MONDAY MOTIVATION | WORKOUT CLOTHING/ACCESSORIES

Hello everyone and welcome back to another instalment in my "monday motivation" series! For last weeks post i shared my go-to Spotify playlist, which was filled with a lot of the music that i listen to when it comes to working out. Which made me think for this weeks instalment i thought i would share selection of my favourite workout clothing/accessories, because as well as having music to listen to when working out you also need clothes to wear whilst doing just that (unless you are sometimes an at home in your underwear kind of person)...

When it comes to buying workout clothing/accessories just like normal shopping in general, you don't have to break the bank to do just that. So before i get into sharing some of my favourite pieces, i thought i would add a few tips for when it comes to shopping for workout pieces.

- always look for discount codes before ordering online

- when looking for a specific item shop around for the best price first

- a lot of high-street stores do great more affordable alternatives to larger brands

- shop sales

- only buy what you feel comfortable in

1. primark sports wear | click to view |

If you are looking for something super affordable yet still great quality, then Primark is your place to go for workout clothing this year. I have picked up a selection of things since last month and i am so surprised how great they are, as well as how many different cool patterns/styles they have. Personal favourites for me are the sports bras which start from just £4.

blush sports bra | blush crop top | black sports bra | stripe sports bra 

2. amazon limited edition fitbit versa fitness tracker | click to shop |

Next up for me a personal favourite for when it comes to actually tracking not just your steps and fitness but also your sleep/day-today activity. I have the white and rose gold FitBit Versa, which is an exclusive to Amazon edition. I love how sleek the watch it, as well as the fact it goes with anything i wear. My favourite features (which you can keep a track on via the app). FitBit's are a lot less expensive than investing in an Apple Watch, but you can also get cheaper alternatives to both brands.

3. adidas three stripe performance tights | click to buy |

When it comes down to actual clothing/leggings for workout, i am an Adidas fan as i just feel like the fit me perfectly more so than other bigger brands. You can shop Adidas and other larger brands like Puma and Nike also for less at places such as Sports Direct, where they have sales on regular as well as mix and match for so much offers and this is both online and in-stores.

4. hydrateM8 water tracker bottle | click to shop offer |

Working out or doing any form of exercise always makes you feel dehydrated, plus you should always drink a larger amount of water every single day if you want to stay on track health-wise and it has so many benefits. For me personally a HydrateM8 water tracker has helped me keep on top of how much i am drinking and i always drink three of these full per day. At the moment HydrateM8 have a special Valentine's Day off on, where you can pick them up on a buy one, get one free offer. Whether you want to pick up two for yourself, or go halves with someone you know, this is such a great deal not to pass up.

5.  adidas three stripe bra | click to buy |

Another Adidas piece i love is this particular sports bra, as i do love a good co-ord/matching set even when it comes to my workout clothes. You can also shop Adidas bra's/other pieces on Surfdome, which i mentioned in my previous post, where i shared my february must-buys.

6. puma core overhead hoodie | click to shop offer |

Finally we have a hoodie which i picked up last month, the reason being is it is so cold at the moment you need to layer up before and after workouts. I love this particular hoodie, although i would recommend sizing up one if you like things a little more oversized. It is currently on offer on the JD Sports website for just £30 instead of £45 and comes in black or grey. 

Catch up on my previous "monday motivation" post: here

xo.

MOTIVATION MONDAY #6 | MOTIVATION ROUNDUP

Hello everyone and welcome to the final instalment of Monday Motivation! Every single Monday in July i posted a bunch of different motivational focused posts and just in-case you missed them first time round, so for today's post i thought why not give you a little roundup/recap...

| monday motivation #1 | simple tips on how to stay motivated |

So first up was obviously post number one and this post i wanted to kick start the series, by sharing some simple tips on how to stay motivated. By knowing some simple tips on motivation just when you are starting/wanting to start living a healthier lifestyle, really helps you not only learn physically but also mentally.

| read the full post from July 2nd | here |

| monday motivation #2 | gym/workout makeup |

For post number two in the series, i really wanted to talk a little bit more about confidence when going to the gym/working out, especially when it comes to not feeling confident wearing no makeup. You honestly don't have to feel like that and i talked about some of the products i like to wear, that give you that confidence boost but doesn't appear like you are wearing a full face of makeup and of course comfortable for you to wear.

| read the full post from July 9th | here |

 | monday motivation #3 | my ten go-to healthy breakfasts |

For post/week number three i really wanted to touch of the subject of how true it is what they say and breakfast is in fact the most important meal of the day, as well as you don't have to spend a bunch of time preparing something healthy/yet delicious when you are in a rush. I get a lot of meal/breakfast recipe inspiration from Pinterest, so if you are ever stuck just have a browse as there is literally a recipe for everything.

| read the full post from July 16th | here |

| monday motivation #4 | workout/gym music |

Another gym/workout related post for instalment number four and a topic of my personal biggest motivation, especially when it comes to working out. In this post i decided to share a lot of the music on Spotify that are on my workout playlist, a lot of them are super up-beat and definitely spur you on during a tough session. 

| read the full post from July 23rd | here |

| motivation monday #5 | what i ate in a day |

So for the final instalment of Monday Motivation, i decided to share my first "what i ate in a day" post ever since switching up my food/lifestyle choices. In this post i really wanted to go into a little more detail about counting calories and limiting the amount of snacking, as well as how to keep things interesting so you are less likely to "fall off the wagon" so to speak.

| read the full post from July 30th | here |

I hope that you have enjoyed this monthly series focusing on Motivation and a more healthier lifestyle, i would love to know if there is anything else you would like me to cover in a future monthly series. You can either tweet me @iamkatiee_ or message me on Instagram @katiebeautyshake

xo.

THINGS I'M LOVING ON PRETTYLITTLETHING RIGHT NOW

Hello everyone! So over the past couple of months i have found myself loving, lusting and buying so many different pieces of clothing, accessories and footwear for the spring/summer season. I honestly feel like the clothing for this season is on a different level to what it was last year and especially the previous autumn/winter, plus buying clothes for summer is so much more fun. With that in mind and following a similar theme to a post i shared last month which was a things i'm loving on ASOS right now post, for today's instalment i thought i would share with you the things i am loving on PRETTYLITTLETHING right now as like ASOS, Boohoo and Missguided, they are one of my favourite sites to buy clothing...

1. red embroidered bardot crop top | £20 |

So i never usually like anything red, as i never really thought it suited my colouring but i actually recently discovered how wearing red via a print, rather than in just one block colour looks a lot nicer and i really love this style of print at the moment. You can pick this crop top up in a petite fit or regular fit and it is also available to buy as a co-ord, to pair together or wear either one separately. 

2. white polka dot chiffon flare sleeve top | £15 |

I love, love, love this top style at the moment with the whole wrap style or where they look like a wrap top, especially in black and white form. I actually recently picked up a bargain black and white strip wrap top in H&M sale for £5, which i was shocked at because it is one of those items of clothing that looks way more expensive than it is and i feel like this PLT polka dot number has the same vibe to it.

3. kicho silver ornate double western style belt | £12 |

I am loving two different styles of belts at the moment, especially paired with black denim jeans one being the whole "gucci belt" dupe style and the other being the western style belt which seems to be so on trend again recently, probably due to the whole festival vibe going on. PLT actually have a view different style options in western belts, but this one has to be my favourite and it comes in both silver and gold finishes.

4. petite white high rise skinny white jeans | £20 |

The constant struggle is always real for me when it comes to buying jeans, the main reason being is i am super short especially my legs so regular length jeans are always a no go. The thing i love about PLT is just like Topshop, they have things available in the same style but in both regular fit and petite and that helps a short girl out. I really want to pick up a pair of white jeans for this summer, as i feel like they can look super dressed up or dressed down effortlessly.

5. gold layered disk plunge necklace | £6 |

So when it comes to jewellery i go in phases with it, i will either really enjoy wearing pieces and then i will not want to wear any at all. That being said recently i am loving opting for small dainty pieces of jewellery, whether that be a thin bracelet or dainty layered necklaces like this and for £6 this necklace is an absolute steal for the quality you are getting.

6. bardot double tie top | £22 |

When it comes to spring/summer i have mentioned before i am all about the bardot/cold shoulder style tops and i love this PLT number, which actually comes in three different colours (stone, red and baby pink) and the baby pink one is definitely my favourite. Even though this top is still technically a cropped top you can get away with not showing any skin, especially if you style it with either high-waist-ed jeans or shorts.   

7. brown round basket tassel cross-body bag | £22 |

I have actually seen a fair few people wearing this style of bag recently and usually this would not be my style at all, but i must say i love how this bag looks and i think it would be one of those bags that could totally switch up the way a plain outfit looks, as well as adding a touch of summer with the whole basket style finish. Also out of all of the more affordable ones i have seen this one from PLT is my favourite, as once again you always know you are going to get a good quality product from the brand.

8. black mirrored rounded sunglasses | £8 |

Finally we have another pair of sunnies, but ever since falling in love with my mirrored/flare lens style ones i picked up from ASOS last month i have become attracted to the style and i find myself lusting after so many pairs. Just like ASOS, PLT sunnies are also super affordable which is great because they you don't have to get overly worried about them getting scratched and stuff, like you would do if you have paid £100+ for a pair of designer ones.

Catch up on my previous blog post HERE...

xo.

THE "ME TIME" TAG

Hey guys, i hope you all had a great weekend whatever you got up to! So the other day whilst catching up on my YouTube subscriptions, i noticed that the beautiful Essie Button and Amelia Liana had created yet another great tag the "me time" tag and thought i would give it a go...

What do you watch or read during me-time?

I am obsessed with what it seems to be all comic book related tv shows right now like Gotham, Arrow and also Flash.

What do you wear during me-time? 

Something super comfy either a cosy jumper with leggings or pyjamas and obviously #nobra!

What are your me-time beauty products?

Obviously my trusty No7 Sauna face mask, i am yet to find a face mask that i love as much as this one.

Current favourite nail polish? 

I have recently started having my nails done professionally again with calgel on them. At the moment i have OPI Lady in Black on them with a glitter finish over the top and i am obsessed!

What do you eat/drink during me-time? 

It's all about a good hot chocolate and some sweet cinema popcorn for me!

Current favourite candle?

I am currently burning Yankee Candle's Merry Marshmallow (a little early i know but it was the only one i had left in my stash until i go shopping for more).

Do you ever have outdoor me-time? 

No particularly unless i go out shopping by myself but that's about it, i wouldn't ever fancy going for a walk in the woods by myself #scaredypants. 

Would you ever go see a movie alone? 

No i don't think i would because in the past when i have wanted to go see something at the cinema and no one else wanted to, i just waited until it was released on dvd haha.

Favourite online shop? 

This is a silly question for fashion, obviously Boohoo. Beauty though is probably Beauty Joint or Feel Unique.

Anything to add? What else do you do during me-time? 

For one to add on is listening to music with my headphones in. I am massively into music i just can't go a day without it!

I HEART FALL TAG

Hey guys, i hope you've all had a great weekend whatever you have been up to. So as we have been having a fair few dark/cloudy mornings in the UK as of late, it is safe to say that Fall is definitely on it's way. I have already seen a couple of people doing the "i heart fall tag" so i thought for today's blog post i thought i would answer the set questions myself...

1. Favourite Fall Lip Product?

When the colder months come around i am definitely all about keeping my lips moisturized so lip balms become my best friend, my favourite ones are the Balmi lip cubes. For some colour as i am never one for a red lip i like to keep things nude like Creme D'Nude from MAC.

2. Favourite Fall Nail Polish?

I am all about them vampy dark shades when it comes to winter, i did a blog post previously on my top ten favourite nail polishes for a/w you can check it out here:

http://katiebeautyshake.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/top-ten-nail-polishes-for-aw14.html

3. Favourite Starbucks Fall Drink?

This is such an easy question to answer without a doubt the Pumpkin Spiced Latte.

4. Favourite Fall Candle?

Obviously it is going to be a Yankee Candle of some sort and this year i am obsessed with the Halloween Collection and especially the Candy Corn scent.

5. Favourite Fall Accessory?

Scarves! They are such an easy way to look "autumnal" and keep warm at the same time.

6. Haunted House or Haunted Hay Ride?

  I have never been on a haunted hay ride and to be honest i'm not entirely sure what one of those are so i would have to choose a haunted house!

7. Favourite Halloween Movie?

I am not one for horror films as such, it's not that i am scared of them it just isn't my thing.

8. Favourite candy to eat on Halloween?

Candy Corn!!!! or even those hard boiled lollies with the sherbet inside.

9. What are you dressing up as on Halloween?

Probably nothing as we never really do the whole Halloween scene in the UK as much as they do in America. Although for the last couple of years i have created this cat makeup look!

10. What is your favourite thing about Fall?

So many different things besides all of the things i have mentioned above. I love it when the leaves change colour and the sound they make when you walk through them and the yearly Pretty Little Liars Halloween special.

I hope you enjoyed this post and got to know the things i love during the Fall, i also tag anyone who wants to give the questions ago.

♥

MAKEUP MONDAY: JULY MAKEUP BAG MUST-HAVES

Hey guys, i hope you all had a great weekend. Can you believe we are into the third of July and in a couple of weeks it will be August? ALREADY (what the...)! So today for "Makeup Monday" i thought i would share with you a few of the products that i have found myself reaching for. Just to warn you i have been all about the bronze shades this month...

List of products shown:

Urban Decay Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Instant Radiance Enhancer 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle

Maybelline Silk Glam Eyeshadow Quad in Coral Drama

NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna 

♥

BOOTS HAUL

Hey guys, i hope you all had a great weekend whatever you were up to. So it's a new week and we now have new world cup champions Germany after the world cup final last night. What team were you routing for? I was definitely backing Germany for Europe and they have definitely been the team that has put in the best performances during the tournament. Anyway lets get down to business, today whilst i was in town i went into to boots to see if there was anything new/good deals going on and of course i picked up a couple of things. So i thought i would share with you the things i purchased and that i am excited to try out especially the "Coconut Balmi Lip Balm Cube" as they are my new obsession...

APRIL EMPTIES

It's been a little over a month since i last did an empties blog post, so seeing as i have used up some more products i thought i would share my thoughts. Some are daily basics and some aren't...

L'Oreal Elnett Satin heat protecting spray.

In the past i have tried out so many different heat protectors, whether they are cheaper drugstore versions or higher end salon brands but non compare to this one I LOVE IT! The thing i hate about some heat protectors they tend to leave dried product on my straightener plates which is a nightmare to get off, this one doesn't do this at all.

Nivea gentle facial cleansing wipes in dry and sensitive skin.

I always purchase different facial wipes but then go back to these as i never like any other brands as much as these. They smell great, remove makeup well and doesn't dry my skin out. I have already repurchased and i will continue to over and over again, they are my holy grail face wipes.

Nspa Toner spray.

I have already repurchased this item as i love the fact it is in a spray bottle rather than having to use extra cotton pads, it's just so refreshing on my skin.

The Body Shop Vitamin E night cream.

I got this in a small sampler size just to try out, i liked the product i think it did it's job but there was nothing that made me think wow about it. I thought i would because i love the Cream Cleanser from this range.

No7 Exquisite Curl mascara in black.

I really liked this mascara, not for the top lashes but for my bottom lashes. The wand just seemed to work so well on them. I am not sure i will repurchase though as i just think there is so many better mascaras out there.

Tresemme Keratin Smooth 60 second treatment.

I mentioned these in my previous blog post about how much i liked them. I like to use one of these once a week after my usual shampoo and conditioner routine, i have found that it really helps my hair to straighten a lot easier after using it as my hair can be a nightmare to get completely straight with it being curly. 

The Body Shop honey mania shower gel.

I don't think i will use a different kind of shower gel again except for The Body Shop ones, i love them! The honey scent is also a top favourite, it smells so good! 

Garnier Mineral 5 protection deodorant.

I usually use the roll on deodorant by Garnier but i seen this one was new when out shopping and thought i would give it a try. I really like it as it actually does as it says. I have already repurchased.

Hope you all had an amazing weekend and are having a happy monday!

MAKEUP MONDAY: FOTD ITEMS

Hello everyone, hope you have all had a lovely weekend enjoying the sunshine (if you had sunshine this weekend). I haven't done a post in over a week as i haven't been feeling too good but i am almost back to my normal self now, so blog posts will be up more regular. So seeing as it is Monday aka "Makeup Monday" i thought i would share with you my FOTD items for today...

The Body Shop Elderflower eye gel.

L'Oreal Nude Magique foundation in the shade 110 Warm Ivory.

MAC Pro Long Wear concealer in the shade NC15.

 MUA Mosaic Bronzer in the shade 2 Sunkissed Glow.

No7 Beautiful Eyebrow pencil in the shade Brown.

Urban Decay Ammo Palette eye shadows used in the shades Sin and Smog.

Maybelline The Falsies mascara in the shade Black Waterproof.

Rimmel Scandal Eyes kohl pencil in the shade 005 Nude.

Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick in the shade 710 Sultry Sand.

What makeup items are you loving at the moment? Whether it is drugstore or high end...

Katie♥