8 Beauty Resolutions to Make (and Keep) in 2015

2015 is speedily approaching, so today I decided to come up with 8 New Year resolutions that I WILL keep! Here they are…

Moisturise twice a day.

Moisturiser acts like a barrier, trapping moisture and preventing bacteria from clogging up your pores. To find out more about the importance of moisturising, click here.

Always take off my make-up at night.

I’d say I’m fairly good at doing this already, however there are some evenings when I really cannot be bothered. I know it’s important to take your make-up off at night or else bacteria will build up on your pillowcase, leading to breakouts. Dun-dun-dah! Simple’s Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes are great and leave your face feeling fresh.

Drink at least 1.5 litres of water each day.

It’s important to drink water because (a) it flushes your body of toxins, (b) it helps us avoid dehydration and (c) it gives your skin a healthy glow. I drink more water than a lot of people, but I don’t drink enough to meet the daily recommendation (1.6 litres for women and 2 litres for men).

Get 8-10 hours of beauty sleep every night.

We’re like mobile phones; sleep is how we charge up when we’re tired. It’s also whilst you’re asleep that your body prepares itself for the coming day.

Reduce sugar intake by keeping junk for the weekend.

I usually eat quite healthily on weekdays, but when junk’s on offer, as we all know, it’s hard to resist. That’s why I set myself this goal!

Exercise daily.

Exercise gets your heart pumping and your muscles moving. That’s why it’s so important! Last month, I discovered Blogilates (a YouTube channel dedicated to fitness) and have been doing one of her quick workouts every morning before school. Additionally, I sometimes take the dog on a walk/jog in the evening, which tends to make me sleep better because it tires me out.

Use heat protection spray.

Heat damages our hair, so I thought that this resolution was a good one: always use heat protection spray before curling/straightening my hair.

Set aside some time to relax each week.

Life’s busy and sometimes things can get too much for us to cope with, so take some time to relax and enjoy a bit of ‘me-time’. How you relax is up to you; taking a hot bath or reading a book are good detoxes.

Hope you've enjoyed reading about my Beauty Resolutions for the New Year and perhaps they've even given you a few ideas!

Happy New Year!

A Walk in the Countryside

Christmas seems to have crept up on us so quickly, don't you think? It certainly doesn't feel like twelve whole months have past since the last time I'd partook in singing carols around the village Christmas tree. Anyway, the weather today was sunny (but cold) and the  clear blue sky seemed like the perfect invitation to enjoy some fresh air, so Mum, Dad and I wrapped up warm and headed off out. 

When we reached Badbury Clump, we joined forces with some close family friends, who'd brought their dogs along too (Oscar the Terrier and Bugsy the Pug). Benji, our doggy, thoroughly enjoyed the company and spent the whole walk bouncing about with his new pals, getting very muddy indeed!

I must admit, the walk itself was a lovely one; it was a pleasure to be surrounded by such natural beauty. It's totally amazing that magical places like this one exist so near to your doorstep and you've probably never even realised they're there.  As one of my New Year resolutions, I've decided to explore at least one new outdoor area a month throughout 2015.

The walk also provided me with the opportunity to try out my new Joules wellie boots, which Mum and Dad had let me open as an early Christmas present. I absolutely love the design: navy and white polka dots with a brass buckle. 

Well, that's it for now. I'm off to sing Christmas carols around the tree, then bag some ZZZ's before the Big Day! 

Love, 

LUSH Christmas Penguin Bubble Bar

I was in Oxford on Saturday doing my Christmas shopping and simply couldn't resist nipping into Lush for a browse. After spending absolutely ages smelling almost every product in the store, I finally opted for The Christmas Penguin Bubble Bar which cost £3.25. 

As soon as I arrived home, I was desperate to try him out, so I ran myself a hot bath and crumbled this adorable bath bomb beneath the tap. The citrus-y smell was truly wonderful, as were the masses of bubbles that this bar instantly created. This tremendously festive little penguin, which was inspired by a breed of penguin found in Australia, turns the bath a beautiful shade of blue and really gets you into the Christmas spirit.

Some of the key ingredients are: Sicilian lemon and mandarin oil, orange flower absolute and bergamot oil.

I'd definitely recommend this product; it's fun and would make a lovely Christmas pressie!

Toodles :)



   

Cupcake Christmas Tree Recipe

This afternoon, Dad and I made a Cupcake Christmas Tree and if you don't mind me saying, it looks and tastes fab! Here's how to make it yourself:

Equipment:

For the cupcakes
200g of butter, softened
200g of caster sugar
1 tsp of vanilla extract
2 eggs
200g of self-raising flour
2 tbsp of milk
20g of cocoa powder

For the icing

300g of butter

525g of icing sugar

3 tsp of vanilla extract

green food colouring

sweets, to decorate with

Equipment:

A 24-hole mini muffin tray

48 green petit four cases

A small plant pot (with a diameter of about 13cm)

A foam cone (with a base of about 12cm across) 

Cocktail sticks

A star, for decoration 

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line the tray with muffin cases. 

2. Put 100g of butter, 100g of sugar and 1/2 a tsp of vanilla extract into a bowl and beat with an electric hand mixer until pale and fluffy.

3. Add one egg and mix well.

4. Then pour in 1 tbsp of milk and 100g of self-raising flour. Mix with a spatula until everything's fully combined.

5. Using two teaspoons, distribute the mixture evenly among the cases and bake in the oven for 12 minutes.

6. Once the first batch has finished baking, create a second batch following steps 1-5, however,  this time add 20g of cocoa powder.

7. Let the cupcakes cool on a wire rack. Meanwhile, make the icing by beating the butter and icing sugar in a bowl, then adding the vanilla extract and food colouring. Blend again until evenly coloured.

8. Transfer the icing into a piping bag with a small star-shaped nozzle.

9. After the cakes have cooled completely, ice them.

10. Decorate each one with sweets. (I used Jelly Tots!)

11. Now, gently push the cone into the pot.

12. Push a cocktail stick into the base of every cupcake and press each one into the foam cone to secure it in place. Finally, place the star on top of the Christmas tree and TA-DAH!

Hope this recipe is helpful! Enjoy!

LUSH Dashing Santa

Christmas is only 19 sleeps away, so whilst browsing in Lush this morning, I picked up Dashing Santa, a limited-edition bath ballistic, which only cost £2.95. This evening I tried it out and if I'm totally honest, I was a teeny bit disappointed; it didn't really dash around the tub as promised. A more appropriate name for this product would have been Sinking Santa as within a minute, it had already sank to the bottom. However, on a more positive note, it smelt gorgeous and turned the bath water a wonderful shade of red. Last of all, I'd like to point out that this festive bath ballistic creates a thin sheet of white foam across the surface that looks like snow, which I thought was lovely. 

Sleep Tips

Awwww... Koalas are too cute!

Do your parents have to drag you out of bed in the morning? If this is the case, have you ever considered GOING TO BED EARLIER?!?! Here are some top tips on getting a decent night's sleep...

• Switch off electronics at least an hour before bed. As it gets dark, Melatonin is released as a subtle reminder that it's almost time for bed. However, with all the artificial light from TVs, laptops and mobiles, this chemical can't be released, therefore keeping you awake and affecting your sleeping patterns.
• Establish a night-time routine. For example, half an hour before bed, take a shower, clean your teeth and read a book. Soon, your brain will fathom that these are prompts that it's time for bed. 
• Don't leave homework till last minute. Instead, get it over and done with as soon as you come in from school, so that you're not rushing it just before bed. 
• Avoid caffeine after 7PM. It's proven that caffeine is the most addictive stimulant ever. It increases the production of adrenalin, influencing how much sleep we get. (Most teenagers need 8-10 hours a night.) Note: Caffeine is no substitute for sleep.

Hope this post comes in useful! Sweet dreams!

Messy Buns

I don't know about you, but at the moment, I'm loving messy buns! They're cute, fun, laid-back and can be achieved in minutes. Find out how to attain this funky look by following the quick step-by-step guide below:

You'll need:

• Two mini doughnuts (not the ones you eat!)
• Two hair bobbles
• Bobby pins
• A hairbrush
• Hairspray

Method:

1. First of all, brush out any knots and tangles, then gather your hair into two low ponies.
2. Now, working from the bottom of the pony, roll the doughnut up towards the bobble, tucking in any stray hairs as you go.
3. Repeat step 2 on the other side.
4. Finally, secure the buns with bobby pins and spritz with hairspray. I like Schwarzkopf's Power Cashmere Hairspray. 

I hope this easy-to-follow guide has helped you to recreate this fab hairstyle, fit for all occasions, especially school. 

Secondary School Life

I've been at secondary school for a while now (precisely 53 days in case you're wondering), so I decided I'd write a blog sharing my thoughts and feelings towards this new, exciting way of life.

The truth is that secondary school is a gigantic leap from primary school where everyone knew everyone and you had one teacher who taught all subjects! In Year Seven, expectations are higher, there's more homework and it's your responsibility to be on time for lessons. But despite all this, I'm really enjoying school. I've made a nice bunch of friends and of course, I have my pals from primary too.

I like most subjects, however my favorites consist of Maths, PE, French and History. Music is fun too as it doesn't entail as much thinking as other lessons do. At break and lunch, I usually hang out in the form room with my friends.

At the beginning of the year, my biggest worry was catching the bus. Now, it doesn't phase me in the slightest. In fact, it's the best bit of the day! In the morning, a Year Eleven named Freya usually saves me a place next to her, which means I don't have to worry about finding a space (my stop's the last one, so seats are normally scarce) and on the way home, I sit with my friend, Lani.

So, if you're moving up to secondary school next September, don't be nervous! Yes, the first couple of weeks can be daunting, but once you get in the swing of things, you'll be fine!

Establishing a Skincare Routine

Skincare can be confusing at times, especially during your teenage years, but with a little guidance it's simple. So, without further waffle, let's get stuck in...

• Wash your face using a clean flannel and warm water. A facial scrub is optional, although if you do choose to use one, I'd advice only to use it once or twice a week as scrubs can strip your skin of natural oils and goodness. 
• Cleansing rids your skin of dirt, impurities and old make-up, preventing your pores from getting blocked up. Apply with a cotton pad, then after a minute or two, wash it off with cool water to close the pores. 
• Toner balances out the acidity of skin. It isn't vital, however it can be helpful. I like Nivea's 2 in 1 Cleanser and Toner, which I bought in Superdrug for £1.78.
• Moisturise. Read my last post to find out why moisturising should by part of your daily routine by clicking here.

To achieve beautiful, clear skin, this routine should be carried out every morning and night. Hope this quick guide has answered your skincare questions!

The Importance of Moisturising

Moisturising daily is a key concept of achieving beautiful, radiant skin. It forms a barrier on the skin's surface, trapping moisture and preventing bacteria from clogging up your pores. Especially during the chillier months, it's an absolute necessity to moisturise or else your skin may become dry and cracked. Moisturisers are cheap and easy to purchase (you can buy them in all health and beauty stores such as Superdrug or Boots). I am currently using Superdrug's own Light Moisturiser for sensitive skin and find it works effectively. It's not too heavy and really does make my skin feel lovely and hydrated. Moisturising should be part of your daily skincare regime. Remember: It might feel like a chore now, but in the long run, you'll be thankful!

LUSH Granny Takes a Dip Bath Ballistic

Granny Takes a Dip is absolutely wonderful. Not only is it cheap (£3.25), it looks and smells amazing! The moment you pop it in the bath, it begins to slowly fizz away layer by layer and it is a real treat to watch as the colours swirl around in the tub. Eventually, the water turns a deep shade of violet. My only criticism is that after a couple of minutes, the intense fragrance just disperses. Don't get me wrong though, I'd buy this product again without a shadow of doubt!

Aria Beauty Curling Wand

On Saturday, as an early birthday present, Mum bought me an Aria Beauty Curling Wand! It was expensive but I love it and it should last me a lifetime! Simple to use, it curls your hair mega-quickly and the ceramic barrel creates smooth, silky ringlets. According to the very helpful sales assistant, you don't even have to use a heat-protecting spay/serum! Curls never stay in my hair for long as it's super-straight, but with this magical wand and a light spritz on hairspray they seemes to last for ages. Even once they'd fallen out a bit, they still looked great! The only problem is, the gloves a bit of pain; it makes sectioning your hair really tricky. All in all, this a fab product and I can't wait to use it again, which I can assure you, will be very soon indeed!

Batiste Dry Shampoo Review

I am crazy about Batiste and I honestly do not know what I'd do without the stuff! When my hair becomes greasy, I spritz on a genourous helping of this, give my hair a blast with the hair dryer and c'est fini! As my hair's almost ruler-straight and lacks bounce, this product adds loads of volume and texture, as well as eliminating grease. It comes in lots of different scents such as Cherry, Paisley, Tropical, Blush and oodles more! Lastly, I'd like to mention the cans. They're cute, quirky and always put a smile on my face.

Top Tips for Spot Free Skin

Some people have hundreds of zits, others have only a few. Unfortunately, spot are part of growing up and can often be unavoidable. On the other hand, there is a couple of things you can do to prevent outbreaks. Here are my top tips for blemish-free skin:

1. Take your make-up off every night. It's important to do this even if you're exhausted and really can't be bothered as make-up clogs up your pores, causing spots.

2. Eat healthily and keep junk for for a once-a-week treat. Although junk is fine once in a while, having it repeatedly is bad for your health and your skin.

3. Aim to drink at least one litre of water a day. Water hydrates your body and mind. It helps clear your skin too.

4. Exercise regularly. Exercising releases endorphins which make you feel good and boosts circulation, giving your skin a natural glow.

5. Get 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night. Catching the Zs in mega-important as sleep-deprived skin is prone to more blemishes.

6. Use a light, oil-free moisturiser. It's important to moisturise, but make sure that yours is light and suitable for young skin as a heavy one meant for older women is likely to bring you up in spots.

7. Avoid touching you face. By touching your face, you're just transferring bacteria from your fingertips to your skin.

8. Never ever squeeze a spot. Yes, it's hugely tempting, but the spot will definitely go away quicker if you just leave it be.

Hope these tips have helped! However, if none of the above has worked, I advice you to visit your GP, who may refer you onto a dermatologist.

Philip Kingsley's Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo

Do you get dandruff every once in a while? Well, never fear for Philip Kingsley and his miracle shampoo are here! It's pricey but definitely worth every penny.  For me, it seems to work a treat and within two or three uses, my scalp has regained its usual healthy state. It's scented mildly of apples and is of a smooth consistency. I really like the product and it works effectively and at a rapid pace. As well as banishing flaky bits of dead skin, it gives my hair a natural shine. I'd rate this product 8.5 out of 10 and I advise you to splash the cash. I gaurantee you wont be disappointed!

Byron in Oxford

Today, I went into Oxford with my parents to celebrate Dad's birthday, which is on Tuesday. We usually go to Wagamamas when we're in the City Centre, but fancied a change. So, we took a wonder down George Street, where we came across Byron, a gourmet burger joint. After scanning the menu, we decided to dine there as everything sounded very appetising. The waiter seated us immediately and brought us an ice-cool jug of water whilst we decided what we'd like. Who knew there were so many types of burgers? In the end, I ordered a hamburger topped with Monterey Jack and served with French fries and onion rings. Dad and I shared an Oreo milkshake too. Afterwards, I felt like I was about to pop! Not too surpring after gobbling up that mammoth meal! The actual resteraunt itself is very cool: it has a real retro American vibe to it and the decor's monochrome. Lastly, I'd also like to mention the cleanliness of the toilets; they were absolutely glistening and the brass pipe taps were a nice, unique touch. 

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Whilst on holiday, my friend, Lara Temple nominated me to do the Ice Bucket Challenge. Just in case you don't know what this is, it's basically where you have to pour an ice-cold bucket of water over your head to raise awareness for ALS (which is known as MND - Motor Neurone Disease in the UK), a disease where the nerves that control your muscles stop working properly. To watch my Ice Bucket Challenge, click here!

P.S. Don't forget to donate via the MNDA Just Giving page!

Freederm Fast Track Spot Gel

Apologies about the lack of blogging in the past three weeks; if you read my last post you'll know I've been away on holiday to Spain where it was so warm and sunny compared to grey, rainy England. Anyway, now that I'm back in the UK, I'm going to review a product that my auntie lent me whilst we were away! It's frankly amazing and an absolute must-have if you're prone to spotty skin. I'm lucky enough to have only the rare spot, but whilst on holiday, I got a few more than usual (most likely caused by eating too much junk)! So, I dabbed on a small, pea-sized amount of Freederm Fast Track and within several hours the spot had practically disappeared. Apparently, it reduces inflammation and irritation. Magical! I adore this product and it only costs £5.49 in Boots! What a bargain, hey?

Available in:

Boots Freederm Fast Track Spot Gel

Beauty Formulas Rejuvenating Glorious Mud Deep Cleansing Facial Mask

I was browsing in Bodycare recently when I spotted this! I used it for the first time yesterday afternoon and it turns out it's ace! According to the back of the tube, it's made of 100% pure clay to help remove dirt and excess oil from the skin's surface. Also, it unclogs pores and removes dead skin cells. In all fairness, my skin does feel softer and smoother than before. It's really simple to use too! All you have to do is apply a decent amount to a clean face and then allow it to dry for 10-15 minutes before washing it off with warm water. It leaves skin feeling revived, as if it's brand-spanking-new! Plus, it was super-cheap; it only cost me 99p! 

Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub

 Like I promised, this evening I'm going to be reviewing Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub that Gran bought me in Lush yesterday. It cost £8.50, which I thought was fairly pricey, although there's 330ml in a tub, so it should last me quite a few washes. I love the scrub; I can really see a visible difference in my skin. It feels much smoother! Also, it looks and smells good enough to eat. Of course, I don't advice trying it! Rub Rub Rub can be used as a gentle scrub on wet skin or a rougher burnish on dry skin before you jump into the shower. Apparently, according to the shop assistant, you can also use it to wash and add volume to your hair. It's a good 'Wake Me Up' too as the scrub contains lot of lemon juice, in order to rejuvenate your skin. I really like this product and I'll be using it loads, I should think!

Maleficent

Maleficent is by far the best movie that I've seen in a long, long time! The visual effects are mind-boggling; they make everything seem so real, so alive! It kept me gripped throughout, so much so that I didn't even finish my popcorn! The plot's unique, a superb, imaginative twist on the original story, Sleeping Beauty. I found the film even better than Frozen, which is definitely saying something as that's one of my all-time favourites! Also, I think Angelina Jolie is fab in it. She really suits the part. However, I do think it should be rated 12, rather than PG as it's quite violent in places. I give Maleficent 10/10! It's spectacular, a must-see!

Click here to watch Maleficent's trailer!