My Fitness Regime and Tips

Hi Guys, I have just started getting back in to my usual fitness regime, I do love fitness and working out (especially yoga) it helps me feel confident and motivated in my day to day life. I think that there is 101million ways to improve and build your fitness level so I though I would share routine with you all today. xx

For me the best two things I can do to get me motivated to get my bum gear and get doing a workout is a great outfit and some "thinspiration". For my work out gear I love to wear something with a pattern on as it helps to distract the eyes away from any unwanted areas, I always colour co-ordinate whether that's all black a bright funky pattern or just some block colours. I the reason I think it helps me stay focus is because I'm proud of what I'm wearing so if I accidentally catch a glimpse of myself in the gym mirror atlas my outfit looks good. 

 I also like to inspire myself with some "thinspiration" pictures and quotes some of my favourite icons are Michelle Keegan, Candice Swanopeol, Megan Fox and Ariana Grande I love to flick through there pictures on Instagram and it helps to give me something I can aspire to. I also like the keep motivation and inspirational quotes on my pinterest as there is nothing better than reading something that makes you smile and want to jump right into the subject matter.

I am a keen Yoga enthusiast I always have at least one personal yoga class (1.5hrs) and usually do 1 group class (45mins) a week as well as doing my own sessions at home in front of the tv. Yoga is one of my favourite forms of exercise as it is specifically designed to be a forfeiting workout using techniques of stretching, holding and twisting to elongate and improve muscle strength and when taught well is mixed in breathing exercising and counter poses that release tension and prevent the body from damage. The best thing about it is that it is so stress relieving and relaxing plus there is no aching the day after. I suffer with back, sleeping and breathing problems this is form of exercise that helps me with all of  those issues whilst be super fun and challenge it. If you've tried it before and it didn't really feel like it was doing anything try doing a vinyāsa based class as this is constant flowing moving that create heat making your body work harder.

I also like to go to the gym twice to three times a week (3-4 times if I don't do Yoga that week) and I like to do one cardio fat burning session, one strength and muscle building session and one group class.

In my cardio sessions I like to do a lot of interval training as I find that it is an intense for of exercise that really works I use mostly machines for this day including the treadmill (10-12 mins of 1min on 20secs off) the cross trainer (10mins increasing resistance) the rowing machine and I mix these with circuit interval training which include jumping jack squats, burpies, mountain climbers, step jumps. I like to learn new moves ever couple of weeks designing to increase the heart rate. 

For my strength training session I do a mixture of weights and mat based work. I like to do 10-14reps 3times of things like push ups, swats, lunges, dumbbells, kettle bells, planks, bicycle crunches, Russian twists and crunches. I also try to keep these moves updated every couple of weeks as well. 

Finally for my classes I just do what ever I feel wasn't worked as hard that week e.g an abs class or anything that sounds fun and high energy, I try to always pick a class over 45mins long. Some of my favourite classes are combat/boxing, legs bum and tums, intense core/abs and fat burn.

 I wish yo all good luck for your fitness journeys I'll keep you up to dat with how mines going just remember guy tailor your week routine to include things that you enjoy fitness it supposed to be difficult but it also meant to fun too. xx

Best Of 2014 - Hair

Hi Guys, I hope you are all having a fantastic week I know I'm just happy to have a day off today. Today I am following on with my Best Of 2014 series and giving a shout to my favourite Hair products and tools of the year. I love it when something new comes out the hair world especially if its designed to make it safer, easier and quicker. I always try and take extremely good care of my hair I just can't imagine not having the length I have achieved therefore I'm constantly on hunt for something to increase the strength and vitality of my locks. I hope you enjoy this post and that the ongoing series is informative and encourages you to try out some of these amazing items. xx 

1. Aussie - Aussie has been a household name for me for several years I think that pretty much all of the products are fantastic especially for someone that lives an active lifestyle as the give a really good clean but they are quite rich therefore work better for oilier hair types. One of the first products I used in the range was the 3 minute miracle all the formula's are great I find the one that works best for me is the Luscious Long deep treatment as its is special formulated to not weight your roots down allowing long hair to be swished.
2. Babyliss - I have been growing y hair for several year now and I find that because all of the dye and damage has finally gone that my hair is harder to style up until now I would just straighten my hair (my natural is very curly) for special occasions now I have the option for any type of curl. I find these hot rollers are easy to use come with a good selection of sizes although I personally would choose not to have the tiny ones and it allows you to hair more time to spend on other things whilst they set. I would recommend this brand for anyone that is looking for easy flawless waves and curls.
3. Ojon - I discovered rare blend a few years ago and forgot about it until I came across an old bottle when moving earlier this year. This oil is a blend of several different types of oils and natural ingredients from around the world with different properties for smoothing, hydrating adding shine and much more, the best thing about this beauty is it smells amazing and you only need the a little drop. I always reach for this or my next must have when my hair it wet to give shine and smoothness.
4. Moroccanoil - Of course the infamous Moroccanoil made my list as with the previous product from Ojon this oil is fantastic for adding moisture, silkiness and shine to the hair. The difference between the two for myself is that I find the Ojon product works best on wet hair and it absorbs slightly slower and has a drier texture whereas the Morroccanoil is great for styling and taming any fly aways after the hair is dry. I love both of these product and think one or the other is essential for hair growth and nourishment. 
5. Tresemmé - I usually don't use Tresemmé products as with my hair being naturally curly I find that they are weighty and make my hair look flat and greasy however that is a completely different story for the 7 Day Smooth system is one of my most used hair product of the year. I would never have tried this product out if I hadn't have been looking into a brazilian blow dry and a sample of the 7 day smooth came in the mail. This has made styling my unruly locks such a dream and really makes such a difference to the quality of the style once finished, it really does allow you to have salon perfect hair at home. If you have not tried this you need to honestly it was my best purchase of 2014.
6. Tangle Teezer - As always my Tangle Teezer has made it into my favourites list again. These brushes are revolutionary in the world of hair brushes. I find brushing my hair is a much more enjoyable when I'm using a Tangle Teezer it helps reduce the amount of breakage and allows for tough knots to be managed quick and painless. I just hope that this year they find away to put this design into a round brush as this would be amazing for a blow dry.
7. Scrunchies - Once I started my hair growth journey I reintroduced the scrunchie back into my everyday use. I believe that not using heat of your hair giving it the right nourishment and protecting it in safe hair style  (e.g a bun with a scrunchie) is the fastest way to grow your hair. I know it does sound like a pain but even just switching from a regular hair tie to a soft velvet scrunchie will make all the difference. I can't use any other hair again after seeing that for myself.
8. Lee Stafford - Along side of the tips in the scrunchies option I used the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Shampoo, Conditioner, Treatment and spray to help kick start my hair growing. They are the best hair growth products on the market in my opinion (i have tried a lot) as they really do work, they are designed not only to grow your hair at a healthier and faster rate but to help it exceed the growth stop point growing on its own will have plus its scent is beautiful. My hair went from being a shoulder length bob to below the centre of my back in approx 2-2 1/2 years which would normally have taken my hair at least twice that. My longer hair gives me confidence and inspiration and I am so glad I stumbled upon this range.
9. Ghd - Ghd have stepped up there game this year with not one but several great new products on the market one of them being the Aura Professional Hairdryer it has a 42% more concentrated flow of air giving you complete control over the angle and direction of which you dry plus it has been made super light and much quieter than any other professional drier I have used. This tool is fantastic for anyone that has frizzy and thick hair as instead of all you hair flying about when you drying the air is directed just on the piece on your brush. I love this product and can't wait to get my hands on one of my very own this year as I was completely sold with just having used to style my hair.

Best Of 2014 - Beauty

Hi Guys, Today I decided I wanted to do a series of posts detailing a selection of some of my best, most used and favourite items from 2014. These items might not necessarily be new to the market but they have all been revolutionary for my year. Today I thought I would kick start the series with Beauty. I hope you find these post interesting and helpful and I would love to know your best bits from 2014 too. xx

1. Charlotte Tilbury - This year was the greatly anticipated launch of Charlotte Tilbury's range and it did not disappoint. Not only is the packaging gorgeous with a stylish, luxurious rose finish but the product absolutely delivers on quality. I would say the only thing I didn't like was the fact I had to buy the branded sharpener to use with her Colour Chameleon although at £5 a pop it doesn't quite break the bank. My favourite item I have added to my collection so far are K.I.S.S.I.N.G miniature lipsticks they are super adorable and great for adding to key rings for easy transport. The colour combination you get is great a classic red, peachy nude and a Kylie Jenner mauve.
2. Laura Mercier - Laura Mercier products have popped onto my radar a little more last year especially there foundation my personal favourite is the mineral powder it gives a lovely natural finish and perfect for building coverage. The best part about this foundation is that it enhances your skin with the minerals and leaves your face feeling soft and silky. 
3. Mac - For me mac has never been anything special I find the product a little hit and miss you can have a great concealer next to a strange texture and sticky lip gloss. I like a brand that has consistent quality throughout its products however i have re fallen in love with my mac fix + again I reached for it in the summer months for a refreshing burst of the skin. I think mac fix + is great for setting your makeup, spraying on a brush for flawless finish and mixing with eye shadows to great a liquid gel like formula.
4. Real Techniques - Now that the girls have joined forces again I have been much more drawn the brushes, especially the sets. I bought the core collection when travelling in summer and I love it the pointed foundation brush is great for applying concealer, the buffing brush is fantastic for with my Laura Mercier mineral and powder and the contour brush is great for well, contouring. The quality of these brushes for the price is great and the sets are perfect for anyone just starting out in makeup.
5. Zoeva - This is the first year I have owned a a Zoeva brush and I don't know why I waited so long to purchase. The design of these brushes it so pretty especially with the rose gold finish and the price and quality is phenomenal, I don't think I'll be getting another mac 217 when these are on the market.
6. LimeCrime - My velvetines in red velvet has been my go to lipstick when statement lip is required there may be a cult following for these and I am definitely on the band waggon. I love the texture the packaging, the scent, the colour and of course the velvet finish. If you have never tried one before I highly recommend them as I will be repurchasing every time I'm close to empty.
7. Nars- Before this year I had never owned a bars product, I had used the concealers and blushes before but have never tried out anything else thats why I was so happy to receive all in one palette from my sister at christmas. I know I have only be using the palette for a short time out of the year but it has already made it way to one of my favourites. I think the lip gloss colour (dolce vita) its just stunning and the formula is just as good and thats coming from a beauty lover that usual hates lip gloss. 
8. Benefit - I usually love benefit products there packaging its super fun and bright and they always seem to bring out new ideas for products that take the world by storm, one of those items being the Gimme Brow I love it I use it every single day even if I'm just going to the gym it sets your brows perfectly for the day adding just enough colour to wear by it self (I team with my next best by L'oreal) I love the size of the bottle and wand and I think its a must have for any beauty lover.
9. L'Oreal - Finally something from the drugstore, My must have beauty fave for L'oreal is the brow artist (I get mine in blonde) It is a wax based eyebrow pencil, although the colour selection is limited I find they have a good range for those of us with a darker brow, as mentioned before I have dark chocolate hair and use the blonde formula. The pencil is great for mimicking those little brow hairs with small fast strokes and does not smudge or fade throughout the day I use the as a base and follow up with the gimme brow for that extra natural texture. 
10. Shiseido - At the start of December I purchased the Shiseido concealer as I was amazed at how little product is needed for a full coverage highlighted look. The consistency is thinker that a mac pro longwear but is much creamer, all you have to do is gently warm the product between your fingers before application. The colour selection is vast and the packaging is basic but practical. This has no prompted me to throw out my mac pro longwear all together.

Healthy Saturday Night Mocktails

Hi Guys, today I wanted to share with you some healthy alternatives to a standard cocktail on a night out. I personally prefer to keep to healthy even on night out I love fruit flavours and don't want to miss out on the fun colours and decorations you get with a cocktail. Not only are all of these recipes delicious they are also a fraction of the cost. I hope you guys enjoy this post and I would to see if any of you guys recreate these for your drink tonight. Xx

This cocktail is based on the Jammy Dodger cocktail which is usual made with usually made with Amaretto and a berry liqueur.

Ingredients - 

4/5 Raspberries 

4/5 Blackberries

1 Tsp Vanilla Syrup

Cranberry Juice

Juice of Half a Lemon

Scoop of Ice

1/2 Pinch of Salt

Mini Jammy Dodgers (opt)

Cocktail Shaker

Method - 

Same as how you would make a regular cocktail add the fruit, vanilla and cranberry juice into a large metal cocktail shaker scoop the crushed ice onto until tumbler side is filled then squeeze the lemon juice over and sprinkle the salt over top (this will help to melt the ice slightly) close the lid and shake. After shaking for around 30seconds decant into your favourite glass and some mini jammy dodgers onto and finish with a straw. I always drink these through the straw as the pieces of fruit will not be broken up small enough to fit through leaving your drink smooth and ice cold.

About Me

Hi Guys, Today I wanted to properly introduce myself as I realised you don't really know much about me. Xx

Hi my name is Nadine I am 21 year aspiring Manchester blogger. I love anything beauty, fashion, baking or DIY. From a very young age my dad owned his own building company and worked for himself I would join him on jobs or help him out at home and was always so inspired by his dedication as even though he was working all day he would still come home with a smile on his face and start the same work for us at home. He taught me my basic and advance DIY skills and always encouraged my creative manor that's where my love for DIY and interior design comes from. My mom on the other hand always encouraged me in my fashion and baking. We would always be out shopping and looking for new outfits to put together and she's the best at picking out a great handbag. When me and my sister were young my mom would help us to bake are favourite treats brownies and cupcakes I think that's where I first developed my love from baking. 

As a teenager I studied many different subjects including fine art and textile and hair and makeup I later followed by studding at a high level in all three sciences and maths. I know it's a bit of a mixture right? But at the time I was toying with the idea of becoming a dentist and it's still a backup plan for me. Studying hair and make up was awesome it was so fun and creative I couldn't wait to try out my techniques throughout my studies although I'm not great at doing my own hair I think I'm pretty good with somebody else. I do find that even in my current hobbies my more academic skills can be out into place whether that's measuring and calculating for an interior project or creating a chemical reaction with baking or DIY homemade goods. 

Some of my favourite things do are anything winter sports related as I just love being out in the cold weather.  I do everything for ice-skating to snowboarding and would try most winter sports once except luging that looks too intense for me. I keep myself fit with regular one to one yoga classes and gym sessions, yoga is my favourite way to stay healthy and fit as it's relaxing and lengthening and doesn't cause strain on the body. As I suffer from back pain and insomnia the type of yoga I practise really helps with both of these issues that's why it's such a perfect practise. 

I hope this post helps you get to know me a little better and I will be including much more of my hobbies in post to come.