The Fitness Diaries: WEEK 1

Hi everyone,
I don't know about you lot, but I have been seriously lacking in the fitness front lately. I don't know what it is, I just haven't had the energy or the determination to keep fit. It isn't just the gym, but my diet too. I either eat nothing or I eat crap. And I've decided it's time for a change, for good. I can't go on gaining weight and dropping it, eating and not eating.
Therefore, I've decided to start a new series called The Fitness Diaries. I'm unsure whether it'll be weekly or fortnightly but I thought if I have the blog to consider, then I'm more likely to stick to my goals. Every blogpost will have a theme and this week it's Getting Back into the Swing of Things. Original, I know, but sometimes you just need to take a deep breath and start again from square 1. No gimmicks, no 30 day challenges, no fad diets, just gradually building up the change.
So, my goal for this week is to find my pedometer first of all, and then walk 10000 steps a day and go to the gym twice this week. This won't seem like a lot to most of you, and it doesn't even seem like a lot to me, but I'm starting small and building it up. I know if I go back to the gym 5 times a week guns ablazing I'm going to burn out pretty fast.
I also know that it's not a realistic goal to have a set amount of times to go to the gym. I'm going to be pretty busy with university deadlines over the next month so they come first over the gym, but getting the parking space furthest away and walking won't hurt, neither will going for a 30 minute walk when I get home. After all, life is a marathon, not a sprint.
I'll keep you posted,
CJ x

Mini Brand Focus: Charlotte Tilbury

Happy Saturday people!
OK, as some of you may know, a certain lady has sparked an interest in many of the beauty bloggers out there, that lady is the wonder that is Charlotte Tilbury. She is a make up artist to the stars and as of the past couple of years, has her own brand of makeup and even skincare now! I know, it's ever so exciting!
As soon as I heard all about her Matte Revolution lipsticks, I knew I had to have one! So this was my first purchase, and after that I was hooked. This brand isn't cheap but it's definitely worth the money. The quality of her products are amazing and the pigmentation is impeccable. So here's a mini-review of the C Tils products I've tried so far. 

Matte Revolution Lipsticks: Glastonberry
First ever purchase and I don't regret it in the slightest. I have been on the hunt for the perfect dark purple/red/burgundy combination in a lipstick for so many years and this is it. Not to criticize MAC or anything, but most matte lipsticks (especially the more pigmented ones such as Diva) are sooooo drying on the lips. This one isn't. It's a matte but glides on so easily and isn't drying in the slightest. it's also super long wearing and just an all around winner!

Colour Chameleon Colour-Morphing Eyeshadow Pencils: Bronzed Garnet and Amethyst Aphrodisiac 
Eyeshadow sticks are officially the new thing. From clinique to borjouis are jumping on them. But these ones are above all others. They are actually specially designed for each individual eye colour. Blue, Brown, Hazel and Green eyes all have the options for a slightly softer day colour and a more dramatic night colour. I have the ones designed for green eyes and they are incredible. Bronzed garnet gives the perfect 'bedroom eyes' smokey effect for everyday that can give you an instant Olsen twin look. As for Amethyst Aphrodisiac, it really brings out the green in your eyes (even if they're slightly grey like mine) and transforms your makeup look into that of a rock star's. They glide on so easily and are ridiculously blendable. I would highly recommend these to any eye colour.

Colour Coded Eyeshadow Palette: The Dolce Vita
More colour codedness from the gods, these eyeshadow palettes are also incredible. They each come with 4 colours: Prime, Enhance, Smoke and Pop. The Dolce Vita palette is just stunning, anybody looking for those on trend burgundy and gold eyes this year can come straight to Miss Tilbury. Once again, easily blendable, lovely application, super pigmented. You can't go wrong with this palette as all the colours are perfectly designed to give you that film star look.

So, even though I've only tried a few Charlotte Tilbury products, I'm already hooked. I predict her to have the best makeup brand of 2015. I can't wait for her new releases and I'm dying to try more of her products (mainly her Film Star Bronze and Glow and her Lip Cheat pencils!) If you have any recommendations, please let me know as I really want to test more! 
I hope you've been converted
CJ x

2015s Top Travel Destinations

OK people. Leave London, Paris and New York aside. You can visit those at any point in your life. Here are my 20 most sought after destinations of 2015. These are not only the locations that I personally want to go to, but some of these destinations are getting much hype in the up and coming months. Book tickets while you can, I expect everybody will be on the bandwagon by next year! And seeing as this is the busiest two weeks of the year to book a trip, you might need some last minute inspo. Let's begin ...

Europe

Berlin, Germany There's something about Berlin, a newly reunited city that was once split in two, it has risen out of the ashes o WWII and completely reinvented itself. The street style in Berlin is truly edgy and cool, much in the way of khaki and leather, what's not to love? Museum Island is not to be missed, and all of the history surrounding Berlin is truly unique. It also happens to be one of the best cities in Europe for nightlife and drinking, this year being the 65th anniversary of Oktoberfest in Berlin, beer anybody?

 

 

 

 
Stockholm, Sweden I absolutely love the idea of Stockholm. Scandinavian chic all the way. It's a city which consists of loads of tiny islands and some seriously cool people. If you're looking for some Viking-esque history and incredibly beautiful people, Stockholm is the place to be. Not to mention that I hear it has some of the best undiscovered food in Europe and tonnes of great shopping.

 

Prague, Czech Republic This is the one place on my list that I have actually been too and I can vouch that in summer or in winter, Prague is like a picturesque Eastern European fairytale. It was one of the cities that was left relatively unscathed by WWII (talking about architecture only) but it has been left with some scars over the past century or so. Only rising out of communism 25 years ago, this city is incredible. The castle is over 1000 years old and there is surprising beauty around every corner (as well as the biggest nightclub in Europe!) Check out my Prague blog here.

 

Milan, Italy This year Milan is the host of the expo 2015. There will be fairgrounds, special exhibitions and FOOD. There will be tons of new, tasty food to try out. What more could you ask for? Milan is spectacular all year round, it's Italy's capital of style. Take in the Gothic architecture and of course, all the works of art there!

Bath, UK Although Britain has many beautiful cities and more history than it knows what to do with, I'm not really sure that any city can compete with Bath. It has one of the world's most well looked after Roman bathhouses and loads of stunning Georgian architecture. Plus the cobbled streets are littered with many cute coffee shops for you to sit back and people watch in.
 

 

Norway. Do you wanna build a snowman?! You guessed it! Frozen is based in Norway, and everyone loves Frozen, right? But in all seriousness, Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. All right, it's not particularly warm, but it has spectacular views that you can only dream of. Breathtaking fjords, fantastic hikes and the Northern Lights if you're lucky! Oslo is also one of the most chilled-out capitals and everyone is so friendly.

 

Malta. A Mediterranean paradise island. The capital of Valletta has over 500 years of history into such a small space! The streets of Valletta pack in cathedrals, palaces and wonderful views of the harbour. This place has the best parts of a city break and a summer holiday all in one!

 


Croatia This one is for all of my Game of Thrones fans out there (including me). Croatia is seriously stunning, if you fancy kicking it back in King's Landing, head on over to Dubrovnik to make your fantasies of the show come true. Croatia is the new Greece in sense that it's 'another day, another island'. I love the idea that it's towns are all walled-in and alleyways have hundreds of stone steps, not to mention the iridescent blue of the Adriatic sea. I'll be seeing you soon, Croatia!
 

Other Adriatic Locations Although beautiful, Croatia has become insanely expensive this year compared to recent years Joining the EU really helped them out as they have caught on that they are a top holiday destination now. BUT if you fancy Adriatic beauty without the ridiculous pricetag, head on over to the neighbouring countries of Bosnia and Herzegovina or Montenegro. Both stunning, both quiet, both are not to be missed. Bet you didn't know how beautiful they were, right?

 

North America

Toronto, Canada Everyone goes to New York, but not everyone experiences Toronto, now THE most multiculturally diverse city in the world. Yes, you read that right, Toronto. It has a skyline to envy all major cities and neighbourhoods with residents from all over the globe. Here you'll experience more cultures, foods, flowers, shopping than ever before. Plus, Niagra Falls is only a day trip away if you fancy some natural beauty.

 

Washington D.C, USA The capital of the United States is set to be a huge tourist destination over the upcoming years. With more monuments and memorials than people (not really, but you know what I mean), there's always something to discover in DC. Check out the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and a Mall like you've never experienced before. Plus loads of great legendary home-grown eateries and used book stores to lose yourself in.

 

New Orleans, USA New Orleans is a place which has forever been a dream of mine. There's something about the infusion of the Deep South, France, Britain and Jazz that has attracted me (and the seafood). Embrace the cultures, take a stroll along the river and enjoy the sunshine.

 

Cuba. Cuba is making history at the moment, and what comes soon after that? Tourists. Reduced travel restrictions make it easier than ever to visit this beautiful, colourful Caribbean location. Spend time wandering the streets of Havana, or chill out on the beach. Cuba has it all. Not to mention that it's the 500th anniversary of Santiago de Cuba, which means a week long carnival in July!
 

South America

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil I'm just going to say it, you are never going to catch this city at a better time than the next two years. Directly in between hosting the World Cup and the Olympic Games, Rio has had some serious impact on the globe. From it's glorious mountains to it's controversial beaches, it really is a city of understated beauty. This city was made to be explored.
 

Asia

Vietnam Fancy Thailand this year? Try Vietnam instead, equally exotic and extraordinary just without as many tourists (and ladyboys). Vietnam has some breath taking natural beauty in its mountains, beaches, forests and rivers. The river cruises are apparently unmissable. And Thai food should envy Vietnamese food, it's that good.

 

Oman No, I'm serious. I've heard so much speculation about Oman becoming a top destination in the near future and my advice is get there and experience it the way it is while you can. Although Abu Dhabi and Dubai are amazing and unmissable, they don't really represent the true Arabian country anymore as it seems the cities are fuelled by wealth, and if I do say so, greed. Whereas Oman is still as it always was as lonely planet says 'Oman is the perfect destination for those seeking out the modern face of Arabia while still wanting to sense its ancient soul'.

 

Singapore One of the world's smallest countries, with one of the world's best airports. Singapore is seen as a gateway to the east for many European travellers. It merges the best of the Asian and Western cultures into one incredible city/country. Singapore zoo has been picked as one of the world's best and the botanical gardens and the nature reserve are a great way of escaping the buzz of the city.

 

Indonesia Indonesia has thousands of islands, hundreds of languages spoken and the most incredible scenery all in one county. With beaches and volcanoes to visit, Indonesia certainly isn't short of things to do or places to go. Plus Bali is a hugely sought after destination right now, experience it while you can.

Australasia

New Zealand Now that the Hobbit trilogy is officially over (I'm all right, I swear), there has never been a better time to visit New Zealand. It's a country where both English and Australian natives can find themselves at home, although in unfamiliar territory. One of my cousins went to New Zealand 10 years ago and never looked back. Why would he? With such breath taking scenery and welcoming people, I can see why New Zealand is well loved.

 

Africa

Gambia Once again, I'm serious. Despite The Gambia being Africa's smallest country, it is most certainly making an impact on the tourism market. 5* resorts on gorgeous Atlantic beaches are emerging amongst the wildlife life parks out there. It appears to be the perfect way to ease yourself into the African culture, and heat. The markets and nature are out of this world.

 

 

 

 

So there are my top 20 destinations of 2015. Yes, they are a little different and off the beaten track, but, I can bet that these will be the places that everyone will be raving about in a few years. Croatia might be the next Santorini, Singapore the next Bangkok ... you never know. If you have been to any of these places let me know if you enjoyed them in the comments, or even if you're going this year. I'd love to know about everyone's adventures.

Happy travelling

CJ x

 

 

 

Disclaimer: none of these pictures are my own. I wish they were though.