The Best London Rooftop Bars To Go To While It’s Warm

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Can you think of anything better than sitting on a rooftop bar in the warm London afternoon sun while sipping on a mojito? I definitely can’t! While we have this amazing and extremely rare warm weather in London at the moment (I hear it’s expected to last another month), we should definitely make the most of it. It would almost be criminal not to! So what better excuse to meet up with your pals on a warm Friday afternoon and head to a trendy rooftop bar with festoon lighting for a couple of cocktails and maybe even a cheeky boogie! Here are 9 of the best London rooftop bars to check out while it’s still warm where you can enjoy delicious drinks and a buzzing atmosphere with the gorgeous London skyline as a backdrop.

Frank’s Café.

Frank’s Café, located in Peckham, is open for business every summer and will quickly become one of your go-to spots for a drink with a view this summer. With a rather edgy location on top on a multi-story carpark and an extremely instagrammable pink staircase (did you even go to Frank’s if you didn’t Instagram the bubblegum pink starewell?!) this trendy and urban rooftop bar is extremely popular amongst the locals. Serving a huge range of restaurant-quality food and tasty drinks, this lively bar is the perfect place to meet your mates for some light food or a few drinks after work or on the weekend. To be Frank, it is a true South London gem.

The Rumpus Rooms.

On the other end of the fancy spectrum, you have The Rumpus Room which is located on the riverside in central London and has spectacular views of London’s monuments such as St Paul’s Cathedral. If you are looking for somewhere to celebrate a birthday or just fancy a one-off swanky evening out where you can wear your glad rags, make a booking at The Rumpus Room for an unforgettable evening. Unfortunately, this rooftop bar does have a 21+ plus policy to keep it super exclusive and #classy. So if you’re of age, are you ready to make a Rumpus?

Bar Elba.

Bar Elba is a super trendy rooftop bar based in Waterloo with a laid-back and chilled atmosphere. As it can get extremely busy during the evenings, it is best to book a table to avoid a 2 hour wait. Aim to go for happy hour which is weekdays from 4pm-6pm or weekends between 12pm and 1pm or 4pm and 6pm for 2 for 1 cocktails and enjoy the afternoon sun!

Bussey Rooftop Bar.

Most famously known as being a rooftop cinema as part of the Rooftop Film Club, the Bussey building rooftop is also home to Bussey’s Rooftop Bar which offers stunning 360 degree views of London and sunset drenched al fresco drinking. Conveniently located close to Peckham Rye train station, the Bussey Rooftop Bar is free entry and has a delicious range of ice cold ales or sweet fruity cocktails to enjoy in the evening sun.

Prince of Wales.

If you are looking for a rooftop bar where you can have chilled drinks outside but also the option of a buzzing club night, you’ll find the best of both worlds at Brixton’s Price of Wales. A huge multi-storey half pub half club, the Prince of Wales has enough rooms with different types of music to suit everyone. However, the roof terrace is where the real party is. Featuring a Rum Shack which serves flavoursome cocktails and a DJ playing until 3am on the weekends, the Price of Wales rooftop is the perfect place to come and enjoy the London sunset in the heart of Brixton.

The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St. James.

Another one for those of you looking for a more swanky night out is The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St. James which offers impeccable sunset views of the London skyline. Although the drinks are expensive at around £15 per cocktail, the whole experience of The Rooftop is well worth the splurge. Serving hand crafted cocktails and award worthy food, this rooftop bar is the ultimate destination for those of you looking for an exclusive-feeling and ultra special evening out.

The Culpepper.

A rooftop bar with a twist, The Culpepper Rooftop has recently been renovated and is now an interesting bar/veggie garden hybrid. I know, it sounds a bit nuts. But the rooftop now features mint patches, tomato vines and cucumbers which are all used to help create the delicious drinks and food on the menu. So it kind of makes sense, right? A tranquil hidden garden just a stones throw away from the towering skyscrapers of London make this rooftop bar utterly unmissable this Summer.

Radio Rooftop Bar.

One of London’s most famous and hyped rooftop bars, this sky high bar is located on the 10th floor of the ME London hotel. Again, this rooftop bar is probably best for a one-off treat rather than an every Friday after work drink (unless you’re prepared to splash the cash!)  as the food and drinks are spenny. However, the drinks are delicious and it does feel very exclusive, making it the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or just life in general. We all have to treat ourselves sometimes!

Netil360.

If you live in East London and don’t have it in you to face the central London Friday night hustle and bustle, then head to Netil360 AKA the hipster’s choice of rooftop bar. Much more relaxed than the central London alternatives, this rooftop bar offers 360 degree views of East London with central London in the distance and decently prices drinks, but, to be honest, most people head to this rooftop gem for the chilled vibes and spectacular views rather than the beverages. Be warned, however, as there are 9 flights of stairs to be climbed before you reach the top, but it is definitely worth the climb! Anyone else almost start singing Miley Cyrus there?

So there you go, 9 of the best London rooftop bars to check out this summer before this georgeous heatwave leaves us. Have you been to any of these london rooftop bars? Let us know what you thought in the comments below!

The 15 Best Protein Shakes For Women That Every Female Needs

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The world of protein shakes can be a super confusing and overwhelming one for us women at the best of times. With a huge number of different flavours, formulas and ingredients, it can be hard to know where to start or which type is best for you. It is especially intimidating for us girls as protein shakes are often associated with hulk-like men looking to bulk up after a hefty leg sesh in the gym. But in reality, we ALL need protein and can benefit greatly from protein shakes when used properly either to increase athletic performance or as a quick snack. There are even protein shakes on the market now aimed specifically at women. So, if you are in the market for a new protein shake or want to know more about the protein shakes on the market at the moment and what they are used for, have a look at our top picks of the best protein shakes for women that every females needs.

1.Naturya Organic Hemp Protein Powder.

Hemp protein powders made from pressed and ground hemp seeds making them a great source of plant-based protein and an incredible vegan superfood. This is because Hemp contains anti-inflammatory omega -3 and -6 fatty acids, which are difficult to find on a plant-based diet. The Naturya Organic Hemp Protein Powder is a great Hemp protein powder as it is rich in zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, omega-3 fatty acids and protein which help to build muscle while also aiding muscle recovery after exercise. This is easily one of the best protein shakes for women!

2.Neat Nutrition Whey Protein.

Whey is an all-natural by-product of milk in the production of cheese protein. Sound kinds gross? It may do, but whey protein is known as being one of the best types of protein for muscle development, making it one of the most popular sports nutrition suppliments and post-exercise recovery treats. However, it is not suitable for vegans. This particular product, Neat Nutrition Whey Protein, is an amazing all-round protein powder for people who don’t suffer from any food intolerances. With its creamy taste, it makes for a great healthy addition to smoothies or mixed with a non-dairy milk to create a tasty post-workout shake.

3.The Organic Protein Company’s Organic Whey Protein.

Another great Whey protein powder is The Organic Protein Company’s ‘Organic Whey Protein’. It is organic (hence the name), additive free, gluten free AND contains the lowest measurable levels of heavy metal, making it a suitable for expectant or breastfeeding mothers.

4.NorCol Organic Whey Protein.

One of the best Whey protein powders is the NorCol Organic Whey Protein powder which is made from pure organic Whey from the milk of grass-fed cows. It is soy free, gluten free, processed without acid or bleach and rBGH/rBST hormone free.

5.Go Nutrition Brown Rice Protein 80.

Brown rice protein is made from whole rice grains ground and treated with enzymes to separate the protein. Brown rice protein powders are a great protein alternative for veggies or vegans to help them meet their daily protein requirements as it has an extremely high protein content. The ‘Go Nutrition Brown Rice Protein 80’ is one of the best brown rice proteins as it is highly soluble in a shaker bottle, contains an impressive 80% protein and is very easily digested by the body. So, if you are a vegan or veggie in the market for a new protein powder, pick this one up from your local health food shop.

6.Missfits Vegan Pea Protein Multitasker.

Another type of protein powder which is suitable for vegans is pea protein which is made by extracting the soluble protein from fibre-rich yellow split peas. High in amino acid leucine, pea protein outranks other plant-based proteins and a study found it as effective as whey at increasing muscle mass during a 12-week training programme. It is a popular post-workout protein as it has a zero fibre content (compared with hemp’s 8g per 30g scoop) which makes it kinder to the gut. However, because it is lacking in essential amino acids, it is best to pair this powder with another plant-based protein such as oat bran, to make it an all-round superfood or, shake with Oat milk to make a delicious protein shake.

7.MyProtein Micellar Casein Protein.

Casein is the main protein found in milk and casein powder is another type of protein powder made from casein. However, unlike Whey protein, Casein protein is slow digesting and encourages weight loss while still maintaining an extremely high protein content. This product, ‘MyProtein Micellar Casein Protein’ is particularly impressive with a 90% protein content.

8.Protein World Slender Blend.

The Protein World Slender Blend is one of the best-selling protein shakes on the market, and it is no surprise why. A unique cocktail of Whey Protein, Green Tea, Guarana Extract, natural flavours, added digestive enzymes and 26 different vitamins and minerals, this shake helps promote a healthy gut and improve overall health. It is high in protein and fibre while maintaining a low sugar content which means that it can contribute to weight-loss.

9.Maxitone Defeinity Protein Plus.

If you are in the market for an all-rounder protein shake, the Maxitone Defeinity Protein Plus shake is a great option. It is the ideal protein shake for women after exercise or to be consumed as a protein supplement to meet your daily protein requirements. The shake also contains 21 different vitamins and minerals and is high in iron which is particularly important for women as it needed for the production of red blood cells.

10.PhD Women Natural Protein.

The PhD Women Natural Protein is an amazing plant-based protein and superfood blend which is gluten, dairy and sugar free. Best at boosting your daily protein intake, this protein shake is both delicious on its own or blended into a smoothie. Delicious and nutritious!

11.Purely Inspired Organic Protein Powder.

If you follow a plant-based diet, you will LOVE the Purely Inspired Organic Protein Power as it is 100% plant-based, organic and gluten-free. This shake will provide you will premium protein that will leave you feeling great as there is only 2g of fat per serving, so you can have all the nutrition that you need without the junk! Definitely one of the best protein shakes for women worth trying out!

12.Sunwarrier Classic Protein.

This plant-based protein is hugely popular between the health and fitness community. It is plant-based, so suitable for vegans and vegetarians, and was specifically designed for health and fitness enthusiasts who want to build muscle and improve athletic performance. If that doesn’t make you trust it, I don’t know what will! This is one of the best protein shakes for women!

13.Form Nutrition Performance Protein.

The Form Nutrition Performance Blend is the perfect post-workout shake. It helps you recover quickly while still building muscle and meet your fitness goals quicker than expected. It is vegan, gluten free, dairy free AND GMO free, so, is it suitable for all your plant-based needs!

14.Multipower Pure Whey Protein 900g.

Multipower’s 100% Pure Whey Protein offers 80% high quality protein from three different sources – Whey protein isolate, concentrate and hydrolysate.  With additional Vitamin B6 to support your protein metabolism and hormonal activity to maintain a healthy body.

15.Chirpy Choca Mocha Super Protein Powder.

Chirpy Chirpy Choca Mocha Super Protein Powder is a delicious, plant-based protein powder full of antioxidants and high in fibre. Combine this powder with banana and almond milk to make a high protein, high fibre breakfast which can contribute to the growth and maintenance of healthy muscle mass and bones. This is definitely one of the best protein shakes for women!

Do you agree that these are the best protein shakes for women to try? Let us know in the comment section below!

How To Travel To The Amalfi Coast On A Budget

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There is no doubt that the Italian Costiera Amalfitera is the perfect holiday destination for any holiday-maker. With a rugged coastline, sparkling turquoise seas, dramatic views over Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples, stunning sandy beaches and authentic, mouth-watering Italian cuisine, the Amalfi Coast has everything that a holiday-seeker could possibly wish for. So, it is no surprise that this stretch of Italian coastline is a popular holiday destination for many celebrities and has been visited by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Michael Jordan.

It is also no surprise that it is one of the most luxurious and exclusive holiday destinations to date, which comes with a price tag high enough to dishearten any ol’ traveller, especially those of us on a (very tight) budget. However, the awe-inspiring and breath-taking Amalfi Coast doesn’t have to be saved for the stars. As surprising as it may be, it is in fact possible to travel the Amalfi Coast without going bankrupt. Here are a few tips on how best to travel the famous Amalfi Coast on a budget and experience all its glory without getting yourself into debt.

1. Avoid Peak Season.

A well-known tip for all budget-friendly travellers is to try to avoid travelling in peak season and instead travel out of high season when the prices of travel and accommodation are a little more bearable. This means that you will be able to save yourself some pennies by not forking out for that pesky high season supplement and tourism tax which, let’s not lie, we all seem to forget about. Opt to travel in late September or early October rather than in the Spring because the sea will still be warm from the scorching summer months and the evenings balmy with a warm breeze. The narrow cobbled streets will also be populated with fewer tourists than in the high Summer months, which is always a bonus.

2. Base Camp.

Choose to set up your base in Sorrento rather that the more expensive and crowded Positano to save yourself a few pounds. Although the town of Sorrento does not have the same jaw-dropping dramatic coastline sprinkled with rainbow-coloured buildings as the nearby Positano, it is a more tranquil town with a much more rustic feel to it. With direct routes to other popular coastal towns such as Amalfi, Positano and Praiano via the affordable SITA buses, it is the perfect home-town to return to after a busy day of exploring the Amalfi Coast. To get the most for your money in Sorrento, choose a hotel slightly outside of the town but still within walking distance of the centre, such as the Unconventional Hotel located in the nearby Sant Agnello, whose price per night also includes breakfast. What else could you want?!

3. Sunset Picnics.

One of the biggest problems for staying in a hotel rather than the more expensive option of renting a flat is that because you don’t have access to a kitchen, you are pretty much forced to eat out. Every night. I can already hear my bank account weeping.  Rather than going back to that same restaurant and having yet another spag bol, why not save yourself a bit of dollar and opt for a sunset picnic instead. A lovely spot in Sorrento is in the Piazza della Vittoria where you can watch the sunset over the balcony. Head down with a couple of snacks and a bottle of wine from the local supermarket or even a takeaway pizza from a local pizzeria and you’ll soon be wondering why you didn’t do this earlier!

4. Slow And Steady Wins The Race!

If you are planning on visiting the islands of Capri or Ischia (which, by the way, you definitely should), always opt for the slower ferries as they are much cheaper. With a journey time of only  30 minutes shorter than the slow ferry, the high-speed ferry will cost you up to £7 more per boat trip.  Save yourself a bit of money and spend more time on the sea by opting for the slower option. After all, who doesn’t love a good boat trip?

5. Avoid Eating On The Main Street.

When you are looking for an atmospheric, authentic restaurant to much at in the evenings, it is typical to mooch along the main street or square while hunting out the best Italian cuisine the town has to offer. However, do as the locals do and have a wonder around the back streets for a place to dine in the evening. It is guaranteed to be much cheaper than restaurants in the main square and will most likely serve much nicer and better quality dishes. A top tip when looking for a restaurant is to judge it by the number of people dining inside because if a restaurant is popular, especially in a less touristic area of the town, the food is usually amazing!

6. Car Renting? Unnecessary!

One of the most common internal battles that people planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast face is whether to rent a car or not. Personally, unless you are extremely comfortable with driving and have a lot of money to burn, I would avoid renting a car here at all costs. I mean, narrow, windy roads are definitely not my cup of tea and there is definitely a reason why the road joining the coastal towns is called ‘the road of 1000 bends’. Alternatively, choose to travel around the Amalfi Coast by SITA bus, which can take you between Sorrento, Amalfi and Positano to name a few stops at an extremely affordable price. It also means that you don’t have to break yourself into a cold sweat by navigating the bendy roads, but instead can enjoy the sea views from the comfort and security of the bus. Make sure that you check the bus timetable beforehand and arrive at the stop at least 10 minutes before the bus leave otherwise you’ll have to stand, which, I can assure you, is not very enjoyable!

There you have it, a few tips on how best to travel the beautiful Amalfi Coast on a budget.

Have you visited the Amalfi Coast? Let us know in the comments below how you stayed within your budget!

The Hottest Drugstore Makeup Releases Of Summer 2018

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From new bronzer releases to get that sun-kissed glow, to healthy summer skin essentials that will leave you looking flawless, Summer is always a very busy time for the drugstore make-up world and there is a LOT for us to be excited about this year. Here we have a guide to the hottest drugstore makeup releases this summer that we are already OBSESSED with, so that you can get the lowdown on what products to keep your eyes out for and grab them before they quickly fly off the Superdrug shelves. From on-the-go facial cleansing wipes to smudge-proof mascaras, here is a list of 5 of the must-have new drugstore releases of Summer 2018 that will leave you feeling truly summer ready.

 1.Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream.

We all know that in the summer, while our skin gets a little browner, it also gets a LOT drier. A cocktail of chlorine, sun, heat, humidity and deadly hotel air conditioning can be very harmful to our skin, drying it out and eventually, with constant sun exposure, causing DNA damage and a decrease in elastin and collagen, leading to deeply set wrinkles and extremely dry skin. So, in the summer months, it is crucial to use both SPF and moisturiser, focusing particularly on the most sensitive and delicate areas of the body such as the face, neck and décolleté. One of the most sensitive areas on the body is the skin under and around your eyes which is prone to wrinkling and sagging, especially if not properly cared for. The new ‘Cetaphil Hydrating Eye Gel-Cream’ is great for soothing and brightening but has particularly amazing hydrating qualities as it is made with dimethicone, hyaluronic acid and grape-seed oil which help prevent water loss from the skin, leaving it feeling smooth, plump and energised. Oh, and it is also extremely affordable, so feeling good doesn’t have to break the bank! Available now from UK drugstores.

2.Burts’s Bees Micellar Cleansing Towelettes.

Micellar water has been all the rage recently. But micellar water in a face wipe?! Who knew make-up removal could be so easy? This summer Burt’s Bees have released their Micellar Cleansing Towelettes with Australian White Cypress Oil which, while may not smell the best, do an excellent job at removing tough makeup without irritating the skin or leaving a residue, making them ideal for those of us with sensitive skin. The wipes are 99.5% natural, dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested and contain no parabens, fragrance, petrolatum or phthalates. What’s not to like?! They are the ideal lazy-girl make-up removal product that will leave your skin feeling radiantly healthy, happy and hydrated. Availble now from UK drugstores.

3.Glossier Lash Slick Mascara.

The hype around Glossier this year has been mad, let’s not deny it. Their makeup products are EVERYWHERE and have been raved about by beauty gurus all around the country. This summer they have released their very first mascara, named the ‘Glossier Lash Slick Mascara’. Sticking to true Glossier style, the purpose of the mascara is to enhance the look of your natural beauty by curling, sculpting and lengthening the lashes in a way which doesn’t clump the lashes together or drown them in product. It is marketed as a perfect everyday mascara, which could not be any truer. Glossier’s ‘Lash Slick Mascar’a is a reliable and trustworthy mascara that will keep your lashes looking long, fluttery and voluminous all day, so it’s definitely one to look out for for those long summer evenings! Availble now from Glossier.com for drugstore makeup releases.

 4.Essie Seaglass Shimmer Nail Polishes.

If you love pretty pearlescent nail polishes in the summer, you will love Essie’s new Summer 2018 collection. The ‘Seaglass Shimmers Collection’ features 6 new shades, from a neutral peach to a bold fuchsia pink, each with a stunning shimmery finish and perfect for a salty day at the beach. The names are also adorable, I mean, ‘You, Me & The Sea’ and ‘World Is Your Oyster’. Could it get any cuter?! Extremely easy to apply and quick to achieve an opaque finish, these irresistible new shades will soon become a key staple in your summer make-up bag. Availble now from Boots and Superdrug for drugstore makeup releases.

 5.Zoella Lagoon Love Bath Milk.

Zoe Sugg, most commonly known as ‘Zoella’, is famous for her chatty Youtube videos and vlogs which attract hundreds of thousands of views every day. But she has recently broken the Youtube glass ceiling by launching the ‘Zoella Beauty’ brand which has done phenomenally well over the past few years. With deliciously scented and innovative products, ‘Zoella Beauty’ have smashed every single one of their collections. Their Summer 2028 collection is definitely no exception. Labelled ‘Splash Botanics’, the collection combines light, green notes with delicate freesia to create beautifully formulated products with the perfect light and fresh summer scent. Our pick from the collection is the ‘Lagoon Love’ bath milk powder enriched with hydrating coconut water and lychee, which, when poured under warm running water, makes for a silky smooth and nourishing bah that will leave your skin feeling baby soft. Available now in Superdrug for drugstore makeup releases.

So there you go, 5 of the drugstore makeup releases of Summer 2018. Have you tried any of these products? If so, let us know what you think in the comments below!

8 Easy Outfits To Wear To Wimbledon Tennis This Summer

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If you live in London, you’ll most likely be aware that the world-famous Wimbledon Tennis Championships are taking place in South-West London between the 2^nd and 15^th July this year. This means that for 2 weeks straight, we have an excuse to sit outside on deck-chairs watching the tennis on giant pop-up screens and eating strawberries and cream in the sun. Delightful! If you were one of the lucky few able to bag yourself a pair of tickets to watch a match at Centre Court this summer, you’ll get to witness the excitement court side first hand. However, as the day fast approaches, you may realise that you have not the foggiest idea of what to wear. Is there a dress code? What about the weather? Will I be underdressed?! After all, a number of stars a known to grace the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis Club every year, including the Duchess of Cambridge and Sienna Miller, so I’m sure you’ll want to look on top form in case you have any A-Lister run-ins! But worry no more, we have you covered. Here are 8 outfits to wear to Wimbledon that will leave you winning best-dressed at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships this summer.

1.White Linen Maxi Dress.

Although there is no official dress code for Wimbledon spectators, they are still expected to dress formally for the occasion with outfits to wear to Wimbledon. However, the guidelines do advise against ripped jeans, sports clothes and over sized bags (purely for security reasons). For a clean-cut and sophisticated look, why not opt for a white linen maxi dress with a button down front. A classic staple item necessary for any summer wardrobe means that this piece won’t just do you for Wimbledon, but all those garden parties and BBQ’s you have planned over the summer months!

2.Pleated Maxi Skirt and Loose Top.

You can never go wrong with a maxi skirt. Stay both cool and on-trend at the tennis this summer by choosing a pleated maxi skirt with a casual, loose fitted top for major style and practicality points. Pair with a pair of simple white trainers for an more effortless look for outfits to wear to Wimbledon.

3.Cinched-In Jumpsuit.

A jumpsuit is always an easy outfit option, after all, it’s a whole outfit in one without even having to think. That is, until you need to go for a wee after one too many glasses of Pimms and end up feeling extremely exposed in a toilet cubicle. Oops. Anyway, despite this one flaw, a jumpsuit is the perfect outfit choice to sit courtside this July. Opt for one with a tie at the waist and vertical stripes for optimal figure flattering and pair with a simple cross body bag. Easy!

4.High-Waist Trousers.

If you’re more of a trousers lady, do not fear. There’s nothing in the guidelines that says women have to wear a dress. After all, it’s not Ascot *insert eye roll emoji*. For a smart-casual look, tuck a tight but plain vest top into a pair of high-waist patterned or linen trousers and stick on a pair of wedges for outfits to wear to Wimbledon.

5.T-Shirt Dress.

One of the simplest yet most stylish outfit ideas that requires the least effort (never a bad thing!) is the t-shirt dress. To keep it looking classy, choose a good-quality black t-shirt dress which isn’t too short and has a flattering neck line. Accessories wise, keep it simple with a long cross-body bag. A pair ankle-tie wedges and oversized sunglasses. Et voila! A simple and chic look fit for a queen.

6.Mom Jeans and Heels.

If you live in your Topshop Jamie Jeans 24/7, you’ll be pleased to know that you are allowed to wear jeans to Wimbledon. Just as long as they’re not ripped. Although a less traditional outfit choice and not seen much on the side of the court, if you pair them with the right shoes and top, you will look chic and effortless. Instead of the classic skinny jean, opt for a pair of high-waist boyfriend style blue jeans, synched in at the waist with a black belt. Style with a cropped black cotton shirt, a pair of small black strappy heels and some oversized sunglasses. You’ll be comfortable and one of the best dressed people on the side of the court. Apart from the Duchess of Cambridge, of course, because she ALWAYS looks 100%.

7.Co-Ords.

If you want to dress on the more formal end of the spectrum, an easy way to do this is to choose a summery floral co-ord and pair it with a light, linen blazer. Stick on some heeled sandals and a simple clutch bag and you’re good to go. A stylish, put together outfit that requires minimal effort.

8.Off-The-Shoulder Playsuit.

If you were planning on wearing a jumpsuit before Mother Nature sprung this impromptu heatwave upon us and are now worrying if you will be too warm sitting outside watching the tennis all day, then choose a playsuit instead. Go for a black or white off-the-shoulder playsuit with minimal details to keep your look crisp and fresh. Pair with a light blazer and heeled sandals and you’ll be turning heads all day.

There you have it, 8 simple and easy outfits to wear to Wimbledon to wear to to the Wimbledon Tennis Championships this year. If any of these ideas have helped you out, let us know in the comments below!

The Affordable Alternatives To Mac Lipsticks On A Budget

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Who doesn’t love MAC makeup? Everyone and their mothers owns at least one product from MAC, so it’s no surprise that they are one of the best-selling high-end make-up brands in the UK. With a huge range of products in an even bigger range of shades, MAC is a professional, reliable and faultless brand that you can always trust to get it right. Without doubt, their lipsticks are no exception. With a HUGE range of colours and formulas to pick from, whether you’re looking for a glossy nude or matte red, there is a perfect MAC lipstick for everyone. However, being a high-end makeup brand and with an average lipstick price of £17.50 (the price varies depending on the finish), it’s not exactly student bank account friendly, especially if you have a huge MAC lipstick wish list like myself. So, if you are a lipstick lover on a budget and want to save a few pounds, take a look at these affordable alternatives to popular MAC lipsticks available to buy in the UK that definitely won’t leave you disappointed with affordable alternatives to MAC lipstick.

1.MAC Shy Girl and NYX Pumpkin Pie.

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Shy Girl, as described on the website, is  a ‘creamy neutral coral beige’ shade which has a slight hint of orange and looks absolutely stunning on the lips. A great dupe is NYX’s Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in the shade Pumpkin Pie which is a peachy-beige lipstick with, again, a very slight hint of orange. Swatched side by side, you cannot tell these two apart and with a £13.50 difference, who wouldn’t go for the cheaper alternative for affordable alternatives to MAC lipstick?

2.MAC Velvet Teddy and Maybelline Nude Perfection.

MAC’s Velvet Teddy is a cult lipstick that all the beauty gurus have been raving about for years. With it’s deep beige tones, it is a perfect everyday ‘your lips but better’ shade that will suit almost any skin tone. However, at £17.50 per lipstick, it’s a pretty pricey everyday lipstick if you ask me. So, instead try the Maybelline Colour Drama Lip Pencil in Nude Perfection which will only leave you £4.99 out of pocket and is practically identical to the MAC version.

3.MAC Ruby Woo and Maybelline Daring Ruby.

MAC’s Ruby Woo is often referred to as the perfect red lipstick. It is completely matte which makes it extremely long lasting and it’s blue undertones will take your pearly whites to a whole new level of pearly white. So, when I discovered that Maybelline’s Colour Sensational Matte Lipstick in Daring Ruby is an almost exact colour replica and priced at only £6.99, I couldn’t help but pick it up. Both the colours and finish are so similar that it’s just not worth spending the extra money. Eeeven for the beautiful MAC packaging!

4.MAC Mehr and Rimmel London 104.

MAC Mehr is another cult MAC lipstick which sold out of most MAC counters when it was revealed that it was one of Kylie Jenner’s go-to shades, who is known for her iconic 60s nude-brown lip. A cheaper alternative to this MAC favourite is Rimmel London’s Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick by Kate Moss in the shade 104, which is a rosy-pink with plum undertones and a semi-matte finish. At less than half the price of Mehr, it is definitely worth the purchase for affordable alternatives to MAC lipstick!

5.MAC Honeylove and L’oreal Fairest Nude.

One of the most popular nude shades that MAC has to offer is Honeylove, a light beige shade with a hint of rose which makes it the perfect nude-beige lipstick for the fair skinned ladies out there. Save yourself some cash and opt for a more affordable alternative to this MAC favourite by picking up L’Oreal’s Colour Riche lipstick in Fairest Nude when you’re next in your local Boots. Trust me, you won’t regret it for affordable alternatives to MAC lipstick!

6.MAC Lady Danger and Maybelline Orange Danger.

A vivid orange-red with a semi-matte finish, MAC’s Lady Danger looks absolutely stunning on olive or deeper skin tones and is your perfect summer pop of colour. A cheaper alternative to this MAC cult shade is Maybelline’s Color Sensational Loaded Bolds Lipstick in Orange Danger which is an almost identical shade and a fraction of the price. If you are looking to invest in an orange-red lipstick, this is a great bank-friendly dupe of the MAC quality that doesn’t skimp on quality or pigmentation for affordable alternatives to MAC lipstick.

There you have it, a few affordable alternatives to MAC lipstick that you HAVE to try. If you pick up any of these drugstore alternatives, let us know what you think of them in the comments below!

12 Tips For Meal Prepping That Will Make It MUCH Easier

For SOCIETY19 UK

Meal prepping has been taking over recently. From Pinterest to Instagram to YouTube, it’s pretty hard to avoid. And it’s for a good reason. When done right, meal prepping can be a life saver. It is a great way to maintain your clean-eating without falling of the healthy bandwagon and will save you a lot of time in the long run. Here are 12 tips for meal prepping that will make it SO much easier and ensure that your meal planning stays on track.

1. Plan, plan, plan!

If you want to be a pro at meal prepping, the first thing that you need to do is plan how your week is going to look. Decide which days you will need a lunch to take to work, which evenings you will be eating out with friends and when you will be eating dinner at home. List the days of the week, and next to each day list the meals that you will need to prep for that day (eg. breakfast, lunch or dinner).

2. Recipe Research.

This is the fun part. Go through all the recipe books that you have,  decide which ones tickle your fancy and make a list of all the ingredients you need to buy for the week. However, bear in mind that you will actually be making these meals, so don’t get carried away but try to keep it as simple and easy as possible (but still tasty, see tip 12). You’ll thank yourself for it when the time comes to cook, that’s for sure. This is one of the really fun tips for meal prepping!

3. Stick To Your Shopping List.

We’ve all heard the age old tale: we have a shopping list, we go to Tesco, we see Jacob’s Mini Cheddars are on offer for buy one get one free and the shopping list goes out the window. It’s so important to make your shopping list and stick to it. Resist the temptation (and the 12 pack of Kit Kat Chunkys staring you in the eye). Avoiding unwanted junk food in your shopping cart will help you stick to your plan and save you a few extra pennies, which of course, no one is complaining about.

4. Sunday Funday.

Who actually makes plans for Sundays? In reality, you wake up, make yourself some toast and sit on the sofa in your dressing gown with your eye glued to the TV until it’s time to go back to bed. Make use of your Sunday and keep a few hours free in the afternoon to do your weekly shop and prepare your meals for the week. This way you’ll be making the most of an otherwise wasted day AND saving yourself time during the week. Stick Netfix on while you chop and you’ll soon be wondering why you hadn’t started doing this sooner.

5. Frozen Veggies Are Your Best Friend.

We all know that fresh veggies are so much more appealing and, some may argue, healthier for you that frozen veggies, but the problem with fresh food is that the ‘use-by’ date of often a lot sooner than we realise. This means that you’ll be buying fresh vegetables and before you know it, they’ll be out of date. Save yourself some money and reduce your food waste by buying frozen vegetables in bulk instead which you can stick in the freezer and cook when and as you please. This is one of the really helpful tips for meal prepping!

6. Invest in Kitchen Gadgets.

If you find cooking a dull and laborious task and the prospect of preparing a week’s worth of food in a day frankly horrendous, then a great tip for food prepping is to invest in a kitchen gadget which will make you look forward to cutting up your veggies every Sunday. For example, the Brieftons QuickPush Food Chopper makes chopping vegetables an absolute breeze (and is also extremely satisfying to use) and will save you a huge amount of time.

7. Stock Up on Healthy Condiments.

One tip that I always find very useful for food prepping and cooking in general is having a good variety of healthy condiments stocked away in my cupboard. This means that you can immediately change the flavour of any meal you’ve prepared and spice it up a bit if you feel it’s a bit bland. For example, soy sauce, lemon juice and tahini are great flavours which can quickly and effortlessly transform almost any meal. This is one of the most important tips for meal prepping!

8. Food Containers.

A key tip for food prepping is to make sure that you have enough containers to store your beautifully prepped meals in. You definitely do not want to run into a situation where you have made all the effort to prepare your meals and now have no way to store them. You can buy plastic containers in bulk from stores such as IKEA or Poundland, or alternatively if you want the eco-friendly option, you can opt for glass containers which you can buy in almost any department store.

9. Make Use Of Your Freezer.

Your freezer is an extremely underrated tool in the meal prepping process. If you realise that you have made too much food for the week, or Tuesday arrives and you have told Tanya from work that you’ll grab a GBK with her when you have those chicken skewers waiting for you at home, you can just stick the meal in the freezer and have it next week instead. Easy Peasy. Just remember to stick a label on the container, which smoothly leads me to my next tip…

10. Label!

I cannot stress the importance of labelling enough. Once you have packaged all your meals into their containers, stick a label on the lid and write the date that you prepared the meal, what the meal is and the day of the week that each meal corresponds to. If you want to stick the container in the freezer, remember that frozen food can last up to roughly 3 months in the freezer, so in this case it is also best to write the expiration date on the label. This is one of the vital tips for meal prepping!

11. Remember to Roast.

If you have a big enough oven, roasting can make meal-prepping an absolute dream. This is because most vegetables can be roasted in batch, meaning that you can stick your parsnips, sweet potato, garlic, tomatoes, courgettes, aubergine and a few chicken breasts all in the oven for 45 minutes at the same temperature and create multiple different meals effortlessly. Roasting is also one of the healthiest ways to cook, so that’s another reason to make full use of that fancy roasting tray your mum got you two Christmasses ago.

12. Keep it Spicy.

Not Literally. I mean, unless you like spice. I mean that a key tip to meal prepping is to keep things interesting. It can be tempting to prepare multiple containers of the same meal and eat the same thing every day, but I can guarantee that you will get bored quickly. This can be as simple as squirting some lemon juice over your salmon or sprinkling some chili flakes over your avocado. Or alternatively, mix up your meals by interchanging a side salad with roasted vegetables or a side of quinoa so that your meals are not repetitive and boring.

 

So, there you go, 12 key tips for meal prepping that will make it so much easier. What are your favourite top tips for meal prepping? Let me know in the comments below!

The Paleo Diet Benefits That Everyone Should Consider

For SOCIETY19 UK

With vegan lunch recipes and plant-based snack ideas clogging up our Instagram feeds, it’s fair to say that healthy, clean eating has become increasingly popular and almost fashionable among young people in recent years. One of the popular diets that has emerged from this phenomenon is the Paleo Diet, which encourages its followers to eat how our ancestors did in the caveman days by following a healthier and simpler way of eating. The diet focuses on the consumption of whole and unprocessed foods that existed in the Palaeolithic era before agriculture came along roughly 10,000 or so years ago and means that grains, dairy, legumes, beans or processed foods with added ingredients are banned and are to be replaced with nuts, seeds, meat fish and vegetables. So, why make this leap into the Paleo world and sacrifice your morning croissant for a side of kale? Here are the main paleo diet benefits!

1. Cleaner Conscience.

One of the key benefits of the Paleo Diet is that by sticking to this diet plan, you will be maintaining a much cleaner diet free of additives, preservatives, and chemicals by replacing the empty, processed foods with whole foods which can nourish your mind and body. After all, there’s a reason that brands try to market products as ‘healthy’ by sticking a bright red ‘free from colourants, preservatives and added sugar’ label on the box. This is one of the greatest paleo diet benefits!

2. Improved Satiety (just a fancy way of saying ‘fullness’).

The Paleo Diet encourages the consumption of proteins and healthy fats, which leave you feeling full and satisfied, unlike processed foods and refined sugars which leave you feeling sickly but still wanting more. This means that sticking to a Paleo Diet will make you more likely to eat three full and nutritious meals a day with fewer cravings and desires to snack in between, so be prepared to cross that packet of dark chocolate digestives off your weekly shopping list (and no, just because they are dark chocolate, it doesn’t make them healthy). This is definitely one of the best paleo diet benefits!

3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties.

The Paleo Diet eliminates four major inflammation culprits: dairy, sugar, alcohol, and gluten. When not consumed in moderation, these food groups can damage the lining of your digestive system and, in some cases, cause chronic inflammation. According to research carried out by the Department of Health and Human Services and American Heart Association, the latter can cause diseases such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, food intolerances, diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. So, it’s safe to say that that the anti-inflammatory paleo diet benefits are a strong reason to consider making the switch to the *not so* dark side.

4. Trim the Tum.

As the Paleo diet eliminates highly processed foods and added sugar while reducing your carb and calorie intake, it’s no surprise that there is enough evidence to suggest that said diet can help you to trim down your waistline, which is not a bad thing considering bikini weather is fast approaching in the UK! While many diets can be extremely unhealthy because they focus solely on calorie counting to induce weight loss, the Paleo way of eating focuses on clean-eating and purely has weight loss as a bonus on the side.

5. Beauty Sleep.

I have good news for all the insomniacs out there: the Paleo diet has been proven to help us fall asleep quicker and improve your quality of our sleep. Hallelujah! I’ll give you a bit of a science lesson. So, the way in which your hormones behave is strongly related to your food intake, and as hormones basically control the steering-wheel of our ships, it is extremely important that they stay in check. If you’re eating a diet of Walkers ready salted crisps and Lucozade, you’re hormones will get out of control, meaning that you won’t be able to sleep well at night. However, a Paleo Diet of clean meat and leafy greens with a side of quinoa (am I Deliciously Ella yet?) will help to balance your hormones and, as a result, you’ll sleep like a baby at night. This is one of the most interesting paleo diet benefits!

6. You’ll Be Buzzing For Longer.

Forget the Coffee and Red Bulls, on the Paleo Diet vegetables will become your new found energy source. Vegetables! Who’d have thought it? These sugary, caffeine filled beverages that our generation have become so dependent on are actually extremely harmful for our bodies as we break them down very quickly, meaning that their effects are short lived and leave us constantly reaching for more. A key benefit of the Paleo Diet is that it consists of foods which contain naturally occurring energy which is released slowly into the body and means that the foods take longer to break down, keeping us going for longer. A bit like feeding your dog cat treats rather than a big old bone, he’ll just keep coming back for more.

As we can see, there are many health benefits to switching to a Paleo Diet that everyone should consider. Of course, it is important to find the perfect diet for you, as the Paleo Diet will not be up everyone’s street as it means cutting out some major food groups. However, done correctly and healthily, the Paleo Diet (or, more fittingly, the Paleo ‘lifestyle’, as it shouldn’t be seen as a restrictive diet) can leave you feeling like a brand new person.

What other paleo diet benefits can you think of? Let us know in the comments below!

How To Be Okay With Being Alone When You’re Single As F*ck

For SOCIETY19 UK

In an era that has seen the indomitable rise of the rom-com and the seemingly unavoidable cultural phenomenon that is Love Island, for those of us who find ourselves without significant others, the prospect of a summer with no one to cuddle may be quite terrifying. But fear not, the whole “Summer of Love” thing is so 1960s, let this be the “Summer of Self-Love” (no not that kind of self-love). Don’t believe me? Well just after reading through these 5 tips on how to be okay with being alone when you’re single, you may just never want another boyfriend again.

1. Get out and do things.

A survey by UK researchers showed that 62% of respondents gained 14 pounds or more after beginning a relationship, while 50% of respondents listed “eating out” or “watching TV” as their primary bonding activity. Take advantage of your new found freedom and go and try out new activities that you wouldn’t otherwise get to experience. Whether its going to the cinema alone to see that new Mamma Mia! 2 film that your ex would never agree to going to, trying that Lebanese restaurant down the road that your former flame always shunned in favour of the same old fish and chips every Friday or finally getting round to trying SoulCycle, anything is better than the sofa being your primary hobby. The more you get out and stay active, the more you will understand how to be okay with being alone!

2. Start working on all the other relationships in your life.

It’s an age old story: boy meets girl, boy meets girl’s friends, boy doesn’t like girl’s friends and over time boy manages to convince girl that a night at the pub watching the football with his mates should be considered a “fun” night of couple bonding. Do you remember the days of unabashed, reckless fun with your girl friends, where all you had to worry about was outfit clashes, posting the same clinking glasses boomerang on Instagram and not waking up in the bed of the ugly guy who got kind of hot from secondary school? Being in a relationship denies you to really invest yourselves in your friendships and make the mistakes that will form the stories that you and the ladies will look back upon gleefully in years to come. Oh and family, they’re important too.

3. Boy-friends.

No, not boyfriends, boy, friends, as in friends who are male, the kind that your ex always had a problem with and slowly forced you to remove from your life because he was too immature to understand that a girl and boy can have a platonic friendship. One very underrated advantage of the single life is that you can be friends with whoever you want, and that includes members of the opposite gender- how very 21^st century!.

4. Bon voyage!

Remember the days of travelling to Barcelona for what you hoped would be a wonderful couples holiday filled with beaches, rooftop bars and romantic vistas, but that ended up consisting of endless football stadium, trips to pubs and sex museums “for the bants”? Well those days are over because now you can go where you want, when you want. You can now pack your bags and head off to the mountains of Iceland, a Caribbean cruise or finally take that trip to Bali you always wanted on a whim because there’s no one else’s feelings (or wallet) to take into account when picking this summer’s holiday hotspot. Even little weekend trips will help you understand how to be okay with being alone! Sometimes it’s nice to have time for yourself!

5. Getting your beauty sleep.

Perhaps the most overlooked advantage of the single life is the way it will transform your experiences in the bedroom, and not in the way you’d think. No more fighting for mattress space or wrestling for blankets, the whole bed is now yours. Yes, cuddling is nice, but do you know what’s nicer? A good night sleep free of snoring, farting and his five alarms he has set because he’s too lazy to just get up when he needs to. Oh, and not to mention you now get ALL the wardrobe space.

And there you have it, 5 reasons to not just survive being alone, but truly make the most of single life for what it is: a period of freedom in which you really can do whatever the hell you want. Relationships are hard and require a lot of effort and sacrifices to work long term, so make sure you really enjoy your time with yourself, because how many of your friends in relationships have you heard say “I wish I was still single”?

Are there any other tips you have on how to be okay with being alone? Let us know in the comments below!

The Designer Bags That Are Worth The Hype

So, you want to invest in a designer handbag? Let’s face the truth, the realm of designer bags can be daunting and a little overwhelming at the best of times. With constant new releases of both new and revamped original styles in different colours, sizes and materials, it can be difficult to decide which model of the Chanel Boy Bag or size Chloe backpack you want spend your hard earned money on. And let’s not lie, considering the sky-high prices of most designer bags on the market at the moment, it’s not an easy decision. However, if you choose the right bag, opting for a designer handbag can be a great investment and will quickly become a staple in your wardrobe, seeing you through from Winter into Summer. Here, I will give you a guide to 6 of the best designer bags on the market at the moment that are actually worth the money and will make you think twice about wasting your money on a new high-street handbag every season.

Boy Chanel Handbag

Often referred to as being in competition with it’s Classic Flap sister, the cross-body ‘Boy Chanel Handbag’ is the far more interesting of the two and is definitely one of the best designer bags. With the Boy bag maintaining a more chunky and structured look with it’s boxy and square shape, it is a more modern version of the Chanel Flap bag and a much more casual alternative. It’s ability to be worn dressed down with with skinny jeans and a white tee for a laid-back daytime look or with a pair of killer heels for a wild night out makes this bag a versatile and timeless piece that is well worth the splurge.

Prada Galleria Saffiano Shoulder Bag

It’s an indisputable fact that Prada is best known for their iconic handbags, one of which has to be the Galleria. In a wide range of colours and sizes, you are guaranteed to find a Galleria bag that suits you perfectly. With it’s roomy interior and cross-hatch patterned exterior which increases it’s durability, it is a bag that can survive everyday use and is perfect for work. After all, who wants a bag you have to tip-toe around?

Chloe Faye Backpack

If you’re more of a hands-free girl, the Chloe Faye Backpack is the perfect investment for you. With the choice of either the ‘Small’ or ‘Mini’ size and a huge range of colour ways to choose from, this bag makes for an extremely versatile piece. Both sizes are big enough to fit your daily essentials, such as your phone, keys, purse and of course your favourite lipstick, making this bag an essential for everyday use, as not only does it look gorgeous, but it also scores serious practicality points.

Saint Laurent Monogramme Blogger Leather Shoulder Bag

This Saint Laurent pick is the perfect outfit accompaniment for a hastle-free yet put-together look. It’s simplistic design and streamlined shape make it a timeless piece with the ability to transcend seasons, saving you serious money throughout the year (which I’m sure your bank will thank you for in the long run!).  This bag will be your saviour when you can’t find a handbag that goes with that outfit 10 minutes before you’re due to leave the house. It’s essentially the bag version of the LBD and you NEED it in your collection!

Mulberry Abbey Small Classic Grain

This ‘Mulberry Abbey’ bag, in the Small Classic Grain size, is a traditional bucket bag with a modern twist and definitely one of the best high-end bags that the market has to offer. This Mulberry gem, particularly in the Coral Rose colourway, is the perfect effortless cross-body summer bag and is ideal for those hazy summer day trips out. Alternatively, it is equally as stunning paired with an all black outfit in the winter months to brighten up any dull days.

Hermes Kelly Bag

Out of all of the best designer bags available on the market at the moment, Hermes bags are undoubtedly some of the most saught-after. Aside from looking breathtakingly beautiful, Hermes bags look extremely expensive, which is not a bad thing considering the price tag. The quality is also faultless and Hermes bags are always in high demand, which means that the re-sale price will still be high if you ever decide to sell this beauty (which, of course, would be CRIMINAL!). So there you have it, 6 designer bags which are actually worth the hype, but more importantly, worth your extremely hard earned cash. If you’re ready to make the leap into the world of high-end accessories, I hope that this guide has helped you find a designer bag that will float your boat and fulfill all of your designer-bag-needs.

So there you have it, 6 designer handbags that are definitely worth the investment! Which one is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!