Is it really that time of year again??.. Apparently so!
Seriously, where do the bloody years go [insert shocked emoji].
So let's talk about our goals for 2017, I would love to read yours in the comment section.
A lot of things have changed over the course of this year, so I wanted to use last years goals to see how far we've come!
Post more consistently on my youtube channel & blog.
Start a gaming youtube channel.
Build up my photography & studio more.
Be more creative/ artistic with photo shoots.
Sort out my allergy & get healthier.
Do more exercise & yoga.
Save up to move out.
So they're a few things that I didn't quite achieve in my opinion, but for the most part I think it has been a very successful year! Another thing that happened this year, is we hit 1000 subscribers on Youtube, which was amazing!
So before I go onto my goals for 2017 I want to thank you all for your continued support with everything!
You're all amazing!
So the goals...
- Continue to grow my businesses (studio, photography etc).
- Enter a fitness competition.
- Move house.
- Do some travelling.
- Photograph more - various projects/ jobs.
- Stay Healthy
So I hope you guys have had an amazing 2016, I'll see you next year!
I feel like it's about time I did a bit of a life update, because a lot of things have changed over the last 6 months.
So first things first, my health has started to improve massively!
This is because we actually found out what it was that was making me ill... stress.
So the long & short of it is that I have removed some of the really stressful things from my life. I have also started having some CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).
Another part of my life that has changed is my relationship status. Now if you've been here awhile you'll know that I did have a boyfriend, however that relationship ended back in February.
I since have met someone else.
This someone else is Liam & well we just love each other so much!
We are planning to do some youtube videos together, so sit tight you'll get to meet him properly soon.
Even though we haven't been together that long we already live together, have been on holiday & now have a puppy! What can I say you just know sometimes :)
Above is a photo of us in Rome!
Now onto the gym/ fitness side of things.
I have been religiously going to the gym now since February and it has been great! It is perfect to help me de-stress & focus my thoughts/ feelings. I don't have a strict goal yet, but I think if I do decide to compete in anything it would be powerlifting, heavy weights are fun!
I've seen a lot of physical changes because of my training including weight lose, more muscle definition, more energy & more motivation.
July has come to an end, so it's time for some favourites.
An usual it is a mixture of different items ranging from beauty to fitness!
Below are the items I've been loving from the last month & my favourites video.
Urban Decay Naked Smoky palette
I love the Urban Decay Naked palettes in general & this one is no different! This one is the newest in their collection & has a great variety of shades. The shades range from cool to warm tones & have different finishes. In fact I like that there are more matte shades in this palette than all of the other Naked palettes. It is a really versatile palette, with great quality shadows.
The Body Shop Green Tea body wash
I got this product in my advent at Christmas time & have only just got round to using it. I wish I'd tried it sooner though! It's amazing!
I love the scent & how refreshing it is. I love to use this especially when I'm showering after the gym, as it feels so clean & refreshing.
Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine nail paint in Blueberry
If you guys have been on this blog for a while now you'll already know that I really like this nail polish formula by Barry M. Also they are an absolute bargain at approximately £3.00 each!
This shade is a new addition to my collection & I love it.
It's a pastel light blue shade, perfect for summertime!
GlamGlow ThirstyMud face mask
I love the GlamGlow Supermud mask, so decided to try some of their other masks too & I have to say I have not been disappointed so far. This one is the hydrating mask, which I don't need too much but when I do this is perfect. It smells incredible (of pure coconut) & really is hydrating.
On Amino Energy in Orange Cooler
As I have been getting into my fitness I have decided to try some supplements, especially BCAAs. They aid in recovery after working out. However I do also like something with a bit of caffeine to aid during/before my workouts. So this product is perfect as it contains both. It also tastes really nice, which is not usually the case with supplements.
Nature's Store Chocolate Orange Rice Cakes
These are just awesome, so simple but so awesome. If you're after a sweet chocolatey snack but don't want to go the whole way with a chocolate bar, try these. They are healthier & lower in calories! They also taste like Terry's chocolate orange! Perfect for those sweet cravings!
Candy Kittens
I wouldn't be surprised if I've favourites these before, because they are soooo good! They are gluten free gummy sweets, not that healthy but a sweet treat. They comes in lots of amazing yummy flavours & some are even Vegan!
There are some additional favourites not pictured, but check out the video for those!
As you guys might know if you've been following me on various social media I have got very into fitness recently. I have been hitting the gym at least 5 times a week since February!
So I wanted to start getting into the whole supplement thing a bit, but it's such a huge market, where do you start??
So I decided a good way to test out products is a subscription box.
I noticed this company kept popping up on my Facebook so I decided to look into them, they're called Muscle Crate.
I did actually contact them regarding my gluten intolerance & they were very good about it saying they'd make a notice on my subscription. I have received one product, but really I'm not that fussed.
The box pictured below is April's box (sorry this blog post is a little late).
As you can see the box is FULL of supplement samples from capsules to pre workouts.
I honestly feel like if you're looking to just try a lot of different flavours & products is short period, this box is definitely the way forward. I also gave my boyfriend a few of the samples to try if there were duplicates. Sometimes there are but I see that as no bad thing, especially if you're like me & like to share it out a bit.
I have now used this whole box, but it did take me a month to do so! Which is ideal because by that time the next one is on it's way!
I would also like to note that the brands provided in the box are all good quality brands which I have heard of before. They really have put some hard work in to connecting & working with some of the best/ well known nutrition companies in the world.
It is still early days for the company, however I can definitely see this working.
So if you are just getting into fitness & want to try a few new things give this box a go.
You don't have to seriously commit either as they have a 1 month rolling contract available.
It's been quite so time since I did a favourites on both my blog & youtube channel.
However May has been a great month, so why not!
I have a variety of different items from home to fitness clothing.
Benefit Dream Screen
I'm sure I've favourited this item before, however I do love it! It is the first facial sun cream I have ever found that isn't super oily, in fact it's oil free. This makes it perfect for everyday and perfect for underneath make up.
Soap & Glory Heel Genius
I'm not really one for feet, but we all like to have nice soft ones. This foot cream is super moisturising & has a really refreshing peppermint scent. It's seriously saved my feet this month!
NYX Intense Butter Gloss & Matte Lip Cream
These are my first NYX lip products & I have to say.. where have they been all my life?!?
I love the formula & scent of these. My overall favourite is the matte lip cream as I have been loving a matte lip recently. However I think they're both going to be in my make up bag permanently.
Oral B 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste
I've been wanting a whitening toothpaste that actually works for years & I think I've finally found it! You can actually see all the crap & discolouration in the sink when you use this toothpaste, which is reassuring. I have also noticed a visible difference in colour. It's nothing too dramatic but I can see that it's actually working.
Wood Wick Candle
You guys know me, I love a good candle. Recently I discovered wood wick candles, which are quite a simple yet amazing concept. Every candle has a wooden wick, which means it crackles whilst it burns. It is honestly the most relaxing sound ever! The candles also burn really evenly & are highly scented. The perfect candle really!
Gymversus Leggings
It's so hard to find good quality gym leggings, that don't go see-through, especially when you spend a lot of time squatting! However I have finally found some that are worth some hype. These leggings are by a company called Gymversus & they are just amazing quality, as well as really nice designs.
If you're serious about the gym I would definitely recommend them!
I'm really not happy with the way I look currently. Sooo..
I have been doing some workouts, focusing on body weight exercises done via the circuit training method. Body weight exercises are literally what they sound like, using your own body weight as resistance in your training. Circuit training is having different sub-sections to a workout, so one circuit to me is one type of exercise movement.
It will be featuring new clothing items that I'm loving & titled as above 'New in my Wardrobe'.
So the product we're talking about today are some legging by Superdry.
I don't know why, but Superdry has never really had a proper sportswear range (a bit odd for such a sports based brand). However they recently launched one!
They cover a great array of sportswear style staples, paired with awesome colourful prints/ patterns.
You can see this in the leggings I'm wearing above. The quality of these leggings are great, super stretchy & thicker than you're bog standard leggings. They also have a phone zip pocket on the bottom, which is a interesting place to put it but actually quite a useful one!
I also love the print & colour of these leggings! I ombre colour scheme is super cool & unique. The print being their name makes them stand out as a brand.
I will definitely be purchasing more from this range very soon. They have a great selection of tops, vests, hoodies etc as well as leggings.
I will say they aren't the cheapest sportswear, however the price point is definitely on par with Nike & Adidas. Which I imagine some people would consider the average for high quality sportswear.
Therefore one of my current aims is to improve it & get my resting heart rate down.
The way I intend to do this is by using a treadmill.
One because British weather is shit & two because running on the road is too hard on my shins.
So I thought why not share my treadmill routine with you guys. By treadmill routine I mean the workout programme I intend to use to improve my cardio.
So the first thing I'm going to do, as I do with any work out, is to stretch out first. This is to reduce the risk of me pulling any muscles whilst doing my work out. This is a must before doing any exercise!
I do a few different stretches for both the legs & arms (you do move your arms when you run).
Now onto the workout!
Firstly, I start by walking at what I consider my average walking pace. I also like to have some incline, even if it's just level 1. I actually find it easier to run on an incline.
I then gradually increase the speed to a light jog, maintaining this pace for approximately 3 minutes (so after this point I am 5 minutes into the workout).
After this I then start my faster intervals. I like interval training as a whole, as it's not as tedious due to the changes of pace/ exercises (in this case pace). So by interval training I mean, running at a faster pace (about level 7.5 on my treadmill) for as long as I can or a set time limit then slow my pace, then repeat.
This is the whole principle of my treadmill workouts at the moment.
It's a great way to train as the short breaks (rest periods) allow you to recover to some degree, which means you can exercise for longer & push yourself further.
Don't over do it though & never push yourself too far to quickly!
So I hope this has helped some of you.
If you like these fitness posts, please comment below for more!
'The gym bunny, is female creature that inhabits only gyms & lives in activewear.'
They are a creature I admire, primarily for their commitment!
Fitness is still a massive lifestyle trend, for women more so than ever before.
A while ago (approximately 2 years) I was one of these 'gym bunnies', I used to work out every day without fail & had better abs than most men!
However as our lives change over time how sustainable is this lifestyle trend?
By no means am I saying don't exercise, because the benefits can be amazing (when done properly & affectively). However I just find these days that I don't have the time to commit to the gym everyday.
In fact I don't really want to look quite as athletic as I used to want to.
However I do still have so much respect for anyone who achieves their body goals.
I personally feel for me a balance of work, fitness & fun is the lifestyle that suits me & my needs.
I still think fitness is super important, however at the moment some health issues I'm dealing with need sorting befire I set any intense work out schedules.
How do you guys feel about this trend?
Are you into it or do you feel like it adds to the many pressures women face today?
So these blog posts have been strictly blog exclusive, however this post has a video to go along with it.
You can read this & watch the video (which I advise) but it's honestly up to you.
So first of all an update on my Gluten Free diet.
This diet has really changed everything for me. I feel a million times better for cutting out gluten!
When I started the diet I was struggling to fill myself up, however my mind is starting to learn what being full really is (and it's not being bloated).
I also feel like I have so much more energy on this diet.
Which leads me nicely onto my next point..
Getting a bit fitter!
I haven't been exercising too much (slaps wrist), so that is now my main focus.
I already think my immune system is getting stronger due to the diet and I think exercise will just help further.
I have also booked a holiday.. so I want that Ibiza body!
So it has been about a month since I wrote one of these posts. So that's means I've been gluten free for about that amount of time too!
I honestly think it's the best lifestyle decision I've ever made!
I feel so much better!
I have also noticed I haven't been feeling as run down & sluggish in general. It's amazing the difference it has made. I have still been suffering from my allergy but other than that I haven't been ill in any way.
I also noticed within the first week of the diet I had lost about two pounds. I don't want to lose weight but that indicates that it might help people do so.
I am just loving not feeling bloated. Before, I was feeling like I looked fat (for me) but now I'm noticing it must have just been bloating. below is a photo of how my stomach is looking now, which I am pretty happy with honest.
The only problem with this diet is I don't often feel full. I guess because what my brain has always thought is full is actually bloated. So I am therefore eating more, but am not putting on weight (sounds great doesn't it, this might not be the case for everyone though).
Due to this constant feeling hungry I haven't been exercising as much because it leaves me feeling starving even more. Naturally, because of the amount of calories you burn whilst exercising. However I am doing more stuff with my horse as the weather is getting better, which results in more exercise!
So I am getting on track with the diet & exercise side of things!
As for my allergy, I have finished all my allergy testing & have my vaccine. Now it's just a case of building up a resistance. However if it doesn't work it means there is another allergy to something we haven't tested. This could be a very long road (hopefully not), but we'll just have to see!
Also in case you are wondering the hospital I have been going to is called Breakspear Medical Group.
So I forgot to do my health update last week so I'm going to combine this week & last week.
I have been continuing with the diet by having more vegetables, fish & other good stuff!
I have been drinking less alcohol and drinking water along side it when I have been out.
(Which I strongly advise to everyone, that way you remember the night & don't wake up with a hang over.)
I also mentioned in the previous post about the vitamins I have started taking, below is a photo of them. The box on the right are also my eye drops, which have really been helping my eyes. I have been religiously taking these, which is good for me because I get really lazy with taking vitamins.
I also have been trying to continue exercising at least one/twice a week. I think last week I only exercised once, but I plan on making up for it this week.
I haven't exactly taken up walking but I have been getting out more and doing more stuff around the yard. So just generally being more active in the daytime.
So overall I think I'm doing pretty well, I could still be doing more but for now I'm already feeling better for making these little changes.
I also have a follow up appointment with doctor next week to find out what's going on internally.
So last week I posted about getting healthy & fit in this post.
A week has gone by now and I wanted to post a little update. I do plan on doing weekly updates, that way I hopefully can keep motivated!
So I have almost fully recovered from my throat infection, which is good.
I have also been to a private hospital about what the hell is going on with me. So I think things are on the up. They've done some tests, I'm now just waiting on results. They have also given me some vitamins & eye drops to take.
I have also been making some dietary changes too, partly due to what the private doctor told me.
I have been eating less sugary foods and more vegetables/ fruit.
I still am not drinking fizzy drinks much, maybe the odd glass of pepsi or something.
With regards to exercise, I didn't do any last week due to the throat infection. However this week I have done some bodyweight toning exercise and a little bit of yoga.
So overall I think I have done pretty well over the last week. Next week I aim to do a bit more exercise and just keep everything up. I have also been advised to take up walking which I plan on starting next week.
So this is the second year in a row where I have entered the new year with a throat infection, not cool!
I seem to keep getting these throat infections and to be honest I pretty damn sick of them! I've had immune tests and apparently my immune system is fine. So now the doctors have decided there's nothing they can do, I think it's time to try my own method of preventing these throat infection!
I know a lot of you will see this as a 'new years resolution' that I won't end up going through with, but if this works it will become a lifestyle that's worth keeping up!
This is partly why I'm blogging about this! I feel like by regularly blogging about my journey/ progress I will keep it up.
I read this interesting article this morning, linked here.
So my plan is basically to eat a little less junk food & fizzy drinks, drink more water to keep hydrated and to exercise more.
I have already been cutting out fizzy drinks as they don't seem to help my currently bad throat, so that part is simple enough. So that's one point down already :)
Sadly, I currently don't feel up to exercising so I plan on starting that next week.
These targets aren't so much about changing my body, it's more to help build my immune system, so I stop becoming so ill so frequently!
Here is a recent photo of how I look at the moment, just so you guys can see the changes to my body which are likely to occur.
Hi, I'm Eve. I'm a 23 year old professional photographer, who also has an interest in blogging/ vlogging. I like to write about anything really, from beauty to health issues!
