TEAM ZOELLA JANUARY 14, 2020

13 Questions With Jules Von Hep

One of our favourite people to follow on the gram, Jules Von Hep is a co-founder of Isle of Paradise, a promoter of body positivity and inclusivity, and a brilliant podcaster too!

What tips do you have for surviving January?

Poor January is always given such a hard time, give it some slack! January is about a fresh start (only if you want one) and is about setting strong intentions for the year ahead of you (again, only if you want). Remember, you are in control.

I hate the phrase New Year: New You – it’s nonsense. I was fabulous before, and I’ll stay fabulous thank you. Sure I’ll set goals for the year, and yes I’ll attempt Dry Jan, but I’m not going to constrict myself for the sake of hype. How ridiculous. If you have any goals you want to achieve, don’t try to do them all in January babe it’s too stressful. Lots of fresh air, eat your greens, perhaps a gallery visit, remember every win however big or small, is still a win.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

Am I only allowed one?! Launching my own self-tan brand The Isle of Paradise (IOP) has to be it. I am constantly pinching myself – especially when people tell me they’re wearing it and show me their arm with glowing skin, smiling with pride at their application, that’s the best bit. I love that. In 2019 we launched our Get Body Posi campaign, for me, this was how a beauty campaign should be, and bringing that dream to life was an honour and highlight. True representation, empowerment and inclusivity are what this world needs more of.

I also host two feel good podcasts with Sarah Powell. One is Jules and Sarah (original title, we’re aware) about two northerners that live in London, the other is Wobble – a podcast about body confidence and happiness. When we host live events our listeners cheer when we walk on stage, and after they tell us how much they need our content to make them feel good, it’s the most incredible feeling, almost like someone pulls a wire from the back of my Achilles heel and plugs me into to a socket.

How would you describe your Instagram account?

A safe space to encourage others to be themselves. I like to think I inspire my followers to love their appearance and body, to enjoy their life, to laugh at the little things and appreciate the moments our journey through this world has to offer. (Find Jules here.)

How did you get into backstage work?

My break came from a chance meeting with makeup artist Natalya Chew (then Nair). She was heading up the team on The X Factor Season 8 in 2011, the year Little Mix won. Natalya told me she loved how I spray tanned and wanted me on her team, time to say yes to the universe! From there I began picking up celebrity clients and then had a call from Strictly Come Dancing, where I worked as head spray tanner for 3 years before moving onto The Crown. Think of a celebrity and chances are I’ve worked with them babe. When I wasn’t recording backstage for TV, I was travelling the world working backstage at London, New York, Paris and Milan fashion weeks as well as endless editorial and campaign shoots.

What are you currently working on?

Launching Isle of Paradise has meant a slight sidestep from the backstage world – backstage to boardroom I call it! I still work with my celebrity clients and have recently started working with Stacey Dooley, ensuring her skin looks glowing and flawless for Season 2 of The Glow Up launching in 2020, as well as her incredible documentaries.

The past two years have been a real rollercoaster for me with the launch of Isle of Paradise, and on my journey with how I view my own body and learning to help others love theirs. We are so conditioned to hate how we look. Last year I wrote a free ebook – Get Body Posi in which I share my journey on how I achieved a more positive outlook on my appearance, I want to continue to help others on their journey toward their own body confidence.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business?

Annie Mac said to me years ago ‘Never underestimate the power of your passion’ and I think it’s one of the most incredible pieces of advice I’ve ever been given. Passion will keep you sane, passion will keep getting you up in the morning, passion will keep you creative. Don’t start a business for money, you’re so much more than that. Start it because you want to change the way you live because you want to enjoy your life because you want to be the best possible version of yourself you can be. Ask yourself WHY you’re doing this. There will be days where you stare in the mirror and question what the f*ck you’re doing, but there will be days when your hard work pays off and the universe fills you with warmth. Don’t talk about doing it, do it. There will be no right time.

What is your biggest accomplishment in life?

Overcoming how much I hated myself. It’s been, and still is a long journey but the results have been worth it. Learning that my body is amazing, that I am lucky to be here on this earth and that I am not defined by my body shape has been revolutionary for me. Learning to say I am amazing, learning to respect myself and realising that everyone on this earth has their own stuff has been awakening for me. It’s this journey that really keeps me growing and keeps me teaching others how to start theirs.

What advice would you give to people looking for a ‘paradise’ state of mind

Ask yourself this:

What makes you happy in life?

What makes you feel confident?

Who makes you feel amazing?

What are you grateful for?

Write down your answers on one side of a piece of paper and stare at it. On the other side write how often you’re doing them. Chances are it’s not enough. Fuel your happiness!

What will you be reading, watching or listening to in 2020?

I can’t wait for The Comparison Cure by Lucy Sheridan or Skin Care by Caroline Hirons to launch, I have them both on pre-order. My friend Tessa also started an audiobook club as one of her 2020 goals, so I’m excited to see what that has to unveil. At present I am reading Anton Chekov’s short stories, he’s a historic Russian play-write and I dare you not to get enthralled by how he writes.

I’m a sucker for anything supernatural – I just finished The Witcher and Dark on Netflix so I’m waiting for something to fill the void! I am also going to see Celine Dion AND Elton John this year, RIGHT!

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t cry over all those boys who broke your heart. They will never measure up to your power. Life will all work itself out as the psychic said.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?

My Grandma Mary’s watercress soup (don’t be fooled, this is a rich thick soup served with melted cheese) she told me if you cook with love life will always taste better. That with warm sourdough, truffle butter and a bottle of red wine will see me happy I reckon!

What do you always carry with you?

Humour. It’s all you need to get from A-B. Life is really funny if you look at it in the right light. And my phone because, you know.

What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

There’s so much!!! I’m looking forward to reflecting on it on the other side!

TEAM ZOELLA JANUARY 13, 2020

Build Your Own Vegan Burrito Bowl

Buddha bowls, hippie bowls, nourish bowls or naked burrito bowls, whatever you like to call them, they're an easy, minimal-effort dish with plenty of veganuary appeal.

The beauty of these build-your-own bowls is that anything goes. To hell with the rulebook! Start with a base of rice, fluffy quinoa or buckwheat, then simply layer with all your favourite veggies, beans, seeds, chopped salad, falafel, tofu and whatever else takes your fancy.

Whether you prefer them hot or cold, these one-dish wonders are the perfect fuss-free option for veggies and vegans alike. Brimming with goodness and packed with glorious greens, it’s a colourful number to have in your meal-prep repertoire this January. I

It’s also a great way to use up any leftovers from sauces and condiments to that one lonely pepper sat getting crinkly in the back of the fridge. They’ve all got a home here.

Go Mexican-inspired with a naked burrito bowl (sans the tortilla) and load up your stir-fried vegetables with vegan sour cream, salsa and guacamole.

SERVES

PREP: 15 HRS COOK: 20 HRS

EASY

Pre-heat your oven to 180°C
Cut the sweet potato in two strips or cubes, drizzles with oil and paprika
Cut the peppers in to 1inch squares or strips and place on a baking tray with the sweet potato for 15-20 minutes
Pop the black beans in a saucepan and cook on the hob for 5-10 minutes
When all the ingredients are cooked, start building your bowl adding salt, pepper, chilli flakes, and like juice to taste. We also added some vegan sour cream!

Alternatively, if you’re craving a heartier meal, simply swap out the cold salad ingredients for steamed broccoli florets, lentils and baked sweet potato or butternut squash instead. Garnish with coriander and enjoy!

TEAM ZOELLA JANUARY 12, 2020

Weekly Wants: The Team’s 2020 Skincare Regime

If you're anything like us the Christmas and New Year celebrations have well and truly partied on your pores and your skin knows about it.

A few weeks of back-to-back cheese, booze and chocolate marathons and we are more than ready to make some skincare resolutions we’ll actually stick to! It’s out with the old, in with the new. Here’s a round up of the skincare faves and saves making it into our Weekly Wants list!

Maddie

My skin has been super dry lately so i’ve been going all out with the moisturisers, serums, hyaluronic acids and face oils galore. More is more! Here are some of my current faves:

After cleansing i’ll go straight in with a serum, these two are my top picks for hydration. I’ll use the SkinC one at night for the hyaluronic acid hit and the Bare minerals one during the day as it’s super lightweight and works incredibly well under makeup.

I picked this mask up on my last trip as i thought it would be a great one to use on the flight home (i’m a sucker for the marketing). It can be used as a 10 min moisture fix or can be left on overnight, so far i can’t stop myself applying it every evening, it’s amazing.

When my skin is looking a bit dull this is the overnight treatment i reach for. It’s one of those products where you see an instant difference the next day, i can’t recommend it enough. It’s a really gentle peel so if you’ve got dry skin like mine it works perfectly.

January is so dreary, most of us in the UK are at our absolute palest (yours truly included) and are dreaming of sunny longer days. That being said, now i’m in my 30s SPF is non negotiable, this Origins tube is a staple of mine all year round and helps take the edge off the pale at the same time.

I’ve been using this oil for the last 6 months and i’ve been absolutely loving every single drop. When my skin is feeling really dry or sensitive i pop this on just before bed and I know it will sort me out by the morning.

Skin City, SKINCEUTICALS H.A INTENSIFIER, £76

*BareMinerals, SKINLONGEVITY™ VITAL POWER SERUM, £48

*Selfridges, SUMMER FRIDAYS Jet Lag Mask, £42

*Origins, HIGH POTENCY NIGHT-A-MINS Resurfacing Cream With Fruit-Derived AHAs, £30

*Origins, GINZING SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer, £32

Beauty Skincare, Beauty Sleep Elixir, £47

Zoe

Not wanting to stray too far away from what I know works, which is a fairly basic routine, i’d like to start adding in a retinol to my evening routine as i’m turning 30 this year, so need to keep those wrinkles at bay! I also find I need a lot more moisture this time of year too!

Liz Earle Cleanse and polish – I use this daily without fail, it’s amazing at removing my makeup with a flannel and I love how gentle it is.
If I feel like I need a bit more of a heavy makeup removal, I’ll use the Emma Hardie Moringa Balm. It feels a bit more luxurious so it’s nice to mix it up a bit during the winter months.
Second cleanse will always be with either my oskia renaissance gel cleanser or the glossier jelly cleanser and I use my foreo mini 3 [previous paid partner] to work those into my skin and give it a proper deep clean
To tone I use the Dr Roebucks Lifesaver Skin Brightening toner with a cotton pad!
I’ve been loving a vitamin c serum recently which I definitely feel is giving my skin a bit of a boost. The Lumene Glow Boost Vitamin C Essence is my daily staple at the moment.
For moisturiser i’ve been using a very simple one, which is the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate. It’s a good all rounder for people with combination skin as it helps with dry-ness and also any oily patches too! I also feel my makeup sits on top of it really nicely and all day!

Winter skin additions –

Eye masks! – I love these by Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches. Especially on those days where you wake up with slightly more puffy eyes!
Face Masks – The 111 Skin masks are seriously amazing (although slightly more indulgent) Rose Gold Brightening is my favourite. Other favourites are the Jetlag mask by Summer Fridays and anything by Allies of Skin

*Liz Earle, Cleanse and polish, £17

*Look Fantastic, Emma Hardie Morning Cleansing Balm with Professional Cleansing Cloth, £47

*Cult Beauty, OSKIA Renaissance Cleansing Gel, £15

*Glossier, Milky Jelly Cleanser, £15

*Cult Beauty, FOREO LUNA Mini 3, £139

*SPACE NK, DR ROEBUCK’S LIFESAVER Brightening Toner, £24

*John Lewis, Lumene Nordic-C Glow Boost Essence, £29.90

*Cult Beauty, EMBRYOLISSE LABORATORIES Lait-Creme Concentre, £20

*Cult Beauty, 111SKIN Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask, £20

*Selfridges, SUMMER FRIDAYS Jet Lag Mask, £42

Lareese

I’m a real flirt when it comes to skincare, never sticking to a select line-up of products so my regime chops and changes all the time as I introduce new products.

A newbie I discovered recently and have loved using over the last few months is the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum. I’ve never used Vitamin C in my skincare routine before but as I’m approaching my 30s, I’ve seriously felt the benefit of using an anti-ageing product like this one. I wish I’d started earlier!

Before going in with the C-Firma Day Serum, I go in with this lightweight serum to hydrate and brighten my skin. It’s gentle, nourishing and doesn’t leave skin feeling tacky.

A heavy eye cream isn’t for everyone but I keep coming back to this one time and time again. Enriched with creamy avocado oil, it’s gentle, nourishing and intensely hydrating – great for anyone on screens all day.

I won’t lie to you, my skin has seen better days. Way too much of a good thing over Christmas has left it feeling and looking a bit wrung out. To get it back on track, I’ve been slapping on the sheet masks like there’s no tomorrow and trying to make up for the error of my ways.

The Moisture Bomb tissue mask by Garnier is the first product I reach for when I want a quick burst of hydration. After 15 minutes, my skin immediately feels healthier.

*SPACE NK, DRUNK ELEPHANT C-Firma Day Serum, £67

Holy Grail Beauty Co, 5 in 1 Rejuvenating Facial Serum, £29.99

*Kiehls, Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado, £26

Boots, Garnier Moisture Bomb Pomegranate Hydrating Face Sheet Mask, £2.99

Holly

Considering I didn’t actually have a skin care routine until about one month ago, I probably won’t be changing it up much. I know I’m bad. But the one thing I’ve always done is moisturise. I tell you my face is soft as a babies bum. Here’s where I’m at, at the moment:

Glow recipe Blueberry Bounce cleanser to remove my makeup/general cleanse. I do this in the morning and the evening and the makeup literally melts off!

I then use the Liz Earl Cleanse and Polish because the lovely Zoe Sugg told me I have to cleanse twice. I don’t know why but she’s clever so I listen.

Occasionally I’ll then use Lancôme’s toning water but when I say occasionally I mean when I remember which isn’t very often.

Then for moisturiser I’m a bad fan of a heavy moisturiser and have been loving Kiehls ultra face cream.

I’ll then finish off the nighttime routine with an overnight moisturiser. At the moment using glow recipe

Winter months has meant my lips have seriously suffered so I’ve been dozing them in lots of Vaseline every night too.

Lastly, I try and do a face mask at least once a week and LOVE the body shop pot ones. At the moment my favourite is the Himalayan charcoal purifying mask.

*Cult Beauty, GLOW RECIPE Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser, £31

*LIZ EARLE, Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £15.50

Boots, Lancôme Tonique Confort Hydrating Face Toner, £32

*SPACE NK, Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream, £16

*Cult Beauty, GLOW RECIPE Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask, £41

*The Body Shop, Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask, £18

Danielle

Towards the end of last year I invested in a load of skincare from BeautiePie, it’s a website where you pay monthly in order to shop at members prices and I can’t recommend it enough.

My current regime kicks off with Glossier’s Milky Jelly cleanser because quite frankly it’s my all-time fave and I love the fact it doesn’t sting my eyes. I then go in with the Japanfusion transforming cleanser to get rid of any other rubbish and makeup. I was gifted some reusable cotton rounds which are great I just pop them in the washing machine throughout the week. I then go in with some hyaluronic acid serum which isn’t too tacky and my face is usually dry after I’ve brushed my teeth.

I’ll then slather on either a rich moisturiser or some sleep oil and once a week I’ll blast the retinol moisturiser. Everyone’s banging on about retinol so if you can’t beat them etc.

I usually only go hard with skincare in the evenings, in the morning I’ll just use a bit of milky jelly in the shower and apply sunscreen and moisturiser before makeup.

*Glossier, Milky Jelly Cleanser, £15

*Beauty Pie, TRIPLE HYALURONIC ACID & PEPTIDE SERUM, £60

*Beauty Pie, JAPANFUSION PURE TRANSFORMING CLEANSER, £25

*Beauty Pie, JAPANFUSION SUPREME CREAM, £70

*Beauty Pie, SUPER RETINOL HIGH DOSE BOOSTER TREATMENT, £90

*Amazon, Eco Shoots Reusable Cotton Pads (24 PACK), £14.79 was £15.79

Darcey

I started a new skincare regime at the end of 2019, which I am definitely taking with me into 2020 as its been doing wonders for my skin. Now I am currently loving The Ordinary, which I know can be intimidating (it sure was for me when I started using their products). So, I’m hoping this can help some people wanting to trial it out!

I cleanse my face twice a day with The Ordinary Sqaulane Cleanser, which is a great moisturising cleanser that doesn’t strip your face of all its natural oils. In the morning I always apply The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%. This is a great Vitamin C solution that isn’t too strong, so it’s great for someone wanting to introduce Vitamin C to their regime. Then after that I use the Clinique Moisture Surge, which keeps my skin hydrated all day and is nice and light for daytime too! Then I always finish with my Clinique City Block 40 SPF to protect the skin throughout the day.

Then for my evening routine, after I have cleansed my face, I either use The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toner or The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. I alternate these every other night (as they can’t be used together, something to do with ph levels…). The Glycolic is a great exfoliator, removing all the dead skin! The Niacinamide is great for smoothing out uneven skin tone and reducing redness. Then I end my routine with The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA, which is a great evening moisturiser (as it is a thick one) and contains 11 amino acids!

Thats a breakdown of my skincare regime, which works great for my skin. I would highly recommend all these products, but make sure to research the products before using them to make sure it would work with your skin too!

*ASOS, The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, £5.50

*ASOS, The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%, £9

*ASOS, The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA, £5

DECIEM, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, £6.80

*Clinique, Moisture Surge™ 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator £37

*BeautyBay, The Ordinary, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, £5

*Clinique, Super City Block SPF 40, £20

Lauren

I feel like I’ve nailed my skincare routine now, but there’s a few additions I’ll be making to combat scaring and pollution, and also make my routine as natural as possible – from retinols to BHA, to repurchasing my faves so they’re always in stock!

Herbivore’s Bakuchiol serum is high on my list as it’s a natural retinol alternative; I’ve been using low level retinoids the past few years but now I want to keep my skin looking smooth and bouncy without the extra chemicals, and it’s great for blemishes and skin renewal. Speaking of renewal, I recently picked up The Ordinary’s AHA/BHA Peeling Solution to use in areas I need deeper exfoliation – it’s scary looking but keen to see the results!

As I work with screens a lot, I’m keen to try the BYBI Blueberry Booster which has properties that helps reduce the effects of blue light on the skin, as I find I suffer from congestion from pollution and light pollution is everywhere thanks to phones and screens!

Finally I’m going to repurchasing my evening cleansers in this lovely bundle; Pai released an oil last summer and it’s INCREDIBLE, every scrap of makeup comes off and the creamy cleanser gently cleanses afterwards and has been a staple for years now – plus it’s a great saving as they both last a long time too.

*Cult Beauty, HERBIVORE Bakuchiol Serum, £45

*Cult Beauty, PAI SKINCARE Double Cleanse Bundle, £57.60 from £64

*CONTENT, BYBI BEAUTY BYBI BLUEBERRY BOOSTER, £12

*Look Fantastic, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, £6.30

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TEAM ZOELLA JANUARY 11, 2020

How To Host a Pot Luck

In theory, the potluck party is a genius way of making light work of cooking a big ol' feast for a large group. Everyone shares the load, brings a dish to share and you end up with a regal banquet without the stress and the cost of pulling it all together on your own. Tidy!

But what happens if three of your guests turn up with pasta bake or soup, what becomes of your regal banquet then? It doesn’t bear thinking about.

To help you bring the whole shebang together swimmingly, here’s some helpful pointers to have you on your way to hosting the best potluck ever. It’s all in the planning!

Pick a Theme

Picking a theme will help create some much-needed cohesion to your potluck party. Italian, Mexican, a taste of Provence, childhood favourites, letters of the alphabet – decide on an idea and spread the word.

Decide On a Budget

Pick a budget to suit all your guests so everyone is spending the same amount and no one feels cheated for forking out on lobster.

Delegate dishes early doors

Arguably the most important part of a potluck is the grub. Sure, a potluck is meant to be fun and spontaneous, but the food is one thing that needs some careful planning.

Cover all bases and dish out responsibilities. Task some guests with the appetisers, some with the snacks, some with the mains and some with the puddings and communicate who is making what so you don’t end up with repeat dishes. You don’t want to leave too much up to luck when it comes to the main event.

Creating a simple sign-up sheet to email round to everyone is an easy way to make sure everyone knows who’s making or baking what.

Request ready-to-serve food where possible

To make serving a more seamless process, you could ask your guests if they mind pre-packing their food in ready-to-serve containers, tin foil trays or serving plates. It’ll save a lot of scrambling around and decanting when everyone’s arriving at the same time. Just remind guests to take their non-disposables home with them.

Style your table

You’re going to need to free up as much space as possible on your counters and the main table for the feast but adding a few decorative touches to the table will set the mood for your guests. Stick to smaller elements such as candles, table confetti, a centrepiece or a nod to your potluck theme if you have one.

Include everyone

A potluck is about bringing everyone together to gather and feast with ease, which means catering for your guests with allergies or specific dietary requirements. Gluten-free, vegan, veggie, make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Make sure you have enough tableware and utensils

It seems obvious but when you’re in the thick of hosting, it’s easy to forget the basics like cutlery, plates, napkins and glasses.

Prepare a drinks table

No potluck is complete without a table full of beverages and while you’re kindly welcoming everyone into your home, it’s nice to make sure all your friends and family are always topped up with refreshments.

Set up a drinks table with non-alcoholic options for the designated drivers, not everyone will be on the vino.

Label the dishes

Take the guesswork out of your potluck and put labelled cards in front of each dish so each of your guests will be able to identify what they’re eyeing up for their dinner.

Communication is KING

Does everyone know what time to arrive and how many people they’re cooking for? It’s worth circulating the message to everyone right from the get go and again a few days before to jog everyone’s memories.

Add garnishes last

Fresh herbs, toasted nuts or crumbled cheese, garnishes are best added at the last minute. Have some classics in your pantry just in case your guests need to add any last-minute flourishes before serving.

Don’t forget the playlist

The last thing you want to be doing when you’re trying to entertain guests is fiddling around with music and missing out on all the conversation. Prep a killer playlist in advance and let the good times roll!

What’s your go-to dish for a potluck? Let us know in the comments below!

TEAM ZOELLA JANUARY 10, 2020

12 Ways To Make Yourself a Priority

With a New Year comes a whole lot of pressure to shake up your life and make grand resolutions that often become all too overwhelming to uphold. Your happiness quickly becomes compromised by what you think you should be doing and what's being dictated by magazines and main-stream media.

We get caught up in a narrative that suggests we’re not enough as we are; that we must be better versions of ourselves this year and as a result, we tend to get blindsided by farfetched goals and achievements which can actually end up making us feel pretty deflated
if we can’t achieve them.

Enter this New Year with nothing but an open mind and focus on making YOU your first priority. Say no to things that don’t make your heart happy, get rid of negative energy, nourish your mind and your body and schedule yourself some downtime.

Ready to be your own best friend? We’ve put together a few suggestions for making yourself a priority in 2020 – here’s to loving and investing in yo’self!

1 Make time for you

It’s not indulgent, it’s A-OK to make time for you. However, you like to unwind, setting aside some downtime to rest is essential for your wellbeing. Whether it’s reading, journaling, watching a film or running a bath, take your foot off the pedal and find something that calms your mind and meets your needs.

2 Speak kindly to yourself

How many times have you caught yourself saying something negative about yourself? Put a stop to the self-criticism and respond to your doubts and insecurities with empathy. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself.

3 Get rid of the guilt

We spend so much of our time prioritising the needs of others that we often feel guilty or selfish if we decide to do something for ourselves instead. Shift your mindset and remember, you don’t need to justify looking after yourself. Ever.

4 Stop saying “yes” to everyone

It’s easy to lose yourself in the “go, go, go” mentality but when you stop trying to please everyone and do what you want to do instead, you’ll claim back so much happiness. Life is hectic and you can’t always neglect your own needs to fulfil everyone else’s. It’s ok to experience the joy of missing out sometimes.

5 Love the skin you’re in

We’re all guilty of focusing on what we look like when we should be appreciating our bodies for the incredible vehicle that they are. They allow us to breathe, to walk and to love – they don’t deserve that kind of criticism. Revel in your body’s strengths; celebrate the miles you can run or the child you produced. There’s so much more to life than worrying about imperfections.

6 Don’t be afraid to ask for help

You’re only human, you have boundaries and limits like everyone else and you don’t always have the capacity to accomplish everything on your own. Lean on your friends, ask for what you want and need – there is joy in opening up and connecting with others.

7 Let go of the things you can’t control

Learn to let go! You can’t control the past, the future or how other people perceive you and the sooner you make peace with that, the happier you’ll be.

Why do we over-analyse everything? Do we have to do everything perfectly all the time? Cut yourself some slack and stop beating yourself up at every misstep.

8 Tell yourself you can

Banish the word can’t, it doesn’t exist in your vocabulary. Try new things, turn doubt into belief – you’re so much more capable than you know.

9 Embrace your emotions

Take the peaks with the pits and be compassionate towards yourself during the tough times. Forcing yourself to get over something isn’t letting yourself deal with it any quicker, lean into your emotions and allow yourself to feel vulnerable when you need to. Your future self will thank you for it.

10 Surround yourself with positive people

The people that feel like sunshine – those are the keepers. Your friendships should lift you up, encourage and inspire you to grow as a person. It may sound heartless but if you’re not serving one another anymore then there’s no point in trying to hold onto a friendship when you could be investing in someone who has a positive impact on your life. Friendship isn’t an unbreakable commitment, if you’re sacrificing your own happiness it’s more than ok to move on.

11 Start a gratitude journal

It might seem like it’s one more thing to add to your to-do list each day but starting a gratitude journal is a great way to reflect on the here and now. It’s a good habit to get into if you want to change your mindset, forget the complaining and focus on the joy of every day. The days and weeks whizz by in a flash but pausing to write about what you’re grateful for can make even the most insignificant days all the more meaningful when you look back.

12 Know that you are enough

Appreciate how far you’ve come; your personal growth and success is not something to be shrugged off. Acknowledge your wins and be bloody proud of yourself. There’s no need to change who you are to fit in with someone else’s idea of perfection, you don’t need to prove anything to anyone. You are enough because you are compassionate, you are enough because you love hard, you are enough because you make others happy. Every part of the you that already exists now is what makes you enough.

How will you be making yourself a priority this year?

TEAM ZOELLA JANUARY 9, 2020

10 Of The Best SS20 Trends Decoded For Real Life

With trench coats taking over the catwalks and polka dots making waves once more, 2020 is shaping up to be quite the sartorial catch (would swipe right. Might even chuck it a Super Like).

We thought we’d take a style cue from the catwalk and break down the trends that we can actually wear IRL. Here are the key looks to have on your radar for 2020.

The Statement Trench Coat

The trusty trench is a Spring style staple but this time around the androgynous outwear has made a departure from its minimalist and masculine roots.

From Burberry’s crystal-embellished coat modelled by Agyness Deyn to check prints at Ports 1961, the timeless classic is taking an all-together more playful approach to layering and we’re here for it.

Power Suiting

The SS20 trend proves the 80s-inspired power suit is going nowhere and boy are we glad.

Deconstructed and undone is the order of the day when it comes to power dressing with fashion powerhouses Chloé, Proenza Schouler and JW Anderson all championing a modern and risqué spin on the tailoring classic.

Boardroom drama has had a modern makeover and it’s no longer a one-horse trouser suit race. There’s separates, trans-seasonal skirts and Bermuda shorts – we have options, people. Powerful options.

Underwear as Outerwear

Get ready to flash your best undies, gals! It’s the rule of the runway. Dior, Fendi and Loewe are all making a case for wearing your bra as a top but if that’s too bold for you, lean into the trend with a crop top or a sheer tank top instead and mix business with pleasure by layering an oversized blazer over the top.

Highlighter Hues

Slime green, acid yellow and Stabilo orange, the catwalks were awash with bold displays of colour and maximalist energy. Introverts, fear not – opt for colour-pop accessories if neon is scary territory for you or dig out your pastel pieces for a wearable take on the tricky trend.

White Out

Tonal dressing is nothing new but top-to-toe white is 2020’s effortlessly chic serving suggestion. Just steer clear of tomato-based dishes, eh? There’s no room for spaghetti Bolognese error here.

Minimal Mood

Masters of minimalism, rejoice! The simplistic shapes of the 90s are showing no signs of slowing with slip dresses, sheer fabrics and barely-there tops dominating the scenes at Prada, Bottega Vanetta and Gabriela Hearst. In the case of this trend, less is definitely more!

Seeing Spots

Remember that Zara dress from Summer 2019? Expect more viral spotty numbers where that came from.

Florals will never fail you but for now, they’ve stepped down for Spring – Miranda Priestley will be chuffing pleased. It’s power to the polka dots, with designers including Caroline Herrera, Marc Jacobs, Erdem and Balmain going dotty for them.

Standout Sleeves

The SS20 rulebook says sleeves should be two things: ballooning and bougie. Pair a voluminous puff sleeve with your favourite straight leg denim for an elevated every day look that’ll look just as fitting in the office as it would for a fancy brunch.

Leather Weather

The Winter staple takes on a new form for Spring. Think beyond the realms of black this season, our leather goods are going lighter and brighter for SS20 and we have Marni, Emilia Wickstead and Bottega Veneta to thank for it.

The Swinging 70s

Designers are throwing it back to all the best bygone decades but if one era stole the show, it was the swinging 70s. From shades of orange and brown, psychedelic prints and flares taking centre stage at Celine – SS20 is as free-spirited as they come!

What fashion week trends will you be repping this SS20? Let us know in the comments below!

TEAM ZOELLA JANUARY 8, 2020

Book Club: The Nightshift Before Christmas

Our latest Zoella Book Club read comes from the author of the record-breaking bestseller This Is Going To Hurt.

Yep Adam Kay, the wittiest medic around, is back with more gallows humour and hilarious anecdotes about life on the hospital ward. Will it live up to the hilarity of his first medical memoir? Scroll through the gallery below to find out what we thought!

Lareese

This is the ideal book for inhaling in one sitting or dipping in and out of whenever you need a five minute break from your own life to laugh at someone else’s reality. Full of laugh out loud anecdotes from a junior doctor, Adam Kay handles humour and heartache with equal flair. My only criticism would be that I needed more! More diary entries, more patients looking like they’ve just given a porcupine a hand job. More questionable tales of humans and what they like to do with chocolate wrappers. If you’re after a witty read that’s easy to shift, you’ll love it! S/o to all those working in the public services and got stuck with the Christmas Day rota this year, you are golden souls!

4.5/5
Would you read again? Yes
Would you recommend? Yes

Maddie

It’s 142 pages of a brilliantly crafted string of sexual innuendos, ludicrous circumstances and awkward as hell situations strung together to make a joyful, side splitting, totally tragic and at times heartbreaking read. My only qualm is the length of it, this feels like a massive Christmas money spinner off the back of the first books success. That being said, I don’t really blame them, Adam Kay is an amazing comedian and story teller and thoroughly deserves to be at the top of the book charts.

4.5/5
Would you read again? Yes
Would you recommend? Yes

Holly

I’ve not read Adam Kay’s first book so wasn’t entirely sure what to expect but within the first few pages I was hooked, I read the whole thing in one go! I wish it was a bit longer (Don’t think I’ve ever said that about a book!) as I was really in to it. I wasn’t a huge fan of the foot notes explaining the medical terms as I felt like it ruined the flow a bit, but other than that a solid YES from me. Very thought provoking and made me so grateful for everyone working over the Christmas period. I’m ashamed to say I’ve never really given much thought to the emergency services, or anyone that works over Christmas and other public holidays, so just a massive THANKYOU to everyone thats working, you’re f***ing fab!

4.5/5
Would you read again? Yes
Would you recommend? Yes

Zoe

I had already read and LOVED Adam’s first book “This is going to Hurt”, so I knew exactly what I was in for with this festive edition. It was an easy read-in-one-sitting book and I throughly enjoyed it. Adam writes with so much humour and description that he makes you laugh out loud and shed tears in equal measure with his stories. I personally would have loved for it to have been just a teeny bit longer as it was much shorter than I first anticipated, but that’s only because I think I could read thousands of pages of his diary entries and I just wanted more!

4/5
Would you read again? Yes
Would you recommend? Yes, but only after reading ‘This is Going to Hurt’

Lauren

This was the perfect length read over Christmas, and even though I haven’t read his first book, I enjoyed how Kay was able to write so humorously about a difficult time of year that made you both laugh and respect the NHS even more for what they do, especially at Christmas. It’s quite a lot for the length, and I expect fans of the first book would want more, but it’s a nice taster and a good read to complete in one sitting!

4/5

Would you read again? No
Would you recommend? Yes

Danielle

Adam Kay is just absolutely brilliant isn’t he! Devoured this little number very quickly as his writing is just so easy to gobble up. I’ll definitely be reading his first book this year, I’ve been meaning to pick it up for a while. It was such a great book to pick up over Christmas as it really puts things in to perspective, we’re so lucky to have the NHS especially this time of year.

4/5

Would you read again? No
Would you recommend? Yes

Darcey

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was short and easy to read in the busy festive period. I haven’t read his first book and now I definitely want to, kind of wish I had read it before though! The book is full of jokes, innuendos and more serious matters, and I really loved the dynamic of the book, an emotional rollercoaster. One thing I wasn’t massive on was the footnotes, mainly because I’d miss them then realise and have to go back (my fault really). The book really opens up your eyes to how much work the NHS, doctors and nurses etc. put in over Christmas, and all year long. I think it’s easy to forget the work that goes in if you aren’t directly linked to the NHS or someone working within it, so thank you to everyone who keeps it running all year round and giving your time to do so.

Rating: 4/5
Would you recommend? Yes
Would you read again? Yes, I think its a good one to revisit!

Next up we’re reading crime meets slasher novel: My Sister, The Serial Killer. The first novel by Oyinkan Braithwaite tells the story of a Nigerian woman whose lethal younger sibling has an inconvenient habit of killing all the boyfriends she’s ever had.

When Korede’s dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what’s expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This will be the third boyfriend Ayoola’s dispatched in, quote, self-defence and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away. She should probably go to the police for the good of the menfolk of Nigeria, but she loves her sister and, as they say, family always comes first. Until that is, Ayoola starts dating the doctor where Korede works as a nurse. Korede’s long been in love with him, and isn’t prepared to see him wind up with a knife in his back: but to save one would mean sacrificing the other…

We’re predicting a dark, funny and addictive page-turner we won’t be able to put down!

TEAM ZOELLA JANUARY 7, 2020

13 Questions With Matt Haig

Matt Haig is undoubtedly one of the voices of our generation. His already incredible list of novels is only getting longer and we can’t wait for his next instalment of genius!

What tips do you have for surviving January?

I totally cheat. I work for myself so am one of those annoying people who can go on holiday in January. Which is my absolute top tip. Otherwise, put some fun in the diary. There are three months of winter ahead. You need stuff to look forward to.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

There have been so many all packed into the last four years really. Reasons to Stay Alive staying in the top ten for a year was probably up there, because it meant it was resonating with people. I get messages from people every day about it, and how it helped them, which is obviously nice but hard to absorb sometimes. Another highlight was going to Prague last year to watch my kids book A Boy Called Christmas be turned into a movie. Watching Maggie Smith and Kristen Wiig and Sally Hawkins act as characters you’ve written was very surreal.

How do you stay motivated both in work and your personal life?

Gratitude. I am so aware of how lucky I am. In work, with my family, with everything. So I am determined never to blow things and keep on working hard. When I had a breakdown in my 20s I became agoraphobic so had to work from home in order to live and support myself. That gave me immense motivation which I kept up even after recovery.

What are you currently working on?

I have just finished a novel called The Midnight Library. It is about a library between life and death where a woman gets to try all her other lives she could have lived. I can’t wait for people to read it. It will be out later this year.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to write for a living?

Be resilient. Rejection comes with the territory, especially in the early days. Try and have something to say – a point or style that makes you different – and write precisely what you would want to read. You are the reader you know best, so don’t try and mind-read other people. Write for you.

What is your biggest accomplishment in life?

After our two kids, Lucas and Pearl, I’d say staying alive when I really thought I wouldn’t.

What advice would you give to people who struggle with the fear of public speaking?

Understand that the fear is the worst thing about it. However bad it is the cringe afterwards never outweighs the fear before it, and being nervous is the most relatable thing. If people see you are a bit nervous they actually warm to you more. Just don’t try and hide any nerves if they feel too much, just acknowledge them and get on with it.

What will you be reading, watching or listening to in 2020?

I like Kacey Musgraves. So more of her music in my ears. And I have Bill Bryson’s new book about (and called) The Body. Plus, I am nostalgically excited for the Top Gun sequel, even though it might be rubbish.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Have faith in the future. Stay around not just for the people you’ll meet but for the people you will become. You are more than a bad month. You are a future of multifarious possibility. You are another self at a point in future time, looking back in gratitude that this lost and former you held on. Stay. Have faith. It will all work out.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?

Toast with Marmite and peanut butter.

What do you always carry with you?

A tennis ball! I get a bad back and shoulder sometimes when I am sitting still for too long and a tennis ball works a treat. You just lean back against it and it works a treat.

What book have you re-read the most?

Cosmos, by Carl Sagan. It calms me down.

What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

My new novel, The Midnight Library coming out. I think I am prouder of it than anything else I’ve written. I put absolutely everything into it.

Find Matt on Twitter, Instagram, and his books here.

TEAM ZOELLA JANUARY 6, 2020

3 Easy Snacks To Kickoff Your Veganuary

With the festive period done and dusted for another year, the majority of us are probably just coming round from the self-inflicted cheese coma we crawled into over Christmas.

It’s all fun and games until it’s not, and you start to curdle quicker than a three-day-old bread sauce. Public transport has become a challenge with the crowds and the tight spaces – it’s no place for a woman with camembert on the breath to be.

It’s at this point we hold a mirror up to our food choices and ask ourselves when we should shop eating Quality Street for breakfast, inhaling Mini Cheddars like sweet, sweet oxygen and milking the festive season for all its merry, gluttonous worth.

Enter Veganuary. Whether you’re going all out cold turkey on meat, or you’re testing a life without cheese, we’ve got a few go-to vegan recipes to get you started.

Ya see, those of you taking the leap into veganism and swerving meat and dairy for January don’t have to miss out on the snacks. There’s plenty of ways to get creative with your food and what better way to ease yourself into the meat-free life than by starting with the nibbles!

We’ve got popcorn, we’ve got guacamole dip and we’ve got sweet potato crisps for the win. Let the snack-a-thon commence.

Popcorn Seasoning

A savoury spin on the sweet cinema snack. This tangy and flavoursome dill-infused popcorn tastes so good, you won’t even think about caving into the office cake with this handsome nosh hanging around.

SERVES

PREP: 5 MINS COOK: 10 MINS

EASY

For your popcorn:

Heat up your choice of oil/butter in a heavy bottomed pan. Make sure you’ve got the pan at the right temperature by putting a couple of kernels in to the pan to see if they pop or burn.
When the temperature is correct put your kernels in to the pan and place the lid on top but slightly to the side so you don’t steam your popcorn.

For your topping:

Mix your dry ingredients in to a a bowl and lightly dust over your popcorn when it’s ready!

Holy Guacamole

Avo load of this. Going green in January doesn’t seem so bad with this creamy and zingy Mexican-inspired dish on your side. He’s chunky, bursting with flavour and best enjoyed smeared all over your tortilla chips.

SERVES

PREP: 10 MINS COOK: 5 MINS

EASY

Thinly dice the onion and tomato
Finely chop the coriander (remove if this herb’s not for you)
Cut open your avocado removing the stone and mash in to a bowl
Add all the ingredients in to a bowl giving it a good stir, keep it as smooth or chunky as you’d like
Add lime juice and salt to your desired taste
Enjoy with tortilla chips or crudites

Spicy Cauliflower Wings

Buffalo wings so convincingly close to the real deal, you’ll swear you’re tucking into the classic game-day snack. But you’re not, it’s a plant-based miracle. Crispy on the outside with fluffy innards to boot, your florets have never tasted so good.

SERVES

PREP: 15 MINS COOK: 15 MINS

MEDIUM

Pre-heat your oven to 180°C
In a bowl combine the spices, water, and flour, this will be your batter.
Break apart your cauliflower head in to wing sized segments
Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper
Dip your cauliflower florets in to the batter and place on to the baking sheet and cook until brown and crispy
Meanwhile melt your vegan butter in the microwave and add your chosen hot sauce
When the cauliflower is done toss it in a bowl with the butter hot sauce mix
Serve on it’s own or, with some vegan yogurt, or with more hot sauce if your a super spice lover

Garlic and Rosemary Sweet Potato Crisps

Vegan alternatives can be tasty and the proof’s in the spuds. Home-baked crisps are easy to whip up when you’re craving a potato-based snack. They’re quick, nutritious and best served with the aforementioned homemade guac.

Slice a sweet potato into thin slices, drizzle with a generous glug of olive oil and bake ’em up real good. Season with salt and dried rosemary and chow down like tomorrow doesn’t exist.

SERVES

PREP: 5 MINS COOK: 10 MINS

EASY

Pre-heat your oven to 180°C
Thinly slice the sweet potato and place on a baking tray
Pour on a good glug of olive oil and add a tablespoon of garlic powder and dried rosemary
Bake in the over for roughly 10 minutes or until brown and crispy

TEAM ZOELLA JANUARY 5, 2020

Weekly Wants: Sales Picks!

Saving the quids in January? Don't you worry child, we've got your back and your bank balance.

This time round, our Weekly Wants is dedicated to getting thrifty with our shopping. All our favourite brands and retailers are slashing prices and the temptation is real.

Whether you’re after a new TV, a Winter getaway or you just want to stock up on your favourite beauty brands at discounted prices, enjoy dazzling deals and snap yourself a great barg in the January sales! Scroll through our selections in the gallery below…