Why Now Is The Best Time To Start That Healthy Living & Tips To Get You Started

Summer is slowly drawing to a close and soon those winter jackets will be our wardrobe essentials, so why is now the best time to really knuckle down on eating and living healthily? Its everyones Monday ritual - diet starts Monday - and yet we have that struggle every evening to not drive down to the nearest supermarket and grab a load of unhealthy snacks, because what else best goes with watching your favourite series?

Im a sucker for a pickamix and a oreo ice-cream, and in the heat of the moment I just can't resist the temptation and end up picking 100 million other junk foods to go with it. But without fail, I always feel like absolute rubbish afterwards and it definitely effects me the next day. I wake up feeling sluggish and still so full and bloated but that never stops me from repeating this bad habit the following evening. Some people just can't get those cravings out of their mind until its right there in front of them, others can resist and can go days even weeks without thinking about it - I envy you - and thats why right now is the best time to start. Those evening BBQ's where you overindulge are settling down, and you have a fair few months before the Christmas period begins. Of course theres halloween and theres bound to be a few birthdays and events but hey, what are cheat days for?

How To Get Yourself Started

Whenever I come off track and fall into the trap of eating unhealthily for days upon end, I always have a day to detox before starting to eat correctly again. If I spend one evening eating a few sweets then thats it for me, I have to then train myself to stay away from them and the first few days are my biggest challenge. I would wake up feeling full still from the night of pure bliss and heaven so I would just focus on drinking green tea and smoothies and only eating when I truly felt hungry. Now I'm the definition of someone who has no end to their stomach, and can just keep on going and never really feel full, but that also means that I continuously eat even when I don't feel hungry. Detoxing the day before you truly kick start your healthy eating plan will also allow time to clear your stomach and ease any bloating, remembering not to go overboard and deprive yourself of nutrients.

Now nothing screams a diet change more than ordering protein, it just gives you an extra push in the right direction and gives you a lot more motivation to stay on track. Theres nothing worse than being good all day and then all of a sudden theres a blur and you're surrounded by wrappers. Knowing that you've spent money and you've made the effort all day to stay away from treats will help you reach for something a little more healthier. Most protein packages include these Hunger Buster tablets which you take 30 minutes before your meal. They help you feel much more full and stop you from mooching around the fridge after dinner looking for any leftovers or snacks.

Along side this you can also write out and extensive exercise plan or better yet, order one online. There are so many Fitness Beauty's about such as Kayla Itsines, Emily Skye and Kaylee Ullom who offer exercise programmes. And not only do you receive advise and workouts, you can also communicate with others using the same plan and this way, keep each other motivated. 

• Detox the day before 
• Get yourself motivated by ordering protein, or even doing a healthy weekly food shop
• Sign up to the gym. Book yourself into classes, write a exercise plan or even order one online.

How To Stay On Track

Now nobody likes the thought of being deprived of something that they really love. Sometimes its the thought itself of not being allowed something, that makes it much more tempting and appealing to us. After all, who actually likes being told what to do especially when its coming from ourselves? The best way of fixing these issues is to train yourself into wanting something else more. Always remember those healthy treats that you enjoy and keep them nearby. I know for me that I always have to have a packet of grapes in the freezer (yup, freezer) and a big pot of 0% greek yogurt in my fridge to dip my apples in. Look into alternatives and if you're a fussy eater like myself, even spend time baking some healthy goodies!

Kick start your mornings motivating yourself! This is the biggest key for me, if I wake up craving something that I know I shouldn't have, I have to go back to the reasons as to why I started this journey in the first place. Start your day with something that you enjoy, if you're having something and you're not enjoying it... change it! Switch it up! Every morning I wake up to a green tea and make myself a smoothie using my Slender Blend Shake, focusing on different fruits every day. I always feel as though I've 'failed already' or 'might as well eat rubbish' if I've forgotten to take my hunger buster and fat metaboliser tablets in the morning, so keep them somewhere you will remember or have them in your work bag ready for your travels.

Meal prep is another biggie as its so easy to lose track of what you've been eating if you're just eating on the go. You can either do this every evening or in a bulk, depending on how busy you are. But just like your mornings, actually enjoy what you're eating. Everyone is different in the way that they do this, I can just eat the same for a couple of weeks before getting bored with it and then I just tweak it a little so that it feels and tastes like a brand new dish. Whether its just replacing your rice with white rice noodles, or experimenting with the herbs and spices, the world is your oyster!

• Experiment with healthy treats and keep those you love nearby.
• Motivate yourself!
• Start your day your way, the right way!
• Stay on top of your game and prepare.
• Don't go overboard. Treat yourself, but remember that moderation is key.

How do you keep yourself motivated?

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

6 Essentials For The Cold Upcoming Months

I know, Summer coming to an end is the last thing that anybody wants to think about. We daydream all day long for months and months about sitting by the pool relaxing. Or out in the garden with a drink in our hand and the BBQ going and then when it does finally arrive, it's gone again! But I can't help but feel all giddy knowing what the next few months have to offer. Now I don't know about any of you guys, but my skin can get so dry when its cold outside. I'm talking dry lips, rough skin and just lacking in colour. So I've got some essentials for you to stock up on ready to take on the next few months.

1. Lip Balm
When the temperature starts to drop, my lips need a bit of TLC to help them get through. I've only just recently bought this Urban Decay Rehab Lip Love Balm and I already can't go a day without applying it. For me, not only do lip balms have to actually hydrate my lips but they also get a big thumbs up if they smell and taste good. This one is infused with shea butter and coconut oil so I instantly had high hopes, and theres nothing more rewarding than something living up to your expectations! And whats even better about this product is that a little goes a long way. When applying, you only need the tiniest bit as it is quite thick and glides across your lips very easily. It's not gloopy or heavy, it's just simply a dream. I use it as either a primer and use a light layer 10-15 minutes before applying my lipstick, or I just use it by itself for the glossiness and of course the benefits. The cooling coconut mint is also an added bonus when it comes to this lip balm. I would definitely recommend using this conditioning, hydrate and replenish lip balm before bed and during your morning routine.

2. Face Moisturiser
If you haven't already introduced moisturiser to your daily morning routine, then this definitely needs to be a priority! I have powered through many moisturisers, trying out different ones to try and find one that is best suitable for me, and for a few months now i've been using Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream which provides hydration for 24-hours. It feels incredibly light on my skin and instantly hydrates which is a beauty must have for when those rough patches start to arrive.

3. Eye Cream
I have previously mentioned this eye cream on my post about Dark Circles but I can't get enough of this Elemis Eye Serum. I have to be so delicate when it comes to my eyes, close to being over the top, and I've had no worries since using this eye cream. Theres no greasy or unpleasant feel when it comes to applying and it soaks in pretty much straight away. They're now left hydrated and refreshed, unlike those dull and dark early mornings.

4. Take Care of Your Hair
Everybody knows that saying, If you look after it, it will look after you and thats exactly how you should treat your hair. I used to be an absolute nightmare at the hairdressers and would only want the tiniest bit cut off but I've reached that stage now where if I get 2 inches cut off, I still have a million split ends. Thats purely for the fact that I went so long just wanting long hair and waiting months before I had it cut (hair destroyer for blondies). My hairdresser is an absolute angel and she miraculously cures my hair every single time I go and see her. Her go to products for my dry hair is the L'Oral Professionnel Absolut Repair Masque and L'Oral Professionnel Vitamino Colour 10 In 1. There is currently 30% off all L'Oreal products if you buy from Look Fantastic which is something that I will definitely be doing.

5. Body Moisturiser 
I have stuck by this body moisturiser for some time now, the smell is to die for and it comes in the cutest jar. I used to just use the Laura Mercier Body Creme for special occasions as its not the easiest buy to justify, but at the moment I can't help but apply it more and more. Your skin needs looking after all throughout the year, as soon as you think that you've finally stopped peeling from soaking in all that sun, your skin starts to dry up from the cold! This cream contains shea butter and multiple vitamins such as A, E and F which will help to nourish and moisturise your skin... And you will smell like a million dollars!

6. That Golden Glow
I'm really not someone who constantly reaches out for fake tan, I usually just accept the non existent tan that I didn't get from summer and just roll with it. But now and again, especially when it comes to events, no part of me wants to be the palest girl at the party so this is my go to. St Tropez have a gradual tan which you apply whilst in the shower, perfect for the unpredictable weather! This is guaranteed no streaks, so you won't have to worry about covering your skin when theres a bit of water around you and it will also help with keeping your skin hydrated! Theres different shades that you can chose from but nothing best compliments an outfit like a good healthy glow.

What are your go to products?

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

Rimmel Duo Contour Stick | My Go To Fresh Faced Look

Recently I'v been starting to put a hold on applying a full face of make up on those days where, lets be serious, are a little more lazier than others. Or if you know that you're going to be super super busy and your face is just going to fall off before you even have time to sit down for lunch. I still try and look at least half presentable just in case I do see somebody that I know but, its London, the odds of crossing paths with someone is zero to none.

All of this started when I started getting little breakouts, but if I'm completely honest, that was mostly due to my fingers not being able to stay away from the sweet isle. So I decided to ditch the foundations and the mountain of products and stick with 'Less is Best'.

Im lucky in the sense that my mum is a huge fan of beauty products and she's constantly reading reviews and watching vlogs so she's kind of like my eyes and ears out there. She introduced me to the Rimmel Duo Contour Stick which is exactly what I need right now. I've got the shade 'Dark' just so I could pull off trying to look as though I've put more effort in and also so that I'm a little more defined.

After my morning routine and my moisturiser has had time to set into my skin, I lightly add concealer to any unwanted red area's or, if you've read my post about Dark Circles, around my eyes. I then get straight into applying this Rimmel product, applying it around my hair line and also just under my cheek bones. To blend I use Mac 163, but trust me a little goes a long long way, so you really only need a light layer and to barely press this product. How beautiful is the colour for the highlight by the way?

There are three colours to chose from when it comes to the contour, and the other reason that drew me more towards 'Dark' is the fact that I have recently been away and I'm off again to Mexico in a few weeks, so I wanted something that I could keep on using. And just like any other product, the more you blend, the more it fades.

Once the contour is nicely blended and I'm happy with how it looks, I move on to applying the highlighter to my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose and also my cupid bow. It is very subtle so if you're looking for more of a popping look, this highlighter probably wouldn't be the best option. But it does help to give you a very refreshing look and brightens up your face. If its a bit too subtle for you, or if you're having one of those days where you feel tired, you could always apply some to your brow bone and the inner corners of your eye just to help make them a bit bolder. I always blend with a fan brush but with this texture I use a Real Techniques B02 brush. Add some mascara and your go to lipstick and you're done! I've finished really long days and I can see that its only faced a little, naturally, so its definitely the product that I keep on reaching out for right now. And for only £6.99, who wouldn't want this handy cream contour?!

Whats your favourite go to products right now?

                                                                       Love,                                                                                         

Chloé Danielle-Taylor 

A Week Of Paradise In Aphrodite Hills

I can't stress enough how much I was in need of this holiday. Booking somewhere in advance can get a little frustrating when you're checking your countdown and theres still over 100 days until you're getting on that plane but believe me, when that day comes, nothing can ruin it.

Although August is one of the busiest/ most expensive times to go because of the kids holidays, I graduated back in July so I just had to have a little cheeky celebratory vacay as soon as possible. And August is guaranteed to be sunshine so its a win, win right?

I travelled to Cyprus last year for my Uncle and Aunties wedding and as soon as my boyfriend mentioned going there this year, I was more than on board! We started that long hunt to find the perfect hotel (It was our first holiday so we couldn't just go anywhere) and I always ended up coming back to this one. Everything about this place just seemed to be spot on, and of course, what is a holiday with it being all inclusive?

When that time finally arrived and we pulled up to the Sensatori Resort, it was close to midnight and the villas that surrounded the hotel were lit up like a christmas tree. They were so so so beautiful! Now I say surround, but you don't even know that they're there. Sounds a bit contradictory huh? The hotel is based in Aphrodite Hills and on the other side is where the villas are based, so you can see them from the drive there (and if you experience their ginormous golf range) but a part from that, the hotel faces the other side of the hills so they just disappear and you're left with such a beautiful view overlooking Cyprus.

We were greeted with champagne on arrival and then one of the workers offered to escort us to our room on a golf buggy. He took time to show us the main pools and where to go for breakfast before driving back on himself to show us where we will be staying. Now the room... My word... Incredible! It was so simple in a way but very elegant. The main colour was baby blue and you were greeted to double doors which opened up into the bathroom as soon as your walked in. The bath and shower were separate, which was absolute heaven after a day of traveling as the shower was walk in which covered you from head to toe. In the main room you have the option of the main lights, or mood lighting which was such a lovely touch. And the lovely TUI representatives even left two plates of cold nibbles in our room just in case we were feeling a little peckish after our flight! At this point I was already speechless and I just wanted to go to sleep so that I could experience a full day of this luxury.

We woke up a little later than we had hoped but naturally, we headed to breakfast. A full english breakfast was served until 10 o'clock and then after that they just had the basic pastries, toast, cereals and fruit. Which I was more than happy with as I was determined that I wasn't going to over indulge (This lasted less than 24hours). Luka on the other hand wanted to experience every single bit of food that they served on the island. We then headed over to the 'Adults Only' pool which thankfully for us, wasn't over crowded. In fact, the hotel wasn't over crowded at all. But then again, it is such a big place that I don't think you would be able to tell anyway.

After settling down, Luka headed straight to the bar to order our first cocktail. Last year I was obsessed with this drink called 'Tropical Dream' and I was so upset to see that they didn't sell it here, BUT... He come over with this and it was by far the best Strawberry Daiquiri I have ever tasted... I was hooked on the first sip! Now the good thing about this place, is that they provide food no matter what time it is. Which is especially good for us as Luka is just forever hungry. Theres a little snack bar which is a 15 second walk from the Adults Pool that serves toasties, wraps, waffles and pancakes.

Every day they mixed up the foods that they served for lunch and dinner, and even included themes! One day was oriental, another Mexican, another evening they had kebabs and on Sunday there was a roast! Now that was just the buffet, there were also little restaurants dotted around which you could book yourself into. We went to the Jasmine restaurant which specialised in Asian food and also the Stone Grill restaurant. I honestly couldn't fault either of them, especially as I adore asian food but I rarely ever eat it so it was so nice to eat something different for a change.

Ever since we booked this place, Luka has been going on and on about this golf course and how its a must. I don't actually know the exact price as we were discounted due to there being temporary greens but from a non-golfer, it does look like it would be a dream to play on. And I was even in charge of driving the buggy which for some reason I have always wanted to do! You see them in films driving from one course to the other and it always looked like so much fun, so I couldn't turn down this opportunity. He enjoyed it so much though so it was lovely to see him in his element.

Obviously as he had his golf day, a spa day was necessary. You know, to help him 'recover' and all that. And I don't know about you, but any spa that is 'Award Winning' sells it to me straight away.
They had so many options to chose from but I went with the Elemis Superfoods Facial just to restore and hydrate my skin from spending my days in the heat and sun. We spent the morning sunbathing before heading out here as its just over a 5 minute walk. We were allowed access to the gym, the infinity pool and there was also a smoothie bar within the spa. Of course we had to take full advantage so we started of in the gym (which was very spacious and provided all of the equipment that I use), soaked in all of the view whilst enjoying the infinity pool and we also tried The Hulk smoothie before heading to the changing room to put our robes on. I always find the spa is so relaxing and I fight sleep so bad because I'm so conscious of snoring!

(Can you actually believe that this photo was an accident? We actually tried to take a photo of us looking out onto the view but Luka couldn't swim out in time!)

We spent most of the time just relaxing as this year has been so hectic for the both of us. Luka moved up from our hometown earlier this year to make things work between us so between that and moving into our first flat with each other whilst getting ready to graduate, all the engagement parties and birthdays in-between and him starting his job in London, we needed some well and truly deserved down time!

But honestly guys, I could not recommend this place any more. Everyone experiences situations differently, but there wasn't anything that I would change with this place. Especially the chocolate cake and fresh orange juice that was constantly served in the lobby everyday! And the constant amazing entertainment in the evening. The staff there honestly go beyond expectation, I don't know about you guys but me and Luka always ordered two drinks at a time just to stop so many trips to the bar. But as soon as we would walk into the lounge after dinner, our drinks would have already been made before we even got to the bar. How perfect is that?

Is there anywhere that you would recommend visiting?

                                                                        Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

The Stress Of Dark Circles & How To Love And Accept Them

There really is no beginning part to this. For as long as I can remember, my dark circles have always been a very big issue for me. It is honestly the bane of my life. I’ve spent endless hours researching and googling different solutions as to why they're so prominent and dark. If you ever saw my search history, you would probably be slumped on the floor in hysterics. I tried to word them in so many different ways, changing a word here and there in hope that a new link would pop up and tell me the answer that I was looking for. I was constantly asking myself why my eyes are like it? How did they get like it? And when? And why my friends all had flawless skin.

 Obviously now at 21, I’m not as upset as what I used to be. Partly because I actually know how to apply makeup and I work around it — unlike my 12 year old self with half pink/half blue eyeshadow — and partly because I’ve really just learnt to accept them. A few years back I would have completely laughed at myself if I heard anything similar to that coming from me, how can you accept dark circles? Now don’t get my wrong, you would struggle to ever get me to leave the house without dabbing a little bit on concealer around my eyes and the beast itself. But nowadays it is very very minimal, which truly is a huge improvement… And achievement. I remember a few years back now, I even had to ask my doctor to see if, 1. There was any miraculous cure for them or 2. Why I even had them in the first place. Obviously I didn't get the answer I was praying for, there is no miracle cure, apparently its due to my skin tone and the dark pigmentation around my eyes will live with me forever. But that never stopped my research, my consultations, my eagerness to get them to disappear. 

I decided to book myself in to get dermal fillers at Radiance, which is an Exeter based Medispa. On one of my many searches, I kept on coming across the same answers which were either fillers, or laser. Laser just seemed far more aggressive so I decided to go with what I felt was the easier option. Apparently, so iv read, if your eyes are sunken or hollow then they can appear really dark because of the shadows. Now I wouldn’t necessarily say that I have hollow eyes, in fact, I have never thought that about myself. But if it helped with dark circles, then I'm your girl, I would've happily have been anyones guinea pig. The dermal fillers arounds the Tear Trough area cost around £375. Ros Debenham, the founder of Radiance Medispa, personally carried out my treatment. She is ever so caring and friendly, making me feel so at ease throughout the whole process. I was taken into this cute little room to allow the local anaesthetic to work its magic and after around half an hour, we begun. The fillers are injected just below the skin with a very fine needle. And no, they are not permanent, they last around a year and then your back to your usual beautiful self, unless you choose to carry on with this treatment. I however, didn’t see a huge difference at all. It definitely plumped up my eye area, but those nasty circles had not even faded in the slightest. Some things work absolute wonders for some people, and some things work not at all for others. It’s just one of those things unfortunately. One of those things that I kept on experiencing.

That didn't put me off though, my next little investment was to try out these highly spoken laser treatments. I went to Exeter Medical for this treatment, after my consultation with them and explaining my living nightmare, they thought this would be the best option. However they did warn me that results are not always seen straight away, that I may need to have a handle of sessions, but me being me, I held my faith and booked straight away. Now I can’t remember the exact price, but I remember it being a couple hundred. If you are interested then let me know and I can find out how much exactly I paid. But the whole treatment lasts around half an hour, and you have some time before to allow the local anaesthetic to kick in. Now this is by far the weirdest treatment that I have EVER had. Even emphasised I don’t think you will really understand. I really did think that my skin was burning at one point, because thats what I'm certain that it does. A few days after the treatment, a red/browny colour scab formed which made me think, this is it, this has done it! My new babylike skin will come through all pretty like and I will never have to worry about concealer and foundation ever again. Bit dramatic, but you get the gist. When I was a child, I had no faults with my skin, these dark circles must be something that I have grown into. So the day that these bad boys of a scab decided to spread its wings and fall… It was yet another disappointment. They were the same as their usual self.

Now I’ve used creams and lighteners, but all they seem to do is burn my skin and make it peel. It is much easier to cover a bit of darkness than peeling skin. I can not stress enough about how much research you need to do. Give yourself time, i’m the worst person when it comes to wanting something done because it has to be the earliest date available. Please don’t just read a simple solution that will solve all of your problems and then go for it, know what you're having done, who you're having it done by, and if you really truly need it. I look back now and think, a student working part time should not have to waste their money on ridiculous treatments. Obviously back then I thought anything would work, but that really isn't the case. Sometimes going back to basics and going down the good ol’natural route is more effective… And costs a hell’o lot less. If you're like me and struggle to fight of these dark shadows, you've probably read multiple times about how water is the most important part of reducing them, and its true. I would be the first to admit that I'm the worst at keeping up with my water game and its something that I really need to put my foot down and make sure that I drink the correct amount. If you feel as though you already drink enough, keep on drinking. I watched this video of a woman who made sure that she was drinking a certain amount of water a day for a year and she took a picture of herself everyday, it was incredible. Water is so important and its a cure itself in the beauty world so don't neglect it. Also, find an eye cream that works for you! I have been through so many, but I've finally found one that I'm happy with which I will write about in my next post. 

Dark circles will be with you forever even in the less obvious times. Love them, they're what makes you characteristic. They're what makes you different. They're what makes you you. Be who you are and embrace it. Don't thrive for something because it looks good on one person, thrive for something because it makes you feel good on the inside.

How have you managed to deal with your insecurities?

                                                                        Love,                                                        

Chloé Danielle-Taylor