Making Changes

I was talking to my friend last night and she said that she was going to try and be healthier. It made me think about what that actually means. What are the best ways to make changes in your life that are sustainable and beneficial to your health? I had a think and came up with some ideas that might help the task seem less daunting, I hope! 

1. Don't set yourself up for failure. 

Make sure the changes you want to make are achievable and sustainable. Whether is giving up processed sugar or going for a run make sure it is something you can actually do. Overdoing it could lead to failure which will affect your ability to succeed in the long run. 

2. One thing at a time

Pick one thing that you want to change. It might be going to the gym three times a week, or running before work, or cutting out dairy. Just pick one at first, you can always build on your success and you will find that once you start seeing changes in yourself then other changes things will become easier. 

3. Balance

Don't cut everything you love out of your life. It's not sustainable and will lead to either you being miserable or caving to cravings and maybe binging on exactly what you're trying to avoid. If you love chocolate then try dark chocolate, its higher in antioxidants and has less sugar than milk or white chocolate. If you really love, say Terry's Chocolate Orange (Guilty) then allow yourself it! Just not everyday! I like to incorporate things that I love, even though it might not be as good for my body as avocado on toast is, but it's good for my mind. I enjoy a little treat now and again, without guilt and therefore savour it even more. 

Also, I know I've used the word 'treat' but I mean it in a different way. I don't really believe you have to do anything to earn something you love. Try not to start a 'rewards scheme' with your diet. Don't starve yourself so you can have a pizza. First, you will be so hungry that you will over eat on the pizza and second it is a miserable way to live. 

 I know people say follow the 80/20 rule, but what does that mean in real terms? For ages I couldn't work out how to eat in this way, but I have found a routine that suits me- I think that is the trick. Fit this split into Your life, so it suits what you do and what you love. 

An example might be, if you really like pizza then keep your week full of whole foods, and then indulge without guilt one evening. You could even create a healthier version and might prefer it! 

Or if you really love your Starbucks, fill up on smoothies, herbal teas and then enjoy your favourite drink maybe two or three times a week. Fit these things into your life so you can enjoy yourself, stay on track and savour your favourite treats without guilt! 

4. Plan and Set Goals

I love a good list, guilty as charged. They help me make sense of what needs to be done and how I can do it. 

When trying to make any changes in your life identify exactly what those changes are and then write them down. Then list them in order of importance to you. Once you have this list you can set goals. (This links with Number 1) 

Your goals need to be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bound, Evaluated and Recordable. I know that sounds like a lot of annoying corporate fluff but it can really help. Lets say you want to lose weight. Start with how much, and how you are going to measure it, I would say progress photos are the best way. Give yourself a time frame- then make it attainable !! In this case, your photos help you to evaluate and record your progress. This helps boost confidence and determination. 

I hope these ideas are useful in some way. I know this only scrapes the surface, what would you do to help make changes in your life? I would love to know! 

Olivia x

Sunday Night Pamper Routine

I think it's so important to pamper yourself ever once in a while. Giving yourself a little more time once a week, to look after your body helps to feed your soul. Especially at this time of the year when its still cold outside. So in order to beat the winter blues I try and include simple pleasures into my week!


On a cold Sunday evening when it's raining outside and all you want to do is snuggle up in front of the fire, I have come up with my own pamper routine which is perfect when I want to really relax and press reset, so I am ready to face Monday.

I love taking it easy on Sundays, it's my favourite day of the week, and the one time when most people press pause on their busy routines and relax.  This mood is reflected in my evening routine, as I have a little more time, I can include a few indulgences!

First up, and something I have to really work on, take time out for yourself. Whether that's reading, watching a movie or having a bath, I think it's so important to schedule in time for you own wellbeing, this is the whole point of a pamper evening. A pamper can be anything from a spa break to half and hour reading. The point of it remains the same, you are looking after yourself.

In my opinion the perfect pamper routine begins with the humble bubble bath!

Add in your favourite bubble bath, bath bomb, bath oils, or bath salts then sit back and soak it in. The hot water is so good for muscles and it's a chance for your whole body to really relax.

At the moment I love using the Neil's Yard Lavender bath salts. Not only does this smells Amazing, lavender also helps to alleviate stress and improves sleep. Then for even more luxury I've been using Jo Malone Bath oil in the scent Pomegranate Noir, I love how it softens the skin and adds a gorgeous scent to the bath- no bubbles but they can be for another evening!

With the basics in place,  now to take it to the next level - Candles! I love scented candles and use them any chance I get. There is something so soothing about the light they give off and of course the smell!

At the moment I am loving this Jo Malone candle, in the scent Red Roses. It is a beautiful warm scent and fills the room with a soft aroma and light.

Now for the exciting part, lotions and potions!

I love doing a face mask maybe a body scrub, on top of my normal cleansing routine. After using my favourite Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm I use a moisturising mask - my skin is really dry at the moment to it needs a little bit of help!

As for Body Scrub I am currently loving one from Soap and Glory, the beads are really good for getting rid of any dry skin without drying it out too much. Just make sure you don't forget to moisturise when you get out - I'm using one of my current favourites which is from Dove. It is from their purely pampering range and is the one with Shea Butter and Vanilla.  I love anything vanilla and this one is so comforting and most importantly, hydrating. It is also really creamy and absorbs into the skin very quickly. Apart for my cleanser, all these products are budget buys and are fab!

Next up - find the perfect reading material. I love taking time to read a book or a magazine and shut off from any worries I may have.

Finally and most important, Relax! This is your time and however you choose to use it allow yourself the chance to reflect on the week that has just gone and the week ahead of you. Plan and prepare and great ready to take on anything Monday throws at you!


What do you love doing on Sundays? I'd love to know !

Olivia x

The skincare edit: Cleanser

I am really fussy about skincare and the products I use. It has taken me a while to find a skincare routine that I love and my skin is happy with too! One of the Game changing products for me was the Emma Hardie ‘Amazing Face’ Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm. But after reading so many reviews and seeing this product everywhere I had to try it. I’ve now been using it for more than 6 months and absolutely love it.

It's not often a cleanser stands out in my beauty routine. I am happy to use a few different cleansers and don't often find myself getting too attached to any one product. But this balm stands out a mile. It did take a little getting used to. Balm cleansers are oils that are solid at room temperature, when warmed in your hands they turn back into oil. Being new to balm cleansers the texture was different from anything I had used before. But I’ve been converted.

The packaging makes the first impression. The pot is heavy and luxurious. The ingredients include Moringa seed extract, Wild Sea Fennel and Vitamin E as well as Jasmine, Cedarwood and rose to name only a few, and nothing nasty to worry about! It does have a scent to it which is subtle and delicate. 

I like to use it to take my makeup off, with a warm muslin cloth. Then I cleanse for a second time with it to make sure my skin is clean. Not only does it break down any makeup with ease, it doesn’t make my eyes sting and leaves my skin feeling so soft. It feels like butter on the skin- it’s this texture that makes sure the skin is cleaned without being stripped of its natural oils. I’ve found my skin is so much happier when I use products that don't disrupt the natural oil balance, it’s less likely to break out and every time I use it my skin feels amazing.

If you have never used a balm cleanser before I recommend trying this one, you won’t regret it!