12 days of Christmas: Day 12, The Healthy Recipe

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It's day one of sticking to New Years Resolutions so here is a healthy juice recipe to keep up with my goal: 'Be More Healthy'. This one is full of antioxidants which boost your immune system... no I'm not lying, Google it. I'll keep this one brief as I'm sure you're all tired and/or hungover. And also I don't think I need to tell you how to slice fruit.

You can also substitute the water with milk (skimmed for a healthy option) or fresh orange juice - but in case you missed the post on Day 10, I can't have milk any-more - and we didn't have any fresh orange juice in the house - so I'm using water. Ingredient measurements will vary depending on the size of your cup. I used a small Nutri-bullet container and this is what I used:

Ingredients:
1 banana
1/2 reed grapefruit
1 satsuma
100ml water/milk/juice
Ice (optional)

Method:
1. Cut it up, throw it in, blend and drink.

I hope you've enjoyed 12 days of Christmas 2015. Should I do it again next year?

Merry Blogmas and a Happy New Year!

12 days of Christmas: Day 11, My New Year Resolutions

WARNING: If you're someone who thinks the first of January is just another day, stop reading now. The first of January isn't just the opportunity to start writing a new page or even a new chapter, it's the opportunity to start writing a whole new book. 

I don't usually stick to my New Year resolutions but I like to make them anyway because it's important to have goals. In fact, the only New Years resolution I have ever stuck to for the entire year was New Year 2013/2014 and the resolution was 'don't pluck your eyebrows'. I left them alone for the whole of 2014 and most of 2015 - right up until about a month ago so almost two years! You'd think I'd look like Roald Dahl's Mr Twit but actually they barely grew... still, I won't embarrass myself with before and after photos. This year will be different. I'm 21 now. I'm an adult. I WILL stick to these resolutions! 

Be more healthy.
Here's one thing I am not ashamed to post my before and after photos for. On the left is me on my 17th birthday, below 7st. On the right is my 20th - last year when I was at my healthiest at 8st 10. Despite thinking I was 'fat' on my 17th birthday I couldn't have been more wrong.

I was so proud of this transition after the second photo was taken. I decided being unhealthily skinny wasn't for me and as a result, 2015 was the year I binged. I won't tell you exactly how much weight I've put on but it is a LOT. I'm still proud of this transition but the embarrassment at my lack of self-control often takes over. This year I'm determined to get back on track, with a HEALTHY regime. This is not a diet, it's a lifestyle choice - and I can't wait to show you my new before and after photos next year! 

Give more.
I have set targets for my charitable donations to slightly increase from the £85 in 2015 to £100 in 2016 (I know it's only small - I'm about to undertake an unpaid internship before I become a student again at the end of the year so let's be real.) But giving doesn't always have to be materialistic - you don't have to give money, you can give time. I plan to take on more volunteer work this year, starting with a 12 week internship at Cancer Research UK. Indirectly giving, I will be utilising a skill and a hobby to promote the charity and hopefully increase donations through my marketing for Race for Life. 

Save more.
While giving more in 2016, I also want to save more. You're probably thinking I'm contradicting myself but what I mean is... stop spending money on rubbish! With 0 income and student bills about to dawn on me in September, I need to be a proper adult (boooo) and only spend money on the things that matter. If I want to leave university with something in the bank I best start saving.

What are your New Years Resolutions and do you stick to them? Enjoy tonight's celebrations!

Ciao for now xo

12 days of Christmas: Day 10, What I'm Most Excited for 2016

THE PAST IS IN THE PAAAAAAAST, LET IT GO, LET IT GO...

Yep that's right, no more reflecting on 2015. It's time to look forward to the future and I'm starting with a list of things that I'm most excited for in 2016.

1. New job
I start my new job as a Marketing Intern on the 11th January. I'm so excited to be able to put all the theory I have learnt at University into practice. The internship may only be 12 weeks long but it puts my foot in the marketing door for when I graduate next year. This is like REAL life.

2. Return to University
Once the internship is over I get a loooong summer before I return to University in September for my final year. We just signed for our house for the year and it's SO nice! I'll also be taking my new car with me which will make the chore of food shopping a lot more bearable. I said this before and I can't believe I'm about to say it AGAIN but I actually can't wait to go back. Despite the stress and losing my head a few times, I'm very very excited to go back - because what's University if you don't have a few (a lot) of Hades moments? For those of you who don't know Hades:

photo source: disney.wikia.com

3. Adam and I have booked our first trip abroad (AHHHHHH!)
ERMAAAHGHERRRD. We literally only did it last night but Adam and I have booked our first trip abroad! We'll be visiting Deutschland in March to celebrate our one year anniversary. We have a bunch of stuff to look forward to before, including going to London to watch the fireworks for New Year but going AWAY AWAY together is  definitely what I am looking forward to the most.

4. Baking baking baking.
I GOT AN ELECTRIC MIXER FOR CHRISTMAS!!! The problem is... we did so much baking for the big day we still haven't eaten it all! Because of this, I haven't used it yet but I can't wait to get started, eeeeek. As well as the addition of the electric mixer, I have also recently developed an intolerance for dairy products (goodbye chocolate) which means my baking will have to adapt! It's kind of frustrating but it's made me SUPER excited to get experimental with some healthy bakes for 2016. I can't wait to share my recipes!

5. The Unknown.
Of course there will be so much more going on than the above but these are the main events so far. As the year goes on and new plans are made I'll be just as excited for those plans too! Life is what you make it.

I hope the more recent posts have let you know a little more about me. What are you most excited for in 2016? Tomorrow's post contains my New Years Resolutions, I wonder if I'll stick to them...

Ciao for now xo

12 days of Christmas: Day 9, What I'm Thankful for 2015

In an uneven world where it's so easy to be pessimistic about the big things, it's important to focus positive energy on optimism about the little things and the hope of a harmonious future. In today's blog, I am keeping in with the theme of reflecting on the year that is almost over (and because I love lists) here is a list of the things I am thankful for in 2015 and the lessons I have learnt along the way. 

1. Health.
The simplest yet most complex of them all. It's so easy to take good health for granted, but if you take a moment to make a list of all the things that could possibly be unhealthy about you, you'll see just how lucky you are. 

2. Relationships. 
2015 presented me with both my boyfriend, Adam and a new best friend, Bianca. I can't put into words how thankful I am to have them or how much I love them both with my full heart and more - I am both of their biggest fans. We've created amazing memories together in 2015 that will stay with me for a life time. As I've entered my twenties, I've learnt to cherish such bonds with gratitude and to be thankful for the people who are thankful for you. 

3. New opportunities. 
In 2015 I have been a 1st class student, a Manager and I am now a Marketing Intern for a charity close to the nation's heart. It's been one of the more eventful of my 21 years but I've learnt to see it as a roller-coaster - there have been big drops (like REALLY big drops) but there have also been uphill shoots. In 2015, I've learnt that it's the way you perceive these positives and negatives and how you use them to your advantage that shapes the person you are. Life isn't full of mistakes, it's full of lessons.

4. Hobbies.
You're probably thinking 'WHAAAAT?' right now. Remember the guy who cycled to the Bataclan to perform 'Imagine' for those who were in mourning following the Paris attacks? One of his hobbies was music, obvi. In the same way he used his hobby to overcome the negativity, you can do the same. Had a bad day? Dance, sing, bake, make... Hobbies provide you with something to focus your negative energy on and provide a distraction from what can be a vile world. This year I have picked up new hobbies and developed the old. Not because things as awful as the Paris attacks happen every day, but to give myself something to focus on positively. 

photo source: instagram.com 

account holder: @healthyisthenewskinny

What are you thankful for this year? What have you learnt?

Ciao for now xo

12 days of Christmas: Day 8, My Year in Pictures

          


                 

         

       

               

12 days of Christmas: Day 7, Best Blog Posts of 2015

2015 isn't quite over yet but as the holiday season continues, posts appear to be slowing down in the blogging community, so I'm posting this earlier than expected! Here's a round up of my favourite blog posts from this year. Extremely varied in theme, the posts demonstrate my eclectic personality so this should hopefully enable you to get to know me better. I think I'm going off on a tangent now, distracted by 'Now that's What I Call Disney' (a Christmas gift) playing in the background so I'll get started.

*Phillip Schofield impression* In no particular order:

1. Miss Rosie Bea - Make-up collection and Storage.
Find Rosie's blog-post here: http://msrosiebea.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/my-makeup-collection-and-storage.html
Or subscribe to her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/MsRosieBea/featured

I have a LOT of make-up. I'm no make-up artist, I'm just a hoarder. Although this was posted towards the end of 2014, Rosie's post affected my New Year's Resolutions for 2015 in that her extreme OCD make-up storage inspired me to be more organised myself. Starting with my make-up, I threw away those old foundations that had been opened for years - and would probably turn my skin green if I used them again. I got my own make-up storage units that were a little more 'me' and I haven't lost a lipstick since!

2. Psyco Puff - Just do It.
Find Psyco Puff's blog-post here: https://psycopuff.wordpress.com/

The author of Psyco Puff is one of my oldest and bestest friends, Levi. After hearing Levi talk about how he dreams of a successful blog and YouTube channel for as long as I can remember, it was quite emotional to see him 'put pen to paper' and JUST DO IT. The Psyco Puff blog has unfortunately been a little dormant since the first post back in August but I know Levi has a bunch of fabulous ideas and I can't wait to watch this blog expand in 2016.

3. Rum & Raisin - University Blues.
Find Rum & Raisin's blog post here:  http://rumandraisinpages.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/university-blues.html

This woman inspires me more than she will ever know. I could put every single one of her blog-posts on here, they are ALL my favourite... damn I could write a WHOLE POST about this gal. In this particular post, the author, Sian Hodkin, gives her advice for University. Ranging from 'Speak Out' to 'Don't Sweat' she embodies my every thought about University life but makes me view this period in a much more positive manner. I never thought I would say this but she made me: I'm actually EXCITED to return to University in September when my sandwich year finally comes to an end. Sian, you are UH-MAZING.

4. The Little Plum - Stop Comparing Yourself.
Find The Little Plum's blog-post here: http://www.thelittleplum.co.uk/2015/08/sunday-talks-stop-comparing-yourself.html

It was nice to see something different to The Little Plum's usual OOTD. Part of her 'Sunday Talks' series, Chloe spoke eloquently about something I think we can all relate to - comparing yourself to others. Before you stop comparing yourself to others for academic performance, you find yourself comparing your post-christmas dinner food baby to their hot bikini pics on Instagram. This can sometimes turn quite bitter and encourage self-hatred. In this post, The Little Plum begins to celebrate our differences and encourages you to do the same, spreading positivity across the blogging community.

5. Samantha Leal for Marie Claire - 5 Career Myths you Need to Stop Believing. 
Find Samantha's post here: http://www.marieclaire.com/career-advice/news/a15921/career-myths/

In this column, Samantha discourages any negative thoughts regarding chosen career paths with these 5 myths. A believer of every single one of these 5 myths, I felt a HUGE weight lifted off my shoulders at the end of the post. The most significant one for me this year: '3. Dressing for the job means blazers and trousers and neutrals.' WRONG. On search for a placement for my sandwich year, I attended several interviews early this year with huge corporate companies. I woke up hours earlier than I should have done to make sure every single hair was neatly in place and that my outfit was on point. I even took a change of shoes, true Londoner style. When I got to the interviews, everyone in the office was wearing jeans! I was SO overdressed it was embarrassing. Like Samantha mentions, the CV was created in 1482 and oh how times have changed!

6. British Vogue - How to be a Healthonist.
Find British Vogue's post here: http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2015/12/14/how-to-be-a-healthonist-staying-healthy-during-party-season

I know what you're thinking... WHAT THE F@** is a healthonist??? Yep, me too. But Vogue focuses on remaining healthy during the holiday season - something we can all struggle with. Determined to stick to my New Years Resolution of becoming more healthy in 2016 (I WILL do it this year) British Vogue will motivate me when it gets tough at parties. I'd prefer a cold-pressed cocktail to red wine anyway... 

Hope you're enjoying the holiday season! What are your favourite blog posts of 2015?

Ciao for now xo

photo source: bitrebels.com

12 days of Christmas: Day 6, Charity of the Year

Hello! Hope you all had a fabulous day yesterday. Now that Christmas is over, the focus is all on the New Year celebrations: reflecting on the year that is almost over and looking forward for what's to come. While I reflect on my 2015 and think of my New Years resolutions, I'd like to tell you about my 'Charity of the Year.

While I was on my family holiday in Lanzarote this year, a cat followed us back to the villa almost every night. During the first few days, there were several debates over whether she (we assumed she was a girl) was a stray: she was extremely affectionate and even followed us inside and sat on our laps! One morning, as my dad was giving her a cuddle on the garden, a van pulled up. A man jumped out and passed my dad a pouch of wet cat food over the garden wall. That was all. 

After that night, we began to see small shelters - the perfect size for a cat - dotted around the island. The man-made shelters contained cushions and blankets for comfort and a bowl of dry cat food. Next to every one of these small homes, written on a rock was 'Freddy's Cat House'. To begin with we thought Freddy was one hell of a lucky cat! After some research, we discovered there was a stray cat crisis on the island and a gentleman named Freddy had built these homes himself to help the animals. Not only did he build the shelters, he took the sick cats home and nursed them back to health. He also took the young ones to be neutered to improve the stray cat crisis and to avoid young pregnancy. We assume that the gentleman that gave us the pouch of wet food over the wall was helping Freddy. 

Without a car, or a driver's license, Freddy walks all over the island to build these homes and feed the stray cats across a variety of resorts. On his website, Freddy asks for help as he could not carry large amounts of cat food round the island. Because the crisis is so big, he can not recover the issue alone. He asks that people fill the shelters he built with dry cat food - and explained that wet cat food can go off quickly if it is not eaten and make the cats sick. There is the option for holiday makers to foster a cat during your stay and even the possibility to give one of the cats a new home and Freddy's Cat House will pay for the flight!

Towards the end of the holiday, almost every night we saw an elderly gentleman 'taking his cats for a walk'. The cats had no leash but stayed almost glued to the man's feet and every so often he would stop, pull out a handful of cat treats and fuss them. We recognised the him - It was Freddy!

photo source: freddyscathouse.weebly.com

Read more about Freddy's Cat House here: http://freddyscathouse.weebly.com/
Like his page on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/freddyelgatolanzarote/videos?fref=photo