Tuscany - Italy

Tuscany is one the most picturesque regions in Italy.

I visited Tuscany for a friend's wedding and wanted to share my experience.

I stayed at Villa Vignamaggio; a historical and charming Villa dating back to the 14th Century.

The Villa is surrounded by the green Tuscan hills, huge vineyards, olive groves and beautifully landscaped Italian gardens.

As well as the setting, the Villa is enriched in Italian history. Mona Lisa was born here in 1479! Leonardo Da Vinci, the infamous Italian painter, also grew up nearby.

It's no surprise then, that Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo Da Vinci! If you have a look at the background of the painting, it is said that it was inspired by the Tuscan landscape and you get those similar views all around the Villa.

The gardens and landscapes are very scenic with a peaceful and relaxing environment which makes it perfect to take walks.

As it is a historical Villa dating back centuries, the bedrooms and interior reflect that feel but are also very modern.

The Villa has a large outdoor pool (which wasn't used when I visited as it was the winter months) and also a small spa with limited treatments.

The in-house restaurant serves a seasonal menu using local fresh produce, including authentic pasta dishes - yummy!

Although the Villa is secluded within the Tuscan hills, if you have a car or bike you can easily explore the surrounding areas.

If you prefer to stay in tranquil Tuscany, Florence (the Capital) is only around a hour by car or taxi, so you can visit Florence as frequently as you wish.

I will be covering more of what to do in Florence very soon... stay tuned!

F & F

xx

Body Brushing

I have always body brushed on a daily basis and after seeing the results myself and reading about the benefits, I thought I would share the secrets to Body Brushing with you.

To start with, you will need a good quality Body Brush with natural bristles. Whether you have one with a long handle or not is personal preference and won't make a difference to the results.

It is best to Body Brush on dry skin, in the morning before jumping into the shower (any other time of the day is also fine).

Start from the feet upwards in long strokes towards the heart; taking the brush onto the legs (front & back), then arms, moving upwards and not forgetting the soles of your feet, stomach and sides (be gentle on the stomach area).

Here is why you should introduce Body Brushing;

Aids detoxification

When your lymphatic drainage system is not working properly it leaves a build up of toxins/dead skin cells. Body Brushing boosts this system which helps detox those bad toxins skin deep!


Boosts circulation

Body Brushing boosts blood circulation which encourages waste elimination.


Exfoliates the skin

Body Brushing opens up the pores, removes dead skin cells and works as an effective & economic exfoliator leading to smoother skin.


Improves digestion

Body Brushing helps eliminate excess water and toxins which also has a positive impact on the digestive system.


Reduces cellulite

Yes those stubborn fat deposits known as cellulite are reduced as the fat is broken down when Body Brushing.

Body Brushing is actually so invigorating that it leaves you feeling glowing and full of energy!  It can also relieve stress and reduce muscle tension!

Once Body Brushed, take a shower and use coconut oil or any good body moisturiser to seal in the moisture - Enjoy!

F & F

xx

Yoga - My Experience

I started Yoga around 2 years ago and then left because I probably got lazy!

I was the sister who never was really into the gym - it really bores me! I would rather do a class as it's much more motivating.

So just before the new year, around October time, I started going to my local Yoga classes again.

As it had been so long, I signed up to 5 classes a week! Some may call me crazy but that's what I needed to get back into the exercise routine and motivate myself again. Paying upfront also meant I wouldn't change my mind. After the initial burst, I would go 4 times a week and currently it has gone down to 2/3 times a week.

Yoga is not as easy as it looks! It is intense and you do get used it but every class, even now, tests me and my stamina - but I love it! I leave the class feeling energized and glad I got up that morning!  The class will stretch every body part (internal & external).

My experience of Yoga in the first month was unbelievable - I had lost inches around my waist and hips! (Even my teacher was impressed!) I have pictures where it looks visibly different, but I don't think you need to see them!

I saw huge improvements to my flexibility and movement and my body has become more toned!

Alongside the physical aspect, Yoga is also mentally good for you, it helps you remain calm and teaches you discipline.

As you practice a lot of breathing techniques it helps you take some time out, relaxing the mind & body.  Coming in with a clear mind is the trick to holding those postures as steady as you can! If your mind is full of clutter, you will be wobbling all over the place!

It is also very important to maintain breathing evenly throughout your class so you can get through the poses with ease.

Mainly, I practice Yoga to keep fit, lean and toned. It is good to stretch those muscles and remain as flexible as possible.

I do try my best to eat clean and healthy as possible (I'm not perfect so there have been many days I reach for chocolates, biscuits and the weekend cheat meals!), so diet is as important as the Yoga to achieve the maximum results.

I know many people in my classes with back problems, knee problems etc and even a girl who has a fear of flying (which is where the breathing techniques really help!). Although I am no expert, Yoga from my experience and from reading is also supposed to be medically beneficial for many things. You do of course need to inform your teacher of any problems you may have so you can sit some postures out.

It is also worthwhile noting that there are many different types of Yoga, so check with your local classes about which you think you would prefer.

If you want to challenge your body and try something new, give these a try :

F & F

xx

Uma By COMO - Bali

When i was travelling in Asia and specifically Indonesia I decided to take a trip to the island of Bali, a place I always wanted to visit.

The area I stayed in was the gorgeous green hills of Ubud. Seminyak is also another popular area (a hour from Ubud) but they say it is much more of a tourist destination.  Both equally have amazing hotels.

The place i chose was Uma By COMO in Ubud.  I wanted pure relaxation and good food as I didn't plan to leave the hotel.

The drive from the airport was good and through the main streets I entered my hotel - not the location you would expect coming into such a hotel but once you arrived inside it was breathtaking and so peaceful.

The whole place has a indoor/outdoor feel, which you would expect from an island hotel.

I stayed in a Pool Villa which was lovely and had it's own private pool and outdoor sitting area but there is also a communal pool which is beautiful.

With only 46 rooms & suites the hotel is tranquil at all times and never too busy.

As it's an island hotel you can walk around in your slippers (day & night) which was so liberating... no shoes for a few days! The hotel provide you with these and of course you are welcome to wear your own shoes but there really is no point!

The hotel has 3 restaurants;

• Uma Cucina (which is a more of a Italian cuisine, with wood fired pizza's & pasta's),
• Kemiri (which is the place i would have breakfast every morning & then it's Indonesian cuisine) 
• The Uma Bar (the restaurant/bar located near the communal pool). 

They also have private dining options, room service and cooking classes! (you need to book these in advance).

Uma By COMO also has a sister hotel in Ubud called COMO Shambala Estate, which is more of a health retreat but you can get the same healthy food (COMO Shambala Cuisine) at Uma By COMO!

My days there would typically start by having breakfast. Then to the free daily yoga classes they had on, followed by a swim & relaxing by the pool! ... Pure bliss!

Lunch would usually be at The Uma Bar and then in the evenings Uma Cucina or room service and a movie! (Yes, you can borrow from a selection of movies every night & it was here i watched my first Hunger Games movies & became obsessed!).

The hotel has an amazing spa and a small gym too. The massages are sooo good & also very cheap compared to other parts of the world.

Finally, they also do day excursions if you decide you want to leave the hotel and explore Ubud more.

I can honestly say I left feeling refreshed, healthy & happy!

F & F

xx

The Clean & Lean Diet Cookbook - James Duigan

I'm not a big fan of overly complex cookbooks which have ingredients that I can never locate in the average supermarkets or take a lot of preparation! Which is why I think this is one of my best purchases from some time ago & used by me very frequently.

I have recommended it to friends & family and it is a great easy to follow guide to a clean and lean lifestyle. It also proves that healthy eating definitely does not have to be boring.

The book is by James Duigan who is the founder of Bodyism, the A list flat stomach king for clients such as Rosie Huntington-Whitley, Hugh Grant, Elle Macpherson & many more!

The book can be found here;

http://www.bodyism.com/product/clean-lean-diet-the-cookbook/

Bodyism also have various supplements to aid a change in diet which are easy to slot into a busy lifestyle.  I will be trying & testing these to blog about very soon!

The reasons I love this book;

• Simple easy to follow recipes and tips;
• Recommendations of lovely restaurants and café's around the globe;
• Very informative & educational with plenty of pictures;
• Great short, easy to read tips on each page;
• 14 day plan which allows room for flexibility if another choice is preferred;
• Bad, better & best options on a clear chart which helps understanding of why some options are better than others;
• Easy to make clean recipes from a range of cuisines;
• Plenty of clean 'cheat' recipes and sweet treats.

I am no chef in the kitchen & with a cookbook which is this easy to follow, healthy food & drink is no chore! 

Stay clean!

F & F 

xx

Good Fats - What Are They?!

The F word (Fats) is usually misunderstood, which is why I thought i would break this down.

We must eat fat to loose fat. Good fats that is! Eating a little bit of good fats a day alongside high protein will help the diminish that belly fat.

Examples of good fats include;

AVOCADO

Loaded with good fats, fibre and protein, whether you slice them up in a salad or as a side or mush them up to make guacamole, avocado's are extremely versatile.


DARK CHOCOLATE

Yes that's correct 85% or over dark chocolate is actually good for you.  Full of antioxidants, rich in iron and magnesium and can increase insulin resistance.  Of course savor a couple of pieces at a time not the whole bar!

Dark chocolate can be eaten on its own or melted to be used in healthy baking treats.

Our favourites include Green & Blacks 85% dark chocolate and Lindt 85% or 90% dark chocolate enjoyed with some Green Tea or Jasmine Tea - Divine!


NUTS

All nuts are good for your heart but again don't overdo it.  As they are nutrient dense you do not need many. Each nut has its own unique benefits and we would suggest almonds as the most efficient to aid in weight loss.


COCONUT OIL

Coconuts and coconut oil contain naturally occurring saturated fat that can actually speed up metabolism!

Coconut oil is an all purpose ingredient and can be used in baking or frying when cooking.  It is one of the best natural nutrients for hair, skin, heart disease, and contains fatty acids which assist with taking off excess weight.


OMEGA 3

A good omega 3 supplement can assist with a healthy heart, metabolising fat, joints and brain function. It can also stabilise blood sugar levels as well as promote healthy skin.

Food sources containing omega 3 include walnuts, fish, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables and flaxseed.

Replace those bad fats for good fats to look & feel better.

F & F

xx

Product Review: Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil

When both sisters buy the same face oil within a week of each other it must be good! (We are a bit twin like at times!)

Clarins face treatment oils have been around for some time now. One of us actually uses 90 percent Clarins products as part of a daily skincare routine.

The Clarins face oil was purchased a long time ago (I'm talking years!) by the both of us but we don't know why we haven't repurchased it again BUT we do remember it was good!

So recently when i repurchased the Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil (for oily/combination skin) I didn't know what to expect as it's been so long.

Let me first tell you how AMAZING the smell is... I feel like i'm back at a spa day with the girls. The 100% pure plant extracts of Rosemary, Geranium and Lotus are heavenly.

After cleansing and toning your skin in the evening, all you need is just 2 drops of the oil and press onto your face and neck and breathe in that smell... soooo relaxing after a long day!

Apart from the smell it works wonders on your skin, it soothes, softens and brings back moisture to your skin; waking up to a more radiant you!

Clarins also do a face oil specifically for Dehydrated skin and for Dry skin. 

What's not to love!

F & F

xx