Holiday Hot List

So I've just got back from Mexico, a week of beautiful tropical weather. We experienced blue skies, sandy beaches, cool pools, as well as tropical rainstorms and trekking through the rainforest in well... rain. Now I'm back I thought I'd share my holiday hot list. One of the best parts about the lead up to a holiday is that you have an excuse to get in some sneaky shopping because let's be honest you can't wear everything you wore on last summer's vacay, even if nobody else remembers, you will. Run round the shops and take in the summer vibes, a new summer wardrobe gives you a feeling like no other! 

I've put together a holiday checklist, of all the items, whether fashion, beauty, or accessories, that I think every girl needs in her suitcase this summer. 

1. A Selection of Sunglasses

From top to bottom: Marks and Spencer, Rokit Vintage, Matalan.

2. SUNCREAM

Did not burn once with these! a bit more on the expensive side for suncream but they are VERY water resistant and you shouldn't have to re-apply (although I did because I have very pale skin).

 3. Beach Bag 

A beauty from Primark

4. Beauty Essential: Hydrate + Refresh Spray

I've already sung my praises about this product for a while, but this is great for cooling yourself down when you get all hot and bothered. 

5. Sliders

My Zara Basic (bitch) sliders. I'm in love.

6. Beauty Essential: Mini Toiletries 

Always great as you can ditch them before packing for the plane home.

7. A Super-Cute Sports Bra (I had the best yoga session on the Sky Bar overlooking the beach)

This one was a purchase from GAP, it's super-comfortable and stretchy, great for yoga! 

8. A Good Read (A suggestion from Sheerluxe)

So I'm currently half way through this but can honestly say it's a great read. It's an assortment of short stories from different women's perspectives. Not light-hearted, but a very good read! 

9. Kaftan 

This little number was a purchase from H&M. There are so many kaftans on the market right now, but some people are charging far too much for them. This one is a perfect throw-over for at the beach or by the pool. 

Christmas Party Inspo

We are now well into December and if like me you are stressing about presents, money and Christmas festivities, there may be one thing you have overlooked... Christmas party gear! Too much worrying about getting your budget to stretch to Aunt Liv's Yankee Candle, but you haven't even thought of what to wear to the Christmas Work do, or the Boxing Day family get-together? 

Here's a few of my top picks from my go-to brands... 

Scrappy Chainmail Bodycon Dress from Topshop (£45)

ASOS Metallic Leather Skirt With Oversized Pockets (£70)

Karmen Burgundy Suede Heeled Shoes from Urban Outfitters (£75)

Oasis Faux Fur Clutch Bag (£16)

Velvet Bralet and Skirt from Topshop (£102)

ASOS Midi Skirt with Asymmetric Wrap(£45)

Dune Sadie Double Pouch Set in Nude (£20)

ASOS SAY YOU WILL Pointed Heels (£40)

Thanks for reading!

K.

Summer Fitspiration

Yes ladies it's that time again... the beach body scare. If you started your Summer-body gym routine in January then you have absolutely nothing to worry about, but if you, alike myself, lost track of the dates and have now realised your holiday is only a few weeks away, don't fear! Here's a few tips to help yourself feel more comfortable slipping into that bikini... 

1. The Motivation

If you've got the motivation to get into your gym gear and start some exercise, you are already half way there. I can't count the amount of times i've cancelled a gym session due to sheer laziness. I find that sometimes just by buying myself a new item of fitness wear I am more keen to get myself to the gym, this has been as little as a new sports bra from Gap fit.

2. Goals

We need to be realistic with our goals, but this doesn't mean you can make excuses for not having enough time! Up your workout sessions by one or two extra a week, and if this isn't possible you could still do a 30 min workout in your living room. There are plenty of ab, leg and chest workout tips and tricks on Pinterest that you can do in the comfort of your own home. 

3. Fitness partner

This is also a form of motivation. I go to the gym with either one of my girl pals or my boyfriend, although I have been made aware many people wouldn't set foot in a gym along with their other half. I find that having two people I can train with helps enormously. This is because you are not merely letting yourself down if you don't go, but also the other person. When training with a friend you can do routine exercises that involve two people and if you miss one of these sessions then that other person has been left to train on their own. 

4. Fad Diets

I personally am very against numerous fad diets such as teatoxing, juicing and all these so called 'cleansing' courses. These are not a healthy way to loose weight and can cause serious harm to your body. Juicing is a great way to get multiple vitamins in one go, but should be done in addition to a healthy diet, not on it's own. instead of teatoxing try drinking more water, attempt to drink around two litres a day, this will make sure you keep hydrated and that you aren't feeling hungry due to dehydration. If you want to try any fad diets I recommend doing A LOT of research beforehand. 

5. Enjoy it!

Try and find a form of exercise you enjoy. Research shows that if you enjoy your exercise you are far more likely to benefit from it as you put more effort into the routine. Whilst at the gym I enjoy doing circuits but when these start to feel repetitive or boring I like to go to Body-Combat classes, Yoga or go for a run. I believe variety is key for an enjoyable fitness routine.  


K.