Engagement Party Dress......Lemon Breeland Inspired

This post is meant to give a little inspiration to the ladies out there who are currently  planning their engagement party and wedding. I really loved Lemon Breeland engagement party in Hart of Dixie (episode 1). Everything looked so perfect from the sunny weather, to the beautiful garden setting, the vintage feel and finally but most importantly Lemon's look. She looked so gorgeous in her ruffled A line midi dress which seems to be a vintage which she paired with Kate Spade accessories. Her hair and makeup were also impeccable. Below is my recreation of Lemon's look (which you can also find on my Polyvore as AlessiaPearl). If you liked her makeup and would like to recreate it check my Lemon engagement makeup post.

Engagement Party.....Lemon Breeland Inspired by alessiapearl featuring a high heel

Mikael Aghal chiffon evening dress
theoutnet.com

Badgley Mischka high heel
heels.com

Santi hard clutch
calypsostbarth.com

Kate Spade clear crystal earrings
nordstrom.com

Sethi Couture floral necklace
endless.com

RIBBONED GLASS CHAMPAGNE FLUTES | Glasses, Drinking, Swirls, Wedding |...
uncommongoods.com

STAY FAB

The positive effects of healthy eating.

Work hard & you will get your results!

If you have read my Healthy Eating....Summer 2012 update post, you already know that I have  given myself 6 new rules to follow when cooking and eating. Almost one month has passed since I started following the guidelines, and I must say I am feeling great not only physically (in terms of being satisfied with each meal and snack) but also psychologically (because I am happier and proud of my super healthy eating). 

Although I have been eating healthier than I used to for the last 3 years, to me my healthy eating is a journey which involves not only losing weight and maintaining the achieved results but especially learning and growing as a person by being more conscious about my food choices but at the same time being able to reach a state of being in which I am finally happy with my body and also happy and satisfied with what I am eating. This is only possible if you understand that eating healthy is not the means to losing weight and going back to eating unhealthy, but it's the way you can be healthy, happy and satisfied all at the same time!

So it shouldn't come as a surprise that I am constantly posting about updating and changing my eating habits because change is at the base of growing and improving and is what makes this healthy eating journey such a great experience.

Losing weight is easier than you think. Eating healthy is the key.

However, it has to be a lifetime commitment!

However, sometimes changes and are not always successful. After all trials and errors are at the base of improving. This is why so many times I have started following a certain healthy eating concept or theory and then realized it wasn't really doing what I had expected from it. This time however, these new healthy eating guidelines have really made an impact on my body, my mood, my mind and my life in general. This is why I couldn't wait any longer to share these positive effects with you. And here they are...

1. Reduced bloating (it is actually almost gone)
2. A feeling of satisfaction as opposed to uncomfortable fullness after eating
3. No more nausea
4. No more stomach pain and discomfort on a constant basis
5. A flat stomach
6. No more hunger and feeling weak in between meals and snacks
7. No more cravings for pasta, bread and baked desserts
8. No more stuffing myself during the weekends
9. No more sick Mondays
10. No more feeling guilty

My aim with these posts is to help people out there getting on track with their healthy eating and joining me on this healthy eating journey. 

Start your journey!

STAY FAB

La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water......Review

When I purchased this product I was initially skeptical about how useful it could really be. I was thinking "it's just water". But because it was only 6 euros for a relatively large bottle, which I knew would have lasted me a long time (and in fact it did), I decided to give it a try and bought it.

I think the main reason for which I decided to look into the La Roche Thermal Spring Water was the fact that I really wanted to have a product which could act as a toner but at the same time be as natural and chemical free as possible. So if you are asking yourself "DOES IT REALLY ACT AS A TONER or not?" keep reading....

Below are my opinions and conclusions on La Roche Thermal Spring Water. I have been using it for at least 5 months now and I can therefore give you a complete review, highlighting its benefits for the colder months as well as the warmer ones! 

1. This thermal spring water makes my face feel fresh, clean and cool especially when applied right after cleansing. To make it extra cooling and lifting I keep mine in the refrigerator, especially during Summer. So yes it does act as a toner, if the aim is to refreshen the skin and pack it with extra water to keep it hydrated.  
2. It also acts as a light hydrating lotion by leaving my face feeling very supple and comfortable with no feeling of tightness at least for 1 to 2 hours in Winter and for the rest of the day in Summer.
3. Thanks to its anti-irritant properties, I have seen a reduction in my cheeks redness especially in Winter when the cold air dries and irritates my facial skin.
4. Because its antioxidant properties should help in fighting skin aging, this is a great product for young women who haven't started anti wrinkle treatments.
5. I have used this instead of my moisturizer for a few days during the current heatwave and my face felt fine. So if you have normal to combination or even oily skin, la Roche Thermal Spring Water could replace your moisturizer when you are either in a hurry, it's too hot to apply a thick cream or when you want to skip this step under your makeup.
6. Its antioxidant properties also help reducing makeup oxidization which tends to cause darkening of foundation and concealer on the face. If this is a problem you have, try applying your thermal spring water on clean skin just before you apply your makeup and see if it makes a difference for you.
7. It is very economic. In fact it is cheap to buy and lasts several months. It lasted me more than 4 months using it once a day.

There are other brands like Vichy and Avene which offer different versions of Thermal Spring Water. Each one comes with the same concept but might have different benefits. You should at least try one and I am sure you will find at least one beneficial use. I will definitely be repurchasing this product but I am still not sure whether it will be La Roche or whether I should try out another brand. Leave your comments telling me whether you think Vichy and Avene are better than La Roche for their thermal spring water.

STAY FAB

Easy Almond Granita......A Healthy Summer Treat

When you are feeling too warm refreshing yourself is not only fun but also necessary to keep your energies up and go on doing what you need to. Ice cream, ice lollies, slush, cold drinks are definitely not the way to cool yourself down, unless you want the extra calories and sugars they come with!

So if you are at home or can make it to pop by your place and grab a refreshening snack, this homemade easy and quick granita is the answer to your GIVE ME SOMETHING COLD needs. 

INGREDIENTS

milk (dairy, soy, rice or almond)

almond essence

sugar and vanilla essence (optional)

PREPARATION

1. Start by pouring the milk of your choice in a big plastic glass or container. I used soy milk for mine and dairy skimmed milk for my husband's granita. 

2. Next add the almond essence. Be careful not to add too much (as I did with mine) because it will end up being too strong and unpleasant to your taste. One teaspoon for an extra large cup like the one in the images shown.

3. If you want your granita to be a little sweet you can add some vanilla essence or/and some sugar. I didn't do this and my husband still loved it but he said he would like it sweeter next time.

4. Stir the flavoured milk and put in the freezer for one hour.

5. After one hour or so, take the granita out of the freezer and stir it breaking any ice which will have formed. Put it again in the freezer for one more hour.

6. Repeat step 5 after the second hour has passed. And put it back in the freezer for one more hour or a little less. 

7. Once you take it out of the freezer it should have a consistency in between a slush and a hard granita.

EXTRA TIPS

• Enjoy the granita with a piece of rye bread and jam or on its own.
• I also made my husband the following variations: peach granita with peach essence and peach jam granita with 2 tablespoons peach jam in it. This last one might not be the healthiest one but it sure was the best according to my husband.
• Make many of these and have them in your freezer. You will be able to enjoy one whenever you want to. Just take it out at least 30 minutes before you eat it. 

ENJOY & STAY FAB

Summer Outfits Inspiration....JULY

Summer has officially started and my favourite month has already gone by. But we still have a lot to look forward to before the Summer ends.....the beach, family barbecues, evening walks, outdoor dining, ice cream, travelling and most exciting to me the Mid Summer Sales. Because of all these things we can enjoy doing during July and throughout the rest of Summer we certainly can use some extra inspiration for this month's outfits. Below are some of my favourite outfits I want to share with you for this month. Saving your favourite outfits and going back to look at them will not only help you putting your pieces together when getting ready but will also serve as a guide when shopping, by highlighting the key pieces you should be buying. So I suggest you to look at the outfits below and see whether there are ones you really like and then go and research your favourite outfits to use as inspiration for this month....Have fun doing it! Check out June's Inspiration Outfits if you haven't..

Daily Look

Wendy's Lookbook

Atlantic Pacific

Daily Look

Wendy's Lookbook

Daily Look

Daily Look

Veronika's Blushing

Daily Look

Atlantic Pacific

Daily Look

Atlantic Pacific

Daily Look

Did you find some inspiration? Let me know in the comments below.

STAY FAB

JUNE Favourites......Beauty, Fashion & Life

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH

The Oceana Restaurant at the Hilton Malta

I really enjoyed having my birthday dinner there. It has always been one of my favourite restaurants and it was a long time since we last went there.

FAVOURITE SHOP OF THE MONTH

New Look

This month I purchased 2 dresses, a clutch and few accessories from this shop. I really enjoyed looking around and loved many pieces which I will try and get during the July Sales.

FAVOURITE WEBSITE OF THE MONTH

Daily Look

I subscribed this month and have been enjoying checking my looks every single day. It gives me an extra source of inspiration.

FAVOURITE PURCHASE OF THE MONTH

My New Messenger Bag from Pull & Bear

It was love at first sight. If you want to know more about this bag read here.

FAVOURITE CLOTHING OF THE MONTH

Stradivarius light wash skinny jeans

These not only look good both casual and dressed up (see my look here) but are also super comfortable and pretty light, thus great for summer. Plus they were only 16 euros on Sale.

FAVOURITE EARRINGS OF THE MONTH

My new yellow stud earrings from Tenda

I wore them 2 times: once for my birthday (you can see the outfit here) and another time with my favourite jeans, a white top and my comfty flat trainers.

FAVOURITE SHOES OF THE MONTH

My flat ballerina sneakers from Sicily market

I bought them last Summer but only wore them this month for the first time. They are super comfortable and although casual they still look cute. Plus they were a steal for under 10 euros. My other favourite shoes of the month are these.

FAVOURITE  NAIL POLISH OF THE MONTH

French Pink by Professional Nail Care

This has been my go to nail polish for all June. It's easy to apply, it goes with everything and I love the colour because it is pink but not too pink. Plus it goes nicely with fair skin like mine.

FAVOURITE LIP PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

The Style Light Lipgloss in Red 01 by Missha

This is the perfect lip gloss colour because is so versatile. You can wear it in the morning and in the evening, dressed casual or elegant. You can wear it on its own or on top of a lipstick. It warms the complexion, gives some colour to the lips (it also leaves a stain on the lips even after the gloss is gone) but is very wearable.

FAVOURITE FOOD OF THE MONTH

Maypole Cherry Ripple Ice cream

I have never really liked cherry ripple until this Spring. I am loving this flavour at the moment and I have a great semifreddo recipe you can check here if you like. The cherry ripple ice cream from Maypole is by far the best I have had. I have tasted it at my mum's and I am really looking forward to purchase it myself although it's a little bit expensive since it is locally hand made.

FAVOURITE WORKOUT OF THE MONTH

10 min Booty shaking Waist Workout by Tiffany Rothe

This workout really works your waist and lower back. It also helps you keep you abs toned. Although it is not super heavy you can really feel each move. You can see it here

FAVOURITE BLOG POST OF THE MONTH

Healthy Eating....Summer 2012 Update!

This is my favourite blog post simply because it has been so helpful so far too me. I really hope it can be helpful for my readers as well. I am enjoying my new balanced meals and I am also getting to try new things. I have incorporated healthy bread again in my weekly meals and my bloating is almost gone since I stopped eating beans.

FAVOURITE SERIES OF THE MONTH

The Secret Circle Season 1

I started watching this after I finished all episodes of the Vampire Diaries. I watched the first few episodes while cross training on my elliptical machine. I really started enjoying it from the 5th Episode.

The Ringer

I am loving this right now. You should check it out. The main character is Sarah Michelle Gellar who was my favourite actress at the time of Buffy.

FAVOURITE BLOGS OF THE MONTH

Nany's Klozet

I have discovered this blog this month and I am enjoying the relaxed comfortable outfits. They are easy to recreate and take ideas from.

Atlantic Pacific

Although a little bit more difficult to recreate, her looks are amazing. They are classy, chich, modern and edgy but also girly.

Which are your favourites of the month? Tell me in the comments below...

STAY FAB

Summer Omelette with healthy toppings.....for Today's Lunch

Eggs are one of those food with which I have always had a love hate relationship. There were periods in which I would feel sick thinking about them and other periods like this year when I would want to eat them all the time. Eggs are also one of those foods which people, especially the healthy eaters, fear because of the high cholesterol levels it contains. However, as with anything else in life, moderation is the key. So if you like eggs you can definitely enjoy them every now and then. Moreover eggs are packed with important nutrients like proteins, antioxidants, iron and many vitamins. Ideally you should limit egg consumption to not more than one a day since one egg has about 186 mg of cholesterol and we are only allowed a maximum of 300mg of cholesterol per day. However, eating 2 at once (like in this recipe) is not going to kill you especially if eggs are the main source of cholesterol in your diet. In my case, I like to eat not more than 4 eggs per week. At times I might eat 2 eggs at once in the form of an omelette (like in this recipe) while others I might have one egg boiled with my salads. Apart from baking and breading, I rarely use eggs in cooking. I also eat almost no cheese and meat so eggs are definitely my main source of cholesterol. Now that you know how you should be eating your eggs you can also use the following recipe the next time you are craving eggs. Make yourself a Summer Omelette with lots of veggies!

Ingredients

• 2 eggs seasoned with salt and pepper
• shredded carrots
• 1 slice cheese
• 3 Chinese rice wrappers
• few tomato halves (I used 3)
• 2 cups frozen green beans 
• salt and pepper
• light soy sauce (optional)

Preparation

1. Cook your basic omelette by beating the seasoned eggs and pouring them in a non stick skillet.
2. Boil the green beans and when ready season with salt, pepper, oregano, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
3. Top your omelette with the cheese, the carrots and tomatoes.
4. Serve the omelette with the green beans and the rice wrappers.
5. I cut my  rice wrappers into halves (to get 6 pieces in all) and wet them in hot water until very soft. I dipped them into some soy sauce.

ENJOY & STAY FAB

Tone your arms.....a 10 minutes workout

Now that Summer has officially started, it's time to work hard our arms, along with the abs, legs and derriere. This is especially necessary if you have neglected your arms throughout Winter and Spring with the excuse that no one could see your not so toned triceps under the many layers of clothes....

Hiding our arms is definitely no longer an option in the warm season. Where I live (Malta) temperatures have reached the 35 degrees Celsius and will keep on raising. So the best way to stay cool is to wear sleeveless tops. If however you have extra fat or loose skin around your arms, in particular on your triceps, wearing sleeveless clothes might make you uncomfortable and too self conscious. You have two options then: either wear half sleeves and feel terribly warm in order to cover your arms or start working your arms now and do it consistently. Although it would have been better to start earlier in Spring, and even better to keep working out your entire body including the arms throughout the year, it's never too late and you are still in time to get more toned arms before the Summer ends. After all it has just started!

While you decide what is the best option for you (it shouldn't take you that long though) I am going to go on and give you a 10 minutes workout which if done consistently at least 3 times a week will help you tone your arms. Of course, in order for the workout to actually give you the results you are looking for, you must also eat healthy and exercise regularly your entire body. Below are the two videos which together make up the 10 minutes workout to tone your arms.....

1. Sexy arms 5 minutes workout by Envy Girls 
2. Tone up your arms for Summer by Tone it up (6 minutes) 

If you like the above workout combination and repeat it three times a week for about 2 weeks, you might then want to switch the workout and make it a little bit harder and longer. You can try the one below...

1. Spring bikini arms workout with Envy Girls

So what are you waiting for? It's time to tone your arms!

STAY FAB 

You might want to check out:

Get in shape for Summer....1 week workout plan

Tone your abs.....a 10 minute workout

Shape your waist & and lose your love handles

A good fitness routine

Spring Fitness....A new workout routine