Sunday 16 October 2016

7 ways to boost your body confidence

Image: Imani Covis

Everyone struggles with body confidence at some point in their life and you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who is 100% happy with the way they look.

Despite confidence issues simply being a part of life, there's lots of little things you can do to improve your mood, and feel happier and more confident on a daily basis.

Here's 7 ways you can start today...



 Exercise


It's common knowledge that exercise is the key to shaping up and losing weight, but it also releases feel-good endorphins which lift your confidence and boost your mood. If you're having a bad day try hitting the gym for a workout, dancing to your favourite tunes or taking a stroll to get some fresh air. You're guaranteed to feel better in an instant.


Positive thinking


Sometimes it's hard not to notice things you don't like and feel badly about yourself, but next time you look in the mirror try focusing on three things you love. When you feel yourself thinking negative thoughts, replace them with positive ones and remind yourself of your strengths and all the things you're good at.


Be nice


As well as making people around you happy, being nice makes you happy too. Make someones day by smiling or giving them a compliment. Not only will you be spreading the love and making them feel good, you may also get a compliment in return so it's a win-win situation.


Sexy underwear


Who cares if you're the only one who's going to see it? Knowing that you're wearing super-sexy underwear under your normal clothes will make you feel confident, put-together and powerful. Think of it as your version of a superman suit. Bonus points if it's a matching pair.


Scent


Scent has the power to transform your mood instantly. Instead of saving your favourite scent for special occasions, wear it every day. Alternatively treat yourself to a new one that you associate with good feelings and positive thoughts. When you need a confidence boost give it a spritz and revel in the happiness and great feeling. 

Smile


It has been scientifically proven that smiling tricks your brain into thinking you are happy - even when you're not. On days when you're feeling down, keep a big grin on your face and pretend you've just won the lottery. You'll soon notice a change in your mood as well as in others around you - smiling really is infectious.

Posture


Similarly to smiling, the way you hold your body conducts a message to your brain about how you're feeling. In situations where you need a confidence boost, sit, stand or walk tall, and not only will you feel more confident in yourself, you will portray that message to others and confidence will ooze out of you.

Saturday 1 October 2016

Hello October


And there goes another super-quick month - is it really just 3 months until Christmas?!

Autumn is definitely my favourite season and I'm super excited for bonfirescrisp leavescosy jumpers, berry nails, hot chocolateankle boots, Halloween and of course the festive countdown! 

I'm now all moved in to my new flat and ready to start my third year at university. Scary

Although I miss my family and friends back home, it's nice to have my own space and be independent again. I'm more than ready to get back to the uni routine and get stuck back into my work.

What have you been up to this month? Do you have any exciting plans for October?


Holly xx

Here's a few pics from September...

Day trip to London

Eggs and avo, obvs

Baby boy

This shop though

Loving the new season trends

 Good morning

#TBT my beautiful Grandma

Minimal-wardrobe goals

How beaut are these roses?

LDN. Photography by moi

Petit-déjeuner français

Sunny walks in the park

Reading

Friyay treat

Always there

Autumn shades

Coffee O'clock

Beauty haul

Autumn #nailspo

Monday morning

The last of the summer flowers

For more pics follow me on Instagram @misshollyamber

Thursday 22 September 2016

Travel bucket list


Ever since I can remember I have dreamed of travelling the world. 

The thought of experiencing life in a foreign country, exploring new cultures, tasting different cuisines, meeting new people and witnessing the beauty of endless exotic locations sounds like the perfect fantasy.

I hope to eventually visit each bucket list destination and explore them one by one, before finally deciding where to settle. 

Well a girl can dream...

Here's my ultimate travel bucket list.

London, England, UK. Image: my own

Britain

Bath, England
Cotswolds, England
London, England
Edinburgh, Scotland

Bath, England, UK. Image: Baroque Travel


Santorini, Greece. Image: Foundtheworld

Europe

Barcelona, Spain
Madrid, Spain
Berlin, Germany
Budapest, Hungary
Copenhagen, Denmark
Paris, France
Provence, France
Almafi Coast, Italy
Milan, Italy
Naples, Italy
Rome, Italy
Venice, Italy
Vienna, Austria
Prague, Czech Republic
Stockholm, Sweden
Athens, Greece
Mykonos, Greece
Santorini, Greece
Zakynthos, Greece
Zurich, Switzerland


Rome, Italy. Image: Transferromeairport


New York, US. Image: Emirates

America

Disney World, Orlando
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
New Orleans
New York
Rocky Mountains, Colorado
San Fransisco
Seattle
Tennessee
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming


Disney World, Orlando, US. Image: Zaiqatv


Havana, Cuba. Image: Travelmedia

Other

Australia
Canada
Havana, Cuba
Moscow, Russia

Banff National Park, Canada. Image: Planetware

Where would you like to travel? Have you been to any places on my list?

Holly xx

Saturday 17 September 2016

Monday 12 September 2016

5 easy ways to treat yourself well everyday



Living a healthy lifestyle is not simply down to eating healthy and exercising, or restricting yourself during the week just so you can indulge at the weekend - it’s about balance and maintaining a healthy mind and body all the time - which believe it or not, includes treats!

Creating a healthy routine is easier than you think and by adding a few small changes each day you can maximise your health and wellbeing and feel the best possible version of you.


Here's five easy ways to treat yourself well everyday...




Lemon water

Start each day with a glass of warm water and a squeeze of lemon juice to clear skin, kick-start your metabolism, eliminate toxins and aid your digestive system. This simple and affordable trick offers numerous health benefits and will hydrate you while also providing a hit of vitamin C. For extra health benefits try adding ginger, turmeric or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.



Dry body-brush

Use a dry body brush before showering to encourage circulation and lymphatic drainage, reduce cellulite and exfoliate skin. Start from your feet and brush in upwards circles towards the heart, paying extra attention to your stomach, butt and thighs. This therapeutic routine needn't take longer than 5 minutes and will help to reduce stress as well as leave skin soft and smooth.


Breathe

Sounds simple enough right? Wrong. Most of us use only a fraction of our lungs when breathing throughout the day which can result in tiredness, fatigue, lack of energy, increased stress, anxiety and false hunger. Take a few minutes to focus on your breathing and practice this exercise several times a day - particularly when you feel anxious or stressed: take a deep breath for 7 seconds, hold for 7, breathe out for 10. Repeat 5 times.


Oil pull

This one may sound strange - but stay with me on this - swilling oil around your mouth for 10-20 minute first thing in the morning is an ancient ritual believed by many cultures to clear skin, whiten teeth, freshen breath and rid the body of toxins. Try swishing 1-2 tablespoons of coconut, olive or sesame oil around your mouth before spitting out in the bin (the residue is toxic) and then brush teeth as normal.

Sleep

Sleep is the cornerstone of good health - it controls your diet, your mood, your productivity and pretty much your whole day. Ideally you should aim to sleep for 8-9 hours each night and form a regular routine of going to bed and waking up. While the occasional weekend lie-in or afternoon nap can help you recharge after a hard week at work, make sure it doesn't become a habit as this may affect your natural pattern and result in a loss of sleep.


Tuesday 6 September 2016

Autumn/fall wishlist


Autumn is easily my favourite season.

Fresh mornings, falling leaves, cinnamon candles, cosy jumpers, ankle boots, berry lips, bonfires, pumpkin lattes and the run-up to Christmas definitely make my world go round.