The honest truth

Lately I've been feeling like I need a big change in my life. Well, I know I've needed one for a long time actually. Chronic health issues and chronic stress plague my life and somedays it feels like it will never get better. I'm not the healthiest person, but I'm not the unhealthiest either. I educate myself on self-love, health, good food, spirituality and so on, yet never find myself putting it into practice. I feel like I have all this knowledge with no clue how to use it. 
But in contrast, I look through blogs on a daily basis and see the same monotonous beauty reviews, the same products, the same attitudes, the same this, the same that. I honestly feel like I'm dumbing myself down. I've realised that in my quest to try and beat chronic illness I've spent so much money on materialistic things like make up, perfume and clothes, yet NONE of it makes me genuinely happy. You get urges that this new product or thing is going to change your life and make you happy again, yet it never happens. It's like when I purchase these things I somehow think I can transform into someone else, but of course, never do. The real "me" wants to be stripped back, living the simple life, eating fresh healthy food, practicing yoga and focusing on positivity, yet the person I think I should be seems to buy pointless crap thinking it will change my life. So I've decided to make some big changes. I'm concentrating on health and health only. 
I've signed up to do an online guide to "transforming my life." It's with a popular blogger in the wellness world from Australia, and I feel like by committing myself to a group I might actually be able to make some changes. So this blog may change, it may get ignored, I don't know yet. But I feel like I no longer want to cheat myself into trying to become someone I'm not, getting sucked into a materialistic world, when really my body is crying out for TLC. 

20 Things I Love

img from Pinterest

So there's a tag going around blogs and Youtube where people list 20 things they hate, whether that be foods, people, chores etc. But I don't think it's necessary to concentrate on the negative in our lives; why give negative the time of day to contemplate it? It's useful to know the things we don't like to be able to live the way we do want to, but once we think about the negative, there is no point dwelling on it. Dwelling on it trains the mind that it's okay to think negatively, but it isn't. The more positive thinking we do the more our minds will get used to it and continue to do so.
So with that in mind, I've created a list of 20 things I love or make me happy. You can do the same and post your blog below for me to look at. They can be small things or bigger things, doesn't matter. This is not in order, but it's just what is coming to mind today :)
1. Sunshine. This is a masssssive love of mine. There is nothing that makes me more cheery and ready to start the day than opening the curtains and seeing the sun.
2. Fresh air and walking in the countryside. If you're lucky enough to be around green spaces (even if it's a park if you live in the city), make use of them! As humans we weren't evolved to live in cities, work in offices or stay indoors, so make the most of being outside because it will make you so much happier and healthier.
3. Reminiscing on old times with friends. I love doing this because we all remember the good times and the funny times. We don't think back to primary school and remember the monotonous repetitive days, we remember the ones where we we silly, playing games, dressing up, having fun with friends. 
4. Singing. I don't do it enough nowadays because my throat's not in the best health generally, but when I'm feeling good I try and sing. It can actually release a lot of tension :)
5. Making delicious but healthy meals. I like savory foods a lot more than sweet, so making delicious meals makes me happy.
6. But saying that, I love chocolate :) If you don't rely on it, but use it as a treat, it really can make you happy!
7. Learning. It sounds geeky, but I love to continue to learn things. It can be anything, but always things that you genuinely want to gain knowledge in, never force yourself to study a subject you don't really enjoy.
8. The smell of citrus and mint. Don't know why, but it is instantly refreshing. 
9. My puppy! Dogs (providing you're not already scared of them), make people happy. They just want to love and impress you, it makes me smile.
10. Perfume. I've mentioned before my love for it. It seems so superficial, but I love that something invisible can adapt to the mood you're in.
11. Cycling. This continues on from being in the countryside (as I don't like cycling on roads, too scary!), I love cycling, it's so freeing, and keeps you fit.
12. American teen dramas - Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, 90210, Revenge (is that teen?!). I love it - it's escapism, but they're not mind-dumbing like a lot of tv. 13. My bed. Too much. Must get out.
14. Coats. There's nothing better than finding the perfect coat - which I recently have, and I look forward to going out JUST to wear it!
15. Ginger tea. I only have one cup of "normal" breakfast tea a day because I find it a bit dehydrating and don't like too much caffeine, but ginger tea I have two or three times a day, and it is so soothing.
16. People who smile and give off a happy demeanor - they make me feel comfortable and happy. It is always better to surround yourself with people like this.
17. Theatre and Musicals. I loooove theatre. Whether it makes me laugh or cry, I find it really connects to my emotions, which is only healthy.
18. Hot weather by the sea. I love the summer, but it's even more pleasant if you're by the sea. I live just north of London so there's no sea near, but being on holiday in the Mediterranean is my idea of bliss.   19. Following on from holidays, I love going to countries AWAY from tourist spots. By tourist spots, I mean places where it feels like you're practically still in England. My parents never took me to these resorts and I never will. If I go to a foreign country I want to immerse myself in their culture, learn a language and eat the food the locals eat. So this is a definite love of mine and one I hope to do more of :)
20. And finally, the inevitable, friends and family. There needs no explaining, they are our stability and I can't express my love for them more.
I hope that gave you a bit of a boost of positiveness, away from blogs featuring the opposite end of the spectrum. As I said, it is always better to look on the 'bright side', however cheesy that sounds. 

A belated Merry Christmas (and a Happy New Year!)

Well yes, it is almost January, but I just wanted to tell all my followers Merry Christmas and I hope you all have a fantastic last few days of 2012. I'm keeping things pretty quiet this year, but I'm very much looking forward to January. There's always a nice fresh start feeling isn't there? I'm also looking forward to taking my blog further in the new year, as I've had a bit if a hiatus lately. But it's about juggling this, my studies and social life, and I know with a bit of organisation I can do it! So I guess that's what you could call my New Years resolution.

Have you got any resolutions? How will you be spending New Year's Eve?

Marina x

(I'm posting this for the first time from my phone so I hope it doesn't turn out too dodgy!)

Dehydrated skin? Dry skin? Bit of both?

For a long time I didn't know the definition or what the difference was between 'dehydrated skin' and 'dry skin', but came to the conclusion that I suffer with both. But why suffer? There are products out there to really help these skin types but you just have to be persistent with them to notice any differences. 
This was the mistake I was making, my skin was breaking out BADLY on my cheeks and jawline from about the age of 20 to 22 and I couldn't understand why. I'd always had spots as a teenager but never badly enough to call it acne. I'd get them in the usual teenage places as well, ie. the t zone. So when I started getting large painful spots on my cheeks when I was past the 'teenage stage' I had no idea why. I kept putting cleansers for acne and topical acne treatments on my skin in the hope it would clear up, and while it helped the spots themselves, it didn't help prevent further ones from developing. I figured finally that it wasn't bacteria causing the spots (from not taking make up off properly or grubby fingers), but it was the fact that my skin was so undernourished that it was going absolutely mental as a result. The number of harsh treatments I was putting on my skin was making the problem a whole lot worse too and my skin was never recovering.
It took me literally 2 years to realise this, but it's amazing what you can learn from doing some research on skin; how it works and what it needs. So firstly I'll describe what the difference is between dehydrated skin and dry skin, then list some products that can help them. You may find that you suffer from none, one or both, but hopefully it will help a few of you who know that during the winter months your skin needs that extra something to help it through the cold. 
Dehydrated skin: Now technically this is more of a temporary skin condition than a skin type, and can happen even to people who have oily skin. It is not about oil, it is about water content of the skin. When skin doesn't get enough water, it literally deflates, and no longer looks plump and smooth. It can feel tight and itchy and cause lines on your face. This can be genetic and something which you will always need to control or it could be because you are an acne sufferer who uses harsh treatments on your skin. These treatments suck the water out of your skin, leaving it really damaged and undernourished. So whilst you're treating the problem of the spots, the rest of your skin is suffering and will probably cause you more spots. This is why, in many cases, milder acne remedies are better if your skin cannot cope with the harsher things. 
What should you treat it with? Dehydrated skin needs its water replaced fast. Look out for products that contain Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium PCA, Sorbitol, Allantoin or Propylene Glycol. These ingredients help attract water into the skin and help it stay there to nourish the skin. Hyaluronic Acid is particularly good as it is produced naturally in the body, so products containing this are really giving your skin a helping hand in getting more water, and will help your moisturiser sink in and work more efficiently. Always keep your skin hydrated, so when you get out of the shower, moisturise straight away to help retain as much moisture as possible. Never let your skin dry without doing this. For acne sufferers, do not use harsh chemicals like benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid as this can really strip your skin and leave it inflamed. Also do not over exfoliate your skin as you may break down too many layers of skin and decrease your skin's natural barriers. Instead, as a test, quit using acne treatments for a while and just focus on gently cleansing and moisturising. If you find a month on that your skin is no clearer, then introduce natural acne treatments like tea tree oil but only use it directly on the spot and nowhere else on the skin. 
Product recommendations: Hydraluron Moisture Booster by Indeed Labs £24.99 from here. This product is a serum which you put on after you've cleansed and before you moisturise. It is designed to help your moisturiser work better because it will really help draw the water from it and into your skin. I have used this product and it really is excellent at making the skin look plumper and more healthy. Another good product to achieve this is Ren’s Max Moisture Concentrate £32 from here. Also use gentle cleansers and toners without alcohol or fragrance. There can be a lot of nasties in fragrance that they don't have to list on the back of a product. 
Dry skin: Dry skin on the other hand is a skin type where the skin does not produce enough natural oil (sebum). Without oil, skin can appear flaky or have a rough surface. Often, the pores will be small due to there not being enough oil to dilute them. Extremely dry skin can also cause it to be more sensitive and as a result appear inflamed or react easily to make up or skin products. You can tell if you've got dry skin by feeling its surface, and also if you wear foundation you can see how different types react with it. If you use a matte foundation, you will most likely struggle to make it blend, it will appear flaky and just sit on the surface highlighting any lines you have. However, if you wear a more dewy foundation, it will look like a new layer of skin as opposed to oily and will most definitely suit you better. As we age, our skin also gets drier, and the collagen in our skin decreases. Women who have reached menopause will often notice drier skin due to the hormone estrogen decreasing in their bloodstream. 
What should you treat it with? Your skin needs help to combat the fact your skin isn't producing enough oil. Make sure you're using non-comedogenic/hypoallergenic moisturisers because you don't want to clog your skin up with layer upon layer of thick creams. Try Avene's Hydrance Optimale Riche £13.50 from here which will nourish your skin without clogging. You can also use a vitamin E oil which will absorb really easily and instantly make your skin appear smoother. Try The Body Shop's Vitamin E Facial Oil £11 from here. Or alternatively a super oil that I am a big fan of is Pai's BioRegenerate™ Rosehip Oil £20 from here  which really helps to recover damaged skin as rosehip as regenerative properties. 
If you find like me you suffer with both dry and dehydrated skin, then really focus on using gentle cleansers, and ideally ones where you don't have to use tap water. Tap water can disrupt the natural pH balance of the skin and cause more harm than good. A good option here is Dr Nick Lowe's The Secret is Out Cream Cleanser from here. A brilliant face mask that you can use overnight is Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask £20 from here. This is the best mask I have used for making skin moisturised and healthy.
   You also must look at the bigger picture; my hair is dry and my lips and hands always chap and crack... WHY DIDN'T I NOTICE MY FACE WAS THE SAME?! Spots can be deceiving. So just take into account the rest of your body and how it reacts with certain times of year or conditions. These little things can let you know what your skin is asking for and what we mustn't ignore! 
So overall, you need to pay close attention to your skin and how it changes as you age. I was naive to the fact that I was getting older and my skin was no longer the oily t zoned place it was at 16! My skin's needs have changed and we must make ourselves aware of that change before we make lasting irreversible damage.
Really hope this has helped some people out there whose mind's are frazzled with figuring out their skin type!

Get To Know Me Tag

I realised I haven't really introduced myself on my blog. I hope you'll feel like you know me the more you read it though! But in the meantime, here is a list of questions I shall answer for you.

                      1. Is there anything in life you would like to accomplish that you haven't yet?

I'd like to have my own company/business. I'm not sure what, but I'd like to make a successful venture out of something.

2. One secret you don't mind sharing with us?

I was bullied/psychologically manipulated at university by someone who I thought was my friend, to the point where I had to leave. (If anyone ever wants advice on bullying please get in touch!)

3. How do you like to relax?

In bed in my room reading blogs with a cup of lemon and ginger tea.

4. What was your last major purchase?

My puppy!

5. What can you cook very well?

I'd like to say cakes, but I think I need to practice. I'm good at pasta dishes though and making something out of nothing.

6. What is one TV show that you really don't like?

Soaps which are really depressing and have really over the top storylines.

7. If given a million pounds, what is the first thing you would do with it?

I would invest most of it. But spend some taking my Mum on a lovely holiday, and put a deposit on a house.

8.  What kind of people do you like being around?

People who are calm and happy.

9. What is one makeup mistake that you used to make?

Thinking I needed to wear loads of foundation when my skin was actually okay!

10. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you pick?

Ooh something basic but that has lots of nutrients. Maybe potatoes or fish. Boring but it'd keep you alive.

11. Have you got any tattoos? If not, would you like one?

No and No

12. If you were to be reincarnated into an animal, what would you be and why?

A bird of prey because they can fly, they are the predator and they are beautiful.

13. Do you think money is happiness?

Not solely, but it helps. I think love and health = happiness, but no one can live an easy life without money. So yes and no.

14. Have you ever been abroad?

Yes. South Africa, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Greece.

15. Do you speak any foreign languages?

Not fluently, but I speak a bit of French, Spanish and German.

16. If you could be anyone for a day who would you be and why?

An Olympic athlete. I'd like to know what it feels like to be totally healthy and fit.

17. How tall/short are you?

Short. 5 ft 3.

18. What are you wearing right now?

Strappy vest and pj bottoms.

19. Best present you ever received?

A painting, painted by my boyfriend.

20. Last thing you ate?

Roast Duck, Potatoes, Green Beans and Gravy

21. Who else is in the room as you are answering this?

No one!

22. What do you think is the coolest accent?

Jamaican. So, so cool.

Sunny Morning Instagrams (Follow Me!)

My view from my window first thing this morning. Lovely bright sunshine.

This is just outside London would you believe!

Beautiful countryside

These are just a few snaps from this morning when I took my dog for a walk. It was quite cold first thing but I warmed up walking! Feel free to add me on Instagram Marina_W90

Knitting you say?

Now it is autumn, it’ll nearly be time to dig out woolly jumpers and big fluffy scarves. For the past couple of years instead of investing in a new winter scarf, I’ve been knitting one. I do still own and wear shop-bought ones – I’d never be without my All Saints long grey woollen scarf (with pockets!).

Knitting isn’t as hard as it looks. Once you get the hang of it you get into a sort of rhythm and you hardly need to think about it at all. You can buy introductory books on how to knit, or watch some Youtube videos and see it in practice. My Mum taught me, and I regularly have to go back to her with my mistakes and get her to reverse them! I haven’t quite got correcting my errors down to a T yet. I think that’s the hardest thing as you have to do everything you just did backwards and I don’t think my brain is mathematical enough for that! It is best to start off learning how to cast on and do a basic knit, and then you can learn more techniques like pearl and other more fancy knits.

You can buy such lovely wool these days, in any colour, any thickness and any texture. I prefer to keep mine quite simple so it matches a lot of outfits. Any good haberdashery shop will have a good selection of wool, or most department stores with a haberdashery section (John Lewis in particular for people in UK). I like my scarves big and chunky, and to get that effect you need MASSIVE needles! I look so funny knitting and as I’m quite petite I must look like one of the Borrowers where everything is too big for me!

I also own a knitting bag to keep all my wool, needles, half-finished scarf and any bits and bobs. I have a Cath Kidston one (who else!) and love it so much. It’s great if you are going somewhere and need an activity to pass time, like babysitting or spending time at a relative’s house. I wouldn’t necessarily advise getting it out on the train though as you might poke someone’s eye out! It’s a great activity to do when you’re watching TV – you’ll be surprised how much you can get done without realising it! 

Cath Kidston Trailing Floral Knitting Bag £25.00