Getting fit without the price-tag!

As it's less than five months until I get married, I've started an exercise regime to firm up before the big day, as with any bride to be I want to look and feel amazing! I've opted not to join a gym, what with saving for a house and paying for a wedding, I decided not to spend any money on things I didn't essentially need. Instead I have been doing exercises from home to get into shape, Not only have I pinned some workouts on Pinterest. I recently came across NHS 10-minute exercises, which are great and so easy to do....well that is until the next day when you can definitely feel it! If you're looking to get in shape check out the link, they describe each exercise in details and have photos. My favourite routine at present is the legs, bums and tums with the firm butt a close second. At first I found it difficult to motivate myself to get out of my nice snug warm bed, especially when it's still dark out. A month in and I can honestly say I'm enjoying it and more determined than ever! I've even upped my morning workout to do 3 of the 10-minute workouts. "I WILL GET TONED" is my permanent mantra for the next 5 months. Prior to starting my exercises I took photographs and just before the wedding I'll take some more so maybe nearer the time you'll see the before and after photos.

It doesn't take long to get motivated so why not give it a go!?

Cleanser Vs Makeup Wipes

Now this is something I have discussed in depth with many clients and fellow beauty therapists.

The question I often get asked is why use a cleanser when makeup wipes are much easier to use? The answer is simple, cleanser actually removes the dirt from your face and allows the skin to breath. Makeup wipes, on the other hand also remove dirt but also push the excess makeup into your pores, which in turn can turn to blackheads. It really is that simple! There various types of cleansers available on the market that you can try but ultimately it is up to you type you use. I personally use the Ark age prepare foaming cleanser as you can really feel it working plus I like to use it in the shower and kill two birds with one stone! You can also get oil, balm, cream & milk cleanser along with many more. Now is the time to start looking after your skin and giving it the TLC it deserves, so why wait!

If you have any questions, feel free to drop me an email I'm more than happy to help :) x

Christmas cocktails with friends

They say the best nights are the ones that aren't planned, I went out last night with my sister and good friend Dylan for one drink......which then turned into several, as I'm writing this I am feeling a little on the ropey side but it was worth it!
As my sister works in Shoreditch we went to Barrio East and took full advantage of the happy hour cocktails, My favourite being the Pina Colada, it was delicious. If you haven't been before it's a really quirky bar with plenty of drinks to choose from, it even has a camper van inside. After trying out the majority of the cocktail menu, we decided to walk to Liverpool Street Station and made a quick pit stop into the Weatherspoons. I left my sister and Dylan at the bar for 5 minutes and returned to a bottle of prosecco, at the bargain price of £14. If you haven't been out in the city before you rarely find prosecco this cheap that's actually nice to drink. Once we had finished we got the underground to Bond Street and made our way to Selfridges, where we went to the rooftop bar. we got a little lost trying to find the lift to take us up there. When you get out of the lift the walkway is decorated beautifully with fairy lights. As we were feeling the Christmas cheer we decided to order gluhwein and then went outside to the terrace where we were given blankets to keep us warm. The view is truly breathtaking, it helped that it was a clear night.
If you're planning on going for a few drinks soon, I  highly recommend the roof top bar. I'm already working out when I can go back!

How to keep a 7 year old occupied!

I recently had my nephew down to stay with me and as I don't see him often, I wanted to make the time we had together fun. As my nephew likes baking we decided to make Honeycomb using the recipe from the BBC website. If you're looking for something simple to make that tastes amazing, this is the answer! There are only three ingredients needed, Sugar, Golden Syrup and bicarbonate of soda. As my nephew likes chocolate we also opted to buy this to coat the honeycomb after. I highly recommend watching the video first, as this gives you some good pointers.The hardest part was waiting half an hour for it to set as we both wanted to eat it straight away!

As well as making honeycomb I bought some Jus-Rol Cinnamon Swirls (we decided to cheat just a little!) Not only do they taste great, I love how easy they are to use! If you haven't tried them before you have to, all you have to do is get the mixture out of the packet cut it into 6 pieces and put them in the oven. My nephew found it exciting watching them rise which occupied him for 10 minutes! Icing them was simple too, it was just a case of getting it the right consistency and showing how to drizzle as opposed to slathering them! They taste delicious when still warm, the ideal start to the morning.

If you've got children, both of the above are so simple and easy to do. The only downside is you end up with a day of eating deserts (not such a bad thing!) But most importantly my nephew really enjoyed himself as you can see in the photo's below!