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Keeping fit and in shape during the winter, non-bikini months is important and key to the summer bikini body. Staying motivated to eat well and workout everyday is something a lot of us find hard. I know many people that rush to a quick fix a few weeks before their summer holiday, kill themselves doing cardio and starve themselves silly to try and get those results that they left a little too late in my opinion. So, how can you stay motivated all year round? I think the first stage is to understand you cannot get a Victoria's Secret angel body in a week, or even a month. Toning up and losing weight in a healthy way is a slow process, something you should never rush to do and then just let go of it in the winter. This is called Yo-yo dieting, and that is quite abusive to your body, consistency is key in the world of bikini abs. Victoria's Secret models train vigorously all year round, and obviously training steps up closer to a fashion show or shoot, as well as diet becoming stricter, BUT they do not just throw it away because they are covered by a cosy baggy jumper do they? So now we have got the first stage out of the way we can actually move onto my motivational tips! 1. BOOK! One thing I like to do to stay motivated is have something to work for. As a student, I do not have the money to book a holiday just like that, but am lucky enough to have a family that can help me out with reaching the sunshine parts of the world during July or August. Having this holiday where I know I will be in my bikini 98% of the time helps me to hit the gym throughout the year, as well as try and hit my nutritional goals. My advice here being, if you have the means to book a holiday, do it as soon as you can! This in the back of your mind keeps you going. If not, perhaps a weekend away? or even book yourself a photoshoot? or go so far as to enter yourself in a bikini comp? something I haven't done but it is still something to work for! 2.INSTAGRAM Following accounts on instagram such as Nikki Blacketter, BuffBunny, Cath Bastien, TMiller Fit.. I could go on! But following ladies that have awesome bodies, or even guys (perhaps if you get the body of your dreams, you will feel confident enough to approach a man of your dreams) keeps you motivated on a whole new level. Now these bodies are not unreachable. If they can do it, so can you! Obviously not everyone's lifestyle is entirely fitted around fitness the way their's is, but you can still make massive changes by getting the right workouts in and eating enough calories as well as the right foods for you body! 3. PROGRESS PICS Take Pictures!!! Maybe once a month, take out your phone, and take a good mirror selfie in your underwear. This is one of the best ways to track and see progress with what you're doing. Obviously, because it is a slow process, sometimes the changes don't appear to you right away. Especially when you are looking in the mirror everyday, you are so familiar with your body on a day to day basis it is almost impossible to recognise changes. But when you compare a picture a month apart the changes will become more obvious. When you start seeing results, the process of working out becomes much more rewarding, and keeps you going! This way you also know if your workout and nutrition plan is working effectively. 4. WORKOUT BUDDY Find a workout buddy. Having someone there that is going through the same thing as you is always a great way to stay motivated. I know I need that extra push most days where I don't feel great, I am tired from University, my body aches from yesterdays session and I want to eat a dozen doughnuts. But, when I am not doing this all alone, I get talked into the gym, even when i've convinced myself not to go that day. Then because I am going to the gym, why should I eat that cupcake? Won't it make my trip to the gym seem almost pointless, or i'll just have to do more to work it off... depending on how you look at it. 5. CHEAT DAYS I am not saying you should never eat a doughnut or cupcake, these things make you happy and why shouldn't you do something that makes you happy? I have cheat days scheduled into the calendar, so I can keep myself going, hitting my macros until I get to that day. Where I know I can eat all the things I felt like eating earlier in the month, or week. Now these can be weekly cheat days or less frequent than that. Personally, I like to find a few treats that fit into my macros each week and work my days around that and then have a less frequent cheat day. On this day I do not count anything I eat, I just eat what I want when I want. This break from eating well for my personal goals helps me then to stay on them the rest of the time. Thanks for reading! I hope I have sparked some motivation in you to stay fit and in good shape all year round! Victoria xx |
Good Afternoon, Hello, Bonjour, Guten Tag....
I haven't written a post in a while, i've been distracted with things and well I just haven't really even thought about blogging to be honest. But I have decided to write a little series of 'get to know me' posts to get it all going again.
Today I will be talking about my diet, and no, this does not mean I am on a weight loss diet or I ban foods from my day to day diet. By diet I mean what I eat on a day to day basis, a set lifestyle I'd call it. I think it is important to eat well, make sure you get enough of the things you need, to NEVER starve your body and to feel confident by doing so. I have never had a REAL problems with my body even when I did use to binge eat after a long day at school with cakes and chocolates, which I still enjoy, a lot. But I just do not binge in the way I used to. I mean of course I had insecurities, who doesn't? it's part of being a human being - especially wanting what you don't have. But anyway, more recently after going to university I decided to start watching exactly what was in my food. When I first moved away from home I gained some weight in places I never had before which obviously when I noticed I didn't like this. I think it is natural to do so when you first gain complete control over your own diet and grocery shopping. I mean I was eating chicken nuggets and chips on the regular, how could I not gain weight? But due to this weight gain I joined the university gym and decided it was time to do something about it. After about a week of the gym was when my boyfriend and myself decided we needed to clean up our diet to get better results. Now this is still a work in progress, I am no nutritionist, I do not know what is the best for my body but I try to make a conscious effort to learn and experiment for the best results (in my eyes).
The Diet Itself
Now anyone who knows me, is fully aware of my crazy sweet tooth. My current weakness appears to be biscuits and cookies of any kind..
So, I needed a way to eat for my body that still included some sweet indulgences. After a bit of research here and there, I realised that Protein intake in my eyes was underestimated. I mean I had seen regular gym goers at my school (Males) with their protein shakes but assumed it was to gain tonnes of mass, not that it was highly important for toning up, my hair, my nails and recovery. This was probably where I started, I purchased some Whey Protein and tried to up my protein intake. With a lot of the articles I was reading, another two nutrients were popping up a lot, Fats and Carbohydrates (Yes I know these don't seem appealing when talking about being toned and fit but seriously your body needs them).
I follow a lifestyle called if it fits your macros. This means if it fits your macronutrient (fat, carbs & protein) goals - which you can calculate online and just adjust them as and when you see fit according to results you see - then you can eat it. So I can eat a cookie everyday if I want to as long as I hit my goals for these macronutrients and it fits within them, I am good to go. Now this works perfectly for me as it is more of a lifestyle and doesn't restrict me in ways that stop me enjoying food and life. I can't binge all day long but I can have an Oreo or two when it fits with the rest of my day.
Right now I don't have a perfectly toned stomach with the best abs but I am at a good healthy weight, I am still progressing and I look MUCH better than I ever have before. So this is why I eat the way I eat.
I hope you enjoyed this little insight into 'if it fits your macros', my life and why I follow it.
Thank you for reading!
Victoria
xoxo
Menorca
In July I jetted off for my summer holiday to Menorca for 2 weeks. Perhaps the rainy weather has motivated me to write this post today, but really this island is worth a visit. If you are struggling to decide on a summer getaway location, take a look at Menorca, or even the other balearic islands. Just off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean sea, Menorca offers sunshine, beautifully clear sea views with white sandy beaches, cocktail bars on the beach, and local seafood... what more could you ask for?
I stayed in a resort called Punta Prima, a small relaxing resort but still managed some exciting and hilarious nights with everybody I went with. My first impression of Menorca was this picture above, our first stop was 'Noray' a cocktail bar placed right on the beach with spectacular views. From that first late afternoon I knew I was in for an amazing two weeks, just from the view itself.
I wore many different outfits each evening, spending all day everyday in my bikini. This one is one of my favourites. All black brings out a tan perfectly.. so I am a fan of wearing black on holiday.
Black maxi skirt w/ side split: Boohoo.
Fringe cropped black top: Misguided.
Bag: Chanel
Michael Kors watch (I do wear this everyday though.)
Another of my staple holiday outfits is my white dress... this comes on holiday with me every year, Until I grow out of it, I will continue to wear it. You cannot really see it fully in the picture below, but it is a straight cut mini dress, quite fitted and just does not need anything but a small bag to compliment it.
White Dress: Hollister.
Bag: Chanel.
Necklace: River Island.
Thanks for reading
Victoria
xx
Coachella is always hugely talked about for it's boho street style, especially with a high amount of celebrities attending each year down in palm springs, California. With not just the festival itself taking place, there are tonnes of parties to attend in the area - which we all get a look into through mainly instagram whilst sitting at home wishing we were there in the sunshine listening to the live music, soaking up the atmosphere. This year there were some great looks, possibly not my favourite year so far.. without Vanessa Hudgens Coachella boho isn't quite as boho. But nonetheless there were still some gorgeous looks.
My top two looks are actually from bloggers..
1. Chiara Ferragni - TheBlondeSalad
Wearing a vest from H&M, a vintage suede skirt and accessorising with a gorgeous red Celine bag. She looks amazingly boho whilst wearing very this season suede.. and i'm loving the white face markings. 10/10 for Chiara.
2. Negin Mirsalehi - Neginmirsalehi.com
Now I am not 100% whether the girls went to the actual festival but I know they went to a couple of parties in the area, absolutely wiping the floor with these amazing looks. Both wearing coming Sabo Skirt looks, making me incredibly excited for whats coming on the website.
4. Kendall Jenner (as always)
I am absolutely loving this dress! If anyone knows where it is from leave a comment below. It is perfectly paired with some gorgeous brown ankle boots which we have seen a lot of at coachella this year! top marks for this festival goer.
It is a shame I couldn't find a front shot of this outfit but.. The lovely blue colours stand out with a great tan.. using an open back to show it off. I'd definitely love this outfit for a summer holiday. With hats now on my fashion wishlist constantly now... this is probably one of my favourites of this weekends looks. Bows, hats and skirts. Very pretty and cute.
My top two looks are actually from bloggers..
1. Chiara Ferragni - TheBlondeSalad
2. Negin Mirsalehi - Neginmirsalehi.com
A first time Coachella goer rocking a matching set.. I am absolutely in love with this look. There were many looks Negin wore all weekend that I loved but this is my favourite. I have never managed to get hold of a matching set but this look makes me realise it is a necessity this summer!
3. The girls from Sabo Skirt
Now I am not 100% whether the girls went to the actual festival but I know they went to a couple of parties in the area, absolutely wiping the floor with these amazing looks. Both wearing coming Sabo Skirt looks, making me incredibly excited for whats coming on the website.
4. Kendall Jenner (as always)
Looking absolutely stunning Kendall Jenner wore a cute gypsy style crop top, a black slit maxi skirt with some gorgeous boots bringing out her hippie fashion side. Mixing it with some gold accessories this mixes perfectly with the black and white to this look.
5. Rosie Huntington Whitely
Going for a slightly less boho look, but still looking gorgeously spring/summer! With a cool pale mint green leather skirt and simple sleeveless white top.. paired with some cute light brown boots to add the festival to the classy look as well as a tasseled bag - shouting I am going to a festival I swear.
My nameless looks that I also found were worth a mention:
And finally this great simple festival look of denim shorts, black bikini and a full length kimono is one of the classics! and this girl is pulling it off to perfection!
Should I make another edition next week? who was your favourite coachella look of the first of 2015s weekends?
Thanks for reading...
Victoria
xoxo
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I am a huge lover of going on a Ski trip and there are many reasons for this that I want to share with you guys. As I said this blog will be about sharing my loves in life.. and skiing is one of them. I'd say it is the one thing I constantly crave. If you have not been on a ski trip then I can honestly tell you, you are missing out! I personally do not think your life is complete. I have had the most fun I have ever had in the mountains, and I am a somewhat well travelled person. When the sun is shining down on your face but you get the cool mountain breeze there is no better feeling.
Firstly; The views.
The views from the top of the mountain and even the bottom to be honest are spectacular. The natural beauty of the mountain peaks surrounding you can sometimes be just breathe taking.
I have been skiing in two countries, Austria and America. The photo above is from Austria on my most recent ski trip - over a year ago, which depresses me a lot.
Secondly; Mountain top lunch.
If you like to keep on a budget like me after spending a fortune on the trip itself (as ski trips do not come cheap! I advise doing it with your school, university or in a large group) you can have a packed lunch. Mine consisted of Nutella Rolls everyday and I think a Chocolate bar of some kind which I usually saved for a snack on the chair lifts for an energy boost, as skiing is very tiring. But a MUST have that is one of my favourite parts of skiing is having a hot chocolate with whipped cream or as it is called in Austria 'eine heisse schockolade' I think. I bought one of these everyday at the restaurant at the top of the cafe. But most people also buy chips.
Thirdly; The skiing itself
The amount of fun it is to learn to ski is unreal, especially when you are with friends and you just laugh at each other falling over. Once you have learnt to ski and you start to tackle harder runs like blues, reds and blacks instead of the nursery slopes it becomes even more fun. The speed you are travelling at and the feel of bombing it down a run without falling over is one of the best. Last time I went skiing I managed to fall over on a flat piece of snow by the restaurant.. because my ski was not on properly, causing it to clip off and me to face plant.. It was brilliant.........
As you can see in the picture above we sometimes dress up in fancy dress, I was a leopard. Which is also a great day when you're on a ski trip with friends.
Finally; The tan?
So you are thinking you'd rather spend your time tanning on a beach somewhere or by the pool because you want to be sun kissed brown.. well in fact in the mountains your face is highly exposed to the sun due to the snow reflecting the UV rays. Slap on some suncream and ski the day away.. without allowing for goggle marks and your face will most likely be the brownest it has been in a long time. My freckles like to multiply so my face looks a lot browner after a ski trip - and if you are going in the winter during the ski season you are not likely to be getting your legs and belly out when you are home as it will be cold so your all important glow is in the place that you'll be showing off the most! perfect!
Have you been skiing or are thinking about doing so? let me know in the comments below.
Victoria
xoxo
Naked Basics by Urban Decay review
Recently I purchased the Naked Basics palette, as I have been in much need of some matte colours in my eye shadow collection. So far I have been very impressed. The only colour I have not really used more than once so far is Crave the Matte Black eye shadow but I am not blaming this on the palette but more on my particular lifestyle right now. I am home for easter and have not had the need to cover my eye lids in a dark smokey look, so I look forward to using it then. Therefore this palette has been a great success in my make up looks the past week or so, where I have been out and about making the basics palette perfect to carry around in my hand bag instead of a great big 12 shade palette.
The packaging
When I first took the palette out of its cardboard packaging and looked at it in just its packaging case, I thought it summed up the palette perfectly. It has a matte look and feel to it, in a bronze like colour. The palette exterior feels incredibly smooth and some what soft for a hard material, which I think reflects the shadows inside perfectly. Smooth, soft and simple - with the ability to create a dramatic look alone or stand out even more when used as a base and combined with some of the other naked palettes.
When opened up, there is a large mirror covering the entire top casing of the palette, which is perfect for on the go make up, which I feel this palette is great for. The eyeshadows are laid out like any other naked palette in long rectangles which to a first buyers surprise will last you a long time as I have experienced with the Naked 1 palette which is going strong after 2 years of use .. some shades more than others. The palette also clicks shut, which makes it good for hand bag use as your palette stays safely shut and your expensive eye shadows don't end up as a coating to your hand bag lining, which is always a plus right?
6 shades of matte - almost
There are 6 shades in the Palette, 5 Matte shades: Foxy, W.O.S, Naked 2, Faint and Crave and 1 Satin shade: Venus. I use venus (the lightest in the palette) as a highlight as the very slight shimmer to it catches the light slightly brightening my brow bone and inner tear ducts. Foxy matches my skin tone for a very no make up make up look on me and manages to brighten my eyes a lot when used all over my lid. It has yellow undertones unlike the next colour W.O.S which is ever so slightly darker due to the pink undertones used. I like to use this shade instead of Foxy as a base colour or as a highlight when using other palettes such as Naked 3 which is a very pinky rose gold based palette. The palette then darkens again, with Naked 2, a slightly cooler toned colour than Urban Decay's Naked in the Naked 1 palette and is easier to use as a matte colour than Naked. This is a good transition colour if you are very pale, or to blend over the top of some darker colours to make them blend seamlessly. I haven't been using Naked 2 as much as the other colours in the palette as of yet, as it is a bit of an in-between colour for me. My favourite colour in the palette is the next colour, a warm dark matte brown: Faint. It is perfect to define the crease of my eyelid, using a blending brush - I have been using a Mac 275 for a slighting winged look on my outer corners and blending it into my crease. This colour is also perfect for creating any smokey look as a colour to blend out any eyeshadow to your natural skin colour. I fear for the day I hit the pan on this shadow. Then finally, the matte black colour Crave, which I haven't been attacking too much with the make up brushes but it is a very handy colour to have to make a dark smokey eye and is also great in the outer corner of my eye to darken up my look a little bit. It works well as a good transition from day to night look, if I am wearing a very simple look in the day this colour could dramatise the look wonderfully. Which I have tried once or twice and it looks great. I also recommend using Faint and Crave as under eye liners as they smoke out nicely and work perfectly in place of a dark kohl eyeliner. Everybody loves a multi tasking product.
The cost
Usually cost is an issue when it comes to Urban Decay products, as they are highly priced. This has been on my wish list for a long time and I only bought it due to a gift card I received for urban decay. However it only comes in at £21, not as expensive as some other UD palettes due to its size. But I do think that urban decay eye shadows are well worth the money, they are long lasting and have a great consistency that is easily bendable as well as build-able. Particularly with a good primer underneath these eyeshadows really come to stand out from the crowd. Which I was quite disappointed I didn't receive a small primer potion or any free gifts with this palette as I have done previously with Urban Decay products, this being said is the only real downfall I can find in the product. Which I only expect due to previous purchases so I guess I cannot really complain.
Overall...
I think that the Naked basics palette is a must have in your make up collection. The colours are universal, they are great for blending and will work with any other colours as a base or crease colour. Even though it is expensive it is a very good palette to start with in the Naked collection in my opinion - as the whole collection can be very daunting. They are perfect for beginners in the make up world as they are not too out there and dramatic but can also be used by beauty gurus and pros to create a really dramatic look. The name really explains it all though, these are basic colours - but to me that means they are necessities. I also love the way it is the perfect size to carry around with me if I need a touch up or to do my make up on the go, instead of hauling around my entire naked palette I can just bring this mini one.
I definitely recommend this product, to both beginners delving into the high end of make up products for the first time and pros.
I also just recently purchased a Naked 3 Palette along side this one, let me know if you would like to read a review on that Palette also.
xoxo
