My Heath Kick - Week One

After the new year starting not so great (hello rotten cold) I realised I really needed to start my ‘heath kick’. To me this isn’t a diet, it’s more of a lifestyle that I’ve slowly been getting used to the idea of and starting small, and finally I’ve got to the point where it all needs to come together. 

My main focuses are:

• gluten-free - I’ve been gluten-free for just under a year now after being diagnosed celiac which really kick started this whole thing
• refined sugar-free - the more I read, the more this is a ‘drug’ and it needs to go
• possibly dairy/ lactose-free - I have currently cut them out, and I am adding in one portion of one  type of dairy to see how my body reacts (after all you’re body is you tour guide). So far I know that cows milk and yogurt are a no-no
• general bye-bye to processed and refined produce
• improved activity level
• reduction in the amount of meat I eat and only then from high quality sources

This week

This week has gone a well as I could have wanted. 

I’ve had no refined sugar at all, which is great, although I have had a far few cravings which I’ve been satisfying with medjool dates and almond butter (nomnom), the dates are so chewy (especially compared to those truly dried dates you can buy) and the almond butter rich, its just a-mazing. 

I’ve had no cravings for fizzy drinks, which I think was helped that I’d majority reduced the quantity in the last few months, ice-cold water with some lemon or lime is what I’m reaching for now. 

I tried greek yogurt as my ‘test’ for the week, and the results where a definite no, sluggish, nausea  and a gurgling tummy say no no yogurt. 

I completed five sessions of yoga (fitstar yoga) at home, one session every morning. I also walked the dogs for a total of 11.43 miles. 

A typical days looks a bit like this:

-Fruit, spinach and nut butter smoothie

-Yoga session 

-Dog walk

-Lunch - normally leftovers, or salad (proper salad with nuts, avocados, lots of spinach and rocket)

-Snack of nuts/ fruit/ medjool dates with nut butter

-Dinner - vegetable soup / lentil & butternut squash dhal / quinoa with vegetables and guacamole / sweet potato wedges, veg, and hummus. 

All homemade, including sauces and dressings! 

So overall its been a good week!

Hows your new years fitness program going?

The end of January is approaching (gah already!?), so that means time to look back on what we've done to start those new years resolutions and how to progress from here (if you've had a bad start, don't worry, you've got 11 more months). 

I thought I'd put out some super easy tips for the most common new years resolution - heath and fitness. 

1) Drink more. 

Now I don't mean alcohol or sugar filled drinks (and sugar replacements). Water is key. Our body is 70% water, we need it to function. Drinking water boosts brain function and energy, improves your skin complexing and helps your immune system. 

Tips:
Get a glass water bottle to carry around, this really reminds me to drink more thought the day

If you really don't like the taste of water, try herbal tea bags (hot or iced), and slice fruit in your water and allow it to infuse for an hour or so and hey presto flavoured water!

2) Move. 

Any resolution of going to the gym/running five times a week is basically setting yourself up to fail (unless you really do enjoy that and then congratulations)! Find something you enjoy - walking, dancing, swimming, trampling, yoga, a light jog with a friend. Anything that you enjoy enough to do it again. You body loves to move, even if you don't feel like it, most of the time, afterwards you'll be glad you did. 

Tips:
There are some great apps on your iPhone that measure how many steps you take in a day, yoga apps and mini fitness routines. These can help encourage you. Youtube also has some great videos (I recommend blogilates). 

Get fit with Fido (or Fluffy). Pet obesity is rising at an alarming rate, so if you have a dog (or your friend does) make sure you both get out the house everyday, you'll both benefit from it (plus Fido might not destroy your stuff as much). Win win win. 

3) Count goodness not calories. 

Harsh reality, cutting calories but still eating processed rubbish (even white pasta and bread is processed) is never going to be a long term solution. You need to do your research on health foods, they need to make up the majority of your diet eventually. 

Tips:
Start small, add extra veg, switch to brown rice, quinoa and brown rice pasta.

Smoothies in the morning with some spinach, lots of fruit and some superfoods, really can set you up for the day. 

Sunny Weekends = Long Walks!

Hey there,

While it's already October the weather seems to be holding up, just a slight chill around, which is perfect for being outside! Personally I'm a huge animal person and I thought I'd share this great picture of my black Labrador Jet running from a huge wave! 
                 

     

He is such a cutie.

Kristina

Xo

OOFT -Wishing for spring!

Hey there!

Hope you're all having a fantastic 2014 so far, keeping to your resolutions and all that!

I thought i'd share with you all my super wishing for spring outfit. I am so over winter now, and I find myself singing Olaf's 'Summer' (from Frozen if you haven't seen it) song. So here it is:

Jumper - Forever 21
Skirt - Its actually a dress from American Apparel 
Socks and Tights - Highstreet

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax8oF4FFiE0

Nom nom

So just a little silly post, my cat likes pasta apparently...

darlingkristina xo

Hey everyone!

Want to hear about my latest obbsession?

HOT YOGA

The last couple of weeks i have started going to Bikram Yoga session and it is AMAZING. What is Bikham yoga? Well, basically, extreme yoga in extreme heat. I think there definition is 40 degree heat, 26 postures, 2 breathing exercises, 90 minuets. 

My experience so far

The first time i went was a complete shock, however, after making myself go back i am so pleased that i decided to try it. The first time I went I was overwhelmed before I even got there, you have to drink a couple of litres of water before class, bring all sorts of bits, and it is just fairly scary. During the first class I did honestly think I was going to faint during the standing exercises, fortunately the instructor was really kind and told anyone to sit down if they felt overwhelmed (everyone feels overwhelmed the first time).

After going back though I have noticed that I have more energy, am more productive, i am more toned and my flexibility has improved. All a big thumbs up for me to keep going!


Thats all for now!

Kristina xo

Sale Shopping

This really is the best time of year to go shopping!

Want to see what I bought?

Check out my video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIVRYIfp1UY

Mini Haul

Hey!

I thought I'd share this mini little haul with you! It isn't much but they are some things I consider my must haves.

1. The variety chocolate bar pack - yum yum yum, something I need to have in the house for when you just need some chocolate.
2. Nature Valley Chewy Trail Mix Chocolate - one of my favourites to just have in my bag in case I get hungry.
3. Batiste Dry Shampoo in Cherry - my favourite scent and one of my favourite dry shampoos, cheap and easy to get hold of!
4. Good Things Fresh Start Creamy Cleanser - the key part to my skincare routine.
5. Original Source Cranberry and Honey Shower Gel - oh my gees, this is one of my new favourites, I am guessing it is a christmas time special, but I am so in love with it!
6. Original Source Chocolate and Mint Shower Gel - can you tell I was just in a chocolate mood when I went shopping? Smells yummy though!

Check out my youtube!

www.youtube.com/darlingkristina

Hello Blue Eyes!

How cute is my little cat!

This is his regular 'climbing up human legs means I might get cuddles or food'!

www.youtube.com/darlingkristina

LUSH HAUL!

I personally love lush's Christmas collection, it just makes me so happy, I love the colours and the scents, and basically everything! So this year (just like every other) I bought a stock of things!  

Want to know what I bought?

1. Candy Mountain Bubble Bar - Smells of vanilla and candy floss (YUM). £2.45
2. Christmas Eve Bubble Bar - A relaxing bubble bar.£2.95
3. Cinders Bath Bomb - One of my favourites! £2.25
4. Golden Wonder Bath Bomb - This is the one I would recommend you try, it has bath bombs within the bath bomb, so much fun! £3.25
5. The Melting Snowman - Poor little snowman, but he is so cute! £1.95
6. Ponche Shower Gel - Orange juice and tequila.
7. Snow Fairy Shower Gel - This just reminds me of pear drops, super sweet!
8. Northern Lights Soap - Super citrus smelling.

Watch my video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n58mkpPV7tA&feature=youtu.be

Manicure of the Moment!

Gold Sparkle

Christmas is almost here!

Which means, glitter nails all around!

I decided to go for a super sparkle gold with accent nails with proper chunky glitter!

The colours I used were Barry M's gold foil to give a gold colour base, then Barry M's Gold Glitter, then on the accent nails I used The Living Daylights by O.P.I from the Bond Collection!

Check out my Youtube!
www.youtube.com/darlingkristina

Pre-Christmas Clear Out!

Hey everyone!

With the holidays coming, I decided it was most definitely time to clear out my beauty stash! I admit to being a beauty hoarder! However, I know at Christmas time more always comes along, so with that in mind I decided to minimise(ish).

First thing was to get out all my beauty products (except make-up) from there little(ish) home. Abundance of products much?

I decided to throw away certain things (such as all those useless self-tanners and build up tan moisturisers). Put others in a use up before Christmas section. Then with the remainder I put them back in there stash (hopefully more organised).

I decided that if I keep the products I need to use up out and on display it will remind me to use them, instead of half using everything!

I personally found half used body moisturisers my worst product!

Re-organised              

Check out my YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/darlingkristina

What's in my Graze Box?

Hello!
If you're new to graze box, it is a healthy eating box, encoranging people to snack at something other than crisps and chocolate! There are tonnes of healthy and yummy snacks that you get sent in a box with four randomly selected snacks. For more information about that kind of thing visit there website!

https://www.graze.com/

 Summer Berry Compote with Shortbread

Oh my life, this is super, super super yummy! From the little inducators from the front I can see that this is under 150 calories, and high in fibre. I personally loved this!

 Peking dynasty

Having tried this one before, I knew I liked it. It has super tasty cashews, some baked bites and back beans. If you like interesting tastes this one is most definitely for you!

 Super Berry Detox

One of your five a day this is dried fruit to the best (personally I love the green raisins). This is one of graze's super healthy snacks!

Cookies and Cream

Probably not the healthiest thing in my box, but a clear favourite of mine. Hazel nuts, mini cookies and chocolate buttons, who wouldn't want to eat that? So tasty! This will be getting the click of LOVE!



Want to see more? 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGAWIKxr9h0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vv7nKjsvjWs

Want a free box?
Use the code 5WRNR5QD

OOTD

After I had chosen my outfit this morning, I realised that not only had I worn this before, but I have a video of me wearing this!

Want to check it out?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIGuvWyP4m4

Definitely a mostly Jack Wills outfit, but I love how this casual outfit has sequins included in it, making it extra fun! The cardigan is really what completes the outfit for me though, I love the colour!

What I am wearing!
-Top - Jack Wills (Black with a sequin detail)
- Bandeau - ASOS (Black with sequins sewn under it)
-Leggings - Jack Wills (Gray)
-Cardigan - Jack Wills
- Shoes - Black Chelsea Boots from ASOS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc6Gvt2btOY

http://www.youtube.com/user/DarlingKristina?feature=mhee

My Favourite Fall Nail Polish!

Hey everyone!

I thought you might want to see my favourite nails colours for this time of year!

I have a youtube video all about it! So check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3lRq7zHPxM

Picture of the Day!

Autumn Arrived

Muddy dog walks are always a good sign that autumn is here!

I personally love it when the weather gets colder, the leaves change colour and start to fall. One of the things that comes with this a lot is rain however, and in England we have had a lot of it recently! Resulting in the valley were I like to walk my Lab turning into a world of squelchy mud and dirty puddles. Dog heaven!

An Ice Bar? In London?

Welcome to icebar by icehotel! Located in belowzero!

First off all I could think was wow. This bar is kept at an apparent -5°C although when went it was a -9, rather chilly! The whole bar, seats, tables and even your glass is made of ice. It is definitely a unique experience! 

On arrival you are told to go and wait in belowzero,a perfect time to add any extra jumpers and get a drink. Once called over, you have a little talk about what will happen, and then before you know it a thermal poncho is thrown on and you're in a giant freezer. 

I had a lovely time, we had a great group of people who were friendly and quite happy to take pictures, although I suppose that could be hit and miss. There is a slight lack of sitting space however.

The drinks are probably made a whole lot better by the surrounding and I would recommend getting a champagne cocktail for your second drink! There was a large choice of cocktails. These cocktails came in a ice glass, yes, a glass made completely of ice. Rather interesting because the heat from your lips slightly melts the ice! Plus due to everything else being made of ice, the glasses seemed to like to slid away (CATCH THAT GLASS).

Over all a super cool (pun intended) experience that was so much fun! I would recommend wearing warm clothes, while the poncho works, it doesn't cover your legs or feet (I did feel very sorry for the girl in flip flops). I personally plan on going back! 

 http://www.youtube.com/darlingkristina

OOTD - Dog Walking

I'm all for this kind of outfit, one in which I have been able to wear to meet my friends for lunch and a spot of shopping, yet comfy and practical enough to be able to walk the pooch too!

What I'm wearing:

- T-shirt - While it is hidden away it is a taupe colour and loose fitting, from Forever 21

- Hoodie/Jacket - This knitted hoodie is hugely thick and super warm, I love the pattern going around it! From Superdry

- Jeans - Wine in colour and super soft, Topshop

- Socks - Long black knitted socks

- Shoes - Classic short chestnut UGG's, mine are definitely on the beaten up side as they are so old!

All worn with a super cute pooch on the side!

xoxo 
DarlingKristina

April's Make-Up

April's Make-Up

I am one to get into a make-up habit as such, when I experiment if I find something I really like I often do it a lot for the next couple of weeks. The past few weeks I have been loving a smoky sparkly grey look, I personally find I can wear this both in the day and night, though it is more suited to a night-time look. 

For the eyes:

Step 1 - Prime the eye area. I used a sparkly primer (Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Candlelight) to add to the sparkle, but any would do.

Step 2 - The first eye-liner. The first I used is a thick eye-liner pencil (Benefit BAD gal smoldering black eye pencil), I apply a thick line of this getting thicker at the outer corner of my eye and winging very slightly. Then I take a cotton bud and blend this out.  

Step 3 - I then apply a thin line of a felt-tip liquid eye-liner (Bourjois Liner Feutre in Ultra Black) to the upper lash line. 

Step 4 - For my lower lash line I use a smaller eye-liner pencil (Rimmel London Soft Kohl in Jet Black 06) to make a fairly thick line (I do not use this on my water line due to having sensitive eyes).

Here is where I would add fake lashes if I was going out at night. 

Step 5 - Eye shadow time! For this look it is fairly simple, I used too Bourjois products, one of their new Light Round Pot LIGHT in 01 a shimmery golden white and No. 25 a grey silver glitter colour. I place the grey over the black eye-liner on my upper lash line, the darker you make it the more night time suitable it becomes. Then placing the shimmery white all over the lid and in the inner corner. 

Step 6 - Curl your lashes and apply mascara. I like to combine different mascaras. I used Max Factor False Lash Effect in Black, Diorshow BlackOut and Too Faced lashgasm. 

For the rest of my face, I kept it simple.

All the products I used on my whole look:

Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 05.

Too Faced Lashgasm Mascara.

Diorshow BlackOut Mascara.

Max Factor False Lash Effect in Black Mascara.

Sigma Brushes F30 & F60.

E.L.F Blending Eye Brush.

Two Faced Shadow Insurance in Candlelight.

Benefit BAD gal Eye-liner.

Bourjois Liner Feutre Felt-Tip Eye-liner in Ultra Black.

Rimmel London Soft Kohl Eye-liner in Jet Black 06.

Eyelash Curlers.

Bourjois Light Round Pot LIGHT in 01 and Little Round Pot No. 25.

Burts Bees Lip Balm with Acai Berry.

Nars Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc.

Clinique Blended Face Powder in 03.

MEMEME PussyCat cheek and lip tint. 

Sheercover Concealer. 

 

Simple Outfit of the Day

Sweet & Simple

Hello!

My outfit of the day. Incredibly casual, which was fitting for a day of being outside. 

It consisted of a Jack Wills hoodie, dark wash Topshop jeggings and some thick long Jack Wills socks. For shoes, riding boots and wellies were worn due to activities and the incredible amount of rain previously during the week!

So as to make my outfit slightly more interesting I added a braid to  the front my hair and pinned it at the back.

For make-up I wore:

• Nars Sheer Glow in mont blanc
• e.l.f eyelid primer
• Stila smudge stick waterproof eyeliner in moray
• MAC Naked Lunch eyeshadow
• Max Factor false lash effect mascara in black
• Diorshow Blackout (099)
• Too faced lashgasm mascara
• Rimmel London lasting finish by Kate lipstick in 05
• Barry M 273 Raspberry Nail Paint