Saturday 26 July 2014

10 ways to feel happy every day




Sometimes the littlest things can have a negative impact on our emotions and leave us feeling down. With a few small changes you can overcome the negativity and feel healthy, happy and cheerful every day.


Smile

Even if it’s the last thing you feel like doing, smiling tricks your brain into thinking that you are happy and has been scientifically proven to improve your emotional state and make you feel happier. Even when alone make sure you have a big grin on your face!


Start the day right

Rushing in the morning can set the day off badly. Make your breakfast and lunch the night before and prepare your clothes and daily essentials. Get up 15 minutes earlier to allow yourself time to wake up properly and mentally prepare for the day ahead.


Practise gratitude

Take a moment to list all of the things that you are thankful for, sometimes it really is the little things that make a difference. Try thinking of 3 things that make you happy each morning or write a list of positive things that happened during the day before bed.


Give a compliment

Be kind and compliment someone new each day. Being nice will not only make someone else feel good but will also leave you feeling better, and you may even get a compliment in return which is a bonus.


Take the stairs

Exercise releases endorphins which make us feel good. Small changes such as taking the stairs, getting off the bus a stop early or going on a short walk at lunchtime can count towards your recommended 30 minutes each day and make you feel happier.


Declutter

Mess and clutter subconsciously make us feel stressed. Take some time to have a clear out and create space. Whether its spring cleaning your house or organising your work desk. Decluttering will provide a feeling of accomplishment and create a positive environment.


Take a break

Sit quietly for 15 minutes or take a short walk, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Make sure all other thoughts are pushed aside and focus on what you can hear, smell and feel. This short meditation exercise is a quick way to relax and recharge when you’re feeling stressed.


Sing and dance

Singing and dancing are associated with being happy and joyful. Similarly to smiling our brain associates these activities with being happy which will automatically enhance your mood. The dancing will release the same feel-good endorphins that we experience when exercising.


Try something new

Whether it’s a new breakfast option, a different drink to your usual coffee or an alternative route home. Variety is key and it’s important to mix things up and break the routine. If you’re feeling adventurous why not sign up for a new class such as cooking, gardening or learn a language.


Switch off

Most of us are constantly surrounded by technology and it can be hard to escape. Try spending at least 1 hour a day without it. Turn off your phone, computer and appreciate your surroundings. Relax in a bubble bath, read a book or enjoy some delicious food.












Wednesday 16 July 2014

Summer Wishlist




Summer has got to be my favourite season. The sun is shining, the weather is warm and if you're lucky enough you get to jet off somewhere exotic for a relaxing, beach holiday. 

Unfortunately I am not one of those lucky people and have had to make do with sunbathing in my back garden - although the weather so far has been pretty hot so I can't complain too much!

Although I won't be travelling anywhere out of England this year, It hasn't stopped me from dreaming of sunset beaches and tropical temperatures... and creating a wishlist of amazing items that I would want if I was going somewhere nice...

Here's my summer wishlist!

Holly xx























and not forgetting beauty...



























Thursday 10 July 2014

Going blonder




After having dark hair for so long I decided it was time to go more towards my natural colour which is dark blonde. It has taken a long time for the colour to grow out and fade but with the help of the summer sun and L'Oreal's new sunkiss jelly I was finally ready for a trip to the salon.

I wanted some subtle golden highlights through my hair and a good couple of inches cut off of the ends - which due to not being cut for a long time were in desperate need of it!

At first the stylist was unsure about the highlights as the colour would look much lighter on the fresh hair at the top of my head compared to the coloured hair at the bottom, but after testing some colour we decided it would be fine and the end result turned out even better than expected :-)



To finish the look my hair was cut and styled with some loose beachy waves which gave a lovely texture and completed the summery look I wanted.

I am so happy with my lighter hair and have bought the John Frieda Go Blonder shampoo, conditioner and mousse to help enhance the colour and keep it in good condition so look out for a review on these soon!





Have you gone from dark to blonde? Can you recommend any good products for lighter hair? What summer styles are you loving?

Holly xx



Friday 4 July 2014

L’Oreal Paris Casting Sunkiss Jelly





My hair has been died brunette for as long as I can remember and very few people know that my natural hair colour is actually dark blonde. I decided that it was finally time to go back to my natural colour and have been attempting to get my hair lighter so that I can achieve a summery, golden, sun-kissed glow.

L’Oreal’s new sunkiss jelly looked like exactly what I needed to give my hair a helping hand and for £5.99 it wouldn't be the end of the world if it didn't deliver the results promised anyway, plus I love every other product that I've used from the brand.

The jelly is so easy to use, you simply apply it to wet or dry hair and style as normal or for better results you can apply heat with a hairdryer. Either way it leaves hair soft and tinted, and not greasy or hard at all which is what I expected.

I am pleased to say that after just two uses my hair is looking lighter and has a lovely blonde tint all over. With the help of the sun which also naturally lightens hair I am slowly getting closer to the golden colour I want and have also booked an appointment at the salon for some subtle blonde highlights to complete the sun-kissed look.

If you wish to lighten your hair I would recommend this product, I will definitely be re purchasing when I run out. Now all I need is a good tan so that I can at least pretend I have been on holiday!

Have you tried the sunkisse jelly? What did you think?

Holly xx


Tuesday 1 July 2014

June





June has been a beautiful month. The weather has been fantastic and I have been making the most of it by relaxing in the garden with a good book, having coffee and lunch dates in the sun and going for walks in the park.

It has been great having so much free time although I have been a little bit bored simply because I am used to always being on the go and doing something. I have started looking for a part time job to keep me occupied (and fund my uncontrollable spending habit!) so I am hoping something comes up soon.

Good things this month have been celebrating my birthday and receiving some amazing gifts, enjoying the warm weather and attempting to get a tan, going on a day trip to visit my grandma and having some nice meals out with family and friends.

I am so excited to go to Wireless festival at the beginning of July so I really hope the weather stays warm for that.

What have you been up to this month? Any exciting plans for July?



Holly xx



Swimming time, summer salad, pink shellac nails, new shoes, yummy breakfast smoothie, walking in the sun, selfie, new house CD’s, soup, salad & bread.



Eggs and avocado on toast = my favourite lunch, peppermint tea in the garden, porridge with blueberries and honey, my gluten-free birthday brownies.



A nice pub lunch with the sister, our delicious strawberry and chocolate milkshakes.




Birthday gifts: ASOS handbag, H&M dress, Rituals spa set, Body Shop shower gel, H&M ring and OPI nail polish.



Amazing birthday gifts



Sisters



Me on my birthday night out




Helen, Ruby and me after a few too many cocktails


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