Go Green!

I've recently been drinking green tea everyday and It's not for the taste that's for sure! I've been told it's really good for you so thought I'd give it a try. It's really helped me to keep my weight in check when I can't help but eat anything I can get my hands on, my bad...
I wanted to look into some other benefits green tea has to offer and did some research!!

I found out that green tea originated from China and has been used as medicine for centuries ever since. Green tea has these many benefits due to the processing. The processing of green tea doesn't allow fermentation whereas the beloved PG Tips does. Why does everything bad for you taste so damn gurd?!
The process of green tea is what allows it to keep it's maximum amount of antioxidants and poly-phenol's which is the reason for it's many benefits, such as...

1. WEIGHT LOSS- green tea helps increase metabolism. The poly-phenol increases fat-oxidation levels and the rate in which your body turns food into calories.

2. SKINCARE- apparently the tea also helps wrinkles and any signs of aging due to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activities.

3. ANTI-VIRAL AND ANTI-BACTERIAL- the catechins found in green tea are strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial agents meaning they are effective for treating a range of diseases from the flu to cancer!

4. TOOTH DECAY- the chemical antioxidant 'catachin' is also said to destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections and tooth decay.

5. DEPRESSION- The amino acid 'theanine' is naturally found in tea leaves and it thought to give a relaxing and calming effect.

6. BLOOD PRESSURE- reduces the risk of having high blood pressure.

7. CHOLESTEROL- green tea reduces the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood and improves the ratio of good to bad.

8. DIABETES- The tea helps regulate glucose levels and slows down the rise of blood sugar level after eating.

9. ALZHEIMER AND PARKINSON DISEASE- the tea delays the deterioration caused by these diseases. A study on mice showed that green tea protects brain cells from dying and restores damaged brain cells too.

10. ESOPHAGEAL CANCER - green tea can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer in particular but it also thought to kill cancer cells in general without destroying the healthy tissue that surrounds it.

11. HEART DISEASE- It is thought by scientists that green tea works on the lining of blood vessels and helps them relax so they are better equipped to deal with changes in blood pressure. It may also protect against blood clots which are the main cause of heart attacks.

These 11 benefits are crazy but 'when it's too good to be true it usually is' -this phrase has proved me right so far and green tea makes no exception. Green tea contains caffeine and 'tannins' which decrease absorption of iron and folic acid so if you're pregnant this may not be the tea for you.

But for the rest of us the only thing about this hugely beneficial beverage is the taste. But don't fret, the Twinings collection has made that a little bit easier with the selection of green tea's infused with different fruits such as cranberry and my personal favourite- apple&pear.

Try it out and let me know what you think :)

With love, Stef

xxx

Olsen twin'spo

They just get it right everytime, don't they? 

As you can see the Olsen twins are my main port of call for fashion inspiration they are flawless always!

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With love, Stef 

xxx

Spring Wish-List!

While being in the mist of taking my AS level exams the stress and boredom of revision has lead me to procrastinate quite a lot. So online shopping has been happening.. I always think online shopping is a good idea but after a few encounters with it recently I doubt I'll be ordering anything again any time soon. I ordered from a few clothing sites over the last week and I haven't been happy with what I've received. There's nothing worse than hating something after being so excited about it, if you're anything like me this is a major buzz kill especially after thinking of various ways to style it.  I am definitely a physical shopper gyal. But i do like browsing online websites to check out what's new. So here are a few things I am wanting o hit the shops for...

Firstly, these joggers from Zara. I've wanted a pair of these for quite a while now. I think they're perfect 'errand' trousers. Something to just through on when you're popping to the shops. They're comfortable yet stylish. Perfect combo!

The next one along is a blazer from Urban Outfitters. I thought this would be a great piece to liven up my usual all black outfits and light enough to wear in the brisk summer evenings. 

Next up we have these beautiful white sandals which I actually found on Ebay. I think these would be amazing for summer and would be a more glamorous alternative to flat sandals. I might have to make an exception of my 'no more online shopping' rule for these bad boys.

Okay so the next pair I realise are a love/hate type thang but i really like this slip on shoe trend at the moment. I think the look is so cool and chic. .These are also from Zara and I think paired with the joggers, they give a very chilled and effortless look. What do you think? 

The skirt/short hybrid A.K.A the skort is a spring/summer essential. It allows you maintain looking girly and feminine but eliminates the worry that with the first gush of wind everyone will see your knickers! This one is from Topshop.

Last but not least, the mom/boyfriend jean trend is another love of mine. I think the look is so cool and I'm yearning for a pair myself. I like these from Zara. My body shape and these jeans don't seem to be getting along so I'm on a mission to find the perfect fit. 

After exams a shopping spree is definitely needed!

With love, Stef 

xxx