AN OILY WEEK.

So it's been an absolute scorcher this week!!!

I haven't been able to get any sunbathing in which I am so upset about. Luckily, I  recently purchased the St Tropez Self Tan Luxe Facial oil and I am loving it! This product promises to provide a natural looking streak-free tan that lasts for up to 5 days.

The formula is super lightweight, non-greasy and quick-drying. I would never usually put tan on my face as I like to look after my skin and keep it clean, but this oil is sold as NON PORE BLOCKING so I had to give it a try!

Oils are amazing for the skin. For ages I have been worried about using a facial oil as I have oily skin myself and worried I would end up with a big shiny spotty face but I have to say they make a really nice change from a regular moisturiser.

Facial oils are lipophilic, or fat loving, they pass though the lipid layer of the skin faster, preventing water loss and plumping skin with moisture more effectively.  They also help the skin to absorb better, so by applying a little oil before any other products you are opening your skin up to drinking up any benefits of your other products!

 Last week I made an extra effort to head down to the gym, as I had a bit of a naughty week and a half where a lot of chocolate and pastries were consumed. YUM! I always say, everything in moderation, and it's actually quite nice to get back in to a healthy routine. I went back to doing regular gym, normally about 45 mins cardio and some abs... and I  even stepped it up and gear and went to an INSANITY class. OH. MY. GOODNESS. It was no Zumba let's put it that way!!!

 Insanity is interval training at it's best. 

You work out really hard in 3 - 5 minute blocks, have around 30 seconds rest then go back at it with even more attack. There were lots of burpees, squatting, planking etc. It's so fast paced and I can really see how people get incredible results. I may have had to simplify a couple of the moves as I won't lie I was close to throwing up....

Along with gymming, I have been drinking Apple Cider Vinegar - From The Mother morning and night to give my body a natural detox.

Apple Cider Vinegar is AH MA ZING. It's super cheap, can be purchased anywhere and has multiple uses! I love using it on my skin as a natural toner. It kills bacteria so is great for evenening out skin tone and keeping spots at bay. I particulary love to drink a table spoon with a glass of water, as there is research to show that it helps lower cholesterol, burns fat, and even reduces risks of illness.

You can also use it if you suffer with dandruff/sensitive scalps (spray half water half cider vinegar on to your scalp and wrap in a towel for an hour, then rinse) , to help skin irritations such as bug bites to stinging nettle bites and even to reduce foot odour!!

You can get it at any health food store and in most supermarkets. There are also Apple Cider Vinegar capsules which come in handy for those who can't get used to the vinegary taste of the liquid!! 

Finally, I have been loving Bio-Oil lately, smothering it EVERYWHERE! I use this stuff all over my body just like a moisturiser, and have recently started using it as part of my nightly skin care. 

At first I thought it would make me break out, but after doing some research I have found that it actually heals the skin and gets rid of spots. A little goes a long way with this, and I have been using it all over my face after removing my make up.

Bio Oil also has other incredible properties and is particularly great for healing scars, aging and uneven skin tone = WINNING FACE PRODUCT! This is definitely a product to always keep handy.

This product is a great long term investment, as it tightens and evens skin before it get's too late. Prevention is ALWAYS better than cure!!!

5 Simple Ways to Let Off Steam

Hey guys! I'm so sorry for being MIA for the past couple of months now, I guess you could say I've been prioritising other stuff and I have completely neglected my blog. I kind of fell out of love with blogging but I'm ready to fall back in love with it again as I could do with an outlet in my life right now.

Do you ever feel just "smothered with life"? For absolutely no reason whatsoever or because of futile things, you can't help but feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. I feel like I've been really negative lately and I hate being like that so I've made a decision to channel my negative energy into positive energy. Still, life wouldn't be life if it wasn't for stresses every now and again and that's completely okay, in fact, it can be slightly pleasing dealing with them. Here are my favourite ways to let off steam when I'm in one of these moods!

1) Music.

I am OBSESSED with music lately. I know that sounds ridiculous because it's something that's always been there and I've always liked it but I guess I've always taken it for granted (a bit like oxygen? *crying with laughter face*) I have literally been overdosing on it like medicine as it just makes me feel SO DAMN GOOD. This sounds so funny I know. I don't even have a favourite genre, anything from country music, to 80s tunes, to rock and reggae, I ain't fussy when it comes to music. There is seriously nothing more satisfying for me then picking a really empowering song and belting it from the top of my lungs, I just feel bad for my neighbours.

2) Dance.

For all the same reasons as my first point, I love bursting my favourite songs so loud and leaping round the room and dancing my stresses and worries away. My favourite kind is contemporary dance as I just get so lost in the music and I find it so invigorating, (oh my God, cringe me later!!!!) I just wish I was good at it, I envy people who can sing and dance SO MUCH. 

3) Writing.

I bought a little book for my bedside table and I've been writing songs to vent my feelings and it's actually really fun. As for blogging, I really want to give it another shot. Even if no one reads this, it helps me as I find writing so therapeutic. 

4) Take a long drive.

Something I only realised the other day when I went to pick up my Dad from the station with my sister was how much I can't wait to drive. We were listening to Taylor Swift on full blast and singing along in the dark and it was just so much fun. I love how no matter how loud you sing, no one can hear you as the car is like a little cavern for just you, your thoughts and banging tunes (and whoever else is in the car obvs). Even if you're not driving for a purpose, if things get too much in one particular place, riding away from that and returning later can make you see things a lot clearer. DISCLAIMER - I DON'T ADVISE DANGEROUS DRIVING THOUGH... BE SAFE ON THE ROADS GUYS.

5) Making.

As simple as it sounds, creating a little project for yourself is really good for taking your mind off of things and giving yourself something to get lost in. It can literally be anything, I recently made a photo collage on my wall of all my favourite people and memories and it makes me feel so happy looking up at it before I go to sleep. Being productive also makes you feel like you have more of a purpose and it's really fulfilling to finish something that has taken time and effort. 

Love Lily xxx

DIY Happy Jar

After studying the law of attraction (google it if you're not sure) I've been trying to find inner peace and embracing a new zen way of life. To make sure I am constantly being the best person I can be, I like to make little, in-expensive things that will keep me inspired and help me stay happy. That's where I came up with the idea of a 'happy jar', as simple as it sounds, just a jar full of items that will spark happiness and pick me up when I'm feeling sad.

My happy place is definitely the sea so I've gone for a theme of the seaside with inspirational quotes written on pebbles amongst pretty shells. It's completely up to you what you want your jar to be full of though, you might choose dried flowers or past tickets from events etc. 

I was inspired by the idea of writing quotes on pebbles after finding a pebble in a little trinket shop with the word "zen" written over it. I bought a couple there and then as I loved the cute messages on them, but have since been to my local beach to customise my own. You could even carry a certain pebble around with you as a lucky charm with the message you are needing to get you through that particular day. 

"If light is in your heart, you will find your way home." - Rumi

Lots of love,

Lily

TIMES SQUARE, CENTRAL PARK AND GRAND CENTRAL!

So if you haven't seen my first New York blog post (if so, what are you playing at?!) then you won't know that I went away to The Big Apple for a short trip. I split the photos into two posts and this is day 3 of our trip so sit back and enjoy!

 I absolutely fell in love with Times Square. 

I can now tick "visit DASH" off my bucket list haha!

Empire State Building - SO COOL!

BIGGEST MACY'S IN THE WORLD A.K.A MAKEUP HEAVEN 

We saw Aladdin in Broadway which was absolutely incredible - by far the best show I've ever seen. If you're going to New York, you have to see it!

Grand Central Station

Trump Tower

Central Park

It looked so beautiful with the snowy grounds and blue sky.

You can find my first New York blog post here.

"New York is always a good idea" - Unknown

Lots of love,

Lily