Happiness Hacks for 2017

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2017, aunt, bath, bed, bike, birthday, blender, blog, cake, cinema, clothese, control, credit card, CV, date, day, diary, dog, Facebook, friends, gossip, happy, husband, January, journal, letter, level, library, life, lipstick, live it, local, meditate, mum, news, pop, red, Relax, run, short, sister, sleeping rough, smile, smoothies, social media, sore, sunshine, Vitamin C, volunteer

We know that a start of a new year can be a time when many of us make endless resolutions so we can be the very best we can.

The thing is, January is cold and dark and even with the best will in the world, getting out of bed in the dark and running 10 miles to be super fit, can be, well, miserable.

So we have come up with a list of 50 really easy things you can do to make yourself happy in 2017 and to be honest, that’s what really matters.

1. Smile.
2. Write down three good things for each day in a journal – even on the hardest of days there is something good.
3. Plan something fun to do each weekend.
4. Don’t gossip.
5. Say hello to your neighbours.
6. Listen to your favourite song, everyday.
7. Have a bath before you go to bed.
8. Call your mum, sister, aunt, husband once in a while rather than just texting.
9. Eat clean, or at least eat healthy.
10. Go for a walk at lunchtime.
11. Read a book.
12. Donate to charity and give back.
13. Really listen when someone is talking to do.
14. Skip the news.
15. Make a cake and eat it fresh from the over.
16. Light candles.
17. Get a dog.
18. Take up a new sport.
19. Don’t have the argument.
20. Clear out the clutter.
21. Send birthday cards don’t just post a message on Facebook.
22. Drink hot water and lemon when you wake up.
23. Don’t pop that spot on your chin, it’ll make it red and sore.
24. Become a volunteer for a local cause close to your heart.
25. Get on your bike and peddle your way to fitness.
26. Have a manicure and feel polished.
27. Turn the TV off and do something less boring instead.
28. Start a blog.
29. Wear a new lipstick.
30. Don’t keep anything for best, life is short, live it.
31. Go out in the sunshine and up your Vitamin D levels the next way.
32. Tell someone you love them.
33. Make use of your local library.
34. Don’t gossip.
35. Get a blender and make your own smoothies full of goodness and health benefits.
36. Sign up for a challenge and stick to it.
37. Meditate everyday, you will feel the benefits and it will become a part of your routine.
38. Book a spa day for you and a friend and really relax as you catch up.
39. Update your CV and get the job you have always really wanted.
40. Ask your man to marry you – it isn’t a leap year but take control and get a date in the diary.
41. Host a party and let your hair down.
42. Apply to be on a talent show.
43. Go on a digital detox and leave the world of social media behind, even for a few hours.
44. Book a holiday and have something amazing to look forward to.
45. Have a make over and only wear the clothes you love and the ones that make you feel great.
46. Pay off that credit card bill.
47. Write a letter.
48. Buy lunch for someone who is sleeping rough.
49. Go to the cinema in the middle of the day.
50. Smile, did we say that already?

You see, all easy to do and all with great potential for making you happy.

Happy 2017.

Team Pure-Beauty

What’s hot for spring?

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1990, 80s, agenda, dresses, fashion, flouncy flats, glittery gladiator sandals, great, grounded, Kate Moss, London, New York, nightwear, outfit, pants, Paris, pedi, pop, pretty, pumps, S/S16, skirts, sky-high heels, slouchy, smile, statement, sun-kissed shoulders, t-shirts, Uggs, wide-leg shape

We don’t know where the cold and wet has gone but winter is over and we can breath a sigh of relief now summer is on the way.

As well as being able to shed puffa coats and Ugg boots, spring also signals exciting new fashions and style. From sun-kissed shoulders showing through lingerie-inspired dresses to classic white shirts, there is something for everyone arriving in the shops.

Pleats please
Pleats aren’t just for girlie girls any more. Designers are transforming silhouettes thanks to pretty pleats that add structure and style. Long flowing skirts and super-cute maxi dresses are appearing in modern shapes and bold patterns and the added drapes means they will flatter every body shape and size.

Off the shoulder
There’s a a nod to the ‘80s on the fashion racks this summer. You may have thought that open, off-the-shoulder look has had it’s moment, but top designers decided it was time to bring them back. Boat neck tops, halter neck dresses and a clever take on the polo shirt are all being seen worn off the shoulder and looking just as avant-garde as they did the first time round.

Romantic ruffles
This season ruffles are big business. You can wear them soft and loose, cascading in tiers and falling in fountains in a multitude of colours and designs. Whether you opt for cotton, suede, silk or raffia the fabric will do all the talking as you look sultry and fashion forward.

The white shirt
Forget city boys and school uniform, white shirts are back in town for the girls this spring. Buttoned up, ruffled, twisted, tied at the tummy or slashed, this classic is a cool staple with serious fashion points to be collected when you pass go.

Pants to that
Nightwear is becoming day wear, underwear is more outerwear and there is certainly a feeling that slips over tees, a la Kate Moss in 1990, are back on the agenda. Go all out for a real statement or match pretty lace vests with black tailoring for a more grounded, classy look.

Glow ahead
The brightest fashion statement this summer is orange. These perky citrus tones are the perfect way to add a little passion to your wardrobe. Go for a bright shirt dress, pretty pumps or a pop of colour with your bag and you will transform your look with chic-ease.

Mesh it up
Here we see fashion going retro once again for S/S16. It’s never been easy to go sporty thanks to the sheer mesh trend that was all over the catwalks of London, Paris and New York. Whilst mesh has athletic roots, this trend has been added to t-shirts, skirts and dresses and offers a totally versatile summer look.

Low slung trousers
Trouser waistlines have dropped dramatically for spring and are being worn resting on the hip. These are perfect for balmy days by the pool and at the beach, for doing yoga and chilling out. Whether you go for silk, cashmere or cotton, opt for sleek styles with a slouchy, wide-leg shape and pair with silver gladiators or ballet flats.

Put your best foot forward
With your pedi done you will need shoes that show off those pretty toes. The good news is you will be spoilt for choice as sky-high heels, glittery gladiator sandals, flouncy flats and stylish trainers are already out on display.

Whatever you do, be confident with your look, wear what makes you feel great and top every outfit with a smile.

Style Resolutions

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2016, boyfriend jeans, camel, colour, cool, diamanté, jacket, luxe, make-up, New Look and H&M, PJs, pop, prints, pumps, shirt, size, sports, style, weekend

The start of a new year is the perfect time to assess your style and make changes to bring your look bang up to date.

We aren’t talking about taking every item out of your wardrobe and starting from scratch, but spending a morning or afternoon assessing where you are and just what image you would like to project in 2016.

We have some top resolutions that could make all the difference not only to the way you look this year but also how you feel.

The question is, are you brave enough to change?

Resolution one – stop playing matchy-matchy
Somewhere down the line someone said you have to pair brown boots with a brown bag and that blue and green should never been seen. These style snippets aren’t true but they stick in our minds and can make for a somewhat safe look. Go for a pop of pink with a new scarf, a splash of red in a jumper or add leopard print to boots and you are looking at a whole new you.

Resolution two – don’t be afraid to shine
Wear a sequinned top with jeans, a denim skirt with silver pumps or add super-cute diamanté buttons to a coat and whatever you do, shine with style.

Resolution three – wear the size you are
Be honest with yourself when you are getting dressed and wear something that fits. Size is just a number and if you squash into a snug pair of jeans or drown in a massive sweater, neither will make you feel the best you. Pick the right size, buy the right size and wear the right size and it will make a massive difference to your look and confidence.

Resolution four – leave your comfort zone
We all do it, head to our black jumper, navy jacket or grey shirt to feel safe and hidden from the world. Why not add one stand out item into your wardrobe and see how it feels. Prints, navy, camel and white are a great way to make small changes and if you are feeling brave a bright coat or statement pair of shoes can add a new dimension to your colour palette.

Resolution five – have a feel good favourite
There are some social events you can’t plan for so have a great, flattering LBD that you keep clean and pressed that you can put on last minute and feel amazing.

Resolution six – experiment with make up
We all do it. Put on foundation, blusher, mascara, lippy and head out of the door. Why stick with safe when there is a world of experimenting out there? A coloured eye liner instead of your usual black or brown can be a starting point. Green or navy mascara can give a subtle pop of colour and adding smoky eyes looks stunning but not out of place even on a Monday morning. Go on, give it a go.

Resolution seven – don’t slum it at the weekend
We all do it from time to time but don’t sit around in your PJs all weekend long. It is fine to go casual but tatty t-shirts and dirty tracksuit bottoms just don’t cut it unless you are ill. New Look and H&M have excellent luxe sports pieces you can mix and match or go for boyfriend jeans and layered tops for a cool, chic look that will look polished but relaxed.

Resolution eight – organised, organise, organise
You will find that if you organise your clothes, accessories and shoes it will be much easier to get ready in the morning Give away what you don’t need or like (or fit into) and only buy what you love moving forwards. Arrange but colour and type, roll items rather than fold and put shoes in clear boxes and you can find what you need, fast.

We would love to know what changes you plan to make to your style in 2016.