One Ingredient Non-Toxic Skincare Products To Try Adding To Your Routine

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If you're looking to reduce down the amount of toxins you're putting on your skin, these one ingredient products are a good place to start!

As navigating what is and isn't toxic and finding products that fit your budget when trying to avoid can be really overwhelming. I've been trying to use some of these to take care of my skin - clean beauty uncomplicated!

Aloe Vera

This soothing and gentle gel has a skin soothing properties.

Rose Water

I've used this on and off for years as a natural toner. It also smells really lovely!

Almond Oil

This is a great oil to use I find, for facial massage or gua sha. It also makes an amazing carrier oil if you're looking to incorporate essential oils.

Witch Hazel

This is another amazing natural toner for the skin. Use an alcohol free product for more gentle toning.

Rosehip Oil

This oil improves skin elasticity and regeneration.

Evening Primrose Oil

This oil has anti-aging properties and is also deeply nourishing to the skin and can be used to increase elasticity and firmness. 

Castor Oil

This oil penetrates deeply into the skin and is sometimes known as nature's botox because of how it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Bentonite Clay

This clay is made up of aged volcanic ash and draws out toxins and eliminates impurities. It's great for acne prone skin.

Argan Oil

A traditional Moroccan beauty secret, argan oil can fade hyperpigmentation and prevent moisture escaping the skin while giving a dewy glow.

Shea Butter

Shea butter instantly improves skin's tone and texture and is also packed with vitamins and anti-oxidants. While it is ultra softening, it also doesn't block pores and can be used all over the body.

Filtered Water

Try using filtered water to clean your skin and see how your skin responds. Tap water can contain many compounds, sediment or chlorine that irritate the skin so switching out to filtered water for cleansing may help clear your skin. 

Glow From the Inside Out Before New Year With These Skin Loving Superfoods

Slow shutter speeds - shot in Achill, Co. Mayo

Get yourself on track to a healthier glow with these delicious superfoods that can help reduce inflammation and make you look and feel great. 

Incorporating some of these key ingredients into your diet could be a way to offset any holiday overindulgence too! I'm trying to actively consume more of these amazing foods and wanted to share some of their amazing benefits.

Tumeric

Tumeric has a wide range of benefits for the skin when incorporated into your diet. It's anti-inflammatory and boosts immune function. There are also a host of ayurvedic face mask recipes that incorporate tumeric for a brightening effect!

Green Tea

Green tea is known for being rich in anti-oxidants and helping protect cells from damage. It can help reduce acne for clearer healthier skin. Drink it out of a nice cup and create a relaxing ritual out of it. If you can't stand the bitter taste, try adding some raw honey!

Ginger

Ginger can help promote skin regeneration so is a great ingredient to give your skin a boost. It's great for detoxification too. I love to add dried ginger powder to my tea, or grate fresh ginger into a salad, or juice it and drink it as a shot in the morning.

Beetroot

Beets are another antioxidant rich food that can help you glow from the inside out. They help defend the skin from free-radical harm from sun exposure or pollution. They're great to have in a soup or juice, in a salad, or even in hummus!

Lemon

If you replace your coffee with warm lemon water in the morning, it won't be long before you see a difference in your skin. Lemon water alkalizes the body, and helps promote a healthy glow.

Dandelion

Dandelion helps support detoxification of the liver and other organs so it's a really good one to incorporate to help promote healthy skin from the inside out. I love to combine dandelion tea with nettle for a double whammy of detox support.

Nettle

Nettle tea supports the kidneys and is a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine. It's good for relieving acne and eczema and helps remove excess water and congested fluids from the body. 

Celery

Packed with anti-oxidants, celery helps reduce inflammation and if you juice it in the morning and drink on an empty stomach it's great for promoting healthy glowing skin. You can add apple or other fruits to help improve the taste!

Chlorella

Chlorella has a whole host of benefits when it comes to healthy skin. It helps clear skin of any issues and is anti-inflammatory and detoxifying.

31 Things I've Learned

Sharing some living and wellness wisdom I've gathered over the years..

1. Nervous system regulation

Learning about the nervous system and how it impacts how we experience life and show up in our bodies has had a significant impact on me and helped me grow. Find ways to self-soothe that fit you best.

2. Attachment styles

Learning about attachment styles has enriched my life massively. It's usually discussed in relation to romantic relationships but it also plays a massive role in how you show connect and show up for yourself and others.

3. Phases of the menstrual cycle

Understanding the four phases of your menstrual cycle as a woman is incredibly empowering. 

4. Older women are full of wisdom

The older women in my life I've realised with time how invaluable their insights can be. Their experiences, and mistakes, can really help guide you to get the most out of your life.

5. Materials matter

When it comes to clothing, the materials you choose matter. Natural fibres allow your skin to breathe so look for materials like cotton, linen, wool and silk when you're shopping for clothes. Pieces made using these fabrics are also often of a higher quality overall and much better constructed than clothing made from polyester and viscose. Get comfortable looking at the composition labels of the clothes you're buying!

6. Style: Colour season and kibbe body type

Knowing your colour season and kibbe body type will give you an edge when it comes to styling yourself in a way that ehances your natural beauty. I for example learned I was a soft classic and also "petite" being just 5'3 I didn't really fully understand I can't expect outfits on tall models to look the same on me. Now I have learned more about dressing for my body type things just look better on me because I have a better idea what kind of cuts and styles to look for.

7. Your close connections are very important

They say you're the sum of the five people you spend most time with. I've learned not to underestimate the influence those that are close to me. Your network is your net worth so choose your close connections wisely!

8. Figure out what you believe

Life is confusing and messy, but I think if you can figure out the answers to big questions like the way in which you want to live is something really important. It's easy to just do things because everyone one we know does them that way. But thinking for yourself and living with intention means you can live in better alignment with your inner wisdom.

9. Consistency is the key to success

It doesn't matter what your goal is, if you can be consistent, in most cases you're going to see results.

10. Fight perfectionism

Perfectionism is a disease that doesn't serve you. Characteristics like this are rewarded in capitalism but are toxic to us in the long run. Think big picture about where you're putting your energy. You don't need to prove your worth to anyone, your worthy and have value regardless of your abilities or output.

11. Wellness isn't something you can "achieve."

Wellness goals are again the result of consistency, they're not a place you can get to where you're just done and can expect lasting results. Wellness a journey to a new a way of being, it's living to be an optimized version of yourself. The whole world throw us off kilter and out of our natural best state - it's our job to fight the unhealthy aspects that are a part of modern living so we can be whole and healthy in mind, body and spirit in spite of it.

12. Dry brush

For me dry brushing has been life-changing. It's improved my energy, vitality, sense of wellbeing and has given me a better sense of connection with my body even with just five minutes a day.

13. Affirmation are powerful

The way you speak to yourself matters. Speak to yourself in a way that you would a friend or someone you want to win always.

14. Nutrition and nourishment are key

You can't show up as your best self and smash other areas of life if you're not nourishing yourself. Learn what you can do to eat better to support your body so you can live better.

15. Move in ways you enjoy

With exercise being vital to our health, it's really important to find activities that get you moving that you genuinely enjoy. If you can't or hate the gym, try cycling, swimming, badminton, trampolining, dance - get creative! For me that's walking and Pilates so I have to find ways to incorporate more cardio and get my blood flowing. I started in the gym this year and I had to overcome gym anxiety and get comfortable in the space but I fell in love with how moving made me feel once I started doing it regularly.

16. Your body needs hydration

As a heavy tea and coffee drinker, this is something that has been a long-term struggle for me. Drinking enough water. But it's so important I felt it had to be on this list. Every single one of your organs needs enough water to function properly - don't underestimate that and make sure you are drinking water, ideally not tap water, get yourself a water filter.

17. Get sun

If you live somewhere with little to no sunshine, make sure you are taking vitamin D because you need it. I had a lot of symptoms as a teen that I didn't understand that were as a result of a deficiency in vitamin D. I also try and get into the sun when it appears because I know now how important it is for health and wellbeing.

18. The gut-brain connection is everything

They say all disease starts in the gut, and even depression and mental illness can be connected to gut imbalances. Do everything you can to support yours, consume fermented foods regularly and just be aware of how the gut plays a role in your overall health.

19. You grow through overcoming challenges

Tough times and adversity are things that build you up and teach you so much that you otherwise wouldn't have learned. It brings me comfort when I'm going through tough times.

20. Breathing: Breathwork and heart rate variability (HRV)

Whether it's meditation, the method of lateral breathing I've learned from Pilates, or breathwork, breathing and how you breathe is something you need to bring your awareness too. The most impactful of these methods has been learning about heart rate variability and how through breathing we can control or manage our body's response to stress.

21. Grounding

This is basically just standing on the earth barefoot. It may sound very woo woo but I've found it very beneficial.

22. Social media is toxic

I find the amount of time I spend on social media, the more anxious I am and the more I lack clarity and focus in my day. Everyone should unplug from it completely at least once to see how free it makes them feel. If it's something you do for work, fair enough, but otherwise assess how much it's actually serving you.

23. Take notes

Taking notes helps me process information and make sense of things I'm interested in. Learning can be a lifelong thing if you want it to, you can just keep learning forever about the things that light you up. I loved learning about the Zettlekasten notetaking system, I discovered it through the book How to Take Smart Notes by Sonke Ahrens. It's a really amazing for note loving nerds or anyone doing research. Notion is also one of my favourite tools for organizing my notes and my thoughts.

24. Visualise

Knowing what you want is half the battle. Once you know what you want, and you can visualise it and  go after it. Use all the tools you've got too - make those vision boards! They will keep you focused on your goals so you can create the reality you want.

25. Drink ginger shots

Forget coffee, this is the way to start your day that will really serve you. They keep away a multitude of things and are an amazing way to support your immune system - I love to drink them while travelling and feeling run-down.

26. Multilingual magic

Learning German has totally changed my brain and influenced the way I think and changed my perspective on language completely - every new language you learn opens up a whole new world.

27. Gratitude and abundance are linked

Practicing gratitude can generate more abundance in your life and appreciation for what you have is something to cultivate no matter where you're at.

29. It's okay to take up space

Taking up space is closely linked to safety and self-esteem. If you can lose the fear of being seen and embody a yes I'm here, and I want to be and I deserve to be, the way you move through the world can totally change.

28. Love and life are blessings

Health, wealth, life and love are blessings and their not things everyone has so keep that in mind.

29. Change your mindset and you can change your life

Mindset is everything, this sounds a bit cheesy to say, but if you love yourself and take on the world with the right mindset it can change everything. You'll only understand the transformative power of a mindset change when you've figured out the ways of thinking you unconsciously have developed that are holding you back.

30. Comfort can create stagnation

You can't grow or develop if you're too comfortable - just like to train or grow a muscle involves discomfort you need to be challenged to grow. Embrace challenges strategically.

31. Celebrate every win and milestone

It's a way of expressing gratitude for what you have and what you've achieved. Time is precious so it's important to mark the milestones. I marked 31 with this stunning pink diamond ring from Rosce Jewelers - a gorgeous way to remember to keep shining!

Healthy DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte Mix

Pumpkins in All Things Natural, Sligo

Mix up a batch of this and you can enjoy a healthier pumpkin spice latte at home whenever you want.

Okay I will admit that this recipe takes some time upfront if you can't get tinned pumpkin, but the mix will keep for a while in the fridge. It's the perfect base for all your favorite seasonal drinks and is a healthier alternative if you want to avoid refined sugars. Because of the thick consistency you do need to make sure you blend the base of your drink really well when you're using it. Feel free to switch up the spice ratio or add or remove any spices you're not a fan of, that's the beauty of making something yourself - I like a strong spice mix so I'm using quite a lot of spice!

You need: 

• 2 cups fresh pumpkin, canned or freshly cooked and pureed
• 1 cup of dates, or 1 cup of coconut sugar (or your sweetener of choice)
• 1/2 cup of water, canned coconut milk or almond milk (or your fave milk)
• 1tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground clove
• 1tsp ground ginger
• 1tsp ground star anise
• 1tsp cardamom
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• or alternatively for simplicity, instead of the spices above, just 2 tsp. of allspice

1. Use a blender to blend the cup of dates or sweetener with the two cups of pumpkin.

2. Add the spices to the pumpkin mixture and blend further. If you want to be fancy, add the spices to a pan on low heat and toast them ever so slightly until you can smell the aroma before adding to the pumpkin mixture - this will add depth to the flavours.

3. Add the milk or water to the mix, blend again and then add to a saucepan. Cook the mixture on medium heat for about five minutes or until the coconut sugar dissolves.

4. The mix can be store in a glass jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks and used as a base for your favourite drinks.

WInter Handbag Heros

Leeds UO

It's not just my wardrobe that's transitioned with the change in the seasons, I've also added a few things to my handbag to help smooth the transition.

There's a bunch of things I've been carrying in my handbag that have been saving me over the last few weeks with seasonal colds and flu.

Pocket Tissues

I've had a cold so I've had to keep a large supply of pocket tissues on hand.

Pink Hand Sanitizer

A must when you have a cold.

Wipes

Another necessity when you've got the sniffles.

Mini Face Spa

This has been a GAME CHANGER for me. It delivers an ultra-fine cooling mist and is an adorable handbag friendly size. Pair with your fave decongesting essential oil like eucalyptus for maximum benefit. It doubles up as a diffuser.

Decor Flask

I've been carrying around this flask everywhere filled with hot water and grated fresh ginger. It not only keeps things hot for hours, it's an incredibly handbag friendly size.

Xylitol Gum

I've seen a ton of stuff about the benefits of xylitol so I've added it to my list of essentials.

Laura Geller Lip Oil

This lip oil has been saving my cracked lips, it's a treat and go so it both looks amazing and feels really comfortable on.

Thieves Oil Balm

My sister put me on this, it's a medieval recipe that has a laundry list of uses. It contains a blend of rosemary, clove, eucalyptus and lemon and helps fight everything from to headaches to colds acting as decongestant.

My Winter Cold and Flu First Aid Kit

Tchit Tea Aberdeen

 

It's just smart to have everything you need on hand the minute you get a sense you might be coming down with something - you can treat it quickly and speed up recovery.

If there is one thing that I dread once September hits is the arrival of the cold and flu. Travelling, especially if you're flying feels like a guarantee that you're going to come down with something. After being sick for like a full three weeks I've compiled a list of things I need to keep at home in my anti-flu kit to help me nip sore throats and sniffles in the bud.

Oregano Oil

This is an anti-fungal and anti-viral and acts almost like a natural antibiotic.

Tumeric

This is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Best taken with black pepper and olive oil to help with absorption of curcumin.

Ginger

Ginger has a fiery warmth that will helps relieve cold and flu symptoms. Add to soup or smoothies, or make tea with freshly grated ginger - this really helps with a sore throat.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This is a great way to support your immune system. I love to start the day with a quick ACV shot - but if you can't tolerate it try masking it 

Garlic

Garlic is well-known for being another amazing anti-inflammatory food. If you can tolerate this raw it will definitely relieve symptoms - you can chop it really small and swallow it like a pill, or eat it raw on toast.

Bone Broth

Super nourishing, bone broth will help support your body through the healing process.

Lemons

A hot lemon drink with honey is a sure way to help soothe a sore throat. You can also supercharge it by adding ginger and tumeric for an extra anti-inflammatory boost.

NAC

 N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) is a supplement that can break down lung-clogging mucous in respiratory disorders and help speed your recovery from cold and flu.

Quercetin

This is another supplement that is great for fighting off flu as studies show it can inhibit initial stages of viral infection.

Echinacea

This is another well-known way to support your body in fighting against colds and flu helping prevent or reduce your symptoms.

Manuka Honey

Swallowing a teaspoon of this a few times a day is a natural way to soothe your throat and quiet a cough.

Propolis

Propolis is anti-microbial and can be a great remedy to have in your cold and flu toolkit.

Winter Hobbies To Try

Insomnia Claremorris, Co. Mayo

Get through the winter gloom by getting stuck into some cosy pursuits.

Getting excited about trying out some new things, or picking up a hobby you've left for a while can lift some of the darkness that comes with the arrival of the colder season.

Knitting or Crochet

Whether you're a beginner or you already understand the basics, knitting and crochet are the perfect cosy winter activity. There's tons of fun and easy projects to try out and at the end of it maybe you'll have a cute scarf of some handwarmers.

Reading

This a year-round hobby obviously, but honestly when the weather is dreadful outside, there's something especially lovely about curling up with a good book and a mug of something hot.

Painting

This is a really calming and fun activity and it's ideal to brighten up dark evenings stuck indoors. I love watercolor painting but you could also try out oil or acrylics. Take out a few library books to learn the basics, or see if there are some classes near you.

Ice Skating

While this might not be accessible for everyone, ice skating is an adventurous winter activity. If there's an ice rink near you this is a memorable hobby that will keep you fit and is a much more fun than the gym.

Baking

Baking as a winter hobby has the added plus of making your kitchen warmer when you get your oven going. Not to mention the amazing smell of baked goods. Try your hand at banana bread, or even a pumpkin pie. If you don't trust your skills in the kitchen - well you can always just buy the pre-measured cake mix.

Photography

Whether it's winter sun or it snows, the winter weather can bring some beautifully picturesque backdrops to a place near you. Why not grab your camera and capture some dreamy winterscapes.

Pieces to Thrift This Winter

Irish Cancer Society Charity Shop, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

I've heard that nothing is actually trending this winter, all the pieces we're wearing are staples every year - brown, burgundy, suede etc. So you likely already have some good pieces, but on the off chance you don't, the charity shop is the perfect spot to start hunting..

Chocolate Brown

This shade is everywhere right now and I for one love it. I recently snagged a chocolate brown velvet dress in the charity shop - perfect for pairing with tights, brown boots and a giant wool coat.

Pointed Boots

Pointed boots are everywhere right now, bonus points if you can get them in brown or burgundy. I found a perfect leather pair of pointed ankle boots and I'm so excited to wear them everywhere. 

Suede

You probably have something suede hidden in the back of the wardrobe somewhere so now's the time to pull it out. The charity shop is a wonderful place to snag some suede though. I happened upon the perfect suede shacket at a flea market and I'm obsessed with it.

Wool Coat

A wool coat is a timeless fashion staple that comes back season after season. Over the years I've snagged beautiful wool coats in the charity shop time and again. Camel, navy or black, if you search hard enough you're sure to come across something you like.

Trendy Trench

The main thing it should be is an ankle grazer, and if you can get it in leather or pleather, even better. 

Slouchy Shoulder Bag

The it bag of the moment is most definitely the Soft Margaux 17 Bag in Suede from The Row. A hobo bag is another one that's everywhere as well shoulder bags shaped like the Lana Shoulder Bag from Coach. I've snagged several gorgeous brown bags at the charity shop that I pull out when the seasons change.

Burgundy

This shade is everywhere and while burgundy for autumn is hardly groundbreaking, it is a beautiful shade. 

Leopard Print

This is absolutely everywhere right now, so you may as well incorporate a little into your look. Bags and accessories are a safe way to incorporate the trend, but if you're feeling bold hunt for a leopard print coat.

Mary Janes

The Mary Jane is everywhere and while I would love a pair from Sezane, I will keep my eyes peeled at the thrift shop too just in case.

My Ultimate Autumn Activities List

What's new? It's October 1st and in honor of the change in season I'm listing my favourite autumnal things when it comes to my wardrobe and more.

1. Go shopping for coats, gloves and scarves. Is there anything better than winter fashion? It's somehow just so much more timeless and elevated that any summer piece ever could be. The appeal of the sharp cut of a wool coat and the cosy embrace of a cashmere knit can never be overstated. 

2. Boot up. I've snagged a pair of burgundy pointed leather boots that I'll be wearing non-stop this winter. The make any outfit look more grown up. Nothing will beat pulling on a pair of boots in winter, honestly, I can't fathom how a flip flop could ever have a purpose in my footwear collection come this time of year.

3. Go for walks in the crisp winter air in a very stylish yet practical winter outfits wearing all aforementioned fabulous seasonal accessories.

4. Check out the seasonal drink menu at all your favourite coffee chains. This year I'm determined to make a more body friendly pumpkin spice latte at home. That way I can incorporate all my crunchy ingredients, like date syrup, coconut sugar and organic almond milk. It doesn't get better except when served in your very own pumpkin shaped mug.

5. Watch You've Got Mail. Once I've screened this, I know it's time to embrace the colder months with excitement instead of gloom. The film beautifully captures the end of year change of season.

6. Dig out anything brown out of my wardrobe. Bags, knitwear - it's all coming out. This flattering shade is most definitely my colour and it's a beautiful basic that I think beats black or even navy with it's warmth. 

7. Fairy lights. Amidst the gloom, wet and cold you need to add a few touches to your home decor to help yourself adjust to the seasonal changes.

8. Stock up on cold and flu preventative things like oregano oil, vitamin C and so on. Anything to keep the horrible winter sicknesses away.

9. Drink lots of hot chocolate and put full fat whipped cream on everything. And watch Gilmore Girls. This year I really want to make it past the end of season three and actually watch Rory go to college.

10. Start blogging again. Stuck indoors all the time, what better hobby is there? It's also a good time to get back to knitting, crochet and all other cosy pursuits. 

What To Do in Catania | Travel Guide

 

My carefully curated picks when it comes to what to eat, shop, and see in Catania, Italy.

FOOD

Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab 

Trattoria Saltimbocca Da Giancarlo - This place serves up incredibly authentic and super fresh fish specialties. We ordered fresh fish by the gram - 500g each looked like this: 

Vularie CT - See more here

Canusciuti Sicilian Cafe - This is a very popular and well-loved Sicilian restaurant.

Caffè Europa - High end bakery packed with authentic local desserts.

Scardaci Ice Cafè - Here you can get mini versions of local desserts, a great way to try out new things.

THINGS TO SEE

Teatro Massimo Bellini

Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena

Villa Bellini/Chiosco Bellini - Beautiful Park

Church of Saint Benedict - The ceiling in this church is worth seeing.

Fountain of the Elephant - There's also a great craft market near here.

IZI Travel App - Apple | Android With this app, it's easy to explore the city with a free guided walking tour.

SMALL FISHING VILLAGES

Aci Trezza

Aci Castello

Via S. Giovanni Li Cuti - Little dock where locals swim.

Spiaggia di Catania - Beach

Fountain of the Elephant

The chill pepper is believed to ward off evil in Sicily.

SHOPPING

Mercatino Usato Catania - Unbelieable bargains in this second hand shop.

Market Fera O’Luni - Amazing flea market, had a ton of fun digging for treasure and got a cool tote bag for a euro.

Iki Boutique - This boutique was a pleasure to visit and has beautiful gifts.

Giolelleria Stroili - Bought some gold earrings here.

Via Etnea & Corso Italia - beautiful shopping streets.

Legatoria Prampolini - Chic bookshop and cafe

FURTHER RECOMENDATIONS

Here are few more places rated by our host:

L'Orto Botanico di Catania - Botanical Garde

Napule Pizzeria

Cucina Tipica Siciliana Restaurant

Portale Cantinaccia - Pizza

Galatea Catering - Bakery

Dal Mastro - Bakery

Blanc à Manger - Bakery

Mosaik Beer House & Tea Room

Terra Madre Pizzeria Biologica - Pizza 

La Cucina Dei Colori Restaurant

Cutilisci - Restaurant

Lettera 82 Risto Pub - Pub

A Putia Dell'Ostello - Sicilian Restaurant

Collage Boutique Bar  - Bar

10 of My Favourite Beauty Hacks for a Rejuvenated Look

1. Use brown liner and mascara for a softer and more flattering look. Black can be really harsh especially in summer going for a brown shade can give a really beautiful subtle look that's more in harmony with the rest of your features.

2. Heat your eye lash curler by blasting it with your hair dryer for about 10 seconds. Test the temperature on the back of your hand first, but you'll get a much more defined and long lasting last lift effect.

3. Using a shimmery shadow in the corner of your eyes - this looks even better if it's a creamy product, will really open up your eyes and make you look away. You can get a similar fresh-faced look with a white or cream eyeliner pencil in your waterline.

4. A sheet mask can work wonders to rejuvenate quickly when you feel like your skin looks dull or lacks vitality.

5. If you want to bring life back into your face, a quick gua sha session will help give your skin a little extra pep by getting the blood in your face moving.

6. For dark circles, eye bags, or when you just feel a bit meh, put your eye patches in the fridge. This maximizes the cooling effect. 

7. Use the same blush on your cheeks and eyes for an effortlessly harmonious and natural colour to your face. 

8. Figure out the best concealer and contour placement for your face to help give that lifted look.

9. A facial spritz is a great thing to have in your handbag for a quick wake up spritz on the go - instant refresh. I love to use rosewater myself and carry it in a mini spray bottle.

10. If your skin is in need of some nourishment vitamin E capsules are an amazing way to perk up your skin. I pierce them and apply the oil directly to my face.

Eats Catania | Vularìe

      Via Auteri, 42, 95121 Catania CT, Italy

This little place called Vularìe was down a quiet side street in Catania. 

The atmosphere was so relaxed and inviting but the food was even better. On the hunt for a light snack, it was hard to choose from the menu full of bruschetta, focaccia and other mouthwatering Italian specialties.

Vularìe is apparently a word for something tasty in Italian.

This cheese board was to die for, especially the fresh mozzarella and chilli cheese.

I also ordered the Sicilian orange salad, the oranges were so juicy and delicious paired with salty olives, cabbage and herbs.

On my arm: this little F&F straw crossbody

The Winter Arc

Butlers Naas

Get a head start on your goals before new year rolls around.. here are my tips to have the best winter arc ever.

One concept that has been making the rounds online lately is the winter arc. The whole winter arc concept is about using the cold, dark winter months to turn inwards and focus on yourself, getting a head start on your goals before the new year rolls around. Maybe it's that back to school feeling that sticks with you but to me September and October have the air of a fresh start and looking at the last quarter of the year as your chance to finish strong makes so much sense. 

Whatever it is you want to achieve, taking it on before the January gloom rolls around seems infinitely more appealing. There's so many different areas of your life you might be looking to overhaul or work on so why not take this opportunity to work on the things that matter to you.

Evaluate

We've all had that moment when we get inspired and want to overhaul our whole lives at 2am.  The problem with this is that we don't have the time, energy or money to do everything. So, evaluate which of the goals on your list will is a priority for you right now. Pick a maximum of three goals and be realistic about what you can achieve based on your current lifestyle and bandwidth. 

Focus

Once you have selected your goals, focus in on how you can take steps towards these daily. For example if your goal is to drink more water, increase the opportunities you have to drink it throughout the day. Cut out alternatives, carry a water bottle, have a water beside your bed etc. Whatever goal you choose, you need to be thinking of it daily in order to achieve it so set alarms on your phone as reminders, or put sticky notes or other visuals around to keep you on focused and on track.

Habit Stack

Habit stacking is a method for implementing new habits from the book Atomic Habits. The method involves adding new habits to the habits you already have. So in the case of drinking more water, maybe you have a glass before each meal. If you can find ways to fit your new habits into your existing routine, you're more likely to succeed and smash your goals this winter.