New Years Resolutions | LIFESTYLE

It is the last day of 2017 and the New Year’s resolutions are about to be in full swing! The 1st of January is the perfect excuse for a new start and clean slate which is why I believe so many of us love the New Year. Making goals and sticking to them is incredibly satisfying although I am definitely NOT one of the 8% google says actually keep them. For 2018 I have tried to keep them short, achievable and write them down so I am accountable.

Drink More Water

I don’t know about you but this is the last thing on my mind during my busy day at work! Last year I found myself drinking less and doing a lot more which lead to a lot of burning out at the end of the week. Every blogger and health guru seems to tell me that drinking more water is the first step to a healthier lifestyle which is what I am striving for in 2018.

Healthier Lifestyle

I know this is so cliché but it needs to be said! Before I left for London in 2015 having a healthy lifestyle was a huge part of my life. While living there I had found it a lot harder to eat healthier and to find the time to go to the gym due to the commute and the everyday lifestyle of a big busy city. This year I hope to be more organised and put my body first to not only look healthier but feel healthier too! My goal is to complete another run, whether that be a 6k, 10k or half marathon.

Be More Organised

Generally I am a very clean and organised person… until it comes to my bedroom! I need a clean space to think clearly and keeping things in order really helps. This year I hope to keep my work and home space a clean and relaxing environment.

Write on my Blog More

Seeing as each blog I post is getting further and farther in between, I think that means I have some work to do on this little blog of mine! Unfortunately it takes a lot of time and due to living in London for the past 2 years, I didn't seem to have as much time as I would like to dedicate to this. Now that I am back in New Zealand I have found I have a lot more free time and would like to focus more on writing and creating better content on here. Ideas are always welcome!

Decide on a Career Path

Even though I am 25 years old I still have no idea what I want to do for a job! Why is it so hard?! Since leaving high school in 2010 I focused my life on travelling. Even though years have passed I still am not sure what I want to do. This year I want to make a decision and begin the journey towards a career. 

Learn to Cook

This year I have decided that it is time for me to actually use those cookbooks I buy but never use and become the next masterchef (OK that may be a bit too adventurous!). I love cooking and trying to make new dishes so spending a bit more time in the kitchen rather than on the couch will be the first step in achieving this goal. Lets hope this will help with the healthy eating as well! 

What are some of your New Year's Resolutions?! I would love to hear them!
I hope 2018 brings you and your family health, happiness and new adventures. Remember to be kind and step out of your comfort zone. This year will be great!!

Happy New Year!

Thanks for reading!

God Bless,

Amber x

Two Years Since Moving to London | LIFESTYLE

I am sure you have all heard the saying, ‘Time flies when you’re having fun’?! Well in this case that statement is absolutely TRUE! I can’t quite believe it has been 2 years already since leaving the land of the long white cloud and moving to the land of... well... more cloud and rain!

On November the 14^th 2015 our adventure began when we touched down in LA for a month of sun, snow, burgers and Buffalo wings. From living the high life in LA and New York to watching the sunset over the Grand Canyon I couldn’t think of a better way to start a new chapter in our lives.

After travelling around London a few years previous, I had my hopes set on living in one of the beautiful white terraced buildings overlooking Hyde Park. Reality quickly set in when I saw the monthly rent was about the same as my YEARLY salary. Even though we did not live in a mansion in Kensington (one day when I win the lottery!), we did live in a lovely house in Chiswick with amazing flatmates. Who you live with makes a huge difference!

I didn’t know what to expect when moving to the other side of the world, away from the life that I was very comfortable with BUT it has turned out to be the best decision we have ever made.

I was extremely lucky in finding a job early on where I have made some of the most incredible friends. It is important to surround yourself, in any stage of your life, with good people around you. This is especially true when you far away from your family and friends.

Some of my favourite days were spend biking around on Boris bikes, exploring new parts of the city, having picnics in some of the many parks, drinking in pubs along the river with my friends and walking and exploring the little side streets that you wouldn't think to look down.

My life before London was (and I'll admit) quite boring and predicable. One thing that I have learnt from my 2 years abroad is to say YES to any opportunity. If I hadn't stepped out of my comfort zone I wouldn't have gone to all the beauty and fashion events where I met inspirational influencers from all types of social media platforms, I wouldn't have gone to a movie premiere in Leicester Square, I wouldn't have rowed boats in Hyde Park, I wouldn't have ended up in the audience of a television show, I wouldn't have seen my first concert, I wouldn't have got up at 4am to do yoga and watch the sun rise from the Sky Garden but most importantly, I wouldn't have the incredible friends I have now without saying YES to opportunities.

As 2017 drawers closer to the end, I can reflect on 2016 and 2017, 2 years full of new experiences, great friends, laughter and some of the best memories that I will never forget.

To those who have the opportunity to travel or even move overseas I would 100% recommend it! 2016 and 2017 were both challenging but exciting years and I cannot wait to see what 2018 has in-store.

Thanks for reading!

God Bless,
Amber x

Liz Earle Skincare Haul | BEAUTY

Liz Earle is a brand that I have only recently been introduced to since moving to the UK. My skin can be very sensitive which means I am very careful with what I put on my face. I have never been one for massive breakouts which I feel is because I am conscious about what I use on my skin. I try to be as organic and animal friendly as I possibly can but it can be hard to find a brand that is not harsh on the skin and has these values. Liz Earle is a proud organic and cruelty free brand which is something I will always support whether or not the products work for me.

As I am living in London and on a pretty tight budget it can be hard for me to purchase new products but I also realise there is no price tag when it comes to looking after your skin. I have recently purchased a small haul of Liz Earle products to try and as the seasons are changing this is when my skin is most vulnerable.

Cleanse and Polish – Hot Cloth Cleanser

I don’t use a cleanser often as I find that the water on my face makes a huge difference. If I do, I will use the Liz Earle Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. I discovered this product a few months ago and fell in love with it! The combination of the cleanser removes the days make up and the hot cloth leaves my skin feeling and looking clean, radiant and soft. After reading all the great reviews and trying the product myself I would 100% recommend this!

Super Skin Moisturiser with Natural Neroli

My skin tends to be very dry but even more especially in the winter and the changing of seasons. Due to this, my skincare routine must always include a rich moisturiser. I use this at the beginning of my day and as it has a very rich formula, I leave this to sink in for a few minutes before applying my foundation. I have found that this moisturiser is perfect for my skin and leaves my face feeling smooth and hydrated for the majority of the day.

Super Skin Eye Cream

Your eyes and the skin around your eyes are extremely delicate and should be treated with care. I have been on the market for a good eye cream for some time now and I came across this. As I am a contact lens wearer I have been looking for a product that is gentle enough to use on a daily basis. I use this morning and night for optimum effect. The Paracress extract lifts and firms the eye area and since using this I have noticed that my dark circles have lessened and the puffiness has been reduced. I am obsessed!

Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion

The eyebright soothing eye lotion is a great way to wake up tired eyes if you have a few extra minutes in your morning routine. I apply a small about to 2 cotton pads and place them on my eyes when I wake up. Depending on how much time I have in the morning I will leave the cotton pads over my eyes for a few minutes. I instantly feel refreshed and more awake than I usually would be at 6am (if that is even possible!)! It is gentle enough for contact lens wearers as well.

Super Skin Concentrate for Night

This night time oil is a beautiful way to end your day! It is a bit more on the pricey side but it goes a long way. I apply a small amount onto my face just before I go to bed and my skin feels nourished from the moment I wake up. The gorgeous smell of lavender and chamomile essential oils helps me to enjoy a restful and relaxing sleep.

Thank you for reading.

God Bless,

Amber x