A Day Off Morning Routine

- This post contains previously gifted items. Not obliged to repost photos of the products. This post is not sponsored in anyway - 

All the years of having this blog, I don't think I have ever done a sort of 'day in the life of' post. So this weeks post is about to change all of that. I must admit that my days off aren't the most exciting unless I have plans, which is very rarely the case (working in hospitality means that you're off when none of your friends are haha). But I do love a morning to myself, and this is what my typical morning on a day off looks like for me.

A lie in never happens. Body clock usually wakes me up between 7:30 and 8:30. Fingers crossed that it is nearer to 8:30 and I can have a slightly longer sleep than on a working day. I will then stay in bed until 9:30 ish, be comfy, catch up on some YouTube or finish what I was watching on Netflix. So maybe that does count as a bit of a lie in haha.

Next is breakfast. I have been getting into the habit of drinking green tea first thing (even when I am at work). A mug of green tea, and a bowl of porridge is my go to choice for breakfast at the moment. Granola, with some Alpro vanilla yoghurt and fruit, or some waffles with maple syrup as a treat have also been favs of mine recently. Something about a warming bowl of porridge on a cold, rainy morning. I do like to add banana to my porridge if I have any, and maybe a squirt of honey or golden syrup.

After breakfast, is where I end up changing from my pyjamas, to that pair of trackies that I wear around the house with a big baggy jumper. It's almost as if I am changing from one pair of pyjamas, to another.. I dont tend to do my makeup on a day off, even if I do leave the house. It's nice to let your skin breathe once in a while. From here, I make a mental list of all the things I need to organise or get done that day, and try and work my way through them. Even if it's just hoovering or tidying my room or downstairs (what a thrilling day off, I know..) or popping to the supermarket or bank. My days off are also spent drafting blog posts, taking photos for those posts, and reading through other bloggers post, gaining inspiration and finding new individuals to follow. I have recently, brought some bits to learn how to start handlettering. I've always admired those beautiful fonts that look so effortless to create, but I am aware you have to start somewhere haha. If I get through my list, those are the things that I have been loving to do recently.

Throughout the day at home, I ensure that I try and drink as much water as possible. Ever since Waterdrop got in contact last time, the use of their gorgeous bottle and Microdrink really have improved my efforts of drinking more water. If you were intrigued about Waterdrop from my >last post<, they have just set up an innovative way of people trying their products. Simply follow my link below, register your email, verify your email, and receive your own link. Share this with your friends for the chance to unlock product rewards! The more people that sign up through the link, the more products you will unlock! It's a great way for your family and friends to try these products, as well as yourselves.

https://hellouk.waterdrop.com?kid=17124D

I definitely prioritise my days off as giving myself that extra time to catch up on what I need too, and relax. I hope that you reading this, also spend some time on your days off or weekend, to take a moment for yourself and catch up on what you've been meaning too.

What do your days off start with?

Amber X

- This post contains previously gifted items, sent to me for my consideration, but this by no means, has changed my thoughts or opinions. Under no obligation to repost photos. Full disclaimer on my 'about' page - 

3 Self Care Starters

With everything that has been going on in the media recently, I definitely think there is a massive importance to take some time out for yourself, learn to love the skin that you're in, take a breather, reflect and then practise what you preach. Be kinder, check in on those around you and live in the moment. I am definitely guilty of becoming tangled up in the business and stress of every day routine, that I can forget to stop and breathe. I try to steam through everything to keep my mind off of things that are getting me down. I am super self critical, and wish to stop being so. If like me, you find yourself worrying over things that shouldn't even be getting a look in, then here are 3 things that I want to ensure I do whenever I feel that I need to take a moment for myself..

Find a new hobby
Something big or something small, something that makes you think or changes the way that you think, something that is engaging or the opposite, something that requires lots of energy or none, something creative or not at all. Anything different to the norm, that excites you and encourages you to take time for you. I 100% want to try my hand at an activity that I don't usually do. Take some time to learn something different, and relish at the chance to delve into the unknown.

Bathe and Breathe
A bath is one of my favourite things to do to destress. Stick in a bath bomb and a lot of bubbles, and take an hour out. Sometimes I like to read, or watch some YouTube or Netflix, and sometimes I like to just sit, close my eyes and fully chill out. I haven't had one in the longest time, so I plan on treating myself very soon.

Walk
A walk is so good for many different reasons. I used to love to run to get out of the house on a day off, and focus on nothing but my breathing as I go down my usual routes. I would love to get back into it - I say this allll the time, and end up getting back into it for no more than a week, leaving me regretful to give it up again. I'm putting no pressure on myself to get back to it, but if I do, I do. If not, then a little walk will get me back on my feet. Maybe the running will start again when the weather gets a bit warmer.

What do you like to do for self care?
Amber X 

Drinking More Water

- This post contains gifted items - 

Drinking more water has always been a challenge for me and is something that I know I need to improve on. No matter how I spend my day - whether it be at home or at work, it always seems that I just never seem to reach for anything, and then before I know it, I've been awake for a while and I haven't had a drink. A cup of tea doesn't count as a drink in my eyes (it's a necessity). Therefore, I have always wanted to find a way of ensuring that I drink more, without thinking too much about it. I have tried those water bottles with times on the side, I have also tried those apps that alert you when you should take a drink, but still nothing seemed to stick. The only time that I really felt like I was drinking enough water through the day, was when it came to revising in university for those horrible third year exams. I would always make sure that I  had a large water bottle propped on the end of my desk, or nearby. That being said, I knew that the only way I was going to drink more water, was to keep a bottle nearby, when I am at home and at work.

Since Waterdrop got in touch, I can 100% say that I have been drinking far more water throughout the day than I was before. Not only are their water bottles just so pretty to look at (how cute is this design?!) it is a practical size at 600ml to fit into a rucksack, or a handbag to keep with you on the go. Nothing like those huge and bulky bottles some people use to try and keep themselves hydrated. I have found myself constantly reaching for it, and with their sugar-free dissolvable cubes, that they call a microdrink, water doesn't taste like water. The dissolvable cubes are made from a mixture of fruit and plant extracts, filled with vitamins, and have zero sugar in them. Simply fill your bottle with water, and drop one of the flavoured, vitamin filled cubes, into it and you have a refreshing sugar-free drink. Cutting down on sugar has so many health benefits. It can improve your skin and it can give you more energy to name a few. Not only are you drinking more water, but reducing sugar intake if you're a lover of fizzy drinks (I definitely am when it comes to meals out), is a massive bonus.

Waterdrop have created so many different flavours of their microdrink. All of their microdrinks come with three ingredients so there is bound to be a flavour to everyone's taste.

Waterdrop has definitely helped me tackle my habit of not drinking enough water. It's been made so easy and tasty to drink more water on a daily basis. Youth and boost have been my stand out favourites so far. It's an added bonus that their microdrink's are sugar-free, but they're still thirst quenching and refreshing. If you're intrigued, you must try it. I'm sure you'll end up drinking more because of it, as I certainly have.

Do you need to drink more water?
Amber X

- This post contains gifted items, sent to me for my consideration, but this by no means, has changed my thoughts or opinions. Full disclaimer on my 'about' page - 

Pre-Holiday Preparation

Summer is just around the corner and that means one thing. Summer holidays. When it comes to packing for your trip, or the trip in general, there are many things that have to be done in preparation to the day of heading off on an adventure. It's just under a month now until I go away, yay! Here are my tips if you like to be organised, like I am.

Plan Your Outfits
Obviously having a vision of things you are going to wear on holiday is super handy when it comes to getting ready for the day, but it also helps massively when it comes to packing. I am a serial over packer, when it comes to ANYTHING. Even if it was just a night away, I never fail to not over pack my over night bag. As suitcases are weighed before going into the hold of the plane, packing a minimum is beneficial.. it leaves more room for purchases haha.

Book Before You Go
If you're like me, I love to read up on places before I go - finding out what there is to see, what there is to do, what food the place is famous for, or where are the best areas to stay etc. All of that comes with booking tourist attractions, boat rides, whatever it may be, beforehand. Not only does it save your money, but it also gives you something to look forward to before you go. Having certain activities set in stone, also allows you to be some what organised and fit other stops off in that area you're visiting.

Travel Size
Not only are they cute, but smaller toiletries and other bits and pieces make luggage all the more easier to carry and drag around. There is nothing worse or more uncomfortable than lugging around a suitcase or bag that is incredibly heavy.

Don't Be A Last Minute Kind Of Individual
Get to the airport in loads of time. Although waiting around can be boring, missing a flight would be even more so. Start packing the week before if it's more helpful. Write lists of things you've packed and things you haven't packed yet. Get your currency before the airport - every little helps!

Expect lots of holiday photos haha.

Are you going abroad this year? If so, where are you going?

Amber X