New Year, New You!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It's crazy that we have all survived another year and we are heading towards a new adventure. I feel that a new year is the best time to reflect on whats recently happened and look to where you want to be.

For myself, 2016 is going to be a crazy and scary year! I'm a senior in High school, I'm applying to University (college) and are going to start working full time in Summer. That's crazy! For once in my life my path is not planned out for me, I have to go a separate way to my friends and I have to consider my family and partner's decisions.

So as my life is going through a period of time where my situation is changing dramatically, I have not made to many New Years Resolutions. I find setting goals I can not keep is quite mental and emotionally draining, as I stress over not 'perfecting myself'.  When I've realised I cannot be perfect and that's ok, I have got to a place in my life where I have put my worth in God. So my New Years Resolutions are quite simple but achievable, Get grades I'm proud of, be more giving with my time and money, and deepen relationships with my friends and boyfriend.

When I was thinking to myself and making a plan of how I am going to achieve these goals I have set, I thought I would post about way you can achieve the FIVE most common New Years resolutions that people break.

The most important tip for all of the five resolutions is to PLAN!! Planning is a big part of achieving your goal because it gives you a road map of how you personally want to achieve your goal, not how other people might.
 
Making a plan also keeps you accountable, because if you get lost throughout the year you can turn to your plan and pick up where you left off.

Most common New Years resolutions people break:
1. loosing weight
2. Quit smoking
3. Eat healthier
4. Get out of debt
5. Be less stressed


When I look at these resolutions I see some pretty be goals to suddenly try to do! When choosing your New Years resolutions it should be a step in the right direction not the end goal! Each year we should try develop our self into a better person not change dramatically over night. So for each resolution I am going to suggest a more achievable option and some tips to achieve it!

LOOSING WEIGHT!
No wonder this is the most common resolution not accomplished because it is looking at the subject all wrong! Your goal shouldn't be to loose weight it should be more on the path of eating a nutrient based diet and regular exercise. With aiming for this goal your body will naturally adjust and will start to drop the pounds but when your body is ready. But also don't not go to dinners or parties because you cant go off this healthy eating, thats not right still live your normal life. Treat yourself every now and then and don't be afraid to eat something sweet or has a higher amount of sugar, all in moderation.


QUIT SMOKING!
Now this resolution is a lot harder than all the others as smoking can be a serious addiction. But that also doesn't mean that you can't take a step forward, closer to your goal. You can try cigarettes that have no/less nicotine, this will help you over come the addictiveness of the cigarettes. But overall I feel this one is a goal that you need to build up a will power towards them and find a friend that will encourage you to say no a little more often.


Eat Healthier!
I feel this is a hard goal at the start but after a month or two you get used to not eating the junk food you used to. I feel that you should do seperate eliminations from your diet each week. So one week you might eliminate chocolate (I know this is hard but think of your body rewarding you when you eat a piece of fruit instead), then the next week eliminate chips. So as you increase in your journey you end up eating more healthy. Another tip I will suggest is not even buying the junk food you know you have no will power with, therefore when your in the mood for some chocolate you can't have any as there is none in the pantry. Saying this you can still have days where you go to a coffee shop with a girl friend and have a chocolate slice, just all in moderation.


GETTING OUT OF DEBT!
This resolution is sometimes a really hard one to achieve but you can definitely reduce the debt! I feel speaking to an accountant and budgeting your money so there is a sum of money that gets saved each month stays continuous.  I feel looking up budget ideas on the internet and especially Pinterest is a great place to start!


BE LESS STRESSED!
This is a very important resolution I think as stress can be quite damaging to your body and health. For people who have panic attacks and feel stress quite easily I recommend that you talk to a professional and even a breathing specialist. I saw a specialist early last year and it has helped heaps with dealing with my panic attacks. A more simple response to dealing with stress is having time to your self! Have a pamper night, have a night where you binge watch your favourite series, just something that you love and does not require too much thought and attention. Having time to relax allows your mind to recharge and look at the stress in your life at a different angle!

Date Idea's For Teenagers

So as my audience is from all over the world I am going to give you 5 date ideas for the Winter and Summer!

SUMMER!


Personally myself I am a summer girl, so I prefer summer dates than any other time of the year. I feel that there is more opportunities for dates with nice sunny weather. So here is five of my favourite summer dates:

1. Simple but easy, Beach Day!

I find that a beach day is a great last minute plan as it does not take that much organisation and you can still have a great intimate date with your partner.

2. An exciting Theme Park date!

Get your adrenalin running with a theme park date! It's a good way to spend a say with someone without having the pressure of making conversation the whole time. This is also another great way to bond while riding scary rides.

3. Mini golf competition!

A healthy competition in a relationship is always a good thing! On a relaxed Sunday a game of mini golf with the looser buying lunch will bring out some laughs and the competitive side of you and your partner.

4. Boat day to beaches around the coast!

Having a boat day gives you a sense of adventure and relaxation, perfect to end a stressful week at work or university! Pack a picnic and just go with the flow and see where the day takes you!

5. Get a little exercise while going for a hike!

A Hike is a great way to explore your home town while absorbing the sun rays. You feel amazing after the walk as you would of had a great day outdoors with a person you care a lot about. Just remember sunscreen and a drink bottle!



WINTER!
1. Pumpkin Carving!

Get creative and express your silly side with pumpkin carving! This is a big American tradition but it is still a fun creative idea where ever you live.

2. Skiing trip!

Skiing trip is a great weekend trip for you and your partner as it is an active activity that is a great experience. You'll creative some good memories while learning a new skill!

3. Fancy Dinners!

Either homemade or out at a fancy restaurant a nice dinner is a simple but classic date for the winter time. It gives you and your partner a chance to talk in more depth than an every day conversation.

 4. Movie Nights!

Movie nights are a great way to cuddle on a cold winter night, so perfect! Even if its on the couch or more creative like in a fort it will end up being a chill night with your loved one. Just got to agree on a movie now, chick flick or action movie?

5.  Snow Walks!

Snow walks is a romantic movie like activity to do in the winter. Go for a walk through your town and build a snow man, have a snow ball fight and just enjoy acting like little kids.

I hope these dates gives you some inspiration to organise a date with your partner!

Transition From Fall To Winter

So we officially saying goodbye to Fall and welcoming Winter with open arms!

For some of us this is the reality that is coming our way, but ill let you know it's not all bad! Winter treats, fashion, Christmas and just the cuddling weather (for those of us with boyfriends). 

So Im going to give you some tips to make this winter season the best one yet! 

WINTER TREATS! 

Honestly this is my favourite part, the hot peppermint mocha's, chocolate covered fruit and much more! Im going to share two of my favourite winter treat recipes with you. 

Mint White Hot Chocolate

All you will need for this drink is: 

• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups half & half
• 1 bag white chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: A few drops of food colouring
• Marshmallows for topping 

Link to the recipe - http://www.thegraciouswife.com/homemade-mint-white-hot-chocolate/

This easy and YUMMY hot chocolate will be your favourite drink this holiday season!

Brownie Christmas Tree's

Now this next treat is more decretive as it is relating to christmas but they are well worth it. 

 

Aren't they cute! 

The best thing about this treat as you can make it your own, there is no particular recipe. You can use your own favourite brownie recipe and then go crazy with your decorating. 

FASHION! 

I have to say, winter fashion must be my favourite style! The scarfs, coats, knitted jumpers and just feeling cosy is just so exciting to me.

5 Must Have Winter Items: 

 

1. Knee High Socks, to me are a must have! When your laying around in your apartment in an over sized sweater it just finishes off the look while giving you comfort. 

2. Winter Dress,  casual enough to be worn the a cafe or to the movies but also has the opportunity to dress it up with a coat and shoes. 

3. Trench Coat, I personally find that trench coats complete a winter outfit with out putting to much effort into it. Yes, to get a nice coat it might cost you a little bit but i find that it is worth the investment! 

4. A Good Pair Of Jeans! I cant stress this enough, in my own closet I have 3 good pairs of jeans. They are an item that you will use like crazy and can be worn casual or dressed up. 

5. Staple Shoes! I like to have a pair of casual clean boots to wear on an everyday basis. But I also like to have a pair of plain black heels to wear when I want to complete a more casual outfit! 

With these five must have items you will be set for the winter! 

And with Christmas on the way, we can all enjoy this joyful season! 

Summer Day Activities

Who Loves summer break but gets bored by the end of it? Well I have some idea's for you! 

Idea Number 1 - A day at a pool! 
Now I know this is really simple but I feel people under estimate how fun it can actually be! With a group of close friends or a whole year group a pool day can be really fun. Cute pool floats, bikini's and sun bathing, to me this sounds amazing!

Idea Number 2 - ROAD TRIP!!

Grab a few girls or your boyfriend and just start driving! Don't have a plan of where your going, just let the road take you. This idea creates some amazing memories and is a perfect way to see your country. 

 Idea Number 3 - Shopping date with a twist

Grab a close friend and head to the mall or city and just shop. But there is a TWIST! Set a budget for the shopping trip and use that money to buy each other clothes. You aren't allowed to ask them for help though. 

Idea Number 4 - Camping Trip

This one is very explanatory, Just go camping in the middle of no where. Make sure you take people you are close with as you will be spending heaps of quality time with each other.  

Another tip for an amazing summer is a good playlist! here is a Spotify playlist that I really enjoy!   https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/5FJXhjdILmRA2z5bvz4nzf

GYM... We all have to deal with it!

Before I get into what I am going to talk about I want to ask you a few questions.

Are you trying to get the perfect stomach ?

Are you trying to get the perfect legs and ass?

Are you trying to keep you fitness up?

Are you finding the gym really boring?

If your like me you said yes to ALL of these questions, so I have 5 Tips to exercise in a fun way!

Tip #1

 Swimming! Swimming is a perfect way to keep fit, in shape and to explore the out doors. This is perfect for the warmer weather, when going to the beach.

Tip #2

Hiking! Personally I love going on hikes with friends on a sunny day. If you live somewhere there is a reserve or forests, I highly recommend this activity. You burn heaps of calories without even noticing it!

Tip #3

Bike Riding! Bike Riding is a perfect option for spring/summer as it is a way of transport plus you can look super cute while you do it. If you live in a town near a beach it is an easy way to get motivated and get moving.

Tip #4

Great Music! Music is a very important part to workouts and exercise. It motivates you by getting you in the right head space. Music is one of the most important parts of my workout plan as it makes me work to the beat of the music and distracts me from the pain.

 Tip #5

Cute Workout Gear! This is an essential for me, as it makes me feel like I want to wear the clothes. For me this helps as if I look the part I will end up doing some sort of exercise! But still looking sporty and cute is always important!


Hope this helped motivate you to start spring workouts!

Fashion Inspiration

Fashion, It's a big part of every day life in 2015. The colours, patterns and styles are so different it makes it so easy to show your personality through your clothing.

Personally my style is very formal and classy.... So here are my Favourites at the moment.

Pastel Pink and Maxi dresses to me are perfection. This classy backless dress with side cut outs is a must have dress. This style of dress is extremely easy to dress up or keep casual, certainly an item in my closet this summer.  

Work outfits/night outfits are personally the hardest to put together, but this look is simple but very classy. The colourful Pants and plain coloured shirt gives of a feature effect. The jewellery and accessories are also a big part of this outfit.

Beach time! Loose short with a cute crop top is the way to go! It is a casual look but is perfect as it makes it look like you put in a lot of effort!

My casual home day outfit is a baggy singlet with a decor bando as it gives the look texture and style. Pretty simple really!


Hope you like my spring outfit Idea's and stay tuned!

Healthy Eating

So we always see the girls on Instagram with their healthy snacks, that look like way too much work. Well I might have solved your problems! I have four healthy idea's that are quick simple and totally Instagram worthy!

The first snack is a Fruit Jar. Fruit Jar's are perfect for after school/work snacks as they are very simple to make.

All you will need is: 
- A Mason Jar
- A mixture of fruits

Ta Da! You have a quick and easy snack that looks and tastes great!

Dinner Time! A quick and easy meal idea is Marinated Chicken and Couscous Salad. This salad is so Yummy and healthy that you will fall in love I promise!

All you will need is:
- marinated chicken breasts (cooked)
- Couscous (Already cooked)
- Salad ingredients of your choice

Mix all the ingredients together in a salad bowl and you have a healthy dinner on your hands.

Dessert! Personally my favourite, even though I'm a pre diabetic....
These Natural Yogurt Ice Blocks are perfect for all year round. They are colourful, fun and a little bit daring.

All you will need is: 
- Ice Block Maker
- Natural Yogurt (Fat Free)
- Mixed Berries
- Castor Sugar
- Sauce Pan  

All you will need to do to make these cuties, is. Mix the berries and castor sugar in a sauce pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Once berries are cooled, make layers of berries and yogurt in the ice block makers and freeze.  These are a little bit less healthier but still an amazing treat.

For breakfast i have recently been having Cocoa Roasted Muesli with Fresh Fruit. This is super simple as it will only take you 5 minutes in the morning. Normally I have a Coffee or Green Tea with breakfast to re-hydrate.