3 Amazing Post Workout Smoothies

Working out is an important part of my weekly routine, as I am trying to follow a healthier lifestyle, by eating better and getting stronger and fitter. Before working out I try not to eat a lot of food because it will only burden my stomach and make me feel heavy and drowsy. Plus it will mess up my gastric reflex syndrome. I prefer to have some tea and orange juice before my workout because they give me a lot of energy in a natural way. After my workout I am usually very tired; sometimes I can barely walk. However, before having my recuperating mean, I always make myself a smoothie to replenish my energy levels. I make it right away because the most effective time for refuelling the body is within 30 mins of the workout. Depending on how energetic you feel, the bigger energy boost you need, the sweeter your smoothie should be. By sweet I refer to the fruits used for the smoothie. If your energy levels are not that low, you can use vegetables and less sweet fruits. I also love to add half a scoop of my favorite vanilla protein powder (SunWarrior Warrior Blend Raw Vanilla Powder) or 1-2 tsp of my Moon Dusts from Moon Juice. Below I share my 3 favorite post-workout smoothies. I love drinking them as much as I love making them. In all my smoothies I try to include a handful or two of greens because they are so nutritious for the body and it is a way to get my daily portion of greens besides salads. So let’s get started shall we?

Banana and Berry Protein Smoothie

1 handful of greens ( I like kale and spinach)

½ banana ( frozen optional )

¾ of a cup mixed berries ( frozen optional )

1 cup of chilled water

½ scoop of protein powder or 1-2 tsps of Action Moon Dust

1 tsp of flaxseeds

The greens are full with nutrients like mineral, vitamins and fiber. The banana adds potassium and carbs and the berries add antioxidants and fiber.

Orange and Avocado Protein Smoothie

1 handful of greens

2 oranges peeled

½ avocando cored and peeled

1 cup of chilled water

½ scoop of protein powder or 1-2 tsps of Spirit Moon Dust

1 tsp of flaxseeds or spirulina powder

Some of the ingredients are same with the other smoothies, like the greens, protein powder/moon dust and flaxseeds. In this smoothie though, we have oranges and avocado. Oranges and citrusy fruits in general, repair the cell damage that happens during the workout. avocados add protein, potassium and antioxidants. Just remember it has to be quite ripe to have the best flavor.

Tropical Green Protein Smoothie

1 handful of greens

½ mango peeled

1 handful of pineapple chunks

1 apple cored and peeled

1 cup of chilled water

½ scoop of protein powder or 1-2 tsps of Beauty Moon Dust

1 tsp of flaxseeds or chia seeds

Another lovely green smoothie full of antioxidants and vitamins. Apart from the usual greens though we have apple, mango and pineapple, some quite tropical fruits. Mango is a very sweet fruit which is great since its sugar can be converted into energy plus it is full with vitamin C. Pineapple is also sugary and full with vitamin C, but it can also help soothing any stomach pain and its anti-inflammatory properties can help with strained muscles after working out. Lastly, you all know how an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples are great energy boosters, but can also help with digestion and cholesterol.

Remember that in each recipe, you should blend the greens with the water first and then add the rest of the ingredients. I add the flaxseed and protein powder/moon dust at the end. A smoothie is a great way to cool down and recharge after a nice workout session. It could have anything you want from fruits and nuts to vegetables and superfoods. The above recipes are my three favorite post-workout smoothies. While Once I finish my workout, I can’t think of a better way to relax than enjoying one of these smoothies. I would love to know which are your favorite smoothies, so comment down below and share your most beloved recipes. Also, don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@vogueandmacarons) and Twitter (@vogueandmacaron) and say hello!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

DIY CHANEL INSPIRED LAMP

Hello lovelies! I never was a craft-friendly person. I am terrible at drawing and at anything that involves glue, scissors and paint. Therefore, I am not very good at DIY projects, not matter how I excited I am and willing to give them a try. With that in mind, once I found a picture of this Chanel inspired lamp on Pinterest, I instantly fell in love. It is a cute little lamp that can totally transform a plain room and add some character to it. As a fashion blogger, I love anything that is brand related; from mugs and candles to pencils and paintings. This lamp although it looks easy and simple enough to make, it was a bit of a challenge to someone who hasn’t been into DIY projects much. I only just recently started to warm up to the idea of creating bits and bobs on my own for my house.

This lamp is quite easy to make and not demanding at all. You will need a canvas (I chose a rectangular one because I feel it is better for the design and also with some width), some black paint, a brush, a pair of scissors, some LED fairy lights (mine are a 12 pack from IKEA and they are battery-powered), a ruler and a pair of compasses.

STEP 1

For this step you basically design your entwined Cs. Use your ruler to measure the distance of your two Cs from the sides of the canvas. You have to be very specific and careful with your measurements because the Cs must be mirroring each other. After you measure the space and decide where you would be happy with your Cs, use your pair of compasses to design them. It is much easier than what it seems, trust me!

STEP 2

Once you have designed your Cs then you need to paint them. I used an acrylic black paint and I mixed it with some water. I didn’t mix it too much because I like the paint to be a bit on the thicker side. Gently and using a small brush paint the two Cs. It doesn’t matter much how you are going to paint them, but it will look better and less messy if the strokes have the same direction. Once you finishing painting the Chanel logo, let the canvas dry. It will dry pretty fast but I let mine for a couple of hours, just to make sure and to avoid making smudges.

STEP 3

This step is going to be a little harder. Once your painting is completely dry, get your ruler and measure the spots where you are going to put your lights. So if you have 12 fairy lights, you need to space them out equally on the 2 Cs.  With your ruler you will measure equal spaces between every two lights. Once you mark the spots, get your scissors and start creating holes on each spot. You need the scissors as the canvas has fibers that you will have to cut. Carefully start creating the holes. I found that using the pointy tip of my pair of compasses and create many tiny holes at first, makes easier for my scissors to cut through the canvas. In order to avoid making your holes too big, try to insert the fairy light and if it barely fits, then your hole is ready. Once you finish all the holes, just push the lights through them and you are done! Last thing is to put batteries and tuck in the cables at the back of the painting so they are not in the way.

I know it is not a major DIY project but I love its simplicity. It is perfect for the bedroom and living room and it adds a touch of “couture” to every space. You can use other logos if Chanel is not your favorite brand but they have to be logos with plain letters and not full words, because in that case you would need a big canvas and more lights. Plus, it would look so cluttered in my opinion. Also you can use whatever colors you like although, no other color expresses Chanel better than black. What do you guys think of the lamp? If you guys create the lamp or something inspired, upload it on Instagram with the hashtag #mycooldiy. I would love to see what you guys have made! Also don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) to say hi!

 

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

DECEMBER FAVORITES

 Hello everyone and Happy New Year! I wish you all an amazing 2016, where your wildest dreams come true! It has been a bit crazy this past week due to all the celebrations and preparations, so I am a little late with my monthly favorites. December was a lovely month with all the presents and the festive spirit. I got the chance to try some new products that I absolutely loved and can’t wait to share with you guys.

Jo Malone Perfume – French Lime Blossom

Every time I go by Jo Malone’s stand I always feel the urge to smell the amazing perfumes and candles. This year is definitely Jo Malone’s year for me. Not only I got my first candle (see post) but also I got a couple of perfumes. From the beginning, I was in love with the French Lime Blossom perfume. It has a powdery scent and it reminds me of something clean and fresh, like soap. I know it doesn’t seem like much but I absolutely love that scent. It makes me feel peaceful, like I am in a fresh meadow on a spring day. I love it when I can associate a perfume to something so stress relieving. It is not overwhelming or too strong. I love the perfume so much, that I am considering getting the candle too at some point.

Charlotte Tilbury – Charlotte’s Magic Cream

I got this cream in Charlotte Tilbury holiday set “The gift of Goddess” (see review). Having heard so many amazing things about Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty and skin care products, I have wanted to try them for a while now. I got the cream in a small size and I tried it right away. It’s amazing; such a moisturizing cream with a nice thick texture. It smells lovely (like a rose), and it doesn’t make my face oily at all. You only need to apply a little bit, which means my small pot will last. I love how smooth and fresh my face feels afterwards, especially now in the winter where it gets quite dry.

Michael Kors Camille Small Leather Satchel in black

I was looking for a nice everyday bag for a couple of months now. Since I don’t have a light grey bag, I was after that color. I think it’s very neutral and I can wear it daily all year round. I never had a Michael Kors bag before, but I always liked his designs, as they are modern and sophisticated. However, I couldn’t find the style and size I wanted in light grey. I was really bumped, but then I came across the Camille satchel in black and I was in love. It is such a cute bag, with the perfect size for daily use. It has a strap, many compartments and the leather is so soft. It was simply perfect. My mom surprised me by getting it for me for Christmas! Black is the perfect color that matches with everything. It is not the color I wanted, but it is a basic, neutral color which is what I was going for bottom line. The size is just great; apart from daytime, I can get it for a dinner or a drink as well. It is not really small, and it can accommodate everything I carry with me daily plus an umbrella in case of rain. An absolutely ideal bag!

Klurskin cleanser with jojoba and coconut

As I have mentioned before, I am a skin care hoarder. I love skin care products and I am always looking for something new that will freshen up and improve my skin. Although I do like all the major cosmetics and skin care brands, lately I am interested more and more into smaller, indie skin care brands. They are local and use natural ingredients. Klurskin is a LA based brand that creates non-toxic products that nourish the skin. This cleanser is aloe based and 75% organic. It has coconut milk and jojoba oil. It is in a gel form and has a pleasant scent. It is very gentle and cleanses the skin well; however, I don’t use it when I have a lot of make up on my face because I feel I need something stronger. I love how much it actually hydrates my skin. It doesn’t only cleanse it and removes all the dirt, but it also hydrates it and makes it look fresher and calmer afterwards. Such a nice, organic cleanser!

Laura Mercier Ambre and Vanille body soufflé

I got Laura Mercier’s Sweet Temptations Ambre and Vanille holiday set because I was very excited to try the body products. Everybody is raving about how lovely they are, so when I saw the holiday set, I just had to get it. I am not going to mention the entire set, as there will be a review about it up soon, but I have to admit that the body lotion is my favorite product. I absolutely love it! It has an amazing scent that makes me feel like I am a vanilla cookie, and it deeply moisturizes my skin. It has a thick texture therefore, you don’t need a lot. Its scent lingers for a couple of days on my skin which is wonderful. This body soufflé is just perfect. From the scent to the feeling, it is amazing. I know for sure that once I finish it I will repurchase the full size.

Topshop Betty Star boots

I am not going to talk a lot about those boots because there will be a review of them up the blog soon. I got the Topshop Betty Star boots only recently but I am in love with them already. The heel height is perfect for me for every day and for a casual night out as well. I love how they are simple but the golden stars in the back add some spice to them. They are basic black ankle boots but with a twist. I have worn them twice so far and I love them! Stay tuned for a more thorough review J

H&M nail polish in Red Over Heels shade

You guys already know how much I love H&M’s new nail polishes. I have a whole review of them where I am raving about how fast they dry and how long the last (see review). For the holidays I wanted a true red color, so I can be a little festive myself. I went for the Red Over Heels shade, because it is a lovely deep, yet not too dark, red. It doesn’t have any orange undertone. I was so happy with my choice. They nail polish was lovely like all the H&M ones and it was perfect for the holiday season. I don’t usually go for red nails but I was so happy I did this year!

YSL Rouge pur Couture lipstick in the shade 201

I got this lipstick in a magazine, so I didn’t purchase it myself. I never had a YSL lipstick so I didn’t have an opinion about them. I was happy to find that the lipstick was in a bright red shade, because red is one of my favorite lip colors. The shade itself is quite lovely; bright red with orange undertone. Something I don’t really have. I tried it on and I was surprised at how lovely it looks. It’s creamy and moisturizing, which I really like, since my lips are quite dry. It is matte with a satin finish. It didn’t sit in my lip lines and it lasted for a quite a while. I really love this lipstick, as it is festive and the sample size of it is just too cute! I am very pleasantly surprised with this YSL lipstick, because I liked the texture, the color and the longevity. Also it has a rose scent. Highly recommend the YSL Rouge pur Couture lipstick!

I was so blessed to get my hands on some amazing things on December. I absolutely love each and every thing mentioned in this post. From the bag and the shoes to the lipstick and the body lotion, all these products are simply wonderful. They stole my heart on December and they earned their place in my monthly favorites list. I recommend them all. Don’t forget to pop over my Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) and say hello! With 2015 gone, I am very excited for what 2016 has in store! Happy New Year to everyone with lots of love!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM

Following my previous post, Christmas Gift Guide for Her, this post is going to be a Christmas Gift Guide for Him. It is a suggestion of what I consider great Christmas presents for the special guys in your life. I am so excited for the gift guide posts, because I love sharing lovely things I would definitely get for the people I care about. You guys already know how much I enjoy getting gifts for the people I love, so these posts are really fun for me and hopefully for you too! I always found shopping for a guy much harder than for a girl, mostly because I am quite unfamiliar with what a guy might like, plus guys have a smaller variety of categories of products they use. However, in this gift guide I have picked out some pretty cool things that I believe they would put a big smile on that special someone’s face.

Photo credit: www1.bloomingdales.com

A perfume set is always a lovely and safe choice of a present.  I love perfumes, especially the male ones, because I love strong scents just like my mom. I absolutely love Dior’s Sauvage Coffret gift set. It features Dior’s newest perfume (yes the one with the Johnny Depp ad), which just happens to be amazing. Also it has the aftershave lotion, which is perfect for grooming and a small pocket spray you can actually refill. It is great for carrying around or travelling. I know it’s on the pricey side but it is truly an amazing and luxurious gift. Dior perfumes are among my favorite ones!

Photo credit: http://www.sephora.com

Another gift I consider very important for a guy, would be a shaving kit. I love getting my boyfriend different shaving kits so he can try out a few products from the range of different brands and decide the one which works best for him. The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave Carry-On from The Art of Shaving, is one of my personal favorites. I got this for my boyfriend and he really enjoyed it. This kit is the carry on version which is half price from the regular one, and the products are travel sized. I believe it is a good introduction to the brand and in case it doesn’t work 100% for your guy, he can just keep the set for travelling purposes. The set has a pre-shave oil, a shaving cream, an after shave balm and a shaving brush. It basically is a complete set of everything necessary for the perfect shave! I really love the shaving brush; it adds such a splash of luxury and pampering. The set comes in an unscented version and in a lavender-scented one. But just to be fair, if your guy is on the beardy side, you could get him a beard grooming kit. I would recommend Jack Black’s Beard Grooming kit which contains an all over wash, a beard oil, a beard conditioning lube and a beard comb. My boyfriend has used Jack Black’s products before and he always was satisfied. The price is a plus as well!

Photo credit: http://www.aesop.com

While we are still in the grooming-pampering area, I believe another great Christmas gift would be a skin care set. A good skin care routine is not only a female issue; men should take good care of their skin as well. I would recommend Aesop’s Collective Care for Combination Skin. It’s a lovely set that consists of a face cleanser, a balancing toner and a rehydrating cream. Aesop is a skin care brand with plant-based products. I haven’t tried the brand yet although I am about to get my first product soon and I can’t wait. It has amazing reviews and it is highly recommended. I know it is quite pricey, but it will be a luxurious set that your special man will definitely enjoy!

Photo credit: http://www.playstation.com, http://www.amazon.com

Moving on from grooming products, I don’t know a single guy who does not love video games. I know it may sound such a cliché, but boy oh boy do they love video games! Mine does for sure. So it goes without saying that a video game related gift would be amazing! Since I am totally clueless when it comes to video games (I only have a Wii and Mario games), I would recommend 2 different game related gifts. First a Playstation Plus subscription sounds amazing. For a yearly subscription, he could get free games, discounts and game trials. I don’t know much but this sounds quite lovely! My second recommendation would be a 2-part gift; a game of your choice and an extra controller. How cool would that be right? I have no idea about games to recommend one from personal experience, but Fallout 4 is quite hyped and I really like the DualShock 4 Wireless controller in black color. This little duo would be an excellent gift for a PS lover.

Photo credit: http://www.amazon.com

Another lovely and vintage style present would be a Polaroid ZIP Mobile Printer. This little gadget that I have been lasting over for ages, allows you to print pictures from your phone on paper like an instant camera. I am really into the whole self-printing technology that is quite trending lately. I have a Fujifilm Instax camera and I absolutely love it. I like how all the pictures we snap on a daily basis on our phones, instead of keeping them in our computers or phones forever, we can print them out and put them around us so we can cherish the memories they bring. I find this gift really amazing. Just don’t forget to get a little pack of paper to go along with the printer!

Photo credit: http://www.selfridges.com, http://www.urbanoutfitters.com

The list gift I would recommend, as I did in the Hers gift guide, would be a big stocking filled with lovely smaller gifts. Imagine his surprise when he opens the stocking and finds all the little goodies inside. You could fill it in with Selfridges Men Grooming Kit, which 8 travel size products, a razor and of course the travel bag. This kit is so cute and it has everything a man needs when traveling from shaving to showering and moisturizing. Another lovely gift would be a leather wallet-phone case like Urban Outfitter’s Understated Leather Wallet Case. You can carry your phone, cards and cash plus I really like the color of it the design of the moon on the front. Such a pretty and masculine case. Or how about his own Makerskit Mason Cocktail Kit by Urban Outiftters which includes everything needed to make your own cool cocktails! As a huge mug lover, there are so many lovely mugs you could get as stocking fillers like this cool Star Wars mug from Urban outfitters. I love Star Wars and I have to admit Darth Vader is ultra cool! Or how about this Brooklyn Brew Shop Beer Making Kit by Urban Outfitters, which includes almost everything he needs to make his own beer. Now how cool does this gift round, right? There are so many amazing things out there you guys could use to fill your big stocking; just don’t forget the Christmas candy!

I absolutely love Christmas; it is my favorite time of the year. I love the gift giving spirit and how happy people are once they receive their gifts. All the above gifts sound so amazing and I would love to get my special man something from above. As a matter of fact I have already decided which one I will get him 😉 I hope you enjoy my gift guide for Him and if you have a special girl and you are looking for gift ideas, you should check out my Christmas Guide for Her post. Are any of those gifts on your wish list or do you even have any of these and if so what do you think of them? Also don’t forget to pop over Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) and Instagram (@blueberrylover) and say hi!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE FOR HER

 

 

 

With Christmas only a few weeks away, it’s this lovely time of the year again where we buy gifts for our loved ones, and share the holiday spirit! I love getting gifts for all my family and friends more than getting stuff for myself. Although many of you like to get your gifts quite early and have a stress-free countdown to Christmas, I am quite naughty and I always end up getting my gifts on the very last-minute, which completely stresses me out. Therefore, this year I decided not only to get my presents earlier than usual but also to suggest some pretty cool gifts for your favorite ones! I am so excited since this is my very first Christmas gift guide post and I really can’t wait to share with you guys some lovely things I have picked out.

Photo credit: http://lutecia.ge

A perfume set is always a lovely idea for a present. I absolutely love perfumes! Who doesn’t right? Valentino’s Valentina Eau de Parfum set is perfect! I am quite picky when it comes to perfumes but I am in love with Valentina. It is such a sexy and feminine yet fresh scent, that you can’t go wrong with. This set is great as it also contains the body lotion. Layering the perfume on top of the body lotion will make the scent last longer and be more intense. And how cute is that box right?

Photo credit: http://www.lauramercier.com

In the whole spirit of layering and smelling amazing, another great gift and personal favorite is Laura Mercier’s Sweet Temptations Ambre Vanille Luxe Body Collection. I actually got this set for myself and it is amazing! The set has a body wash, body lotion (or soufflé), perfume and honey bath, all with the Ambre Vanille scent. Everything is so pretty. You can use the body wash for a quick shower or the honey bath, which is a best-selling product, for a more relaxing bath. Then layer the body soufflé (which is brilliant!) and the perfume. The scent is quite sweet but not in a sickening way. Such an amazing gift!

Photo credit: http://www.net-a-porter.com

Since we all know how important skin care is to girls – and it should be to guys as well – I find that a luxurious skin care set would be a great gift to your special someone! There are so many out there that I can’t wait to get my hands on, but Sarah Chapman’s Facial In a Box set has really stand out to me. It is a lovely set of 5 products, including a 3-D mask and 2 professional cleansing mitts. It is such a lovely introduction to the brand and such a luxurious set. Using these products will make you feel like you are being pampered in a spa.

Photo credit: http://shop.lomography.com

In an era where we capture every moment on our phones and cameras, what a better gift than a lovely camera that ties the old with the new. Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 is a wonderful present for everyone; boy or girl. I have the bigger one and I absolutely love it. However, it is quite heavy and big which makes it really hard to fit it in my purse and carry it around all the time. The Mini 8 is a cute camera that immediately develops the pictures taken. It has a vintage vibe combined with modern design. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors. I personally love the powdery blue one! Don’t forget to get a pack of film!

Photo credit: http://www.diptyqueparis.com

As a proper candle-addict, I believe that Diptyque’s Seasonal Candle Set is another amazing gift. Diptyque’s candles are just wonderful. They smell amazing and last forever, plus they are perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere. This seasonal set includes 5 mini candles with different scents which is amazing. It is a perfect introduction to the world of luxurious candles. I have a review of my favorite Diptyque scent, that you guys should check out!

Photo credit left to right: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.anthropologie.com

The last gift I would recommend is a little bit more complicated. Personally, whenever I get gifts for my people I always like to get a couple of gifts instead of just one. I don’t know why but I just love the moment when the present is unwrapped and there are more presents in it. Like the babushka dolls! Therefore, I believe a big stocking filled with many small gifts would be a great gift itself. You could fill the stocking with a book, like Madeline Shaw’s Get the Glow book for the healthy eater, or Jemma Kidd’s Jemma’s Makeup Secrets for the makeup addict one! Great stocking filler could also be a cute little journal like Urban Outfitter’s Oh Snap leather journal, along with some cute stationary. This Gold Monogram Mug from Anthropologie would also make a lovely stocking filler. You can add any bits and bobs you like and personalize the present which makes it even more perfect! Don’t forget the Christmas candy!

Christmas is my favorite time of the year! The holiday spirit is just everywhere and everyone is happy and cheerful. I love that is a gift giving period, because buying presents for my loved ones is ony of my favorite things and it makes me very happy. On my Christmas gift guide for her, I am sharing some ideas of presents for your favorite girls; mom, aunt, sister, bff or loved one!! I personally love all those things; I even have some of them and the ones I don’t have, I really want to get! Following this post, there will be a Christmas gift guide for Him, with some nice gift ideas for the special guys in your life, so stay tuned! Are any of those gifts on your wish list or do you even have any of these and if so what do you think of them? Also don’t forget to pop over Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) and Instagram (@blueberrylover) and say hi!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

 

NOVEMBER FAVORITES

 

 

November and autumn – which is my favorite season – might be gone, but December has set in, with Christmas just around the corner. Since it’s the end of the month, I have done a roundup of my most loved and used products! This is so exciting, as it is also my first “monthly favorites” post and I can’t wait to share with you guys everything that really got in my heart this month. I am going to mention not only my beauty favorites, but also my fashion ones as well as some random things!

Beauty – Skincare – Hair care

As a nail polish hoarder, I fell in love with H&M new nail polishes (see full review). Reinventing its beauty department, H&M came up with a new nail polish line, which looks higher end than their usual nail polishes and is a bit more expensive. However, they are absolutely amazing! I am completely converted. They are easy to apply, they dry in merely 5 minutes and they last for a little over a week with minor chipping. Also they so shiny you don’t even need to apply a top coat. I can’t say enough good words about them! I have already got 6 colors and I intend to get more, since the variety is huge!

I absolutely love Burberry’s Velvet foundation (see full review). It is very light and watery, so it is easy to apply and has a sheer, velvet finish. It blends in to my skin in such an easy way, that I can’t even tell I am wearing anything. I really love the sheer finish, especially for every day casual makeup because it doesnt burnden my skin. This foundation has by far the sheerest coverage I have seen. I love how the shade I have has a rosy undertone which is perfect for my pale, pinkish skin. In total, it is a wonderful foundation, perfect for those who seek something sheer and light.

Another makeup monthly favorite is my Anastasia Beverly Hills clear brow gel. Up until recently I was using either a pencil or a shadow for my eyebrows. Lately though, I started using my ABH sample sized clear brow gel and I am in love. I know it is just a clear gel but I love how it sets my eyebrows in a perfect way. They look naturally full and groomed and you can’t see the imperfections and sparse areas.

I got Lancôme’s Renergie Lift Multi Action from a magazine and I decided to give it a try. I am so glad i did! It is amazing. Although it has anti-aging properties, for me it does wonders in moisturizing my skin. It is quite thick, almost like butter and it is absorbed instantly from the skin. I find my face so smooth the following morning and it looks clear and bright. I am very surprised with this cream and very happy I came across it. It is part of my nighttime routine now!

Moroccanoil hair treatment (see full review) is my holy grail! I had heard so many great things about it that I decided to give it a go. This product is simply amazing. I use only a pump for my entire hair and it makes my hair incredibly soft. Also my hair is easier to detangle. I am so shocked at how good this product is. All these reviews weren’t lying. You only need a little bit and your hair will be so nourished, soft and shiny. Definitely a favorite!

Fashion

My Public Desire over the knee boots (see full review) is my favorite pair of shoes for this month. They are so comfortable and pretty. They have a lovely fit, even though they are a bit big around my thighs, and they look so sexy. I love over the knee or thigh high boots. They look good with everything, either jeans or skirts and dresses, and they can be worn for a casual look or a fancier nighttime one. So perfect!

I absolutely love this ASOS black and red checkered coat. It is so pretty and because it has a biker jacket style, there is a rock vibe to it that I find very cool. I love how it’s black but the red checkered lines are so discreet. It is woollen so it’s very warm and has huge pockets which is perfect for when I am lazy and I don’t want to carry a bag with me. Also the detachable black furry collar makes it even cooler and warmer, plus it adds some sophistication which is perfect for the nighttime.

These H&M jumpers are simply amazing. I love how they are so long that can be worn with leggings or opaque tights alone. They are very warm but not woolen (wool itches my skin). Also they have the distressed detail at the bottom which adds some spice to the otherwise ordinary jumper. I have both of the colors they come in: grey and white-grey. They are so flattering and perfect for winter!

 Lifestyle

I am a proper book-worm! I love reading books more than watching movies because while I am reading a book, I become creative and built the stories and the characters in my head. I feel like I am living the story myself. Although I have over 50 unread books in my library, I just can’t stop buying new ones. I am a book-addict! Lately I have been reading the 7 Letters from Paris book and I like it a lot. It is a romantic novel about a woman who met the love of her life at Paris and let him go. 20 years later, after a failed marriage, she goes back to Paris to find that one love and apologize to him! I am a sucker for love stories, what can I say! I recommend this book to all the romantic souls out there!

I absolutely love my Diptyque Violette candle (see full review). I don’t have much to say, since I already have a post raving about it, but this has to be the best candle I have ever used. Like it is amazing! It has a powdery, discreet scent that makes me feel calm and happy. I loved this so much, that I actually finished it in merely a month and repurchased it immediately!

I am so excited to share all the things I loved this past month with you guys. Either they are makeup and skin care or fashion and lifestyle, those things took a special place in my heart and made November a much better month for me! Do you have any of the things mentioned above and if so how do you feel about it? I would love to hear from you guys and also don’t forget to pop over Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) and say hi!

 

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

Tips for weightloss and a healthier lifestyle

 

 

Photo Credit: www.news.gr

As someone who has always struggled with weight issues, I have recently decided to follow a healthier lifestyle, not just in order to lose some weight, but also in order to feel better emotionally and physically. We all know that excess weight is not just an appearance issue – that’s the least important “problem” in my opinion – but mainly a health (emotional and physical) issue. Due to my weight, I was always quite insecure. I didn’t have huge self – confidence and in general, I wasn’t at peace with myself. Along with my emotions, my very own body was not feeling well; many problems just emerged to make things worse. About half a year ago I finally decided, with a strong will, to change my life. This is something I was contemplating from time to time but never really made up my mind about it. But as we all know, change is never easy; you can’t change your entire life habits overnight. Also when change is not drastic but slower, it is steadier and long-lasting.

When people hear about “healthier lifestyle” and “losing weight”, they immediately think of exhausting and depriving diets. However, I believe that you don’t have to go on extreme ways and starve yourself or merely deprive everything you enjoy. You just need to bring a new word to your life: moderation! So here there is a list of tips for a slow and easier change. Don’t forget that you should always adjust any plan you follow to your own preferences and needs and never follow a universal plan, because more likely it won’t work for you perfectly.

1. Drinks: Do’s and Dont’s

When it comes to what you should or shouldn’t drink, things are quite simple. Drink a lot of water. Not only because water hydrates the body but also because it actually helps with the fat burn! Experts say to drink about 2 Liters per day. I find that a little bit hard but I always try to drink about 1.5 lt. In order to keep an eye on it, I have a nice little bottle which I refill. Next to that it is very helpful to have some tea. Either green tea or detox tea. There are so many detox teas out there. I personally love Skinnymint Tea and Your Tea. I find my metabolism works better when I include tea in my every day diet. Higher metabolism means easier fat burn. Of course you can also drink coffee. I don’t like coffee really so tea works perfect! Also drink juices and smoothies. I can’t even explain how good for the body a smoothie is. Especially when you are not huge fruit eaters, a juice or smoothie is a great way for your daily fruit intake. There are hundreds of recipes in books and blogs. Check out my post about a few of my favorite smoothies (see post). A big don’t however, are soft drinks. Soft drinks are horrible for the body; full of sugar and carbs. I haven’t had a soft drink in a year and I haven’t missed it at all. Instead of soft drinks just go for a healthy, sweet juice! You will feel much better afterwards trust me!

2. Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner

Well when it comes to the basic meals of the day it’s really up to everyone’s preferences. I know experts say we should have many small meals during the day for our metabolism to be high but that doesn’t really work for me. So what I do is this: I have a nice breakfast and then one meal; preferably a late lunch or an early dinner. In the middle of the day I’ll have a healthy snack. For breakfast there are so many amazing options: granola (my homemade granola recipe), oatmeal, fruit salad, egg sandwich, and muesli are some of them. For lunch or dinner I plan my meals. I don’t like eating meat a lot, as it’s not very healthy, so I prefer having fish like salmon and seafood along with a salad or mashed potatoes. I do have meat, usually chicken and pork. I also love beans and lately I am getting into soups. They can keep me full, hydrated and are easily digestible. In general, it will help you a lot to have a weekly meal plan. Therefore, you won’t be discouraged at preparing your own food. Also you should have an early dinner so it will be digested by the time you sleep. Prefer to have vegetables and fishes instead of pasta and meat.

3. Pasta – bread – rice

This is an easy one. Just by simply switching from white bread, pasta and rice to whole grain ones, you will help your body a lot. You will lose weight and lower your sugar levels. Whole grain food is not only for diabetics; it is good for everyone. It also tastes the same. You can have a diet full with everything you like to eat (no junk food though!) and simply switch to whole grain pasta and that will be enough to lose weight and improve your health.

4. Sugar – Fast food

I am pretty sure this needs no explanation. Instead of telling you to cut sugar and fast food completely, I would advise you to just cut down the quantities you have. If you wish to order some take out, go ahead but do not do it for more than 2 times a month. As far as sugar is concerned, instead of buying processed sweets from the supermarket, why don’t you bake your own goodies. Because they are homemade with pure ingredients you picked yourself, they will be a much healthier choice. That saying, your quantity should be cut down as well. You can’t have a slice of cake or a chocolate bar per day and expect to lose weight. Besides the weight implications, sugar affects the emotions as well. When I quit sugar for 10 whole days, I noticed a change in my mentality. I was not as irritable and easily aggravated as before. Also you can switch refined sugar for brown sugar, coconut sugar, stevia, honey or agave syrup. All these are sweet enough and much healthier, especially stevia and agave syrup which are herbal.

5. Nuts, grain and superfoods

A perfect snack between meals, would be nuts! Nuts are a great source of protein that can fill you up and sustain you till your next meal. Carry some around you for a quick charge! Grains are amazing! Very beneficial for the body as well as the emotions! You can have grains in homemade granola and muesli or in the yogurt and smoothies. I have a post where I mention how important grains and nuts us (see post). Lastly superfoods are an important trend that is very big all over the world nowadays. They are basically ingredients you can add from your tea and smoothie, to your granola and even your baked chicken! Spirulina powder from seaweed, acai berry powder, ground flaxseed, goji berries, turmeric and some of those which belong in the superfood category! Those are natural types of food that come straight from the earth and are packed with amino acids, protein and other components which are important for the body.

Leading a healthy lifestyle is quite difficult but not impossible. Every change, in order to be permanent, has to be slow and solid. Any quick, flash diets are bound to fail. The above are merely some personal tips that will make the process easier, but they have to be adjusted to your needs and goals. A healthy diet is not a diet of deprivation but of modesty. Eat a little bit of everything, cut down unhealthy habits like junk food, drink lots of water, tea and smoothies and your health will improve. All this in combination with exercise, will have some amazing results. I exercise around 3-4 times a week depending on my time and mood and only for a couple of hours per time. I don’t go to great extends when I am in the gym. Take your time and create your meal and exercise plan and stick to it. You will feel healthier and happier in no time. Which are your tips and pieces of advice for a healthier life? Share down below and don’t forget to pop over Instagram (@blueberrylover) and Twitter (@vickyinlalaland) and say hi!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

 

NUTRIENT BOOSTERS: NUTS AND SEEDS

 

We all know how beneficial fruits and vegetables are for a healthy body. However, they are not the only natural nutrient boosters out there. Seeds and grains are equally important for a healthy and balanced diet. Adding a few chia seeds or sunflower seeds to a smoothie or a granola can make a huge difference on the boost your body will get. I was never a fan of seeds or grains; not because I didn’t like them but because I never really put any thought to them. They were some sort of decorations to a food and not an actual food themselves. However, once I made up my mind to follow a healthier lifestyle, I did some research on how to improve my diet instead of completely changing it and I found out how wrong I was about poor seeds and nuts. They are anything but insignificant! Let’s take a better look at them shall we?

• Chia seeds

Those little seeds that seem to be trending everywhere lately are actually extremely beneficial! They are a source of omega-3 fatty acids that protect the skin of sun damage and reduce inflammation. They also have protein which is important for healthy hair and nails and are full with fiber that can reduce bloating. They don’t have any taste really and you can add them to smoothies and juices or even create your won chia pudding. Once you mix them with liquid, they puff up and turn into a gelatin mixture that also keeps you full for longer. Perfect for breakfast or even for a quick snack!

• Oats

Oh those misunderstood oats; I used to absolutely hate them. I couldn’t understand what was tasty and cool about them and why people ate them for breakfast. Then I started to use them in my Homemade Granola (see post) recipe and I fell in love with them. Now, having porridge for breakfast is my absolute favorite. Oats are rich in fibers which keeps the body full and energetic. They are low in fat and cholesterol and high in manganese, which is important for strong hair and nails. They have selenium which is an anti-aging factor and improves skin’s elasticity. They also balance sugar levels and can ease anxiety. They can help balance the mood, all thanks to vitamin B. You can toss them in a blender and make a nice smoothie or make your own granola, porridge and oatmeal. In general they are the ideal breakfast but you can also use them in cooking to coat meat and fish before baking. If you are gluten intolerant don’t forget to get gluten-free oats!!

• Flaxseed

Flaxseed is a miracle booster! Flaxseed belongs in a category of seeds called, linseeds which are packed with vitamin B, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. These are anti-inflammatory and help with the fat burning (fat is a sort of inflammation). I love use a tsp or two in my morning smoothie! Also rich in fiber they help with digestion and all sorts of stomach aches that come from indigestion. I have gastric reflex syndrome and I find it quite helpful when I add it to my smoothies.  You can add flaxseed anywhere; from smoothies to yogurt, granola and muesli. Just make sure to get the ground form as the proper seed ones are not digested and absorbed from the body.

• Nuts (almonds and Brazilian nuts)

Nuts are a whole category of their own. They are packed with protein, vitamin E and B and fats which is why we should be careful of the quantities we use. A handful is more than enough. They are perfect for cakes, muesli, granola, porridge and as a snack on their own. If you have sudden cravings it’s a good idea to carry some with you so you can have a healthy yet filling snack. Out of all the nuts, my favorite ones are almonds and Brazilian nuts. Almonds are rich in vitamin B and magnesium which helps with the mood changes and stress, calcium which aids with sleep and relaxation and vitamin E which boosts immunity. You can use them as toppings in salads, muesli and yogurt. Also don’t forget almond milk and butter which are perfect substitutes to the animal based ones. Brazilian nuts, are rich in magnesium and vitamin B like almonds, but also contain selenium which helps with anxiety and has anti-aging properties, and zinc which helps with the hormone levels. You can also use them in salads and as toppings from breakfast to desserts. It’s better to buy your nuts raw and not roasted and soak them overnight before you intend to snack on them so they are easily digestible.

• Pumpkin and sesame seeds

Those two different seeds are the latest addition to my pantry. I love using them in my homemade granola as well as in baking. Pumpkin seeds are the best source of zinc, which has anti-inflammatory properties and also promotes stronger hair and nails. They are also a great source for amino acids that help with anxiety and stress. They can help you wind down after a stressful day. Of course they have omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B and A, and loads of other goodies. Sesame seeds are very rich in calcium and magnesium both of which help with anxiety and stress. They have vitamin B1 and vitamin B6 that help promote a healthier nervous system and cal also relief the symptoms of PMS. You can add them everywhere; from Asian style dishes and humus to cookies, bread and bagels.

Although this post may seem long and full with terms, the bottom line is that you don’t have to base upon fruits and veggies for a healthy body and mind. You can also add nuts and seeds to your diet and you will get many benefits. They are great for strong hair, nails and younger skin, but also for a more relaxed and stress-free mind. They way I look at it, it’s a “Kill two birds with one stone” kind of thing. Which are your favorite recipes (smoothies, salads, anything!) with seeds and nuts? Comment down bellow or even share them on Instagram with the hashtag #mynuttyboost. I will go through your pictures and give them thumbs up! Don’t forget to pop over to my Twitter (@Vickyinlalaland) and Instagram (@blueberrylover) and say hello!

 

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

MY 3 MORNING SMOOTHIES

From left to right: Strawberry Supercharge, Pear and Pineapple Detox, Berry Booster

“Smoothies can transform your health”. That’s something we hear everyday from many people; from doctors and nutritionists to actors and celebrities. A smoothie per day can cover our body’s needs in fruits and vegetables. Since I can remember my self, I was a fruit lover, a vegetable hater and I had one massive sweet tooth. However, a few months ago, I decided it was about time to turn to a healthier lifestyle and this naturally means increased daily intake of fruits and veggies. As it is a bit difficult from a veggie hater to become a veggie lover, I realized that through juices or smoothies, I can still get everything a vegetable can provide in a much easier and less processed way.  I love how smoothies can help with everything: from losing weight and being healthier, to looking amazing and having a better mentality. Although you can enjoy a smoothie whenever you wish frankly, I love to have mine at the beginning of the day in order to cleanse my body and have a healthy jump-start. Here I chose to share 3 of my favorite smoothies which, besides being delicious, they are also very good for you!

 

Strawberry Supercharge

This smoothie is packed with lots of vitamins and will give you a perfect energy boost to start your day. Don’t forget apples are a natural source of sugar 😉   (Recipe from : The Juice Bar)

Ingredients

1 ½ cup hulled strawberries

½ cup of pomegranate seeds

2 red apples

Some crushed ice (optional)

Simple as cake, all you need to do is to feed all the ingredients through a blender and pour the drink in a glass with or without ice.

Pear and Pineapple Detox

This smoothie is purely amazing! Perfect for detoxing, pears are full of antioxidants which also boost our immune system and help with fighting off diseases like the flu.    (Recipe from: 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse)

Ingredients

2 handfuls of greens (spinach, lettuce, chard etc)

1 pear

1 small apple

250g of pineapple

150g ice (or water)

Another simple recipe, you place the greens and the water in the blender first, and after you blend them for 10 seconds you add the rest of the ingredients.

Berry Booster

This smoothie is perfect for the skin. It hydrates it but also helps with blemishes and even wrinkles, all due to the berries full with vitamin C.    (Recipe from: The Juice Bar)

Ingredients

1 cup of strawberries

1 ½ cups of mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)

200 ml water (or ice)

For this recipe once again you mix all the ingredients together with the water or ice and then pour your smoothie in a nice cup!

I absolutely love smoothies. They are tasty, easy to make and packed with lots of goodies for our bodies. Having a smoothie in the morning is the perfect healthy jump-start for my day, as it gives me energy and keeps me full so no snacking until lunch! It’s an important step towards the healthier lifestyle I am trying to adopt. Those 3 smoothies are my favorite ones but don’t limit yourselves to them. That’s the great thing about them; you can improvise and create new and delicious ones based on your preferences! I would love to know your favorite smoothies and also if you try one from my favorite smoothies, snap a pic and upload it on Instagram with the hashtag #myperfectsmoothie!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky

JO MALONE OR DIPTYQYE?

 JO MALONE OR DIPTYQUE?

I always loved candles! There is something relaxing and soothing in the air when there is a lovely candle burning in the room. The scent is all over the space and it makes the tension disappear at once. Because of this love I have for candles, in the last couple of years, I have evolved into a great candle hoarder. I have about two dozen candles of all shapes and sizes and possibly a dozen candle holders to go with.  Yankee Candle have been my favorite brand for years and almost all my candles are Yankee ones, however, recently I felt the need to get myself a more high-end candle. There are two brands that are increasingly popular for their candles; Jo Malone and Diptyque. It seems that everyone talks about them lately and you can basically find them in every youtuber’s and blogger’s house. The choice was so hard, since both brands have a variety of amazing scents, so I decided to pick one of each.

Photo credit: Nordstrom

When I smelled Jo Malone’s Peony and Blush Suede, it was love at first sniff! That candle is gorgeous! It has such a subtle, flowery scent that is very relaxing and calming. It has a lovely packaging with a cute black bow on the top and it comes with a pack of long, black matches to light it up. I also really like the box, as it looks luxurious and it can be used as storage space or simply for decoration. It was at 53 Euros (58.40 $) for 200g and it is supposed to burn for 45 hours.

Photo credit: Diptyque Paris

Although I liked a few different scents from Jo Malone, it was a little harder to pick a few good ones at Diptyque; not because the candles didn’t smell nice but because most of the scents were not my cup of tea. One that really caught my nose’s attention, was Violette. That must be the loveliest scent I have ever smelled. It is quite strong but not overwhelming; even when the candle was still in the box, my whole room smelled like it. It is a powdery flowery scent that lingers in the room and for some reason makes me smile by bringing up happy memories in my head. I can’t really explain it; basically, it is a candle that makes me smile! It doesn’t have a lid unlike Jo Malone’s, but in the box it comes with a little booklet that shows the entire process of making the candle, which I find really interesting. It gives the impression of a brand that is indeed specialized in the art of making candles. Another bonus was that the lady at the counter threw in a couple of perfume samples so I also got a taste of Diptyque’s perfumes; overall, I am highly impressed! It was at 44 Euros (48.5 $) for 190g and it is supposed to burn for 60 hours.

I love both of the candles as each one is different and unique in its own way. However, I can’t deny that Diptyque has impressed me beyond words. The scent is wonderful, stronger but not unpleasant, lasts way longer and is cheaper. Jo Malone is an incredible candle as well but it does last less and is more expensive. Overall, I recommend both candles, as they are both luxurious and far better quality than many other candles hence the quite high price tag. If you are about to buy your first high-end candle, I would advise you to begin with Diptyque and then expand to Jo Malone. Both brands have some amazing scents! Comment down below and let me know which brand do you prefer and why, as well as which one is your favorite scent. I know I need to get my hands on Jo Malone’s French Lime Blossom!

Till next time take care dolls 😉 xxx

Vicky