My 5 October Goals

I really don't understand how it is October already, one minute we're stressing about finding the perfect bikinis and the next we're hunting down roll neck jumpers. The year just fly's by and before we know it we will be wrapping up Christmas presents to put under the tree. You might have read my September Challenge - if not you can find it here - so I thought that I would make a little add on to my already set challenges.

1. Be more organised

I love the thought of being organised, and I can be really good at it. But if I'm not in a set routine then I begin to slack like crazy and just become incredibly lazy. So before we hit the beginning of the new month, I bought myself some cute little notebooks and organisers. I don't know how something so simple can kick start my motivation, but it works wonders. I bought a few and gave each one their own little purpose. One of them is to organise my blog, another I have wrote down my work out routine for each day, and another for my Acting. Im also going to use Buffer a lot more to help publish my blogs whilst I'm at work, I love blogging and its more of a hobby than anything else, but its something that I want to take a lot of pride in.

2. Make more of my days

Recently, I handed my notice into my work and said goodbye to Hospitality! It was a job that I had alongside Uni as my hours there were a full days work so working evenings was perfect. Since graduating, waiting around all day until 5 or 6 o'clock and then coming home near enough midnight just wasn't ideal. I would not see my partner until he picked me up from work, and even then we would only see each other for about an hour or so as he gets up for work early. Although I love the people who work there, I realised the hours just weren't for me and it was creating something negative in my life. Don't get me wrong, I would easily work evenings if it was for something I loved, but serving customers who are in a rush or have had a tough day can become incredibly draining, especially as being a waitress was not my idea of a career at 21. So I done something about it, I now have a job in the industry that I want to progress in, and I have set shifts Monday - Friday. I wake up in the morning able to see my partner before he heads off and it motivates me to go to the gym before work. Before I had little energy, I was forever tired and just wanted to be in bed, but now I am able to make the most of my day and thats something that I want to continue doing. To grow my blog, to become a better actor and to spend time with the people I love.

3. Stop getting distracted

I am easily distracted, in fact a 50% ASOS sale just come through as I was typing this and I instantly had to take a 15 minute break so that I could look at all of the goodies! It's something that happens a lot which makes a 10 minute job turn into half an hour and I'm not able to get everything done that I planned to in that day. I am trying to cut it out slowly and if something distracts me whilst I need to get something done then I will just remove it. I closed my mail app on my laptop so that any new mail wouldn't pull me away from writing this post and if its one of those days where my Whatsapp group is about to explode, I will just move my phone away from me. I need to focus more and work harder, which is difficult when the littlest of things distract me.

4. Take better care off my skin and hair

You know when you have just been so poor recently that you can barely afford life? Well thats me. I have spent my whole life in education not know what a full time monthly wage looks like, and even months after graduation I am in the same boat. Beauty, make up, clothes and everything other than food or transport has had to take a major step back. But now things are changing, my life is evolving and I want to take a lot more pride in my skin and hair. I am soon to purchase a big bulk and I can't wait to show the progress!

5. Drink more water

Everyone who knows me will understand this point. If I'm offered a drink, 9 times out of 10 that would be my first drink of the day, even if its at 7pm. I am the worst at keeping hydrated, and boy doesn't my body love to remind me. I try and drink more but that only lasts about a day before I forget again. I am more of a 'I'm hungry' rather than, 'I'm thirsty' kind of gal, when in reality my body is screaming out for hydration. It is something that I will still be writing about in 5, maybe 10 years time! But it is a working progress and some day I know that I will get into a good routine.

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

Finding Your Feet After Graduation

We all have these big plans for when we finally finish education, the thought off finally joining the working world and receiving those thick monthly pay cheques to treat ourselves. It's something that you'll find is talked about quite a bit in the build up to your graduation, but no one really tells you just how quick that last year comes around and personally, theres very little support from your uni. Its all well and good talking about it, but if you live somewhere that is highly populated and your ideal job comes around once in a blue moon, to then face 100 other people who's trained just as much as you have for this job, to secure something becomes more than just a chore.

1. Relax, and don't rush

I graduated back in July, and living in London can be tough as an actor and newly blogger. When you're looking for work in such a tough field and the right job hasn't come along yet then don't feel the need to rush. Things happen in their own way, and just because Bella who sat opposite you in class come straight out of education into their dream job, then it doesn't mean that its too late for you. Sometimes having a few months off to yourself so that you can figure out what you really want to do in life can be a blessing, so don't chuck it into being a negative. If you worked part time at a shop, or a restaurant, or wherever to help get that extra income in whilst studying then just stay at that job, keep the hours or ask for a few more just so you can cover the basics, and then just relax and be you for a bit. At the end of the day, you've spent your whole life studying, take these months to start something that you've been prolonging, and then before you know it you'll find your ideal job. Maybe its not your dream job, but its a stepping stone and that is ok. Don't trick yourself into thinking that you've only got a few years into being in the position where you want to be, or where else is left to go!

2. Don't just go for any job

This is a little tricky financially, but if you're in a position where your basics are covered then don't just apply for any job that comes on the market, or else you'll get stuck with enjoying the money and stability and everything that you've been working towards will feel less important... But you'll always have something missing, a hint of regret. If you need a job to help you pay your rent on time etc etc, then get a job that you'll find so boring that you'll always be wanting more. This will keep your heading ticking, you'll stay focused on whats really important and you'll constantly be looking for that job, constantly working towards that bigger picture.

3. Don't get lost, invest your time wisely

Whether its a workshop here, or a training day there, or maybe theres a motivational book, buy it! Anything thats going to look good on your CV but also motivates you to keep going then thats where your money should be going. A designer bag can wait, that coat that you saw last week? Really not important. Spend that money on something thats going to really benefit you. Now I know money doesn't grow on trees and this is where you have to be smart, don't just go for any old thing but focus on something that needs more work and go from there. Start to motivate yourself, don't just rely on others to do it for you.

These steps are very basic, but they're something that I lost along the way after graduating. I applied for job, after job, after job, and sometimes I didn't even properly read the job description. I just wanted to get out of working in hospitality and find a job that will pay for everything that I am currently saving towards. It's now nearly October and I have just been offered a job somewhere so perfect, that all of this time off has been worth it. I have never given up on what I want to do career wise, and putting in that time and effort really pays off. So don't you give up either, everyone can get there, its just whether you have the patience for it.

(I do apologise for the lack of colour and photography, my camera has broke so once I have a new one then I shall be updating all my posts!)

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

Your Unique Self Is Greater Than Anything Else

This is one of those posts where I don't really know how to start or where its going to go, but its just something that I just need to speak about.

I will be the first one to admit that on my days off, or majority of the days actually, I'm foundation free with my comfy's on. My mind works in a weird way and for some bizarre reason, I just feel as though I can do a lot more and get so much more done if I haven't put a lot of effort into my look. But having said that, I'm not a complete scruff ball, so theres times where I wake up and I want to make myself look pretty and take time in putting an outfit together and brushing my hair.

I was off the grid a little last week as I decided to rearrange my whole room and try and get a lot done - one of those things that you start, and then instantly regret until its all finished. So on one of my days, I needed to do a few bits and bobs but I didn't have to rush my day, so I allowed myself to make more of an effort and actually enjoy all of the luxury items that I have the privilege of owning.

As its that time of year where we are rinsing out the last little bit of Summer but still loving the introduction to Autumn, I decided to wear something that I felt warm and comfortable in, but still enjoying not having to cover every inch of my body. The sun was out so I just went with a simple black loose playsuit, with a plain long sleeved top underneath and little heeled boots. I drove to IKEA - because as we all know, theres never an IKEA thats walking distance - parked up, and started to walk towards their building. Before I had even walked through the doors, I noticed the person walking in my direction roll their eyes in a way to say 'dressed up much?'. And then since then, it was like a domino effect. I don't know if this one person, had made me feel so insecure to just take note of every time someone looked in my direction, even if they're just looking at the wardrobe next to me, but it was horrible. I just wanted to get in there, grab what I needed and run the hell away.

Everything was covered apart from my legs, which is no different then when they go out in shorts or a skirt or even a dress. It wasn't raining, it was weather appropriate and it was something that expressed who I am as a person. So why people feel the need to judge or make a comment through facial expressions I will never know, and I don't think they will ever know either. Its something everyone needs to remember, and its the reason that I wanted to write this. You wear something that you feel comfortable in and on that day if you want to wear leggings, or joggers or a sweater than thats your choice. But the person next to you who's wearing a dress, or showing a bit of skin, is also wearing something that they've decided makes them feel comfortable in, and even better, makes them feel amazing! We're all going down our own paths and each day is going to be different than the person who lives opposite you. Who you are as a person and what you do or what you wear, expresses that. So I would hate if anybody changed who they were or what they love to do because of a reaction of somebody else, we're all individuals. Ignore the people who make you feel different and embrace the fact that you're standing out from the crowd because of the fact that you are being yourself, just this small difference is what makes you unique!

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

Hello September | My Challenge

Do you ever get to the end of Summer until you realise that you should have kicked started your healthy eating a hell of a lot sooner? Those clouds are soon to be staying for good and winter jackets will soon be your signature look. Yet, I already want to make sure that I am body confident for Summer'18. Im tired of going months and years wishing and wanting something that I attempt for a day and then go straight back into my pot of ice cream in the evening. I know how I want to look, I know how to get there and what to focus on and cut out, yet its so hard to stick to it when I'm easily tempted but all the wrong foods.

That is why I am welcoming September with so much drive and motivation to finally start this journey that I was meant to start years ago. I get to the point in which I start to see changes in my body and then I begin slacking because I think that I can 'afford' too, and that it won't make much of a change because il just 'burn it straight off'. Yet I say this far too often, and within a few weeks I still see changes, just not the changes that I want to see.

I strongly believe that everyone can achieve their goals if they truly go for it and do everything in their power to make it happen, and the reason behind this challenge is to not only be a healthier/ fitter version of myself, but to also put me on track to achieving the bigger picture. So I'm kick starting this September with a challenge to myself. For some reason I can't seem to go a whole week without looking back and thinking 'yeah I was good, apart from Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday'. So this September, to help get me into the swing of changing my lifestyle, I am only going to eat one unhealthy item a week and see how I feel both physically and mentally at the end of the month.

I can be highly competitive at times, so one way to make me stick to something is to set myself goals as I am even more determined to prove something to myself, and of course it makes me feel so satisfied. So set yourself a goal, give yourself a certain amount of 'Treat Cards' for the month and follow my recent post Tips To Get You Started.

If you're starting this journey too, or if you've already started a similar one then please share and comment your advice/ recipes/ what to do/ what not to do etc etc and lets help one another!

I'm already looking forward to seeing my progress, are you?

Love,

Chloé Danielle-Taylor

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

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

Hello and Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! My name is Chloé Taylor and I am a soon to be graduate from The International School of Screen Acting. I am now based in London, originally from Exeter, to pursue my career in Acting.

I am constantly buying new clothes, make up and beauty products and after following and reading blogs I just thought to myself, 'I can do that'. I have so many products that I wish I had found months ago, and also some that I wish I was warned about, and I would love to share them with you!

As I am a few days away from graduating and my education is about to end, my acting career is just about to start, and what better way to start it then sharing all of my tips and tricks and what to do/ what not to do with other inspiring actors... And hopefully getting advice in return. I have learnt so much over my years of training and I would be happy to share, minus the £9,000 debt that you would get at the end of the year!

I have so much that I want to write about already and I'm so excited about hearing from you all and getting feedback!

This is still a working progress, my blog is no where near as ready as what I would like it to be so please try and look at the bigger picture! Any blog designers out there, please feel free to contact me... Your help is more than welcome!

                                                             Love,    

         Chloe Danielle-Taylor