30 Day Shred

Okay, this isn't my normal kind of post but the beautiful weather has made me long for a more toned bikini body. I found the 30 Day Shred through Emma (milkteef) tweeting about it. So I've done a little research and looked at people's reviews and before and after pictures. 30 Day Shred does exactly what it says on the tin, 30 days to shred your fat to muscle and tone.

Anyone watched America's Biggest Loser? Well Jillian Michaels, the fitness expert for the programme, takes you on this fitness journey. The programme consists of 3 levels. Level 1 is the easiest, you do this for 10 days, then move to Level 2 for another 10 days and finally the most hardcore workout comes with Level 3 for the final 10 days. Level 1 works on sections, cardio, strength and abs, Jillian makes you exercise these sections out in short, sharp bursts, apparently it's meant to shock your body into building tone.

So here is my experience with day 1 and 2:

Day 1

I watched the Level 1 video first, so I knew what was coming. I haven’t done exercise in so long, so it was a shock! I was huffing, puffing and sweating most of the way through. Afterwards I got that post-exercise buzz and felt confident I could carry on doing it.

Day 2 

I woke up a little sore but it wasn't as bad as some post-workout aches I’ve had. I decided to be productive, so I had my breakfast and set about doing the video. I swear that day 2 was harder for me than day 1. 

Obviously after 2 days I haven't seen any results, but  according to reviews by the end of Level 1 you notice changes and your fitness improves. I can't quite do all the moves as smoothly as they do and I can't do a push up for the life of me, but hopefully it will come with practice!

I think Level 1 itself isn't too strenuous, the hard part will be working out on sore muscles. You can't have a break in between either it has to be 30 days solid and even during the 30 minutes of exercise Jillian only recommends a 5 second break to catch your breath. I've also been doing it without weights, if I like doing the workout I think I will invest in some, if not cans of soup or bottles of water will have to do!

Here's a link to Level 1 on Youtube!

I haven't found Level 2 or 3 but I'll have a search and let you guys know.

Or you can buy it on Amazon for £5.

If anyone is interested in the diet part of this fitness kick, I'm using FitnessPal to measure my intake, and I'm aiming for 1,200 calories a day. Note that you must each more after a work out otherwise your body goes into starvation mode and stores fat. If you need to know how much calories you personally need etc, get the FitnessPal app, it's really handy.

Love Kat

xoxo

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Cheeky Little Spend in Boots!

I've managed to save £30 in Boots points so I thought it was a good excuse to pick up a few things I've had my eye on. The Revlon Lip Butters were calling me, they are on everyone's blogs so I won't ramble too much but they are lush! So buttery and great colour pay off. Click here to see my Gossip Drip post on them.

I bought the colours, Sweet Tart (left) and Lollipop (right)

I'm wearing Lollipop here, anyone like my Princess Leia/Mickey Mouse inspired hairstyle?

I also got my hands on a very raved about nail polish, Max Factor's Fantasy Fire. I've heard this very hard to get hold of but my local Boots had loads of them, guess I must be lucky!

It's a blue/purple with a red duo-chrome finish, it shines all different hues, it's so bloody beautiful!

Boots are having a 3 for 2 offer across all the make-up stands at the moment, so stock on your beauty supplies now!

What do you think of the Revlon Lip Butters?

Have you managed to get your hands on Max Factor's Fantasy Fire?

Love Kat

xoxo

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Trend Alert - Bindis

A Bindi is a forehead decoration that originates from South Asia said to represent age, status or religion.

Forehead decorations have been made popular in Western society by designers like  Miu Miu and Karl Lagerfeld's headband jewellery at Chanel last season.

The bindi has also been seen as a fashion accessory with celebrities such as Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and the queen of bindis in the 90's, Gwen Stefani.

What do you think of the latest Bindi trend?

Will you be wearing Bindis this summer?

Love Kat

xoxo

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Amazing Alex - Make-up Demonstration from Illamasqua's Alex Box

Alex Box is a well respected make-up artist who founded Illamasqua, a brand infamous for it's unique products, for encouraging creativity and 'make-up for your alter ego'.

I had the opportunity at my university to watch a make-up demonstration with Alex. It was so interesting to see her at work, building layers and she even changed direction from a pixie like look to a dark glowing face.

She began with a pink cream base, adding layers of white and pasting out the model's eyebrows. Dark ashy contour colours were added creating sinister shadows then highlighter was applied to add a ghost like glow. Alex then added a wig that looked like chimney sweep brush, strange I know, but the over all look was so amazing.

 Sorry for the bad quality images, Blackberry cameras are poo!

Alex also received an honorary award from Solent University last year, here is a video of inspirational words to students and her receiving her award.

She has such a creative and unique style of make-up that is unlike any other artist I have seen.

What are your opinions on Alex?

Love Kat

xoxo

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Treats from Benefit and MAC

Disappointingly my Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer ran out this morning, I'm sure I've only had it for a few weeks! So I headed to Boots after university. I browsed the aisles for a new concealer, the last few I've tried have been highlighting/concealing pens from various different brands but I wanted  a change. I settled on Benefit's Erase Paste in Light 1. I've heard so much about this concealer, can't wait to try it out tomorrow!

Erase Paste comes with a little leaflet on ways to apply and some helpful tips for under eyes, something called the 'Marionette Grooves' which are the shadowy areas from the nose to the corners of the mouth and on spots or imperfections. It comes with a small spatula which I've never seen with a concealer before, I guess this is more hygienic than sticking grubby fingers in the pot! 

The make-up artist on the Benefit counter also gave me a small sample of their new Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup in the shade 'I'm So Money' Honey. This is a little too dark for me, so I'm going to save it for nights out when I've fake tanned. It says 'Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow builds from light to medium coverage for a natural complexion you can believe in.' 

I've also treated myself to a new MAC lipstick in Lovelorn. Technically it was free with the Back 2 MAC scheme, saving up your empties from MAC is really worth it. Collect 6 empties and you can get a free lipstick! The colour is a basic pink that will be suitable for any make-up look, I've noticed it also leaves a slight pinky stain to the lips, which is really pretty. The website describes it as a 'Emotive blue pink', not sure how a lipstick colour can be 'emotive' though!

Sorry for the horrific close up, just to give an idea of the shade.

Have you treated yourself to any bits from MAC or Benefit lately?

Love Kat

xoxo

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Summer Emergency Kit

I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful sunny weather, I have! Burger and a Kopparberg in the sun made a perfect afternoon. I thought I'd update you on a few things I like to carry when the sun shines.

My summer must have is the ELF blotting sheets, these were so cheap and take  away all the horrible shine from my oily skin. No foundation will ever stay matte on my skin, so blotting sheets are always carried.

MAC Studio Fix Powder and No7 Quick Cover Blemish Stick are for when I need to re-apply through the day, sunglasses marks can easily be covered by these two products.

Next in my emergency kit is MUFE Aqua Liner, often I find my usual eyeliner melts with the heat, this is waterproof so has perfect staying power!

Then I always carry Carmex it's great for chapped lips but it also has an SPF of 15, lips need protecting too!

Of course you need sunglasses and plasters in your bag, those nice new sandals always give you blisters!

Do you have an summer emergency kit?

Love Kat

xoxo

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Flatforms - Marmite of the Shoe World

If you are up to date with the latest trends, you'll know that flatforms are the new 'it' shoe of the season. A cross between flats and heels, flatforms are perfect for us shorties who want comfort and a little added height. Here are some of my favourites, click the links below to buy!

1. Topshop Cut Out Flatform by Topshop Unique - £110

2. Office Whassup Suede Flatform in Blue - £65

3. ASOS Verity Mary Jane Flatform - £30

4. Office Weave Me Up Flatform - £55

5. ASOS Vera Pointed Flatform - £40

6. ASOS Deco Canvas Flatform High Tops - £30

Flatforms - Love them or hate them?

Love Kat

xoxo

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MAC Viva Glam Nicki

MAC has finally released Viva Glam Nicki in the UK, it's online from today. It seemed like American had it months before us Brits! I had an email from MAC giving me a code for early purchase of the lippy. It arrived this morning and I love it already.

MAC describes it as a 'bright yellow pink'. Looking at swatches on different people's lips sometimes it can translate as more coral, but on my lips it's more pink. I guess it depends on the pigmentation of your natural lips.

Here is how it looked on me. Sorry for the white ring around my mouth, foundation rubs off when I eat!

It's a summer colour for sure, will you be buying Viva Glam Nicki?

Love Kat

xoxo

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