5 Powerful Ways to Get Rid of Bad Habits*

Hey loveys,

This is a collaborative post (not written by me).

Is there something you do that you're tired of? Has it gotten so bad that it's interfering with your regular activities and relationships? Well, you're definitely not alone, and it's always good to become the best version of yourself. With that said, it is not so easy getting to that stage where you can be satisfied with yourself, and you'll need all the help you can get. Here are five tips that can make it easier for you.

1. Start small

Quitting a bad habit does not happen in a day and so be patient with yourself about the behavior you want to get rid of. Start with baby steps, changing one little thing at a time until you have reached your goal. For example, if you want to quit smoking cigarettes, switch to a less invasive option such as vaping. Click here to find out more information about quality accessories you can use. From there you can move to something less damaging and so on. Trying to stop at once might worsen the situation.



Image credit

2. Find a Partner

Doing it by yourself might be harder than finding someone going through the same process. An accountability partner will be useful in getting rid of the undesired behavior. You can also join a group of people with the same aim as you to share your journey with. This way you know that you're not alone and that you will be relieved of some pressure, making it easier to quit.

3. Change your environment

Changing your environment involves making it harder for you to access the things that contribute to your bad habit. For example, put junk food out of reach or throw it away altogether. If seeing the grocery store makes you want to buy some snacks, then walk on the other side of the street. And if having more clothes makes you disorganized then give some away.

4. Have a solid reason why

It is easier to eliminate an undesired habit if your reason is legitimate and meaningful. Though important, it’s simply not enough to try to stop ‘just because you want to’. What does it mean for your health if you quit? How will your friends and family feel about it? Are there people looking up to you that you can change your behavior for? These are some excellent, sentimental reasons you can have to keep you going on your behavior change journey.

5. Delay your urges



Image credit

Slowing down your response to the urge for the habit can make you forget it temporarily. Count to 20 seconds whenever you feel you want to get into the practice, and you might not feel the same way after. It is like procrastinating the practice, and like how that works, it can lead to you forgetting to do it altogether.

The life you desire is just within reach if you take the necessary steps. It is great that you are thinking about getting rid of the bad habit, and that is the most critical step. Once you have that at the back of your mind, it's smooth sailing going forward.

Thanks for reading. 

Leah xoxo

Mornings Matter: Beating The Blues One Day At A Time*

Hey loves! 

This is a collaborative post (not written by me). 

We’re living through a moment in history. A moment that we’ll tell our grandkids about in the same way that our elders regaled us with tales of world wars and rationing. Yet, knowing that we will come out of this the other side doesn’t always make the present easier to live through. Even if we’ve been fortunate enough to avoid contact with the coronavirus itself, we will not have been able to insulate ourselves from the physical and psychological effects of the pandemic. Yet, while we can’t change the circumstances which have necessitated the lockdown, we can take control of how they affect us. If you’ve started every day feeling sluggish, groggy and sick, the action we take at the start of the day can make all the difference to the rest of it.

Image by Free Photos via Pixabay

Why mornings matter

The moods and thought processes that we develop at the start of the day can be carried around with us right up until the day ends. If you’ve ever had one of those days where a bad nightmare or a fitful sleep has effectively ruined the rest of your day, you know just how impactful the morning can be to our mental state.

Still, we have every opportunity to improve our perception and shape a better reality from the inside out. Here’s how...

Start out with some CBT

Feeling down or depressed? Feeling a non-specific dread that you can’t shake off? Negativity can toxify all of our thought processes. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t take back control. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) encourages us to challenge negative or damaging thoughts and replace them with more positive and wholesome alternatives. It might take a while, but over time you can condition yourself to shrug off negativity and get every day off to a positive start.

Get whatever exercise you can

Our moods are partly affected by external circumstances, partly by our thought processes and partly by our complex neurochemistries. Little lifestyle changes can make a big difference to the latter. Like starting your day off with some gentle exercise. Whether you choose to try stretching with yoga in the morning or starting the day with a brisk walk or jog, you can start your day off riding an endorphin high. You don’t have to start with a gruelling workout. Just get your blood pumping and your mind and body activated.

Try reading or music instead of the TV

When our bodies and minds feel sluggish, everything we do seems like more of a challenge, whether we’re working or not. As well as awakening our bodies, we should also try and gently awaken our minds in the morning. So instead of plonking yourself down in front of the TV for a few episodes of The Simpsons, why not play some music and read a book while you enjoy a leisurely breakfast?

Reading in the gives us some quality time with ourselves while also warming up our minds so that they’re better able to cope with the challenges of the day.

Thanks for reading, 

Leah xoxo

Affordable, Adorable Accessories for your Wardrobe*

Hey lovelies! 

This is a collaborative post (not written by me).

As soon as the seasons begin to change, it seems, we all start rummaging through those closets and daydreaming about the new wardrobe we’d buy if we had infinite money. Those pieces we’d just love to have, that accessory to finish off the perfect outfit, those shoes that we saw in the shop window.



Photo Credit: Skitterphoto

Unfortunately, for most of us, a season change just means pulling out all our clothes from last year and throwing them back in the drawer, because affordable fashion is hard to come by. When you’re trying to save, or overrun with bills, buying new clothes, especially if they aren’t essential, just isn’t a thing, you know?

Lucky for you, you can jazz up your wardrobe no matter what the season, with just a few simple little affordable accessories to breathe new life into your outfits. Small pieces accentuate your already awesome style, making them seem new again and making you feel fabulous. Here’s a few of our best suggestions:

A bright, colorful scarf or shawl

In the cooler months, and even in Spring, a bright scarf, shawl or pashmina can make any outfit look polished, vibrant and adorable. If you’re a crafty person, why not knit or crochet your own using one of the many adorable patterns online? If that’s not your thing, don’t worry: you can find really cute, well-made scarves and other accessories at most stores for very reasonable prices. Find the perfect one for you, the one that goes with every outfit, in your favorite color, and let it become the epitome of you!

A great pair of shoes

Shoes. Who doesn’t love shoes?

Whether you’re only comfortable in six inch heels, like rocking it grunge style in a pair of Chucks or Doc Martens, or prefer a pair of comfy and functional trainers with your leggings, affordable shoes make a great accessory for any outfit. And you never have to feel guilty for buying a good pair of trainers. After all, they’re kind of a necessity, aren’t they?

Find cheap trainers at Footasylum and other great stores, or purchase that pair of vintage pumps you’ve been eyeing. Whatever your style is, you can find affordable and durable kicks that will put a spring in your step and accent any outfit.

A conversation piece

Love cameo necklaces? Feel most comfortable in a pair of huge sunglasses? Enjoy wearing your grandmother’s heirloom costume brooches? No matter what your particular style is, find those accent pieces like jewelry, glasses, watches and other accessories that will bedazzle, and complete your overall look. Cute jewelry and eyewear need not be affordable; many stores carry costume pieces that look like the real thing that are super budget-friendly. An added bonus is that you won’t have to worry about losing anything, because it was cheap!

Affordable, super-cute sunglasses are always a sophisticated, quirky look. Find your best pair online!

These are just a few ideas for how you can accessorize your wardrobe while still saving money. A few cheap, trendy pieces can really tie an entire look together without breaking the bank. All it takes is a little practice.

Thanks for reading. 

Leah xoxo

Sick of feeling sluggish? Read this!*

Hey loveys,

This is a collaborative post (not written by me).

Carrying that sluggish feeling around with you is the absolute worst. But all you have to do is talk to a room full of people to find out that everyone is probably feeling the same way that you do. We put it down to life and the fact that we have to get up and go to work five days a week. Or perhaps you’re a health worker doing shift work, then you’ll definitely have a reason to moan. But carrying that sluggish feeling around every single day is not normal. It’s about time that something was done to make sure that we actually feel alive again. Do you remember the times of being a child and just having boundless amounts of energy? No? Well then, it’s time to make a difference in your life. We want to show you that a few changes to how you treat your body and how you’re living your life, will make all the difference to that sluggish feeling you’re carrying around with you.



Image Source

Take Away The Mental Stress

Mental stress is something that so many people have to deal with in life. It’s now more common than ever to find people with mental health problems. But that’s only because we let all of this stress pile up on top of us. Think about how many times you’ve taken on someone’s stress by listening to their story. Or, think about how many times you’ve gone home and locked a thought away in your mind, rather than tackling it then and there? We take on all of the mental pressure that life throws at us, but forget to let it all out. Simply talking to someone you love might be enough. Or, give yourself an outlet in life that allows you to forget. Pick up a hobby and focus your mind on something positive, rather than the normal life that you’re used to.

Try Some New Health Alternatives

New health alternatives are all the rage at the minute. You’ve got the elderly generation who refuses to take tablets in case they cause too much harm. Then you’ve got the younger generation who is willing to try everything. It’s leading to new healthy alternatives that the world is loving, such as CBD. It’s not a psychedelic drug, although it does derive from the same plant. CBD oil, in particular, has become more popular. It can now be used as a drip or a spray under the tongue, and it’s said to have so many different healing properties, including getting rid of that sluggish feeling. There are many more healthy alternatives out there to try, just do a quick Google search!

A Trip To The Doctors

If you really do try everything in your power to shift the feeling, and you still feel like you can’t, it might be time to take a trip to the doctors. It could be that you have a minor vitamin deficiency that’s stopping your body from functioning how it should be.

Thanks for reading.

Leah xoxo

Spotting The Signs Of A Crumbling Relationship*

Hello loveys!

This is a collaborative post (not written by me).



(Image Source)

The relationships which people share with one another are one of the most beautiful parts of humanity. Some people show their love through grand gestures, while others are much more subtle, but anyone will admit that the idea of a couple in love is something to cherish. Of course, though, it isn’t always easy to keep the spark alive in a relationship. Some couples will last for a very long time before they fall apart, while others will only make it a few months. In any case, spotting the signs of a dying relationship can make the collapse a lot easier to bear, and that is what this post is here to help you with.

Feelings & Time

Most people will know the feeling when you first get into a relationship; you won’t want to spend time away from your partner. As time goes on, though, this feeling will often fade, and some people find themselves dreading seeing the person they care about. Whether this is thanks to arguments, past bitterness, or simply because you’ve grown bored of one another, it can be hard to live with, and is something you should always be looking out for. Even if you’ve been with someone for years, it’s not worth sticking with them if you simply don’t want to spend time with them.

Shared Experiences

Being in a relationship opens a lot of doors, with one of the biggest being the opportunity to share experiences with your partner. While you probably won’t be going on weekly dates like you were in the early days, you should still be spending quality time with your partner every few days. This can be watching a movie together, playing video games, or just about anything else which you both enjoy. If you’re not able to find common interests which work for this, it’s likely that the relationship you’re in isn’t the right one. Family solicitors can often help you to figure out why these cracks are forming in your relationships.

Arguments

Every couple has arguments from time to time. This can be a healthy way to express your emotions, and most couples will find themselves making up very quickly. If you find yourself arguing each and every day, though, there is probably something wrong. It should be rare that you fight with the person you love, and constant disagreements can be a sign that you’re not meant for one another. Of course, though, as time goes on, you may be able to mend these scars, but this will often take one side of the couple dropping the things which make them angry.

While this may sound a little doom and gloomy, it’s crucial that you consider the state of your relationship from time to time. The earlier you can spot the problems forming in a relationship, the quicker you can work to remedy them, and this is something which far too many people ignore. The end of one relationship is always the doorway to a new one, and you can always make loss into a positive experience.

Thanks for reading. Leah xoxo

A Good Heart These Days Is Hard To Find! Simple Ways To Improve Your Heart Health*

Hello lovelies,

Pixabay - CC0 Licence

We all know the importance of a healthy heart, but with temptations around every corner, and the fact that a sedentary lifestyle tends to be rammed down our throats, we can gradually lose sight of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in favour of a cheeky takeaway and Netflix binge. While you can start exercising or eating a little bit healthier, when it comes to having a healthy heart, there are simple things that we can all do. What are these?

Flossing

You might not think this is directly related, and some studies contradict each other, but there has been a connection between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease. Visit any private dentist, and they will tell you the importance of flossing anyway. But we have to remember there are lots of other variables, including lifestyle choices, such as smoking. It's important that we floss because the bacteria that infect the gums can travel to blood vessels around the body and can cause blood vessel inflammation.

Increasing Your Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids have long been touted as a way to decrease inflammation in the arteries. Having a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids through foods like nuts can also help to lower cholesterol levels. Due to the healthy fats, they can also help to fill you up. This is partly why the Mediterranean diet is so popular and appears to be one of the best all-round diets to protect us as we age.

Learning To Relax

There have been studies that have shown that people suffering from heart disease who practice transcendental meditation for 15 minutes a day cut their risk of heart attack and stroke by 50%. Meditation is thought to lower blood pressure. Having an opportunity to relax by practising deep breathing exercises or yoga have been shown to provide similar benefits. Learning how to relax is crucial, especially as we get older. And learning how to relax can minimise that blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and provide that little extra meaning to our lives.

Minimise Alcohol

The one we all don't like! While there are reports that moderate drinking could benefit your heart, there isn't any proper proof. The fact of the matter is that drinking too much alcohol can cause issues all around your body, from high blood pressure to abnormal heart rhythms, and can contribute to cancer. Cutting down on alcohol, and having it in moderation is the key. And the great thing is that now there isn't as much of a culture focused on drinking as there used to be. With Dry January or Sober October becoming the norm, and with Christmas on the horizon, there are ways for you to enjoy the season without excessive drinking.

Learning to help our heart as we get older is a lot to do with the right habits. Unfortunately, it's one of those things that we can ignore, especially when we're younger. But as we get older we could do with a little bit more exercise, a healthier diet, and an improved outlook. A little bit of what you fancy is always good, but moderation is the key.

Playful Promises X Felicity Hayward lingerie collection

Hello lovelies,

Photo credit - Playful Promises

Plus size supermodel Felicity Hayward has collaborated with London-based lingerie brand Playful Promises to bring a collection of underwear in bra sizes 32-44 A-K and sizes 8-26. It's the first UK lingerie collection by a plus size supermodel and features retro inspired girdles and bodies, suspender belts and diamanté chain detailing, as well as Felicity's Self Love Brings Beauty sloganing. There's lots of pretty pink, lilac, as well as standard lingerie staples like black, red and leopard print. 

Photo credit - Playful Promises 

Playful Promises are the queens of the collab collection, having previously teamed up with Gabi Fresh and Fuller Figure Fuller Bust, among others. Felicity was one of the first models to show stretch marks, cellulite and scars in global campaigns with brands such as Missguided and The Body Shop, who were inspired by her digital campaign and body positive movement #selflovebringsbeauty. Felicity’s movement promotes self-love, diversity, confidence and acceptance in the fashion industry for everyone She explains that she “wanted to create something for everyone, to view beauty from your perspective, not the media’s view on body image and worth.”

Felicity Hayward is excited to partner with Playful Promises, as she believes they share the same values in terms of design style, and the promotion of body positivity. She says, “I wanted to create a lingerie range for everyone, so that no matter what your size or body type, you can be empowered to feel sexy. I’ve always loved Playful Promises for its wide size range, quirky designs and inclusive and diverse imagery, so to collaborate with them on this collection was an absolute dream.”

Emma Parker, Director of Playful Promises says, “We feel Felicity perfectly embodies our brand values of body confidence and self-love, and she’s helped created some fabulously sexy pieces that are designed to really give that wow factor – whatever your size.”

I have a gorgeous leopard print set which was kindly gifted to me by Playful Promises. I'm wearing a 44F and size 26 and both are generously sized. I usually wear a size 28 in underwear, but the 26 fits with room to spare. The bra cups are very roomy, so do consider sizing down at least one cup size. I'll be sharing my photos on social media and in a separate blog post as soon as possible. 

Photo credit - Playful Promises 

Are you excited for this collection? 

Thanks for reading. 

Leah xoxo

#AD - Gifted Product - Wolfairy A Line Tunic Dress OOTD*

Hello sweet peas,

The folks over at Wolfairy sent me over this lovely sporty tunic dress last week, so here are some pics of it.

I'm wearing a size 28 and it's oversized. It's made of the softest cotton and it was made in the UK. The cowl hood is so cosy for this time of year and it has pockets! It's also longer at the back, which I love. I absolutely love the colour but it isn't available in green on the website at the moment, but it is available in 4 other colours. As you can see it's long enough to wear without leggings or trousers underneath. I'm wearing my trusty Snag 80 denier tights with it.

Wolfairy A Line Tunic Dress (I've linked to the black one as the green one isn't on the website).
Snag tights
Leopard print boots

Thanks for reading.
Leah xoxo

5 Self-Care Hacks You Might Not Have Tried Yet!*

Hello loveys, 

This is a collaborative post (not written by me).
pexels

We all have different ways of prioritizing our self-care, from the old favourites like long-hot baths to the new hobbies like meditation. Perhaps you’re looking for a self-care hack or two that you haven’t given a try yet? If so, you might enjoy a few of these nifty ideas.

1 . Join a new club or group

Trying something new can be a fantastic act of self-care to boost your confidence, skills, and widen your friendship circles. Perhaps there’s a hobby that you’ve always wanted to try? It could be a sports team, a creative group, a study-based course- you name it! When you put yourself out there to try something unknown, you allow yourself to indulge in an activity that’s just for you and your wellbeing.

2. Spend time alone 

Between work, jobs, family life, and friends- it can be hard to get a little me time. The fact is, though, spending time alone can be great for our mental health. Spending time alone allows you some thinking space and lets you fully enjoy your own company. What’s more, you’ll have time to plan your goals and build up your emotional resilience. It’s amazing to have a support network, but sometimes it’s good to remind ourselves that we can cope alone too. Why not book a random day off work just for you? Visit a museum, take yourself for lunch, write in a journal, meditate, and just spend time being grateful in your own company.

3. Write a poem

Random acts of creativity can be a fabulous gift of self-care just for you. Writing a poem can be a lovely release of emotions and a healthy way to express your mental health. The poem doesn’t have to be shown to anyone; it can be something just for you. You might use it to express a difficult emotion that you’ve been going through, a joyful memory, or something totally abstract. If you’re not sure where to start, you can always get a poetry book or two from the library for a little inspiration!

4. New oils & supplements

So we’ve all heard much about the benefits of lavender or peppermint oil, but what about trying something new? There are plenty of great oils and supplements out there that can do wonders for our self-care. One great example is St. John’s wort; it’s made from a flowering plant and can be consumed in the form of a pill supplement or a tea. St. John’s wort is beneficial for reducing anxiety. Another product fast gaining popularity is CBD oil, extracted from the marijuana plant (but not the same compound which produces the intoxicating effect). CBD oil has also been linked to pain relief in conditions such as arthritis. When ingested and inhaled, the oil can promote a sense of relaxation. For popular CBD oil products, Vsavi offers great quality vape pens.

5. Make a book of memories

Spending time amongst cherished memories can be a lovely gift to yourself. Why not print out all of your best photographs and make yourself a scrapbook of memories? You can write descriptions of the pictures and reminisce about these times spent with loved ones. When we celebrate our good memories, we’re reminded of all the good things in our lives that we are grateful for. Self-care is as much about our mental health as it is about improving physical health.

Thanks for reading. 

Leah xoxo

At This Moment 11 | What I'm up to

Hello lovelies!

I've got a bee in my bonnet about blogging again after so long, so here I am with two posts in one day! This one is going to be a bit one-dimensional I'm afraid as I have a new man and I'm OBSESSED.

WATCHING

I've just finished Series 6 of Power, as far as it stands There are 5 more episodes to come but not till 2020. I need to find a new addiction on Netflix now. Recommendations?

READING

Texts from my new man! I split up with my last boyfriend Enyo in the summer. I wish him nothing but the best, he's a lovely man, but the distance between us was tiring him out and so he ended it.

I met my new fella 2 months ago online and it's been a bit of a slow burner in some ways, but we went official a week or so ago. I'm head over heels for him. We're going to have a long distance relationship, as he's in the forces and is stationed 150 miles away from me, and that's when he's in the country! He's currently overseas for work and will be overseas for work a LOT, but he's so worth it. He's incredibly lovely to me, and drop dead gorgeous too. I'm a very lucky girl. Because of his job and his distinctive name I'm just going to call him S for now, but rest assured you'll be hearing lots about him in the future. He's very special.

MAKING

These eyes at photos of my man! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

STARTING

• To think about the future and what it might look like for me and my man. 
• Seasonal affective disorder. Now the clocks have gone back the early dark nights are starting to take their toll on me and I can feel the depression creeping in, even though I'm ludicrously happy because of S. I'm going out for a walk every day to get my sunshine fix and it's time to start taking my high strength Vitamin D too.

FINISHING

Umm, finishing being single, lol.

ENJOYING

• Seeing all the trees turn their shades of red and gold. 
• Afternoon naps. 
• My new electric blanket. It keeps me toasty warm AND helps ease my Fibromyalgia pains.

LISTENING

I love listening to my playlists on Spotify while I lay in my bed thinking about my love.

LOVING

My maaaaaaan and life in general. It's amazing how being loved can make everything feel rosy!

HATING

The fact that S is abroad for work and I don't know when I'll see him again.

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Tell me what's new with youuuuu? Tell me about when you fell in love with your significant other. 
Thanks for reading.
Leah xoxo

You can read previous posts here.
One Two Three
Four Five Six
Seven Eight Nine Ten

All the pleats OOTD

Hello lovelies,

I'm back with an outfit post! Don't die of shock. 😂

I'm wearing a plisse wrap top from ASOS Curve and a pleated skirt from New Look Curve.

I'm wearing a size 26 in both items. The top is shirred at the waist and cuffs and is so comfortable. The skirt is an actual midi length, because so many skirts are called a midi and then come just below the knee. This is the perfect length.

Plisse wrap top, ASOS Curve
Pleated midi skirt, New Look Curves

I use affiliate links on some items, which means if you click and buy from them I will earn a small commission. See my disclosure for more details.

Thanks for reading.
Leah xoxo

Unhealthy Habits that are Way Worse for you Than you Thought*

Hello loves, 

This is a collaborative post (not written by me).

If you know that you have a ton of bad habits, then you will also know how hard it can be to kick them. The main thing that you have to remember here is that some habits are actually bad for your health and if you do not take the time to look after yourself then you may end up doing yourself harm.

Spending Too Much Time on the Sofa

The more TV you watch, the less exercise you are getting. You also end up increasing your odds of being overweight and also developing type 2 diabetes too. If you know that television is replacing the time you’d otherwise spend engaging in your favourite hobby or even exercising, then this is a sign that something needs to change. You need to commit to having a healthier balance and you also need to try and become more fit too. If you don’t then you may find that you reduce your risk of developing health problems and that you have way more of a social connection too. If you aren’t sure where to start, then you need to keep your TV time to a minimum of two hours per day. You also need to make sure that you are getting 30 minutes of exercise too. This will help you to turn things around while also giving you the chance to feel better about yourself overall

Source: Pexels (CC0 License)

Overspending Every Single Month

Money worries can also come with serious health consequences. Stress can contribute to depression, high blood pressure, insomnia, digestion problems and more. It can also be hard on your lifestyle and on your ego too. If you want to fix things here, then you need to try and regain control over your finances. Educating yourself here is important, so make sure that you keep track of your mortgages, your budgeting, investing and more. It also helps to know how much you have coming in each month and how much you have going out. If you are able to do this then you will soon find it easier than ever to stay under budget.

Eating Too Many Fatty Foods and Takeaways

Takeaways can be an easy and convenient option when you are stressed or if you just don’t feel as though you have time in the day to cook. The problem with them is that they can lead to a growing waistline and they can even cause diabetes and heart disease too. Trans fat is often found in fast food and it can cause fatty build-up in your artery walls. If you make the switch to healthier food, then you will soon find that the benefits are immediate and that they also come with substantial and long-lasting benefits too.

Behaviour that Stresses you Out

An unhappy lifestyle can easily cause you to experience way more stress hormones and you may even find that your blood pressure increases as a result. This can lead to depression, a lower level of immunity and general poor health. You may even find that you crave foods that are high in sugar and fat too, and this is the last thing that you need when you are finding it so hard to manage everything right now. If you want to help yourself then you need to keep your stress under control as much as possible. This can include deep-breathing, meditation and yoga. If you want to take things to that next level then CBD oil may be a good option, as it can promote a sense of relaxation without interfering with your day to day life. It even comes with some great health benefits too, so keep that in mind.

Try to Avoid Sunburn

If you love to sunbathe or if you are continually making the effort to maintain a golden or bronze tan, then you may be putting yourself at risk. Sunbathing essentially destroys the elastic fibres that keep your skin firm and it can also lead to blotches, freckles and earlier wrinkles too. If you are not careful then you may end up experiencing discolouration and other related issues. Tanning beds will never build up a safe base tan and they may even increase your chances of developing certain cancers too, so you need to make sure that you are aware of this. One way for you to stop yourself from being at risk would be for you to wear long sleeves when you go out in the sun and also for you to wear a cap too.

Thanks for reading. Leah xoxo

Middle-Aged Hump: How To Deal With The Problems That Come With Aging*

Hello loves,

This is a collaborative post (not written by me).
(This post contains weight loss talk).

Every single person has to deal with aging, and it’s perfectly natural for you to encounter a few problems when you become middle-aged. Dealing with these issues needn’t be a hardship, as you no doubt have the strength to tackle anything life throws at you, so take the first step in adopting this attitude and put your best foot forward! If you’re getting a little grey around the gills and are beginning to face a few of the usual problems, then read on to uncover some of the best top tips to help you get back to your usual lively self in no time at all!



Image Source - Pexels

Can You Repeat That Please?

One of the biggest complaints of adults reaching middle age is loss of hearing, and it can be really tough to cope with. Despite your best efforts to listen as close as possible, background noise can overpower the voices of people you speak to, and it can be an embarrassment to ask for constant repetition during conversation. There are several different things that can be done to improve your hearing, with many natural options to try first before investing in those that are more high tech. Your problems may be down to a build up of wax or other blockage, and this can easily be solved by using olive oil. If your hearing loss is more serious, you might need to purchase an aid - they can really help you to tune into the right frequency and catch every last word!

Can You See That?

Problems with sight are very common, and this means that there’s been a lot of investment into solutions and treatments to make it much more bearable. Choosing the right option for you couldn’t be simpler, it just takes some research online to find all of the information you need to make a decision. From lens replacement surgery to a simple pair of glasses, the prices vary depending on the complexity of the treatment, so consider your budget throughout.

A Weighty Issue

When you get older, it seems much easier to gain weight. Energy levels plummet and exercise is usually one of the last things on your mind, and that makes it common for the number on the scale to slowly creep up. Laziness has to be kept to a minimum for the benefit of your health, as being overweight can bring about diabetes and heart disease amongst many other problems. Try to create your meals following the same guidelines: half of your plate should consist of fruit or vegetables, with a third being complex carbohydrates and the remainder being split up of lean protein and healthy fats. Keep your portions small and eat slowly at the table (away from the TV), stopping when you feel full. Exercise will help your mobility as well as control your weight, so it’s definitely worth the effort.

With this advice you can tackle several of the problems faced when you reach middle age, to make growing old gracefully go smoothly. Your hearing, sight and weight must be looked after with much more consideration.

Thanks for reading. 

Leah xoxo

How To Live A Life Free From The Strains Of Stress*

(Pixabay License)

Hello lovelies,

This is a collaborative post (not written by me).

Now, we aren't suggesting you can have a life that is entirely stress-free. If that were true, then we would all be drifting through life on (figurative) fluffy clouds and silk-sewn rainbows!

Rather, we are suggesting that it is possible to live a life (largely) free from the strains of stress; those health issues that can occur as a result of the stressors in our lives.

How?

Well, consider these suggestions. While we can't guarantee you will never get the occasional headache because of your stress, or a case of the jitters when you have to enter a stressful situation, you might still be able to handle stress without falling majorly ill as a consequence.

#1: Find your support network

Talking to another person can give you a perspective on your stressor. Having somebody around to make you laugh can offer you instant stress-relief. And the physical hug of another person is a proven way to lower your blood pressure. So, find the people who can offer you these things in your life, and add them to your support network.

#2: Use remedies for stress relief

From rub-on-lotions to stress-relief sprays, visit your local health shop, and buy any natural products guaranteed to offer you quick relaxation when you need them. Then carry them around with you in your bag, and apply them as soon as you start to feel the effects of stress.

CBD oil is another effective stress-reliever, so follow the link for where to buy CBD oil in the UK legally. And there are other essential oils you might consider, especially when getting into a bath, so consider lavender, chamomile or jasmine, as just a few examples of quick and soothing stress-relief when you need it. Follow our previous link for more advice.

#3: Spend more time outside

Staying cooped up indoors when you're feeling stressed isn't helpful as, without the fresh air and natural light of the sun, it can be easy to fall prey to depressive symptoms. This is often why people suffer from seasonal affective disorder during the winter. Instead, make an effort to spend as much of your time outdoors as possible when you're feeling stressed, as your mood will soon start to improve.

Of course, if you're physically active when you're outdoors, you will also start to feel the stress-relieving benefits of exercise. And if you can spend time taking part in fun activities, then you will drive down the effects of stress further. Incorporate such behaviours into your lifestyle on a regular basis, and stress won't have time to take its hold on your life.

#4: Take breaks from technology

Staring at your phone for hours on end won't help, as not only will you feel more stressed if you read anything online that bothers you, but you will be less likely to spend more time exercising. And the same applies to your television. Life on the sofa isn't good for you on either a physical and mental level, so turn off the TV and spend more of your time in activities that will stimulate both your mind and body. Apply the same rules to any other piece of technology that rules your life. While they are fine in moderation, too much time with them could increase rather than reduce your stress levels.

Finally

From work worries to money issues, you will experience stress on a fairly regular basis. While you should find ways to manage your stressors, it's important for you to know that they don't have to derail your overall health. Follow our suggestions then, and live a life free from the strains that your stressors can cause. And if you have any other pieces of advice for our readers, be sure to share them with us.

Take care, and thanks for reading.

Leah xoxo

Making Big Decisions In Life*

Hello lovelies, 

This is a collaborative post (not written by me).

There are going to be times in everyone’s life when they need to make some big decisions. When those times come around, it can often be particularly concerning trying to work out how to make sure that you are making the right one. Of course, this is something that we all struggle with, but if you are keen to try and make sure that you are making the right decisions then you will need to think about what you can do to make sure of that. In this post, we are going to discuss just a few of the things that you could consider if you want to try and improve your decision making. You might find that focusing on these things is going to mean that you end up with a much better ability to make those big decisions.



Credit - CCO Licence

Consider All Your Options

One of the most damaging things you can do here is to rush into making big decisions without properly considering all of the options available to you. When you do that, it is only going to mean that you will struggle to actually make the right decision, and you might not even be able to work out why. So it’s important to take some time and step back, and really think about what kind of options you have in front of you, which are viable and which are not. If you can do that, you should find that you end up making the right decision much more often, so this is absolutely something that you will want to think about as best as you can.

Ask Around

It is always a good idea too to make sure that you know what others think of whatever is in front of you, and the decision that you are having to make. If you can get a good sense of what people are thinking about that decision, then you can find it easier to place your own understanding within it all, which is something that you are going to admit is very important indeed. There are lots of people you can turn to for this. You can ask your parents, your siblings, your partner, or your friends. You might even want to think about getting email psychic readings and using some of that information to help you. Whatever you do, just make sure that you are seeking the advice of some of the people you really trust who you have access to.



Credit - CCO Licence

Take It Slow

Finally, remember that it is often important in these big moments to make sure that you take things slow. That doesn’t mean not jumping or taking risks, but it does mean that you should make sure that you are really certain of what you want before you make any big decisions in life. The last thing you want is to regret anything, so this is going to be the kind of thing that you will really need to be sure of in order to avoid that.

Thanks for reading, 

Leah xoxo

An All-Around Sustainable Lifestyle To Look Great and Feel Great*

This is a collaborative post (not written by me).
https://unsplash.com/photos/4PG6wLlVag4


Hello loves, 

Living a cruelty-free lifestyle doesn't just end at the beauty products you use. It should affect all parts of your life from your clothing choices to your diet to how you get around town. If you're new to doing this, you'll know it's not easy, and even those who have been doing it their whole life still struggle with some aspects of the lifestyle.

But it doesn't need to be a chore. While you're making possibly massive changes to your lifestyle, it's not something that should get you down. Instead, it's supposed to be fun. Something to energise you. Something to make you feel good about yourself and the rest of the world. 

Everyone needs support when making such significant changes, so here's some quick advice on how to live an all-around sustainable lifestyle that will make you look great and feel even better. 

Diet Decisions
The first thing everyone tells you when seeking a more sustainable lifestyle is to change your diet. For meat-eaters, this might be a challenge, but those who have already dipped their toe in 'alternative' diets shouldn't have too much trouble. Vegetarianism, veganism and flexitarianism are all superb diets to consider. 

It doesn't end there, though. You also need to think about how you get the food onto your plate. There are plenty of ways to do this without spending half your life wandering aimlessly around the supermarket. One successful option is to grow your food, but this only works with a back garden. If you're short on space, locally sourced food is a winner. 

Fashion Fixes
The clothes you wear and their impact on the environment is not something most people think about when considering a more sustainable lifestyle. However, when you consider how many new clothes you buy each year, it all adds up. 

 
This isn't to say forget about labels and designers and live in a potato sack, but instead research sustainable clothing options. You can do this through existing stores or consider second hand and charity shops. It's also easy to take existing clothes and alter them to suit different seasons to give you a brand new wardrobe without spending a penny. 

Transport Triumphs
One of the most significant issues with living a sustainable lifestyle is pollution from transport. The main problem is convenience. Once you get your driver's license, you hope to never get on a bus again, but when everyone thinks this, the planet suffers. 

Instead of sitting in traffic on the way to work, consider waking up just a little earlier and catching the bus. The first weeks may be difficult, but soon you'll soon get used to it. If public transport is out of the question, you can always cycle (and get in some exercise) or car share with a coworker who lives close. It's not ideal, but it's one step closer to more sustainable living. 

Sustainable Success
What's important to remember on your quest towards a more cruelty-free and sustainable lifestyle is that you'll find it easier and more comfortable if you take it one step at a time. Trying to change too much at once can lead to you becoming overwhelmed with what you have to do, so don't overdo it. Instead, take it easy and make changes where you can. You'll soon make a habit of sustainable living like you've been doing it all your life.

Thanks for reading. 

Leah xoxo

It Is How You Are Old: Ways To Feel Young(er) Again

Hello loves, 

This is a collaborative post (not written by me).



Image - CC0 Licence

When you start to fight old mother time, it is a battle that you will end up losing. When it comes to looking younger, while there's plenty of lotions and potions out there, the real secret is feeling younger. Feeling younger doesn't just have a benefit for you right now, but it helps you later on in life. But what are the different ways that you can feel younger without resorting to drastic measures?

Swapping Those Bad Vices

We've all got some vice, whether it's sugar or cigarettes, but we can do is, before making those healthy swaps, is realise what they do to us on the inside. This is usually the best springboard to make a healthy change. But when it comes to something like cigarettes, they can be notoriously difficult to give up. This is while it is worth making a swap to something similar, such as a shisha kit or e-cigarette. If this is something that interests you, it's worth looking at buyv2cigs for the best shisha pen kit. Swapping those bad vices can take a while. The trick is not to swap all of them at once, it's about doing one at a time. And remember, when it comes to something like diet, a little bit of what you fancy is good. It's just when they take over your entire life that you need to make a major change.

Reclaim A Sense Of Happiness

We can spend so long looking for the right moisturiser when really, it's beyond the skin we need to look. Feeling happier in life is a great way to keep you young. And when it comes to making yourself feel better but things, a lot of it is to do with not sweating the small stuff. It is, after all, the little things in life that make you happy. We have to remember this when we bury ourselves in stress, because it's these things that won't do us any favours, and when we feel a lot of stress over little things, anxiety is never far behind!

Get Lifting

Weight training is one of the great ways to increase your energy levels and if you feel more energetic, you will begin to bound about the place. If you can't get to a gym, resistance bands work just as well. In fact, exercises with resistance bands provide the same muscle stimulation for a fraction of the cost but it's not as heavy on your joints. Weight training or any form of exercise is great to give you a lot more energy.

Take The Right Vitamins

It's something that we're all told to do! If you don't have enough Omega-3 or Vitamin C, and you always feel a bit under the weather, it's amazing what supplement can do. Remember, getting a supplement isn't meant to replace a diet but if you can get an allergy test, and see what vitamins and minerals you lack in, taking the right supplements can make you feel a lot better, in fact, could make you feel much better than when you were younger!

However old are young you are, there is always a way to recapture our youth in mind and body. Remember, it's not how old you are but it is how you are old.

Thanks for reading, 

Leah xoxo

My top 5 rides to visit at Universal Studios Orlando*

Hi loveys,

This is a collaborative post (written by me).

[By NBCUniversal - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link]


Are you a rollercoaster fan? I haven't been on a rollercoaster in years but I grew up going to Dreamland in Margate and regularly got my thrills there as a teen on the American Looping Star and the Scenic Railway. I'd love to visit Universal Studios in Orlando. Opened in 1990 and co-founded by Steven Spielberg it's one of the top theme park destinations in the world.

Here are the 5 rides at Universal I'd most love to go on. Some of them are rollercoasters and some of them are virtual reality simulations. There are a couple of really family friendly rides in my picks as I'm basically a 5 year old in a 45 year old's body!

HARRY POTTER AND THE FORBIDDEN JOURNEY 

I'm a massive Harry Potter fan (and proud Slytherin) so this ride is right at the top of my list. Harry Potter is great escapism from reality and what better way to do that than by flying over Hogwarts?

THE SIMPSONS RIDE

When I was with James we used to watch The Simpsons almost every day of the week. I'm a huge fan of the dysfunctional yellow family so this virtual reality coaster ride would be a beeline for me. It's good family-friendly fun.

DESPICABLE ME MINION MAYHEM

I don't know what it is about me and cute yellow critters, but I also love Minions. They're cute and silly and they love ba-na-nas, so what's not to like?! This ride is pure escapism and very family friendly, featuring a dance off at the end of the show.

THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF SPIDERMAN

This is another virtual reality ride rather than an actual rollercoaster. Watch Spiderman save the day as he soars over New York. Just make sure you don't lose your lunch when he drops 400 feet!

REVENGE OF THE MUMMY

This indoor rollercoaster takes you on a dark and scary ride complete with fire and insects as the Mummy Imhotep tries to steal your very soul! This ride looks really scary and would be sure to get your heart pounding.



Have you been to Universal Studios Orlando? If so, what was your favourite ride?

Get your Universal Studio Tickets for the family.

Thanks for reading.
Leah xoxo

How The Gut Affects Mental Health*

Hi loves,

This is a collaborative post (not written by me).



Michael Schiffer

Gut bacteria or the 'good bacteria' in your gut helps to regulate your bowel, assists with digestion and maintains healthy levels of microbes. In case your gut bacteria is not functioning properly then you may suffer from constipation, flatulence, diarrhoea, acid reflux, bloating, and a lot more gastrointestinal ailments. If your gut isn't working correctly for a long time period it may result in serious illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome or perhaps diverticulitis!

Gut bacteria are necessary since they are the bacteria that keep your entire digestive system secure. They are the bacteria that antibiotics kill, so if you are ill frequently and will need to take a great deal of antibiotics afterwards your gut bacteria will be deficient. This is going to cause diarrhoea. If you choose antibiotics, all of the gut bacteria can be ruined. However, your gut bacteria isn't often considered as being the probable cause of a mental health issue.

Latest research, however, indicates that a number of bacteria known as Gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA, may influence somebody's emotional health if there's a scarcity of this substance. If you are missing GABA, you can be identified as suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and fatigue but what is often ignored is that you may be also afflicted by susceptibility to stress, causing nervousness, depression and possibly autism.

GABA has a role as a neurotransmitter, sending messages to the mind and nervous system. It is also involved in regulating the communication between our brain cells. Studies have proven that GABA can restrain anxiety and affect our behaviour, so when it's low we don't feel as calm or relaxed or having difficulty sleeping too. Dealing with anxiety, we may turn to cigarettes (much worse than even the best vape). More studies will need to be carried out in this area, but this new information is possibly a good insight to explain the link between our bowel and emotional health problems.

The good thing is that GABA may be raised naturally with foods high in magnesium and vitamin B. It is a fantastic idea to have an organic multi-vitamin daily, as nobody eats perfectly every day - a supplement will make sure you don't become deficient in minerals and vitamins. Green tea and chamomile are also good for increasing those bacteria levels. These foods and vitamins have shown in certain tests to increase gut bacteria and consequently an increase in an individual's mental health capabilities. Additionally, there are a number of other all-natural approaches to improve mental wellbeing, manage stress, anxiety and depression. Ask your therapist to learn what you will need to do if you suffer from one of these ailments.

GABA hence has the capability to be a fantastic supplement if you're feeling a little away or have been suffering from poor anxiety, depression, or even PMS. Bear in mind your mood may be changed by levels of hormones and also how the thyroid is working. Conversely, GABA can improve your mood, impacting your emotions and putting a positive slant on your perspective.

Thanks for reading. 

Leah xoxo

Setting the Date: 3 Things to Book ASAP

Hi loves,

This is a collaborative post (not written by me).



Image Credit: Unsplash

Planning a wedding is no small feat. Sure, you might have planned large parties before but the pressure on this day and the number of things you need to organise can quickly get on top of you.

There are lots of things you will learn as a bride-to-be and the whole process is a fantastic opportunity to get exactly what you want, even if it’s just for a day. But with so many things on your ever-growing list, what do you need to prioritise right now?

The Venue

The very first thing you need to think about is where you want to get married and whether you want to stay there for your wedding breakfast and party or if you want to move everyone to another location. For some people, a hotel is a natural choice as this means that you don’t need to go very far at all on the day and relatives and friends traveling longer distances can stay over too.

The main thing to watch out for here is the cost. Venues can charge a lot of money for a simple exchange of vows and you should definitely be careful of not-so-optional extra charges. For many people, choosing separate venues and paying for transport actually turns out to be a lot cheaper and get you exactly what you want.

The Band

If you want live music at your wedding, you definitely need to get in touch with your preferred band ASAP. Websites like https://www.alivenetwork.com/hirelivemusic/wedding_bands_in.asp?area=Suffolk are great for finding local talents, no matter what sort of music you are into.

The reason you need to book so quickly is that bands tend to book way into the future. The other reason, which will probably be obvious if you are a musician yourself, is that bands really like to have time to rehearse so if you have a list of songs you really want, they need time to learn them!

The Food

Another surprise early book but the food is a big ticket item for your wedding day and it can take time to decide what you want and how many you can afford to feed. While low key wedding breakfasts are more popular and cocktail receptions are becoming a thing too, food needs to be a top priority to keep people happy.

Again, caterers tend to get booked well in advance so if you have a particular taste or you like a particular company, you should definitely get in there quickly. The same goes for your wedding cake. If you want a bespoke cake that’s really going to stand out, you need to book in quickly so that you get the designer you want.

Once you have sorted out these big ticket items, there is still a lot left to do but at least you know that on your wedding day, all the basics will be in place. And, if you have started planning nice and early, you will still have plenty of time to do all the fun things like finding your outfits and making decorations.

Thanks for reading. 

Leah xoxo