Get your sweat on with Bikram Yoga

Okay so its one of those phad's that I feel a lot of people gave a bash, but with the craze being over the question is who is actually doing it still? Well I can tell you that the people who are still doing it are the ones benefiting.
Bikram Yoga, for those who don't know, is a set routine of positions that lasts for an hour and a half. Sounds okay right? Let me just add that you are doing it in a 40 degrees Celsius room (yeah, that is the catch). The first time I went into the room I was sweating before the class had even started!

So what does it consist of exactly?

Well you undergo 26 postures including the two breathing exercises at the beginning and end of the class. It's always the same postures which, I at first thought it could get a bit dull and repetitive, but actually really helps you get into the flow of the class. Before you know it you're ready to move from your Camel to your Rabbit instinctively without being told (although it is important that you stay at the same speed as the rest of your class to share the energy. )
One of the best things about Bikram is that you are allowed to go at your own personal pace though, there's no need to keep up with the most flexible. The first few times you go, your main intention may be to simply stay in the heat for the full 90 minutes.
My local Bikram offered a 30 day trial for £30. My friend and I both did this together going 5 times a week for the duration of the trail. I realise now looking back at this that you really do see the benefits in your flexibility and general well being the more regularly you go.
On the note of flexibility, being in the heat actually helps you with this! This is great for people that are put off regular yoga due to worrying about their flexibility.



What are the benefits?

Well if you want the full extensive list of everything Bikram claims to do then Google will have all your answers. I however am going to speak about what I personally found rewarding.

• My skin was clearer after a week or so of sweating it out.
• I felt more flexible and could see myself improving on the postures.
• I felt more relaxed on a day to day basis.
• I enjoyed having an hour where there was nothing else I was focussing on, I couldn't check my phone and I would try my best not to let my mind wander during the class (which I found easier in Bikram than normal Yoga classes).
• It got me drinking more water. Its very important to stay hydrated before and after the class. I made the mistake of not being one time and ended up with a splitting headache, however I learnt from my mistake and it was plenty of water from then on in. 

Another pro to Bikram is that it can be a social activity. I found everyone was very supportive and chatty with one another before and after the class. Herbal Tea was provided for everyone outside the room once it was finished and people would sit and talk through their Bikram experiences; it's a really nice community atmosphere. 

So, you convinced to try it yet?

The only draw back I would say is that Birkam can be expensive, therefore it's worth checking out to see if they offer student discounts or trail sessions. 

It also gives you the excuse to use some of that cute gym gear that you bought for the gym at Christmas and haven't made use of yet!

Thanks for reading x  

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Inexpensive Skincare Routine for Teenage Skin

My skin has always been combination. Whilst my T-Zone gets very oily, I also have dry patches here and there plus it is often sensitive to new products! So finding a routine that works for me is a difficult process. However, I think I have done it! My skin has improved immensely over the past 6 months, and I think this is due to stripping my skincare back completely and then slowly introducing these new products which have worked wonders. What I like also about this skincare routine is that it is inexpensive. So without further ado, here's what I have been using! 

1) First off we have my Waitrose Pure Face Polish. This fragrance free product works as a great exfoliator. In the past I have found most exfoliators break me out, but this one hasn't caused one blemish. I use it twice a week and find it works best after coming out the shower. It is one of the only products I have found that I have seen a noticeable difference in my skin after I use it. My skin looks brighter, cleaner and more smooth in tone. This product only costs £3, and is better than a lot of higher end exfolators that I have tried!

2) Secondly we have my L'Occitane Hydra Vital Gel. This is the most luxury of the products at £32 for a 50ml jar. I only use this one a week or so, on any particular dry patches that emerge that I think need some extra TLC. Whilst this is a good product with a "cooling" feel to it when applied, it is the leas necessary out of everything in my skincare routine. 

3) Moisturiser is always something that I have struggled with, having combination skin. I understand the importance of moisturising, but many moisturisers made my skin too oily feeling. I then tried a few 'oil free' moisturisers but I didnt feel that they did much. My skin was beginning to look much older than a 17 year-olds should, with fine lines appearing. However, I seem to have finally found one that works for me. This Garnier Moisture Match makes my skin feel soft and refreshed, exactly what I needed! The particular one I use is for Combination to Oily skin, but I know that they do a few different types also, so it is worth checking out!(Think there is an online quiz, to help you know which one suits you best at the above link) Also at under £4, it is a real bargain!

4) Finally we have my Tea Tree Cleanser and Toner. I have been using this for years now and it is definitely my go to. I use this to take off my make up, and then go over my face again with it along with a fresh cotton pad just to double check that my face is clean. Only £3.29 from Superdrug!

So that's it! I only use four products but that's what works for me! Nowadays I see people who seem to use a thousand and one different lotions and potions, but my skin simply couldn't handle that much! This is what works for me! I'd also like to point out that it the mornings to wash my face, I simply use warm water on a flannel and clean my face this way. My next mission is to find a Face Mask that works for me! I really do recommend that if you are having trouble with your skin, strip it all back to basics. Find a cleanser that makes your skin just that little bit better, once you've found that, find a moisturiser that works for you, and so on! 

My skin is a long way away from being perfect, but in comparison to how it was this time last year it is so much better. Keeping good skin has more to it than the products that you use; its no secret that a good diet and plenty of water are important also. Not to mention the important fact that, especially as a teenager, hormonal breakouts effect some more than others and this does tend to get better with time. It is important not to compare your skin with others. I'm sure that my skin's improvement is partly to do with getting older. 

I hope you have enjoyed this post and found it helpful! If you have any questions or requests then please leave me a comment and I'll be sure to get back to you! 

Thanks for reading! X 

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January 2014 Random Favourites

Oh my goodness. January has been a month full of favourites so narrowing it down has been very tricky! However, I think I have done it! So without further ado, here are my January Favorites!



TV Show: Right this HAD to be included! 30 Rock has been my absolute favorite! I have to say, I don't know how many hours I've spent watching this throughout January...Let's just say that my lack of studying this month was down to this- Thanks Tina Fey!

Film: So I fiiiinally got around to watching the pursuit of Happiness. I don't think I even need to recommend it because everyone's probably already seen it. The fact that it's based on a true story also...amazing!

Song: This is always a tough one to pick, but if I had to choose (which I guess I do) I think I would need to say Take Me To Church   in fact, all of Hozier's music. He just has such a beautiful voice.

Candle: Anyone who know's me, know's I love a good candle. My favorite this week has to be this one. Could the description be anymore perfect? This one I personally think smells like Sherbet, however they come in different scents, each a different cocktail. I think these are perfect prezzies for your friends, matching everyone up to one of the cocktails.

Fashion: My favorite accessory this month has been over the knee socks.I haven't sported these in a couple of years, but think it's a fab way to "prep-up" an outfit in the winter!

Book: I've been re-reading Streetcar named Desire this month. It's honestly such a brilliant play and certainly worth a read!

Event: So January is my birthday month so I'd have to say that personally this was a highlight for me! I celebrated with some of my best friends, and have a great night!

Check back next week for my beauty favorites! X Read more...

My Christmas Wishlist

Any of you lacking in inspiration of Christmas gifts this year? I know I'm certainly not! Here's a list of a few things I've had my eye on that might give you some ideas on what to get someone this year (or even just to ask for yourself).



Nike Trainers                                                                                Better than Sex Mascara

See by Chloe                                                                    Waitrose Pure Beauty 

Curling Wand

                            Etoile Top                                                       Kat Von Dee Tattoo Liner

                Q&A: 5 year Journal                                                                 Lacy Shorts

Happy December 4th x


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October Favourites

I can safley say that October is my favourite month of the year. The reason for this is that it marks the beginning of my busiest time of the year (and it also means that Christmas is right around the corner). October also lies in the midst of Autumn which is my favourite season! So to sum up my favourite month of the year, here are my monthly favourites!

Beauty: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
             Urban Decay All Nighter Spray
             Urban Decay Eye Primer

Music: Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift, Taylor Swift

Moments: My trip to New York was insane- blog post coming soon!
                 Halloween Night out (minus the lack of creativity in the costumes)
                 Finding my new favourite coffee shop
                 My brothers 8th birthday
                Holding a 12 week old meerkat

Books: The Mortal Instruments, City of Heavenly Fire

Perfume: See By Chloe

TV Shows: American Horror Story- season 2....need I say more?
                   30 Rock
                   Downton Abbey

Food: Chocolate and Raspberry Croissants
           Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes





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1989

Can we just take a moment? Right, lets just take a moment to appreciate 1989...or just Taylor Swift in general.


Okay thanks.

After the much long awaited and anticipated arrival of the 27th of October, it finally came and we were all graced with the presence of 16 new Taylor Swift songs- each of which I am already in love with. It was literally all I listened to yesterday (and I don't regret it. At all.)

Out of the songs I have narrowed it down to my top 5 (in no particular order):
1. Welcome to New York
2. Blank Space
3. Style
4. Wildest Dreams
5. Shake it off


Now a lot has been said about how it is a different type of music that is on this album than the country style that we originally heard from Taylor Swift. It really makes us realize how her music has progressed and changed throughout the years in her 5 different albums (quite an accomplishment at the age of 24 to have 5 albums!)

So I pose the difficult question to you of which one is your favourite?

I honestly couldn't pick, but I will say that it was the "Speak now" era that I transitioned from a "Taylor Swift fan", to a "Taylor Swift FAN."

I was lucky enough to go see Taylor Swift in the London o2 this past February for the Red Tour, which I will finish by sharing a few pictures from.


Thanks for reading X

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My Miracle Products for Taming Unruely Hair

Okay so when it comes to looking after my hair I will admit that I can be quite lazy. However when I do make the effort these are the products that I always reach for! 

(Just as a side note since I haven't spoken about my hair on here before, I wash my hair every other day and often find that my ends get very dry! My hair drys naturally straight (ish))

First off we have the Schwarzkopf Gliss Shine Tonic Repair Care- Honestly if you spray this to the ends of your hair when they are looking particularly dry, they suddenly feel so much more silky! I'm not even exaggerating. Also at the low price of £2.49 you really cannot complain!

On a slightly more pricey note we have Percy and Reed Finishing Polish. My favourite thing about this is the smell! It smells so good! Just use a tiny amount and run it through the ends of your hair on the days when its just a bit fly away and its an instant fix to make your hair a little more polished looking. (£10)

In terms of creating a more silky effect to your dry ends then I really recommend the Got 2B oil-licious Dry Oil Spray  Just a couple of sprays and you are good to go! (£3)

This last product is a well known one across the beauty community: Argan Oil. Whilst the other products I have mentioned are for applying to your hair when its dry, this is for damp hair. I use this every couple of weeks. On the days that I do use this I skip out on using conditioner. (£13)

With winter coming along soon maybe now is the time to invest in one of these to save your hair from the cold 

Whats your favorite hair products? 

Thanks for reading! x

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