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Saturday, 9 January 2016

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Protein Balls

Hi Everyone,


I tend to get peckish midmorning and afternoon and I need to have a little something to satisfy my hunger until the next meal time. Something protein based is really good for slow release energy. Although I have more of 'savoury tooth' I do like a bit of chocolate now and again and I love peanut butter (Reese's Pieces are just dreamy). However, I wanted to create something that had a similar flavour but was much more nutritious, would give me energy and be cost effective in comparison to buying protein bars in the shops. So I did some research and food shopping and this is what I have created! (They have been tried and tested on my friends and family-I haven't had any negative response so far!)



You will need: 
Food Processor
Sharp Knife
Baking Sheet
Baking Parchment

Ingredients:
Organic Cruchy Peanut Butter (1 Cup)
Porridge Oats (I used gluten free) (1 Cup)
Chia Seeds (2 Tbsp)
Organic Dark Chocolate (1/2 Cup
Dates (Meduel Dates are best- I didn't have any this time and they are still yummy) (1 Cup)


Step 1:
Cut up the chocolate and dates into smaller pieces and then
blend all of the ingredients together, adding water gradually to change the consistency. It needs to be reasonably sticky so you can roll them into balls later on. Add more of the dry ingredients if its too wet and more water if it isn't binding. 


Step 2:
Line a baking tray with baking parchment and roll the mixture into bite size pieces. 


Step 3:
Put the balls in the fridge for half an hour to let them set. 


Step 4:
EAT!


I hope you enjoy these balls of yumminess! 

Speak soon
Isabel xx






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Friday, 8 January 2016

Hello 2016!

Hi Everyone,


HAPPY NEW YEAR! 




I know that I have been absent for a while and my posts are rather irregular- in all honesty I had just lost confidence in my abilities and the effects of stress/anxiety and time management got the better of me. However, I am now fully fuelled to post more regularly with varied content, I hope you enjoy!

You may have noticed that my blog looks rather different- one of the things I found demotivating was the appearance of my blog, I didn't feel as if it reflected my design interests anymore and found it frustrating to navigate. Therefore, I have updated the overall layout and look of my blog and made sure everything is easy to access. I am in the process of fully personalising it but this will be fine and dandy for now!

This is going to be a little reflection section (ooo it rhymes). 2015 has been one of the most challenging, life changing, negative yet very, very positive years of my life. I feel as if I have grown up a lot and been given more respect and love than I ever have before. 

This time last year I started my first full time job where I get to work with the most lovely, supportive and crazy team- some true and long term friends have been made for sure. 

I also made the decision to remove gluten and dairy from my diet (as much as possible) after reading 'Eat. Nourish. Glow' by Amelia Freer (I now have her new book 'Cook. Nourish. Glow.' too- I'm super excited). I have written about my reasons in a previous post which I will link below. I have continued this diet change and it has been very rewarding- not only have I lost weight, I just know my body is thanking me. I no longer feel sluggish, bloated and my stomach doesn't churn. 

This brings me very nicely to my next reflection- Herbalife. I am well and truly living the Herbalife life. It all began with a little Herbalife SKIN Results Kit from one my old school friend's Dad (a truly inspiring and lovely man). The SKIN range hadn't been out very long and as my friend knew I was interested in beauty and ultimately sorting out my skin. She then recommended I try the new products out- I have never looked back (I have an in-depth post on some of the SKIN range and my results). This set a spark off inside me to fully get my body and mind into a more positive state and I wouldn't have been able to do it without the help and support from the Herbalife products (my collection keeps growing- from more skincare to gym attire, from shakes to herbal teas) and the overall community behind it- a large group of people, on a journey, striving to help everyone achieve their goals and lead a 'healthy, active lifestyle'. I'm so excited to see how much my body composition can change this year- I have lots planned to keep myself focused and motivated to be in the best shape possible and finally be happy with the way I look and feel. 

2015 was challenging in regards to relationships too- with my parents splitting up at the end of 2014, a relationship breakup in the Spring and family illness throughout the entire year. I must give myself some credit. I have kept increasingly positive and managed my anxiety a lot better than previous years. It has been tough but definitely good. Everything that has happened was for a good reason and I can see how much better off I am with some other these alterations and challenges. I am a lot more independent, I stand up for myself, I strive to be as good as I can be but also accept when I do feel crappy and need a break. I feel a sense of empowerment which I haven't had before. 

The latter part of the year was by far my favourite. Spending more time with family and friends (making new ones), being given more responsibility at work, lots of celebrations and a new relationship. I also had the privilege of being a runner at a 'Matt Hampson Foundation' charity event where I met some of the world's greatest rugby players, including Jonny Wilkinson, who were there to support and raise money for the Foundation. Soon after that I also took the plunge and got my first tattoo and will be getting some more next month! (There will be related posts to follow). 

I have lots of plans for this new year and I can't wait to action them. I am so so thankful to everybody that has supported me and encouraged my personal development. I'm super excited for what this year holds and I hope to bring positivity to those around me too!!

So, THANK YOU to my amazing friends, family and boyfriend for making me so very incredibly happy. I love you all to pieces!

With lots of love 

Isabel xx

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Saturday, 31 October 2015

'It's a witch!'- Last Minute Halloween Make-up Tutorial

Hi Everyone,

I've got look number two coming your way now- a green witch make-up tutorial modelled by this stunner, Amy...


STEP ONE



Prepare your skin by removing any make-up and oils, I would suggest using a micellar water for this. Any oils will interfere with the face paint. Also, put on the outfit you will be wearing as the paint is going to come down the body (the areas that are on display)and move the hair out of your face!

STEP TWO




Simply apply the green face paint, this one is from Snazaroo, all of the face, neck and chest (and anywhere else that will be on display). You will need to do a couple of layers to build the colour intensity, but make sure the layer underneath is dry first. 


STEP THREE



Just like with normal foundation, contour and highlight, target these areas in the same way but replace them with green shades. So, use a darker green face paint on the hollows of the cheeks, temples and jaw line and blend (this is quite difficult because the paint is water based and smudges- perhaps use oil based make-up if you can as the consistency is easier to blend). And then mix a little bit of green and white paint together and apply it under the eyes in a triangle shape, down the middle of the nose and in the centre of the forehead. You can build either as much as you desire, I wanted a strong contour so it does stand out quite a lot. 


STEP FOUR



Then use the same colours, add some detailing to the neck bone structure to make it appear more skeletal- putting a lighter shade on the tops of the bones and defining them with darker shades. Blend this out also.

STEP FIVE




Now for the eyes! Start off by mapping out the initial shape you want to go for on the eyes, I did this with a dark green eye crayon from Barry M. This will act as a base for the eyeshadows and help the longevity of the eye make-up.

STEP SIX


With a medium-dark green eyeshadow shade, apply this all over the lid. Then, with a black eyeshadow, pat this onto the outer corner of the eye and in the crease and wing it out a little. Then with a fluffy blending brush... blend, blend, blend! It isn't overly crucial to blend as this is Halloween, you can get away with more striking make-up- that's my excuse anyway! 

STEP SEVEN


Bring the black and green under the eye too and blend them together. 

STEP EIGHT


Grab a preferably waterproof black, kohl eyeliner end put it in the water line and upper lash line. With a black, liquid eyeliner felt tip (whatever you find easiest), line the upper lash line and create a flick. Pop on some false eyelashes and mascara. 


STEP NINE


Using a small paint brush fill in any little, skin coloured areas with the green face paint. This will usually be around the mouth, nose and eyes. Once you've done that, grab a vampy lipstick- this is Dark Side-MAC and apply it to the lips. Then, with a damp brush, get some black eyeshadow and put it on the outer corners of the mouth and blend across to make a gradient. 

All make-up done! Now, get your cape and witch's hat a pose for those photos!




That is all the Halloween posts you'll be getting from me this year, unfortunately. I hope you have an amazing Halloween and take lots of photos with your friends and soak up the craziness! 

Thanks for reading!

Love from
Isabel x


Here are some make-up related links to my 'Halloween Series' from last year:

Cracked Doll Face:

Scary Cheshire Cat:

Zombie:

Skeleton:

Vampire:


















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Thursday, 29 October 2015

Halloween Series- Creepy Clown


Hi Everyone,

It is finally that time of year again where I can bring out the face paint! Halloween is looming and I have a couple of make-up looks to hopefully inspire your costume decisions! I have decided this year that I wanted the looks to be more accessible. 

Here is look number one, a creepy clown, modelled by my gorgeous friend Remy...





STEP ONE



Start with a clean face and remove any oil from the skin so the paint stays on better later on. Simply do a normal skin base using, foundation, concealer and powder. Then contour your cheeks more than you would usually to give the effect of rounder cheeks (like a clown). The easiest method of this, personally, is by sucking your cheeks in like a fish! 

STEP TWO




Using a bright coloured eye shadow (I chose pink), apply this with a damp eyeshadow brush on the the inner-mid part of your eyelid. (Dampening the brush will increase the pigmentation and intensity of the colour). 

STEP THREE




Pat some black eyeshadow onto the outer corner or the eye and eyelid crease (feel free to wing this out as much as you want but I wanted to keep the eyes looking as round as possible). And with a fluffy blending brush, blend these colours together. Don't worry too much as this look isn't supposed to be refined, it's Halloween! 

STEP FOUR




With a felt tip liner (or any black, liquid liner you have), create an extended flick running across the lash line.

STEP FIVE



Bring this liner underneath the eye too and down past the tear duct. 


STEP SIX



Now for the clown-esque detailing. Put a tiny dot above each eyebrow as to where you want the triangle points to be. Then draw a triangle and fill it in. I kept adjusting it, so just go with it really!


STEP SEVEN




Apply, quite a dramatically, a different colour eyeshadow under the eyes. I blended a couple together but I wanted the lines to stand out also.

STEP EIGHT





Then, once again using your trusty eyeliner draw a smaller triangle underneath the eye. I also added some glittery, blue dots onto each point and popped on some mascara.

STEP NINE






Map out the mouth using the eyeliner and either fill in the lips with a black lipstick (which I couldn't find) or black face paint. With a very thin painting brush create lines either side of the mouth and an enhanced cupid's bow- I went for triangular to keep with the theme but I think a heart shape would look good too. And then draw on a nose.

STEP TEN





Once that has dried, get a small amount of white face paint and put a little dot on the nose and mouth to make the look more animated. 

STEP ELEVEN





It's collar time! Using a wide-ish brush (I used a Real Techniques Foundation Brush) to make stripes down the neck and onto the chest. 

STEP TWELVE





As you can see, I changed the shape at the end of the stripes, so just play around with them really.

STEP THIRTEEN





Using a black liner or face paint, outline the collar and make it look more cartoon like. I did add some black eyeshadow here and there to make it all stand out more against Remy's skin. 

ALL DONE! 

Here are some posed shots for yah!







Thanks for reading!

Here are some make-up related links to my 'Halloween Series' from last year:

Cracked Doll Face:

Scary Cheshire Cat:

Zombie:

Skeleton:

Vampire:




Love from
Isabel x


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Thursday, 24 September 2015

My Anxiety/Panic Attack Experience

Hi everyone,

I have been 'struggling' with heightened anxiety for most of my life. It started off in my early life where I didn't feel like I was good enough, pressure put upon me and feeling as if I wouldn't be liked if I didn't do something in a certain way. Due to this, I would worry constantly about what other people thought of me. The pressure I put on myself would cause me to explode in to tears and not be able to breathe properly. I didn't think much of it when I was younger, it was the norm. 

I had always been the 'teacher's pet' at school. I didn't really have many friends growing up, working hard (extra hard) so at least the teachers would give me some positive attention and praise. Don't get me wrong, I am glad I worked hard because I did well academically and it has put me into a good mindset for 'the real world'. However, at school I did put a lot of pressure on myself, not the usual exam pressure teachers talk about... stress is a good thing but only at a certain level. Mine was pure anxiety. I was anxious that I was going to fail, let my teachers down, my parents down and myself. Looking back on it now of course I know that in the grand scheme of things... it didn't really matter. A prime example of this would be my Art at AS Level. I absolutely love art, always have and always will, however, the work load was immense. I continuously stayed up until three o'clock in the morning making sure I was happy with it, along side wanting to achieve top grades in my other A Levels. I worked my butt off and it paid off because I got a really good grade- but my health suffered. Due to this I then dropped it and focused on the remaining three. It was definitely the right decision. 

I know everyone goes through exam stress, its natural... it means you care and you want to achieve and I'm not slating that what so ever. But when it gets to the point where the problem becomes all consuming so that you can't actually focus, or sleep for that matter. You need to change something. I remember I had revised for a mock psychology exam but I didn't feel prepared because I hadn't written millions of essays about that particular module, I hadn't made revision cards or mind maps.. I just doubted my abilities and memory (ironically). My body was shaking and I couldn't breathe, my vision went blurry and I just had to get out of the classroom. It wasn't until my teacher at the time came outside to find me and told me I was having a panic attack.. which in turn made me panic even more!

I was advised to do some research into anxiety and panic attacks so I understood what was happening to my body and why. This was the worst and best thing I ever did. 

Prepare for a science lesson...


When you feel threatened/fearful, for whatever reason, your body goes through a biological response called 'fight or flight'. 
When your body goes through this is releases the hormones adrenalin and cortisol- these physically help your body prepare and make you more alert. 

Possible causes of anxiety include, genetics, diet, childhood experiences, general lifestyle. 

In my personal experience, although it was interesting to find out more information about what I was going through it made me panic and worry more. I somewhat 'played up' to labels associated with panic disorders. I began to feel claustrophobic in tents despite having camped at least once a year as child. Just feeling like I was trapped. It still happens now. 

CONTROLLING ANXIETY

I am constantly controlling my anxiety through various methods, I never want to say that I 'struggle' with it as that comes across as it is beating me.. and it's not going to. I won't let it!

It is a gradual process and is different for everyone. 

This is what I have found works for me:

- I listen to my breathing. Breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth with my eyes closed. I do this ten times and then open my eyes. It helps find control in a situation where you feel a lack of control. 

- Listen to music that relaxes you, for me this is Sam Smith (what a shock!). 

- I remove myself from the situation for a little while, perhaps go outside for some fresh air if I am stuck inside. 

- I pop my earphones in and listen to a mediation app. 

- I cook. 

- I have cut down on my alcohol and caffeine intake.

- I make sure sure my food is wholesome and nutritious to help with blood sugar levels.

- I plan things. Getting things down onto paper or in a list on my phone really helps me organise my life and money. It puts it all into perspective, helps me to prioritise and therefore I don't worry as much.

- I also talk about whatever I'm going through with those who care about me. 

- The one thing that I have been doing recently though is facing my fears, putting myself in uncomfortable situations and not running away immediately or not trying what so ever. I don't want to look back on my life and say 'I wish I had done that'. I just give it a go. If I feel really uncomfortable, anxious and have a panic attack approaching, I will try and control it and if I can't, so be it. A step forward has still been made.

I hope this has helped you understand anxiety and panic attacks a bit better. I feel very passionately about this as I know it is very common. A lot of people just don't understand it and therefore tell you to 'get over it' (which really winds me up)! 

It is a serious thing to endure but it isn't the end of the world. There is help out there, various charities, doctors, teachers, parents, friends are there to support and guide you... you're not alone. 

(Bear in mind that it does impact on other people and their emotions too. Try to stay as grounded as you can and  not to take their love and support for granted.)  

Thank you for reading.

Love

Isabel x
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Sunday, 13 September 2015

Gluten & Dairy Free Basil Pesto


I absolutely love pesto, especially fresh pesto. So, when I altered my diet I then realised I could no longer eat normal pesto because of the cheese in it! I thought to myself, surely there is a dairy free one out there. I tried a jarred one, it was yummy, but I love a pungent basil pesto (basil is my favourite herb) and I feel like you can only get that if you make it from scratch... so that's what I did!

I had made traditional pesto before (basil, pine nuts, olive oil, parmesan cheese and garlic) so I kind of knew what I was doing... so I just chucked a few ingredients together and this is what I ended up with... 







Ingredients

Basil (2 cups)
Cashews (1 cup)
Garlic (2-3 gloves)
Olive Oil (1/2 cup)
Salt & Pepper (to taste)


Method

Pop the basil, cashews, garlic, salt and pepper into a food processor.
Put the lid on and gradually add the olive oil.


Feel free to add more or less of anything depending on the taste and consistency you prefer. 
This recipe is so easy to adapt, for example, change up the nuts to some pine nuts or walnuts. Personally I can't really tell a difference now there isn't any cheese in it!

I could eat this on its own, dip crackers into it or have it on toast. But I usually pop it in with some gluten free pasta with some chicken, bacon, onion, tomatoes. Such a quick and easy meal! The pesto lasts quite well too with the flavour intensifying everyday. I'm going to try it was some corgette spaghetti soon- I will let you know how that goes!






Enjoy!


Love 

Isabel x










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Thursday, 10 September 2015

An Insight Into My Life Changing Decisions...

Hi Everyone,

I hope you're well! This post is going to delve into my lifestyle change and journey to being the healthiest I can be- body, mind and soul- Heads up.. This won't include any photos.. I just wanted to let this out. 

This time last year I had just finished school and was going into the big, scary world. I had absolutely loved Sixth Form and had met some incredible people and had lots of fun. But the thing that stood out to me most as I was leaving school wasn't these happy things it was a comment/joke made by one of teachers (she is lovely-I'm not slagging her off). At the end of the year quite a few teachers like to make funny award ceremonies and this particular teacher gave me the award for 'The World Is Coming To An End'- which pretty much transferred into me thinking the worst possible thing was going to happen all the time- just a generally negative mindset. I didn't want to be known as that pessimistic person, the person would didn't want to try new things because they were to scared of failure and not being good enough, who just stayed in their comfort zone because they didn't want to feel anxious and have a potential panic attack. Of course this isn't easy to alter. 

There were multiple things that were contributing to my negativity. Throughout my whole life I have struggled with my weight. Being overweight obviously made me a target for bullying which of course left me with quite low self esteem. Throughout primary school and Years 7-9 I didn't really have any true friends. I felt lonely, unwanted and was experiencing suicidal thoughts which also lead to self harming. My weight kept changing, I did get into a state where my weight and body composition was healthy but I just 'let myself go' as it were (I was in a long term relationship where I was comfortable and loved). So, when we broke up I was an absolute mess! I gained about two stone which was majorly influenced by drinking alcohol socially most days and going out at the weekends. I just didn't take care of myself. My immune system was diabolical, I always had something wrong, on some sort of antibiotics. It was horrible. And of course my anxiety and panic attacks were worse than ever (this was right around exam time too- YAY!). I just was not okay. I was the biggest and heaviest I have ever been and the unhealthiest- something needed to change.

How I turned it all around...

Those of you who know me, will know that I love Sam Smith. His voice is incredible and his lyrics have really spoken to me- he has helped me let out so many emotions (by this I mean I have belted out his songs on repeat- no shame!) So, of course, me being a fan means I follow him on pretty much any social media I can, and I'm so glad that I did. It is hard to miss that Sam has lost lots of weight and has become much healthier and happier. I just happened to stumble across one of his Instagram posts where he addressed this and how he achieved it. It was all kick started with a book, 'Eat. Nourish. Glow', written by Amelia Freer (a nutritional therapist). So, that evening I ordered the book- MIND BLOWING! (I will do a book review on a separate post). Don't get me wrong, I have never really had a bad 'diet'. My parents were very influential in that respect- eating and cooking fresh, balanced meals. I was just a lazy bum and didn't really exercise that much (this was mainly due to the fact I didn't want to be laughed at or be 'fat shamed'). The phrase that stood out to me particularly in this book was "listen to your body". She mentions the way foods can make you feel, for example, wheat/gluten making you feel bloated and uncomfortable and dairy making your stomach churn and feel a bit gassed up. So, I assessed what I was eating and how it made me feel afterwards. These two points related to me the most. So, I decided to take them out of my diet and substitute them so I was still getting the necessary nutrition- I would advise going to see your doctor but I personally didn't at the beginning (but will be soon). 

I have never looked back. I almost instantly felt healthier and more energised. I absolutely love cooking and I'm not a fussy eater so this transition wasn't hard for me at all, it was actually quite fun! 

Another contributor to my lifestyle change is Herbalife- I have a post about the Herbalife SKIN range that I love, so have a nose if you would like to know more about some of the products. Not only are the products amazing, so is the customer care. I have an amazing coach and his passionate nature and belief in me has honestly transformed me. He helped me alter the way I think- I now think more logically, realistically and prioritise what is actually important to me there and then so to help maximise my personal growth and success- I will go into more depth in a separate post. He has taught me so much and has encouraged me to follow my dreams, so I am very grateful and lucky to have his support and the support the whole Herbalife community, my work colleagues, family and friends continuously. 

My Mum is also a true inspiration to me. She has been through some challenging things and is honestly one of the most amazing, brave and beautiful women I know, I love her to pieces. She has taught me so much and I think she would also say that I have taught her a few things too. I am much stronger, wiser and aspirational because of her, so thank you Mumma!

So, since last year I have lost two stone, my body composition is improving, my nutrition is pretty darn good, my hydration has increased, my skin in a lot clearer, I have way more energy and motivation, I can control my anxiety a lot more and have pushed myself to take part in activities and events outside of my comfort zone. I have planned for the future and what I would like to achieve and how I'm going to get there. I am incredibly happy and no matter what crap comes at me I no longer see it as a negative. Without those 'issues' I wouldn't be able to grow as a person, become stronger and more independent. 

I am incredibly proud of myself. But this is only the beginning of my life changing journey and I will continue to work my butt off (literally and hypothetically) and continue to share it! I hope this helps at least one of you.. Don't worry.. You can get through whatever it is that is bothering you, trust me. 

Thank you so much!

Love

Isabel x
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