L'Oréal clay mask review

I'm really quite excited to share with you guys today a wonder product. I recently went into Boots in search of a new face mask (Because I'm a little obsessed with using them) when I came across the new clay masks from L’Oreal Paris. I had been meaning to try them since they were released so I instantly put them in my basket. I began with the Detox Mask and then a few days ago I went back for the Purity and Glow Mask (nor pictured) . 

Purchases: Mindfulness books

 

Most people who know me, know that I am a complete book nerd. if I have any money, and theres a book store (online or in a town) available to me then that money isn't going to last. I love reading, and reading inspirational thingsm especially mindfulness or positivity books. these are a really large part of my recovery, reading just one small passage a day helps put me into the right mindset to approach the day with a healthy outlook. I thought id share with you guys some of the books that I have brought over the last month (sorry bank account) because theyre all too damn good to miss out on!

 

 Gabrielle Bernstein: I've been a big fan of her books, YouTube videos and statuses on Facebook for a long time now. I kept promising myself that when I had some spare money I was going to invest some of her books...they consequently stayed in my "saved for later" list on Amazon for over a year. Finally, I've got them and I cannot wait to read them!

 

Doreen Virtue: I've used her oracle cards for a few years now, one deck I have even had since I was a little kid- and they're Unicorn Oracle cards! I still like to use them every now and again though- even if its just to look at the pictures...they're absolutely beautiful! added to this, I knew that her books on negativity were just what I needed and they have a little added magic in them or 'sparkle' as she puts it.

 

 Louise Hay: I have been a huge fan of Louise Hay for a little over a year now, since I got into mindfulness as a practice and anything I buy that has her name on it, I know is going to be just the ticket! I honestly cannot wait to implement these practices into my busy lifestyle.

 

Don't sweat the small stuff: This was one of the books that was suggested to me by a good friend (I think on her Instagram account) when we had been chatting about how I still struggle with focusing on the negative things when they crop up. As usual, she's absolutely right, this book is perfect for me! so if you find yourself thinking a little too much about the negative stuff or the stresses in life then I recommend this book for you!

 

Holistic therapy (overcoming Depression and Anxiety naturally) by Emma Mary Gathergood: I'm a sucker for self help books, I think that the more we know about a subject, the easier we will be able to deal with it. Plus you've got to admit, learning the different ways in which we can approach any troubles in our lives cant be a bad thing right? This book covers different holistic therapises such as 'the three faces of self', CBT and coping strategies, body-mind awareness and also provides an understanding of depression, anxiety and panic attacks. For me this book is perfect not only for people who suffer from these illnesses but for people who want to learn more about how they "work" and how they can be dealt with.

 

Gala Darling: So this book was on the recommended list after I brought some of the other stuff (above) and I just felt I needed to have it. After reading an article on her in the Spirit and Destiny magazine, May edition (I think), I knew I had made the right decision. Everything about this lady just makes me think of a light, beautiful soul. She is a perfect example of how you can turn your life completely around.

 

Kate Hudson: So I must confess, I have never actually read anything like this with examples from these celebrities lives, I'm not even a huge Kate Hudson fan (I mean she's fab don't get me wrong) but after reading the write-up for the book and just getting a general look at it, I knew this book would be a major interesting read even if I never tried anything out from it. But we all know I will because it's full of healthy lifestyle tips and emotional wellness advice!

 

Hope you enjoy them!

-Louise x

Healthy Lifestyle apps: Lovestyle special

So as you all know, one of the things that I really enjoy doing is working out, it leaves me feeling like I've had such a good and productive day. Over the years I have downloaded many apps, watched so many YouTube workouts etc and I thought I would share some of the ones I'm using now with you all.

Yoga

As someone who really enjoys not just the physical aspects of this exercise, but also the way it helps to reprogramme your mind, it's not shocking that I have numerous yoga apps on my phone. One of the ones I find myself reaching for the most (and that we actually used to help create the Sticks and Stones posts) is called Yoga (.com). I absolutely love this app because it was perfect for me as a beginner to the practice but also great as I have progressed.

To begin your knowledge, the app provides 289 poses and breathing exercises to ease you into your new lifestyle. Not only this but there are also 37 different yoga programmes, with different specifications for beginners, breathing programmes etc. This is great for me because each video can be selected by "goal" or duration so you can always find something to fit you individually. My favourite at the moment is the 9 minute 'fight cold and flu' programme to aid my immune system.

Download on the Android app system here.

Download on ITunes here.

General fitness

Planking is something that I have been doing semi-regularly since I was 11, this is because we regularly made it a part of our PE classes. It's something that is so simple and yet can have such a large effect on our bodies. Planking uses your entire body weight against you and so is a perfect short exercise, without the need of any equipment.

Following the "30 day plank challenge", there are set planking goals ranging from 20 secs for the first few days to 300 seconds on day 30. You might be thinking "20 seconds? that's so easy!" but honestly when your holding your entire body weight up, it is actually a hard exercise. It's really great when I share this app with friends and family and they begin the first day being sceptical but I watch their muscles shake after just 7-10 seconds of holding the pose. It's a great way to tone your body without being time consuming!

Download on Android app store here.

Since beginning my recovery, I have had to be very careful with the amount of exercise that I do and the specific kinds because if there's something too strenuous and I cannot do it for the allotted time, the negative self thoughts begin. Now "Blogilates" is in fact run by the wonderfully positive Cassey Ho who gives such wonderful bits of chit chat as you're working out together (Pilates, cardio etc). It feels so warm and friendly that I find myself enjoying the way she pushes you to find a new strength in yourself but while you feel as though you are chatting with a friend (yes I talk back to a computer screen...don't judge me haha).

For videos on exercise, healthy eating and inspirational messages, follow her on YouTube here

Download on Android app store here.

Download on ITunes here.

I hope you all enjoy looking into these apps, and don't forget, to exercise isn't a punishment for yourself but as a way to show it you love it enough to be the best that it can be.

Stay strong,
Louise x

February: In review

 

 

Its very easy to spend our lives obsessing over the bad things. It's almost like the positive things that happen allow us 5 minutes of happiness and then we end up focusing on a bad thing so something I've decided to do is to review every month. This allows me to reflect on anything that has made me happy, been useful etc and will actually train my brain to look for the positives in any given situation!

Beauty

Elemis Papaya enzyme peel- This is something that I have only recently tried and its a must have in my opinion! It's a gentle cream exfoliator so is perfect for my sensitive skin. The light fruity smell is wonderful and so refreshing so I have found it to be the perfect pick me up at the start of the day. You just apply it after cleansing and leave it for 10-15 minutes (it has generally dried by then) and then you wash it off with lukewarm water.

SBC Collagen 3 in 1 cleanser- A wonderful white, smooth cleanser that smells so amazing. It is one of the only cleaners that I am able to actually use over my eyes- which you are directed to do don't worry! A perfectly easy way to care for your skin and is moisturising as well so you only need a light moisturiser on top. Simply massage onto skin then wash off with lukewarm water. Easy peasy!

Life

Friends & family- as with any time in your life, it is important that you have the right kind of people around you. I must say that during February my family, and especially my friends have been super supportive of me, always listened when I have had a problem and have all round just been the best people ever so my February appreciation goes out to them!


Tv shows

Big Bang Theory- I must admit I hadn't watched this show until a few years ago and even though I enjoyed it, I didn't make a point of regularly watching it. in the last few months ive jumped on the Netflix bandwagon and im naturally addicted to watching it for as many hours as possible every day.

The Shanara Chronicles- this is something that is very new to UK TV and I've only watched the few episodes that have been aired so far. If you like fantasy shows, with an apocalyptic and 'evil' twist then you will love this show. It's a must watch in my opinion!

Shadowhunters- after reading the books and even enjoying the film I was very sceptical of the new Mortal Instruments TV adaption but it was a happy surprise because I love it. It provides a lot more depth that the film didn't have time for and shows a lot more of the character developments. The actors are so talented and you can see the chemistry between them all show through into their characters.

Music
All Time Low- this  month was also the first time I had ever been to a concert!. I went with my best friend to see All Time Low, who were supported by Good Charlotte and Against The Current. It was such a wonderful night, it was even worth the queuing for 4 hours in the cold and rain and even the flu and chest infection I got because of it. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I am forever grateful for my best friend asking me to go with her this year.

What are some of your favourite things about February?
- Louise x