Hello, Everyone! 

 

If you didn't know by now, I am a massive Harry Potter fan and have been since I was ten years old. It shaped my teenage years and I will never forget waiting in line for the release of the final book. I've been dying to do another tag post, so when this one popped up on Twitter I just had to do it! 

One of my favorite bloggers, Danielle from Underland to Wonderland blog, created this awesome tag and all credit goes to her. The idea behind it is about what your life would have been like if you really did go to Hogwarts when you were eleven. Something I know I have definitely thought about! Here's my Hogwarts story!

Are you a Pure-Blood, Half-Blood, or Muggle-Born? 

There's far too many interesting characters on my Mum's side of the family for there not to be magic somewhere. But my Dad's side is quite ordinary. Definitely half-blood!

Which wand chose you? 

Did you take an Owl, Cat, Rat or Toad with you? 

I'm not much of a cat person, so definitely an owl to keep me company and send letters to my family. I'd go for one of the beautiful white snowy owls like Hedwig.

Where did the sorting hat put you?

Hufflepuff!


What house did you want to be in? 

Gryffindor has always been the coolest house to me and I thought that it would be the one I would be put in. I never felt smart enough to be in Ravenclaw, or that I would fit in there. But I quite like being a part of Hufflepuff! We're cooler than you think and some pretty awesome witches/wizards have come from this house (Tonks was always my fav!)


Which lessons are your favorite and least favorite? 

I always thought Charms was the coolest class for practicing spells. It's not as hard as Transfiguration and Professor Flitwick is one of my favorite teachers. Also Astronomy, because I've always been interested in learning more about that.

My least favorite class would have to be Herbology, since I do not have a green thumb at all and my grades would suck. I'm totally hanging with Neville in that class!


The form your Patronus takes is...

A jaguar. Don't know where my love for them started, but it's definitely me in animal form.


When confronted with a Boggart, what does it look like to you? 

Lots and lots of people all crowding me with tonnes of noise going on. It would definitely go after what makes me the most anxious and put me into panic mode. But when I shout "Riddikulus!" they would all turn into little minions running into each other. Now that, I could laugh at.


Do you partake in any school sports or magical hobbies?

I'll happily watch Quidditch, but you'll mostly find me under a pile of books in the library or helping Hagrid with whatever creatures he's looking after.


If you have free time, where would you be found hanging out? 

Outside as much as I can, either by the Great Lake or on the Sloping Lawns. Especially in winter when there's snow! Otherwise I would know all the quiet spots around the castle to get some reading done or hang with my friends. Or the great hall, because of food. Lots of food.


You are most likely to get detention for what? 

Getting smart to a teacher...
With Umbridge there she would have had me in detention everyday!


What career do you want after leaving Hogwarts? 

Working for the Quibbler would be pretty cool! I'd need a job that was creative and allow me to have fun writing. The Daily Prophet would be boring, so I want to work for Luna's Dad. Otherwise I might open my own shop in Diagon Alley selling something cool.

 
I tag anyone and everyone who wants to do the tag too. If you grew up watching Harry Potter like me, you will love creating and sharing your own Hogwarts story.
This was a really fun to put together, so a big thank you to Danielle for creating it! Make sure you check out her original post for more answers.

Let me know some of your answers in the comments!
Steph x.

How I Learned to Love Mondays!

One thing I always see on every social media platform on a Sunday night through til Monday morning, is people dreading the beginning of a new week. And I get, really I do, I've been there. But I've also found that starting a new day with negative feelings can set you up for a bad day, or even a bad week. For me, I love thinking of it as a clean slate that could end up being the best week ever! From the second that you wake up you have the chance to put aside any negativity from the previous week and start again. Here's why you should love Mondays! 

Renewed Energy 

 

You know that motivated feeling you get around New Years that makes you want to be better and do what you've always said you would? That's exactly what each Monday can mean. It's definitely the day that I feel energized to tackle the week ahead and make it a good one. Any negative vibes from the week before are wiped clean and you're free to make it as fun as you can. Use it as your do-over day if you wish, just put that new energy straight into your goals.

Anything Can Happen

There's always that promise with a new week that something unexpectedly great can occur. It's not promised, but you just never know. Just because you've just had a bad week, doesn't mean this one can't be full of good things. You may look back on a Sunday and find lots of unexpected happy moments during your week, like laughing with a co-worker, or your barista giving you a free coffee (true story.) Have a little faith that things can work out and enjoy that feeling on a Monday morning.  

Plan Something Awesome 

What's better than waking up on a Monday morning and remembering that something really exciting is happening this week. Something as little as a movie coming out that you've been wanting to see or going for coffee with a friend. It's up to you to make it a good week and starting with doing more of what you love can make you get out bed a lot faster. Even making something I love to have for breakfast is enough for me to get up at the sound of my alarm. Well, maybe after watching a few Snapchat stories in bed for a bit, but you get the point. Make it a habit to wake up and list all of the positives of the week ahead. If you can't think of any, ask yourself what you would like to do and make it a plan!

Feel Grateful

Sometimes putting your situation in perspective with someone else can make you feel a whole lot different about your problems. I listened to a speech recently from a boy who had a fight with cancer and he expressed how amazing he felt every morning to not be in a box in the ground. He could start his day by just being alive. He stopped living for Fridays and the weekend, and instead learned to enjoy everyday. It's a little deep, but it really does make you look at Monday mornings differently. You never know what could happen to you, so spending your time being bitter seems silly when your worries are: "It's Monday." You're breathing, you are able to get out of bed, go and make your day awesome! Just because you can. 

Just a few reasons why Mondays don't have to be so bad after all. While they're not as good as Fridays, starting your week on a positive note can really make a difference.


How do you feel about Mondays?
Steph x.

Daily Blog: New Training Schedule & Supplements!

Good Morning, Everyone!

Just got back from a session at the gym. I've been really good all week and have gone in at 7am for an hour of cardio. I will admit that it was a real struggle to get up this morning, but I've got to discipline myself. I'm not going to get in shape for my holiday or get sponsored as an athlete if I sleep in!

So desperate for my coffee right now! Refueling on some protein porridge to get me ready for round two. 

Gonna get a little journal writing done now. I haven't done it in a few days, so I think it's time I sit down and get some thoughts onto the page. All about self-care at the moment!

I've started taking BCAA as part of my supplements. I've seen a lot of other gym girls and YouTubers taking it, and since my training is getting more intense I thought it was time to try it. BCAA is designed to help build muscle and for better performance, which is exactly what I need. We'll see how it goes! Also had to buy a new shaker because my other one got a crack on the bottom. But this one is so cute!

 

And I'm back to the gym once again. I swear the trainers are going to get sick of seeing me so often! Anyway, I'm just doing an upper body workout today with lot of bench presses, pull ups, and cable pulls. I forgot my peanut butter in my other bag (gym-junkie problems), so I had to go buy a protein ball from the cafe next door. So hungry and it was so worth it!

Time for another run with mum. She's battling a cold right now, so we are taking it slower today. And thank goodness because leg day got me good from the day before!

I was trying to play Pokemon Go as I was running, but my phone would freeze/crash every time one appeared :( It was still a good run though. 

Rolling out my sore muscles and getting some protein in me! Now I really need to hop in the shower to get warm. Autumn/Winter running is always great until you stop and feel the cold again.

Time for lunch! You guys are probably sick of seeing the same thing by now, but I still love having this for my meal prep. It's miso baked tofu with sweet potato, brown rice and vegetables. Yum!

I spent the afternoon working on blog posts then had to rush off for a shift at work. I got super hungry, which is why I always keep some mini protein bars in my bag. Otherwise I just go home and eat half the fridge before I finish making dinner. Is it weird or smart to keep snacks in different bags?

We just had a really simple brown rice stir-fry with lots of vegetables for dinner. Hopefully the rice will give me lots of energy for tomorrow!

I forgot we still had a mango in the fridge, so I've topped it with some honey for a healthy dessert. I would usually have coconut yogurt to go with it, but we've sadly run out.


Today was a little boring, but I wanted to update you guys on my new training schedule and I get excited about trying new supplements (anyone else?)

Steph x.

How Having A Personal Trainer Changed My Fitness Journey!

I'm just going to say it: I would not be where I am today without my trainer. I wouldn't be this close to having the body I want, or even enjoy the gym like I do now. He introduced me to my love of lifting and helped me feel stronger than ever. I did all the hard work, but he showed me how to get most out of my workouts. I honestly believe that PTs are the best for anyone starting out at a gym. And speaking for personal experience, they are the best investment you can make for your fitness and well-being.

 Help You Build Confidence Using Equipment 

This was a big factor for me when I was just starting at the gym. I wanted to know how I could have fun with the jungle gym in the corner, and the only way to do that (safely) was to ask a personal trainer for help. They can show you the correct form to use, which ensures that you're targeting the right muscle group. No one wants to feel like the gym-idiot who has no idea how to use anything. That's where your PT can help you feel confident using any of the machines/equipment. You'll be walking into the gym feeling confident in no time!

You Don't Want To Disappoint Them 

Doing your trainer proud is such a great feeling. The smile you get on the fourth day you've come into the gym is always worth getting up early for. Sometimes you need all the motivation you can get to go workout, so having a trainer there that you don't want to disappoint is just another reason for you to get moving. And remember, they're more likely to take you seriously and help put in the hard work if they see you trying your best. 

Best Exercises For Your Target Areas

 We all have them, right? And the only way to make them look awesome is to find the right moves that will get you all toned up. There are quite a few that I use now for under my arms and also what's going to build up my glutes so I look great in jeans. You have to be able to isolate the area and get it burning. Just ask your trainer to show you the right moves and the correct for to go with it. 

They Push You To Your Limits 

There are a lot of times where I never would have pushed myself without my trainer telling me to keep going. One thing I have learned about fitness is that your body is capable of more than you think. If you don't push it, you'll never reach your goals. A personal trainer will never let you give up and that's the motivation you need! Where you would have stopped at 10 reps, they make you do 20. Sometimes you just need that voice over your shoulder saying "COME ON, KEEP GOING!" 

Of course I have to thank my trainer Josh for helping me achieve what I have. Even though you're a giant smart-ass, you're still one of the most awesome people I have ever met (along with the whole gym team at Mint!) My gym has a blog full of great recipes and workout tips if you wanna take a look.

What do you think of personal trainers?
Steph x.

Taking Care Of Youself

I've had a couple of epiphanies this month, which resulted from my quarter-life crisis resurfacing. Aren't those the best? Anyway, after shedding some tears and getting a bit of clarity back, I came to realize that I had stopped focusing on my own well-being and it meant that my mental health was suffering for it. But no more! I decided to come up with the best ways we can take care of ourselves and feel awesome everyday.

Stop comparing yourself to others! 

I don't know why it's so embedded in our behavior to make ourselves miserable with comparison. I think it's just easier to nowadays because of social media. I've found that lately I look at what successful bloggers have done and it makes me think that my current path is wrong. Which is so untrue! Everybody's journey is going to be different, so making comparisons is pointless. It's only robbing me of my happiness, which is not okay. Just take on good advice, but don't get overwhelmed by it. Keep your dreams in sight and just focus on your own path.


Do more of what makes you happy

Making time for the little things that make you smile is one of the best ways you can make everyday great. For me, it's trying new recipes, browsing Pinterest, writing new posts I'm excited about, watching the Sacconejoly family, and getting boxing lessons. Even seeing dogs having the time of their lives on a walk when I'm running always brings a smile to my face. Enjoy the things that make you happy and do them as often as you can. Life should be about having fun, so make the time and let yourself follow what you are passionate about.


Start writing in a journal

 When I struggle to keep my mind together and feel like I have a million thoughts/worries going through my head, the one thing that always helps is getting it onto paper. There's something very therapeutic about scribbling whatever is bothering you and it honestly makes you feel so much lighter afterwards. It's also a great habit to get into that will help stop you from bottling everything up until it becomes too much. Lesson. Learned. Plus, it's an excuse to buy more journals!


Find what makes you confident and rock it!  

Is there a greater feeling than being confident in yourself? Well, there's that first slice of pizza, but regularly looking in the mirror and saying "Damn I look good today!" is up there too. I definitely feel my best when I'm rocking a pair of Nike shorts (they make my butt look great!) or when I'm covered in sweat after smashing a great workout. Whatever makes you feel like the best version of yourself, go and do/wear that as much as you can! It will make you feel amazing and ready to take on the world. 


Appreciate every little quirk you have 

Taking care of yourself starts with acceptance that you deserve it. And you do! None of us are perfect and everybody has little quirks about them that only come out when we get comfortable. With me, I can be a total perfectionist, I get SUPER excited over little things, and I've been known to resort to sarcasm from time to time. But hey, I still believe that these things help make up who I am and I'm not changing them for anyone. Whatever quirks you have, embrace them and accept that you deserve to take care of yourself.


Sorry, I'm allergic to negativity

This is a big one for me, and it's something that I feel like you can be selfish with. We all have those kinds of people in our lives that drain you of your positive vibes with their complaining. Even if you have to share a workplace with someone like this, find ways to either turn their attitude around, or train yourself to stay positive. Walk away if you have to, because it affects your mental health more than you'd think and it's not okay. Live by the Positive Vibes Only mantra and don't allow negativity to come into your life. Your time is far too precious for that. 



Life can get crazy, so take time everyday for a little self-care and see how many goals you can achieve. I've certainly learned my lesson now and I feel better already.


What are some of your favorite self-care tips?
Steph x.

 

Daily Blog: Double Gym Session & Hawaii Tattoo?

Happy Friday Everyone!

I have an early gym session booked for 7.30am today, so I had to be up by 6.30am. I was supposed to do boxing yesterday, but it turned into my trainer stretching out some of my tense muscles. I haven't done a proper boxing session in three weeks, so I was determined to do it this week! 

It was actually really nice to be out so early and do a little morning cardio. My trainer had me attached to two resistance bands while running out and punching, which was fun! He had a good laugh at me to, so it was a great start to Friday. 

I'm going back to the gym at my usual time for a proper workout, so it's home again for some breakfast. Since I had a banana as a pre-gym snack, I'm just going to have grated apple and blueberries as my porridge toppers this morning. It was such a good choice!

Gotta make some granola for Mum! This recipe by Lola  Berry is seriously good, I've made it so many times that I know the recipe by heart now.

I've changed into some fresh workout clothes and I'm ready for round two at the gym! 

I concentrated on my arms today and worked through three different circuits. It's still my favorite way to train and I feel like I'm building up some endurance.

Circuit one: 

Ropes 1min

Balance trainer squats with 4kg

Bicep curls 10kg bar 

Circuit two: 

Pull-Ups of Doom (with burpees)

Ball throws 4kg 

Circuit three: 

Jump Rope 1min

Reverse lunges with bicep curls 5kg 

Push-ups (max) 

Then I moved on to some ab work and rolled out my shoulders for a little bit. They are feeling so much better lately!

And the training doesn't end there! I met my Mum for a run around the parks. Compared to the gym stuff, this is my leisurely cardio and just some good bonding time. The weather is nice and cool today! 

After training for three hours day, my body is in need of food and rest. I picked up a couple of Pure Cafe co's Protein Balls before I left the gym today and I'm so happy that I did. These are one of my absolute favorite snacks ever. I'm dying to get the recipe! 

Sorry I forgot to show you my lunch! I was too focused on refueling myself, but it was just the same meal prep that I had the other day. Now I'm just getting some caffeine in me and having a pear. I also watched Mr Ben Brown's latest vlog and he just had the best day in New York! He got two tattoos done, then went in a helicopter over the city. Talk about living the dream! Here it is if you want to check it out: 

I've just been getting blog work done and I went on Instagram to try and find a Hawaiian tattoo artist. We are going to be in Waikiki beach for five days and I always said that I would get a wave tattoo done there. And I found the perfect guy! His handle is @paulo_pacificsoultattoo and he does absolutely amazing designs that are tradition, yet very modern. Great line work, which is what I was after. I've emailed him, so fingers crossed he's available to help me out with my new tattoo!

My throat has been a little sore today, so I made myself a wellness smoothie of:

orange
lemon
kale
ginger
tumeric
cayenne pepper
coconut

  I feel better already!

Time for my afternoon snack and I'm having a boiled egg, celery & carrot sticks, and some Midnight Baker bread that is full of amazing nuts and seeds, as well as being GF. So yummy! I had some hummus and pesto on top.

Home from a very hectic night at work and it's time to dig into dinner. We made vegetarian burgers with mushrooms as the buns!

Having another Friday night Chuck-a-thon. For a little bit of dessert I've just got some stewed tamarillos, coconut yogurt, honey, and some granola. Healthy, but so good.

To finish off my night, I'm just jotting down some thoughts in my new journal. I'm getting back into keeping a diary, so that my head doesn't get clogged up like it has been. Trying to build healthy habits!


I hope everyone has an awesome weekend! Let me know what you plan on getting up to : )

Steph x.

My Snapchat Favs!

2016 has definitely been a big year for Snapchat and I have honestly become quite obsessed with it. It's the app I open most when I'm bored and/or procrastinating. The first thing I do in the morning is watch people's stories that have gone up over night and it helps me wake up. I certainly have my favorites that I look for and ones I usually skip to. I love it! I thought I would share my favorites and maybe get a few suggestions from you guys.


Anna Sacconejoly, asacconejoly

Surprise, surprise, that the Sacconejoly family is at the top of my list. Anna basically daily-snaps and since she's not in the vlogs a lot anymore, I always miss her. You get to see her funny side come out in the snaps, plus some really cute moments with her kids. Her snaps kinda feel like a behind-the-scenes of her YouTube channel. She's the one that I always click on first and her story is usually the longest. I love Anna and I think I'm just curious about what she gets up to!




Rosanna Pansino, rosannapansino

Another YouTube star I need more of in my day. Ro only recently got Snapchat and I am so glad that she did! She's such a bubbly and fun person, so it puts me in a good mood to watch her. Her adorable dog Cookie makes an appearance almost everyday. We sometimes get a sneak peak of what she's working on for her channel too!



Fitbychloe / Bowl & Spoon, fitbychole

Chloe is a fitness/food blogger that I found on Instagram and I've been following her story for a while now. She gives me some daily fitness inspiration with her long gym sessions and food snaps. I get so curious about what other fit-girls eat and what supplements they take. Her legs and abs are total #goals as well. So good to keep me working hard!



Ben Brown, mr.benbrown

Yet another YouTuber that I love to follow. Ben is hilarious and is such a natural on camera. His Snapchat is kind of another behind the scenes of his daily vlogs where he shows how he films stuff and when he's uploading. He's always off on some kind of adventure, so it's fun seeing what he gets up to.



sliceofmatt

More commonly known as SP, he is one of Ben Brown's best friends and is equally hilarious to watch. I love it when he's in Ben's vlogs, because combined they are one funny duo! He loves cooking and will quite often show what food he makes on his snaps too. Anyone who can make me laugh is a winner in my book! 



Heidi Somers, buffbunny

Another amazing fit chick to keep me inspired! I only recently discovered Heidi on Instagram, then immediately added her on Snapchat for being so awesome. The first snap of hers that I watched was a gym session and she was killing it! Some serious leg work was going on and it inspired me so much. She's one of my favorites already. 



louteasdale 

Lou is actually the hair stylist for the One Direction boys. She's also a talented makeup artist and I actually first fell in love with her snaps when she would do beauty tutorials. She also shows what beauty products she's loving and quite often goes to events where they are releasing new products. She just brings a bit of glamor to my day!



So, those are some of my favorite Snapchatters to watch! Leave me your favorites in the comments below : )
I don't snap often, but of you want to add me mine is marvelsteph 

Steph x.