FIT FEB: Healthy Breakfast Crumble

As I've mentioned I am joining supporting my mom on the Michelle Bridges 12 week Body Transformation. Today I wanted to share with you one of the breakfast recipes on the eating plan - a healthy apple crumble. It is seriously so delicious and tastes like a dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 tub of apple puree (I like the one with a hint of strawberry)
• Greek yoghurt (I usually use 2 tbsp)
• Granola

I don't do the calorie counting part of the eating plan so I am not sure of the exact correct measurements, I kind of just eyeball it. 

Method:

The first layer of the crumble is the apple puree, so you just place that into your bowl. Top it with the greek yoghurt and then add the granola on top of that. I also like to sprinkle some cinnamon on my granola. And that's it! Of course you can play around and add different layers to your crumble or add some dried fruit but I like mine quite basic like this. 

Enjoy! 

The Fault In Our Stars Book Review

I don't often read a book within a day or two, as I've said in my previous book review, I usually end up reading a few books at a time. However as I was shopping a few days ago, I saw The Fault In Our Stars by John Green on the shelf. I have been aware of John Green's books, but never read one as I thought they were written for younger readers. Encouraged by a girl I work with, I decided to buy the book.

That night I got into bed with The Fault In Our Stars and didn't stop reading until about 1am in the morning. I was engrossed by the characters and their unique personalities. Although the book is aimed at young adults, I didn't find the writing to be boring or anything (I know a lot of people loved Perks of Being a Wallflower, but I couldn't stand the way it was written so.. pathetically). 

I finished the book the next morning, its the first time in a long time that I've finished a book within 24 hours. Ok yes, it is not hard to read at all, but this is one that you won't want to put down.

I always struggle to explain the books without giving the story away so bear with me. Hazel is the main character in the book, she is a 17 year old terminal cancer patient. I honestly fell in love with this character, the way she doesn't let cancer define her (even though she knows she is going to die from her cancer), she is humorous and has an interesting take on the world. So anyway, Hazel meets this boy, Augustus, whom has cancer as well (however, his cancer has a much higher survival rate than Hazel's). Basically, they fall in love as you suspect and then there is a twist to the story.. NOW GO READ IT!

There are more characters in the story as you will find out, and I love how John Green managed to give each character such a unique quality, I feel like I know them all. Just a tip: this is a tear jerker, do not read when overly depressed or in public!

I can't wait to read more of John Green's books, I hope they are all so well written! If you have read this one or any other of his books, do leave me a comment about it!

P.S You can watch the movie trailer here , but don't forget to read the book too as they are ALWAYS better than the movies ;)

The Rumour Mill Book Review

I'm the type of person that will start reading a new book without completely finishing my last. I like reading a variety of books, from gossipy, fashion, light reads to intense messed up Jodi Picoult drama's. I've decided that before the Uni holidays were over I need to finish as many of the books I am currently reading as I can, and as I finish them I will be reviewing them on the blog.

Todays review is on The Rumour Mill, the second book written by the public relations (PR) queen Roxy Jacenko. Ask any aspiring fashion PR student and they will most likely worship the hard working and successful founder and owner of Sweaty Betty PR.

The Rumour Mill is the second novel in the Jazzy Lou series. If you are interested in the novels, I would definitely recommend reading the first novel, Strictly Confidential, first. The series is meant to be all fiction, however, whilst reading I came across some events and characters in the books which I personally think is based on Jacenko's real life experiences.

The The Rumour Mill starts off with a pregnant Jazzy Lou at fashion week. The first part of the book was a bit slow for me, mainly focussing on juggling a baby, a company and a variety of dilemma's caused by Jazzy Lou's 'nemesis' and previous boss, Diane Wilderstein. The book does pick up though, as more events unfold (don't want to give too much away). The end of the book definitely left me shocked and wondering whats to come in the third instalment.

Overall The Rumour Mill is a fun, light read and I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in the fashion, PR and media industry.

FIT FEB: Looking Good Post Workout

In todays busy world, it's hard enough trying to fit in time for a workout, let alone an hour to get yourself looking normal again afterwards. So whether you workout in your lunch break or have somewhere to go straight after the gym, here are my 5 tips for looking back to normal quickly.

1. Soak up the sweat! OK so this one is actually for during your workout, but I like to always keep a towel with me so I can soak up the sweat as I go. Also, to keep your hair looking fresh try wearing a headband.

2. If you don't have time for a shower post workout, simply splash your face with cold water. Its very refreshing and instantly cools down your whole body. And keeps the red face at bay.

3. I always like to change out of my sweaty clothes straight after a workout, to avoid any bumps on my body from the heat and sweat.

4. Blast your hairline and scalp with the hairdryer set on cold to restore sweaty limp hair and give volume, while continuing to cool down your body. Next spray some dry shampoo and work it into your hair. This will soak up any oiliness and make your hair look fresh.

5. Make up wise, I like to keep it simple after a workout. Some tinted moisturiser to compliment your glow, mascara and a tinted lip balm.

And voila, you are a glowing beauty ready to.. do whatever it is you need to do.

Mecca Maxima Haul & Beauty Loop Box

There's something about the promise of a box of sachet samples reward system program, that really gets my shopaholic blood pumping.. especially when it comes to beauty products. One such store is Mecca Maxima. For those unfortunate souls who have not had the pleasure of visiting a Mecca Maxima,  it is like an Australian version of Sephora - a make up and skincare mecca! They stock products from brands which are often hard to find in Australia, such as NARS, Stila, Too Faced etc etc. Mecca Maxima has a reward system called Beauty Loop, there are three levels depending on your annual spend, and you receive four boxes of sample products a year.

I made sure I got into the first level as I am just cray cray for free beauty bits! The catch, unless you can get in store really quickly to snatch up a box before they are gone, you have to purchase something online to get your free sample box. So.. after this big lead up, here is my haul.

THE HAUL

As my 20th birthday just passed, I have decided it's time for me to start using an eye cream. I did a bit of research on the internet and settled on the Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream. Although there were mixed reviews, some good and some not so good, I decided on it due to its brightening and de-puffing properties. It is a little pricey, at AU$45 for only a 15 ml tub, but I figured it should last a while as I will only need to use a few dabs in the morning.

In order to get free shipping I needed to spend another 20 bucks, so I decided to pick up the Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask. No I didn't just buy it because I've seen it all over Vivianna Does Make Up's blog! Summer is at its last few months, and during winter I get terrible dry skin, so I am stocking up on hydrating products. It was AU$34 for 100ml.

THE BEAUTY LOOP BOX

- 3 little sample pots of the Stila Color Balm Lipstick's (vivienna, ali, natasha)
- 1.5 ml bareMinerals Lash Domination mascara
- stingy 2ml Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser
- sachet bareMineral Prime Time primer

Was it worth spending $80 to receive my Beauty Loop box? HELL NO, surely they could do better samples. But oh well I'm a sucker, and at least I have two new skin care products to be excited about!