Will having sexier arms make me happier?

Credit: David Hofmann

We all have things we want to improve. There's a niggling thought that if I could just change x about myself, I would be happier. 

Lately I hate my arms. There's articles like Summer Sexy Arm Workout. We feel better knowing we are taking steps to improve whatever is bothering us. However, we also need to learn to not focus on what we're not happy about. Beauty is more than arms, thighs, bellies and boobs. Our emotions about our body can be about us realising we need to be healthier. 

I'd love to have sexier arms. It is possible, but it means dedication and perseverance. However, there are lots of other goals which I also want to focus on. 

I know I need to cut down on sugar and snacking. Worrying about the cost of living crisis and Ukraine has meant I'm not as clear about what I want or what I'm doing. 

I want to meditate more to clear my mind and provide greater clarity. Sexier arms might make me happier about my arms but it won't resolve the other things in my life that I'm not happy about. 

Using goals as a way to organise my mind has been helpful in the past. There are habits I need to foster again. Maybe I will have sexier arms, but the quest to happiness isn't in arms alone. 

Skincare - finding a new beauty routine

I've been trying new beauty products. It's such a relief there are more paraben and chemical free products available. 

Over time, your skin needs change. We have to adapt and see what works. 

The mix of supplements and vitamins also is an important part of my skin care routine. I've scaled down the cocktail of pills. 

I was using essential oils like immortelle and frankincense with base oils like rosehip oil, grapeseed oil and almond oil. I love them but feel that it is time to step it up.  I've been a fan of Neal's Yard, Sukin and Antipodes. There's a burt's bees exfoliant I use in the shower on an ad hoc basis. I would use almond oil for a mini face massage and do a homemade mask made from yoghurt, honey, ginger, turmeric and honey. 

I've been reading about latest trends and looking at the ingredients in high end products. In the past I used some very expensive brands. Now, I realise that there are affordable options. Q+A and Oleus have a good range. 

I've gradually introduced different products and treatments. 

I started with a collagen face cream as a night cream. I also switched to apricot oil to remove my makeup. 

After a couple of months, I've focused on serums and blemish problems. During the day I use a Vitamin C serum. At night I use a Superfood serum and a blemish repair paste which has some salicylic acid. I also use a charcoal cleanser a few times a week. 

I've invested in a LED light treatment mask. It's a strange experience lying there with this mask on. 

The next phase is trying a hyaluronic acid serum, a bakuchiol serum which is an alternative to retinol, an AHA exfoliating gel and a peptide eye gel. After that, I'll be looking at mask peels. 

It is a bit of trial and error. I think I'm seeing results which is exciting. In the meantime, it's fun trying new things. Also, I find that spending time looking after my skin makes me feel happy and good about myself. 

For years my focus was based more on what I was eating and drinking. Now it's adding in a few routines which might support being beautiful both on the inside and outside. At times it feels indulgent and vain, but the reality is that little comes naturally. I've always had to work hard to achieve my goals. My beauty is just another area of my life that needs attention. 

London Fashion - Designer Window Shopping

Last week I took a stroll down London's Old Bond St. I used to buy magazines to see what was new. It's actually quite interesting to wander by the different store front windows. You see which designers really do stand out and it's much easier to compare them. It's a bit like a fashion catwalk in reverse where you're doing the walking while the models are still and watching you. 

Spring has arrived so the big winter coat is almost ready to be packed away.  I've even started buying shorts ahead of summer. Last year it was almost impossible to find any that I liked as they were all sold out. 

The other week I wore a dress since we had a warmish day. I also was able to wear a new skirt and it's great to be dressing up a little again. Blues and greens seem right for this time of year. I like more flowing looser comfy clothes which have a relaxed weekend feel to them. More pockets is on my wishlist. I have even bought two of the same skirt in the same colour which has great pockets and a dress in two different colours which has pockets. There just aren't enough dresses and skirst with pockets around. 

Every so often I like to wear a pop of colour. Red is great. I wish there were more colours to choose from but these days the shops are a bit unimaginative. 

I like a short dress or skirt with leggings for that 70s vibe. I'm loving leggings and have a few that I adore but I'm always on the look out for more. Most of the leggings I see are for sportswear or their plain dull staples which I have plenty of.  

Smart casual is one of my go to looks. I've yet to buy trousers this season that will be my fun day pick me up. I've always found it hard to buy trousers although I'm a big fan of cargos and have two which will be my staples over the next few months. 

A beret adds a little flair to anything . I have a winter and spring berets which have lasted years. We definitely need more cool casual hats out there. 

Lounge wear became a massive trend with the pandemic and lockdown. I'm so ready to move on from that and put this year behind us. 

My wardrobe has gone through a makeover in the last twelve months. With each passing year, it's not just about trends but about what works for the time of your life and also knowing what you like or suits you after years of shopping. 

Thank goodness many retailers are improving their online shopping experience with free fast delivery and returns, reviews, lots of photoes and a decent range available. It makes shopping way too easy and the good ones, well they keep getting my money. Happy shopping fashion lovers! 

Why I don't crave pizza, burgers and sweets any more

I use to be seriously addicted to pizza, burgers and sweets. Pasta was another favourite. Ten years later and these bad boys aren't foods that I crave any more.

The secret is understanding the physical and psychological needs that we have. Physically your body needs vitamins, minerals and sugar.

Burger = Iron
I realised that when I crave lasagne or a burger or a Bolognese, really I just wanted some iron. A lean piece of steak or lamb does the trick.

Pizza = calcium
When it came to pizza, that was my body not getting enough calcium. I would buy a pizza express from tesco and load it with extra cheese once upon a time. I would drool (and kind of still remember fondly) fugazzetta pizza in Argentina which is a heavenly concoction you must try if you ever go. These days I have full fat cheese and milk throughout the day.

Sweets = energy and / or rest
Sweets and sugar were my energy fix. A good meal was not complete without some pudding. When we visited NYC last year, we did some major donut and cheesecake investigating. You'll also see that I've blogges about macarons, M&M world and afternoon tea. They were one of my great loves. These days, I eat a lot of fruit because it is full of nutrients and fibre. They tend to be my breakfast feast and my afternoon sweet snack. That way I can burn the sugar throughout the day. Exercise makes me want to eat more healthily. It also gives me that lovely endorphin rush that sugar used to provide. Sleep, drinking enough water and being mindful of just needing to rest also help manage energy levels. I tend to want sweets if I haven't slept enough or properly. So just making a point to get rest of sleep makes such a difference. Sugar is addictive so watching what additives are in foods and checking product labels makes a difference.

Psychologically the pizza, burgers and sweets made me feel good. They were habitual. These days I focus on a variety of fruit and vegetables, fish, whole grains like spelt and proteins such as nuts, beans and lean meat.

If I am out to dinner, I will enjoy pizza, a burger or dessert. These occasions are the exception rather than the norm.

I feel so much happier and healthier. It's amazing how being in control of your cravings can help you be more positive and empowered. I've won the battle against pizza, burgers and sweet cravings, if only I didn't have so many other bad habits to kick!

The Duchess of Cambridge - grace, style and beauty

I love Reese Witherspoon's story about meeting the Duchess of Cambridge. Though this was six years ago, everyone still loves Kate. She is a woman of grace, style and beauty. Today she's less about fashion and more about her three super cute children and the many worthy causes she works on.

Meanwhile, London is finally going to get it's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle balcony moment. The Queen's birthday celebrations this week on Saturday from 11am will include the newly weds.

For a look back on some hilarious misbehaving children moments on the balcony, read this article:

• Trooping the Colour: Prince George, Prince Harry, Prince William and more royal children misbehaving at the Queen's birthday

See how the future Queen's story has evolved -when she first got married and it was all about
The Duchess of Cambridge - fashion icon.

If you want to know more about the Queen's birthday celebrations this Saturday, read about Trooping the colour.

Beauty is everywhere

Beauty is all around us. Look up, down and cast your gaze about. Forget about your worries and appreciate what is here and now.

Life is full of so many wondrous things and it is hard not to get bogged down. We are lucky. We live in a time where there is abundance in a civilised society. There are basic human rights.

In parts of the world where it is lacking, benevolent good people seek to redress it.

So why do we still feel a certain discontent? Why do we want more? Why can we not be happy for others and ourselves? 

I believe in progression and growth, but I do despair at the ever diminishing value given to kindness and human decency. People are callous about those who are not their immediate concern. It is an us versus them.

I want to see beauty all around us. I want to hold on to the smiling and laughter. I want to find a way for beauty and happiness to bloom and grow. 

2017 - The Queen's Speech, the future and the home

The Queen's speech reflects the ups and downs of 2017. In her televised Christmas day speech, she mentions the London and Manchester bombings, Grenfell Towers, Prince Phillips' retirement, the Commonwealth and the home. It is reflective and seeks to unify us. The topic of home is what makes this speech remarkable and deserves further consideration. Throughout 2017, home has always been there, but it has been lost for some.

We have spent the year focusing on technology, Brexit and Trump. I wonder though whether we need to think more about the home, our values and how we treat people. What sort of city, country and world are we creating? How will future generations look back upon us? What will they consider to be our greatest achievements and failures? What have we done about poverty and homelessness?

Our journey takes us down many different roads. What road will we take in 2018? Do we see the glass as half empty or half full? What will we prioritise? What will we do for others versus what will we do for ourselves? The secrets to beauty, health and happiness is more than developing a glossy facade. It is more than a moment in time. The secrets to beauty, health and happiness might involve resolutions, but it will also involve perspiration and inspiration. We need to try to think outside of the box, dare to be and do something different.

The world continues to change and evolve. I marvel at the extinction of dinosaurs. They were unable to adapt and now they are a mythical creature for small children to wonder at, for our entertainment in Hollywood movies and one of many exhibits in our museums. As we relax at home on our phones, tablets and computers, let's pause and reflect on what will become of us. What comes next?

Beauty Secrets and Tips

Beauty secrets are a girl's best-friend. And taking care of yourself is important. Some research suggests that it can impact your career and your social life. Here are a few beauty secrets and tips:
 
How to make yourself taller? Wear high heels and slimming clothes. Yoga helps with posture and can be good too.

British Beauty Kate Middleton - Fashion Icon, from the High Street to Designer Labels

Kate Middleton is the next-gen fashion icon. She’s the it girl and the most talked about women in the world and her status as a trend setter is growing exponentially. One UK paper declared before the Royal Wedding that she was a bigger fashion icon than Lady Gaga and Cheryl Cole in the UK.

Save Money with these Beauty Product Discount Promo Codes

If you are running out of your favourite beauty product or need to buy presents, save money and take advantage of the discounts this Easter.

When I Met David and Victoria Beckhams' Manicurist ....

Tips and Tricks for Men and Women on Doing Your Nails - from the manicurist to the Beckhams. 

Beauty Secret - Hair Tip on Baldness

Piers Morgan on CNN has had a few interesting celebrities and tonight it was Rod Stewart. What caught my attention was that he said he kept his hair in good condition by having it trimmed every few weeks and he also put oils on his hair when he was home. At 66 years old, he has an amazing head of hair. I have to admit that I am thinking now I'd better make an appointment for a long overdue trim!

So guys, hit the kitchen. Women, prod your men. 

See my earlier blog on hair beauty secrets - Natural Hair Treatments
Take a look at who Piers has interviewed - Piersmorgan blogs on cnn.com

Natural Hair Treatments

• Olive oil, avocado oil and almond oil are great to give your hair a healthy boost. Leave it in like a treatment for 10 minutes.
  
• Apple cider vinegar - leave it in for 10 minutes under a shower cap to reduce oil and hair feels squeaky clean after.
• Cold water- rinse hair in cold water after your shower / bath. Your hair will have more body and shape.
• TIP - Use a shower cap after applying your conditioner but before you wash it out. The heat helps it absorb better.

Detox - What's it all about?

There are numerous detox solutions in the market, such as the latest hollywood fad of izocleanze, colonics and detox getaways which are uber expensive. We can incorporate it into our lives cheaply and simply. It's a great diet, beauty boost and mood enhancer too!

Pamper yourself - beauty home spas

One of the best ways to pamper yourself is to take a hot bath. I think it might be Reese Witherspoon who said that it was her beauty secret to great skin.

Beauty - Feed your skin

Beauty - it's how we are judged. If you don't take care of yourself, it's much harder to undo.