2016 Aims

There is something about January that I love. It is the start of a new year, therefore, an opportunity for a clean slate, or at least, the chance to start new good habits. 

This year I have set myself 10 things I hope to do more or less of:

1. Work smarter not harder

As a study enthusiast, I have noticed that I work very hard but I do not use my time wisely and lack sleep, energy and motivation when studying. This year I aim to resolve this bad habit by creating an organised schedule so I find a balance between studying and relaxing. I also intend to be well rested by going to bed  at 10:30 pm at the very latest.

2. Get fitter

I have stopped creating resolutions such as 'get abs' and 'tone my arms' as it does not motivate me in the slightest and I end up quitting within the first week. This year I have set the goal of working out more and get fitter rather than saying I will look like this by the end of the year. By doing this, I am not putting pressure on achieving a specific goal instead I am allowing myself to develop my fitness.

3. Budget money

Living in London is expensive and as a student, I need to learn to be frugal. I intend to do this by creating a budget spreadsheet in which I track all of my expenditure and do a food shop on designated days rather than grabbing food on the go.

4. No takeouts

Talking of food, 2016 means no takeouts! Last year, my sister and I got ourselves into a bad habit on constantly ordering food as it was convenient. Yes, it may have been quicker than making food but we were wasting so much money and resulted in us feeling bleh. In 2016, we are aiming to prep our food every Sunday to last us all week and then at the end of every month try out a new restaurant in London.

5. Stop romancing

I need to face the reality that everything happens for a reason and forcing/ dreaming about a 'perfect' life will not make it happen. To achieve anything you cannot just dream about it, you have to see what is realistic and go out and get it.   

6. Focus on goals

Where do I see myself in 10 years? That's a good question, but one I cannot answer. Life unfolds in mysterious ways and I can only focus on my current situation and make decisions based on today rather than the future. All I know is that my life goal is to be the best version of myself.

7. Stay calm

From an outsiders point of view, I seem calm and collective, from an insiders point, I am the complete opposite. I am a stress head and worrier when it comes to studying and tasks I feel unconfident about. I do not know when my anxiety and panic became more apparent but it can sometimes take over my thoughts and actions. I have done everything from reading self-help books to watching videos to overcome this emotion but I have realised it is not something I can get rid of, it is something I have to control and accept. I have therefore decided to start practicing yoga every morning (Yoga Camp with Adrien is a great place to start) and meditate every evening to calm my nerves and stress levels. I have also started to write a journal about the things I am grateful for, daily affirmations and things I could have improved each day. These new techniques allow me to think and appreciate the good in bad situations, take a break from my day and be grateful for the little things.

8. Drink more water

Water is the key to feeling revitalised, keeping the skin looking clear and hydrated and energising the body. This year, I aim to drink 2-3 litres of water a day in order to benefit from all the nutrients as well as to generally feel good about myself.

9. Read more

Whether that be on the tube, during my lunch or just before bed, I want to spend time reading more books rather than being constantly on technological devices. This year, I am particularly excited to read Wanderlust by Rebecca Solnit and Lazaretto by Diane McKinney-Whetstone.

10. Be Spontaneous

Go wild! I am young and free.

INSIDE OUR FLAT

After many requests here is a mini tour around my new apartment. I recently moved down to London with my sister and have spent the last week doing up this little gem we found in the North of London. We are so happy with it and we have learnt that a little goes a long way. 

Being two students, our aim was to make our place feel as homely and stylish as possible without breaking the bank. We bought many of our furnishings from H&M home, Asda, local markets and obviously IKEA! You cannot go wrong with a little (okay, a lot) of IKEA. It also doesn't hurt to have an uncle who is an architect and no longer wants his Paul Smith rug which should arrive any day now!

My five tips for sprucing up an empty space are:-

Cushion it up. 

Go bold or go home. Mix & match colours and patterns to give your sofa an instant facelift.

Books

Grab your favourite books/magazines and layer them up to dress an otherwise empty coffee table. So effortlessly chic. 

Go minimalistic 

When it comes to choosing a duvet cover, go plain and dress it up with a funky bedspread and 1 or 2 large patterned pillows. There is something about a grey bed which is just so inviting.  

Frames

Framing a few of your favourite words is such a cheap way to decorate a boring window ledge or an empty desk. They can be highly motivating too! 

Recycle

Don’t throw your old jars or candles away. Give them a clean, a lick of paint or a label and turn it into a stylish way to store those annoying bits and bobs.

HOSTING A HEALTHY LUNCH

Who said hosting a luncheon could not be super healthy and easy. Forget the pasties, processed meats and sugar loaded snacks these will only make you feel lethargic and uncomfortable, instead opt for a variety of super light snacks. The following list took my family and I no longer than 30 mins to prepare and cook.

On the menu:

Quinoa salad- kale, spinach, rocket, quinoa, avocado, peppers, red onion, roasted pine nuts and the juice of a lemon.

Crudités- cucumbers, peppers and celery sticks.

Spicy red pepper and organic plain hummus.

Red grapes.

Deli meat selection- Italian prosciutto crudo ham, Italian Salami Milano and Chorizo spicy fermented Spanish sausage.

Honduran king prawns with chilli and coriander marinade.

Roasted sweet potato fries seasoned with paprika and rosemary.

Homemade gluten free, wheat free banana and fruit loaf.

Homemade chia seed berry jam.

Lemon and Vanilla cheesecake (if you are in the mood to indulge).

*All homemade recipes are made by my sister ReviEats visit her blog to see her documenting all things plant-based, health and well-being.*

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

1. Get rid of any tempting bad food out the house
2. Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables and some healthy treats
3. Prep your food- each week roast vegetables, wash your leafy greens before storing, make batches of food such as homemade soup, quinoa and lentils
4. Store your food in glass tubaware, this keeps the food fresh and clean
5. Always drink water
6. Meditate/ do yoga daily
7. Limit your social networks/ technology
8. Read more
9. Be kind and help others
10. Go to bed earlier
11. Listen to peaceful, happy music
12. Surround yourself with positivity
13. Go outside more
14. Do not compare yourself to others
15. Be happy

Borough Market

My eldest sister recently turned vegan and made it her priority to visit Borough Market whilst we were in London for our annual festive weekend.  Prior to the trip and during the journey my younger sister and I were laughing and teasing her for making us go all the way to London to do her grocery shopping. We were expecting to visit Winterville, Somerset House, Harrods and obviously Oxford Street not stare at stalls of vegetables and fruit!! Surprisingly we actually had an enjoyable time exploring the market and before we knew it hours had gone by!  Once the sister had purchased her 'himalayan salt' (don't ask!) and many many spices & herbs, we wandered around the different stalls and indulged in all the free samples on offer! There were stalls of fudge, chocolate, nuts, fresh selections of bread, coffee, patisseries and not forgetting the incredible cheesecake stand!!

There was no way my sister was leaving empty handed and surprisingly we didn't too!!  Being an avocado devote, I purchased 5 avocados for £1, a bargain right?! A large bag of homemade Mini Magoo granola with blueberries, which would go perfect with some homemade almond milk (ok, my sister's ways may have rubbed on me), a selection of fudge for our mother, and some homemade brownies to takeaway for the afternoon to fuel us up! Walking away with bags of stuff perhaps was not our wisest move before enduring a long day exploring London! We did manage to do everything on our christmas list, thank god!  As much as I loved the market, nothing beats the West End, shopping & tourist attractions in London at Christmas!  

To end our time at the market and because we hadn't eaten anything since 7am we decided to have brunch at Rabot 1745.  Located within the market and having a warm cosy feel interior, it seemed like the perfect place to fuel up before heading into the city!  We took a table on the terrace which overlooked the market.  We were provided with free blankets and outside heating, something every restaurant should do! Brunch was lovely, my little sister and I opted for the farmer's breakfast and the veganister went for a bowl of mocktail fruit and some spoonfuls of our lentil dip & avocado slices. When we finally dragged ourselves away from the blankets & heating we went on to have an incredible weekend and now it truly does feel like Christmas.  Happy Holidays everybody!

ON A FITNESS THING

I have always enjoyed participating in activities and sports from a young age as I am the kind or person who hates to sit still. I like to be on the go 24/7 and get things done. It has only been in the past two years however where I have been going to the gym and eating slightly healthier  (I love my treats okay!), but I am one of those people who stops and starts. One week I am eating no junk, only clean food and constantly exercising, then two weeks later I have lost all motivation and sat in bed with a pack of Digestive biscuits and tea.

I have a lean body which somehow appeared when I had my growth spurt, I shot up in height and lost my baby fat. Since then I have been maintaining my figure by regularly working out and eating healthy majority of the time.

Now I am trying something different, I am calling this a new lifestyle change. I do not want to get stronger by only eating protein and exercising because I know I will get bored of the repetitive meals, instead I want to eat healthy, clean and balanced as well as continuing to work out.

I have learned that preparation is key. To maintain a healthy lifestyle you need to put the time in, prep your roasted vegetables, freeze homemade soup, have your leafy greens washed and stored in glass containers and even ensure you have prepared raw treats for those days you may feel peckish.

Below is my updated fitness regime which I have been doing for about a week now and hoping to stick by it. On the days I am late for the gym classes I will instead go for a 5K-10K run.

MONDAY- HOME WORKOUT
A Fitness Blender youtube workout
OR
5K to 10K run (uphill & flat roads)

TUESDAY- GYM

20 minute run (changing speed and incline)
10 minute rowing machine (level 10)
Arms and leg machines ( X3 of 15 reps on each machine)

WEDNESDAY- KETTLEBELLS

8KG/ 12KG Kettlebell

THURSDAY- 30 MINUTE ABS BLAST

12KG Kettlebell
10KG weight plate
Mixture of squats, planks, burpee's and movements with the kettlebell

FRIDAY- YOGA

SATURDAY- REST

SUNDAY- BODY BALANCE OR REST DAY

Yoga and pilates moves to stretch the body

MAKE FITNESS STYLISH:

Style Runner

Sweaty Betty

Nike

H&M

The Locker Room

Oysho

Lululemon

OYSHO LOVE: GYMWEAR

Combined Fabric Leggings (Mesh and Grey)

Combined Fabric Leggings (Mesh and Navy) 

Half Zip Running Sweatshirt

Silicon Glass Bottle

I came across Oysho last year whilst on the search for Christmas PJ's, they have now launched a new gym wear collection; Gym Mountain. As the Black Friday sales hit, I could not resist making a cheeky order. I would definitely recommend this website for gym clothes as they are great quality and value for money whilst still looking very unique and fashionable.

SHOP HERE

INDIAN WEDDING OVERLOAD

From Left to Right 

Thursday- Black salwar kameez

Friday- Navy blue and pearl beaded sari

Sunday Morning- Navy blue and grey salwar kameez

Sunday Afternoon- Nude Needle and Thread dress (ASOS) with colour matching pajami (tight leggings)

If you know what an Indian wedding is like then you know how long the celebrations go on for and how much preparation is done for the big day. Recently my first cousin got married and let's just say it was not a one day celebration, it went on for over a weekend, which means different outfits for each day! I couldn't blog that much as I had an important role in the day so instead here are a few snaps from the weekend. 

Outfits/ Jewellery

As you can see from the pictures we do not like bling when it comes to Indian outfits, we are very simple and elegant. We try to choose outfits that look different and we are more about the print and texture rather than then bling. 

Sunday's evening outfit was my favourite as it is not expected as an Indian outfit, many think because you're very closely related to the bride or groom you should be dripping in flashy outfits and jewellery. However I opted for a laid back relaxed look, I wore a small round bindi, Swarovski studded earrings and no arm jewellery. I also kept the whole outfit nude, including my shoes. Never have I made a better decision, I was much more comfier and many complimented me saying they haven't seen an outfit like mine before.

Makeup

Friday's hair and makeup was done by the lovely Charlotte Tilbury team and Umberto Giannini girls in the Birmingham Selfridges store. I have heard great reviews about the Charlotte Tilbury products so I decided to get my makeup done from their counter and see what they can do. I was overall happy with the outcome with only a few small amendments, Vaz did my makeup and he was lovely so I definitely recommend getting your makeup done from this counter! My hair on the other side I was less impressed with, I wanted that glossy hollywood curls where the hair is parted to one side and falls behind the ear. However what I got was a backcombed beehive with loose curls, as the night went on my hair did settle but it was not how I wanted it. If you wanted a curled blow dry this salon is the best to go to however for updo's I recommend going somewhere else.

Sundays makeup and hair was done by the Asiana Bridal team located in Walsall. Indian makeup and hair artists come to your house in the early hours on the day of the wedding to glam you up for an entire day. At first I was not impressed with my makeup as it felt caked on, my face had so much concealer and foundation on that I did not even recognise myself. However as the day went on my makeup settled and looked a lot better plus my images came out flawless, which is great! My hair I had no issues with, somehow they managed to put my thick and heavy mane into an lowish bun without it looking too bulky.

The Ainscow Hotel

Last weekend was spent at the new fully refurbished Ainscow Hotel in Salford, Manchester. After a lovely weekend I thought why not write a informal review about the hotel.

I discovered the four star hotel after browsing laterooms.com (a hotel service provider) a week before my visit. After several page turns on their website this boutique hotel appeared with a gallery of images that looked very chic and perfect for a girls weekend. Once looking at the room details in more depth I discovered it was quite cheap for what I was getting. For a double, two story room with WIFI I paid £125 which in my opinion is quite reasonable especially compared to the standard hotels such as Premier Inn and Holiday Inn which, cost around £150-£200. Not only that it was a decent amount for what the rooms looked liked! If you know me I like quality in what i'm buying, i'm all about the presentation, if something doesn't look appealing or presented in a certain way I'm not as interested. So I booked it without a doubt and added breakfast to my order (an extra £10 per person).

Upon arrival I was quite impressed, the hotel looked exactly like the images, very modern yet still classically elegant. The staff were very helpful and welcoming, and not only that, the city centre was a 5 minute drive or 10 minute walk away. The only issue I had with my stay here was the lack of long mirrors, how's a girl meant to get ready without a long mirror?!

Despite my vain need for a long mirror I definitely recommend this hotel, it is perfect for a weekend away whatever the occasion!