Workout/gym essentials!!

How perfect does this gym look! | Source: http://sweetbepsi.tumblr.com/

Recently i've been slacking off a bit when it comes to being active, so to follow Sprinkle of Glitter's #glittergetsfitter motivation I figured I should put that gym membership to good use and start visiting the gym a bit more often! I love going to the gym about once a week, and do other mini-workouts at home when i have time, and here are my essentials.

First up, clothes. When I workout I need to be in something super comfy, so i can do better, but i need the clothes to be tight enough to not be slipping/etc when i'm running around.

I usually wear:

-a sports bra in bright colors. The one above was bought from target, but I forgot what brand it actually was- whoops!-$15 AUD

-Cardio shorts. I usually change between these, bike pants, jogging shorts or tights, depending on the weather or what i have. These are Lorena shorts from Mika Yoga Wear ($38 US- someone brought these home to me from the US, so i don't know if you can get these here, or for how much).

-A t-shirt. It depends on what I have in my wardrobe, but i will either wear a loose T-shirt or i will wear a workout top, like the above one (from Sports LTD.)- $25

When I go to the gym or to workout or whatever, I don't like to eat too much because it feels really heavy in my stomach (does that make sense?). If i know i'll be back before breakfast, i'll have a smoothie but if i know i'll be out around lunch or dinner or for a longer time, i'll drink a meal replacement smoothie. I like these as they're light so it isn't heavy on my stomach, and I still feel full.

The ones above are two that i really like right now:

-Slim&Trim meal replacement shake (in strawberry)-55g Sachet $1.99 (Bought at ALDI)

-FatBlaster Weight Loss shake (in chocolate)- 430g Jar $13 (bought at Woolworths)

A little note-another really good food i like as a snack is Chobani Yoghurt- its got 2% or less fat and it tastes AMAZING!

This is sort of obvious, but it's REALLY important to always keep hydrated. I'm a big fan of reusable bottles but every now and then i find it easier to just buy bottled water- its easier, and If you're ready to go you  can just pick one up on the way out. I'm pretty sure you should be aiming at drinking about 2L of water every day, especially if you workout. 

Some Tumblr inspiration- anyone know which tumblr its from?

Workouts. Hmmm. There are quite a few i like, but mains:

GYM: spin or zumba class, followed by about 2-3 hours across the gym at the treadmills, power plates, elliptical machine, weights, etc. 

AT HOME: i have a few apps on my phone, including the Nike Training Club app. I actually really like it because it motivates you with the medals and rewards you can unlock, and it's set out really well. It's clear on what you have to do, and you can start at beginner level or choose from advanced. Best part: it's FREE!!

At home i also like to go jogging around the block, its a way to clear your head as well as burn off those chocolates you ate before ;)

So, i'm sure thats pretty much it, but if there's anything you guys would like to know let me know in the comments and i can make a post about it for you :) What do you guys do to get fit? Let me know below!!

XOXO

Martina

Birthday gift idea!!

First off, i'd like to dedicate today's post to my younger sister- happy birthday!! 

She is the most adorable, amazing girly girl, which brings me to the next point- what does an adorable girly girl want as a gift?! 

 (In Advance- sorry for not including prices but as this was a gift i thought it better not).

It took me a while in the store but i found the following items:

Earring Set, from DIVA.

These are really cute earrings which I thought she'd like- the bright colours, the stylish zipper design- and the laughs from the crazy spiky earrings.

Mickey Minnie T-Shirt, from Valleygirl

This shirt I got as it seems super comfy as well as super cute- it's actually perfect for anything. You could wear it out on a casual event, but it would also make a comfy pyjama- or it would be a great workout top.

"Happy Birthday" Gift set- Target

This set had some amazing lotions and body creams, and also has two heart-shaped Vitamin E soaps- perfect to replenish the skin!

Overall in the present I tried to vary the type of gift but keep in in theme. I got a clothing item, a beauty/skincare item and a jewelry item, which I thought was good as it expanded out across the gift range.

I wrote her a long letter instead of a card and put it all in a gift bag. Later when she opened it she was happy and loved it- phew, job well done!!

Some tips for gift buying:

• Remember to choose just ONE theme and stick to that when shopping, or it can get a little chaotic and costly.
• Choose a theme that the person will actually like/be interested in, and don't choose what YOU'd want it to be.
• Try to get a couple of smaller things, but from different "categories" of the theme idea (eg. beauty can have Makeup for the skin, lotion for the body, hair chalk for the hair,etc).
• Try to personalize the gift as much as possible. Do you have any inside jokes? put them to good use and get a gift that will make them laugh about the memories.
• Lastly, always remember to buy a CARD and a GIFT BAG. Believe me, those can be easily forgotten in the rush..

I hope this can help you guys buy great gifts for friends/family. What ideas or tips do you guys have for gift giving?

Xoxo

Martina

Celebrity style crush!!

Hey guys! Lately I've been trying to find a new clothing style inspiration as i'm getting a bit bored of the styles that I've had going on for the last few weeks. That's when my eye caught Ariana Grande's fashion style.

Where to start on Ariana Grande. I don't know about you guys, but I absolutely adore her! She has a perfect classical, broadway and girly mix to her style that i'm absolutely loving right now!

It's a really nice change to see that this celeb is keeping a more reserved style for once, as compared to the barely there style there seems to be more and more of every day. Don't get me wrong, i'll rock the hot pants and cropped shirts any day, but too much skin is a total no-no. 

Source: www.crushable.com/

I absolutely love the classical dresses you see her rock on the red carpet. The tighter, corset-like top and the bottom part of the dress flaring out and ending halfway down her calf. I also love the florally patterns Ariana tends to wear- they're the perfect girly touch to any outfit.

Source: www.disneydreaming.com/

Source: www.seventeen.com/

The dresses above also shows off the super girly outfits she has. I love love love the corset and tutu mix here- Not exactly something i'd wear out daily but it's absolutely perfect for a semi-formal party to attend. The macaroons one i have a weak spot for, and i'm really tempted to try to find and buy that outfit. Again, with frills, it has a perfect feminine touch to it!

Source: www.nick.com

Another popular trend in Ariana's wardrobe is her two piece outfits, and i'm particularly loving this blue and white floral pattern. It is simple, but elegant. The flowers add an amazing touch of elegance, and the sneakers and cropped shirt add a bit more 'casual' to the outfit, which seems perfect for a date night out!!

Source: http://caramclaughlin.blogspot.com.au/

Although most of the time her style is dresses, of course there are the casual outfit days. This is one of my favourite outfits. It's casual enough for ANYTHING, and she pulls it off perfectly. a cropped shirt and jeans/tights with a jumper thrown over the top- you could even wear this to school! Of course, to keep in theme with the Ariana Grande "girly" style she's added a ribbon on her head, which sits perfectly with the outfit.

Overall, I am absolutely loving Ariana Grande's style a LOT (as well as her album 'Yours Truly"). What do you guys think of her style? Who's your style crush?

Xoxo

Martina

I'M BACK!!!

Hi guys!
I know, i know, i totally went AWOL the past few weeks. I just came home a couple of days ago from my holiday in Italy, which was AMAZING. Of course, I will miss all of the amazing people I met, but i'm glad I can be back to this level of normalcy in life.
So, being overseas it was more difficult getting internet access as we had to set up accounts and contracts, which was almost not even worth it since we were being taken around like crazy tourists all day, every day. Now that i'm back, i have my trusty old laptop and internet access again- you can expect more posts up again!!

Tonight i'm going to a friend's party, and might post something up about the outfit/makeup. What do you guys think?!

XOXO

Martina

Just got my nails done!

First off, i'd like to apologise for not having posted in so long. I am on vacation overseas, and it has been a rush of trying to settle in with and sort out things.

This post was quickly done to show you guys my nails. I got them done at a family friend's studio. They were done using a type of nail gel,  which basically dries in the form of a fake nail. I chose a pink Heart design,  and am totally loving it!!

Anyone else ever tried these gel nails? Let me know below!

Xoxo
Martina

About me tag!!

Hi again!

So, I've already written a bit on this blog, but i noticed that I have yet to tell you a bit about myself!
Here I have about 20 questions...actually, 21 questions...that I will answer about myself, so behold- the All About Me tag!

1. Was I named after anyone?
Traditionally in my dad's family, the kids are named after their grandparents (daughter named after the grandma and vice versa).  My parents didn't want me to have such a common name (common in the family) so they decided to call me 'Martina' which was a variation on my nonna's name "Maria".

2. When was the last time I cried?
Ooh, personal!  Actually, the last time I cried was of happy tears. My friend and I were in class when she decided to type a funny message in google translate. She thought it would read out loud in another language, but it readon full volume in english. People in our class heard and I laughed for hours after!

3. Do I have any kids?
I'm only 15, so no!

4. If I was another person, would I be friends with myself?
That's actually a hard one, because I can't actually see myself from someone else's point of view, but im a trustworthy friend, and I'd always be up for doing totally random things or giving advice, so yeah!

5. Do I use sarcasm often?
*sarcastic tone* of course, like all the time!
But seriously, I use it when someone is asking me something totally ridiculous. (In what world would I have been late to school because I went on a morning trip to Japan? !)

6 . Would I ever bungee jump?
Yeah, actually! I totally love action thrill activities,  so I could totally see myself doing that someday.

7. Favourite cereal?
I know these aren't sold in Australia,  but I absolutely love lucky charms. Marshmallows in your cornflakes,  what more could you want? !

8. First thing I notice in a person?
This may seem strange, but I notice their expression and body language! Their mood sets basically how they act, so I guess thats maybe why I notice that first.

9. Eye colour?
My eyes are hazel brown :)

10. Scary movie or happy ending?
I get real paranoid when I see a scary movie, so happy ending. Also,  I hate unfinished storylines, so happy endings make ME happy!

11. Favourite smells?
Odd question... um, I love the smell of candy, food, sweet/floral perfumes,  LYNX deodorant!

12. Summer or winter?
Although I was born in winter,  I LOVE summer. Everyone seems to be out more and having fun!

13. Computer or television?
You can do so much more on computers, and from a computer I can see any show I want anyway.

14. The furthest away I've been from home?
If by that it means furthest from my house, then that would be Europe. If it means furthest from my parents/family,  that would be my 6th grade excursion to canberra or something haha :)

15. Do i have any special talents?
Um... I can touch my chin with my tongue? But I'm actually good at my subjects at school, and I can sing (at least i think I can! )

16. Where was I born?
Australia!

17. Do I have any hobbies?
I love singing, reading books/magazines,  trying new looks with makeup or fashion, and recently I've gotten really into dj-ing.

18. Do I have any pets?
I have a cat.  We used to have a dog too, but he passed away 3 years back. We plan to add some new dogs to our family next year though.

19. Favourite movie?
There are sooo many I love, but one of my favourites is the croods. I know its animated,  so not really an actual movie, but my family and I had so much fun comparing the characters to ourselves, I could not stop laughing!

20. Do I have any siblings?
Yes, two younger sisters!

21. What do I want to be when I grow up?
I really don't know yet,  but I love creative things (design, creating, music). I'm also good with managing, but who knows what I'll be. As long as I'm happy, I'm good.

So thats it, I hope you enjoyed it! Tell me what you think in the comments below.

I tag anyone who wants to do this!!

Xoxo
Martina

YUMM!!!!!

Made these little japanese rice balls with my friend today... best dinner ever! Apparently they're called nigiri :)

Any one ever tried these? Let me know below!

Xoxo
Martina

Snuggling up with my laptop!

Since i'm staying in tonight, why not spend it cozily snuggled up with my pillow pet, watching some shows and drinking tea?!

What do you do when staying in?

Xoxo

Martina

My casual outfit for a dance party!

*Please excuse the heavy amount of photos!*
(Also, i was in a big rush to go get ready at a friend's place so the photos aren't the best quality)

I went to a disco party last Friday and I had to make sure i wore something comfy, because based on past experience you don't exactly want to be dancing to hardcore electric beats with hoop earrings and heels!

I chose to have small earrings, a bracelet and i only had one small neclace, and obviously flats!!

First off, I had some simple denim shorts, these specific ones bought from Target.

I also got this loose top from the brand Mambo, don't remember what store from though.

This shirt is really low cut though, so i layered a green bandeau from the store Supre under so it wouldn't be too showy.

I teamed up the outfit with some simple black converse. These were really good during the night as i could dance without having sore feet.

Over it i threw on a cropped Jumper, also from Supre, and matched this with a cute little golden bag (Not sure what brand though, this I "borrowed" off my sister who had removed ALL tags).

This is the overall look (minus the shoes, i didn't want those on the bed)

It was good to wear as i managed to have a great time and looked decent in all my photos. It was comfy as well!

What do you think of the outfit? What do you wear out at a casual dance party/ to a club?

Xoxo

Martina

Review: Aldi's Lacura 6-step Smokey eye kit

The advertisement & the one i bought

I was walking through Aldi the other day with my mom and i noticed they were advertising a lot of stuff over at their makeup section. Normally, i walk past this section without thinking twice ( I tend to buy my stuff from other brands), but this time i decided to stop and look.

In it, i found a Lacura 6-Step Smokey eye kit for $6.99 and i just thought i'd give it a go. I bought the palette with the beige/natural colours because they didn't have any black in stock, but i suppose it's generally the same idea. It was really simple to use, even having labelled the different eyeshadow colors in t
he order you're supposed to use them (according to the diagram, anyway). It included a small mirror inside the set, but it is really tiny so i ended up using my own instead.

The diagram in the box (this one's actually from the advertisement, but I couldn't get the original as it was waayy too small)

The eyeshadows were fairly easy to use, so by the time i got to the final two steps (liquid eyeliner and mascara) i was really happy with the result. I also really liked the eyeliner as it has a good brush which was easy to use without being messy, and the mascara didn't clump, which was another plus.

Overall, i think this palette is very good, considering the price it sells at, and would especially help out beginners who need a little guidance. The only downside to this was that the natural colours don't have the same "smokey" eye effect as using black eyeshadow would, but it's a very nice look for a casual day out.

What do you think? Has anyone else tried this? Tell me below!

Xoxo

Martina

Ombre hair...taking over the world?

It seems everywhere i look, people seem to have balayage hair. Of course, it varies between the shades of blond and brunette, but the general concept has become really big.

Teachers, A list actresses, TV show actresses, my school friends, close friends, even to the point where you can buy specific sets to do it yourself! (don't believe me? check this out: http://www.lorealparis.com.au/hair-colour/all-over-color/preference-wild-ombres/2-dark-blonde-medium-brown-hair.aspx)

Basically, its become one of the biggest trends of 2012/2013, and it just makes me wonder... will people look back on this just as we look back on the 70s and platform heels?!

What do you think?

Xoxo
Martina