Lessons Learned in 2015

As 2015 is coming to an end and we are winding down after Christmas it is always very therapeutic to look back over all the ups and downs the year had in store for us and what lessons we learnt throughout. It really is amazing how much can change in a year and this year more than any I feel like I have really grown as a person and have learnt so much along the way. On St. Stevens night or Boxing Day as it is know as in the UK. I met up with my best friends from secondary school for our annual Christmas night out. I think it had been a full year since we were all out together and I think it is crazy how much we have all changed and how much we've grown. It was lovely to meet up with everyone and we had such a good night filled with fun and laughter. Laughter is the best medicine especially with loved ones which brings me on to my lessons learnt in 2015. 

1. Appreciate your loved ones
At the end of the day family and friends are all we have. That is so important to remember. Those are the people who are going to love and support you no matter what happens in life and what choices you make. They will always have your back. Focus on quality not quantity. It is more important to have one really good honest friend then 10 fakes ones. 

2. Happiness is a choice
I have just finished the book 'The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind' and there is a full chapter dedicated to happiness. People are always searching for happiness by buying items, or coming out with statements like "I would be so happy only I don't have the money." Or "I would be happy if I had my dream job". All these outer things wont make you happy. Its down to you. You have to wake up every morning and decide to be happy and that is how it happens! 

3. Confidence is key 
In order to be successful you need to be confident. Growing up I was always really shy and quiet. Even when I finished college and started working I didn't have confidence in myself. This really effected me as I let other members of staff and employers walk all over me. I knew I had to change something. I took a step back and began to really focus on myself and my mindset and this has changed me for the better. Confidence isn't about looks, money or a job. Its knowing you mind and making peace with yourself. 

4. Believe in yourself
Believe in yourself because you are amazing. Right now you have the power to do anything you want to. You literally have the world and your fingertips once you have that self confidence and belief you can achieve anything you want in you life. Al you have to do is get off you bum and do it! 

5. Forgive & Let go 
If you've had a fight with your sibling or a friend or had a boss that treated you badly, forgive them and forget about what ever was causing the upset. I know at the time when circumstance happen they may seem like the world is going to end but really it isn't and it's never as bad as it seems. Thinking about what happened is only effected you and know one else so let it go and you can move on with your happy life. 

6. Always be yourself 
This is your strongest power because no one in the entire world will ever be like you so embrace it. If we were all the same life would be really boring so go out the and shine! 

7. Put yourself out there
What I mean by this is don't be afraid to try something new, maybe its a job you've been eyeing up in a certain company and its suddenly become vacant. Maybe its a new hobby, or joining a gym or starting a new business venture. Just go for it. Lives to short to wonder what if! 

8. Don't take no for an answer 
If you want something go get it. Don't stop until you have it or  have achieved it. Don't listen to naysayers telling you it can't be done. Hustle harder then they ever will and you will have everything they've never had. 

9. Gratitude changes everything 
Gratitude is the only way to bring more into you life. Start each day being grateful to be alive and breathing and watch the magic appear in your life. 

10. Do not criticize others
Do not criticize others for everyone is fighting a battle. Be kind always. 

11. Do what you love 
Life is to short to waste it doing something that you absolutely hate. I learnt this the hard way but has probably taught a vital lesson in life. If you are not happy make a change. That's what I did and I haven't looked back! 

12. Give as much as you can
I am not talking about giving away your wages or anything but maybe when you see a school or a charity looking for support give them something. There is always someone worse off then you and they will be so grateful for the help. 

13. You can't make everyone happy
As I mentioned above we are all individuals. We all have our own tastes in music, in food, in colours so you can't make everyone happy all of the time. When you except that and move on you will be happy so at least you can do that!

14. Dream big 
Set your goals high. The higher the better. Write them down and look at them daily. Do something everyday to bring you closer to your dreams. Last year I did a blog post on My New Years Resolutions. I didn't look at them every day but I reviewed them a few times throughout the year. I looked back on the today after not looking at them for a few months, I was surprised that I achieved all of them except for going to Paris. But I wont to London instead!

15. Work hard 
If you want to achieve anything in life you are going to have to work for it. Be that building your business, losing weight or even being a better person. Nothing worth having comes easy so work hard every single day, persevere and belief in yourself and your dreams will come true...

2015 has been some year which sometimes felt like there were more downs then ups but without the downs I would not be the strong person I am today and for that I would not change a single thing. It really does show you how one year can change your entire life. I really hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. I also hoped you learnt a tip or two and I would love to hear what you learnt throughout the year. 

Wishing you all the most amazing 2016! 

Love always

Kerrie x  

The Perfect Christmas & Feeling Grateful!

Its the most wonderful time of the year... it really is and  this year more than any year I was determined to make sure it was perfect from start to finish. I am truly grateful that it has been just that. It is so easy to get caught up in the rush of our extremely busy lives to stop and think about what Christmas is really about and just how fortunate we all are. 

Family is everything and I am so grateful to have a pretty amazing one. Since we were quite young it has been tradition that we open our Christmas presents on Christmas eve. Every Christmas eve night my parents would pack us into the car while one of our parents would have to run back inside as they would have 'forgotten' to do something or turn something off. They would run around our house gathering our presents putting them under the Christmas tree. While we waited with the other parent. We would then go to mass or go to town to get batteries for our new toys. When we would come home our presents would be under the tree and we would be so excited.

This tradition still remains and our Christmases are still just as magical and I am so thankful for that. Yesterday we spent the morning running last minute errands, wrapping presents and helping with meal preparations for today. In the evening we got ready for mass and then came home and opened presents. Each and everyone of us were really spoiled. Our gifts were really thoughtful and everyone got what they wished for.  This morning we all slept in but were woken by our puppy. He got upstairs and ran up and down our hallway tapping on everyone's door to wake us up. He brings such love and happiness into our home. I think all dog lovers will understand. We got up and had coffee and croissants for breakfast. We changed into our Christmas jumpers and relaxed watching Christmas movies before dinner. 

We had a wonderful day snuggling in our cozy clothes, laughing and eating all the food! I hope you had a magical Christmas filled with love and laughter! I also want to Thank You my wonderful readers so much for reading my blog and being so kind since I started this journey. I really appreciate each and everyone of you. So Thank you!

Merry Christmas & Love always! 

Kerrie x 

My Current Ab Routine

With only five days until Christmas I'm not leaving it until the New Year to work off my over indulging booty. During the summer you may have read my 'Fit and Fabulous Series'  where I weekly discussed my meal plans and workouts. During the series I shared 'My At Home Ab Routine'  which I still include in my every day workouts but change is also good as your muscles get used to the exercises and they become less effective. Reading back over my previous fitness posts has really put me in the mind set of the post Christmas push. Buying new workout gear is also a great push in the right direction. I bought my Nike workout clothes in Cheshire Oaks  during the summer. They are by far my favourite workout clothes out of my collection and wear them as much as I can. The t-shirt is still in perfect condition and feels like new. I have the matching top to wear over it and it is also in perfect condition. The pants are seamless and are the most comfortable pants I own. Perfect for a real intense ab workout! 

Weighted side punches

Standing up straight with your feet hip distance apart, hold a 2.5lb dumbbell in each hand. Starting with your right hand, punch across the front of your body to your left side twisting you core but keeping your hips square and still. Repeat for 12 Reps 

Weighted side reaches 

Stand up straight with your feet hip width apart. Holding a 2.5lb dumbbell in each hand. Holding the dumbbell in your left hand place your hand on your left hip. The other dumbbell is in the right hand. Bend from the waist reaching down your right leg. Really concentrating and focusing on crunching the waist and feeling a stretch in the left side. Repeat for 12 reps on the right side and then switch and repeat for 12 reps on the left side. 

Kettle bell fold

Lie on your back with your arms straight above your head holding the kettle bell upside down and you legs straight out in front of you. Lift your arms holding the kettle bell and your legs up at the same time to meet in the in the middle. Once they've met lower back to starting position just about an inch off the ground. Repeat for 12 reps. 

Weighted star crunch 

Again lie on your back with your arms above your head holding the dumbbell and your legs straight out in front of you. Holding the dumbbell above your head lift your shoulders up off the ground and pull your knees in at the same time to crunch the waist. As you do this reach your feet and place the dumbbell on the ankles, stretch your legs and arms back out to starting position. Really feeling the bun in your lower tummy. Repeat for 12 reps. 

Bicycle 

Lie on your back with you fingers on your temples, with you knees bent. Alternate your legs pointing them straight out in front of you at the same time twist your upper body in the using the opposite sides to really work the obliques. Repeat for 12 reps.

Fast Russian twist 

Sit on your mat and lean back slightly. Join your hands and lift your legs up off the ground and cross your feet. Quickly twist your core from side to side ensuring that you opposite elbow paces you opposite hip. Repeat for 30 reps (15 on each side).   

Once those DOMs set in I can't even laugh my abs burn that much! Let me know if you try this routine!

Yours stylishly 

Kerrie x 




    

How To Stay Fit & Healthy This Festive Season!

Hi Everybody! 

Happy Wednesday! December is well and truly here and Christmas party season is fast approaching. I know only to well how hard it is to eat healthy and exercise this time of year, with selection boxes and celebrations at every twist and turn testing my will power as well as the cold, dark mornings and evenings doesn't really entice you to go out and exercise. I love this time of year and love spending time with family and friends and really embrace the season but it is really easy to over do it at skip your workouts. 

So here are some of my top tips on how to stay fit and healthy this Christmas Season. 

1. Focus 
My first tip and probably the most important is to focus on the bigger picture. It is too easy to get caught up in the mind set of feeling like you have to eat everything you see just because its Christmas. I am very guilty of this, I would stuff my face with chocolate until I feel sick and really I can't do this because I suffer with eczema and chocolate aggravates it. So definitely not worth it. 
Instead of thinking about all the yumminess there is to eat think of how hard you've worked all year to get to where you are today.

"Think of your Christmas party dress!" 

2. A little of what you fancy...

Which brings me to my second tip - "A little of what you fancy does you good". So instead of eating the whole box of celebrations, a full chocolate cake and a large size bag of Doritos to yourself all in one sitting. Try some portion control. Have maybe 3/5 celebrations or one piece of cake. Depriving yourself wont make you happy so a little treat every now and then will keep your cravings at bay. 

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Staying hydrated is important all year long but its definitely a lot harder this time of the year. With the cold weather and so many tempting hot chocolates around its very easy to pass on the water. But we still need it as much as any other time of the year as we become dehydrated especially with central heating on around the clock. Water is also important for flushing out toxins which aids with bloating or water retention an other plus for getting into that party dress.

4. Workout
Get your workout done as early in the day as possible or at least when its bright. If you leave it until after work when its dark and cold you definitely won't want to go out and do it. So my advice for you is to get in first thing in the morning or over your lunch break when its still bright. Or if you prefer to get your session in  after work look up some at home workouts on YouTube and create you own little circuit at home! 

5. Nourish 
With the colder weather and change of season it is really important to look after your body and immune system. Late nights and partying wreak havoc with your immune system so ensure to eat your veggies so that you are getting sufficient nutrients and vitamins. Make sure you are getting enough rest and take some time out really pamper yourself. Take a nice hot bath, put on a face mask and have a cozy night in watching a movie or something you enjoy. Before you hit the next party of course!

I really hope you found this post helpful and if you have any tips I love to hear them! 

Thanks for reading!

Yours stylishly!

Kerrie x  

   

A Gymbunnies Christmas Gift Guide

Hi Everyone! 

Happy Saturday! I hope you are all having a brilliant weekend and are getting into the festive spirit. As you know I am a fitness loving girl so I thought why not put together a little 'Christmas Gift Guide' full of all the fitness/health related gifts that I would like that I know other fitness girls would like too. Some gifts are a little more expensive than others but maybe your treating yourself or its that one extra special present. 

1. Victoria Secret - Pink Hoodies 

I love workout clothes and always buy more when I need that extra push of motivation. What you wear in the gym or when working out is more important than you may think. Wearing pretty or really funky gym clothes that you love makes you feel so much better about yourself which in turns helps you to workout to the best of your ability. I love these hoodies from Victoria Secret. The colours are gorgeous and they look so warm and soft. I wouldn't wear them working out but I would wear them to come and go from the gym.  

Perfect Full-Zip Hoodie - Victoria Secret PINK

Ultimate Deep Zip - Victoria Secret - PINK

2. Trainers 

Wearing the right footwear when working out is also very important to aid support for your joints. There are also so many different styles and brands to choose from. You really are spoiled for choice. I love the Adidas Superstars and Nike Air Max Thea and getting them in the colours I have pictured below will also go with jeans when out shopping.  

Adidas Superstar

Nike Air Max Thea Trainers - Littlewoods Ireland

3. Protein Bar Selection Box

I nearly died when I saw this on the bodyfirst.ie website. You all know I love protein bar so I thought this was so cool. The are a perfect replacement for a regular chocolate bar, much healthy and perfect for giving you that boost of energy. There are five bars in the box and you can pick which ones you want. Such a good idea!  

Protein Bar Selection Box - BodyFirst.ie

4. Body Care 

After a tough session or a run there's nothing I love more than pampering my body and skin. The Body Shop have a line especially for gym goers called 'Spa Fit'. They smell amazing, really uplifting and are super hydrating. They are supposed to help firm and tone your skin. I recently bought a few products from this range but haven't used them all yet but I will do a full review when I do! 

Spa Fit Firming & Toning Gel Cream Massager - The Body Shop

Spa Fit Intensive Toning Concentrate

5. Eat Yourself Beautiful By Rosanna Davison 

Eat Yourself Beautiful By Rosanna Davison is a cookbook with a very special difference. Rosanna is vegan and all recipes in the book and vegan based but you do not need to be vegan to follow them. You can add meat if you so wish. She goes about health in a really different way. She really promotes eating for beauty and not depriving yourself. She is a massive sweet tooth and and healthy desserts which a super sweet ti beat those cravings. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their, looks or lifestyle. 

Eat Yourself Beautiful By Rosanna Davison - Amazon

6. Fitbit Flex 

This is the number one accessory on every fitchicks wishlist. The most highly recommended brand. It is a fitness tracker that helps to monitor how many calories you're burning in everyday life, and what you are burning off in the gym. It allows you to set goals, make a food diary, assesses how well you are sleeping. It can also be linked to your fitness pal app! So no excuses. It comes in bright coloured bands that can be changed regularly.   

Fitbit Flex - Amazon

7. Hair Treatment

As well as looking after our skin while working out it is also important to look after your hair. Your hair goes through a lot when exercising, if like me its tied up in a tight bobble flopping all over the place. s not only is it getting dehydrating it is probably getting weakened causing split ends to occur. I think this one from lush will be the perfect treat for after exercise! 

Shine So Bright Hair Mask - Lush

8. Nike Running Jacket

I think  a nice running jacket is the perfect gift for the fitness girl in  your life. We all focus on the essentials such as sports bras or leggings but never invest something like this. I really love this one from Little Woods Ireland and they have a huge collection of sports wear to offer. 

Nike Running Jacket - Littlewoods Ireland

9. Agenda 

An agenda is really important for staying organised and staying on track of your meal plans and workouts as well as tracking your progress. I love this Kate Spade one from My Shining Armour! 

Kate Spade Agenda - My Shining Armour

10. The gift of health and fitness

Why not treat your loved one to their next months membership or a new set of classes or if gyms or classes aren't their thing try online boot camps or workout dvds. This is something they would really appreciate and is it is a membership you are treating them too it is saving them the expense in the new year. 

Happy Shopping!

Yours Stylishly 

Kerrie x 

Pretty Armoire Decor Inspiration Featuring Chairish

Hi Everybody! 

I'm back... finally! And I couldn't be happier. I mentioned on twitter and instagram last week that I was having trouble with my laptop so it was in getting repaired. That was the reason there was no new content over the last two weeks, lets just say don't download windows 10 or it will lead to big problems. In the mean time I decided to redecorate my bedroom. One of the reasons why my pinterest has been hopping as of late. 

My bedroom is almost complete except for my two armoires or wardrobes. Don't you think it is so hard to style the tops of them? I definitely do. Right now I have a suitcase on one and three little Brown Thomas bags on the other. I think they both look cluttered and ruin the look of my room although the Brown Thomas bags match my room perfectly they look a little lost or lacking. 

As I was browsing the web looking for ideas I came across this website Chairish. Which is an exclusive curator approved online market place for vintage furniture. They have the most gorgeous collections from shabby chic to modern to Victorian style furniture. I spent hours scrolling through the website looking at all of the beautiful pieces and finding inspiration for my own room. 

The below four armoires are my favourite from the site. I love white a mirrored furniture. As you can tell from photos taken from my bedroom. 

French Louis XIV White Distressed Double Closet

As mentioned I have two wardrobes in my bedroom but they are both separate and free standing that's why I loved the first wardrobe pictured above. I think it would be perfect for anyone trying to save space in there room and I think it has a really girly and fairy tale feel to it. 

French Style Cane White Armoire

This one is very like the armoires I have in my own bedroom. Simple but pretty and chic. I really like the french style with the crystal knobs. 

Gray Faux Bamboo Drexel Cabinet

This is a gray cabinet and not really supposed to be for your bedroom but bare with me for one minute. I think they gray and gold accents are gorgeous together. Obviously I wouldn't store clothes in here as its for your finest china dishes. Instead, I would store pretty perfume bottles, sparkly high heels, clutches and jewelry as well as chic books and glittery ornaments. To give my room a sort of boutique vibe. 

American Drew White Wood Ornate Armoire

I love how this wardrobe has two big draws at the bottom, for all of the clothing that you do not hang. Its also a space saver as you wouldn't need a free standing chest of drawers unless you choice too. 

I made three style boards for some decor inspiration for the tops of the wardrobes. I found some really good ideas but narrowed it down to my top three. 

I really love white and cream furniture and furnishings with a pop of colour in my bedroom. I think it looks fresh and chic and really feminine. On the other hand when I saw the dark wood with the Christmas decorations I thought it was gorgeous too. I really like going all out for Christmas decorating all rooms in my home and I think the Christmas decorations for your wardrobes are beautiful! Seeing the Christmas decor gave me the idea of changing decor colour schemes with the seasons or holidays. For example for spring or summer decorate using pastel colours such as baby pink, baby blue and lilac. Or for Halloween find a colour scheme that matches your room but is still festive. 

Of course the above picture is only a sample of the decor but its inspiration for my own armoire once Halloween comes next year. 

I really home you enjoyed this post and find some inspiration for your own armoire! 

Thanks for reading! 

Yours stylishly! 

Kerrie x