Five Free Fitness Apps That I Love

My outlook on fitness and health is something that has changed since the last year. Although I've always known about the importance and managed to get myself to gyms in the past 7 years, I've done what I thought I should be doing, rather than work in more of a smart way. I've found the lockdown period helpful (funnily enough) to finally prioritise a healthy and sustainable lifestyle which I hope to continue with when everything is back to normal. 

In the past year I've tried some fitness apps which honestly have kept me motivated and firmly on the fitness wagon, so I thought I would share what they are and why they've been helpful! 

Couch to 5K

During the first lockdown, I completed the Couch to 5K app, which was a massive achievement. If you run for 30 seconds and get tired, this app is for you. It works, but you have to trust in the system. Hopefully you will stick with it and reap the benefits. I find that I fall in and out of running, I have currently a few 5K's in the last two month, however took a break with running after completing the programme. I don't think you lose what you learn, however consistency is always a good thing. I would definitely recommend this app to beginners, and heck, if I do lose my running ability, even I will go back to it! 

Strava

Strava, if you don't already know, is like Facebook but for activities. It's such a lovely way to track any activities you do, whether that's walking, running or cycling. Strava is even better if you have friends on there, so you can see what everyone is up to activity-wise and it just keeps you thinking about being active which is motivating. It's so great to cheer on your friends and family by liking their content too. I joined Strava halfway through my Couch to 5K programme to help track my distance and share my progress and haven't looked back since!

Workout for Women 

Workout for Women is such a great all round fitness app that I go back to.  I love this app because it is nicely laid out, you can choose between options (such as beginner, no jumping, abs, legs, HIIT etc) and from there can choose workouts based on calories burned and time taken. Even if you only have 5 minutes to spare, you will probably find a mini workout on there. As there are so many categories, you can completely curate your own workout based on what you want to work on which is just ideal for a free app. 

Nike Running App

I've used the Nike Running App on a few occasions before I invested in an Apple Watch. Although Strava is great, the Nike Running App actually tells you how many calories you have burned which is helpful to know. So I think this is also a great app for anyone who exclusively enjoys running!

Pedometer 

We are in an age where I think it's really easy to be sedentary. Watching Netflix, browsing the internet or even reading a book are things we do sitting down. Personally, I like to keep a track of my steps and try to aim for over 10,000 a day. I like to think of this as a target and either try to reach it or get as close as I can to it. I don't think activity should be be guilt-driven, but more a target that will make you feel good when you have done what you set out! My step count was the first thing I focused on when I was trying to steer my habits last Spring and it's still something I focus on now - so if there is one change I would recommend, it would be this one!

I think we are lucky to be in an age in which all these apps are available to us to keep us moving forward. I would love to know if any of you have used these apps, or if there are any that I should be aware of! 

I have a few posts coming soon so if you would like to read more of my content then be sure to follow me on Bloglovin to stay up to date! 

15 things to do whilst self-isolating

So March has been a long month and a lot has happened. As we are all isolating ourselves in our homes, I thought I would share some things that you can do while you are at home, to break the monotony and take advantage of the time that we have got. I will be sharing some examples of what I have been doing too!

1. Read a book (I finished Heroes by Stephen Fry, and would highly recommend)
2. Do a jigsaw/ Play a game (I've found a deck of cards last weekend!)
3. Draw/ Colour
4. Listen to your favourite albums (I've been listening to old Muse Albums)
5. Plan a workout schedule

6. Listen to Podcasts (My Favourite Murder/ No Such Thing as Fish/ Is it Just Me?/ Science(ish))
7. Do a manicure/pedicure (my sister has kindly gave me both!)
8. FaceTime/ phone friends (I have been doing this while walking)
9. Bake a cake/ Cook a new dish (I helped bake my own birthday cake)
10. Clean or reorganise a space in your home

11. Give yourself a facial (I knew that Jade Facial Roller would come in handy!)
12. Practice Yoga/ Mindfulness (Yoga with Kassandra on YouTube is my favourite)
13. Watch a new movie with the lights dimmed for a cinema experience (I've done this once and it was great!)
14. Experiment and try a new makeup/ hair look
15. Give yourself a massage (I am planning on cracking out the Tonic Body Treatment Oil from Clarins!)


I hope you found at least one thing that was helpful on this list! Let me know if you have any more tips and tricks on new things to try as I would love to hear them.

If you would like to read more posts then be sure to follow me on Bloglovin to stay up to date! I have  some upcoming posts that you might find helpful!

My Trip to Boston: December 2018

I recently went to Boston for a holiday, and I honestly did not want to come back to England. I had such a lovely time exploring, finding more about their history and eating great food. I wanted to share some of my pictures and also my recommendations if you were to go!

I did my own tour around Boston City Centre, following the red path of the 'Freedom trail' which highlights the main sights in Boston within a three mile radius. I think this path is a must if you are in Boston! I actually listened to a podcast which actually delivers a tour which was really relaxing, as you get to go at your own pace, stopping and starting where you want to. The podcast I listened to was the 'Welcome to Boston - The Freedom Trail'. It gives around a 5-10 minute history on each of the sights so it's informative and interesting but not to long!

In terms of attractions nearby, I did enjoy the Boston aquarium as you were able to gently stroke stingrays and starfish which was an experience! Apart from that, the aquarium was similar to others I have visited in the past. Visiting the waterfront while I was exploring was just lovely. Boston has an amazing sunset!

I love to go to museums, especially when I am abroad. In Boston there are so many museums to choose from. I was more attracted to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which was a self-curated museum that Isabella, an avid art collector, put together. I found this experience more enlightening, as she arranged her pieces in a particular way to spark thought and emotion. This is such a aesthetically pleasing museum with a few famous pieces.

This museum is well-known due to the incident in which someone stole 13 pieces of art, including the works of Degas and Rembrant in 1990. The frames are still up there in hope that the art will be returned.

In terms of food, there is so many places to eat in Boston so you won't be starved of choice. I really enjoyed Lolita Cocina and Tequila Fort Point bar, they do amazing cocktails and do a sort of a Mexican Tapas. The Smoke Shop BBQ is also a fantastic place if you love American style BBQ. One of the most memorable foods though was the Shrimp Taco's from Kings Dining and Entertainment on Boston Seaport, so I would highly recommend trying those!

One of the last stops we made was to Harvard University, It's around a 15 minute train away from Boston city centre, and MIT is also on the same line. Visiting Harvard actually reminded me of England, it's a small town consisting of the Harvard Campus with the essentials shops surrounding it. Its worth a visit for sure if you are in the area!

Although I spent 9 days in Boston, it flew by! I would highly recommend going to Boston if any of you get the opportunity and I hope that I am able to return back there in the future!

I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse of my holiday! Let me know in the comments what location is worth seeing!

My Trip to Budapest 2017!

A week ago I was in Budapest with my friends, and I had the most amazing time. I've chosen a few of my favourite pictures to show to you guys and I hope you enjoy!

St. Stephen's Basilica

Buda Castle

Shoes on the Danube river

Fisherman's Bastion

Hungarian Parliament Building

Budapest Eye

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Sephora Blotting Sheets

I am a recent convert to blotting sheets. I was blotting my face with tissue and realised that there was a specific product for what I was doing that was probably a lot more hygienic and also more effective. So after a trip to Italy, I managed to get my hands on the Sephora Blotting Sheets (€6.00/50 sheets) and if you guys aren't already in on the action, I think I need to get you hooked.

If you don't already know, blotting sheets are designed to remove the excess surface oil that your face produces, so if you are a greasy mess like me, you really need to blot and remove the layer of oil before reapplying make-up over the top. Grease and powder mixed together can lead to a cakey finish on your face, and also harden your pressed powder. I didn't realise the reason why my powder became hard was due to the transfer of the oils on my face being repeatedly patted into the powder with my applicator.

The actual product is a blotting sheet on one side and has a slight powder on the other side, I tend to blot my face first, just pressing the sheet on to all the shiny areas of my face and then use the other side if I didn't bring any powder with me. So this product actually saves you from having to lug around a powder and an applicator, so if you are low on space, then this is the product you need.

Blotting sheets are designed to blot on the go, and so they are super travel friendly, having packaging that dispenses sheets like a tissue box, which is super convenient. It's also super thin in design and also very compact so it's easy to add in your daily handbag and even in a tiny clutch. For the price, I think this is a great product which helps eliminate residual oil on your face and also ensures non-cakey makeup for when you are reapplying! I highly recommend investing in one if you are one to carry products around with you!

I would love to know if you've tried blotting sheets. If you have, be sure to leave me a comment telling me what your favourite one is! Be sure to follow me on Bloglovin for more beauty posts!

My Trip to Verona and Venice 2016

Last week I spent the week in  Italy with my mom. It was a spontaneous trip and it went by so fast. While I was in Italy, I spent most of the time exploring around Verona and spent just one day in Venice and I just fell in love. I love to take pictures and show you guys my experience of the places I travel to, so cue the pictures of Verona and Venice...

Verona Arena

Juliet's Balcony, Verona 

Castelvecchio, Verona 

Park in Padua, Italy

Venice, Italy

Doge's Palace, Venice

St Marks Basilica, Venice

Bridge of Sighs, Venice

I hope you guys enjoyed this mini snapshot of my trip to Verona and Venice. I have also done collages of my trips to Milan, Paris and also India! Be sure to follow me on Bloglovin for beauty related posts! I would also love to know what parts of the world you would recommend going to! I love to travel and I need some more ideas of where to go next!

Instagram Diary #1

Lately, I have been in love with posting pics on Instagram. Literally, I will post one photo on the weekday, showing you guys my daily make-up look, new blog post or even a mini review. Today I'm going to show you my mini snapshot of my Instagram Diary...

The three nail polishes on this snapshot are all from BarryM, I love this brand, they have different formulas, colours, payoff's and it's my go-to brand for having everything go right with my nails! 

I have also posted three blog posts in these last three weeks, the first was my Two Essential Hair Products For Healthier Hair, the next was my Two Lipsticks to Carry You into Autumn, and the last was my 5 Skincare Hacks. I have really been enjoying blogging lately, every week I will have an idea and then I will just grab my laptop and write! I already have an idea for next Tuesdays post, so I am going to shoot some pictures later today! 

I wanted to give a mention to my brow game lately, I've been exclusively using L'Oreal products for the last few months (3 for 2 deals are when you should strike). I literally feel like the little Brow Artist Genius Kit and the Brow Plumper are all you need. 

The new item I have been trying is the Pai BioRegenerate Rosehip Oil. I have enjoyed using this oil, it leaves my skin really soft and it's full of natural ingredients, and so is perfect for anyone with sensitive skin! 

So that was my mini roundup of my Instagram! I would love it if you comment on my latest Instagram photo that you came from here! My username is anjna_harish. Subscribe to my blog on Bloglovin' to keep up to date with my next post! 

Hero Products of 2015

 I can't believe that it's almost the end of 2015! 2015 brought some awesome things to my attention, from new music, to amazing beauty products to staple skin-care items and I would like to share a few of my hero finds with you!

In May I finally tried the brand La Roche-Posay and it just changed my outlook on skincare, skincare should be simple, minimalist but still thorough, and this is a brand which delivers just that. I have a post dedicated to three of my La-Roche Posay finds and I can happily tell you that I have repurchased them all and they are still in my skincare routine.

In terms of music, three artists really stuck with me this year; the first is Muse, their new album Drones is fantastic, I am such a fan of their music and I am going to see them next April! My favourite songs are Dead Inside, The Handler and also JKF which then leads to Defector! The next album I listened to on my trip to India and that was Maroon V's album V and it was really good! More on the pop side but really energising and just good fun to listen to! I mentioned their album in My September Favourites! The last artist I want to mention is Lo-Fang, I just discovered his album Blue Film a week ago and I am already obsessed! If you love mellow music which has meaning and love to just sit down and listen, then this is the album I would point you to! My favourite songs include Blue Film, #88 and Boris!

My next hero product, well hero brand that I discovered this year is NARS, their foundation the All Day Luminous Weightless (£32.00/ 30ml) was the first product which really called out to me, I did a full review of it, but  to sum up, it's super lightweight, really pigmented and just lasts nicely on the skin. If you want an all rounder foundation, then this is the one I would point you towards! I received my first NARS blush this year in the shade LibertÉ (£23.00/4.8g) and although it looks a bit out there in the pan, it's actually really lovely on the skin. It's a burnished apricot shade that adds a bit of definition, and just really suits tanned skin. The formula and pigmentation are phenomenal, I only need the tiniest amount and I am set!

The last thing I want to mention is my blog, this year I have really enjoyed delving into my more lifestyle post, my 10 studying tips was one of my most viewed posts! My holiday photo posts also get quite a bit of views, this year I went to Paris and India! I want to thank you guys for reading and commenting!

I would love it if you subscribed on  Bloglovin', it really is the best place to keep up to date on all my posts! I hope all of you had an awesome year, let me know in the comments what your hero products were! I would love to know!