Villoid

My latest obsession/way to waste time comes in the form of Alexa Chung's fabulous new style app Villoid.

As a lover of fashion I'm constantly using sites such as Instagram and Pinterest to search for style inspiration and seek the latest looks and trends. 

Villoid happens to be the perfect combination of the two and allows you to follow your favourite fashion brands, create style boards featuring the latest products and inspirational images and then share them with other users.

Not only does the app promise to be "your very own endless dressing up box" it also features a 'buy' button so you can shop directly from the app which includes hundreds of brands from ASOS and H&M to Acne and Hervé Léger.

The app is free to download from the iTunes App Store. Here's some of the boards I've created so far...

70's chic

Smart style

Off-duty

Pretty pastels

Ready for fall

Autumn essentials

Arm candy

What do you think to my boards? Have you been using Villoid?

Holly xx

Eat Nourish Glow

Having a three month summer break from uni means I've had plenty of time to indulge in things that I wouldn't normally have time for, such as staying in bed until 11am on weekdays, watching daytime TV and reading non-journalism/educational based literature.

Ok so the first two aren't exactly true (not everyday, anyway) but the third is something that I definitely miss during term time when I have lectures to attend and mountains of work that needs doing when I'm not in class. 

I love a good book and usually opt for easy-reading chick-lit or glossy fashion mags when I want to unwind - although health and nutrition is another area I am very passionate about.

Fresh ingredients for making green juice

After reading many of Amelia's articles and following her blog, 

Eat Nourish Glow was on my list of must-reads.

When my sister kindly surprised me with it I began reading it straight away and read the entire thing in a matter of days.

Chicken and pumpkin soup

 Amelia's philosophy about food and the modern diet is spot on. Instead of focusing on eating 'low-fat', 'fat-free' and 'diet' 'health' foods she discusses the importance of eating real and natural whole foods that have not been processed or messed around with by manufacturers. 

The book is a real eye-opener to how dangerous processed food is and highlights how a poor diet can be the cause of so many health issues and diseases, not to mention the rising rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

Amelia's courgetti, a delicious alternative to pasta

Although I try to maintain a good diet and eat healthily, this book has definitely made me look closer at my eating habits and encouraged me to make some positive changes going forward. 

I strongly recommend it to everyone - whether you're interested in health and nutrition or not.
The simple layout, easy-to-follow recipes and pretty pictures will keep you glued and you will most definitely learn something new.


Have you read Eat Nourish Glow? What did you think?


Holly xx

September

October already? Really?

Summer has literally zoomed by and I am now back in Nottingham all set to start my second year at university.

The three-month break was a good one and I managed to fit in lots of things such as catching up with family and friends, visiting new places and making the most of being back home again.

As nice as it's been, I'm so excited to start year two of my journalism course and jump back into student life again - although I will certainly miss seeing my family and a certain little puppy every day! :-(

What have you been upto the past month? Anyone else returning to/starting university? 

Holly xx

Here's a few pics from the last month...

Words can't explain how much I will miss seeing this little face every day :-(

Oreo cookie cake ice cream sundae... need I say more? *drools*

Birthday cookie mmm

September issue

Eggs and avo = favourite

Lunchin' 

Cannot put this book down! Definitely a must read

Beautiful boy

Healthy cooking

#ELLEinspire

Body Shop treats

Pretty flowers fresh from the garden

The beautiful gardens at Coton manor

For more pics follow me on Instagram @misshollyamber

August

After a wet, washed-out August bank holiday weekend it feels as though summer is officially over. September 1st marks the start of Autumn and I can't help but feel as though we've been robbed of a proper summer.

Weather aside August has been pretty fun and I've been enjoying spending time back home. I decided to go for the chop and had my hair cut into a lob (long bob) which has taken some getting used to - but was definitely a much needed change.

The past month has consisted of lots of catch up with friends and family, doing a carboot sale, looking after Ralph (the little monster) and enjoying the sunshine we have had with plenty of walks, chilling in the garden and a going to a mini local festival.

Its now only a matter of weeks before I'll be heading back to Nottingham to start my second year of uni (seriously where have the holidays gone?!) so I'll definitely be making the most of my free time before the hard work commences.

What did you get up to in August? Any last minute summer holidays planned?

Holly xx

Here's a few pics from the last month...

New hair

#ELLEinspire

Catching the rays

Buddah

Beautiful garden flowers

Cheeky Ralph

Lillies

#LoveLife

Dining al fresco

Parklife

Peachy nails

BBQ time

Lazy afternoon

Chilling with pups

Mmm chocolate

Pretty flowers

I can see a rainbow (-:

For more pics follow me on Instagram @misshollyamber

10 top budget beauty tricks

Looking and feeling good can be an expensive task and sometimes a quick trip to Boots can turn into an hour-long beauty haul resulting in your bank account being £50 down afterwards. 

However maintaining your appearance doesn’t have to break the bank and you may not realise that some of the best beauty products available are actually already in your kitchen or bathroom cupboard. 

Here’s 10 top tricks for looking great on a budget.

Lemon water

Start each day with a cup of warm water and lemon juice, and you will notice a flatter stomach within 2 weeks. Lemon alkalizes the body, kick-starts the metabolism and improves digestion which in turn reduces bloating and aids weight loss.

Baking soda

For a smile that sparkles replace your toothpaste with baking soda 2-3 times a week. The soda will reduce plaque build-up, freshen breath and help to remove stains caused by smoking and drinking tea and coffee.

Sudocrem

When you feel a spot forming apply a dab of sudocrem before bed and see it disappear overnight. The antiseptic cream is also great for treating cold sores, burns, inflammation and rashes.

Coconut oil

Apply a thick layer of coconut oil to hair at night before washing off in the morning to reveal silky soft, super smooth and nourished hair. Coconut oil also makes a fantastic makeup remover, moisturiser, cuticle oil and shaving cream.

Talcum powder

More effective than dry shampoo, use talc to refresh hair in between washes. Sprinkle a little powder on the roots and be sure to rub it in properly to avoid white hair.

Apple cider vinegar

Mix 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar with water and gently apply over the face with a cotton pad. The solution will firm and tone, reduce acne and leave a clean, clear complexion. After washing, rinse hair with cold water and 2-3 tbsp. of vinegar to create a super glossy shine.

Yoghurt

For the ultimate skin firming, anti-aging face mask mix 3-4 tbsp. of natural yoghurt with 1 tbsp. of organic honey and a squeeze of lemon juice. Leave for at least 20 minutes before washing off to reveal tighter, brighter, more radiant skin.

Castor oil

Known for its ability to promote hair growth, castor oil is the perfect remedy for thicker brows. Apply generously over eyebrows at bedtime and you should notice thicker, model-worthy brows after 1 week.

Egg whites

One of the best natural skin care remedies, egg whites effectively tighten skin, reduce wrinkles and remove under eye bags. Apply 1 beaten egg white to the under eye area and leave for 30 minutes before washing off to reveal fresher, brighter skin.

Cinnamon oil

An active ingredient in many lip plumping serums, cinnamon helps to increase blood flow and enhance lips for a fuller look. Mix 2 tbsp. of cinnamon essential oil with 1 tbsp. of brown sugar and rub in a circular motion for several minutes to create a softer, plumper pout.

Do you have any budget beauty tricks? Share them below!

Holly xx

Inecto Naturals Coconut

Inecto are a British beauty brand who focus on 100% natural beauty using only sustainably sourced ingredients and organic oils. 

All of their products are vegetarian and vegan friendly, and are never tested on animals.

Having already tried several products from the Inecto Naturals Coconut range I was extremely excited to try the new Deliciously Rich Coconut Bath and Shower Cream and Super Scrub Coconut Body Scrub.

Both products smell equally delicious and automatically transport you to an exotic destination with their sweet tropical scent.

The Super body scrub is the perfect combination of small exfoliating beads and nourishing organic coconut oil which boosts circulation and buffs away dead cells leaving skin feeling silky smooth and sporting a healthy glow.

The bath and shower cream is exactly what it says on the bottle - thick, creamy and deliciously rich. The cream forms a luxurious lather that you can feel moisturising your skin as you wash leaving it clean, soft and smelling good enough to eat.

Both products have become an essential part of my summer skincare routine and are a definite must for getting beach body ready and preparing to slip into those sexy summer shorts.

Have you tried any products from the Inecto range? Which ones are your favourite?

Holly xx


*PR Samples

Healthy Homemade Coconut Almond Granola

As someone with a major sweet tooth, granola is a firm favourite on my list of breakfast foods.

Unfortunately store-bought granola can contain huge amounts of added sugar and hidden ingredients which make the seemingly 'healthy' breakfast, anything but.

After searching the internet for a healthier alternative, I felt inspired to make my own - and was extremely impressed with the results.

The recipe can be easily modified to suit any taste with endless ingredient options to create a variety of different flavours.

Here's my super easy recipe for a deliciously healthy granola that you can enjoy for breakfast, dessert or as a guilt-free treat when you need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients

400g rolled oats

10g flaked almonds

4 tbsp dessicated coconut

1 handful of raisins

2 tbsp runny honey

2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)

100ml almond milk

A generous sprinkle of cinnamon

Makes 500g of granola (10 portions)

Preheat oven to 180C

Place all ingredients except the dessicated coconut in a mixing bowl and combine well using a large spoon or your hands

Spread evenly on a greased baking tray and place in the oven for 10 minutes

Carefully turn over the mixture then bake for a further 10 minutes until the oats are golden and crunchy

If you prefer a more 'baked' taste leave for a little longer - just make sure it doesn't burn

Remove from oven and leave to cool

Once cool, transfer mixture into a bowl and add the dessicated coconut and a little more cinnamon to taste

Store in an alright container and serve with almond milk, Greek yoghurt and blueberries. Mmm.

Feel free to share your own tips and recipes and let me know how you get on!

Holly xx