Monthly Book Favourites: February

As if I don't cover enough topics on my blog, today I am starting a new series: my Monthly Book Favourites. I'm always in awe of blogs which have one niche and stick to it but I love being able to cover everything that interests me and one of those things is definitely books. You may know that I'm currently studying for a Masters in Publishing, so it's fair to say that books are a huge part of my life! In order to encourage myself to read more alongside my course, I will be talking about some of my favourite books every month:

This month I wanted to talk about three books. I've spent a few weekends on trains which has meant that I've been able to get plenty of reading in! Firstly, The Girl With All The Gifts by MR Carey (Little, Brown) is a thriller or sci-fi novel which I picked up on buy one get one free in Waterstones. It reminded me a little of Gone Girl purely in the sense that the cover and blurb gives nothing away - and really to appreciate it, that's the way it needs to stay. As a result, this isn't exactly a review as I won't reveal the plot! I would recommend it if you enjoy thrillers, post-apocalyptic novels or horror.

I originally watched the film Warm Bodies, before borrowing the book by Isaac Marion (Vintage Originals) from a friend. This zombie book is a quick read but enjoyable nonetheless. I felt that the book developed the characters more than the film, and the sub-plot involving the zombie children added another dimension to the story - although it was a little heavy handed regarding it's 'moral point!'

Finally, I have been wanting to read Sane New World by Ruby Wax (Hodder) for a long time. It is broadly about mindfulness, but in reality you get over 100 pages in before mindfulness is even explained. Really, it's a combination of an autobiography, neuroplasty and mindfulness exercises. I found it thoroughly refreshing, laugh out loud in places and enjoyable to read. However, it also was extremely informative, explaining the science behind the brain and mental illness in particular. I would recommend it for anyone who is struggling with mental illness and considering mindfulness, but it is also an interesting and enjoyable read for anyone broadly interested in the brain or a fan of Ruby Wax.

What books have you read this month that you would recommend?

Jess

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Fitness Friday: 5:2 Diet

So it's time for Fitness Friday! You can check out all of my previous Fitness Friday posts here but today I'm talking diets.

My Fitness Friday posts will include workout tips, favourite exercises and wishlists. I must make it clear that I am not a fitness professional, nor do I have any qualifications. These are simply what works for me and what I do myself in the gym. However, I do work in a leisure centre, so I am friends with many gym instructors, personal trainers and my brother studies Sports Science at university - and most of these tips are from them! I hope you enjoy joining my fitness journey and sharing your own tips too.

In this post, I wanted to talk about that diet that everyone is talking about, yes it's the 5:2, or 'Fast Diet.' If you aren't sure what it is, in simple terms you eat normally for five days a week but two times a week you limit your calorie intake to just 500 calories. I personally tried this for a couple of months two years ago, but it fell by the wayside as my university exams became the priority - studying on 500 calories a day is impossible! However after moving home, where the fridge is always full, I've needed to reevaluate my diet and give the 5:2 another go.

To help me along, I've been using My Fitness Pal to track my calories, which is a handy free app to log all of your meals. However, my main problem with it is that I don't weigh my food so I'm sure that I'm actually eating more than I log. This is where Exante Diet* comes in handy. They provide prepared foods with all the calories and vitamins calculated for you and they have started to angle their products towards 5:2 dieters. Each packet I was sent included a 200 calorie meal, perfect for those fast days. You simply add either hot or cold water to the powder, depending on whether you want soups or shakes, and blend. I found that using a blender created a better result than a whisk and it was exciting to smell the powders come to life and turn into recognisable food!

If I can cook, I will, so I personally wouldn't use these for all of my fast days. However, they are perfect for a quick fix, when you want food in seconds to beat those cravings. I was also pleasantly surprised by the price - I always associate these companies with expensive prices, capitalising on laziness, but they have some great voucher codes and offers. I think the key to success with the 5:2 diet is getting into the routine; I'm still finding it hard to fast on days when I am particularly busy and stressed, and I also miss the gym as working out on 500 calories just doesn't work!

Have you tried Exante Diet? Do you do the 5:2 diet?

Jess

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Long Haulin'

If you haven't heard me go on (and on) about it yet, on Saturday I am flying to New York! There are no words to describe how excited I am and since I am a huge planner, I have been writing lists for about a month! Today I wanted to share my beauty essentials for the long haul flight:

Small sizes are key for long haul flights, so I raided my sample draw for a small but powerful moisturiser. This Bioderma Ultra-Nourishing Balm from Escentual* is deeply nourishing for my skin, but the sensitive formula means I won't break out either. I know that hydration will be key to keep my skin happy over the flight, so I am planning on going make-up free and topping up my skincare throughout the flight. I will also be packing a tiny pot of coconut oil for any pesky dry spots and my under-eyes. I love this tiny pot, which was part of a Primark Travel Set and cost just £1 for three bottles, one pot, a funnel and labels - such a bargain! I also picked up this L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream as part of a free duo from L'Occitane's Facebook page - they always offer great samples to try so it's worth 'liking' their page as I love their products, especially when they are free!

My in-flight read will be The Luminaries, which I have had on my 'to-read' pile since it won the Man Booker Prize last year. Finally, I will have plenty of time to tick it off my list! At some point, I will inevitably snooze, so my hand-made eye mask will be a must have. It's made from a vintage silk scarf and is so comfortable - let me know if you want a DIY tutorial!

Just before landing, some makeup will be needed before I brave New York. I'm planning on keeping it simple with some concealer and a little powder. The Maybelline Eye Eraser Concealer in Light (£7.99) has been raved about by so many bloggers recently, so I obviously couldn't resist! I'll make sure I review it in full soon, but in short, it really does brighten and conceal the eye area and any blemishes. Another blogger-enabled purchase is the Bourjois Healthy Balance Compact Powder in Vanilla (£8.99). I already use the Bourjois Healthy Balance Foundation in the same shade, so this powder has seamlessly fitted into my make-up bag, providing light coverage and the matte finish I love. Finally, a touch of Benefit's Roller Lash from last month's Elle magazine will add a pop of glamour to my exhausted face and open up those tired eyes until I reach my hotel room.

What are your long haul flight essentials?

Jess

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