Marathon training begins!

The NYC marathon training has begun! 5.00 start this morning, the house is still asleep & I'm up prepping for a little 3 mile run along the sea wall with our golden retriever, George! 

Pre run snack- a double espresso & a banana! 

I have 2 young boys and in order to still spend time with them, I try to run early so I can see them before work! Healthy breakfast of triple fruit & Greek yogurt with chia seeds, savory seed blend from The Food Doctor and some oats for slow release energy. I've had 4/5 fresh fruit and vegetables before 7.00am! 

One bowl of goodness is for my husband. This morning is a double fitness whammy as I also go to Karen Davis Fitness pump class (check out http://karendavisfitness.com/) to build up my muscle strength. Cross training is important for running and is great for muscle definition! 

My goal is to raise $2,500 for Team for Kids to help children get into fitness. Click here to show your support.

https://runwithtfk.org/Profile/PublicPage/33186

Travel Tuesday: Desert Island Beauty & Wellness- Skincare

A popular radio program in the UK called Desert Island Discs asks a variety of listeners what they would take to a Desert Island. If they were only allowed 8 records what would they pack?  

A friend asked me what my beauty version would be. So here's the beginning of an eight part Beauty & Wellness series about what I would take with me if I was only allowed one item. 

I'll start with skincare because that's the part of my industry I am most passionate about! 

The best anti-aging product you can use on your skin is sun protection. It helps prevent wrinkles and pigmentation caused my exposure to ultra violet rays. 

An spf 50 that is broad spectrum sunscreen protects the skin from both uva and uvb rays. I would also want one that is waterproof as I love to swim in the sea. My favourite is Dermalogica's Protection 50 Sport because it can be used on the face and body, and it protects the skin for 40 minutes whilst swimming. 

It is important to remember to use a teaspoon of sunscreen on the face and the size of a shot glass on the body. To stay fully protected in direct sunlight, reapply every two hours. 

Enjoy the sunshine safely, happy travels! 

Treatment Thursday- make time for yourself

I started a personal mindfulness challenge four days ago after seeing a friend share the headspace app. 

It challenges you to meditate for 10 minutes everyday, preferably in the morning. The clarity I get after taking 10 minutes for me is awesome. 

I find after 10 minutes of focusing the mind & 'just being' I find fresh inspiration and ideas for all areas in my life. I also find it has helped me to prioritise and stay focused when completing tasks. 

I'm training for the New York Marathon in November and this morning I knocked 90 seconds off my personal best time. I also find having a vegetable juice or fruit smoothie in the morning keeps gives me a healthy burst of energy. The green superfood powders such as macha, spirilina, etc are a great addition for an antioxidant boost. 

Life very quickly gets busy and it's easy to get bogged down. By taking time for yourself to exercise, meditate and eat healthily everything else will fall into place.

 

Treatment Thursday- Dark circles

Last week I asked what questions my readers would like answered and one lovely sleep deprived Mum with 3 kids under 2 asked how to get rid of dark circles. 

Some dark circles are hereditary because of the natural pigment and skin coloring, but most can be combatted with a few alterations to your daily routine. Here are a few tips to try: 

Sleep

Sleep deprevation whether it be from stress or the arrival of young children it takes its toll on the body not having a regular 6-8 hours of sleep every night. The body repairs itself at night, with the hours of 9pm-12am being the most important. 

Eye cream 

I gave a client who has suffered for years with dark circles a sample of Dermalogica's total eye care & she said its the first time in decades she's not felt the need to wear foundation! Eye cream hydrates and moisturises the delicate tissues around the eye area which improves the colour and texture. 

Drink water 

Two litres of water is the daily requirement, by increasing your intake to 3-4 litres it hydrates the skin and helps flush out toxins counterbalancing any caffeine and alcohol consumed. The difference in your skin will be obviously clearer and more plump.

Healthy diet 

Lots of leafy green vegetables, fruits and superfoods all help the skin glow. Jamie Oliver says, 'When it comes to fruit and veg, different colours provide your body with the different nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy – it's not just greens that are good for you!'

Wedding Wednesday- Preparing for a big event

Motivation Monday- MOP your way through the week!

Treatment Thursday- What to bring on a Spa Day

Today my Mom and I had a spa day at Carey's Manor as her birthday treat! She wanted to try the Fusion Massage, a 90 minute mixture of Thai, Shiatsu, Aryvenic, Aromatherapy and Swedish massage movements. It gets into the deeper layers of the muscles to aid relaxation and muscle tension. 

What should you pack on a spa day? 

Clothing: swimsuit and something comfortable to wear afterwards. 

Face: facial skincare is important especially after a day in the heat and hydropool. A deep cleanse and intensive moisture is essential. 

Hair & Body: The showers are usually equipt with hair and body wash, but I find  after the chlorine exposure my hair needs a moisture boost so I bring my own hair are products. 

The other items to pack are your typical overnight bits such as a hairbrush, contact lens case, etc. 

Towels are provided as are robes and spa shoes. Enjoy your relaxing day out!