Happy New Year! 5 Blogging Resolutions for 2018

Hope everyone has had a good start to the New Year! I'm not usually one to write New Year's Resolutions, but this year I felt compelled to make a short list of 'blogging' ones to help me get off on the right foot in 2018.

(1) More Green Beauty posts

I'm finding myself more and more interested in Green Beauty. It has always been prominent throughout We Were Raised By Wolves ever since I started blogging, and whilst I'm not quite ready to give up some of my favourite mainstream brands (and I'll still be writing about these), I would like to do a lot more features on Green Beauty this year.

(2) Regular Foodie Friday posts

My Foodie Friday posts have been much more popular with you lovely readers than I initially thought they would be, which is amazing! I'm no master chef, but I really enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes, so this is an area that I'll definitely be developing for you guys and I hope to be doing some more food and drink product reviews as well.

(3) Striking a Better Balance with Luxury and Budget

I'm incredibly fortunate to be sent a lot of luxury products to review, many of which I would struggle to afford to buy myself on a student budget. With this in mind, I'd like to try and get the balance between how many luxury vs affordable/budget products that I feature right. I don't think I'll get a 50/50 thing going on anytime soon, but I'll be trying my best to review more affordable products in the near future.

(4) Following New Bloggers

In the past year, many of my favourite bloggers have stopped blogging or don't post as regularly anymore, which has left me with a bit of a blogger shaped hole in my feed! I'll be keeping an eye out for new bloggers to follow, so feel free to message me your favourites :)

(5) Supporting More Indie Brands

I'd like to feature more Independent brands on here, especially homegrown British ones, as I feel it's so important to support those up and coming businesses that don't have huge PR and advertising budgets to help them get the word out. However, I will still remain objective - independent doesn't always equal better - you've gotta have a good product!

Happy New Year everyone - here's to 2018!

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Health & Lifestyle: New Year’s Resolutions and Beginners to Running #Ad

Words by Dan Chabert: 2017 started running ahead of us and now is a great moment to start running along with it. Prepare your New Year’s Resolutions and tie your shoes, it’s time to run.

Challenge yourself this 2017 for a healthier, more active and exciting year. Whether you’re looking to run extra miles, drop some seconds from your personal record, or just get started in running; setting goals will give you something to look forward to. 

Consider running as your first option for achieving your goals this year. Losing weight, increasing overall health, enhancing durability and staying fit are all goals that can be achieved by running.

Basics of Running: Gearing Up and Starting

One the many great aspects of this activity are the few requirements it has. Probably the largest investment a novice runner will have to make is that of a good pair of sneakers and regular sportswear. For the shoes, I recommend that you buy decent running sneakers that fit you comfortably. You don´t want to come across with a sprained ankle or sore feet later on due to poor quality equipment. Quality goes over quantity when it comes to running shoes. 

Once you got your gear sorted out, it´s time to set the plan in motion. Choose a place to start is completely up to you. You should select an ambient where you feel comfortable with. A park should be an excellent option for initial training. Some people prefer to start on the treadmill, which is a good idea if you have access to one. While treadmills offer features such as speed and inclination, running outside is completely fine as well. Don’t feel obligated to join a gym; remember running is a free sport. However, if you’re already in the gym, adding weight training your routine is a plus.

Getting Stronger Every Day

So, your gear is set, your laces are tied, and you’re ready to run. Don’t forget that everyone is a beginner once. Some people expect to be able to complete a triathlon in a week, and are hugely disappointed to find out exercise requires effort.

20 minutes for your first cycles should do the trick, three times a week so your body catches the rhythm. You can gradually increase the intensity and frequency of your training sessions; however, be aware of your limits. You’re not trying to get yourself injured within the first month. Increase your mileage or speed at a controlled rate.

As you progress, you will get stronger and more confident in your capabilities. You´ll start to need fewer walking rests and notable changes will appear. Not only will you to start to look better, but you’ll also start to feel better. If you’re going serious on your running goals, start measuring your progress. Keep a record of your times, mileages and other aspects of your running. Keeping track of your progress is a great source of motivation. 

You started running, and you can’t help it but to feel awesome (and healthy). You’ve already got used to the feeling of your feet striking the floor; keep on it!

Toe to Toe with 2017

Imagine yourself by the end of the year when you have finished your 2017 running program. Not only you will be noticing the changes, those around you will also be able to notice them. When they ask you for your secret, you’ll tell them how awesome running is.

Don’t think of running as a hobby. Making it one of your priorities will give a healthy turn to your life. It’s not just losing weight; you’re doing your body a favour. Let running become a part of your lifestyle.

Ask yourself how badly you want to accomplish your goals. Most people don’t want it badly enough, and that’s where they fail. Many beginners quit under the excuse that they’re not physically fit; truth is they’re not psychologically fit. Determination can compensate for the lack of physic condition, and running is an activity that can be performed by almost anyone. Kids, seniors, men and women are all perfectly capacitated to run.

The hardest obstacles to overcome will be in your mind.

Writer Bio: Dan Chabert - Hiking addict, ramen eater, trail runner and entrepreneur. Currently handling several websites such as Nicershoes, GearWeAre, Runnerclick, Monica’s Health Mag and Runners101.

[This is a sponsored post]

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New Year's Day Pamper

Happy New Year!  After the fuzziness of last night's celebrations, I think it's time for a little pampering to recharge and recover.

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New Year, New Diary

Welcome to 2013!  I hope everyone has had a great start to the New Year!  Every Christmas, my mum always gives me a new diary, but I never tear open the wrapping paper until 1st January.  It's a long standing tradition that we have which probably goes back to when I was around 10/11 years old or even younger, I don't actually remember (my brain is still feeling a little fluffy and fragile after NYE!).  

Whether it's this age-old family tradition or just my love for the feel of books and paper in general, I know I'll always use and keep a paper diary.  It may seem a little old fashioned in these modern times of iPhones and apps, but I think I'll always write in one and couldn't imagine it any other way.  

For these reasons, my mum always gives me a really beautiful diary, and this year's diary is exceptionally easy on the eyes.  It's from the company Paperblanks who sell diaries and other notebook paraphernalia which celebrate timeless arts and crafts.  My diary for 2013 is replicated from one of William Morris' elaborate designs and I absolutely love it.

Do you use a paper diary?

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