OOTD, 29th April

OOTD: Print, pastels, gladiator sandals

Dress: understated print. ASOS

Sandals: gladiator with a slight block heel. New Look

Plain leggings: H&M

Bag: Bloomingdales (!)

Jacket: perfect pastel colour. Hand-me-down from my mum. 

I couldn't believe my luck when I noticed this jacket, my mum was going to put it on eBay before I quickly snapped it up! Perfect lightweight jacket for Spring. I love everything printed and this dress is perfect; not to loud, but still makes a statement. These sandals are my favourite purchase recently, they literally go with every outfit! Can't wait to wear them on holiday this Summer. I decided to wear leggings with my dress just because it wasn't as sunny today, not brave enough to bare my legs just yet! Also, I love my Little Brown Bag from Bloomingdales, it was a present and now I carry my lunch in it everyday, its the perfect size and just adds a little extra to any outfit.

Tips for a Healthy Mind

Lately I've been feeling a bit rubbish about myself, for no reason at all really. I find that trying to keep on track with my health and fitness can sometimes lead to me been really overly critical about my body, scrutinising every little imperfection in the mirror. Of course I know this isn't a good thing to do and it always passes quickly, but it did occur to me that a lot of girls feel this way every now and again and we shouldn't! Beyoncé is right when she sings: 'Pretty hurts, we shine the light on whatever's worst...perfection is a disease of a nation, it's the soul that needs the surgery'. We constantly strive for perfection when we are missing the point that it is our imperfections that make us the unique individuals we are. No matter how healthy your body is, if your mind is negative and 'unhealthy', you won't get very far! With that being said, I have come up with a few of my favourite tips and tricks to get your self-esteem back on track, nobody should have to feel bad about themselves when there are so many things you can do to combat that feeling.

1. Affirmations

So you may think it sounds a little cheesy, and you might be right, but this actually works! Write down five things you love/like about yourself that have nothing to do with how you look, for example: 'I love that I am determined to do well in my degree'. You might find this really hard at first, but that's kind of the point! We focus so much on our looks as a society that it's important to take time out to think about other things we like about ourselves. Once you have written them out, stick them to your mirror so you can see them every day, this will eventually reinforce that positive attitude!

2. Paint your nails

I don't know about anyone else, but I always find painting my nails pretty therapeutic and it makes me feel good about myself knowing they look nice. I try to keep this interesting by mixing up patterns and colours and if I'm feeling brave I even attempt nail art.  It seems like a really small act, but it does help to make me feel that little bit more put together.

3. Hair masks and face masks

I love that feeling after I wash a hair mask out, I blow dry my hair and it feels like I should be in a Loreal advert! (Move over Cheryl Cole!) I'm particularly fussy and protective when it comes to my hair so treating myself to a hair mask makes me feel really good. I really like the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle ones as they seem to work really well and are only £1.09 in Boots for a sachet! I like using face masks too because I have really dry skin, so my skin tends to look a bit lifeless most of the time, however after I've used a face mask it looks great! I don't tend to wear a lot of make up so face masks are perfect to keep my skin looking nice naturally, plus they are a pampering essential.

4. 'Me time'

I find a lot that I don't tend to stop and take time out from working and studying to just relax and unwind. Although a lot of these tips could come under the heading 'me time' I think it deserves its own section. Mostly when I am not working, studying or in the gym, I'm staring at a screen (either the TV or laptop) and this is not a great way to relax! Watching TV isn't strenuous on anything other than your eyes, but it keeps you cooped up indoors away from fresh air! Simply just going for a walk is a really good way to unwind and be alone whilst getting some fresh air, which in itself will make you feel better. You don't need to have a destination in mind, but it's good to aim for somewhere like a park where you can find somewhere to sit for a while quietly and just think. I recommend not taking your phone too, so you really can be alone for a while! If you don't fancy walking or it's just too cold for you right now, grab your favourite magazine (Elle is mine) or a good book (cup of tea and biscuits are also essential) and find somewhere cosy and quiet to sit and read. Since starting Uni I haven't read purely for pleasure very much, for lack of time, and it's getting me down! Immersing yourself in something other than technology every once in a while is definitely necessary. Also, whilst you are back home one weekend, take advantage of the bath! I love having a nice bath every now and again with a Lush bath bomb and some candles, sounds very clichéd I know but there really is nothing more relaxing!

5. Yoga

For some this sounds like a scary word full of contortion and many VS model instagram posts, but honestly it doesn't have to be! I am a complete beginner at yoga, but I try to do a little routine every evening to wind down from the day. You can find many YouTube videos and blogs showing you the correct positions and routines. There is something about this kind of stretching that just makes the body feel good, you don't have to be very flexible or fit at all, you just have to be willing to try. You never know, you might actually start to enjoy it and want to start a class!  

6. Bake

Even if you aren't great in the kitchen, you will be able to make amazing cookies/brownies/cake with a Betty Crocker kit! All you need to do is follow the simple instructions on the back of the box! If you are a 'seasoned' baker, maybe try out new recipes or get creative with old ones to make something new. I really don't know why, but I always find baking a nice way to do something a little bit different and it completely distracts my attention from any worries for a little while. Also, the sense of accomplishment when you take your sweet treats out of the oven and they look good (and taste good!) is a really nice feeling.

I hope you find these ideas useful and they work in making you feel a little bit better about yourself when you are feeling low, I know they work for me!

Bloglovin

Okay, so even though this blog is still new, I really want to make something special of it so I've added it to Bloglovin (I think anyway!).

Follow me if you like my posts so far! 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin


XO

Fit Girl Beauty Tips

So I know a lot of people like to go to the gym before they start their day or at the end of it, but I fit my workouts in around my lectures, so often end up going to the gym then heading straight to classes. Therefore I've picked up a few good tips to keep you looking fresh after going all out in the gym.

1. Clear mascara

Sounds kinda retro, but if you really cannot leave the house without make-up, even when going to the gym, clear mascara is a saviour. You can sweat as much as you like and not end up looking like a panda, whilst still maintaining a bit of volume on your lashes.

2. Avoid foundation

If you plan on going to the gym in the middle of your day, avoid heavy foundation in the morning. When you sweat, the pores on your face open up, if you have on a heavy layer of foundation, this will clog your pores and you will end up with spots. Not so nice. Instead, try a BB cream and light concelar.

3. Face wipes

If you don't have time for a proper shower, face wipes are a must. You can get rid of your sweaty look quickly and easily. I really like Johnson's face wipes because they are so moisturising: two in one!

4. Dry Shampoo

Bit of an obvious one, but it's an essential so it needs to be on the list. Sweaty looking hair equals greasy looking hair... Eww. Blast a bit of dry shampoo around fringes, partings and especially your hairline at the back of your neck, for a fresher look instantly. You could also give Dry Conditioner a try, its pretty much the same as dry shampo but it stops hair looking and feeling dry. Perfect partners!

5. Argan Oil

Argan oil is essential for frizzy post-workout hair. It's so nourishing and makes hair appear all shiny and soft. Just apply a penny sized amount through the lengths of your hair and brush through. Nobody will ever know you just came from the gym, you'll look like a shampoo ad!

6. Aussie Miracle Recharge Frizz Remedy

Another great product to combat frizz is this Aussie spray. Its lightweight so won't weigh your hair down but will smooth the cuticle immediately giving you fresher looking hair.

7. Bring snacks!!

I am always hungry after the gym, so I always carry rice cakes or an apple or just some nuts to snack on on my way back to lectures. Trust me, its mortifying when your stomach growls right in the middle of a silent lecture theatre!

I know a lot of these tips may seem obvious, but I see so many girls in the changing rooms trying to fix their mascara which has run down their cheeks or simply dabbing off sweat with toilet roll before heading out again. These few simple products and tips will keep you looking fresh all day without really compromising too much.

Fitness Myths Busted

It is a very real fact that many women who frequent the gym are Cardio Bunnies: they go to the gym and spend an hour on the treadmill or the elliptical. You can actually see this in gyms, the cardio equipment is dominated by females. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with this as such, cardiovascular health and stamina are important parts of overall fitness, however many of these women are completely disregarding an essential strand of training: weight lifting. There are so many misconceptions surrounding women and lifting weights and I really do not know why. Hopefully by the end of this article I will have provided you all with some basic knowledge and a bit of confidence to try something new and better your body.

Myth 1: Lifting heavy weights makes women bulky.

I should probably clarify what I mean by 'weight lifting' before I begin. I see women lifting weights in the gym yes, but believe me those 2 kg weights they are using to bicep curl will not be doing very much. I fully appreciate we are all on different levels, but 2 kg is the weight of 2 bags of sugar... Most women can definitely lift heavier than that!

Everybody has to start off somewhere, you should ideally be lifting a weight that you are comfortable with, but you should struggle with it by the last two reps (lifts) of your set (group of reps).

.Many women do not attempt to lift any 'heavy' weights because they fear it will make them bulky and mannish. This is  definitely not the case! This is bar far the biggest fitness myth I can think of and it drives me crazy! Full body weight training will sculpt your body, giving you curves in all the right places. We come in all different shapes and sizes, so results will vary, but it is inescapable that weight training will provide your body with tone and shape far more than cardio alone. Lifting heavier weights will make your muscles stronger, not necessarily bigger. And as you get stronger, you can lift heavier. Eating right and lifting the weights will burn the fat that is hiding those muscles and make your body look toned. You will also be able to open that jar without male help, remember the princess doesn't always need saving!

Also, it is actually physically impossible for women to look 'bulky like men' as we do not naturally have enough testosterone in our bodies to achieve that. What about those female body builders I hear you ask? Well, those women eat, train and take supplements specifically so they can look like that. They have also probably been working towards that goal for years.

Myth 2: Weight training doesn't burn calories.

This is another common misconception of weight training. Many women believe that to lose weight or burn calories they need to do cardio. This is not true. There is no reason you can't be healthy and look great without constant cardio. If you aren't a big fan of cardio and just do it because you think its best, this is for you! If you never want to run on a treadmill again in your life, you don't have to. However, if you actually really enjoy cardio, great! Just incorporate some weight training in there too !

When you train with weights, your muscles are broken down and then rebuilt again over the next day or so. While this is going on, your body is using more calories to make this process happen. This essentially means that your metabolism operates faster after your workout, even if you are just sitting studying or watching TV.

I understand that the weights room at the gym looks pretty intimidating with all those boys lifting really heavy and grunting, but I promise you its not that bad! You have every right to be there just as much as they do, you are strong and confident and trying to improve your health. However, if you really don't want to venture in there just yet, you can train your muscles in much the same way with other strength exercises:

·         Kettlebells - technically weights but you don't necessarily need a gym for these

·         Yoga/pilates - Personally, I have been weight training for a year now and I find pilates really difficult! The moves are designed so that you are lifting your own body weight, therefore toning and strengthening your muscles.

There is absolutely no reason women shouldn't train like men! If you are seriously considering trying weight training, I recommend YouTube as a great tool to observe correct form of the lifts and examples of different exercises. Also, you should get a program drawn up by a trainer at the gym, who can correctly demonstrate the different lifts and help you with any specific problems.

Hope to see more ladies in the weights room, mainly because I need a gym buddy! Help me out!