Make January Magical

Tags

antidote, back to work, beautiful diary, bestseller, binging, biographies, body, book, bookshop, Bridget Jones, cakes and cookies, candles, chic lit, cook, cookery skills, creative outlet, Credit card bills, crisp countryside, curries, depressed, detox, dreams, escape, exciting first chapter, feast, first chapter, fish and chips, fresh bread, friends, gloves, good book, healthy food, hotels, inspiring, January, January blues, Kindle, library, look ahead, magical, making plans, mini break, modern life, month, music, news feeds, nourishing, novel, offers, outside, overnight bag, parties, picnic, poetry, presents, pretty notebook, quiet night, sci-fi story, scones by a roaring fire, seaside B&B, social media, something special, soups, spas, stews, sun comes out, tea, thermals, thrillers, town, walks by the sea, wellies

We bet you don’t often think of January as being a magical month?

Credit card bills, back to work and a bulging waistline often get in the way of enjoy the New Year, but why not turn things round and see this as an exciting first chapter the next part of your life?

We have had a look at how you can turn what many people thing is the hardest month of the year, into something special.

Get lost in a good book
Step away from the Kindle, go into town and have a browse the shelves of your local bookshop or library. From chic lit to poetry and thrillers to biographies, there really is something for everyone. Reading lets you escape from the trappings of modern life and an hour or two away from social media and news feeds, has to be a good thing.

Go on a mini break
In true Bridget Jones style, pack your overnight bag and get away from it all. You don’t have to spend a fortune as there are many offers around for hotels and spas around, but a traditional seaside B&B can be just the escape you need. Long walks by the sea, tea and scones by a roaring fire and fish and chips out of the paper watching the sunset could be the perfect antidote to the January blues.

Write it down
They say we all have a book inside of us, why not use January to get that novel down on paper? You might not do it all in one go, but making a start on a kid’s tale or sci-fi story, rather than bingeing on box-sets will give you a creative outlet and you never know, you might produce the next bestseller?

Cook up a feast
Yes, we know we are meant to step away from the cakes and cookies, but January is the perfect time to look at nourishing your body with healthy food rather than punishing it with a detox. From stews and soups to curries and fresh bread, you can use the dark nights to brush up on your cookery skills and with some candles on the table and music in the background you can have friends over for a quiet night of catching up and making plans.

Take a picnic outside
When the sun comes out, pack a picnic, get your wellies and dine alfresco this January. Yes, you might need thermals and gloves, but there is something magical about walking in the crisp countryside and breathing in crystal clear air – take a flask of hot chocolate and you will be warm and toasty.

Plot and plan
There is nothing like a beautiful diary or pretty notebook to start a new chapter in your life. Rather than getting depressed about the parties and presents being over, use January to look ahead and plan your future. Dreams are great, but working on making them a reality can be exciting and inspiring.

Whatever you do this January, make it your most magical ever.

Team Pure-Beauty

Take the stress out of your work day

Tags

adrenaline, apps, books, Boss, break, breaks, breathing, Buddhify, busy, calls, career, clarity, clear your head, coffee shop, colleagues, Commutes, computer screens, deadlines, delegated, desk, downing tools, efficient, emails, energised, friends, gym membership, health, hobbies, holiday, increase your productivity levels, less productive, less stressed, long hours, lunch, meaningless jargon, meetings, mini break, more productive, morning, negative impact, outbreaks, park, post room, prioritise your workload, promotion, refreshed, relationships, Relax, revive, sandwiches, sea, sleep, smiling, stress, two weeks, walk, work, work life balance, write a list, yoga classes, Zumba

Let’s face it, even when you love your job, have a great boss and colleagues you get on well with, work can get stressful.

Commutes, long hours, computer screens and being contactable pretty much 24/7 thanks to mobile devices and the digital age, means work can take over your life if you aren’t careful.

What many of us don’t realise is that while a little adrenaline can keep us on our toes, ongoing stress can have a negative impact on our health, relationships, sleep and if you aren’t careful it can cause burn out.

We have looked at some easy ways of taking care of yourself while keeping your career on track.

Know what’s important
We are constantly saying we are busy, but don’t make this a reason to be late, tried and in the end, less productive. Each morning before you look at emails or make any calls, write a list of what you need to do that day and check on any meetings that have been scheduled. When you prioritise your workload, it is easier to have a stress-free day and if additional tasks come in, look at just how important they are before dropping your original plans.

Learn to say no
We are conditioned to say yes, but doing so can pile on the stress and make you less efficient. It isn’t easy to say no to a new project from your boss, especially when a promotion is on the cards, but if things feel too much, sit down with them and look at where other tasks can be delegated and what the deadlines are – tomorrow isn’t always realistic.

Take breaks
If you spend most of your day at a desk, you need to get up, walk away and take regular breaks. Making a cup of tea, walking to talk to a colleague, going to the post room and even making a phone call in reception are simple but effective ways to have a break from sitting down and staring straight ahead. When it comes to lunch time, it might be tempting to sit and work through your to-do list, but this is the perfect time to get away from it all. Go for a walk, have lunch at a local coffee shop or pack sandwiches and head to the park and clear your head.

Meditate at work
Meditation isn’t just for yoga classes and a quick session at your desk can really help bring clarity to your day. Even if you are having a super busy time, downing tools for five minutes, taking stock of your breathing and taking a step back can help increase your productivity levels and leave you feeling energised. There are loads of great books and apps out there, we like Buddhify, so have a look around and find something that works for you.

Work-life balance
We know it sounds like meaningless jargon, but it is vital to plan your free time as well as work diary to get the right balance. Having a mix of hobbies, a group of friends to meet up with, gym membership or regular Zumba class to attend, will all help you turn off from work and relax.

Book a holiday
Just as you need to take a break in the day, you also need to use your holiday time. We aren’t saying take a full two weeks, but a long weekend with the girls or a mini break by the sea can really revive you and you will go back into work feeling refreshed and smiling.

So, if you want to be more productive and less stressed, take time out for you and we think you will see a difference.

Team Pure Beauty

Autumn fashion the weather way

Tags

Accessories, arm, bag, biker, bling, cardigans, case, cases, chic, clutch, coat, December, demin, earrings, edge, fashion, glittery accessories, jacket, lash lengthening mascara, midi skirt, mini break, navy, October, on trend, oversized, pixie, points, rain, scarves, shadows, sheepskin, sophistication, style, sun, sunglasses, tote, UV, weather

We don’t know about you, but it seems like the weather is still pretty mild for mid-October?

One minute it is almost balmy, the next there is rain pelting down on your freshly made up face.

With this in mind, knowing what to wear so we aren’t too cold or too hot is a bit tricky.

“I keep my umbrella and sunglasses with me at all times, together with a pair of gloves.”
Joanna

“I am still wearing my maxi-dreses in October but add a demin jacket when the sun goes in.”
Tina

“It am still in flip flips and have a regular manicure. I’m just not ready to get out the winter boots.”
Maria

With this in mind, we have put together a few ideas for the perfect autumn transitional wardrobe.

Jeans are a staple for pretty much everyone. Dark denim can be dressed up with a crisp white shirt and boots for work and a simple, black t-shirt and Converse trainers make skinnies the right side of casual for the school run. Find a brand that works for you, get your size right and mix fitted with boyfriend styles and you will never struggle with jeans again.

Layering is at is most useful between October and December. Stock on staples such as long-sleeved, cotton tops, pretty vests and fitted cardigans in neutral tones and you can adapt your look as the weather changes.

We aren’t yet really in the realms of heavy winter coats, but chilly mornings and early evening shadows, mean that for many, a jacket is a must. Go for a structured denim or leather jacket that is easy to carry over your arm but will keep you warm once the sun goes in. If it’s rain that catches you out, there are some pretty smart shower resistant coats that look smart and keep your dry.

What to wear on your feet? A pair of silver ballet pumps or snake print trainers, make the perfect autumn footwear. They can be worn with jeans for coffee with the girls, add a little sophistication to a midi skirt and give an edge if having an early evening drinks.

If you are thinking boots, invest in a pair in either black or tan and go for a heel if you are up to the challenge. Long or short work well, pixie and biker are both in the shops and on trend. Shiny metal hardware adds an extra statement and if it is really cold, consider sheepskin – you know what we are talking about.

Accessories really make an outfit work as the seasons change. Pretty scarves, waterfall cardigans, cute earrings and a splattering of bling can totally change any look in seconds. Flick through a few magazines or scroll Pinterest and you will soon find looks something that will work for you.

Never leave the house without a pair of sunglasses. They add an instant touch of chic even if you are going to the supermarket. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but got for a dark, over sized pair that offer adequate UV protection and keep them in a case to prevent scratching.

Your bag can seriously make or break your outfit. There are some fantastic totes in the shops this autumn in rich navy and reds that add an instant look of glamour to even the plainest pair of jeans and pumps. For evenings, go for a minimal clutch with a little glitter for extra style points and if you are going on a mini break, wheeled cases are the way to go.

Add some lash lengthening mascara, a swipe of plum lipstick and a smile and you are ready to go come rain or shine.

Team Pure-Beauty

How to pack for a weekend mini break

Tags

easter break, mini break, packing, short breaks

With Easter on the horizon, now is the perfect time to think about a city mini break to get away from it all.

As well as researching where to go and booking flights and hotels, you’ll also need to think about your packing. Some of the appeal about a mini break is being able to travel lightly and we have some tips so your luggage is minimum but your style is maxed out.

Get the right bag
It might look pretty but if your bag won’t fit in a plane’s overhead locker without a lot of shoving, it’s not the best choice. Pick something that is practical and stylish and within the limits of your carrier – be that plane, train or auto-mobile.

Mix and match
Mixing and matching outfits is the way to go when it comes to travelling light. Go for a simple, but classic, mix of jeans, tees and light jumpers . Pack one or two dresses that will match at least one pair of shoes, and remember, in many cities you will be tempted to shop, so leave room for those impulsive buys you can’t resist.

Comfort is key
You might be heading to Paris but don’t be tempted to only pack catwalk outfits. Wear wrinkle-resistant items so you aren’t constantly ironing whilst you are away. If you are going to be walking then you need to take at least on pair of flats but we suggest two. Think one pair of ballet pumps in black or navy plus a pair of chic trainers.

Layer up
Unless you’re heading to sunny climes, we suggest you layer clothes to keep yourself warm rather than taking bulky sweaters and jackets that might not be as stylish as you’d wish. Long-sleeved cotton tees, vests and sweatshirts are the perfect versatile layering pieces. Pretty cardigans with detail buttons will look as good with jeans as with a dress for the evening.

Downsize on beauty products
When it comes to beauty products, don’t take your entire bathroom cabinet, as this will simply weigh you down. Either put your favourites into smaller bottles and pots or buy travel size options that will fit into your case easily.

The same goes for make-up. You don’t need to pack every item you own. Take a foundation and powder, mascara, blusher and lipstick. Keep the tones neutral so they compliment your clothes, pack hand-cream so your hands stay soft and take a spritzer toner to keep hydrated.

Take a scarf or pashmina
This really is the ultimate travel fashion must-have. In churches you can cover shoulders or legs if need be. If it is bit chilly, wrap it around you. Need to create new look? Pop on a pash’ and the job is done. If it rains not only will it keep you dry but so will your phone and camera.

Go gadget, go
We know life is all about tech, but too many gadgets can weigh you down. Keep the laptop and camera at home and use your phone and tablet to chat, snap, and work if you must.

Check your bags
It is so easy to do, but before you leave just check you have your passport, tickets, money and reservation details.

Happy packing and have a great time.