My Tea Obsession & How I created a tea sanctuary in my home for wellness

May 22, 2017 ~ fiolastyle ~ Leave a comment

Those who know me, and even those who don’t – thank you instagram – know that I am obsessed with tea. It is certainly nothing new, in fact I believe I drank my first ‘cup’ of tea at the early stage of 6 months of age! Yes, my darling Mother gave me chamomile tea as an infant, and all through my childhood I can remember loving tea, always the caffeine free herbal teas, often sweetened with honey and used as herbal remedies for a variety of ailments or a warming night time comforter – thank you Celestial Seasonings for Sleepytime tea, a real favourite.

Fast forward to the present, and Tea is an everyday occurrence. I admit that a part of my tea attraction these days is the caffeine which I do crave in the morning, and as a pick me up through the day. It is not just the caffeine that I crave though, I love the cleansing and rehydrating benefits of herbal tea, and I love green tea for its clean taste and inevitable anti oxidant boost. I especially love jasmine green tea or green tea with rose petals, they really do make you feel so ‘clean’ on the inside!

I tend to go through tea phases.

Currently my go to tea in the morning is Dilmah Rose and French Vanilla tea, I love the beautiful rose fragrance and strong black tea. I have it milky with plant based milk, usually soy milk (bonsoy) it is creamier and best tasting. I usually have two cups of this tea in succession before or with breakfast. After that I usually move on to green tea throughout the day (two to four cups) and in the late afternoon and evening I change to a caffeine free tea, such as Sleepytime tea or dandychai which is like a dandelion tea with spices. Dandelion tea is an amazing liver tonic and I have it almost every evening, at least one, maybe two cups.

My Top 5 All Time Favourite Teas

1. Dilmah Rose with French Vanilla tea (the best breakfast tea)

2. TWG Bain de Roses (incredible rose fragrance)

3. Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime tea (an old childhood favourite)

4. Pukka Womankind tea (a soothing vanilla & rose tea for women’s wellness)

5. Kintra Dandychai tea (a warming, spicy liver tonic)

Create a Tea Sanctuary

There is a lot to love about tea, not least because of the multiple health benefits of many different teas. If you make green tea and herbal teas part of your daily routine, you will look and feel healthier. I think it helps to make skin glow, and aid in digestion and general body function.

One of the aspects of tea that I cherish is the pretty porcelain tea sets that I have collected over the years. I love to pick and choose different tea cups based on my mood, the weather, the type of tea and if I have guests. There is nothing prettier than a fine bone china tea set! All the different teas and the china tea sets got me thinking that I should create a special ‘Tea sanctuary’ in my bedroom, a place where it all comes together. Something I would use everyday. So I created one, and this is how I did it.

I bought a second hand wooden tray mobile, with a top and bottom tray, and hand painted it to fit my room’s colour scheme. I use the bottom tray to store the tea, and the kettle, and the top of the tray mobile for the tea cups and tea accessories. Because it has wheels i can move it around, which I like. You can really use whatever you want to make your tea sanctuary. The main thing to keep in mind is finding a place that can hold all of the various items in one place, like a side table or shelving.

I hope I have inspired you to start a journey of your own in to the wonderful world of tea

XOXO

Fiola Rose

Mid Winter Blues

July 20, 2016July 20, 2016 ~ fiolastyle ~ Leave a comment

Recently I feel as though winter has gotten the better of me. Not so long ago I was actually looking forward to a change in season, crisp cool weather, a new season wardrobe, and cozy nights in. Somehow, at this point in late July I am feeling rather flat. My diet and exercise programme disappeared somewhere back in April, and I’m seeing the results.

Whilst most of the rest of the world seem to be on an endless summer vacation in Europe (Thanks for letting me know, Instagram!) I couldn’t help but feel as though I am missing out. Of course it is my choice that I am not galavanting in the sun somewhere glorious, as I have chosen to stay focused on my work goals this winter ( I’m working on an exclusive swimwear line, to be released September ) but that does NOT mean that I want to feel this lacklustre!

Standing in front of the mirror last night, trying on the sample bikini’s that I need to approve for my swimwear line, it really hit me that I have totally packed on the kilos lately, to a point where I was quite shocked at myself! It is frightening how fast it can sneak up on you, especially when you spend the days rugged up under big woolen sweaters and leggings (I work from home). This realisation last night really gave me the kickstart I needed. With a Swimwear line to launch in the next two months and a wedding in Sotogrande, Spain at the end of August, I know that now is the time to pull myself together and get onto a diet and fitness programme that I can stick to. It’s not like we don’t all, at some point, or in my case some points in our life ‘relax’ our fitness and diet regime, and then pick ourselves up again at a later date, so I do know how to go about this. I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again!

This morning, feeling really inspired, I got up, stretched, and jumped onto the treadmill running 2 km. I also did 60 sit ups and 20 squats. It seemed like a good start. I have actually moved the treadmill into my bedroom, because I know that is what it’s going to take to get me on it every morning, no excuses.

I’m feeling committed and inspired and even from just this morning’s exercise, my mood feels lighter. I had Quinoa porridge for breakfast with a big cup of tea.

I will also be committing to the diet that works for me which is tried and tested (by me) and made up of unprocessed and organic where possible, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, very little meat, lots of nuts and wholegrains and at least two litres of herbal tea/water every day. One of the most important things I know? A litre of water upon waking. It seriously changes you for the better in almost every way!

It’s funny really, when you know your body mind and spirit so well, yet you do things that you know aren’t good for it. As much as I understand myself, and with the wealth of knowledge I have on healthy living, why do I do it? To clarify, when I say ‘it’ what I mean is this: A total lack of proper exercise, and allowing myself to indulge in too many sugary refined foods, such as cakes and pastries, and just eating whatever I feel like on a daily basis!! I guess life is all about balance, and finding consistency, but I do think its ok to have moments of straying from the path as long as you know how to get back to it again. Without straying from the path, and getting lost you can’t properly appreciate how good it is when you finally find that path again.

I’ll be updating this blog routinely to share my experience of getting summer body fit, in winter, so stay connected!

xoxo

Fiola

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Valentine’s Date? My style & beauty tips to make you a total knockout!

February 12, 2015February 12, 2015 ~ fiolastyle ~ Leave a comment

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you would be well aware that Valentine’s Day is very soon indeed. If you are planning on celebrating this most romantic of days, with a hot date, then you might like to follow my easy and quite frankly, last minute Valentines Day prep steps! Don’t worry, it’s not too late.

Valentine’s day is the perfect excuse to make an effort, and look your most gorgeous. Follow these simple steps to be a total knockout, but in a no fuss, not overdone kind of way.

1. Body Glow. You will need super sexy, glowy skin if you are going to really look your best, so get scrubbing! I find the best way to get really smooth, exfoliated skin is by using an exfoliating mitt or glove in the bath or shower. Lather up and use gentle circular motions from your feet to your neck. Alternatively use a good body scrub in the bath or shower. Once you are super smooth, if you are on the pale side, or simply want to boost that glow, apply a self tanner. For the best DIY, I recommend either St Tropez mousse or Loving Tan mousse. Apply with a tanning mitt, and you’ll be tanned and super sexy in no time.

2. Make sure that your face and décolletage are looking their best. Exfoliate with a gentle exfoliating scrub, such as Dermalogica’s multi vitamin thermafolient, which I personally use and love. Apply a good mask once you have exfoliated. I currently use Dermalogica’s skin refining mask, because I like clay masks, but use whatever suits your skin type.

3. Choose your outfit, and try it on. For this occasion I recommend a dress that is effortlessly sexy, feminine and flattering. I think it’s nice also to wear something pink or red, but that’s just me, so wear any colour you feel good in. Remember, you don’t want to look like you’ve tried too hard, this look is all about effortless romantic beauty. Keep accessories feminine and minimal.

I recommend you do steps 1, 2 and 3 the day before Valentine’s Day.

Getting ready on Valentine’s Day

Once you are showered and moisturised with clean washed and towel dried hair, the fun can begin!

First step is your hair. I recommend you keep it looking pretty natural, so if its long, then I suggest blow drying it and adding some romantic waves or loose curls and some volume. Always a winning look. Alternatively, or if it’s shorter, then I would keep it sleek and straight, adding some sweet smelling shine serum to give it mirror like shine. Whatever look you decide for your hair, just remember to keep it romantic and soft looking for this occasion.

Second step is make up. This look I have chosen is really easy to do, and very minimal. A super natural look. It’s great for day or night. Start with a well moisturised (not sticky) face, and apply a good primer, such as autopilot by Napoleon.

Apply a concealer in the places you need extra coverage, such as under the eyes, and around your nose, I love YSL Touché Eclat. Next apply Nude by Nature natural mineral cover all over your face (including your eyelids) with a large kabuki brush, adding as much as you need. Then, apply a pinky blush to the apples of your cheeks, for a rosy flush. I love Chanel’s powder blush in 64 pink explosion. Now it’s time to highlight and contour a little bit. Using a bronzing powder ( I use Chanel) simply add some definition under your cheekbones, around your hairline and under your jaw line. Keep the application light. Then add a pearly pink toned highlighter such as NYX liquid Illuminator in sunbeam, to the highest point of your cheekbones where the light hits and also under your brow bone.

On your eyelids, take a light pink, shimmery powder such as Bourgois pastel eyeshadow in rose innocent, and cover the eyelid in this colour. Blend well. Apply mascara, I love Dior’s dior show mascara.

Finally add a pretty pink gloss to your lips, such as my new favourite, Revlon’s colourburst in 58 bejewelled. It’s just the prettiest pale pink!

Now, add some shimmery body powder or lotion, get dressed, spray on your favourite perfume (mine is ‘Always Yours’ Romance by Ralph Lauren currently) and you are now ready to go!

I hope it’s your best Valentine’s Day yet!

Yours Truly,

Fiola

xoxo

My essential makeup products for a prettier you everyday!

November 24, 2014November 24, 2014 ~ fiolastyle ~ 1 Comment

These 8 super products are all you really need to look naturally gorgeous and ready for anything!

1. YSL Touche Éclat in 2.5

2. Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Cover

3. Nude by Nature Mineral Finishing Veil

4. L’Oreal Le Blush in Sandalwood Pink

5. NYX Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator in sunbeam

6. Chanel Sculpting Eyebrow Pencil in 10

7. Dior Diorshow Mascara in black

8. YSL Rouge Pur Couture lipstick in 06

For Tips on how I apply all these products to get the best, most natural results, please see my previous blog post ‘Maximise you’re face. My makeup tips for a prettier you in 5 easy steps’

Lastly, please remember that these are the products that I personally choose to use, and they are products that suit my skin tone which is fair to medium, with blonde hair and hazel eyes. If you have different colouring to me, you may need to adjust the colours I use to suit your skin tone. Also, always patch test a new product on your skin, to check for allergies, just to be safe. I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post, and would love to hear any feedback you have.

Yours Truly,

Fiola

xoxo

Maximise your face. My simple makeup tips for a prettier you in 5 easy steps!

November 23, 2014November 25, 2014 ~ fiolastyle ~ Leave a comment

Photos: Wearing my 5 step makeup look.

Today I’ve decided to write about the beauty tips and tricks I have learn’t and developed on myself over the years. For me it’s about preserving what God gave me, and making the most of it! I definitely favour a natural look. I feel my best this way, and I’ve often disliked the way I’ve looked with dramatic or overdone makeup that I’ve worn for photo shoots or events. I think actually that too much makeup can be ageing, and unattractive even, so I quickly realised Mum was right when she said there was no need to “gild the lily” .

For this reason I have mastered (I hope) the natural but still polished look that I always go to. I guess it’s what you’d call my go to look! For all of you ladies out there who don’t have heaps of time to spend getting ready in the morning (or ever) but still want to look presentable, fresh and pretty, read on!!

So this is it, my simple rules for a pretty visage!

It goes without saying that having good skin to begin with is key, and although this post is more about the makeup than the skin care regime, it is very important to make sure skin is clean, exfoliated and moisturised (including high SPF!!) before beginning to apply any type of makeup. That said, let’s talk makeup!

I personally am a fan of a more velvety matt finish than a really dewy one. I think it looks better. More polished. I also don’t like to be able to feel my makeup sitting on my skin, which is why this routine is so great, it really feels like your’e wearing no makeup at all! So here we go, are you ready? Just 5 easy steps…

1. The base I use changes from time to time, as I do get bored, and like to change it up, but currently, and I keep coming back to it is Nude by Nature’s Natural Mineral Cover. I use the colour ‘medium’ which I love, as it add’s just a hint of tan to my face, but depending on your skin tone, there are enough shades to find one for you. I apply it all over my face, even my eyelids (make sure your face is not sticky from moisturising when you apply or it won’t work well, and will look blotchy and horrible) with a big kabuki brush in big circular motions, until I have the desired coverage. NB: If I think I need extra cover for blemishes or dark circles I use YSL Touche Eclat in number 2.5 lightly under the Mineral Cover Powder.

I love that I can apply as little or as much as I need of the Mineral Cover powder. I don’t use much usually, as I like my natural skin to show through, but for more coverage, just build up the product gradually to the desired effect.

2. The blush I use is currently L’Oreal’s Le Blush in sandalwood pink. A soft pinky nude powder blush, it’s really pretty on any complexion. Smile and apply to the apples of your cheeks with an angled blush brush, and sweep up to your hairline at the highest point of your cheekbone. Repeat until you have achieved desired effect. I then apply a thin layer all over my face of Nude By Nature’s Mineral Finishing Veil with the Kabuki brush in light circular motions. (This step is optional, and I don’t always do it, but it helps to ‘set’ the base)

3. Eyes. I Simply fill in my brows with Chanel’s Sculpting Eyebrow Pencil in number 10, just to make my eyebrows nice and defined, and if I want to I add mascara. I love Dior’s Diorshow mascara in black or Maybelline’s Full ‘n’ Soft mascara in very black. The two best mascara’s I’ve ever used.

4. Highlighting. I use a golden/pinky highlighter, as I think it’s the most flattering colour, currently I’m trying NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator in 01 Sunbeam and I simply pat it on with my fingers on my brow bone, just under my outer eyebrow, the inner corners of my eyes, across my eyelid just along the lash line and then on the top of my cheekbone where the light hits. Don’t use a lot, and blend it well. You want the effect to look natural.

5. Lips. For my lips, surprise, surprise I like a natural look! This means a pinky nude lipstick or gloss. My current favourite is my perfectly creamy pink/nude lipstick by YSL Rouge Pur Couture in 06. Apply quite liberally, but carefully, and Voilà! You’re now ready!

So there you have it! So easy, so pretty in less than 10 minutes! Please try it out for yourself and let me know how you like it! If you have any questions, ask me! I’ll be happy to answer you.

Your’s Truly

Fiola xoxo

My top 10 simple and effective health and beauty secrets revealed!

November 19, 2014November 23, 2014 ~ fiolastyle ~ Leave a comment

1. Drink water! Yes, it works better than any other single thing you can do! 2 – 3 litres a day is perfect. As soon as you wake up drink 1 – 2 glasses of water to start your day. You’ll quickly (within a couple of days for me) notice the health and beauty effects. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for added health and beauty benefits.

2. Sleep. So Important. Try to get at least 8 hours of quality sleep each night, and yes, the hours before midnight count! Make sure your room in cool and dark.

3. Exercise regularly (at least 4 times a week). Walk, run, practice yoga, hit the gym, swim, whatever you like doing, just get your blood flowing. The health and beauty benefits are endless! (toned body, glowing skin, better moods etc)

4. Eat healthy, fresh and preferably organic foods everyday. Load up on raw and fresh fruit and vegetables in every meal. Avoid processed food. Notice clearer skin and mind and overall improved health.

5. Sun protection! I wear high factor spf sunscreen EVERY day, no matter what the day holds. It’s just a standard part of my morning routine. It helps prevents premature ageing and skin cancer. Just do it.

6. Invest in the best quality skin care products that you can afford. Find a routine that works for you. I recommend cleansing, toning and moisturising twice daily (including sunscreen in the morning) and trying to use products that are as natural and high quality as possible. Learn to relax, take a soothing bath, get a massage, have a facial. Whatever it is remember to take time out to pamper yourself.

7. Avoid alcohol. Sorry, it’s not what most people want to hear, but if you are serious about your health and beauty, keep away from it. I drink alcohol on special occasions, but in general I keep drinking it to a minimum.

8. Learn to love tea! Green tea, rooibos, white, black, herbal. It’s all good, and full of antioxidants. Find one you love, and make it a daily ritual. The added bonus is a reason to invest in pretty porcelain tea sets! (Just remember that most tea contains caffeine, so use moderately, and consult with your health care professional if you don’t normally have caffeine)

9. Don’t ‘overdo’ your makeup and hair. Natural looking is always best in my opinion. (I didn’t say don’t wear makeup or dye your hair, I just said keep it looking natural!)

10. Be positive, focus on what is good in your life. Work on the negatives. Always try to be kind and thoughtful. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Remember your manners. Good manners go a long way, and always get noticed!

I hope you learned something from my simple tips, these pieces of advice are purely from my experience of what works for me, and although I can’t imagine any of it could be harmful to a person in good health, please always check with your health care practitioner before embarking on any different or new health/diet or exercise routine to make sure it is safe for you.

xoxo

Fiola

Pastel Perfection. How to wear pastels like a pro

Link ~ November 17, 2014November 25, 2014 ~ fiolastyle ~ Leave a comment

Hi, welcome to my first blog post! I’m so excited to start sharing with you all the things that I love. It was hard to know where to begin!

I thought I would start by sharing with you one of my forever obsessions…pastels. I love to wear them, and feature them in my home. They give a soft and sophisticated vibe, that is very feminine and classic as well. My lifetime love affair with pastels has really become one of my style traits. A trademark of sorts. My go to. Being so drawn to these shades may have something to do with my star sign being Libra but more on that another time!

Pastels, people either seem to love them or hate them, often I believe wrongly thinking that they can’t wear them. Truth is, pastels are universally flattering. Sure, not all pastel shades will look good on everyone, but everyone can find at least one or two pastel shades to compliment their skin tone, hair colour and style. Remember, pastels cover a wide array of colours : pink, blue, mauve, green and yellow and shades in between. So many choices.

Right now pretty sorbet shades are very much ‘in’ and are everywhere, but I have always felt and will always feel very partial to pastels regardless of their seasonal popularity. I love mixing them up with white or greys and black. I wear them in all seasons, they make me feel like, well, me! My absolute favourite pastel shade is pink. I adore this colour. It’s well known by all those that know me! People frequently say that pastels suits me, and I agree, yes, they do! However, I sincerely believe that anyone can look great in pastel shades. Yes, anyone! The trick is not to overdo it. Balance is key, feature a couple of pastel items in your look, for example a pastel pink midi skirt and pink soft leather bag, with a fresh white top and grey or black accessories. Or, if your a little dubious, even start off with a feature pastel accessory instead, such as a pair of pink pastel pumps!

Of course, the last few seasons have featured an abundance of icy and delicate shades of pink, blue, green, yellow and mauve , so as you can imagine I have been seeing so much in stores and online that I love, so many pretty pastel items that I want!

I have a golden rule though, only buy things you truly love. If it’s love, it’s love! Just make sure it’s something beautiful and well made that will stand the test of time.

My wardrobe mantra is always quality over quantity.

So, go ahead, if you haven’t already, dip your toe into the world of pastels! You’ll thank me later!

xoxo

Fiola

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