The Over-Excessive Travel Makeup Bag

Like I mentioned in my last post, I am an overpacker. I pack everything to make me feel a little bit more comfortable in new environments. Another thing, I'm a makeup addict. I love it to pieces. So the two of it combined... UH OH.

I understand it's a lot. But I wanted to mention now, that a week after I come home after this holiday. I'm going away again for a week in Sidari, Corfu with my family. So I was thinking all the things I don't really use then, I will take out and then it will be more condensed the second time around. I'll do a post too and let you know!

ANYWAAAAY

Starting with base, this is when the mini versions of products come out. I have two mini Benefit primers, That Gal and Porefessional. Both two of my favourite ever primers. I'm taking two foundations one that is my skin tone now, and another that is too dark. So I thought I'd take it away and get some use out of it. They are the L'Oreal Infallible (which I'll probably finish while I'm out there!) and the YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat, the old formula. I'm taking two concealers, one that is light for highlighting under the eyes, Seventeen Stay Time, and the other concealing blemishes, the Collection Lasting Perfection. I'm taking the NYX HD Loose Powder and that's the base.

For eyebrows I'm taking my normal eyebrow duo, the Sleek eyebrow stylist and the Benefit Gimme Brow. For eyes, I'm taking a tester of Benefit's Air Patrol, as it has SPF in to protect them. I'm taking a Benefit cream eyeshadow in RSVP, MAC Blue Brown pigment as I take this everywhere with me and lastly my Naked 2 palette. Me and my friend have a deal, she takes the Naked 1, I take the Naked 2. I'm taking the Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk from NYX, Urban Decay Perversion and Faint eyeliners.

The mascaras are a mini Rollerlash and Maybelline Lash Sensational, the waterproof formula.

For Face, I'm taking MAC's Soft and Gentle as it looks gorgeous in the sun, Benefit Hoola Bronzer in the mini size as it looks great with a tan. I'm also taking the Seventeen Define and Conquer contour kit because the light shade is perfect for setting the undereyes and the dark shade is great as an eyeshadow. I'm taking NARS Orgasm blush, in a mini and Milani Luminoso blush. Both look phenomenal in the sun. I'm also taking the NYX Wonderstick to trial too! Benefit Watts Up highlighter goes perfect under Soft and Gentle.

This is where I 1000% know I've gone overboard, but I feel like these colours are hard to wear in Wales... I'm just gonna list these.

MAC Cherish

MAC Whirl Liner 

MAC Soar Liner

KIKO Creamy Colour Liner in 315

MAC Morange Lipglass

MAC Please Me Lipstick

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Abu Dhabi

Too Faced lipstick in Stiletto Red

Kiko Gossamer Emotion in 107.

I'm judging myself for taking this much makeup too...

See ya soon!

The Summer Holiday Skincare

I am heading to Cala Vinyes, in Majorca in just under 36 hours. Which means I am doing all the last minute packing, shopping and all that jazz. One of the things I dread doing is the packing, I am a horrible traveller, so I like to pack everything to make me feel as comfortable as ever. However, skincare is a different story.

I don't know about you, but I don't do that much skincare on holiday. I just wanna wash my face and go.

So, starting with washing my face, I like to use the Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel. It's small, compact and lathers up on the face beautifully. This means my skin is left feeling super soft and energized! 

Next, I use my holy grail skin product, Simple Kind to Skin Protecting Moisture Cream. It has UVA/UVB, SPF of 30 and contains Glycerin in which helps keep my makeup on, if I choose to.

I've been using this for years and I just love what it does for my skin. I always make sure to take it away with me, especially due to SPF. Obviously I will be using suncream aswell but it's good to get the SPF in wherever you can.

I don't know about you, but my eyes are always puffy, sore and tired on holiday. The sun just makes them want to close all the time. Hence why I am taking the Simple Kind To Eyes Soothing Eye Balm. It glides on the eyes, whilst protecting and also being super gentle on. Winner winner.

If I just want my skin to have a little refresher, say if I've just got in from the pool all day. I like to take some face wipes just to wipe away any gross things. I will use any, but I've just picked up the Simple ones.

Talking of refreshing, I always use the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water to remove my makeup. It gets the job done which leaving it cool and clean. Perfect!

Lastly, I will be only using this if my skin is reaaaally bad because I think this mixed with sun won't make my skin that happy. But this is the Clean and Clear advanced treatment gel. My skin definitely doesn't clear up in the sun like everyone else's. Mine usually gets worse due to the suncream, chlorine, sun, sea water and everything else. If I have any pesky spots, this will get them.

And there we have it. I don't go OTT, just keeping it quite and easy. I have noticed that I've mentioned a lot in Simple in here, but I like to use them for travelling because they're small to take away, they're cheap and if I want to leave them there. I can. I bought them with my own money, haha don't worry, I don't get sent anything!

All of it fit into my Primark Beauty Bag. Best purchase ever! 

The TMI Tag!

I mentioned before that I wanted you guys to get to know me a little bit better and I feel like this is the most used tag out there so why not do my own version!

1: What are you wearing?
Lawson Tour Top from 2012 and Gilly Hicks Pyjama Bottoms

2: Ever been in love?
Yep

3: Ever had a terrible breakup?
Yep

4: How tall are you?
5ft7??? maybe???

5: How much do you weigh?
I don't know! I don't weigh myself!

6: Any tattoos?Nope

7: Any piercings?
Used to have my ears done, but I let them close up.. 

8: OTP?
Blair and Chuck from Gossip Girl, Troy and Gabriella from High School Musical and Aria and Ezra from Pretty Little Liars

9: Favorite show?
Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, Impractical Jokers, that's a few of my favs!

10: Favorite bands?
The Beatles!

11: Something you miss?
Being 18/Sixth Form

12: Favorite song?
Currently: Work from Home-Fifth Harmony
All Time: I'm Happy Just To Dance With You-The Beatles

13: How old are you?
20

14: Zodiac sign?
Sagittarius

15: Quality you look for in a partner?
Sense of Humour!

16: Favorite Quote?
"Never regret anything, because at the time it was exactly what you wanted."

17: Favorite actor?
Leonardo DiCaprio

18: Favorite color?
Tiffany blue!

19: Loud music or soft?
Soft

20: Where do you go when you’re sad?
The pool. 

21: How long does it take you to shower?
10-30 minutes

22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
40 minutes for work... about an hour/an hour and a half otherwise!

23: Ever been in a physical fight?
Nope

24: Turn on?
Kindness

25: Turn off?
Arrogance

26: The reason I joined YouTube?
-

27: Fears?
Heights

28: Last thing that made you cry?
Hahaha I fainted

29: Last time you said you loved someone?Last night, to my best friend :)

30: Meaning behind your YouTube Name?-

31: Last book you read?Looking for Alaska. I've read it five times.

32: The book you’re currently reading?Me, Earl and The Dying Girl.

33: Last show you watched?Gossip Girl

34: Last person you talked to?My mum 

35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted?My best friend.

36: Favorite food?Noodles, stirfry, chicken katsu curry, gammon, chicken tikka masala.

37: Place you want to visit?New York, LA, Chicago, Australia.

38: Last place you were?I'm currently in my bed, but bar my house, I was in town.

39: Do you have a crush?No!

40: Last time you kissed someone?Uhhh January?

41: Last time you were insulted?I don't know haha

42: Favorite flavor of sweet?Strawberry

43: What instruments do you play?I can play the flute!

44: Favorite piece of jewelry?My grandma's ring, pandora bracelet and my Michael Kors watch.

45: Last sport you played?Water polo. 

46: Last song you sang?Uhhhhh Drunk in Love?

47: Favorite chat up line?None!!!!!!11

48: Have you ever used it?...

49: Last time you hung out with anyone?Last night!

50: Who should answer these questions next?
Everyone reading this.

I hope this answered a couple of questions about me!

Happy 20.5th Birthday To Me!

I am a November baby, which means technically when I'm writing this, I am 20 and a half years old. As my next birthday is a bit of a milestone, I would like to turn 21 with a few things under my belt.

(My 20th birthday cake, woohoo!)

1. Go to the gym at least two, maybe three times a week. I do do this quite a bit but some weeks I only do like one half an hour session, which aint too good. 

2. Eat more healthily. By this I mean, to stop eating takeaways and eating out as much.

3. Visit my grandma as much as I can. I do this anyway, but I'd like to see her even more.

4. Go on walks. I'm a stressed person in general, my moods are very mixed and I find walks are so therapeutic, I want to go on more. 

5. Following on from number 4, I'd like to go on walks around my area. I live in a town in Wales where there are forests, fields, and all that jazz, basically surrounding me. I'd love to explore a bit more!

6. Try more foods. I'm very stuck in my own ways, I know what I like and that's what I order. I think I should probably try some different things for sure!

7. Be more open to things. This is just a general thing, be it saying yes to going out or just being a bit more open-minded about people. 

8. Adapt a sense of style. I don't really have a "style." I'd love to be like Blair Waldorf, Cher from Clueless or even Freddy Cousin Brown! 

9. Blog more. I went through a stage at the start of the year where I blogged so much and I've lost the inspiration, I definitely think the summer will give me more blog ideas!

10. Swim more. I'm a lifeguard and a swimming teacher so my life basically revolves around the pool. I'd love to swim and improve my technique more as I really do enjoy swimming. 

11. Be open in University. I'm going to University in September, just two months before my 21st, and I hope that I make friends and gain more confidence through my course.

12. Sort my makeup collection. I love makeup as much as the next girl, but I think my collection is a bit excessive as one girl can't use thaaaat much. I would love to sell things on, or give it to friends and family. I just need to be brave and get rid, haha.

13. Declutter my wardrobe. The same as my makeup collection, I have a lot of clothes. But if I love a piece, I will wear it quite a bit. I also buy things and don't wear them because I'm not brave enough. Get a grip, Katie!

14. Get rid of people that aren't good for me. Unfortunately, I have a few of these in my life right now, who purely just don't get me and aren't willing to try and understand things in my life. Crappy people.

15. Maintain a good relationship with my sister. Me and my big sister are very close in age, we're a year and a 11 months apart so we do clash a lot. That's expected. But since we're now 20 and 22, we get on quite a bit better and I'd like to maintain that. 

16. Visit London. I've only been to London, like twice? And I really would love to go and again and just explore. I want to shop, and go to a show and visit the landmarks!

17. Spend less time in bed. Kind of a funny one, I mean that if I don't have anything planned that day. I will stay in bed all day and do NOTHING. This can be good sometimes, but I feel like I should plan things, or go out for a walk or help around the house.

18. Work my ass off in Uni. I know I will, I know 100%. But I just hope that I can work at my job, be in uni, see my family and friends and maintain a good University grade. I'm determined to be a great student!

19. Be more independent. Since buying a car three weeks ago, I now already feel much more independent. But I'd love to be able to do things and just not feel self-conscious. I also hate phone calls, complaining or just be an adult so I hope I can do more of these things. 

20. Focus on me. Remember, that I'm in charge of my own happiness. Not anybody else's, or they're not in charge of mine.

21. Remember I'm only young. 20/21 is a young age. It's nothing compared to some people, and I need to remember that I can go out and party, make mistakes and be a young adult. I don't want to rush into my 30s just yet!

Reflecting

I have had a whirlwind of a 2016 so far. I lost one of the most important people in my life in February, just two days after I found out I was going to University. I booked a week away with a friend at the end of May, a week away with my family in June and currently planning a Disneyland Paris trip for August. I'm seeing Beyonce live in concert with my sister, which is an ultimate dream, so it's about to get a lot more hectic.

Ever just think to yourself "I need to get away"? or, "This is getting a tad overwhelming."

Yep. I said that.

Unfortunately, I can't just get up and leave everything behind. All these exciting things I'm planning comes with a price tag, which means I need to be working working working. 

On the 20th of April, my best friend took me to a place where my grandparents took me all the time when I was a little girl. The 20th of April happens to be my grandparents' anniversary, it actually marked their 70th this year. My granddad past away just under three months ago so this was the first anniversary they wouldn't be spending together. 

I have found that life has been a little challenging recently. I bought a car on the 16th of April and I've hit it twice and broke my antenna. Great driving Katie, really great. Work has been tough and just life in general.

Sometimes you just need a little break, whether that be a holiday or literally a couple of hours away from the surroundings that have phone service, annoying people and extreme traffic.

Face Of The Day 20/4/16

Yesterday, I headed to a local village for a lovely day with my bestie, Georg. I won't go to much in to why we felt the need to go because I'm going to talk about it in my next post! 

I decided to tell you what makeup I wore because I liked it a lot!

Face:

Monu Illuminating Primer (Had a sample of this, definitely not worth £30!)

Rimmel Lasting Finish Nude Foundation in Ivory

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Seventeen Stay Time Concealer under the eyes

Benefit Eye Bright

L'Oreal Infallible Powder

Benefit Hoola Bronzer

NARS Orgasm Blush

MAC Soft and Gentle Mineralized Skin Finish 

Eyes, Brows, Lips:

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Creme De Nude

Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics, both browns, Cover and Primal in crease/outer corner

L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow in Sahara Treasure

NARS Larger than Life eyeliner in Via Venito

Burberry Effortless Mascara in Midnight Black

Sleek Eyebrow Stylist in Dark

L'Oreal Brow Plumper

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk

MAC Creme Cup

Outfit: 

Sunglasses: River Island

Top: Primark

7/8 Jeans: Forever 21

Shoes: Converse All Star

April 2016 Beauty Wishlist

I've been seeing this style of post for a while now and I think it's such a good idea to get some inspiration if you're looking at getting a few bits, be it for birthday, someone else or a treat for you!

Zoeva Brushes 

I think everyone is lusting over these beautiful babies. I am not ready to spend £60+ over a couple of pretty brushes, however. So, I have decided I am just going to lust over the Buffer Brush on Beauty Bay.. and if I keep thinking about it... I may own one.

Gerard Cosmetics Lipstick in 1995
I feel like this one will probably happen because this is also on Beauty Bay and me and my friend, Leah, have been talking about it. So I feel like this is going to be mine, but it just looks gorgeous! The name is also a plus because I was actually born in 1995!

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
I bought the All Day Luminous Weightless foundation in December and I think it's one of my favourite foundations EVER. But, this is just so so raved about that I want to try this too. I don't know how likely this purchase will be..

NARS Raquel Audacious Lipstick
Another NARS.. for goodness sake Katie, why such expensive taste!!!! But I have always wanted this lipstick and Kathleen Lights says this is her ultimate fave and she is like God.

I hope you enjoyed this post, and I'll review at the end of the month to see if I did buy any of them!

Handbag Essentials

If you're like me when you wake up in the morning, get yourself ready as quick as you can, grab your bag and run out the door and think "Wait, have I got my ____?" Then I hope this post helps you.

I have certain things that I keep in my bag ALWAYS. They never come out, and that's the things in the pictures.

A Diary

Chewing Gum

Lipbalm

Powder and Brush

Lipgloss

Perfume

There are other things I suggest you always keep in there such as handgel, tissues and other things like that but I forgot them. (The irony!) 

Diary: You always need to know what time you're supposed to be at the hairdressers.

Lipbalm; Dry lips are not cute.

Powder and Brush: You can get oily running about all day!

Chewing Gum: Good breath is always a good move.

Lipgloss: If you're feeling fancy

Perfume: Smelling good should be an essential.

These things never ever leave my bag!

L'Oreal Infallible 24hr Powder

Victoria Secret Dream Perfume

Urban Decay Naked lipgloss in Naked

Extra Ice Chewing Gum

Real Techniques Powder Brush

Sprinkle of Glitter Diary 2016

Maybelline Baby Lips Dr Rescue in Mint

Sprinkle of Glitter Diary 2016

I am getting to the age and point in my life, where I am forgetting what I agree, and life is just a little bit hectic. I decided I wanted a diary to keep everything together, know what shifts are, that sort of thing. So for Christmas, my mum bought me this one and I could not have been happier! I adore, I think it's so cute. It has so much room to write all your things in and it has a page on the left which has something Louise has done herself!

I also love that she's put her important dates in too, such as Darcy's birthday and things! She puts little messages on important dates, such as on St Davids Day, which is like the Welsh patron day. "Happy Welsh day, Welsh sprinklerinos!" 

I love that she's also put recipes in too, I tried to pancake method one on Pancake Day. They failed, but that was my fault for over doing it on some of the measurements.. 

If  you're like me, where you're forgetful and busy, I highly recommend this diary. 

Summer Bucketlist 2016

With Spring officially upon us, and the sun has finally hit Wales, (Don't jinx it, Katie!) it gets me super excited for summer. I'm definitely not a Summer girl, I love winter and always loved the colder weather. However, there are obviously so many more things you an do in the Summer than Winter. This Summer will be the last Summer before Uni, so I'm excited to do loads of things.

1. Swim in the Sea

I will definitely be doing this, as I'm going on holiday twice this year. Maybe three, that one hasn't been booked yet. I'm going on holiday with my best friend, Georg, and again with my family and their friends. 

2. Have a Barbecue 

The ultimate Summer party.

3. Have/Go to a Garden Party

4. Wear more skirts/dresses

I live in hoodies..

5. Make/Drink Pimms

Ultimate fav.

6. Go to the beach with a big group of friends

7. Go to London.

I miss London :(

8. Go on Picnics

9. Go for Afternoon Tea in the Sun

10. Go to an Outdoor Cinema

These are just a few things that I'm hoping to do this Summer, I hope to do all of them and more but let's start off with 10 to get me started! 

Helpful Tips To Get You Out of a Rut

Recently the past six months of my life, have been awful. Things have been crap in majority aspects, and I have admitted defeat many a times. I failed my driving test TWICE, my grandad passed away, work has been a nightmare etc. So these are the things I like to after I've consumed loads of chocolate, slept loads, gone through one too many boxes of tissues.

Tidy Room, Tidy Mind. 
I did this today. My room was hideously disgusting, you couldn't move in it! So I tidied it all up, got fresh bed sheets on, and made it smell good. I already feel so much better haha.

Pamper Yourself
Whether that be getting your nails, hair or a spa treatment done, or simply just taking that little bit longer in the morning to get ready. If I look ready, I feel ready to take on the world.

Exercise
100% works. Get yourself out of bed early in the morning, grab a friend or go alone and get exercising. I love going to the gym in the morning with my best friend, it's a great way for us to catch up and chat while doing something good for us at the same time. Oh my god great idea, sweat out all your stress and then have a pamper. Combination of the two. Bam.

Surround Yourself with Friends
And by friends, I mean the people who will actually support you. Not the ones that just want to be your friend when you're happy and jolly, the ones that want to be your friends regardless of what you're feeling. Just pour your heart out, and if you're like me, and you don't share your feelings (naughty us) just go out for food with them and just chat!

Do Something That Makes You Happy. 
I need to remember this. I enjoy swimming, going to the gym, going for walks, blogging etc. If I'm sad, I like to go and do one of these things and I sort of feel like I escape from my thoughts because I'm concentrating on something else. I feel like films don't do that for me because I don't fully concentrate, I find it hard to concentrate on things, so if I'm manually doing it, it's much better.

Fix What Makes You Unhappy
This can't always apply, but if it applies, do it. Recently, I found that I was dreading doing something. So I made the decision to give it up, and already a weight has been lifted off of my shoulder. If you're putting something off, just do it. It'll make you feel so much lighter!

I hope whatever is making you unhappy, gets better soon. I know it's hard and I need to remind myself of this too, but it does get better!

MAC Eyeshadow Palette

Following my Swindon Beauty Haul, I feel like I should do a collection of my MAC eyeshadows. 

I started my MAC palette in November, I know I have a lot, considering that's like four months. BUT. Three of my eyeshadows were bought from a outlet centre. And the rest of them were bought from my sister who has a MAC pro card so she got it cheaper. She gave some to me for my birthday and christmas, and my mum used the card to also give me some. I'm a lucky gal! 

Top Row: Yoghurt, Naked Lunch, All that Glitter, Honey Lust, Amber Lights

I couldn't swatch yoghurt because it wouldn't show up that well, but it looks beaaautiful on the eyes.

Second Row: Patina, Charcoal Brown, Mystery, Satin Taupe, Club and Black Tied.

My favourites are Naked Lunch, Charcoal Brown, Satin Taupe and Club! 

I absolutely adore my MAC palette and get so much use out of it. I use all the shades so I do get my moneys worth. Overall, I really rate MAC eyeshadows and I'd definitely recommend them!

Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 Camera

For Christmas this year, my grandparents got me a Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 Camera. I was over the moon, as I've been asking for one for years and I was about to take the plunge and buy one before Christmas anyway. I was a bit hesitant to buying one though, as I know the film is very expensive! I've actually limited to what I take pictures of, and I've only taken two haha. 

I love the fact my camera is white, I don't know why I just look how sleek the black and white look together. It has different options of how to take pictures, being self timer, selfie and landscape. The selfie setting is easy to use, as the button is at the front of the camera and it has a mirror to make sure you're in shot. 

Again, I know, shoddy camera skills. I'm trying!

Like I said, I like using the camera for special occasions that I'd like to remember. So I've taken one of me and Rhiannon when we went shopping in Birmingham. I also took one of me and Alice when we went for a walk, that I blogged about!

Recently changed my upload schedule, there will be blog posts:

Monday 12pm 

Wednesday 5pm

Friday 4pm

Sunday 11am

:) 

Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016.

2015 was a massive whirlwind for me. It was the worst year for me yet, having losing a close friend and my grandad falling ill. But there were some really good moments like one of my best friend's getting married, and her hen do. Going to Birmingham to see Ariana Grande, seeing One Direction live, going on holiday with another best friend and with my family. But there's a few things I'm trying to do in 2016 that I think will massively benefit me.

1. Think Positive. I'm sure I'm one of the most negative people out there, and I have no idea why. I think the worst will happen in each situation. I think the fact I'm a massive worrier doesn't help much, but I'm definitely going to start thinking the best in situations.

2. Stand up for myself more. I'm a pushover, I admit it. I let people walk all over me, and I shouldn't. I need to think of myself rather than other people sometimes. I saw a post the other day about things that everyone should do more in 2016, and one of those things was saying no and not explaining. If I don't want to go somewhere, chances are, I either will or I'll make an excuse. Why can't I just say no? 

3. Spend less time on social media. I think this is one of everyone's this year, I spend so much time online. That isn't always a negative thing, but I need to get off Twitter sometimes and actually go out. I'm already seeing improvements from my mood from staying off of Facebook for a bit!

There are other generic things, drink more water, eat healthily, go to the gym. But those are tiny aspects, I'm determined to be strong this year mentally, rather than physically!

Below are my favourite pictures from 2015. Bye Two Thousand and Fifteen!

The Best of Beauty 2015: Foundation and Concealer.

This year I have decided to choose my best products of 2015. I'm only choosing one beauty product in each section. e.g. one foundation, one mascara. However, I will be doing a "Runner Up" to the product that almost made it.  In this post, I'm doing Foundation and Concealer.

Foundation

YSL Touche Eclat

I'd always heard people raving about this foundation, but I was always apprehensive to purchase it as I thought it might've been super glittery. I decided to take the plunge and purchase it at the airport and I found that it isn't at all! It gives a gorgeous natural glow to your skin while still giving it a good coverage. I'd definitely repurchase this. RRP £31.50

The Runner Up. 

Rimmel 25hour Lasting Finish

An absolute staple in my makeup bag. I haven't repurchased it yet as they have changed it since I've had it. It is a full coverage foundation from the drugstore that sits perfectly on the skin. RRP £7.99

Concealer

Urban Decay Naked Skin

There's a big hype around this product, and I was torn between buying this or the MAC Prolong Wear. I decided to pick this one up in the end, as I absolutely adore the foundation. It is so light on the skin, like the foundation with a good amount of coverage. My skin tends to scar a lot if I've had a few spots so I only really need the concealer to cover the scars, which it does a tremendous job. £17.50

The Runner Up. 

Collection Lasting Perfection

High coverage from the drugstore, if you have dry skin avoid it, if not it's brill!

£4.19

Five Ways To Stay Kind Of Healthy at Christmas

It's here. The time of year that we all forget about the bikini bodies and the shorts we may fit into, and we focus on oversized jumpers and how many chocolates we can consume without feeling sick. I embrace this time, I'm usually the first one buying the big tin of chocolates! But, this year, I saw something on instagram and it said, "Summer Bodies are made in Winter." Now I know, we shouldn't be worrying about our weight and I'm not saying "Don't eat chocolate. Eat celery." I'm just thinking, maybe I shouldn't lose my gym mojo just because it's the time the advent calendars come out. 

1. Exercise in the morning.

Now I've had this debate with a lot of people. But honestly, if you wake up early and go to the gym. It's done, it's out of the way, you can do all the Christmassy things you like for the rest of the day. Last year, I went to the gym on Christmas Eve. Yeah, I know. 

2. Go on Walks

I loooooove Winter walks. What's better than putting on a cosy coat, hat and some wellies and heading into the forest? It destresses you, gets you away from social media and gets you fresh air and some exercise. All while you crazily jumped in puddles!

3. Have a good meal a day.

I get that most people have a lot of junk food snacks throughout the day. What if, it got to lunch and you thought "Hey, why don't I have a stir fry for lunch?" You have your stir fry with your veg, and then it's kind of unlikely you'll have enough to fit in that extra piece of apple pie, when you've had such a filling meal. Am I even making sense? It's 10:12pm.

4. Drink plenty of water.

Christmas is the time for the parties. And I know if you're over the legal age of consuming alcohol in your country, some of us will like to enjoy a glass of wine or nine. Even if you're younger and you drink lots of Coca Cola, make sure you're getting that water in. I know this tip is always being mentioned, but there's a reason for that. It works! The amount of health benefits you can get from drinking just a few glasses a day, it will have you pumped to put that tree up!

5. Catch up on sleep. 

A funny one, but this helps your brain a lot. We're recommend seven to nine hours sleep a night, and in the Winter, when there are longer nights it is the perfect time to get those hours in. So catch up on those hours you've missed from going to bed so late in those Summer nights! Quick fact, sleep actually improves memory. That means you won't forget to get a certain someone their Christmas present!

Just remember that your body is your temple, look after it! 

But also eat those mince pies. Before I do.