Dove Hair Therapy

 

I have always been a little bit of a hair snob, and used top brands especially in the last 3-4 years. However, since graduating and on the hunt for full time work, funds have been a little on the low side. I am also trying to save to move in with my boyfriend so it is essential for me to scrimp on some aspects of my life. I was first attracted to the Dove Hair Therapy when they were half price in Boots before Christmas. I was amazed by how great the products are, I have since repurchased too. 

I have tried the Dove Intensive Repair shampoo & conditioner and the Dove Nourishing Oil Care shampoo & conditioner. I have then made the perfect combo for my hair by using the Intensive Repair Shampoo and the Nourishing Oil Care conditioner. And let me tell you, my hair has never felt softer or smoother. 

Shampoo - It says to leave your hair with 5x less split ends and repairing any damage which has been created. I love the smell of the Dove products and there new packaging so there is nothing to fault along those lines. The shampoo lathers up well and really feels as though it is cleaning deep rather than just rinsing it through the hair.

Conditioner - This is where the magic happens, combing through this conditioner it feels as though it is coating each hair with oil and making them falling smoothly. It contains vitamin E & F which helps nourish the hair, so it actually is trying to work through the hair rather than just to coat it.

Have you tried any of the Dove Hair Therapy Products?

What's In My Gym Bag?

Since starting to go back to the gym, I have been looking around seeing what people take to the gym with them. Now 9 times out of 10 when I go to the gym I have a swim afterwards or at least go in the Jacuzzi or the Steam Room. So it might seem like I take a lot of bits to the gym but I pretty much use them all most times. I also have 3 different "kits" like what I wear to the gym but the one that I am posting is my favourite!

Adidas Pink & Grey Sports Bag - I think that having the right bag for the gym is key, it helps you remember everything you need. This Adidas one is perfect for me, it is big enough for all the bits that I need. There are many compartments to this bag, on the outside you have one large pocket which is designed for trainers, it has air holes in it to stop your trainers from making your bag smell and it also keeps them separate from all your cleans bits. On the other side there is a zip section where I normally put my car keys, gym card, padlock and phone. Inside the bag there is an attached purse where I keep a little bit of money never more than £10 because I rarely take my purse to the gym unless I am going out straight after. There is also little pockets inside, one where I keep all my ladies things, just in case, the other I don't really use. And there is a place to hold a water bottle.

 

Nike Pink Dry Fit Running Top - I have only started to realise the importance of a good kit. I used to just chuck on a baggy t-shirt and some tracksuit bottoms/leggings. Now while I hate the way I look in this top as it isn't the most flattering. The material is light, it doesn't get caught up when  I am exercising and it allows my skin to breathe which helps with reducing spots. I love these tops - you can get this one here.

Marks & Spencer's High Impact Sports Bra  - This is an oldie and a favourite of mine. I have large boobs (36GG) so then need strapping down as best as they can. I struggle getting good fitting bras let alone good fitting sports bras. The high impact range from M&S are really good. The one I have isn't wired and has a racer style back - the current ones that they stop are underwired. I have never had an underwired sports bra, so I am not sure if they are better or not...?

Nike Dry Fit Running Capri's - I think these are third in the list of importance of when you need to make sure you get a good fit (first being trainers, second being sports bra). These trousers allow you to move around, they stay up and they are well fitted. They are breathable and tight - like I don't like how I look in them because I feel that my arse is huge in them. You can get this here - they come in lots of different colours

Nike Trainers - These are light and comfy. I was wearing plimsolls at one point and one of the instructors from my class said that I will end up with really bad knee problems. After buying these, it made such a difference with my workout, so I recommend getting some well fitting trainers. Mine are actually Men's ones - I have only just realised but I am a size 7 so I guess it is easy to make.

Puma White Trainer Socks -  I love these ones, they don't slips under my feet and they are cheap enough to buy in bulk as I usuallyly wear them out.

Adidas Black Swimsuit -  I received this for Christmas, after a year of wearing a purple one where I resembled Barney. With this when swimming I don't have to worry about anything falling out and it is pretty flattering too. I have mine with white stripes.

Topshop Flip flops - Just for when walking around the pool area and when using the showers, you never know what nasties are on the floor.

3 x Towels - I big beach towel for showering, a small one for my hair and a face towel for wiping down the machines after use.

Swimsuit Bag - I bought this is Primark, it is a bikini bag, but is great for putting a wet swimsuit in.

Hair Brush - Paddle brushes are my favourite as I have super knotty hair. I use this one from The Body Shop.

Body Spray - I am using Impluse Very Pink, I always worry that if I take perfume the bottle with brake but this body spray does the job whilst I am in the gym.

Iphone - I have only recently got an iPhone and it is great for the gym. I keep track of my excercising and progress whilst keeping myself occupied. I will be doing a blog post of my favourite diet/fitness apps and motivation.

Headphones - The new ones for the iPhone 5 aren't the best but I am using them at the moment until I can find a good alternative. They have a great sound quality but tend to move/fall out of my ears whilst I am excercising. 

Gym Card - I am a member of Virgin Active, and I couldn't recommend this gym more. The people are lovely, it has great equipment, gym classes and offers great advice. The facilities are always clean and tidy! If you have one local I would check them out, the best gyms I have seen in my area.

Padlock - I need this for my locker at my gym, it is my own personal one. 

Toilertry Bag - My one is from Primark a few years back now, it is great for the gym as it is waterproof and has two sections and can be hung up whilst keeping all your bits dry.

Body Wash - I used Happy Hippy by Lush it has a citrus fragrance and is great at revitalising after a work out. This is my favourite shower gel ever!

Body Scrub - I am using up an old Botanics one which they no longer stock.

Body Sponge - Just to get off any excess skin, I use The Body Shop Lily.

Shampoo - Essential, using one up from Christmas. I don't rate it at all!

Conditioner - Essential, using one up from Christmas. I don't rate it at all!

Wide Tooth Comb - Helps when I am conditioner to detangle my hair.

Face Scrub - I love this face scrub, I am a lover of the original St Ives scrubs but this warming one feels great on the skin and sort of spa-esq. It is St. Ives Elements Warming Scrub.

Deodorant - Need I say anymore. I am currently using up my Dove Beauty Finish Roll On.

Body Moisturiser - After sweating in the gym, then going swimming and then showering, my skin needs its moisture being replaced. I am using up my mini Soap & Glory Righteous Butter, I prefer fruity scents but as this is a mini, I am just using it up!

Face Wipes -  I always wipe my face after a workout, I have blemish proned skin and I try to limit this by cleaning my face regularly. I am currently using Johnsons Cleasning Wipes for Combination Skin

Face Cream -Just because I use wipes, I want to rehydrate my skin. I am currently using The Body Shop's Aloe Day Cream as it is light and gentle on my skin, also soothes redness. 

Tissues - Again just incase you need one, I have had a cold recently so these have been essentials.

Lip Balm - My current favourite is the Nivea Caramel Creme, it is so soft on my lips.

Hair Bands & Kirby Grips - You never know when you need these they always come in handy and I leave them in my little black zippy pot/bag

Water -  I tend to take a bottle from home and just refill as much as I need at the gym.

What's in your gym bag? 

Christmas at Lush

So I am slightly annoyed at myself for doing this post after Christmas and now 50% of this stuff is now unavailable. The thing is that this year I asked for a few bits for Christmas, so I wanted to wait for my full collection to show you all! I am a full Lush addict and I love going into there stores are the people are always super friendly and helpful which always makes me make at least one purchase - damn them. I know there products are on the pricey end for what they are but I can honestly say that I love them!

Soaps

Honey I Washed The Kids - £3.40 for 100g 
This soap is gorgeous for dry, 'wintered' skin, enriched with honey.

Rock Star - £3.40 for 100g 
An old classic, it smells super girly and lathers up whilst still nourishing the skin.

Sea Vegatable - £3.10 for 100g
It contains lavender and sea salt which helps with blemishes on the body.

Snow Globe - Discontinued (Christmas 2012) 
This lime citrus smelling soap is right up my street, it is refreshing and kind on my skin.

Snowcake  - Discontinued (Christmas 2012) 
Marzipan Christmas smelling soap, it has a slight bit of glitter on the top of the soap but underneath it is just pure white.

Bath Bombs

Golden Wonder - Discontinued (Christmas 2012)

Butterball - £2.45

Rocket (actually a bubble bar - oops) - Discontinued (Christmas 2012)

Space Girl - £2.10

Party Popper - Discontinued (Christmas 2012)

Dragons Egg - £3.20

Bubble Bars & Bath Melts

Candy Mountain - Discontinued (Christmas 2012)

Christmas Eve - Discontinued (Christmas 2012)

Santas Sack - Discontinued (Christmas 2012)

Melting Snowman - Discontinued (Christmas 2012)

Moustache - Discontinued (Christmas 2012)

Magic Wand - Discontinued (Christmas 2012)

Hair

Shine So Bright Hair Balm - £4.50 for 10g
This pricey balm is actually lovely on the ends of my hair, it is really soothing and helps banish that frizzy end look. A little goes a long way.

Trichomania Solid Shampoo  - £5.25 for 100g
I am still not a solid shampoo convert as I find it a faff, yet this one is packed full with coconut and really helps smooth and repair dry hair. 

 

Extras

Snow Fairy Shower Gel - Discontinued (Christmas 2012)
This sugar, sweet shower gel is super girly and is great before a night out.

Twilight Shower Gel - Discontinued (Christmas 2012)
This should be used in a before bed shower, the strong lavender scent helps relax you and your muscle. It is great after a long day. 

Whoosh! Shower Jelly - £3.50 for 100g
I was using the Sweetie Pie Jelly and I had glitter in it and that was a no no for me, however this one which is enriched with grapefruit and essential oils not only feels great on my skin but also wakes me up.

Dream Cream Hand & Body Lotion - £10.95 for 240g
This is heaven for when my skin is particularly worst for wear, I would recommend it to anyone who has super sensitive skin.

Popcorn Lip Scrub - Discontinued (Christmas 2012)
I am a huge fan of the bubblegum flavour, however I tried this several times and didn't like it, the final time that I did try it I liked it so I bought it instantly.

What have been your Christmas Favourites?

nspa 4-Step Beauty Ritual

Step 1: Melting Cleansing Gel - £3

Step 2: Hot Cloth Polish - £7 (currently 2 for £8)

Step 3: Illuminating Beauty Serum - £7 (currently 2 for £8)

nspa is exclusive to Asda!

I am super excited about this product, that I am not quite sure where to start. I suppose I should talk about the misconception of the title. This skin care regime does consist of 4 step, however I only have up to 3! This is because my local Asda (where they are sold) never have number 4 in stock - it must be to do with how good and cheap they are. 

So what initally attracted me to this range was an advert that I saw in a magazine months ago, I am not quite sure what magazine it was. I googled the brand and was shocked to see that they were from Asda (the magazine advertorial look really fancy.) All these products are paraben-free, contain essential oil of Neroli and are under a tenner! 

Melting Cleansing Gel - This soft, warming gel easily massages onto the skin, lifting and removing make-up and impurities. When adding water the clear gel/balm formula melts into a milk like consistency. It contails Ginseng, Vitamin E and Grapeseed Oil, which gives it, it's herbal spa like scent. The smell of this product is one of my favourite things about it. To be honest, I just love the way it effortlessly removes make up whilst keeping my skin soft and not irritating it at the same time. 

Hot Cloth Polish - The first thing that I want to mention about this product is the quality of cloth which comes with it. Now considering it is on the cheaper end of the Hot Polishes out their, it has a cloth which could rivial the quality of the Liz Earle one. In fact the polish itself could rivial the Liz Earle. It smells similar, is gentle enough and leaves my skin feeling and looking amazing. The packaging is basic, yet feels nice has a fitted lid and the product comes out via a pump. It contains Ginseng, Vitamin E, Coco Butter and Sweet Almond Oil. Now that I have been using this I am not sure whether I will be going back to the Liz Earle, this gives me the same effects for half the price! 

Illuminating Beauty Serum - This is my least favourite out of the 3 products and I think it is only down to preference to why I am I think it doesn't live up to the other two products. The formula has specs of fine glitter in it and I really don't like glitter in my skincare, bath products or body lotions. Saying that this product does make your skin look instantly brightened. And just like the other products it contains Gingseng, Vitamin E and Maca Root. It sinks into the skin quickly and smoothes on. 

Have you tried/ heard of this brand?  

My Big Fat Diary

So as you might have seen, one of my New Years Resolutions is to lose weight - this is a standard for me and it happens every year. If I am honest, I don't think everyone is happy with there body and I don't think I will either. There are just some things that you need to learn to accept. For instance, I am never going to be really skinny because one, that isn't the way I was built and two, I love my food too much! I will be doing a series of fitness/diet/healthy living blog post, so I wanted to give you a full idea of what I am about. I hope to show you all how I am losing weight and the tips and tricks that I do.

My History 
So first off I thought I would give you a brief overview of me and my body, because lets face it everyone is different, so what might work for me - may or may not work for you. I would say on average that I have been a size 12, I have flucuated between an 8 (this was short lived) all the way to an 18 and at points probably fitted into a 20. I am currently sitting at a slight uncomfortable size 16, which for me is a 2 dress sizes above where I feel comfortable. On the whole my family aren't skinny and we all have healthy appetites. I have an hour glass frame and I am 5ft 7", I have always had big boobs too regardless of size but currently I am sitting at a 36GG.
(L-R: Around my slimmest; My Body Happiness; At My Largest (luckily this is the only picture I have and I am wearing all black so probably a bit bigger than this)

Weight vs Size
I wish I had the confidence to disclose my actual weight and I am not sure why but it is something that I am extremley embarrassed about. I am one of these people, who I guess are pretty fortunate enough to weigh A LOT more than I look. There are only 4 people who actually know my real weight and I am pretty sure they still think I weigh less. Obviously the doctors know and I always get the same reaction of "oh I didn't except you to be as heavy as that." I am a size 16 and that is all I am going to say, you never know if I lose the amount of weight that I want to, I may feel better about letting you know my weight. Though if you scroll down to my goal weight loss, I am sure many of you could work it out :)

Looks vs Health
I would be lying if I said that I wasn't going to lose weight for vanity reason, because I do - obviously I want to feel better in my skin which means looking a little trimmer. However, that honestly isn't my main motivator at this current point in time. I need to lose at least 14lb by the 25th February 2013, so that the doctors don't moan at me when I want a repeat perscription of my contraceptive pill - because I had to plead with them last time to give me the pill as I had lost weight from the previous but I hadn't lost as much as they wanted. However, I did have major health problems and was in and out of hospital so they couldn't really have a go :p. I can't go onto a different pill either because the other one which they put me on before sent me a little crazy - not something that I want to put myself through again!
 

Goals
I found this picture on weheartit.com and I think that it is so true. In an ideal world I would love to lose 2 stone in 2 months, but lets face it - that is a little unreasonable. On average I want to lose 2lb a week until I have hit my 36lb target! Obviously I am going to lose weight quicker in the first month then it will slow down but that's just the way it goes, so hopefully as I get fitter I will need to work harder. I also want to run a 5k race in the Summer time, so this weight loss will aid my fitness and hopefully me accomplishing this. But ideally I just want to be able to fit into this dress again: 

(if you don't recognise me, I am the one in the black dress on the right)

Reasons Why I'm Overweight
This one seems pretty obivous to be honest, I am overweight because I eat more than I burn off! But it isn't just that there are habits which I have adopted and consume which cause me to be overweight. 

- I love everything that is calorific and bad for me
- I am really lazy and prefer takeaways/eating out to my own cooking (or someone cooking for me)
- I don't like running or feeling out of breath
- I am a really big emotional eater - Sad/bored/lonely/fed up/cold/content - I eat!
- I hate the way I look in sports clothes/ when I excercise
- My family (household) have bad eating habits and they are hard to break out on your own.

What My Plan Of Action Is

- Stop moaning about my weight and start to do something about it.
- Aim to go to 3 gym classes a week - at least (it has to be gym classes as I am not very self motivating) 
- Religiously use MyFitnessPal (a calorie counting app - also available online myfitnesspal.com)

- Make sure the food that I am putting into my body is nutritional (this will help with my moods as well)
- Limit the amount of takeaways, when I am being lazy! 
- Learn what foods are good for you and what to avoid when eating out
- Keep busy to avoid emotional/boredom eating

Do you know any helpful websites or tips which I could look at? Or if you are dieting/tracking your fitness via your blog - leave you link below!

Have a great day! :)