FEBRUARY BIRCHBOX

Well, well, well - haven't I been a naughty blogger. I've had this post open with these pictures taken and edited for around two weeks now but I've simply not been able to find the motivation to start it! I've had a mini vacation from my YouTube channel since I filmed and edited a great video but was unable to upload it due to a corrupt file and if I'm honest I was very close to giving up. I couldn't however - bare myself to discard these images as I was so happy with how they turned out so if you made it this far.. Well done. 

If you didn't know by now, each month I work along side the company All Subscription Boxes. Which as you can tell in the title, is a website where you can find all the monthly subscription boxes you could think of - and each month they very kindly send me the well known Birchbox to try out. 

This month saw the February Birchbox land on my doorstep, filled with goodies. Now, I'll be honest when I say that I wasn't as impressed as my January Birchbox, however the products where still worth trying! My favourite being the Ayres body butter. I have no idea what the scent of this cream is but I want it in everything, perfume, candles, reed diffusers; I'm obsessed. I also found the Spectrum powder brush to be amazing! It's not dense enough to be used for contour, however for highlight or powder it's perfect. Think soft bristles, gorgeous packaging. What more can you ask for? 

Something I was quite underwhelmed by, was the blusher from The Balm Cosmetics.. Although the shade looks gorgeous - and as someone that doesn't usually go for blushers I was excited to try it out. The size of the sample on the other hand, is so small that I don't think I have a blusher brush the right size to even pick up any of the product! 

Did you recieve a Birchbox in February? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Be sure to check out the allsubscriptionboxes website here and sign up for your favourite box. 

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I'M IN LOVE WITH THE COCO

If you follow me on social media, (if not, you should..) you'll have heard me rambling on about the amazing people over at Coconut Lane and their sassy yet very affordable prints, jewellery and phone cases. Their prints are amazing for adding those finishing touches to your humble abode, and of course - they go with any colour scheme, especially the monochrome ones!

What's even better is that they've given you, yes you reading this 20% off everything on their website, just enter the code styleaked20 at the checkout to claim your discount! Be sure to tag them in any pictures you take of your order, I'm sure they'll love a bit of Instagram loving.. But don't we all? I've already placed my first order - have you?

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HOW TO: COCONUT PROTEIN BALLS

Unless you've been hiding under a rock since January 1st 2016, you'll know I'm on a huge health kick/lifestyle change this year and this is one of my many recipies I'll be sharing with you if you're going through the same change as me! 

January saw me introducing Apples and Peanut Butter, (still a firm favourite!) followed by the delicious Homemade Protein Pancakes and now these fantastic Coconut Protein Balls. If you're still trying to tame the devil that is your sweet tooth then these are perfect. They take a little longer to prepare than my other two alternative snacks but the method is straight forward. 

For these balls you will need:

1 Scoop of vanilla protein powder

50g Desiccated coconut

Honey

Chopped nuts

Cashew or peanut butter

Coconut oil

You know the drill by now.. Take all your ingredients, and throw them in the blender! Empty the combined ingredients and roll them into balls of your desired size. Topped with dates and more coconut and you're good to go. Unlike me, if you have some self discipline then you can simply pop them into the fridge and snack on them for around 3-4 days. I on the other hand gobbled them all in 24 hours and then felt very guilty and headed to the gym to work on my abs! Let me know if you try these out, either in the comments or just tweet me!

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CRAVING CHANGE

*Image from Pinterest

As someone who usually hates the thought and stress of change, be it a job, moving house or even getting a haircut - this seems like a bizzare post for me to be writing. I've been unbeleivably positive this year compared to the last, but I'm craving a whole new flat, with the money to redecorate and not have all the damp problems and worries about bills and rent that I have at the moment. My temporary solution? Save money and try get a housemate.. (if you want to live with the best person ever.. Me - send me an email).

I want a new car, but have absolutely no reason to get one seeing as though I only use mine once a week or so. Do I sell up and save the money? Or just keep plodding along with my current one? Someone help. I love the freedom of going whenever, and wherever but it's one more expense that I'm wondering if I can afford at the moment.

I wanted to change the way I looked for a long time last year and I've beaten my own ass at the gym this year and I'm already seeing the benefits, from improved skin to a bigger booty. Not all changes have to be expensive or materialistic. I didn't think I'd be this happy from working out a few times a week and cutting out the crap foods from my life. I really love hearing your opinion on my fitness posts, and weather or not you're interested in reading them so pleeaaase let me know!

I'm not really to sure what the point in this post was. Maybe to just get some advice from any of you that are feeling the same at the moment. Am I just becoming an adult or am I getting bored?

Don't forget to check out all my social media links to stay up to date with upcoming posts, and see what I get up to on a daily basis.

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DREAMING OF SUMMER

As I sit writing this it's blowing an absolute gale outside and pouring with rain, however that doesn't stop me browsing the internet for Instagram perfect bikinis and boho holiday wear for my trip to Majorca in April. However, the one thing I always struggle with is sunglasses, because I have high cheek and brow bones I never seem to be able to find a pair that are comfortable and suit my long head!

I was contacted by Sunglasses Shop a while back and asked if I wanted to review a pair of their London Retro sunglasses range, and as it was during Autumn, they never really got a full trial but after trying a few outfits with them I'm in love! I went with the tortoise shell style and they're the perfect shade for my skin tone, and with a tan I can image they will look fantastic. They've got the ideal amount of tint, to avoid any of that unattractive squinting in the sun and of course they'll protect your eyes from the UV rays.

If you want to check out their full range, just click this link! Have you got a holiday booked for this year yet? I'd love to hear where you're travelling to in the comments.

*This product was sent to me to review, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

FEELING SOULUXE

If like me, you're still on the 2016 fitness train then this post is ideal for you. As someone who is always concious of their body, especially when working out - I like to wear flattering but practical outfits to the gym. Something breathable but that won't show up sweat patches. The Souluxe range from Matalan is perfect for all my workouts, weather its super hot cardio, serious squatting sessions or even a quick walk. They leave me sweat mark free, and keep me feeling stylish at the gym.

Everything from the Soluxe range is made from an amazing material which means that they maintain their quality, even when washed multiple times throughout the week! For the first time in my life I've had people at the gym ask me where my leggings were from and couldn't believe it when I told them they where from Matalan and not some more high end brand such as Nike or Fabletics. It also comes at no surprise if you know me, that you'll know how loyal I am to a brand once I decide I love their pieces and it's safe to say I'll be sticking to this range for a long time to come!

I've found that wearing better clothes to the gym strives me to workout harder and it really shows off the areas of your body that you're working and makes you really wanna get that Kim K booty. I've been hitting up the gym a few times a week and eating better for just over a month now and I thought I'd also share with you my progress picture for January, if you click this link here. I'm nowhere near where I want to be, but as I said to my friend the other day "Slow progress is better than no progress".

Let me know your thoughts on seeing more fitness posts, and as always if there's something you'd like to see on my blog then let me know in the comments!

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*Some of these products where sent to me to review, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.