, that's comfortable yet stylish. 
Perfect for everyday wear, to throw on with some jeans or smart trousers, it would also look fab layered over the above crisp white Oxford shirt. 
I love this teal blue loose fit cotton t shirt. It's a lovely colour, and will go with everything!
Lastly, I picked out this cool wash bag. 
I love the Stag motif, which is a clever nod to the 'Dapper Stag Collection'. I think he would get so much use out of it for weekends away, or work trips.

I hope you enjoyed this 'Father's Day Fashion' post. Is your dad the fashionable type, or perhaps his style is less chic and more eek? Will you be treating him to some new threads?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Want to connect?

Love Laurenx

Monday 1 June 2015

Lifestyle: A Peek In To My Life #5

Well hello there...

It's time for another peek in to my life post! Where I share my favourite beauty bits, TV shows, clothing items, food obsessions and more! If you missed my last one, check it out here.

Let's get started...
I'm a bit late to the Nakd bar party (I know, I couldn't resist)
I've seen fellow bloggers and YouTubers rave about these 'vegan, gluten and dairy free' bars, for sometime now.
I was reluctant to try them, as I don't have any food intolerances, so I thought if there's no dairy or gluten or anything in them, how on earth are they going to taste?
Well I tried them, and the verdict? AMAZING.
I have only tried a couple of bars from the range, Cocoa Crunch is my favourite!
I also like the Cocoa Delight and Cocoa Orange... there's a definite chocolatey theme going on here!
They aren't ever going to replace having a chocolate bar, but they are tasty, and have an almost cake like texture. I really like them, and for around 100 - 150 calories per bar, they make the perfect snack!
I definitely want to try more from the range, Cashew Cookie, Berry Delight and more of the crunch bars, are on my to-try list.
Yum!

2. Warehouse 13
The Netflix addiction continues...
Since me and my boyfriend got Netflix a couple of months ago, we have been working our way through box sets.
Our latest favourite is Warehouse 13.
It's a show about two Secret Service agents, Pete and Myka, who get 'chosen' to join Warehouse 13.
A secret Government facility located in South Dakota, of all places!
Their job? To snag, bag and tag mysterious and historical artefacts, which can (and probably will) have devastating, funny, crazy and even deadly repercussions, if they land in the wrong hands.
It's a funny, clever and adventurous show.
Definitely worth a watch!
If you don't have Netflix, I have linked the DVD box set above.

3. Primark Pyjamas
Every time I pop in to my local Primark, I always make a bee line for the pyjama section.
I practically live in my pj's when I'm hanging out at home. I love novelty ones, cosy ones, pretty patterned ones, you name it.
I picked up these two pairs recently, and I love them both!
I love wearing short sets as the weather is getting warmer, it can get quite stuffy in bed.
The doughnut ones pretty much sum me up!

4. Tanya Burr Lipgloss in 'I Found Nemo'
I'm not a huge lip gloss fan, as I find them too sticky on my lips.
However I picked up this beauty in Superdrug on a whim, as I fell in love with the vibrant colour.
It is rather sticky, which I was expecting, but it's the colour that has won me over.
It is a gorgeous bright orange, which is the perfect summer shade.
I love the flexible doe foot applicator, as it makes application a doddle.
It's reasonably priced at £6.99.
If you don't mind slightly sticky lips, it's a great budget lip gloss for every day.

5. Bourjois Délice de Poudre Bronzing Powder and Highlighter
As the weather is getting warmer here in the UK, I have been reaching for my bronzer more and more, to add some colour to my pale face.
 I have been loving this matte Bourjois one especially.
I love the smell, it has a very subtle hint of chocolate.
 I only apply a small amount to my cheekbones, as I am quite pale it can look rather orange on my skin. It also comes with a highlighter, which is a pretty pearly shade.
I like to lightly contour my cheekbones, to give a lovely glow.
The perfect duo for glowing summer skin.

6. Mini Milks
Ah Mini Milks... they have always been my favourite ice lolly, since I was a little girl.
I always have a box of these bad boys in my freezer, for when those sugar cravings kick in.
(I may or may not be chomping my way through a vanilla one as I type...)
They are the perfect snack, for when you fancy something sweet.
I love having one for dessert, after dinner.
The vanilla is the best flavour, but I am partial to a chocolate or strawberry lolly too!
I have already been eating way too many of these, in the run up to summer.
There are only 30 calories per lolly, so you can have one or two, or seven guilt free!
P.S. I buy my mini milks from Tesco, they have an offer of two boxes of twelve lollies, for £3.00 - bargain!

I hope you enjoyed this 'A peek in to my life' post, What have you been loving lately?
What's your latest Netflix obsession?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Want to connect?

Love Laurenx