Thursday Thoughts

As we rapidly approach the weekend, I thought that I'd try something a little different to my usual 'Friday Favourites'!

Enjoy!

Now that Winter is finally here, and so undeniably so that I've already whipped out my gloves, hats and scarves, I'm feeling particularly christmasy!!

 A single glowing light in a land of coldness...

Warm cups of white hot chocolate with marshmallows and sprinkles to help ignite those winter nights.....

Getting ready to put up decorations and 'spread a little cheer'....

 Remembering our loved ones and being thankful for everything we have.....

 Taking a trip up to London to watch the fairly lights serenade the capital.....

 Spending time with your special someone....

 Engaging on a romantic city break to Paris....

 Or NYC!

Setting you christmas winter wishes free in lantern formats....

 Hoping for snow days....

 Awaiting for the warm glow of christmas and decorating....

 Preparing with knits, wool and fur.....

 Pondering quietly by the fire.....

 Taking a long reflective walk in the christmas embellished park.....

Setting a light to your feelings.....

What are your Thursday Thoughts?

Saskia XO

Slip Tip: A Guide to Surviving the Holiday Season!

Whenever the holidays roll around, I get anxious as excessive calories lurk behind every corner. Baked goodies, holiday parties and candy bowls garnish the days between November 25th and January 2nd making this season a particularly difficult time to avoid packing on the pounds. Did you know the average weight gain (for North Americans) between Thanksgiving and New Years is anywhere between one and seven pounds? Yikes! Needless to say, I’ve managed to survive many seasons of culinary indulgence by following the tips listed below in addition to an extra serving of self-control. And I haven’t popped a button on my skinny jeans yet! Here’s what you need to know to survive the holiday consumption marathon:

Schedule your workouts. I know it seems obvious, but many of us muddle our fitness schedules during the winter months. Cold air and an erratic social calendar filled with holiday festivities can really throw off your exercise regime. Nevertheless, this is probably the most important time of year to sweat it out! Make time to work out. Schedule it into your calendar. I cannot stress this enough: Make fitness a priority. Not only will working out help you de-stress, it will also keep your metabolism revved up and ready to handle all of your holiday feasting. To offset increased caloric intake, tack on an extra 10 minutes of cardio to your workout sessions. I also try to walk after big meals—it’s amazing what a lap around the neighborhood can do for your digestion and legs!

Start counting. While I’d like to think holiday treats are magically sprinkled with non-fattening fairy dust, the calories are unfortunately still there. Darn it! Since it’s easy to forget of what you’ve eaten, keep track by adding calories on the calculator of your phone or with one of the many calorie-tracking apps. I’ve never been a fan of counting calories, but it really helps keep holiday binging in perspective. When appetizers are in the mix, keep the leftover toothpicks in your hand or on your plate so you have a better idea of how many you have eaten. Just because they’re small doesn’t mean the calories are smaller too! The bottom line: Be aware of how much you are putting in your mouth.

Don’t go hungry. Hunger leads us to do crazy things: Binge on chocolate-covered gummy bears, down a 700-calorie soft pretzel as a snack or absentmindedly eat three cookies instead of one. Don’t let yourself become ravenous, ladies! When you go gift shopping, pack a healthy snack such as trail mix or a granola bar to stave off mid-day hunger. We all know the food court isn’t going to do your waistline any favors. Additionally don’t show up hungry either. If you’re going to a holiday fete, have a healthy snack before heading out the door to avoid gorging on the cookie platter upon your arrival.

Drink wisely. The holidays bring out all the good stuff that’s not-so-good for your figure such as hot cocoa, whipped cream, specialty cocktails, Baileys Irish Cream coffee (yum) and open bars (dangerous). While wining and dining is fun, flex your self-control by either limiting yourself or making tradeoffs. If you’re going to have that delicious cup of hot chocolate, skip the peppermint bark—and voila, you have traded off. As for alcoholic libations, treat yourself to one specialty drink. Instead of refilling with a second, stick to low calorie drinks such as vodka-water with lime for the remainder of the night. In between drinks, have a glass of water. Drinking too much can lead to eating too much. Keep you inhibitions in check by pacing yourself. Finally, whether you're sipping on the sweet side or treating yourself to a cocktail, it’s especially important to stay hydrated with water. People who drink more water, consume less food, which means less calories. Before you eat anything, have one tall glass of water. I promise, this is one of my favourite tricks.

Mind your PC. Portion control. When you pile your plate at the buffet, remember where all that food is going. It’s essential for energy, but what about the overflow? That goes straight to your hips and thighs. Be vigilant to only eat when you are actually hungry. If you’re unsure, have a glass of water and see how you feel after. Ideally, you should aim to fill 40% of your plate with complex carbs such as vegetables or fruits. The other 40% should be a lean protein (that’s turkey—without the skin). And the remaining 20% of your plate may be dedicated to fats like dessert, butter or oils. (Remember to eat slowly and chew.) Seconds are very tempting this time of year. Before heading back for round two, drink a glass of water and wait a few minutes. More often than not, you will realise you’re already full. Instead of another helping, save room for dessert! If you’re especially concerned about gaining weight, use a smaller plate to keep holiday gloat at bay.

I hope you find these suggestions helpful! At the end of the day it is all about willpower. According to Psychology Today, “willpower is like a muscle.” Working it regularly can strengthen it. By flexing your willpower you will increase your ability to control yourself. But, like a muscle, willpower can also get fatigued! This is the perfect excuse to indulge from time to time. After all,it is the holiday season so enjoy yourself!

Do you have a helpful tactic for avoiding excess holiday pounds?

Share you best tips in the comments below. I’ll feature my favorite five suggestions in a follow up post.

Saskia XO

Say What: The Beauty Advent Calender!

If like me, already having tins of Christmas chocolates stacked up at home waiting to be unwrapped this festive season when you are meant to be watching what you eat is playing havoc with your healthy eating conscience, then the annual chocolate advent calander is perhaps another December temptation too far.

Ok you could argue its only a smidgin of chocolate, what harm can that do?... but what if I told you I have found an alternative which doesn't require a guilt ridden January gym sign up?

When I visited The Ideal Home Show at Christmas, I found my perfect heaven: an advent calender for beauty. I discovered the YOU Beauty Advent Calendar from online beauty box and luxury sample retailer Latest In Beauty. The alternative advent was created in celebration of Latest In Beauty's 1 year partnership with the YOU Magazine supplement. 

Similar to our chocolate frienemy; as we countdown the days to the 25th, behind each door is a fantastic array of beauty products selected from 24 prestige brands from Benefit, St Tropez, Dermalogica, L'Occitane and many many more.

The calendar which comes in a glamorous Christmassy presentation box costs £59.95 and whilst in comparison to our £4.99 Lindt or Thorntons counterpart it may seem a little self indulgent to spend that on ourselves during a time for giving. 

...but surely this is justified when we learn the products inside are to the value of £210!?

So, with December looming and our next months salary destined to be split between the monotony of our monthly bills and over crowded shopping centres present buying for others, it's only fair that we should treat ourselves to this little Christmas cracker, right?!

...and the best thing? Not a calorie in sight!

You can purchase your Christmas advent box from Latest In Beauty

Will you be opting for the beauty advent calender?

Saskia XO

Perfect Jewellery Storage

I was browsing around online and stumbled across the sweetest idea for stylish jewelry storage using dainty teacups and saucers in lieu of a traditional jewelry box. Funny enough, I have inadvertently been storing many of my favourite jewels this way for years. Why use a not-so-pretty container when you can keep your beautiful baubles in equally lovely bins such as a teacup. 

As many of you know, I am a firm believer in the idea that if you can't see it, you won't wear it. By keeping your favourite flair in a sweet little teacup you will better be able to spot your selection goodies at a glance.

I like to keep watches, rings, and chunky bracelets in teacups and then hang my necklaces for display.

How do you keep your jewelry collection tidy and organised?

Saskia XO

The Perfect Winter Facial

I adore beauty DIY projects so you can imagine how excited I was when discovered Karly Goins’ recipe for a seriously sweet fall facial, an Oh Sugar Pie Honey Bunch Facial that is… 

Below are Karly’s directions. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

This facial is mildly exfoliating (can be made more abrasive with more sugar), anti-bacterial and moisturising! It is smooth and creamy, and can be warmed up in the microwave for cold dry skin in the winter (This does however melt the sugar so it becomes an even creamier mix.) All you need are a couple basic kitchen staples and it's as easy as that!

What you will need…

• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1 tbsp. of milk (the higher the fat percentage, the better)

How to make it…

1. Pour sugar into a bowl, slowly stirring in the honey, and add quantity of milk desired (the more milk the looser the consistency).
2. Pat mixture onto skin (avoiding eye area, it makes eyelashes sticky and the sugar is harsh on delicate skin). Leave on for 10-20 minutes (whatever you like best and have time for) this mask will not dry on your skin or become tight or hard, it will stay moist and sticky, I suggest wearing an old t-shirt while wearing this in case of any "sticky situations."
3. Rinse the mixture off with lukewarm water; you may use a wash cloth or facial cleansing brush to assist you if you like, but make sure to clean extra well around your hairline or some of the honey might dry in hard sticky clumps. Eew no thank you!
4. I also like to soak cotton pads/rounds in some of the same type of milk I added into the mixture, I put on some relaxing music, and lay on m bed for 5 minutes with the pads/rounds layer on my face! The lactic acid from the milk will help to slough away dead skin, while the fats & proteins in the milk help to strengthen and plump the skin.
5. Then rinse, apply moisturiser (don't forget to put one on that has SPF if you're going out in the sun after this facial!), Look at yourself in the mirror and SMILE! You are beautiful, and now you're soft, glowy, clean skin is a little bit more beautiful too!

Are you going to give Karly’s fall facial a try?

Saskia XO

Those Autumnal Nights

Recipie for the perfect autumnal night:

- A hot bubble bath, enlisted with your favourite bath boms, lotions and creams
- Snuggely, warm and comfy pjs
- A hot mug of cocoa topped with marshmallows and a chocolate flake
- Separating yourself from the world and getting lost in a classic 'swoon' english literature novel


It's monday, so why not treat yourself?!....You're worth it!

Saskia XO

Christmas Festivities: Ideal Christmas Home Show!

Today I was lucky enough to attend an Ideal Home Show, particularly catered for Christmas to start off the festivities of that infamous 'party season'! And it sure didn't dissapoint, me and all my girl friends had the best day in a long time!

Got HD Brows at Beautiful Brows:
http://www.beautifulbrows.co.uk/stencil-uk.php

Had a No- Pain Hair Removal Treatment:

Had my Hair Curled by Babylis: 

Bought the December Edition Glossy Box:
http://www.glossybox.co.uk/

Found the yummiest Oreo Ice Cream!!

Discovered Soda Stream (Cranberry Fizzy Juice is my personal fav!):
http://www.sodastream.co.uk/gbretail/default.aspx

Ice Skated round the Rink:

Bought the most beautiful Party Season Burgundy Shirt with Gold Studs:

  

I would really recommend the Ideal Home Show at Christmas to you all for a general lovely and festive day out for fashion, beauty, food and the home!! For more information visit: http://www.idealhomeshowchristmas.co.uk/fashion-a-beauty

Will you be going next year?

P.S...I also found the most incredible treat which I just had to share with you all....Caramalised White Chocolate from http://www.chocolate.co.uk/p-208-white-cooking-chocolate.aspx!!!!

Saskia XO

DIY Party Decor: Poufs

For my next post, I wanted to do something including cute decor ideas. When I came across this video, created by my fav Hills girl, Lauren Conrad, I knew I had to get you guys on the raider too into what's hot this season: Poufs! 

Throwing parties for family and friends is one of my favourite things to do. I love serving fun hors d’ oeuvres, mixing up refreshing cocktails, and making sure my place looks perfectly decorated for the occasion. So here's the video to show you a fun way to decorate your own home for any gathering throughout the year. This DIY will sweeten the atmosphere for a birthday bash, a baby shower, an engagement party, or really any kind of soiree.  It’s also a fun way to add flair to your space just for the sake of spicing things up.


To recap, here’s what you will need:

• tulle
• wire
• wire cutters
• scissors
• 4 x 6 piece of cardboard

Just because LC used pastel coloured tulle in this video doesn’t mean you can’t customize your craft. Try mixing fall coloured tools together for a festive Thanksgiving fête!

How will you personalize your party poufs? Do you have a simple party décor idea to share?

Saskia XO

My Beauty Inspirations!

Hey guys!

So as a lot of you guys will know, there are lots of celebrities who I particularly love and take inspiration from. I have either talked about them in previous articles or on Twitter but never really in a blog post so I thought I would give you a rundown of who my top inspirations are and why!

 

 

 

First up is the natural beauty that is Emma Watson. I have loved her for years as I guess people my age have pretty much grown up with her and Harry Potter. I think she is so effortlessly beautiful and I love her simple and classic style but also admire her for being daring - for example when she cut her hair it was a shock but it worked so well on her. 

 

 

Next is another person who I have loved for years - Sienna Miller! I remember when she first emerged on the scene with her high profile relationship with Jude Law and her role in the film Alfie. I was so inspired by her boho-chic look at the time and I still admire her for this now. She always looks so radiant and her wardrobe is absolutely enviable.  I think her style is timeless too - I look back on outfits she wore years ago and still would want to wear them now. 

 

 

Kim Kardashian is on my list because her make-up is constantly perfect and glamorous. Perhaps I should say that it is her make-up artist Mario that truly inspires me because I think he works wonders with her and is so talented at getting her looking her best every single day. She of course wears heaps of make-up which is why I love her soft and smokey looks for nights out mainly but I think she has such amazing features naturally anyway but her make-up just sets them all off. I would love to do her make-up!

 

 

Olivia Palermo is another huge fashion inspiration. All of her outfits I adore and I would liken my style choices to hers. Her hair is also absolutely gorgeous and always looks immaculate. I walked past her at the Mulberry fashion show this year and she looked so great.

 

 

I don't know anyone who doesn't think Rosie Huntingdon-Whitely is beautiful. She has the most gorgeous features ever and her body and hair is amazing too. She just has a really feminine look going on and her make-up is always quite natural, soft and pretty but striking. This is exactly why I love all the Victoria's Secret angels for their all round healthy and beautiful appearances. In particular I like the following girls for these reasons - Miranda Kerr, Candice Swanpoel and Lily Aldridge. 

 

 

 

 

Last but not least is the girls I love to watch on television. I love Pretty Little Liars and have done tutorials on the girls from the show. I love Aria's (played by Lucy Hale) striking and cute beauty and Hanna's (played by Ashley Benson) girl next door look.

 

 

 

 

 

I also love Nina Dobrev as Elena in the Vampire Diaries! I think she has a really natural and sweet beauty.

 

 

 

These are some of my favourite pictures of my favourite celebrity beauty inspirations! Who else do you guys like? Would love to know.

Saskia XO

Rememberence Day

In honour of remembrance day, The Ditsy Shoe Girl would like to invite each and every one of its readers to join together in a minute of silence to appreciate all our amazing men and women serving for our country.

Thank you,

Saskia XO

Editor in Chief