31 August 2012

Things That Make You Go Oooooo (August 2012)


I can't believe August is over it's been one hell of a crazy month for me here in Thailand, I've had so many fun days with family and I officially became Thai on my birthday of all days! The summer days are coming to an end and soon I'll be flying back to the U.K. but there's no need to feel down as here are some great links which have been keeping me delighted and amused.

D.I.Y. Marc Jacobs Mouse Flats - I'm loving these shoes and theirs no need to break the bank balance as they're super easy to make yourself.

How To Be Emotionally Stable Without Getting Bored.

Stress Relief Techniques - Some great tips in this Goop newsletter which have definitely been of great use to me.


Don't Just Survive, THRIVE! How To Become The Best Possible Version Of Yourself! - As someone who always strives to be the best person they can be I'm absolutely LOVING this!

10 Ways Not to Be A Blah-ger

Is Stress Ruining Your Beauty Routine - A great article, stress often affects my skin and it's good to know the triggers and how to prevent them


40 Of The Most Powerful Photos Ever - Something to give all aspiring photographers a bit of inspiration.

The Ways We Don't Talk About Wealth

Maiden Twists Hairstyle - I'm loving this hairstyle and it's perfect for those hot summer nights


100 Things To Do instead Of Procrastinating On The Internet - I'm guilty of wasting endless hours on the internet instead of doing those things I should be doing so this list is a great way to get me to unplug and check into the real world.

4 Powerful Lessons From A Life Well Lived

4 Steps To Be The Change You Wish To See In The World - 4 Simple steps on how to bring change to the world and be the best you can be.


When Painful Things Happen and You Don't Know Why - A very comforting read, it's always nice to know that were not alone in our feelings and that we can find comfort.

How To Stop Worrying

10 Ways To Feel Rich - Because sometimes we need to have a little luxury in our lives.


D.I.Y. Dip Dyed Shorts and Tees - The perfect look for those summer nights at the beach and a nice D.I.Y. to try out.

How Do You Stay Creative?

Shut up! Announcing your plans makes you less motivated to accomplish them. - I've actually found this to be absolutely true which is why rather than announcing my plans now I just get on and do them.


DIY Flower Crown Tutorial - I feel like I post an endless amount of these tutorials but I do LOVE flower crowns and eventually I will get round to making my own.

20 Small Actions To Create A Fit Environment

Leo Babauta’s Guide to Overcoming Self Doubt - A great read with some great advice.





Sunny Days & Endless Nights
Cate
xoxo

28 August 2012

5 Ways To Get Fit & Stay Healthy!


Over the past year I have gone through an amazing change, after years of telling myself I need to get fit and healthy and a long, loooong time procrastinating I made finally got off my backside and made the change to a healthier lifestyle and I feel absolutely amazing. A lot of people have been asking me recently what exercises I've been doing, what I've been eating, and just how I did it so I'd thought I'd share a few of my secrets and discoveries.

Do it for the right reasons!
Being healthy and fit is a lifestyle change, you need to love your body and want to treat it right this isn't about losing weight to look like your favourite celebrity or be the skinniest one in your group of friends it's about fitness levels and being able to climb a stairway without getting out of breath, having the energy to complete difficult tasks and being strong enough to carry all your own shopping bags.

Give up smoking
Yes I used to be a smoker, I started when I was 14 and by the time I hit 21 I was smoking nearly 2 packs a day, disgusting I know! Smoking is one of the worst things you can do to your body and believe me I know how difficult it can be to give up, even now when I'm going through a particular stressful time I find myself craving one but my love for myself is now much stronger than my need for a cigarette so I'm able to resist temptation, so if you smoke you should really consider giving up as your body will be extremely grateful for it.

Reduce your sugar intake
I'm a self confessed sugar addict but too much sugar can be bad for you! I've cut fizzy drinks completely out of my diet as these are the worst culprits, switched to using more natural sugars like agave or palm and no longer have sugar in my coffee and tea, yes I still enjoy a cupcake now and again but as treats I eat once in a while not breakfast, lunch and dinner (yes I pretty much lived on cupcakes at one point!). Fruit is a much healthier and tastier alternative and now I'd much rather indulge in a juicy mango rather than a bar of chocolate.

Exercise everyday
Everyday!? Yes everyday but I'm not saying go to the gym everyday just aim to do 30 minutes of physical activity a day which can be anything from going running to just working up a sweat cleaning the house or even running for the bus in the mornings! I like to change up my workout every couple weeks so my body doesn't get too used to it and YouTube is an amazing hub of workout videos, my personal favourites are BodyrockTV and Amanda Russell and there's no need for that expensive gym membership as you can pretty much do it all at home!

Drink Green Tea
I pretty much live on green tea, I brew myself a big pot of it in the mornings and drink it throughout the day. It's important to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day to flush out all those nasty toxins that can built up inside us and green tea is a natural antioxidant which is full of natural benefits and more hydrating than water.

Green Tea & Peaches
Cate
xoxo

20 August 2012

Beauty Blitz: Olive Oil Hair Masks


I'm always trying to add more natural and organic beauty products into my daily routine as I feel that they're much better for you and more beneficial than using harsh chemicals so when I ran out of my usual deep conditioning hair mask I decided to raid my kitchen cupboards in search of a more natural remedy.


Olive oil has been used for skin and hair treatments for thousands of years because of it's excellent moisturising qualities, antioxidants and vitamins, I must admit I've only ever used it with cooking but I figured if it does half a good a job of making my food delicious then it must be good for my hair to!



Olive Oil Mask
8 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Heat the olive oil in the microwave for no longer than 20 seconds you want the oil a little bit warm but not hot, as the heat will help it absorb into your hair follicles better, if it comes out too hot them just leave the oil sit for a while to let it cool down. All you need to do then is massage it into dry hair, I concentrate on my ends first then work up and massage a little into my scalp, then once it's massaged into your hair put on a shower cap or wrap your hair in a towel and leave it in for an hour before you wash it out.

Olive Oil & Honey Mask
6 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons of Honey

Honey is also great at moisturising your hair and shares many of the same benefits as olive oil, this mask is slightly messier and stickier but works brilliantly on dry hair just follow the same instructions above but this time add in the honey.


Olive Oil & Egg Mask
4 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Egg Yolk

Egg is another great way to moisturise your hair and eggs are full of protein they can strengthen your hair follicles and prevent hair loss. You can use the whole egg but I prefer to just to use the yolk as that's where the majority of the goodness is concentrated plus it's not as messy and while you're waiting for your hair mask to work its magic you can cook yourself up a nice egg white omelette to eat so nothing goes to waste.

You don't want to heat the mask for this one as the egg will cook you just want to mix the oil and egg together then massage it into your hair, also make sure when you rinse it out that you use COOL water otherwise you may end up with bits of cooked egg in your hair and that's not a good look for anyone!

Rose Petals & Daisies
Cate
xoxo


15 August 2012

Inspirational Quotes #29

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.
- Eleanor Roosevelt

11 August 2012

10 Summer D.I.Y. Projects


Summer is a great time to get crafting, there's just something about those long bright days that gets me inspired and makes me want to create so I've had a look in my project file and pulled out 10 great D.I.Y. tutorials which are simple enough for everyone to have a go at no matter what crafting skills you have, so go forth create and enjoy!

Make Your Own Red Saddle Shoes - This is a quick and easy tutorial that will brighten up even the dullest pair of shoes and would be totally cute for the summer.

Faux Flower Crown 

D.I.Y. Peter Pan Collar - Peter Pan Collars are so adorable and I love how this simple accessory can add such a cute twist to an outfit.

Water Marbling Tutorial

Polka Dot Floral Wedge - These are just the cutest shoes ever and the perfect thing to wear in the sunshine.


D.I.Y. Cat Ear Headphones - Adorable, I can't wait to make these for my Hello Kitty headphones!

Braided Headband Tutorial

Wonder Woman Shoe Tutorial - Another amazing shoe tutorial, I think by the end of the summer all my shoes are going to get a D.I.Y. makeover

Watermelon Skirt

D.I.Y. Starfish Hairclips - Such a simple and cute tutorial and they will make the perfect accessories for a day at the beach.

Roses & Tulips
Cate
xoxo

05 August 2012

Handmade Birthday Wishes


I'm so happy I'm going to be celebrating my birthday in Thailand surrounded by my family this year that I can't think of much else that I want, I feel as I get older less importance goes on the presents and its more about spending time having fun with people I love but I do love handmade gifts, I feel like they're a lot more personal and heartfelt than something bought from a regular shop so here are just a few of my etsy faves that I think would make excellent birthday gifts.

Pinkie Pie Sugar Handcrafted Luxury Bar Soap
Watermelon bubble gum sounds like the most amazing sweetest scent ever and I think Pinkie Pie is the absolutely perfect pony to celebrate a birthday with I mean just imagine the fun party she would throw you.

Leo Constellation Ring
This ring is so beautiful and elegant, I think something with you zodiac constellation on would make a great gift for a birthday and I'm actually quite surprised I don't already own something like this so I might just have to treat myself to it...

Magellanic Cloud Nebula Skirt
While we're on the subject of stars and constellations I have to say this is one beautiful skirt and I would love to wear it on my birthday, I mean you can literally be the own star of your birthday party wearing this!

 Custom Made Sparkly Phone Case
I think everyone needs a bit of sparkle in their lives especially on their birthday so I'm loving these phone cases. I also think everyone needs cake so these whipped cream phone cases would be pretty perfect to and they'd be one dessert that is sure to last you longer than your birthday!

Whole Lotta Rosie Headband
I love getting flowers on my birthday they're an instant mood booster but I'm always so sad that they don't last very long so I think getting a gorgeous floral headband like this is the perfect idea they're just as beautiful and last a lifetime so you can feel like it's your birthday everyday!

Cuddles & Cakes
Cate
xoxo