Health and Fitness routine- Part 3

So this is the final part of my Health and Fitness routine and it's all about exercise.

I basically change up my exercise routine quite a lot as personally, I find my body adapts to things really quickly and then I don't get great results.

On a day to day basis, I do a mix of cardio exercises and targeted workouts to strengthen and tone my muscles. Which exercises I do change each day to add variation into my routine. I also find that this doesn't bore me as I'm not repeating the same things each day.

*Tip*- I find buying new workout gear and workout clothing really motivates me to go running or to do exercise, maybe it'll help you too! Also, maybe you could find a workout buddy to help you throughout your workout. They can motivate you and make things a lot more fun. If you can't find someone to exercise with you, make a playlist of upbeat and fast paced songs to go running too. It not only keeps you running at a steady beat, therefore increasing the effectiveness of your workout, but once again, it motivates you and makes exercise a lot more fun and distracts from the strenuous activity.

Cardio-
Running- I go running with my friends at least once a week. I think going with your friends really just makes running a lot easier and more fun. We normally walk for around 30 minutes until we reach a park (not a playground park) and then run for 1-2 hours. We don't run for the whole duration, but run for around 5 minutes then complete a series of short exercises such as star jumps, lunges and squats for around 2 minutes and repeat. This is really effective as it gives your muscles a rest and it also means your body can recover from the running so your prepared for the next set of running. It also changes up the actions carried out by your muscles so it's more effective in toning and strengthening them.
Dancing- I use Just Dance for around 3-4 times a week. It's so fun! As I've said before, it has a setting called Just Sweat that combines dance routines with boxing, boot camps or aerobics. Again, this creates a sort of interval training, meaning it switches up your actions to get the best results. I personally find this so fun and it doesn't even feel like your exercising but I see great results! I do 2 x 25minute routines and my favourites are the intense cardio training and intense cheerleading bootcamp. I also attend dance lessons twice a week for around 1 hour to 1 and a half hours , so  I also get a great deal of my workouts from this.
Walking- I have a dog so this is a great opportunity for me to go walking. However, if you don't have a dog, you can just go walking with your friends and family. I go for around 30 minute walks as often as I can. It isn't as strenuous as running or dancing, but gains results in the long run.

Targeted workouts-
Apps- I really like the Daily Legs, Butt and Abs workouts. They contain a series of targeted workouts that are both shown by a trainer and explained so it's really easy to follow. You can also feel it working really fast, which is what I like about this particular series. There are loads of other apps that you can download, but I personally like these ones as their free and I think they really work.
Cycle legs- I just made up the name of this to be completely honest. It probably has one, but I just don't know it... Anyway, I do this at night when I'm lying in bed. I lye on my back and lift my legs up at a 90degree angle. I then move them in a cycling motion, as if I'm riding a bike. I do this for around 5 minutes. I can honestly feel this working my legs so much! It also helps me sleep as it tires me out. Bonus!

Both-
Blogilaties- I'm pretty sure the majority of you have heard of this Youtube channel! It's basically a series of videos containing targeted workouts and cardio. Also, it has food tutorials teaching you how to make delicious healthy foods. Cassie Ho shows you how to do each exercise and talks to you throughout, this kind of distracts you from the pain of her exercises. Honestly, I don't know how she does it! The exercises are so effective and Cassie is like a little ball of energy. She's so motivating and she makes things a lot funner (obviously not a word). 
Go and subscribe, you won't regret it- http://www.youtube.com/user/blogilates

*Please* please please stretch before and after you do any type of strenuous exercise to prevent any injuries! Also, make sure you drink a lot of water to keep you hydrated and healthy throughout your workouts :) Have fun.

Once again, I hope I've helped a few people and given you an idea of exercises that you can do to improve your fitness.

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BlogLovin'

So...
I'm sure the majority of you know because so many bloggers have brought it to attention, but Google Reader is disappearing soon :(
I'd just like to make you aware that you can follow me on BlogLovin', it would make my day if you did ;)

Anyway, that's that really...

The follow buttons on the right hand side... press it!

Or, Go to this link and follow directly on BlogLovin'- http://www.bloglovin.com/elerihall

Thanks buddy

Health and Fitness routine- Part 2

This is just going to be a short post about my daily routine, going into more detail about what I eat etc...

Breakfast-
I tend to wake up around 8 o'clock. It takes me around half hour to wake up fully and make my breakfast.
You should never skip breakfast because it gives you enough energy for the day and starts up your metabolism too!
There are a few options for healthy breakfast;
Porridge- I really like the Alpen fruit porridge. It has little chunks of strawberries, apples and raisins in it so it's really tasty. 
Weetabix- Weetabix is great as it has slow release energy which is really important to keep you going throughout the day. However, I do find weetabix a little bland on its own, so I top it of with a good coat of Rowes Honey. It also has slow release energy. This combination is really great because it really fills me up instead of leaving me hungry after an hour or so.
Fruit and Yoghurt- I really enjoy berries so for breakfast I sometimes eat strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. I then top it off with a dollop of Greek yoghurt and a sprinkle of oats. Oooh, It sounds really magical! The fruit mean it contains some of your five a day and blueberries especially contain anti-oxidants which are really good for your skin. The fruit also adds a flavouring to the yoghurt and the oats add a nice crunch.
Drink- I always drink a glass of water when eating my breakfast. Again, it boosts your metabolism and starts it quickly for use during the day. I also find it very refreshing and helps me wake up. I've slowly been weening myself off the tea :(

Snacks-
Fruit- I mainly eat fruit for snacks. I personally love mangos, apples, pineapples and berries. They really satisfy me and don't leave me feeling hungry.
Crackers- If I don't feel like fruit and want something a little more substantial, I'll go for crackers and a variety of different things to accompany it. Mainly, I go for either brussels pate or palma ham to top the crackers and then have cucumber and pickled onions on the side.
Drink- As I've replaced my morning cup of tea with water, I sometimes do have my tea when I have my snacks. Either tea or orange juice, it varies.

Dinner-
My family are generally very healthy and our dinner is often made from scratch by my parents. 
Meat- More often than not, I will have some sort of meat or fish with salad and veg and then 2 or 3 potatoes. 
Pasta- My biggest weakness is pasta. I really love it! Again, being a healthy family, pasta is normally served with vegetables and chicken, or a home made sauce. 
Drink- For the majority of the time, I will have squash with my dinner. Obviously, it has more of a flavour than water, but still has the goodness.

So, it may have been a little boring to read what I eat, but hopefully it will give some people a few ideas of what healthy foods they can eat. 

Stay tuned for Part 3 where I'll go into detail about my exercise routine. oooooooh

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Health and Fitness routine- Part 1

As many of you know, I have a whole 11 weeks off school and I think the best use of that time is to get into the best shape I can possibly be. Not necessarily losing weight, but toning and just eating healthily, but hey, if I lose a few pounds, I won't complain!
A lot of people want to tone and lose weight because of the image forced upon them by celebrities and the media, however, I would like to do it just to feel comfortable with myself and make no one but myself happy.  As I said, I'm not looking to lose weight, just to be an all round healthier person. 

To do this, I created a 5 step plan...

Step 1-  Fruit and Veg

I believe that it's true when people say "you are what you eat". Healthier foods will make you feel better about yourself and more positive about things in general. Let's be honest, no one ever eats a chocolate bar and feels great after it. Your skin will also benefit from a healthier diet. 

To put this into action, I have told my mother not to buy me chocolate or sweets so there is no temptation. If I'm hungry, I'll reach for an apple or some berries, and once you've eaten it, you'll feel so much better! 

It is easier said than done. I mean, you won't be able to give up all unhealthy treats straight away, it's a process. To cure my cravings, I treat my self to a bar of chocolate or a piece of cake once a week. It's a sort of reward for a good week and motivates me to work hard next week.

Step 2- Water

Water is known to benefit your entire body by keeping it hydrated for longer periods of time and also helps to give your skin a gorgeous glow. Try swapping fizzy drinks and coffee for water. Again, I know it's easier said than done as water can be a little plain and boring. But... I have a solution. To make things a little more interesting, I add two slices of lemon or lime to my water. This acts as a natural flavour and personally, I prefer it to drinks such as lemonade and coke. My weakness is tea. It's one thing I cannot remove from my routine. I have, however, managed to cut down my tea intake to one cup a day, usually drunk in the morning. 

I've been sticking to water for around a week now and I have already noticed a difference in how I'm feeling and in my skin.

Step 3- Note it

This one may seem a little weird but it's a really useful tip.

For the past few days, I've been documenting everything I've eaten and what I've had to drink, as well as writing down how I felt before and after. I've found that I've felt the same before eating a piece of fruit or chocolate, eg.hungry/bored, but different after I've eaten it. For instance, after eating fruit, I felt energised and happy, but when I ate chocolate, I felt exactly the same as I did before I'd eaten it. I have found that the pleasure of eating chocolate only lasts when you're actually eating it. Once it's gone, it's gone. There are no positive feelings after it.

This also benefits me as I can look back at it and prevent myself from eating chocolate or sweets as I know I won't feel good after eating it.

You see my point?

Step 4- Exercise 

Often, the reason for eating rubbish is because we're bored, not even hungry. During times of bordem, I exercise. yay!

I like doing two types of exercise in particular, cardio and targeted workouts.

It's known that exercise releases endorphins which make you happy. So, not only is exercise good for your body by working the muscles, it's also great for increasing your mood!

*WARNING* If you're not use to exercise, please do not start everything all at once. It will cause more harm than good, and may actually put you off exercise all together. Please make sure you stretch before and after to prevent any injures. Also, remember to keep hydrated throughout your workout. It's VERY important!

Cardio- For cardio exercise, I've started going on jogs and walks with my friends. I go at least once a week and I feel really good about myself after I've been. It's definitely hard work but it all pays off. 

I also enjoy using my Wii and playing on Just Dance 4. There is a new setting called Just Sweat, which combines the normal Just Dance dance routines with little workouts. My favourites are the Intense cardio workout which combines dance and short boxing/kickboxing routines, and the Intense cheerleader boot camp, which again combines dance with short boot camp/circuit style routines. It's honestly so fun that you forget you're exercising. The great thing about it is that you can customise the time of your workout and it also tells you and estimate of how many calories you've burnt, very satisfying!

Targeted workouts- There are so many great workout apps available on the app store for both android and apple devices. I personally love the Daily butt, abs and legs apps. They're free and really effective. I must be honest, targeted workouts are the most strenuous and least enjoyable thing for me, but I know it's benefiting me and that's all that matters. 

If you're in need of a little motivation, you can find some accounts on apps such as instagram that post pictures of motivational quotes and recipes for delicious snacks. It really has helped me so far. 

Step 5- Sleep

Yep, this is a little obvious. But seriously, sleep is just as important as eating healthily and exercising. Without enough sleep, you won't be able to exercise and things will just become harder and harder until your body eventually shuts down and prevents you from doing any thing else. So.... just sleep okay :)

So, I hope I've helped someone out there.

I've basically been following this plan for the past few days, and despite that only being a short period of time, I've really noticed changes in my attitude and how I'm feeling day to day.

Keep your eyes pealed for part two! oooooh

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Shopping makes me happy...

So, I thought I'd do a little haul for y'all.

This isn't the biggest haul, but I thought I'd share it anyways. I haven't been shopping a lot lately, but these items were purchased over a few trips. 

*DISCLAIMER* I have bought all items with my own money, apart from a top (which will be stated) that my mam and dad bought for me as an end of exams present.

Lets get into the haul... oooooh I'm excited!

Clothing-

New Look Lace Crop Top- £11.99

This first top is from New Look. It's basically a cream lace top with a nude slip underneath. The material flows really elegantly and is so versatile! It's actually from Generation (the kids section) but fits really nicely. these pictures do not do it justice... believe me.

New Look Black Maxi Skirt- £14.99

I then bought a plain black maxi skirt (again from New Look)with the intention of wearing it with the cream lace top. Again, it flows really nicely and I think it's the perfect thing to transition both into Autumn and then into Winter as it can be worn with jumpers too. Its kind-of a cross of jersey, cotton and chiffon material and I can't put my finger on what it is. BUT... I do know that it's really soft and comfortable.

Next Parisian Top- £22

My final clothing item is this cute top from Next. This is also the top that my parents bought me. It's a peachy coral colour and is also a burnt out material, meaning its great to wear in the Summer, or layered for the Winter. I love the print, because, as you know, I'm in love with Paris! The girls jacket actually has little dimante's on so it's really pretty and girly. 

Cosmetics-

Lets start with Avon!

Avon Apricot Mystery- £2.50

I made a little order from Avon a few weeks ago and am so please with my purchases.

I first ordered this lipstick, however, I'm not sure if it's available any more...sorry. 

I've been lusting after this lip colour for so long and I finally ordered it when it was on sale, even better! As the name states, it's an apricot shade but it also has tiny purple duo-chrome shimmers. It's also quite sheer, so its the perfect summer shade both for the day and the night. I've been wearing this so much since I received it and am so happy I finally purchased it.  

Avon Super Shock Gel Pencil Eyeliner in Blackberry- £1.50

This is another thing I've been wanting for ages and now I have it, I couldn't live without it. Again, I had it on sale but I know it's definitely still available both in Avon Brochures and online. 

The formula is really nice, and the colour just glides onto your lids, without tugging or pulling. Also, once it's on, it's not coming off fully for a day or two. 

The colour's also really nice and more wearable than a black. It's a deep brown with very subtly purple shimmer in it and I really feel that it brings out the blue-ness of my eyes.

Natural Collection Blushed Cheeks in Peach Melba- £1.99

I've heard so much hype about the Peach Melba blush and being in the market for a peach shade, I fell into the trap and purchased it. I didn't really mind though as it doesn't make a dent in your savings by any means.

On to the actual product, let me just tell you, EVERYTHING PEOPLE SAY IS TRUE! This blush is super pigmented and gives the face a gorgeous peachy glow. It's matte, so you have the option of adding highlighter or just leaving the face matte, as many people do. This really is a perfect peachy shade and I know I'll be wearing it a lot throughout the Summer.

Rimmel BB Cream in Light- £6.99

I'm a huge fan of BB Creams and wear them all year round. I've been using the Maybelline Dream BB Cream for a while now and thought I'd restock. However, when I went to purchase it, I saw the Rimmel one and decided to try it out. I believe this is the lightest shade and surprise suprise, it's the shade I had to go for as even in Summer, I don't tan dramatically. The one thing I am a little apprehensive about is the lower SPF, as on my pale skin, I like to use at least SPF 30 (like the Maybelline one) to make sure I don't burn. 

Revlon Colourstay Ultimate Suede in Solialite- £6

I actually got this on a promotional offer when it was first released, so I'm not sure on the normal price. For me, this is a moisturising lipstick, with the finish and longevity of a matte lipstick. I picked it up in Socialite, which on me, is a 'my lips but better' colour. It's sort of a rosy pink colour and looks lovely for day to day wear. However, the one downside to this lipstick, is that it smells really strongly of play dough... yum.

So, here's a few swatches, pretty self explanatory really... 

By the way, this swatch really doesn't do the shimmers in both the Avon lipstick and eyeliner justice.

Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Blueberry- £3.99

Finally, I wandered past the Barry M stand. I've been lusting after this Gelly Nail Paint in particular for a long, long time. It's a cross between a pale blue and lavender shade, so I'm really looking forward to wearing it throughout the summer. I haven't actually tried this yet, but it's definitely going to be the next colour that I'll paint my nails. There are so many pretty shades that I'm definitely going to go back and get more, maybe not the whole collection, but the majority.

Also, there was a buy one get one half price offer, so, being the nail polish addict I am, I picked up another one. I wasn't to bothered as I know how great the Barry M Nail Paints are.

Barry M Texture Nail Paint in Kingsland Road- £1.99

Based on half price offer

I decided to buy one of the Barry M Nail Paints in Kingsland Road. It's a textured nail paint, meaning it contains tiny lumpy things, so that when you layer it on your nails, it creates a concrete texture. I'm not 100% sure how to explain it, but it's really cool. As you can tell, I'm wearing it now, and have fallen deeply in love. I also love the baby pink shade as it makes my fingers look elongated, weird I know. I'm definitely in the market for buying more of the textured nail paints, including the feather effects, which I almost bought.

So there you have it. A little haul.

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Sweet Freedom!

Sweet, sweet freedom!

Lets start on a great note and celebrate the fact that my GCSE's are done. After months of hard work, I finally finished.

To celebrate this, a few friends and I went for a meal last night. It was such an amazing feeling to do something other than revise and stress. We went to TGI Fridays and had a lovely meal. Also, it was a celebration of our Summer holidays, which, start today. 11 whole weeks off! I am a bit gutted though as last week the sun was gleaming, however, last Monday the rain came pouring down once again.

But... the weathers not going to get me down. I AM FREE!

The weather however, did affect my outfit choices. I was planning on wearing a vintage style blouse with a black skater skirt and my cream flatform shoes. Maybe that will feature in a future post...

Because of the rain and wind, I wore something a little warmer.

So this is an overview of my outfit.

My crop top is from Internacional and is a staple piece in my wardrobe. I decided to wear a bright pink to bring in an element of summer and fun, despite it not being reflected in our Great British weather. It has a little peter pan collar and all the edges are scalloped, adding a really cute detail. 

To contrast the top, I wore a pair of black disco pants from New Look. These are also a staple piece in my wardrobe because they are so so so comfy! They also go with everything, meaning they can be dressed up or down. The top and pants left a small portion of my midriff on show, as you can see, but it was nothing too revealing!

Finally, for shoes, I wore black creepers, again from New Look. Honestly, I need to invest in a pair of black flats, preferably loafers. I love my creepers, however, I feel they look better when I'm wearing skirts with frilly socks, or something to that effect, as they give it a cool, grungy feel. But with my disco pants, I think they cut off my legs slightly and this kind of defeated the point of the high waisted-ness.

This is a close up of the top, so you can really see the scalloped edges. As you can see, I tried to match my lips with the top using the Revlon just kissable balm stain in lovesick and the Rimmel apocalips in apocaliptic for extra longevity. I kept the rest of the makeup really simple like I did in my I'm Bringing Gucci Back post a few months ago.

I also kept the jewellery simply by wearing small cross earrings by Forever 21 and a vintage ring that actually used to be my nans when she was my age. This is probably one of my most worn rings. I really love it!

I had a really great night and I'm so thankful to have finished my exams. My GCSE's were an extremely stressful period and now I just have to wait for the results.

The steriotypical girls in bathroom pose/ My bestest friend and I/ Celebrating freedom

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12 down, 3 to go...

Hello strangers...

Well, I'm back for a short while. 

As you know, I've recently been undertaking my GCSE exams for the past month or two and I'm relieved to say, I ONLY HAVE THREE EXAMS LEFT!!! round of applause please :) My final exam is next Friday and I'm looking forward to having a night free of revision and work. Also, my official summer holiday starts next Friday, which means I have 12 whole weeks free. I'm a bit apprehensive and overwhelmed by the amount of time I will have, not worrying about any school work at all. However, it means I can blog as often as I like, something I've been missing recently.

Anyway, this is just a quick post to update you all on my life. I've basically been revising non stop for what feels like forever. Also, I haven't even been anywhere or done anything interesting enough to blog about. 

I'm pretty much going all steam ahead from next Friday. I have a few things planned so keep your eyes peeled for makeup tutorials, outfits of the day or just lifestyle posts. 

There's so many things for me to look forward to this summer. It's my 16th birthday, I'm going to Poland with my school, my sisters graduation, prom, a little trip to West Wales and my cousins wedding. 2013 may be my most exciting summer yet.

So, back to my revision... yaaaaaaay

See you soon buddies :)

Thankyou for reading,
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