BALANCED BREAKFAST IDEAS

I know that Chloe Paigee has become increasingly filled with blog posts about food and balanced recipes recently, but it is a big part of my life at the moment. I am on a journey aimed to make myself a more balanced eater. So, I thought what better way to take you all on this journey with me than blog about a few recipes I have been enjoying...brilliant idea! Breakfast is one of the biggest meals of the day that I always used to skip, when in fact is is argumentatively, actually the most important meal of the day. However, with all of these new recipes I have found, there's no way I will be skipping breakfast again any time soon. 

Breakfast 1: Shreddies, yoghurt and frozen fruit

This is without a doubt, my favourite breakfast recipe. This is a breakfast idea that you may have all seen before (depending on how long you have been reading my blog). 

(Post here) 

Nutrition: This breakfast is a very healthy balanced recipe. The yoghurt provides calcium and bacteria that you need for strong bones and digesting. The fruit provides important vitamins and minerals vital in a balanced diet, while being part of your 5 a day. And finally, the Shreddies provide iron, vitamins, fiber and minerals which overall makes it a great meal to start the day! 

Breakfast two: fruit salad with yoghurt and a few cheeky biscuits 

You will need: 

Lots of fruit, what ever you prefer. I chose four portions. I also added a pot of Rhubarb yoghurt as a dip. Then finally, I also popped in a few bourbons to balance the meal out a bit...it was a great idea! 

Nutrition: This is a great balanced meal for breakfast. There's a variety of healthy fruits which add plenty of minerals and vitamins to your diet. These are essential for a healthy balanced diet because they ensure that your body works properly to produce the right chemicals. There is also fiber and protein in these fruits which ensure that your body can repair itself and also keep your digestive system working suitably. The biscuits add some yummy chocolate, some carbs and a small amount of fat to keep your body healthy and balanced.

Breakfast three: Weetabix with a banana and a milky tea

You will need: 

A banana, two wheat bisks (Weetabix) and about 150ml of milk. Along with a decent cup of tea.

Nutrition: As you probably know from the Weetabix advert that is repeatedly played on the TV, Weetabix is a perfect breakfast for a busy day! They are not wrong. It provides lots of vitamins and minerals that your body needs to keep healthy. It contains a lot of vitamin B (Thiamine, Riboflavin, folic acid) that works with vitamin B12 (which you get from certain meats and fish) to make healthy red blood cells. And of course, the banana alone provides brilliant nutrients; fiber, potassium and vitamins all in one. It is perfect when you have a hectic day ahead of you.

Breakfast 4: Shreddies topped with yoghurt, frozen berries and pineapple

You will need: 

About 35g of shreddies, a variety of fruit and mango yoghurt. 

Nutrition: This is pretty much the same as the first breakfast idea, except that the pineapple is fresh, not frozen. Also, the yoghurt is mango and not coconut and vanilla. It gives a huge amount of nutrients; calcium, bacteria (good for digestion), vitamins, minerals and fibre. Another perfect way to start the day! 

Do you have any breakfast idea recommendations? If you try any of these, let me know what you think! Have you tried any before?

WARDROBE STAPLE: RIPPED JEANS!

Evidently, ripped jeans have become very popular this year and have become a staple for many people. After seeing ripped styled skinny jeans while I was out, I decided to buy a few pairs while I was on an exciting shopping spree in London, I knew that they would go so well with many different items, I could picture them with shirts, vests, pretty tops, vest tops, kimonos, etc. They are the kind of clothing item that I would say is perfect for pairing with what ever items you like to wear to express yourself. 

I was always a bit nervous that skinny ripped jeans would look terrible on me and make my knees look extremely knobbly or something, but surprisingly, I actually loved them immediately. I have got to admit that I am guilty of over wearing these jeans, but to my surprise, they actually haven't faded. I know that a lot of people tend to go to TopShop to get good fitting jeans, but personally, I am not the biggest fan of TopShop. Probably due to my shape, their jeans just don't seem to fit me properly, so I tend to stick to Miss Selfridge for most of my jeans. These black skinny ripped jeans were actually £38 which is slightly less than TopShops jeans, and in my opinion, better quality. 

The first style I went for was a black vest top and bright orange shirt. The shirt was from GAP a while back in the sale. It is one of my favourite tops and I definitely feel that it adds colour to the look.

I then chose a few styles based around the shirt element. I chose these two shirts I have that are very different. This is another of my favourite tops, I just love the various colours inside the pattern, and the pattern itself. I also love how the polka dot shirt adds a pattern to the look - it's always good to have a pattern in your look. Patterns always make an outfit look a lot less simple and more stylish. 

The next style I went for was a long kimono with the black vest top. Once again, I love the pattern on this kimono, I think it adds another layer to the outfit. I am definitely going to be wearing this kimono a lot in the summer, it would look perfectly elegant when it flows in the light summer breeze. 

Finally, the last look I went for was a more colourful and summery look. The light weight purple summery vest top was definitely the colour staple in this look. I then added a jacket to each of these looks. The first is quite a tribal looking pattern, which I adore. This jacket is perfect for the winter, but not so much for the summer as it is a very fluffy material. However, on the opposite side, I have an outfit that's more suitable for summer. The jacket is quite a light but sturdy one, with pink thread joint into the design. Both of these look perfect with the black skinny ripped jeans.

Orange shirt: GAP sale £12

 Polka dot shirt: Select sale £5 

Blue patterned shirt: NewLook £20

Kimono: Matalan £10

Purple vest top: Matalan sale £1.50

Black tribal patterned jacket: Urban Outfitters sale £30

Pink/grey jacket: Miss Selfridge £25(?)

Just to let you know before hand, I will be reducing the amount I post to once a week as this Monday coming. I have a lot of exams ahead of me and I would like to be able to put my full attention into achieving my personal best. I will also be very inactive and so may not answer all comments, please be patient with me. I will be back blogging two days a week on the week beginning the 22nd of June. Thank you! 

LITTLE PICK-ME-UPS FOR WHEN YOU'RE FEELING 'MEH'

With all of these important parts in my life creeping up behind me, I am definitely in need of some love and care from myself and my loved ones. You are probably wondering something along the lines of 'what does a 16 year old have to worry about?'. I suppose my answer to that would be exams, followed by exams and more exams. Unfortunately, exam stress is one type of stress that I am particularly bad at managing by myself, and I find that having the support from others definitely helps me along the way. Examinations can make you feel very worried and down at times, which is totally normal. We always need a pick-me-up just to remind our selves why we are doing what we are doing and to remember that what ever happens will open new opportunities to explore. Lower grades don't result in failure, they just take you in a slightly different direction, and that's okay.

The Easter holiday that has just passed has definitely left me feeling a bit 'meh' - there's no other way to describe it. Not completely down, but not completely revived either. Just some where in the middle. Easter consisted of eating myself into oblivion while sat revising, watching the beautiful flowers bloom outside due to the sun deciding to come out to play. I mean, who wants to be trapped inside with their head stuck in a book, writing down tedious notes, revising for exams? I am quite sure that it wouldn't appeal to many. Maybe it is an ideal situation for those who love to study and learn - but not for me. I would much rather be sat on a cute little patchwork blanket in the middle of a vibrant green field, having a picnic beneath the sun with my friends. But maybe I am making life sound much simpler than it is. Life can't be completely full of fun, it would get boring eventually.

As we all feel down sometimes, I thought I would gather a list of things that I do when I am feeling a bit 'meh' to share with you all for you to use when you're not feeling great...

Do something you enjoy
This is something I feel is very important to do once or twice a week (at the least) to make sure that you don't become too tangled in the stresses that life can bring. Dealing with money issues, family issues, education problems, and everything else that life springs on us can become pretty over whelming at times. We always need a little break just to pick up the pieces and make ourselves up again, before starting back on the road of unexpected events, known as life. The one thing that I really enjoy when I am not feeling great is blogging. It is my way of letting out my feelings and thoughts to give myself more room for other thoughts. It is always good to get rid of some thoughts.

Sit down and watch a bit of TV
Just chill, let the world carry on around you while you sit curled up in your duvet watching a DVD, series or another TV programme you enjoy. I mean, is it really going to make a difference if you're not so productive for one day? Of course not! Make your little spot for the day comfortable and then go and grab a hot chocolate (or coffee/tea) with some cream and marshmallows and then sit down and relax. Find something to watch that  you can really get into and will take your mind off of your worries. Bury yourself in the characters problems, there's always enough of them!

Grab a book or a magazine 
This used to always be a time where I would sit back and grab the latest issue of Company. I am so sad that it ended, it was such an interesting and suitable magazine for people my age, it is not quite the same having an online version. Now instead, I tend to reach for the Glamour magazine and have a flick through that instead. It's not quite as good as Company was, but it's the next best thing. I am also currently getting stuck into Miranda Hart's biography which I got for Christmas 2014 - it is one of the funniest books I have ever come across. Miranda's humor is just hilarious. It is always one book that has me sat reading in a corner, giggling strangely to myself. I love reading, it takes my mind off things for a while, I just wish I had more time to read everyday.

Go out and get some fresh air
The sun has come out to play, so why not go out and have fun as well? Head out on a little walk, just explore and see where you find yourself. My favourite place to go is the little forest near me, it's on a hill and on the summer evenings, the sun set is breath-taking. Public forests areas are an ideal place for an early summer evening walk. Breathe in the fresh summer air and look at the beauty that surrounds you, clear your head and you'll be left significantly more energized.

Head out to the gym 
I know, I know, 'exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good'. I know so many people say this and yeah it does take a lot of effort to get yourself up and out, but once you are out you won't regret it. I mean it must be better than sitting at home all day doing nothing, moping around feeling sorry for yourself, right? I'm sure your body will thank you for it after.

I really need to start getting myself to the gym or just out for a jog - I always feel so much better after. It always leaves me more feeling more energized and healthy than before I started. This may seem the wrong way around, but many people would agree with me. Just half an hour every morning sets me up for the day. It leaves me all hot and sweaty which means that I immediately jump in to the shower straight after. What more do you need? A healthy routine that makes you ready for the day. I really do need some encouragement to even move from my bed some days.

Add an exciting event to the diary
Fun, something that some of us don't have enough of in our lives. So, why not arrange something fun with your family, mum, dad, friend(s) or siblings? Make plans for the weekend ahead and give yourself something to look forward to after the stressful week at work, college, uni or school. Give yourself a time to relax and enjoy yourself.

Indulge in yummy food
Why not? Food is there to be enjoyed. Get your apron on, bring out all of your cook books and make yourself something delicious. Or, on the other hand, if you're feeling lazy, just order something in, there's no harm in a take away now and then. Invite a friend over, watch a film while you munch away. Friends are there to look after each other, and to invite over for a movie marathon!

Pamper yourself
Grab that bath bomb that has been lying around your room for months and plop it into a nice warm bath! I am absolutely dreadful for giving myself some time to soak in the tub. I still have bath bombs all wrapped up, left over from Chrismtas gifts. I must find a time to use them soon! If you're not a bath person, paint your nails, cream on a face mask, or what ever else it is you enjoy. Just give yourself a few hours to feel replenished.

Look back over old pictures
Finally, one of my favourite pick-me-ups. Finding old pictures of me and friends/family while tidying my room is always something that cheers me up. I have a little keep safe box with all of my favourite yet terribly embarrassing pictures inside. They always have me giggling at the picture and the several memories of fun times.

What do you do when you're feeling a bit drained and 'meh'?

(This post is part of a little blogger series I'm taking part in called the "secret blogger project 2015" run by teen bloggers Emily , Rebekka and Charlotte. About 30 of us will be writing twice a week on selected little lifestyle topics and you can also go onto the twitter and Instagram hash tag "#secretbp2015" to have a little chat and view everyone's posts. If you would like to join or know more (we'd love to have you!)  Instagram dm @theperks0fbeingemily or if you don't have Instagram, send a quick email to  rebekkarosebeautyxo@gmail.com!)

STYLING SPOTTY DOC MARTENS!

Some of you may have been lucky enough to have seen these boots before, possibly on my London Haul! These are my all time favourite boots, I wear them most days. They go with almost everything you could possibly think of! I know that many people say that boots are just for winter, but I disagree, you'll find me wearing boots all year around! Even in the summer! 

Doc Martens have always been a huge love of mine, but I have only owned a pair since January this year. I just haven't had the chance or the money to buy any before this. I am so glad I decided to buy a pair though, not only one, but TWO - I did treat myself! 

Doc Martens are so easy to style with any item of clothing! I feel that they go especially well with thick jeans, but they go with a lot of other trousers as well. That's why they're so brilliant! Versatile and convenient. I have created a few styles but there are many other ways that you can wear Doc Martens. For example with knee high socks, leggings or even textured tights! Here are my styles: 

Style 1: Rolled up jeans 

Style 2: With tights and a skirt/shorts

Style 3: With shorts and novelty socks (I always find an excuse to wear my cute socks!) 

Style 4: With a short or long dress

Style 5: With a light pair of jeggings 

Are you lucky enough to own any Doc Martens? What is your favourite shoe brand? 

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR REVISING!

Revision is one of the most tedious and monotonous parts of student life, and with exams creeping up on us all it's sometimes hard to inspire yourself to keep revising and working for them. Determination is one thing that many of us struggle with, we all need encouragement to revise, whether that comes from ourselves or someone else. Also, we all worry about whether we are revising enough, it's a normal feeling. However, you should never push yourself too far! Too much revision can lead to too much stress and therefore impact success in the final exam. Do enough, but not too much!

There are always going to be people around us who talk about  how they spend continuous hours revising, don't dwell too much on this! A lot of people tend to do a lot less than they say they are doing. And those who do truly spend too many hours revising probably won't come out with the best result. Or, they won't be taking in everything, and their effort will be wasted! What's important is that you do enough to feel happy with your own work! Some people can concentrate longer than others. The brain can concentrate for 45 minutes at the most. After 45 minutes of intense studying, the brain's concentration drops extremely! Some people struggle to concentrate for 20 minutes, it's different for everyone. Breaks are the key!

Personally, I tend to study for about 3-4 hours a day at the weekend and during holidays. On school days I revise for 2 hours a day for about 4-5 days a week. I tend to do about half an hour and then have a 5 minute break where I leave my desk and go somewhere else, sometimes I have a snack and a drink. Some days I don't revise at all because it is always a good idea to have a break. You should never be revising for 7 days a week constantly, it's not healthy and can impact you in ways that you wouldn't realise. Always have a day off to refresh yourself and maybe go out with friends. Revision shouldn't take over your life completely.

Revision equipment is a vital part to revision! Revision is a lot more manageable with colours and different techniques. To revise, you can use flash cards, mind maps, notes, post-its, revision stars, podcasts, websites, etc. Anything that helps you to remember things are forms of revision. It doesn't have to be extremely academic, revision related videos on YouTube also count! It is absolutely vital to understand how you learn the best! Before you start revising, make sure to check the internet to find what type of learner you are. This will help you to tailor your revision to your needs.

I use many revision aids to help me to revise. I am mainly a reading and writing learner. I like to make mind maps and re-write my revision notes. There are lots of revision equipment that I would recommend that you purchase (especially is you're a similar learner to me):

1) A few folders to keep work in. I have one for revision notes and one for past years work/homework. It helps to keep me organised.
2) A big note pad for revision notes. I bought this one from The Works and I think it is perfect because revision is all about planning. It is also really good quality paper, which is so important for me.
3) Revision stars and post-it notes for little notes that are important. I use these for definitions.
4) Blue Tack and Sticky Fixers to stick posters onto walls and stick certain things together.
5) Staples to staple together revision notes to keep topics together.
6) A diary to keep a plan of when your exams and important dates are. A weekly planner to organise any revision tasks/homework due at school. This helps me to keep track of when which homework is due.
7) Coloured pens - makes revision more exciting and it is scientifically proven that we learn better with colour!
8) Cardboard folders to keep little revision bits inside for different topics. Or maybe to keep revision sheets inside.
9) Plastic wallets and dividers to keep sheets and revision notes inside in the folders and keep them organised into subjects.
10) COLOURED CARD! This is absolutely vital if you like to make mind-maps! These are just ideal, they are brightly coloured to help you to remember and also card is a lot more sturdy than paper, and easier to stick to the wall.

Once you have got together everything you need, the next step is to get together a revision time table, setting out your whole day! I use an amazing app called 'My Study Life' which helps your to manage your exams, homework, lessons and revision sessions! It is completely free. I have it on my laptop and iPad and it notifies me when I have 15 minutes until a lesson or revision session. If you find it easier, you can use a revision timetable template, write in your own revision sessions and stick it onto your wall.

Exams are stressful but as long as you ensure that you revise, you will do as well as you can! Make sure to do as many past papers as you can to make sure that you know the exam techniques. That is very important. Keep to your revision guide right up until your last exam and once you've completed all exams you can finally sit back and tell yourself that you performed to your absolute best potential!

Good luck to all of you who have important exams coming up soon! Be confident, you will do amazing!

LIGHT, FLUFFY PANCAKES FOR LUNCH PLEASE...

For so many years, I have always wanted to be able to make American styled pancakes, but I have never had the skills or confidence to actually attempt them. For some reason, I thought they were really hard to make. Evidently, they are pretty much the opposite to that. They are a quick and simple recipe for a sweet treat at any time. And what's more, they look so appetising. I attempted these a few days ago and they turned out well, but I used a bit too much batter at times. However, thankfully this time (my second time), they have come out perfect, ideal for a blog post! So I thought I would take some pictures and share it with all of you! 

What you will need: 

• 135g flour, 
• 1tsp baking powder, 
• 1/2 tsp of salt, 
• 1 egg,
• 130ml of milk,
• 2 tbsp of caster sugar,
• 2 tbsp of butter, melted

Accompaniment:

• Fruit 
• Yoghurt (I used it as a dip)
• Syrup 
• Sugar 

The first step is to sieve the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt into a bowl. Then get another container and beat an egg into the milk. Next, melt the butter in a pan, on a low to medium heat to ensure that it doesn't burn. Then pour the butter into the milk and egg mixture and beat it again. After that, add it to the flour mixture and combine until you have a smooth batter. 

Once the batter is ready, add some olive oil to a pan and heat it. Once the oil is hot enough (test by dropping some batter in the pan, if it sizzles, it's ready) pour a small ladle of batter into the pan and leave it to cook. I made one at a time. Once the batter starts to bubble on the top, check the bottom of the pancake and flip if ready. Do the same to the other side until they are cooked. Repeat with the rest of the batter and then place them all on top of each other on a plate. 

Once they are all on the plate, run some syrup over the top using a spoon and then dust with some sugar. Add a bit of fruit to the side, and maybe some yoghurt and then you're done, and they are ready to eat! 

I hope you enjoy these pancakes if you do try them, let me know how it goes! Tweet me a picture (chloepaigee_) or tag me in one on Instagram (freedxmist) :) 

EASTER BUNNY NAIL ART

I always paint my nails on special occasions, but Easter is definitely my favourite without a doubt! I just love painting little Easter bunnies on my nails, they are sooo cute! They are also relatively easy and so it doesn't take too much time to do. However, you do have to wait for a while to let the layers dry. For that reason, I would highly recommend getting nail varnishes that are quite thin and therefore dry quite quick. I used a Sinful Colors nail varnish (yellow), Avon nail varnishes (black and white) and a MUA nail varnish (pink). It is also a good idea to get a base coat nail varnish to prevent staining of the nails.

So, here's how you create these little bunnies:
1. Paint your nails using the base coat, leave to dry.
2. Once the base coat is dry, using a nail art painting brush, draw a semi circle shape at the end of your nail to act as the bunnies head.
3. Continuing on with the use of the nail art brush, draw some bunny ears that go towards the nail bed.
4. Leave the yellow nail varnish to dry before moving on to step 5.
5. Wash and dry the nail brush and then dip it into the pink nail varnish and brush some inside of the yellow ears. Also, add a little pink dot (as a nose) at the end of your nail on the yellow semi circle.
6. Then wash the brush and dry it again before dipping it into the white nail varnish and making dots (for eyes) on the bunny's head. Leave it all to dry.
7. Clean and dry the brush again and then lightly dip it into the black nail varnish. Paint a small dot on each of the white spots to act as eyes. Leave to dry and then you're done.
8. Once it is all dry, you could use a top coat to finish it off. It is up to you.

You can repeat these little bunnies on each nail, or just use it on one nail and paint the rest a different colour. I painted the rest of mine differently, using a spotty design.

I hope you found these steps easy to follow. If you do recreate these, tweet me a picture or tag me in a picture on Instagram!

RIMMEL TOP PICKS!

Rimmel is one of my utmost favourite brands for my makeup base! I have been relying on their products for a while now and I cannot seem to be able to pull myself away. It is a suitably priced drugstore brand and I absolutely love their products. The only negative thing I can say about them as a brand is that they do test on animals:( which I hate, but I hope that one day this might change (pleaseee)!

I have to admit that I don't tend to try many other products from Rimmel except the base products. My top picks from Rimmel would have to be the Wake Me Up concealer and foundation, along with the Stay Matte Powder!! They are just the best products I have found that suit my skin the best, so I use them every day and I have done for about a year now.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

I absolutely love this foundation, especially for the upcoming summer months! It has such a moisturising formula which is perfect for my slightly dry skin. It also has illuminating glitter which makes my skin look a lot more healthy! It covers my dark and uneven patches perfectly, and for me, that is a miracle in itself! The overall coverage of this foundation is great! I have never found myself having to apply layers to ensure that it covers everything. It is also quite long lasting (about 4 hours). I feel that most foundations tend to rub off during the day, especially because we tend to rub our faces so much in a day without even realising! Together with the concealer, they make a miracle base! I even adore the tone of this foundation, it is not too orange, but it is also not too grey toned; it is the perfect creamy textured light beige foundation and it is definitely without a doubt, my favourite. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer 

Out of all of the concealers, this is definitely without a doubt, my favourite concealer. It has a perfectly creamy formula; not too much that it doesn't last, or cover spots, but just enough so that it doesn't look clammy on the skin and covers the appropriate areas. The shades available match the foundation perfectly as well. I mostly use this concealer under my eyes because it is just ideal for covering dark circles. It illuminates the area and the little glitter pigments inside of it brighten the grey circles. It claims to provide a radiant glow, and I would definitely say it does that! It does exactly what it says on the box (tube)! 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

Once again, this is one of my favourite products I have ever used! It is such a long lasting powder, yet it is so cheap, I refuse to use anything else. It leaves you with a stunningly natural matte finish, that covers patches and offers and even look. I will definitely be going through a lot of these powders in the summer when my t-zone becomes more active. Usually, in the summer my foundation tends to rub off quite easily due to the excess oils from sweat and natural oils. However, I know that using this powder is without a doubt going to prevent my t-zone becoming so oily. It also doesn't tend to make a cakey look, which is always perfect, but obviously, don't go too over board with it! If you are looking for a powder and haven't tried this one yet, I would definitely say to try it at least, I am almost 100% sure you'll love it! 

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think of them?

This is a collab with the lovely Megan. Make sure to check out her blog, I have read her post and it is great!