LET'S TALK ABOUT BODY IMAGE

I have curves, 

I am not the size of a runway model,

I don't have perfect skin.

Today I want to talk about body image, I rarely hear women talk positively about body image most complain about what they don't like when they look in the mirror. It's time this changes, we should love how our bodies are and not let media and the fashion industry tell us how we "should" look. 

I have to admit about 2 years ago I would look in the mirror and think to myself everything that is "wrong" with my body. My hips are too big, my thighs wobble my arms look chunky. I had such a bad opinion about myself, when in actual fact I had many compliments saying I have the perfect body in their eyes.

But what is the perfect body? 

Does anyone have the perfect body?

In my opinion, no. Nobody is perfect, everyone has flaws and its important to know and remember this. 

I was inspired by Kate Winslet and Scarlett Johansson no make-up selfies showing their flaws and opinions on body image. They're demonstrating that even celebrities, people who are believed to be "perfect" actually have imperfections and are only human. Read their posts and I'm sure you'll be inspired too!

Even though I am happy with my body I am constantly improving myself through regular fitness and healthy eating, not to change my appearance but to be healthy and feel good. I've found if you feel good on the inside it shines through to the outside. While I've been living this way my body feels amazing and I've been toning up due to the fitness routine. I look in the mirror and I'm proud of my body and I don't focus on the negatives rather the positives.

Sometimes your perception of body image can be affected by the highstreet. I'm a size 10/12 UK normally and I'm very happy with this now, I no longer think "Oh great, I'm fat if I have to buy the bigger size". I now understand it's not the size label that matters rather how I look and feel in the item. For example I tried on a size 12 strappy top in River Island I thought since a similar top in Topshop fits this size would be fine. Although this wasn't the case, I took it home and looked in the mirror and it didn't look nice. It was ill-fitting and I had to exchange it for a size 14. I'm ok with this, after all it looks amazing on me and I love it! This shows that buying the right size for your body gives you a positive experience rather you feeling uncomfortable. 

MOST IMPORTANTLY Don't let other peoples negative comments affect you, the people who do this normally dislike their own body so feel the need to put others down. When I've had a negative comment, sometimes its annoying but the most important thing is that you don't second guess yourself when you know you've got the body you are proud of!

At the end of the day yes, I still have things I would like to change. Maybe a flatter stomach, tone my arms or remove the scars on my face from acne but I've learnt to accept those things as they are because they don't define who I am nor do they look unattractive. Everything about my body is beautiful and I know appreciate it more than ever! 

You can't change who you are but you can change your perspective of yourself. Think positively and enjoy your body how it is.

What are your opinions on body image?

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

THAT'S SO FAUX SUEDE

I do love the look and feel of suede, so when the trend started showing up on the highstreet I knew I had to take advantage and purchase a little something. I didn't want to purchase real suede though so I invested in a beautiful faux suede grey mini skirt from River Island.

Top: RIVER ISLAND £16 || Skirt: RIVER ISLAND £28 || Jacket: WAREHOUSE (old) || Shoes: BIRKENSTOCKS £55 || Bag: CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL COMPANY

I purchased this beautiful skirt about a month ago for £28, considering real suede skirts were starting from £65 I was very happy with the price. The light grey colour is perfect to take you from summer through to winter. Although with the english "summer" I can already wear it with tights to stay warm on the colder "summer" days. I really believe this is one of my favourite purchases this year so far, the only downside to this beautiful piece is it is dry clean only. This aside I love this piece. If you're not a huge fan of the Light Grey colour, River Island also offer a Brown, Light Brown and Khaki.

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS I ALWAYS CARRY IN HAND LUGGAGE

My holiday to Greece is on Tuesday so I need to start planning my hand luggage. Yes I know Greece isn't a long-haul flight from the UK but I like to be organised incase any issues with luggage occur.

I always carry these eight things with me on every flights no matter the distance.

1: Passport

This may seem like an obvious one but you'll be surprised how many times I've seen people rummaging through their perfectly packed suitcases to locate their passport. Save yourself the drama, stress and pack it in hand luggage.

2: Laptop

Now I don't know about you but my laptop is always at my side. This may be because I'm addicted to technology but we can talk about that another time. A laptop is an essential item I believe when travelling, airport's these days mainly have free wifi so you could check your emails, Skype or even do some online shopping if thats what you want. I personally use mine to blog, keep in contact with family and friends as well as watching TV.

A quick note, don't forget you charger and headphones!

3: Harddrive

Speaking of TV I always carry my 1TB hard drive while travelling, you don't understand how many long flights I've taken in the last year where I've had delays or just a long waiting periods between connecting flights, so this has been a lifesaver as its kept me well entertained. Another great thing, if you meet other people with harddrives its a great opportunity to swap movies and get some new bits to watch.

4: iPhone & Charger

These days I don't think anyone goes anywhere without their phone, I feel lost if I nip to the shop and don't have it. I guess thats another example of how I'm addicted to technology aye!

5: Toiletries

On most long-haul flights I've always been provided with simple things like a tooth brush, on my flights back to the UK from Australia I also got given socks which was a nice surprise. Although on shorter flights these essentials aren't provided so I make sure I have a few things to keep me going. I always carry a travel tooth brush, hair brush/comb and deodorant to freshen up while I'm on the move.

6: Something warm & cosy

A jumper or a large scarf that can double as a blanket, something comfortable as flights tend to be a bit too well ... air conditioned these days.

7: Camera

I love great photos and I wouldn't be able to achieve these without my DLSR camera. Sometimes I get snap happy and you never know when a photo opportunity will arise, so its always a good idea to keep your camera close. I took this photo with my beautiful camera so thats why its not featured :)

8: Home comfort
Whenever I've travelled my little Winnie the Pooh has been in my bag. Although when I was in the Philippines in May/June time I lost him so this one is new! It may not be the one I've had since I was about 8 but Winnie always comes with me. Yes I'm 23 and still carry a teddy but what can I say I'm a child at heart!

What travel essentials do you have in hand luggage?

Sincerely Kimberly 

xxx

WHY YOU SHOULD BE DRINKING MORE WATER

The recommended daily consumption of water is 2L, I personally drink 3L. This is because I like to stay hydrated due to the 6 days a week exercise routine and busy schedule I keep. If you don't already here are 7 reasons why you should drink more water.

1: Increases energy & fatigue
Water helps you think, focus and concentrate better. Another bonus is your energy levels are boosted.

2: Calorie control
I'm personally not a calorie counter but drinking water prevents you from snacking when you don't need to. It's especially helpful if you drink a glass of water before each meal, therefore you don't overeat.

3: Boost your immune system
Drinking plenty of water helps fight flu, cancer and other illnesses. Wouldn't you rather be healthier the majority of the time?

4: Natural headache remedy
It helps prevent and relieve headaches which are in fact caused by dehydration.

5: Puts you in a good mood
Water helps your body function to its very best which makes you feel happier!

6: Save money
Now this one may not be an obvious one but when you get thirsty why not re-fill your water bottle for FREE instead of paying extra money for a sugar filled dr pepper?

7: Clearer skin
The body has certain toxins that can cause the skin to inflame which can result in pimples. Water flushes out toxins that can reduce the risk of spots.

Do you have any other reasons why we all should be drinking more water?

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

HOW TO START LEADING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

I'm a huge believer in leading a healthy lifestyle, although sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start. There are so many gimmicks and products on the market theses days that say they are "healthy" for you. Although most of the time this isn't true. I'm not going to lie, I've tried a few of these "gimmicks" and no they didn't work for me. After I realised all these products didn't and wouldn't work long term I started leading what is a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE and this is how I did it..

1: Get motivated

Trying to start a different lifestyle can be difficult especially if its the opposite to what you're used to doing. When I first started, in order to get motivated I made a inspiration board which consisted of a body I wanted to achieve, helpful and motivational quotes and finally healthy meals.

2: Eat right

Clean eating is so important to a healthy lifestyle, people make the mistakes of eating things that are labeled as "healthy" but if you looked closely at the ingredients there not. The best way to avoid this is by not buying pre-packaged products and above all else don't eat anything processed. These products are packed full of hidden sugars, fats and preservatives.

My rule is only eat things with 1 ingredient, now I don't mean you have to just have a tomato for dinner rather create each meal yourself. This meaning not even using jar sauces, again these come under pre-packed processed foods.

All that said, don't be hard on yourself if you have a bad meal or day. We're only human after all, I sometimes eat a bar of chocolate or a piece of cake but try to stay healthy 80% of the time. 

3: Fitness

Now I don't know about you but I love fitness, I feel like I've got much more energy and feel better in myself for keeping fit. I used to have a gym membership but I would waste an hour walking around deciding what machines I wanted to go on. To resolve this issue I decided to purchase Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guides and I'm currently in week 4. This guide essentially tells you exactly what to do and when which gave me the structure in my life. These are a great investment in my opinion but not for everyone.

4: Keep a routine

Starting a new routine can sometimes be hard to begin but you've got to start somewhere and then maintain the routine. Set yourself up with a plan for the week with time to exercise. Since I use Kayla Itsines guides I have circuit training 3 days a week and also run 3 days a week. Try not to go more than 2 days without exercising, this increases the chance of you breaking your new routine!

5: Make a record

Before you begin this new lifestyle take photos of yourself in minimal clothing for example a bikini. It's good to see how far you've come from the starting line and it gives you a motivation boost when you feel like grabbing that slice of cake. Again keep this up, re-take photos every four weeks so you can track your progress and see the difference small changes really do make.

Whether you're choosing to change your lifestyle for weightloss or to be healthy its an amazing decision and I wish you luck :)

Sincerely, Kimberly 

xxx

SEVENTIES STYLED

Top: TOPSHOP £22 || Skirt: TOPSHOP £28 || Shoes: RIVER ISLAND (Very old) || Camera: DIANA || 

Sunglasses: whoknows :)

All the styles are coming back around once again, as my mum always says "I used to wear that". I haven't worn a denim skirt in years but when I saw this button down one I just had to have it. Combining it with this chunky lace holter neck creates a beautiful summer look in my opinion.

How would you have styled this?

Sincerely, Kimberly 

xx

THE WHITE RABBIT TEA ROOMS

I do love afternoon tea, although I'm not a tea drinker I like the experience.

Afternoon tea anyone? I don't mind if I do!

This time I decided to go for a lighter afternoon tea and didn't go all out with sandwiches, cakes and hot chocolate as I did the previous week. The White Rabbit Tearooms was another quirky hole in the wall, all the best tearooms are always hidden away. The number one reason I would highly recommend this particular place is because there is a bunny on the sign! Well ... it was a plus for me :)

After ordering the food, it arrived promptly and the staff were so polite and helpful. I will be returning again on a regular basis, next time I want cake! Lots of CAKE! 

Any other tearooms you would recommend?

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

AUGUST AMBITIONS

August is here, when did that happen? It feels like July has been and gone in the blink of an eye. I've been home from travelling for 7 weeks and haven't really set any "official" goals for myself. New month, new goals and endless possibilities. August is my month to achieve great things, six things in particular spring to mind ...

 

1: Maintain a healthy lifestyle

This is always an important part of my life on a daily basis. I consider what I'm eating, when to exercise and insure relaxation time is taken. I have to admit that there has been a few slip ups in July with birthday celebrations and general mis-eating on my part. August will be different because my goals for fitness are pretty much my top priority!

2: Consider what my next steps are, career wise

I'm currently temping to keep a steady wage coming into my life, although I don't want to keep doing this because its not the best pay if I'm honest. I'm keen to travel again and explore the world and that's when it hit me. Apply to work in another country again, I've been considering  a Ski Season in France or a position on a Cruise Ship would be the perfect fit for me. Time to get that CV 100% up to date and that cover letter written because those jobs aren't going to apply for themselves.

3: Develop my Photoshop skills

Since I've become more and more involved in the blogging world I want to develop the quality of my photography, thats where Photoshop comes in. Photoshop is an amazing tool used millions of bloggers and photographers to enhance their images. I want to be able to use the programme at an intermediate level by October / November time. I could continue using videos to expand my knowledge but I've seen a few courses that would be helpful. Maybe a course then ...

4: Develop BunnyKitch

For those who don't know BunnyKitch is my homemade jewellery brand which specialises in affordable fashion pieces, starting from only £2.95 its a hard bargain to resist! :) I want to expand my customer base to gain new ones, I haven't fully organised a strategy to how I will achieve this but I know it will include fellow bloggers who would like some freebies and social media. Take a look here!

5: Stay organised in general

I recently ordered a planner from The Blogger Planner to organise myself, not only for my blog posts but also in day-to-day life. Sometimes I’m missing small tasks that need to be done regularly, when I miss things too often I have to spend a whole day catching up. Solution: GET ORGANISED.

6: Learn a new language
I cannot believe I forgot this on my ambitions for the month when I wrote the post. Silly me ... learning a new language has been at the back of my mind for a long time. After living aboard and seeing other travellers having to learn english, it inspired me. I choose French because at the time I applied for ski seasons in France, also because I am unable to role my R's as you need to in Spanish and Italian :) 

Do you have any ambitions for August?

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE FOR A SUNDRESS

I do adore a sundress, they make me feel so pretty and girly.

Dress: TOPSHOP | Cardigan: H&M | Bag: CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL COMPANY (Similar here) | Sandals: BIRKENSTOCKS 

This is a recent additional to my wardrobe from Topshop, last week I paid £36 although now its on the website for £20! It's disappointing when that happens but I've still got this beautiful piece in my life :). Now, I don't know about you but this outfit screams summer, a white sundress with my bright blue satchel and cardigan, what more could you ask for?

What are your favourite summer colours?

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx