![]() Positive, supportive friendships can be one of the greatest gifts we can receive; but they require honesty, maturity and care. Some people may not be capable of this for a variety of reasons, so I’ve learned to be a little picker when it comes to who I include in my inner circle. Here’s a short list of things that helps me avoid drama these days: 1. Steer clear of people who post too much personal information on social media. It’s a sign of narcissism or deep insecurity, and both conditions scream high maintenance. 2. Heed red flags. If a friend cancels frequently, bails at the last minute, or is constantly back peddling, take note. These are red flags regarding dependability. No one’s perfect, and every once in a while things come up at the last minute. But by and large, a good friend will show up on time and be there when they say they will. 3. Forgive, but don’t forget. Forgiveness is key for your own health. We know that holding a grudge is like swallowing poison and expecting the other person to get sick. Nevertheless, keeping a safe emotional distance from certain people is necessary because they’ve taught us to do so. Don’t become someone’s punching bag. 4. Know your worth. When it comes to friendships, don’t sell yourself short. Stand up for yourself. Walk away from people and situations that give you a funny feeling. You’ll respect yourself more, and each time you assert your worth it builds confidence to resist settling in the future. 5. Don’t gossip. People who talk about other friends behind their backs will absolutely do the same to you. So think twice about engaging in gossip yourself; you’ll lose trust as well. 6. Choose your outlets wisely. We’re all guilty of complaining about our circumstances from time to time, and misery loves company, but beware; some friends only want to stick by when times are tough, and they may get jealous if your life improves. So the next time you’re with your “blue crew,” simply say, “Nothing to report,” change the subject, and gauge the response. You’ll find out who your real friends are fast. 7. Go with your gut. We usually get a quick read on people within the first few minutes of meeting them. I was once introduced to a person “everyone loved!” but got a gut instinct to steer clear. In the long run, I’m glad I did. Trust your little inner voice. It never lies. This article was taken from MindBodyGreen website. The one red flag that stands out for me is personally how friends carry on on facebook. I have learnt a lot in the last year and I keep on learning! Keep your private life private and keep your real friends close! x0x0
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![]() My Veggie Detox Diary: 1 Day before starting: Started the day off with a hearty Turkish Breakfast at Asparan. Well, a girl needs to stock up before starting any sort of cleansing detox diet! Headed to Kipa to get all the fruit and veggies in ready for the detox to begin tomorrow. Had a great Roast dinner at 8pm and am currently feeling totally full and ready to begin! I have the first batch of soup on the boil right now and am feeling rather excited about starting the detox. Not sure how long the excitement will last though!! Day 1 of Detox Diet: Soup & Fruit Only: Weight: 63 Kilos at 1pm · 10.30am: 3rd of a large Watermelon. · 11.30am: Big bowl of Soup. · 2.30pm: Big bowl of soup and a peach. · 3.30pm: Apple and a Peach · 5pm: Bowl of Soup · 7pm: 3rd of a large Watermelon · 8pm – Bowl of Soup · 9.10pm – Apple · 10.00pm – Bowl of Soup · 10.30pm - Peach 10.35pm: Today has been a tough day to say the least. I have done this detox diet once before and I remember that day 1 was the hardest – still true even though I knew what to expect. I am going to bed now to stop myself thinking about food… Day 2 of Detox Diet: Soup & Vegetables Only / Baked Potato for dinner: · 10.30am: All fresh: Tomato with Basil, Cucumber, And Green Pepper. · 12.45pm: Bowl of Soup. · 2.35pm: Bowl of Soup · 4.15: Half a cucumber · 5.15: Bowl of Soup · 6.45pm Baked Potato with butter and salad 11.30pm: Today has been easier I must admit. I think it was the thought of the baked potato that kept me going. I did find the biggest one on this planet to eat, so I seriously hope that has not affected the diet! New batch of soup also made ready for tomorrow. Day 3 of Detox Diet: Soup, Fruit & Vegetables Only: 10.00am: Woke up not very motivated today but I am going to power through. Seem to lack energy and don’t want to do much… · 10.45am: Apple and Peach. · 12.40pm: Bowl of Soup. · 2pm: 3rd of a Watermelon. · 3pm: Bowl of Soup. · 4.35pm: Bowl of Soup. · 5.30pm: Peach · 6.45pm: Apple · 7.40pm: Big bowl of Soup · 9.20pm: 1 small tomato and half a cucumber. · 11pm: 2 Peach’s. Day 4 of Detox Diet: Soup, Bananas & Zero Fat Milk Only: · 10.40am: 1 Banana in a bowl with warmed Zero fat milk. · 1.30pm: Out for lunch with my flask of Soup! · 4.20pm Big bowl of Soup. · 6pm: 1 Banana in a bowl with warmed Zero fat milk. · 8.30pm Bowl of Soup · 9.30pm: 1 Banana in a bowl with warmed Zero fat milk. 10.35pm: Not so bad at all today – Bananas = Yumi! More energy than yesterday. I am craving a huge glass of Red wine like never before! Oh lord, I really must go to bed as I am on the verge of caving in! Day 5 of Detox Diet: Soup & Tomato’s Only: As I am a vegetarian I am leaving out the meat entirely. · 10.15am: 1 Tomato · 11.45am: Bowl of Soup · 2pm: 1 Tomato · 4.30pm: Bowl of Soup · 4.45pm: 1 Tomato · 7.10pm: 1 Tomato · 8.30pm: Bowl of Soup 11.05pm: After not eating since 8.30pm I thought I would be really hungry by now, but strangely enough – I wasn’t! OK so I haven’t eaten the full 6 tomatoes, but the diet says anything up to 6, so I am not doing anything wrong! Tomorrow I am moving day 7 forward and moving Day 6 back 1 as I feel I need some proper food in my belly and rice is certainly that! Day 6 of Detox Diet: Soup & Brown Rice Only: · 11am: Bowl of Brown Rice with chopped tomato and green peppers. · 1.35pm: Bowl of plain rice. · 6.30pm: Big bowl of Soup. · 7.40pm: Plate of Brown Rice with chopped tomato, green pepper and onion. · 10.30pm: Small bowl of Brown Rice. 11.30pm: Today has been quite an easy day and that is due to the fact I have actual food in my belly. The rice has been really filling and I have not craved for anything other than a glass of Red! Day 7 of Detox Diet: Soup & Vegetables Only: Final day thank the lord! · 10.30am: All fresh: Tomato with Basil, Cucumber, Green Pepper. · 12.15pm: Bowl of Soup. · 1.30pm: 1 Tomato · 3.05pm: Bowl of Soup. · 5.10pm: A very large chopped Salad (Lettuce, Onion, Cucumber, Pepper, Fresh Lemon squeezed). · 7pm: Bowl of Soup. · 8.20pm: Tomato and Cucumber. · 10pm: 1 Cucumber. 10.50pm: End of Detox Diet – HUGE SIGH OF RELIEF! I don’t know how much weight has gone but let’s hope it’s more than 1 kilo! So excited about proper food tomorrow! Best go to bed now then! Day after the diet was over: Weight: 60 Kilos exactly at 9am. Total Loss: 3 Kilos. Batches of Soup Made: 3 Summary: This was not the first time that I have done this detox. I actually like to do this often as it’s only a 1 week thing but it really cleanses you whilst on it. The first time that I did this detox diet was about 2 months ago and I Iost 4kgs. This time round the weight loss has not been as much but maybe I should have left it longer before undertaking another round! I can guarantee I will probably do this again 2 more times this year as it’s a great fix should you need to lose weight quickly, and I really would recommend this detox diet to everyone. Happy Detoxing! Louise & Gucci xoxo ![]() My Famous 7 Day Fat Burning Soup Detox Diet: The key Ingredients – Fat Burning Soup: · 6 Large onions · 2 Green peppers (bell peppers) · 2 Tins of tomatoes (diced) Method: Cut vegetables in small to medium pieces and cover with water to just above the vegetables. Boil fast for 10 minutes then bring down to a simmer and continue cooking until vegetables are tender. Add the 2 tins of diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes. Puree the soup. Do not season. Done! Your Daily Plan (to be followed exactly): Day 1: Soup & any fruits (except bananas). Day 2: Soup & any vegetables. You can eat fresh, raw and/or canned vegetables. Try to eat green, leafy vegetables and stay away from corn. At dinnertime, reward yourself with a big baked potato and butter. Day 3: Soup, fruits and vegetables (no baked potato). If you have eaten as directed above and have not cheated, you will find you should have lost between 5 – 7 lb by the end of the day. Day 4: Soup, Bananas and skimmed milk. Eat as many as 3 bananas and drink as many glasses of water as you can. Bananas are high in calories and carbohydrates along with the milk, but on this particular day your body will need the potassium, carbohydrates, proteins and calcium to lessen your cravings for sweets. Day 5: Soup, Beef and tomatoes. You are allowed 10-20 ounces of beef and a can of tomatoes or as many as 6 fresh tomatoes. Try to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water to wash away the uric acid in your body. Eat the soup at least once. Day 6: Soup, Beef and vegetables. You may have up to three steaks if you wish with green leafy vegetables. No baked potato. Eat the soup at least once. Day 7: Soup, Brown rice, unsweetened fruit juice and vegetables. Eat as much as you wish. Eat the soup at least once. Vegetarians: If you are a vegetarian like myself, you can substitute the meat for Soya products which you will find in Kipa, Tansaş or Migros. Notes: This diet is often used for overweight heart patients to lose weight rapidly, usually before surgery. This detox diet should mainly concentrate on the soup, with the other food as additions to be eaten around the soup. The soup can be eaten anytime you feel hungry. Eat as much as you want, whenever you want. The soup will not add calories. Tips: · Fruit Days: Watermelon is lower in calories than most fruits. · Drinks that can be consumed: Unsweetened tea (can be green tea or any fruit teas), black coffee, cranberry juice (day 1 only), unsweetened fruit juice (day 7 only), water. · Only eat what is mentioned per day – do not eat anything additional. · Do not use seasoning i.e salt. · If you are heading out for a day then fill a flask with soup in the morning and take it with you! · You can change the days to suit yourself as long as they are all done correctly. Definite NO NO’s: Bread, alcohol, carbonated drinks (including diet drinks), and fried foods. Stick with water, unsweetened tea, black coffee, unsweetened fruit juices, cranberry juice and skimmed milk. You can eat grilled or baked chicken instead of Beef (absolutely no skin on chicken) or grilled fish on only one of the beef days. You need the high-protein in the beef the other day. If you are a vegetarian, you can replace the meat for a meat substitute such as Soya products. By the end of the seventh day, if you have not cheated on the diet, you will have lost 10-17lbs. If you have lost more than 15lbs stay off the diet for two full days before resuming the diet again from day one (if you wish). Important Notice: If this soup is eaten alone for indefinite periods, you will possibly suffer malnutrition. This diet should only be followed for short periods of time. Summary: This diet is fast, fat burning and you will burn more calories than you think! It will flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. With this diet you are NOT able to drink any alcoholic beverages at any time because of the removal of fat buildup in the system. Go off the diet at least 24hrs before any intake of alcohol. As everyone’s digestive system is different, this diet will affect everyone differently. After day three, you will have more energy than when you began (if you have not cheated). Although you can have black coffee with this diet, you may find that you don’t need the caffeine after the third day. As this detox diet is for 7 days only – you can easily do this diet without throwing in the towel. All you need is will power and to give yourself a huge pat on the back at the end of every evening. Please drop me an email letting me know how you have got on and your total weight loss! Look out for my Detox Diary coming next! Happy Detoxing! Louise & Gucci xoxo ![]() Dear My Loyal 5, We have all found ourselves in situations before where we don’t want to do something but seem to be pushed right into it. Sometimes it is easier to just back down, but at other times we really do need to dig our stiletto heels in! Whether it be your friend forcing you out for cocktails or your partner insisting that his family move in for the winter - We ladies need to master the art of saying NO once and for all, and here’s just how to find your voice: · Respect Yourself: When you find yourself in an awkward situation where you are being forced into doing something, the person doing the doing the forcing is putting their own needs ahead of yours. Don’t be scared to speak up and let them know that although you understand their needs, you can’t make them a priority over your own. This shows that you won’t be pushed around and that you respect yourself. · Stick to your Guns: Feeling vulnerable? Instead of staying out of the way of that certain manipulating friend, try growing a pair and sticking to your guns. Manipulators know when we are at our most vulnerable and go in for the kill. They ignore objections and go with a common interrogation tactic of asking the same question over and over again until you cave in. However, if you stick to the same reply without over justifying it, they will get tired and you will get heard. · What’s in it for me?: Ask yourself 'what’s in it for me?'. If after assessing the situation you find the answer is a big fat nothing, then rid yourself of guilt and walk away to what you do actually want to do. Your self worth will increase and you may as well pour yourself a glass of wine to celebrate! Note: Single? There is nothing more attractive to a man than a woman who believes in and respects herself. Turn up that dateometor ladies, you’re about to in demand! Love always, Louise & Gucci X0X0 This article was taken from Şamata Magazine and written by me, Louise Bell. ![]() Losing weight is confusing enough without all the gimmicks and conflicting advice, but what's the deal when your weight loss efforts suddenly stall? Vibrant health, a strong build, and effortless weight management are a natural outcome when hormone levels are healthy. However, there are many lifestyle factors that can impact our hormones and keep us from reaching our goals. Here are 8 reasons you might have hit a plateau with your weight loss efforts: 1. You're doing too much cardio. You aren't guaranteed a slim waistline just because you spend an hour on the treadmill every day. In fact, long cardio sessions can actually work against you. That's because your body basically sees exercise as stress, and stress causes the release of a hormone called cortisol, which breaks down energy stores for immediate use. Over the short term, this reaction is healthy and natural, but prolonged increases in cortisol eventually lead to insulin resistance, a decrease in bone density, loss of lean muscle mass, and weight gain. These studies show that short bursts of high intensity training (like sprints) increase the fat burning potential of muscle, improve the efficiency with which the body burns fat, and is a more time efficient strategy when it comes to fat burning exercise. 2. You're eating too much fruit. Many dieters turn to fruit as a sweet, low-calorie snack, but the sugar in fruit (like all carbohydrates) gets broken down into glucose in the small intestine. The presence of glucose in the bloodstream causes the pancreas to release insulin, and insulin stores excess glucose as fat. If you're trying to lose weight, fruit intake should be limited to those with a combination of low carbohydrate content and high amounts of antioxidants like berries and pitted fruits. 3. You're skimping on calories. Some calorie counters assume that if restricting calories will help them lose weight, then restricting a lot of calories will help them lose more weight, more quickly. Unfortunately, the body views severe calorie restriction as starvation and will eventually turn against you, fighting to keep the calories you do eat for dear life. 4. You're not getting enough fat. When it comes to nutrition, we have to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy fat. Unhealthy fats are the trans fats, omega 6 fats, and processed fats that are used to manufacture processed foods. Healthy fats, on the other hand (fats from fish, nuts, coconut, animal meats, eggs, avocados, olives, etc.), are a necessary part of healthy cellular function. Contrary to what you might think, healthy fats do not translate into added pounds. The consumption of healthy fats instead of sugar actually gives us energy, keeps us satiated longer, and prompts the body to burn stored fat for fuel. 5. You're stressed out. Any type of stress (physical, emotional, chemical) causes the body to enter into a state of protection, also known as "fight or flight." This results in altered hormone levels as the body shuts down all processes not immediately required for survival. Part of the stress response, as stated above, is the release of cortisol. Again, this is perfectly healthy unless stress is chronic, in which case the result is increased fat storage around the belly. 6. You're overloading on carbs. The typical American diet consists of large amounts of processed carbohydrates that wreak havoc on blood sugar and insulin levels. Over time, fat cells become insulin resistant which makes it nearly impossible for the body to burn fat no matter how much you exercise or how few calories you consume. 7. You're not getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep is an often overlooked source of health challenges. That's because our sleep patterns have a big impact on our hormone levels. This study showed that poor sleeping habits cause us to gain weight, and this one showed that the biggest spike in fat burning hormones occurred during deep sleep. 8. You're eating too many diet foods. Most diet foods (and all processed foods for that matter), contain some form of MSG, which is also known as yeast extract, glutamic acid, and hydrolyzed protein, among others. This chemical has been used in obesity research to induce obesity in rats. It causes a spike in insulin levels, in both animals and humans, which causes the body to store fat. Other chemicals in diet foods can sabotage your weight loss efforts too, like artificial sugars, trans fats, and natural flavors. In the end, the best way to lose weight is to get healthy. You cannot sidestep nature. This means eating real food, moving your body regularly, getting adequate amounts of sleep, and finding ways to manage stress. Note: This article was taken from 'Mind Body Green' website. ![]() 10 of the Best Seafood Restaurants in and around the Marmaris Area, as recommended by my very own facebook friends: (In no particular order) · Neighbours: Marmaris Marina Comments by Jane Ecer, local Marmaris resident & Ex Pat: The fish is reasonably priced and the Calamari is tasty. Meze of Octopus salad is also good as well as their seafood Kavurma served in a wok on your table. Long-established, consistent quality, reasonably priced and good service. · Manzara: Söğüt Comments by Elif Yentur, local Marmaris resident: Lovely view and very fresh seafood and tasty. · Pineapple: Marmaris Netsel Marina Comments by Ozgur Ugan, local Marmaris resident: I think I had the best fish and octopus in Pineapple Restaurant. · Losto Boutique Beach Restaurant: Selimiye Comments by Tuncay Ozgen, local Marmaris resident: Try the Calamari and Octopus grill. I've tried this in many places but this place is the number 1. · Yelken Meyhane: Marmaris Marina Comments by Andy Watson, Cosmos Rep: Lovely atmosphere and friendly staff – Sea Food Casserole is my favorite. Great place for people watching with a cold Efes. · Kordon's: Akyaka Comments by Sandie Cicek, local Marmaris resident & Ex Pat: Best fresh water sea bass and sea bream, the setting is amazing, sitting out on the decking over the Azmak River, watching the small river boats go slowly by and also the many different ducks swimming around. A very peaceful and relaxing place to dine. · Club Mistral: Orhaniye Comments by Dağbaji Joycan, local Marmaris resident: Mistral in Orhaniye is the best and most reasonable restaurant in the whole area. Reservation requested. Was there last night and it was again great. · Nil: Marmaris Marina Comments by Jeske Brilleman, local Marmaris resident & Ex Pat I love Nil in the harbor, very good Meze and perfect service! · Maymi: Beach Front, near the Grand Azur Comments by Barış Sönmez, local Marmaris resident: Very good sea food! · Deniz Kızı: Söğüt Comments by Christine Yönet, local Marmaris resident & Ex Pat: Friendly staff, super fresh food, there mezes are wonderful; you sit right beside the sea, perfect! · The Drunken Crab: Marmaris Bar Street / Marina Comments by Mehmet Çolakoğlu, local Marmaris resident: Excellent food, warm and inviting atmosphere, quaint venue and great service. This article was taken from Şamata Magazine and written by me, Louise Bell. Sleek Bun Vs Messy Top Knot
The Sleek Bun… Wear it on the top, side or low: 1. Pull all hair into a ponytail. Comb the hair of the ponytail so it will be free of tangles and easier to style. 2. Pull the ponytail through the hole in your doughnut. The sock, or doughnut form, should be at the base of the ponytail against your head. 3. Spread your ponytail evenly around the sock doughnut. Make sure that your hair completely hides the sock/dougnut. 4. If you don't want extra hair around your bun, pull the sock up to the end of the ponytail and tuck the ends in, folding your hair into the bun until it's snuggly against your head; you may need to pin up rebellious hairs. 5. Hold the bun in place and stretch an elastic hair band around the doughnut to secure the hair. 6. Tuck in excess ends and secure with hair grips. The Messy Top Knot Only Gwen Stefani could make a simple messy top knot a desirable look the world over! 1. Optional: Section out your fringe or a two-inch swath of hair from along the center of the front hairline. This piece will become twisted and wrapped to create a little extra interest. 2. Draw the rest of the hair back into a ponytail and secure it at the top of the head. Allow any shorter strands to fall out, just like the loose tendrils around Gwen's temples and back hairline. 3. Loosely wrap the ponytail around its base and tuck the ends into the hair elastic or use a bobby pin to secure them. 4. Draw out a half-inch piece from the edge of the small area you sectioned out in the front. 5. Pull the unstyled section back, wrap the half-inch piece around it and use a couple of bobby pins to hold it in place. So, How will you rock yours? Love Always, Louise & Gucci XOXO ![]() Dear my loyal 5, Last time I changed your lives with the Nutella Brownies - this time its the Nutella Cookies! Yes my loyal 5, I have been surfing again and I am about to make you a particularly happy reader! I am about to show you how to make cookies with only three ingredients. And once again, I am going to exploit the inherent fantastical properties of Nutella in doing so. Note: Nutella already has fat, milk, and chocolate in it. Since those are the things you would normally be adding to traditional cookies separately, why not use a product that already has these things! Go. Make these. Now. Ingredients: 1 cup Nutella (280g, 10 oz) 1 cup plain flour 1 egg Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F) and line 2 trays with baking paper. In a large bowl, mix together the Nutella and the egg. Add the flour and stir until incorporated. The mixture will be quite thick. Roll teaspoons of dough into balls and place on the lined trays. Using the base of a glass, press each cookie down firmly. Bake for 6 – 8 minutes, and if you desire a more chewier cookie then bake for less time. Once again - YOU'RE WELCOME :) ![]() Dear My Loyal 5, I am calling out for help - I am compiling a list of New Years resolutions that are achievable and realistic that may be of interest to take up. The weird and wonderful are welcome as always. All I ask is that you be VERY specific and not general in your tips for me please. I look forward to receiving your suggestions soon! Love always, Louise & Gucci XOXO ![]() Dear my loyal 5, I found this whilst surfing the net and thought as I love this so much, then why not share! I am about to change your life. I am about to make you the happiest person on the planet. I am about to show you how to make brownies with only three ingredients. And I am going to exploit the inherent fantastical properties of Nutella in doing so. See, Nutella already has fat, milk, and chocolate in it. Since those are the things you would normally be adding to traditional brownies separately, why not use a product that already has these things - and hazelnuts! See, you knew Nutella was amazing. But maybe you didn't realize its full potential. Until today - the day you met three-ingredient Nutella brownies. Go. Make these. Now. Ingredients: 1 cup (280g) Nutella 2 eggs 10 tbsp (62g) flour Directions: Put it in a bowl. Mash it up. Pour into a pan or muffin tin. Top with hazelnuts if you're feeling extra fancy. Bake at 350F (180C) for around 30 minutes (less time for cupcake form, more time if the centers aren't baked through). That's it. You're done. Eat them. Revel. Be amazed. You're welcome :) |
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