Monthly Archives: October 2018

A fool-proof guide to winter footwear*

30th October 2018

(Photo by Raphael Nast on Unsplash)

Do you ever find yourself a little overwhelmed by all the shoes in your wardrobe? And is it still a struggle to find the right pair for every occasion? To make your footwear decisions as easy as possible this winter take a look at this handy guide. It showcases a handpicked selection of the latest trends – so you can step out stress-free all season. 
Renew your runners

Picking up a new pair of trainers doesn’t sound like the most exciting addition to your wardrobe, but with this season’s vibrant, retro-inspired designs they are sure to add a well needed injection of colour into your look. When it comes to these chunky trainers it’s the brighter the better. Check out the Gucci men’s clothing sale for the latest must-have sneakers. 

Hiking with a twist

The trekking trend is taking over after appearing on catwalks at Gucci and Chloe, making it a day wear must for autumn/winter 2018. It means bulky hiking boots with even bigger soles. Designs are popping up everywhere in both suede and leather, and either look great with colourful laces for an additional splash of colour. 

The crepe effect 

Chelsea boots have long been a staple in every man’s wardrobe. This season, however, they are back with a twist. The usually sleek sole has been replaced with a crepe-effect rough edge adding a new and improved cool vibe to a classic. Pair with dark jeans and slim-fitting knitwear for an effortlessly stylish look.

Moccasins are in 

This season moccasins are the perfect go to shoe for any occasion. Opt for sleek modern leather or a traditional suede design teamed with fitted trousers and a simple white shirt to take you through to the spring months. An added plus is your moccasins will also come in handy if you’re planning on heading off for a bit of winter sun. 

Let the sole speak for itself

One of this season’s most eye-catching trends has to be the colourful and textured soles that made their way into lines at Prada and Adidas. While the look – which was seen on everything from trainers to loafers – may be vibrant, it’s actually pretty easy to master. Let the shoe shine and pair back the rest of your outfit by sticking to neutral hues above the ankle.

Keep it clean

There’s nothing like a pair of crisp white trainers to freshen up your look and this season clean sneakers were all over the catwalk. Think big and bulky teamed with a pair of ankle-length or cropped trousers to ensure they don’t go unnoticed. It’s all about being box-fresh so try to stay clear of off-road activities once you’ve invested in a pair.

Swap sliders for high tops

The summer is officially over so it’s time to keep those feet warm and out of sight. Swap your summer sliders or mules for a pair of toasty high tops. You can even add an on trend tube sock for extra comfort.

Posted in fashion, shoes, trends

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My Vaping Journey (part one)

29th October 2018
It’s been a little over a month since I started my journey in to serious vaping with a little (lot) of help from my friends at e-cigarette direct. Quitting smoking has been high on my agenda once more, and something I have had in my mind as something I would do as soon as I felt my anorexia recovery was complete.

Well, my recovery isn’t quite complete, but my motivation was high, so I gratefully accepted the opportunity to pick out some kit and wean myself off cigarettes- hopefully for good this time.

Tank wise, I got Bob to help me pick out a good set-up as he’s also joining me on this journey and has a lot more experience of vaping than I do. We decided on the Wismec CB80* which is designed to give an experience as close to smoking a cigarette as possible as I knew this is what I would struggle with the most. We also picked out two different types of coils* so we could see which I preferred.

Getting the kit set up was super simple, and it looks and feels substantial whilst remaining lightweight and portable enough to come with me where ever I go. Another big plus for the tank I chose was that it charges via USB as well as supporting rechargeable batteries, meaning I am less likely to run out of power, and therefore reach for a cigarette.

Picking which vape juice to choose was another minefield. There are so many flavours and strengths available that I just did not know where to start. In the end, after consulting with Bob we decided to jump in with some high strength nicotine as although I didn’t smoke that many cigarettes (between 5 and 10 a day) we thought starting high and weaning down would be our best bet, and it meant that Bob, a heavier smoker than I was, could share.

These little bottles of juice are great for carting around on the go and means you don’t get stuck on one flavour consistently. As you can see, I’m definitely attracted to the sweet flavours! Vampire Vape’s Heisenberg was hands down my favourite though.

In terms of juices I’ve found I much prefer shortfills, I thought they would be more complicated as you have to mix them up yourself, but I think they represent better value for money, and I’ve generally found the flavour experience much better (and you can make it up as strong, or weak as you like). I’ve been spoilt really though as I was sent the set of Gloop shortfill which I reviewed a few weeks ago, and I have another bunch just arrived to try out and review (coming soon!).

I can’t fault the service, or value provided from e-cigarette direct, and I find their website, and blog a really valuable resource when it comes to learning more. This infographic around vape juice is definitely worth a read if you’re looking to learn more!

I guess the big question here though is how am I doing?

Well, in all honesty, I’m not quite there yet. I still find myself wanting the feel of an actual cigarette and I am still caving in, albeit much less than I used to. The savings are clear to see on a financial level, and I resent paying out now for even one packet a week. Today is actually the day where I feel ready to say “no more” and just stop buying the damn things. Everything about the vaping experience is better, apart from the fact it feels so big and clunky at times. But I need to learn to live with that, and so I will.

Whilst I certainly don’t intend for my blog to become solely focused on vaping you will find a couple more reviews coming up, and a progress update on how I’m doing in a few weeks time.

Now I’ve moved house and I am settled in I’ll be looking to return to blogging in a way I haven’t for quite some time. I’m looking forward to getting back in to the swing of outfit photos, general life musings and updates, wish lists, food, you name it, I’m probably gonna cover it. I’ve felt detached from the blogging world for some time now, not sure if I still fitted in, and during that time away from it I’ve realised that really, it doesn’t matter. This is my place to say, and share what I want to say and share. The fact I’ve had such fantastic opportunities, that any one even bothers to read it, is just one big old happy bonus.

All products in this post were sent to me free of charge. All opinions, and decision to post are mine and mine alone.

Posted in blogging, brands I love, lifestyle, review, vaping

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Tightening Your Skin Without Resorting to Surgery*

19th October 2018

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

When you look in the mirror and notice sagging skin, it can be an embarrassment; however, it is one you do not have to live with. In fact, if you catch your wrinkles or skin sags early enough surgery may not even be required. There are many other ways to tighten up your skin that should be considered first.

When You May Need Surgical Intervention
There are times when surgery for sagging skin is necessary, however, those times are not as frequent as you may think. If you have severely sagging skin; such as after losing a lot of weight or having a baby surgery may be a good option for you. Otherwise, there are probably other options you can take advantage of that cost less, take less time and come with fewer risks. A skincare professional can advise you regarding whether your skin is sagging severely enough to require surgical tightening.

Clearing Up Skin Wrinkles Using Laser Devices
When surgery is not required but you have moderately sagging skin, clinical intervention is still important as home treatments will not get rid of moderate wrinkles. One of the best clinical treatment types is laser therapy. Professionals have used cosmetic laser machines in clinics to treat many types of skin problems for decades.

Ablative laser machines are devices that are often used to perform procedures called laser peels. A laser peel can help you improve the appearance of your skin quickly by getting rid of undesirable materials on the surface of your skin. However, laser peel procedures cannot immediately get rid of deep wrinkles- they are best for treating mild surface concerns.

Non-ablative laser treatments are more likely to remove moderately deep wrinkles. However, they can take a lot of time to do so. This is because non-ablative laser procedures are predominantly designed to trigger the natural defence mechanisms in your body. One of those mechanisms is increased production of substances that support cellular health, including collagen; that collagen takes time to be produced and distributed properly so you may need several treatments and you will not see results for a while after treatment.

Tightening Sagging Skin with Sound Procedures
It may seem odd, but sound is another common tool in skincare circles. Certain sound frequencies can create cellular vibrations that promote healing. One such therapy is a monopolar radio frequency procedure. It is also known as Thermage therapy in the skincare industry. The Thermage treatment causes your skin cells to move towards each other, the result being widespread tightening of your skin.

Ultrasound procedures are also types of sound wave therapy that can reverse skin sags when they are mild or moderate. Ultrasound is similar to radio frequency treatment in some ways, but it usually treats deeper tissues. Additionally, it is a stronger treatment and can be slightly more uncomfortable than Thermage. However a topical anesthetic can be used to reduce any discomfort you may have.

Deciding Which Skin Tightening Option to Try
There are many factors you must consider when deciding which skin tightening option to try. The first two are the type of skin you have and the severity of your existing skin wrinkles at the time of treatment. You must also consider the costs of each treatment, including costs associated with requiring multiple appointments for some treatments. Additionally, you have to discuss your candidacy for any treatment you are considering with your skincare professional. He or she may tell you that you can’t have a certain treatment after assessing your skin. If so, an alternative may be suggested.

If you’ve had any kind of skin tightening treatments done it would be great to hear about your experiences in the comments.

Posted in beauty, healthy living, skincare

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How Much Protein Do We Need Per Day?*

09th October 2018
How much protein should we be including in our diets every day? Well, unfortunately, the answer to that question is not so simple. Your individual protein needs vary greatly depending on your level of physical activity, body composition and health. After you have taken all of this information into account you will end up with a basic amount, which will probably be adjusted as time goes on and after you have done some self-experimentation.

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Basic Numbers
If you are sedentary and of healthy weight aim for 1.2-1.8g of protein per kg body weight (0.54-0.82g/lb).

If you are active and want to maintain your weight, aim for 1.4-2.2g/kg (0.64-1.00 g/lb).

If you are active, wish to build muscle and are of healthy weight, include between 1.4-3.3g (0.64-1.50 g/lb) of protein per kg of body weight. Having more than 2.6kg (1.18/lb) won’t lead to even greater muscle gains, but it can assist with minimizing fat gains.

If you are active, wish to lose fat, eat 2.2-3.3 g/kg (1.00-1,50 g/lb).

If you are obese or overweight, have 1.2-1.5 g/kg (0.54-0.68 g/lb).

Aim for 1.66-1.77 g/kg (0.75-0.80 g/lb) if you are pregnant.

Protein Intake For Sedentary, Healthy Adults
The U.S RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) is 0.8 g of protein per kg of body weight. This is the minimal amount that should be consumed on a daily basis by healthy adults. This may not be sufficient especially for older people and healthy young men. When looking further into the matter, it is clear that we actually need at least 1.2 g/kg before the body starts neglecting important bodily processes such as muscle protein synthesis and immune function.

Protein Intake For Active Adults And Athletes
If you are an athlete or very active physically, you need a bit more protein each day. The Dietitians of Canada, the International Society of Sports Nutrition, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend between 1.2-2.0 g of protein per kg of body weight for optimal recovery from training and for the maintenance and growth of lean mass.

Protein For Muscle Gain
If you are doing resistance training and want to build some muscle, there are studies that suggest that you should have around 3.3 g/kg per day. This amount of protein will not help you to gain more muscle, but instead, it will assist in minimizing fat gain.

Optimal Protein Intake For Pregnant Ladies
Additional protein is required by the developing fetus, and it is, therefore, important that a pregnant woman should consume around 1.66 g/kg during weeks 10-20 and 1.77 g/kg during weeks 32-38. Increased protein intake may lower the risk of low birth weight as well as the risk of stillbirth. If a pregnant woman is active and engages in physical activity, this amount may increase even more.

The Amount Of Protein Per Meal
The total daily intake of protein should be spread across four meals resulting in adults in their twenties eating around 0.24 g/kg as a minimum dose per meal and adults over fifty aiming for 0.4 g/kg.

A young athlete who weighs 175-pounds should consume around 19g of protein per meal, but when looking at the amounts of protein an active adult should intake, he would be able to benefit from as much as 170g per day. This would result in 9 meals per day. One option is to constantly sip on a protein shake, but this might not be ideal – if the intake of protein is too frequent, the body can get desensitized to the anabolic signaling thereof. In this case, it would therefore, be more realistic to rather consume more than 19g of protein per meal.

Posted in fitness, food, healthy living

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Review: Gloop Shortfill from e-cigarette direct*

08th October 2018
Disclaimer: I know these posts won’t appeal to everyone, so if you have a problem with vaping, or reviews of vaping products then shift yourself along now.

I’m a little bit ahead of myself with this review as my post about my latest foray in to vaping is still a couple of weeks away, but I couldn’t wait to share these awesome new Gloop Shortfills from my friends at e-cigarette direct who have once again stepped in to help me kick my cigarette habit.

So, what is a shortfill? I honestly had no idea until the super friendly James introduced me to this brand, which was developed in house.
Basically a shortfill is a way to get around the 10ml cap on e-liquids which contain nicotine. A shortfill is exactly as it sounds- a larger bottle (typically 50-100ml) of nicotine free “juice” with space left to add your own nicotine to your required strength. The nicotine is sold separately in 10ml bottles and there are various calculators online which will help you tailor your liquid to your exact needs.

I was very kindly sent the full range of Gloop shortfills, plus the required nicotine so I could try out both the concept, and the new range for myself.

The range comes in four flavours- blueberry donut, sticky strawberry cake, hazelnut cookie and caramel latte and cost £14.99 each for a 50ml bottle. I was a little bit nervous about mixing up my own juice but with the help of Bob and our good friend google we figured out the perfect ratio for us and set about trying the range.
The packaging of this range has instant appeal, both the box and the bottle are very easy on the eye and look fun, rather than super scientific.

The flavours of these are fantastic, they really are. I think finding your perfect e-liquid is definitely trial and error but I feel like I have struck gold with this range. There’s a really good balance between the fruit element of the juices (or the caramel/hazelnut) and the cake/coffee/cookie. Often one over dominates the other but the Gloop team have balanced it perfectly.

Bob and I are both really taken with the blueberry donut flavour and it has become our go-to, but we’re happily mixing and matching across the entire range. The liquids are a 70/30 VG:PG ratio and go through strict safety tests both in-house and in government controlled labs.

The fact that these pack such a flavour punch has really help me stay away from cigarettes, and I’m actively not craving them anymore, preferring instead to reach to my vape. Some liquids I have tried have had the opposite effect so this really does speak volumes about how well the e-cigarette direct team have done here.

The nicotine shots cost an additional £2.49 per bottle and you probably would want at least one bottle per tube of Gloop. That makes each shot around £17.49, comparable to two packets of cigarettes- and it lasts so much longer.

My journey back in to vaping has been driven by several factors- firstly new reports around the safety of vaping vs. smoking, secondly moving house and needing to save money (and I am spending considerably less already), and thirdly by jumping on to the Stoptober bandwagon. If you’re also looking to quit the cigarettes and use vaping as your method then check out the Stoptober section of the e-cigarette direct website for deals, and an eye opening calculator in to how much you can save.

I’ll have a full post coming soon on my first month of serious vaping- if you have any questions you want answered then leave them in the comments below, and if you have any tips or recommendations then I’m all ears.

Posted in vaping

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