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Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Make New Year’s Resolutions and Keep Them

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www.freedigitalphotos.netIt’s that time of year when once again we feel the need to turn over a new leaf.

A time when we believe that the arrival of another year will provide the magical motivation we need to reinvent ourselves and become the perfect person we have always wanted to be.

Traditionally, New Year’s Day is seen as the time to kick start a new phase in your life by making New Year’s resolutions.

The reality is that the start of the year is also one of the worst times to make a major change in your habits because it’s often a busy, stressful time bang in the middle of the festive season.

This year don’t pledge to make huge changes that will be hard to keep and leave you feeling disappointed, but instead follow these simple steps that we believe will help you keep to your resolutions all year long.

Pick One Thing
You might want to change your life or your lifestyle but it is pretty impossible to do it all at once. Go for one area of your life and stick with that. If you’re successful with that then go ahead and make another change after a month or two. By making small changes one after another, you can still be the best you but it’s a much more realistic way of getting there.

Don’t pick a New Year’s resolution that’s bound to fail either, like running a marathon in three months if you get out of breath walking upstairs. Plan to start with walking, small jobs and graduate to running in short bursts, constant running by April and a Santa fun run at the end of the year.

Plan Ahead
If you really want to succeed when it comes to New Year’s resolutions it is a good idea to plan ahead rather than making a rash decision at a party you might regret the next day.

Whether you want to give up smoking, train in the gym, become a vegetarian or write book, find out exactly what is involved. Read books, research on the Internet, speak to friends and generally find out all you need to make the changes you want to see.

Plan for success so ask for new trainers for Christmas, do a vegan shop before New Year starts or buy nicotine patches so you really have no excuses not to start on the right foot.

Pre-empt Problems
Things migh not be easy and there might be problems along the way so make a list of what they could be.

If you are planning to stop drinking alcohol in the week, schedule gym visits rather than going to the pub with colleagues.

Once you’ve identified when tricky times will occur, work out coping mechanisms and these should help you feel prepared and equipped to deal with most things that challenge you.

When to Start
Whilst many people think they have to make their changes on 1st January, this isn’t always the case.

You can go for tradition if you want to but also consider picking a day when you will feel rested and relaxed and in a positive frame of mind. If you are serous about making changes then find a time that works for you and take on your challenge with enthusiasm and determination.

Give 100%
When you do start, really go for it with total commitment. One fantastic way to keep on track is to use one phrase that you post on your mirror, fridge and carry in your bag. Whether it is I am a non-smoker, I am committed to eating clean or I enjoy yoga on daily basis, find something that reasonates with you and keep up the phrase where you can see it during the day.

Tell Others
We don’t mean place an advert in the local paper but it is a good idea to let family and friends know your intentions so they can support you and look out for you. If you are eating more fruit and vegetables they can plan for when you eat together and if you are getting more exercise maybe take a walk together rather than going out for tea and cake.

There Will be Blips
Let’s face it, no one is super human. If you miss a gym session or you have a glass of wine on Monday, don’t go into meltdown. Work out what triggers these blips and learn to avoid these situations. Maybe getting up half an hour earlier will give you time to have a swim or packing lunches the night before will allow you to keep calm in the morning rush.

Reward Yourself
Having little treats and rewards will keep you going. Maybe going for a cup of tea with a friend, buying your favourite magazine or having a massage once a week as a way of recognising how far you have come. You are working hard to make positive changes so give yourself a break because you’ll have earned it.

Whatever your goals are for 2016 go for it and make it the best ever.

 

 

Decleor, Dermalogica

The Eyes Have It…

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They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul…but your soul is going to look old beyond it’s years if you don’t start thinking about the signs of aging, and nowhere shows these signs as readily as the eyes. Crows’ feet, dark circles and fine lines are all prominent around the eyes, so we thought we’d showcase our best products which are targeted specifically for the eyes.

Decleor 2-In-1 Dark Circle and Eye Wrinkle Eraser

Decleor 2-In-1 Dark Circle and Eye Wrinkle Eraser

This is a super-powerful product from Decleor and requires a single drop to be applied to each eye with the applicator. The formulation is proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and fatigue, making it the beauty equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife.

Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF15

Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF15

The delicate skin around the eyes is thinner than anywhere else on the face and requires a lot of protection, especially from the sun. This eye cream from Dermalogica not only smooths, retexturises and hydrates the vulnerable skin around the eyes, but also offers an SPF15 non-chemical sunblock to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays.

Decleor Hydrotenser Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum

Decleor Hydrotenser Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum

Tiredness is a menace to the eye area and sometimes there’s just not enough hours in the day for all the sleep you need. That’s where this product from Decleor steps in; the powerful serum helps to fight and reverse the signs of aging and also smooths out fine lines and wrinkles.

Dermalogica Soothing Eye Make Up Remover

Dermalogica Soothing Eye Make Up Remover

We all know how important it is to remove our make-up before bed, but this can be tricky for two reasons – firstly, eye make-up is often waterproof and tricky to remove and secondly, eyes are delicate which means that too much rubbing is a no-no. Dermalogica Soothing Eye Make Up Remover is not only hugely effective at removing every last bit of make-up and grime, but also moisturises and soothes the eye area in the process.

Decleor Harmonie Calm Relaxing Milky Gel-Cream for Eyes

Decleor Harmonie Calm Relaxing Milky Gel-Cream for Eyes

Have you ever noticed how, at the end of a long, hard day, your eyes can feel puffy and sore? Decleor Harmonie Calm Relaxing Milky Gel-Cream for Eyes is perfect for these occasions, immediately cooling and soothing the eyes, leaving them feeling fresh and rejuvenated in a trice.

Health and Happiness

Keep Calm this Christmas

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www.freedigitalphotos.netFor many people, Christmas is happy time and offers the chance to relax and catch up with family and friends.

But for others it can be very stressful and almost dreaded. Old behaviour patterns emerge, stress levels rise and our ability to cope flies out the window along with the turkey.

There is no denying that the holiday season can cause feelings of being overwhelmed, depressed and lonely. Whilst we can’t stop the world from turning, we have been speaking with Francesca Moresi and she has some strategies that might help you keep calm and enjoy the break rather than struggle though it.

Don’t let your family stress you
At Christmas we often spend more time than usual with our family which can be a challenge. Embrace a positive and peaceful attitude. Make the first step towards reconciliation and don’t try to make your point at all costs. Let it go…you’ll feel lighter!

Nothing is set in stone
We know it’s hard but don’t do things just because you feel you are meant to. Try to negotiate with family and find a compromise so you all do something you enjoy and start new traditions that can be followed year by year.

Forget expectations
Expectations can be a huge weight on our shoulders and can really put us under pressure. So, don’t let go of expectations and set yourself free.

Create a warm atmosphere
Create a calm, relaxed atmosphere so that you can spend time at home connecting with the people you love.

Give yourself as a gift
This might sound silly but think about it. We often struggle to spend quality time with our family and friends, so you can give them that as a gift. Find something you and your friends love doing together and give them a voucher at a time that works for everyone.

Treat yourself
Dedicate time to yourself and treat yourself so you don’t feel you’re using all your energy to make others happy. Whether it’s a hot chocolate in your favourite café, a bubble bath or watching a festive film, do it.

Help someone else
Embrace the spirit of Christmas and reach out to someone who needs a helping hand. As well as giving you a sense of pride you will also feel more grateful for what you have in your life!

Avoid waste
Whether it’s money, food, or wrapping paper, be mindful so that you can save and recycle.

Don’t be too harsh on yourself
Stop demanding too much from yourself and stop worrying about your performance. Make a list of all your qualities and appreciate yourself for who you are; increase the awareness of the positive in you and in your life and enjoy it.

Make a wish for the New Year
Nothing too serious or important…just something that will make you smile.

Give these a try, we think you will like the results.

Life and Fashion, Manicures

Christmas Manicures That We Love!

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What better excuse for a seriously extravagant paint job on your nails than Christmas? This time of year is synonymous with bright colours, glitter and all things festive, so we thought we’d take a look at some of our favourite Christmas manicures from around the internet to inspire you to get creative with your nails.

Scandi Style

Scandi Style

Scandinavian style decorations have been everywhere this Christmas and we can see why – the minimalist red and white or green and white patterns look traditional and gorgeous and commute oh-so-well to a seriously on-trend manicure. Invest in a white nail polish pen and you could probably manage to do this yourself at home.

Frosty the Snowman

Snowman

Not everything needs to be red and green to be festive, as shown by this gorgeous snowman manicure. We love the light blue and white as a contract to the usual colours and the design looks amazing without being too intricate, which means everyone should be able to perfect it with a little practice.

Candy Canes

Candy Canes

We love manicures where one finger is totally different to the others, and what’s not to love about this candy cane design? Achievable with some French manicure stickers and a little patience, you’ll make your nails look good enough to eat with this design.

Santa

Santa

We couldn’t put together a list of Christmas manicure ideas without including the Big Guy himself! This adorable Father Christmas manicure is pretty easy to achieve and will have you feeling festive all the way until New Years’ Eve!

Wrapped Gifts

Presents

 

This is probably the simplest idea of the whole lot but looks really effective and can be customised to co-ordinate with just about any outfit. A later of glitter before you add the ‘ribbon’ would really take these festive fingers to the next level.

Health and Happiness

Look after your feet and your feet will look after you

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www.freedigitalphotos.netWe take them for granted most of the time, but it is important to remember that our feet take the weight of the entire body and we need to take care of them. Small irritations can quickly lead to pain and affect the way you walk as well as causing knee, hip and back pain.

We have some easy to follow tips that will not only keep your feet in check, but your whole body:

Keep your feet clean and healthy by washing them every day in warm soapy water but don’t soak them every day as this can affect the skin’s natural oils.

When you wash your feet make sure you check for blisters and cuts – you want to be certain there are no hidden problems and if they are, get to them fast.

Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them, especially between the toes. This is where fungal infections like athlete’s foot can develop and can cause the skin to become itchy, red, scaly, dry, cracked and blistered. Not something you really want to deal with but if you do have it, ensure you get the right medication and deal with it.

Trim your toenails regularly using nail clippers and don’t pick at your toes. Cut straight across, never at an angle or down the edges, as this can cause ingrowing nails.

If you like your toenails to be pretty, go for a salon pedicure once a month and in between you can keep them in good condition, touching up polish and filing as required.

Sounds obvious but change your socks daily to keep your feet fresh and odour free.

Be savvy when it comes to footwear and always wear the right shoes for the job. This means so no flip-flops for mountain climbing or heels for the school run. Go for comfortable shoes to and from the office and if you can go, just wear smart shoes whilst you’re at work.

When you do wear heels try to vary the height, between low, medium and high and if they start to hurt, swap for flats – there are no prizes for pain.

Give your feet a rest from high heels during the party season and by day wear soft, comfortable, flat shoes that let your feet to breathe and recover.

When you go shopping for new shoes it is a good idea to do so in the afternoon. Your feet naturally swell during the day so by the afternoon they are at their largest and you can be assured the shoes you go for will always be comfortable.

If you got to public areas such as gym showers, swimming pools and hotel bathrooms try to wear flip-flops to avoid catching athlete’s foot and verrucas.

We have mentioned flip-flops a couple of times and it is worth saying that whilst they do come in handy, don’t wear them all the time. They might look good and feel cool but they don’t provide support for your feet and can cause arch and heel pain when worn too much.

If you take part in a lot of sport, whether it is running, netball or even dance, make sure you wear the right shoes for the job and rest your feet afterwards. Pounding the streets can take its toil so just be mindful of your feet.

As you get older, your joints begin to stiffen and your feet become more vulnerable to the cold. It is a good idea to have your feet checked every six months and never put up with foot pain as feet really shouldn’t hurt.

If you have a problem or new pain then it is best to seek advice from a professional. Either your GP or a qualified podiatrist will be able to assess the situation and give appropriate treatment.

Be safe, be happy and be feet aware.

Life and Fashion

Casual Christmas Hairstyles

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There’s a fine line between looking cute and casual at Christmas and looking like you’ve rolled out of bed and walked straight to the dinner table, and as much as it’s tempting to do the latter, you’ll probably regret it when looking back at the dozens of photos which will be taken by your relatives! It’s easy to look casual yet put-together with just a little planning ahead, so we thought we’d take a look at some easy-to-do hairstyles which will help you to avoid looking like The Grinch at Christmas!

Messy Bun

Messy Bun

Sweeping your hair up with a hairband into a messy bun is the easiest thing in the wold, but it doesn’t always look very ‘done’. Adding a simple braided headband takes this look from drab to divine with almost zero effort.

Tiny Braids

Tiny Braids

If you like to wear your hair down, but want to add a little detail, take the sides of your hair and plait them before pinning at the back of your head. The tine braids will look delicate and sweet whilst giving you the added bonus of keeping your hair off your face.

Give it a Twist

Front Twist

This twisted style is a chic way to keep your hair out of you way while you play the tenth round of Pie Face with you younger cousins. It’s so easy to do and looks great with round or heart-shaped faces as it adds height.

Knot it Up

Knotted

This style could KNOT be more simple…(did you see what we did there?!). Seriously though, all you have to do here is take you hair into two sections and knot it all together twice. It looks way more complicated than it is and gives a really sweet result. Using a little sea salt spray before-hand will also help to give you added texture.

Messy Fishtail

Messy Fishtail

Braided hair can have a tendency to look a little juvenile on grown-ups, but a messy fishtail lends an element of complexity and style which gives this look added sophistication. Practice your fishtail on smaller sections of hair before attempting the whole ‘do, but remember, perfection is not what we’re aiming for here!

Life and Fashion

‘Tis the season to sparkle

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www.freedigitalphotos.netDecember is passing in a flash and as well as the shopping to do, cards to write and presents to wrap, there are endless lunch dates and parties to sparkle at.

We have put together and few hints and tips that will ensure you look, and feel, great whether you’re having drinks with colleagues, going on a date with your new man or catching up with your best friend.

Capsule Wardrobe
The key to looking fantastic is by feeling it. There’s no point on spending hundreds of pounds on a Kardashian-esque wardrobe if you feel self conscious wearing it. Go for classic styles, colours that work with your complexion, add vibrant accessories and you can’t go wrong.

Go Back to Basics
Late nights, rich food and alcohol can all play havoc with your skin so make sure you look after it before it needs to be rescued. Remove make-up before you go to bed, always moisturise and try to exfoliate a couple of times a week. For a clear complexion, and head, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water and take a multi-vitamin.

Hair Care
Hair can really be put the test as we switch from hot to cold temperatures, add styling products, blast with hair dryers and poke with pins and clips. To prevent damaging you hair, use a good quality moisturising shampoo and conditioner and enjoy a deep-conditioning mask once a week. Your locks will love you and you hair will shine in those selfies.

Fake It
With summer tans all but gone, if you want a natural glow ‘fake it’. There are some excellent salon treatments but you can also use a gradual fake tan product at home that looks fabulous. For the best results, whatever method you are using, exfoliate rough skin before and moisturise, moisturise, moisturise afterwards to keep the colour looking perfect for longer.

Go Smokey
There’s no better time to grab a dark eye-liner and sparkly eye shadow than during the festive period. For instant glitz and glamour the smoky eye wins every time. Be confident in your application and use a soft colour in the corner of your eye and add darker shades as you work outwards. Practice makes perfect so by January you will be a pro!

Luscious Lips
With all that mistletoe around you want to make sure lips look kissable all season long. As well as using a moisturising lip balm and lipstick, try exfoliating regularly. Just mix a little honey and brown sugar together and rub on your lips for a natural, quick fix that leaves soft lips and a kissable smile.

Easy Curls
There are so many hair trends out there this season but a stunning cascade of curls will never go out of style. Straighteners or heated rollers are a really easy, hassle free way to get a look that will turn heads for all the right reasons on the dance floor.

Pretty Nails
Going from party to party, travelling to see relatives and meeting up with the girls means you won’t always get time to touch up your manicure. One fail safe way to have lovely nails all Christmas long is have gels done. Choose a rich, dark grey or plum that will go with every outfit and you can be confident you won’t see any chips just as you leave the house.

Have a great time!

Decleor, Dermalogica, Skincare Advice

Quick Beauty Fixes

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This time of year usually means that we’re busier than ever with work, family, Christmas preparations and all of the other things that need to be done. This can mean that, despite having more social commitments and needing to look our best, your time for beauty treatments are less than ever. We thought we’d highlight a few of our products which can be used as part of a full routine, or used by themselves as a quick beauty fix.

Dermalogica Concealing Spot Treatment

Dermalogica Concealing Spot Treatment

This spot treatment from Dermalogica is the ultimate quick fix, concealing pimples as they break out and eliminating the bacteria to prevent further breakouts. Using this cream as soon as you see a pimple can have a fast effect on spots and will leave you feeling far more confident. It also contains salicylic acid, which sloughs off dead skin cells, helping to reduce congestion and prevent future breakouts.

Decleor Ultra-Regenerating Serum

Decleor Ultra Regenerating Serum

If your skin is starting to show the signs of aging, the chances are that you’ll want a product which is both powerful and fast acting to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This silky serum performs a whole list of actions, working to plump the skin, combat dehydration, reduce hyperpigmentation and tone the whole face, neck and décolletage. What could be quicker than one product which does all of those things?!

Dermalogica Body Hydrating Cream

Dermalogica Body Hydrating Cream

Dermalogica developed this moisturiser specifically to be fast-absorbing to give you the maximum hit of hydration without having to wait around for ages until it absorbs. Suitable for all skin types, the natural hydroxy acid exfoliates the skin, leaving it toned and smooth. Extracts of Japanese green tea help to calm and soothe the skin and rosemary oil acts as a natural toner.

Decleor Imperfections Roll-on

Decleor Imperfections Roll-on

Decleor offers this roll-on product (which is perfect for keeping in a handbag) which is a targeted treatment for skin blemishes. The rollerball delivers a covering of a soothing gel treatment which reduces the appearance of spots and other imperfections whilst purifying and cleaning the skin with a combination of essential oils.

Dermalogica Lip Renewal Complex

Decleor Imperfections Roll-on

This product is so much more than your average lip balm and contains a sophisticated combination of ingredients which target dryness, suppleness and the signs of aging. It only needs to be slicked on twice a day to have a massive effect on the appearance of your lips and is the perfect example of a quick-fix product because it’s quick and easy to use while offering maximum results.

Health and Happiness

Eat well this December

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www.freedigitalphotos.net

With the countdown to Christmas now on the temptation to dive into the chocolates and snack on sausage rolls is all a bit too much.

Whilst it is fine to let you hair down and have a great time, going all out during December can leave you feeling slugging and hungover with everything from your hair, skin and even sleep being affected.

We have some easy to follow tips to ensure you have a great time whilst still feeling great.

Make sure you eat breakfast
Never start the day hungry or you’ll be tempted to eat everything on the buffet table. Make sure you fuel up with scrambled eggs, Greek yoghurt with nuts or porridge and this will set you up for the day. If you are rushing out the door in the morning and don’t have chance to sit and eat breakfast, go with a smoothie and have it on the run.

Increase your good fats
Reducing all fat in your diet isn’t a great idea. Yes, it is good to keep away from trans fats, which are man made and found lurking cakes, crisps and biscuits. Good fats are found in nuts, avocados and oily fish. Getting the balance between unsaturated fats and saturated fats are key for good health and the good ones will keep you fuller, for longer.

Count nutrients NOT calories
Counting calories is no fun and not that effective either. Think about the goodness of what you are putting in your body rather than the number. 250 calories of chicken is very different to 250 calories of cake. They might have equal calories they will affect your body and fat stores very differently and won’t offer any goodness just problems later on.

Drink lots of water
Try to drink at least two litres of water a day to keep your body and mind healthy. If this seems too much make sure I sip it regularly rather than drink it in one go.

Enjoy the food you eat
This is the most important. If you can, go for food that’s good for you and enjoy it. Eating healthily doesn’t have to be a chore or something you feel like you have to do and by simply going for fruit over sugary desserts can make a small but important difference.

Reduce alcohol
Alcohol is full of sugar and too much sugar means weight gain and hangovers. Alcohol dehydrates you, it means you don’t always make the best decisions about what to eat and you feel rotten the next day if you haven’t had enough water.

Stay away from processed foods
Try to keep away from processed, ready made foods and meals. They are often packed with sugar, salt and the wrong type of fats. Even the meals which look healthy on a packet are probably actually not, once you look closer at the label. A jacket potato with humus or a home made soup full of fresh veg and spices are packed with goodness and the vitamins you need and are super easy to make.

Eat before you go out
Having a high protein snack before you hit the dance floor will help you avoid eating those fatty canapés and going OTT with the cocktails. Just as preparation for the night is good, so if preparing for the morning. If you have drunk whilst out ensure you have a large glass of water and a vitamin C tablet before you go to sleep.

Have fun but before you eat all those crisps, think about your waistline.

Health and Happiness

Time for Soup

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Now that the weather is feeling wintry and cold, we’ve been opting for far heartier meals to help us feel cosy and full. However, many people gain weight in the winter due to less activity and a stodgier diet, so we thought we’d take a look at some healthy soup recipes which will still feel like a ‘cuddle-in-a-bowl’ without making you pile on the pounds!

Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Roasted Red Pepper Soup

This is a seriously simple recipe to make as it takes minimal cooking and can all be chucked into a blender before serving. Red peppers contain a higher level of vitamin C than oranges, which gives your immune system a boost, and the average bowl of this soup comes in at under 300 calories. Served with a chunk of crusty bread, this will warm you from the inside.

Thai Pumpkin Soup

Thai Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin soup is packed full of vitamins and minerals, but it can be a little on the bland side at times. That’s why this Thai-spiced version is such a good alternative as you still get all of the creamy goodness of pumpkin which works SO well as a soup, with the added flavours of delicate and aromatic Thai cuisine. It’s (quite unbelievably, given its fullness of flavour) just 100 calories per bowl and is full of antioxidants.

Smoky Lentil Soup

Smoky Lentil Soup

Lentils are a really underrated ingredient but are actually very nutritious and a great source of dietary fibre, as well as iron. The soup gets its smoky flavour from paprika which is a very rich source of vitamin A (just a teaspoon of paprika contains almost half of your daily required vitamin A!) and also contains at least 2 of your 5-a-day.

Roasted Vegetable Soup

roasted vegetable soup

This soup is gluten free, paleo and vegan, so there’s basically no excuse for anyone to not try it! It contains parsnip, turnip, sweet potato and swede, which makes it perfect for this time of year as all of them should be in season, as well as coconut milk which adds a rich sweetness to the overall flavour.

Pea Soup

pea soup

Pea soup is a bit of a classic but it usually paired with ham – if you want an alternative which doesn’t contain red meat (which can be full of harmful nitrates) then try this version. It’s SO easy to make, can help you to use up the contents of your freezer and has only 131 calories per serving. It can also be frozen for up to three months so is a great recipe to batch-cook.