Health Series | DIY Lean & Green Juice Recipe

Now that Christmas is over, it's time to put down the tin of Roses (they're chocolates for those of you unfamiliar with the product!) and get your body back into shape! Something that I'm really getting into lately, are homemade juices. Shop bought juices can be dodgy as they often have extra bits thrown into them and often contain a ton of sugar. If you make your own juice, you can control exactly what goes into the drink so it is often a lot healthier. Today's juice is what I have called a "Lean & Green" juice drink. It's packed with fruits, veggies and tons of vitamins and antioxidants. Plus it tastes good!

Makes: 1 glass of juice

What You Need:

• 1 whole (green) apple
• 1/2 a cucumber 
• 3 kale leaves
• 1 cup of grapes (about 28)
• 1/2 cup of water

Method:

1. Core and chop up your apple.

2. Slice cucumber into thick slices.

3. Throw in all your ingredients into your juicer.

4. Taste your juice and add more of any of the ingredients you like including watering it down to taste.

5. Enjoy your yummy and healthy juice!

Health Benefits:

There's loads of brilliant benefits to this juice. Cucumber contains vitamin K, calcium and copper which helps with things such as blood clotting and boosting your immune system. Of course we know that 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away' but did you know they also cleanse your liver and can prevent cancer? Flavonoids and phenolic acids are proven to prevent the development of cancerous tumour cells. Kale can also help prevent cancer, in particular cervical cancer. It also contains lots of vitamins and minerals including K, C, B, magnesium and calcium. Finally, grape juice is great for lowering cholesterol and surprisingly, it's also great for your brain. Apparently, it can help you retain knowledge better. I guess I'll be downing some grape juice before exams from now on!

The end product- add a slice of cucumber for extra style points!

As you can see, juicing has so many great health benefits. It's a really easy way to get in the majority of your 5 a day, in one glass! There are so many different juices, and if you like this one stay tuned for lots more healthy and delicious recipes soon. 

What I Got For Christmas 2013!

Merry Christmas everyone! Well actually, I suppose I should be saying Happy St.Stephen's Day, as Christmas is now over... Anyway I hope you've all had a lovely holiday and ate lots of lovely food and spent time with the ones you love. I had a lovely day. Now, of course Christmas is not about the gifts but who doesn't like seeing what everyone else received? I know I do, and if you're a tad nosey like me, hopefully you'll enjoy this post. Before I start, I guess I'll have to include the mandatory disclaimer that I am of course not showing off and this is simply a fun little post! If you don't enjoy these sorts of posts, feel free to exit right now. It goes without saying that I am genuinely extremely grateful for everything I received and for all the amazing people in my life. Here are most of the gifts I received this year...

Above, I have all of my Santa pressies. I honestly received alot more than I could have ever imagined. My main gift was a gorgeous embellished parka from Free People that I didn't include in the above photo, but if you fancy seeing a pic click here. The biggest surprise I received was the beats pill speakers. It is a tiny wireless bluetooth speaker and I love it! The sound is great and it's perfect for blasting music everywhere and anywhere! My stocking stuffers (which are my favourite bit!) included some MAC makeup, chocolates, Real Techniques brush sets, a Paris Street Style book and a fabulous vintage-style eiffel tower mirror. I also got a Babyliss curling wand- I can't wait to try and recreate some Kardashian waves!

Below, is a bracelet I also received in my stocking. It was a total surprise and I absolutely love it! It's from Ti Siento and it's a simple and delicate silver chained bracelet with a diamond in the middle. I love dainty jewellery such as this and I haven't taken it off since I opened it! On the right are a few gifts I received from my family members. I mostly received money this year but I also got a Benefit makeup kit, short grey Uggs and a Wildfox jumper.

Well there are my gifts this year, let me know what you received in the comments! I've had a lovely Christmas, relaxed and hanging out with family. Just how it should be. 

Christmas Gift Guide 2013 | Last Minute Gifts!

Even though it may only be a few more days until Santa comes knockin', you may still not have all your Christmas pressies purchased. Even if you think you do, it's always good to have one or two on hand for someone you may have forgotten about *oops*. Here's a list of some inexpensive gifts that are easy to get a hold of!

1. Baked Goods

Baking is always a good idea. It doesn't cost much and shows you've put some time and effort into the gift. Go for something festive like some mince pies or cookies and brownies always go down a treat!

2. Candles

For someone you don't know too well, or better yet someone you know loves candles- a candle is a perfect gift. For lovely candles that aren't crazily priced Yankee Candles are your best bet. For a higher end option Jo Malone is the Chanel of the candle world. Think luxury and subtly delicious scents and they also do some great gifts sets and fragrances for both men and women. My personal current favourite is Peony and Blush Suede! 

- Yankee Candles- from €15

- Jo Malone from €40 available in Brown Thomas 

3. Socks

Socks may not be the most original gift but they are always guaranteed to not go to waste! I am obsessed with Topshop socks. They have everything on a sock so whatever the person loves- cats, hearts, plaid whatever- it's most likely on a sock. They even have Christmas themed socks which are adorable.
-Topshop socks £3.50 

4. Hot Chocolate Kit

This is another great gift for absolutely anyone. Most people love hot chocolate and I think a little hot cocoa kit is a fabulous winter appropriate gift. This year Boots are actually stocking Starbucks gift sets so pop in and pick one up!
- £16.50 from Boots

5. Body Scent Sets

I love anything Old Spice for men. Boots have a good range of the products and they smell sooo good! They also do lovely gift sets such as the "Unleash Your Wild Set" set which is perfect for any man in your life!

  - €10.49 from Boots

Do you have all your gifts purchased? Or will you be part of the Christmas Eve last minute shopping madness? 

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year....

Eeeeeeeeeep! Hello everybody, long time no see eh? My sincerest apologies for my absence (it's been almost a month- say whaaaat?). It's a pretty hectic time of the year, I've had exams and just general Christmas happenings...and to be honest, I just wasn't in that blogging mood. But not to fear as I'm back! I really feel like getting back into the swing of things and I'm feeling inspired so let's hope that means lots of great posts on the way.

My tree this year! 

This post is solely to talk about the greatest time of the year that is CHRISTMAS! Ornaments, trees, presents, glitter, lights and pure joy and happiness. Honestly, the mood and atmosphere that comes along with this season is my favourite part of the whole holiday. Gifts and decorations are great and lovely but really there is nothing like spending time with loved ones and wishing everybody and anybody a very Merry Christmas. 

I do have one gift guide up (with another one on the way) and I may post some more Christmas-themed posts cause I mean who doesn't love Christmas? I also really hope to hold a 250 followers giveaway soon to thank all you wonderful people for following little old me (as in following my blog not actually me!). So thank you all and hopefully I will be able to hold that giveaway very very soon.

Let me know all your Christmas plans, any gifts you've requested, any cool gifts you've bought for other people and what you're most excited about for this holiday season! I would honestly love to hear them.

Thank you all again for following this little slice of the web and for sticking with me when I haven't always been the best blogger in the world. Wishing you all the Merriest of Christmases and of course a very very Happy New Year!