How To Become Mentally Tougher & Emotionally Stronger.

Okay, I have to confess something. I am not really sure if I should be giving you advice on how to become mentally tougher. If you ask any of my friends and family you'd know that I am the first to cry about a TV ad if it's just slightly emotional (a puppy is often times enough). I am also not really good with criticism and take it very personally. Well, at least that's what I used to be like. I have really worked on myself when it comes to being overly emotionally in the last couple of years. I am not really as tough as I'd like to be but life is a journey, right? 

So if you want to hear some advice on how to become mentally stronger and emotionally tougher from someone who used struggle with these things majorly, this is the post for you.

1. Sometimes it's them, not you. 

Take it from someone who has been there: most of the time it's them, not you. When people try to bring you down with mean comments, rude actions or just generally treat you like garbage. The issue they are having is mostly with themselves. They just try to let it out on you, because you are an easy target or you simply were there when they needed to let out steam. So try not to take it personally and maybe even think about what they might be going through right now. So the next time your boss has a go at you for misplacing something, think about that maybe he has a lot of pressure from his boss right now. Or if your significant other is being mean to you for no obvious reason, they might have some issues they are dealing with right now. Of course, that's never an excuse to treat anyone like that, but it might make it easier for you to deal with these situations. 

2. Can you change it? 

One question I want you to ask yourself when you are beating yourself up about something or worry about another thing: Can I change it? If not, there is absolutely no point in stressing about it. But if the answer is yes, then make a plan and take action. 

3. Make mistakes and learn from them. 

No one is born with the superpower of always knowing what the right decision is. Even if you know some people who seemingly have everything and just seem to succeed at whatever they start, they really don't. The only reason why you think so is that they normally don't talk about their failures but love to discuss their successes. 

4. The world owes you nothing. 

I know sometimes it can feel like the whole world is against you. And you ask yourself 'I am a good person, why am I not successful, why does everything seem to go wrong?'. I hope that doesn't come across rude, but: the world owes you nothing. You have to look for opportunities yourself. Yes, positive thinking helps but if you just sit there and think about that life you want it won't lead anywhere. 

5. Be comfortable with uncomfortable emotions. 

I used to dread arguments so much to the point that I would pretend to agree with another person just for the sake of not having to argue about it. Of course, no one likes to fight (at least I hope you don't). But having a civilized discussion about a problem or just an opinion can help so much and even broaden your horizon. Being comfortable with uncomfortable emotions is what sets successful people apart from the rest.

6. Bye, Bye!

Cutting toxic people out of your life is one of the basics of becoming mentally stronger. They just suck so much energy out of you, that you sometimes don't even notice. And always remember: just because you are related to someone doesn't mean you have to have them in your life. Especially if they do nothing but bring you down. 

7. Learn to say no. 

Similarly to cutting toxic people out, it's important to say no. I know it's easier to play the nice girl and say yes to everything someone asks you to do. And yes, you should help other people but only when you can. You don't have to fill in for your colleague when it's actually your anniversary. You don't have to help your neighbour with painting their fence when you have a work deadline. But of course don't be rude about it. Explain your situation and offer to help them out another day. It would be even better if you can already set a date for the day you are going to do the thing they asked you to. You don't have to constantly do whatever, whenever other people want you to.

8. Take care of yourself. 

If you don't take care of your physical and mental health you won't be able to become mentally and emotionally stronger. With taking care I mean get enough sleep, exercise, eat things that nourish your body (and taste amazing, obviously). And sometimes it can also mean to stay home and just watch Netflix and order yourself a pizza. Simply listen to yourself and your body and you will know what you need. 

9. Positive people are not 'naive' or 'weak'. 

I have always been a very positive and optimistic person. I always had trust that everything is going to fall into place when I give my best. If you are the same, chances are you will encounter some people that might make comments about you for being 'too naive' or 'stupid'. See, the thing is just because you believe in the good in people and the world doesn't mean you don't anticipate their bad sides. You do. You just choose to give them the benefit of the doubt. And I think the world would be a much better place if everyone would do so.

10. Be patient.

You won't change overnight. It's a process that takes time. So don't beat yourself up the next time you cry because someone didn't like the way you did your work or left a rude comment on your looks. Observe your emotions and learn. 

x Lisa

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All About Charlotte Tilbury Skincare.

{This post contains products that have been sent to me as PR gifts, with no obligation to write this post}

*{This post contains affiliate links}

Skincare is something I am very passionate about. I mean your skin is the base for whatever makeup you put on it. So if you look after it properly, it will make the biggest difference. As you all know I am a huge fan of Charlotte Tilbury products. But I have only really talked about her makeup up until now. So today, we will change that. 

Before we start I think it is helpful to know what skin type I am. I would say my skin is more on the dry side with the odd blemish every few weeks (or better-said once a month). My biggest issue is that my skin is quite sensitive and tends to get red very easily.

So with that out of the way, let's start with the products and what I think about them. 

1. Magic Cream*

This is one of the most hyped products by Charlotte. I used to hear so many amazing things about that I knew I just had to try it. And I am not disappointed. It's the most perfect consistency for me. Some creams are either too heavy and sticky or just not moisturising enough. But this is right in the middle.

2. Magic Night Cream* 

Because I loved the Magic Cream so much I had to try the night version of it. It is much heavier as you would expect. I would not wear it with makeup on top but that's why it's a night cream, right? For the colder months this a godsend though. Sometimes my skin feels very tight and itchy because of the cold air outside and the dry air inside that I put on an extra thick layer of this and my skin feels totally different the next morning. I don't see myself using this a lot in the summer months though. But I am yet to test it.

3. Magic Eye Rescue* 

This one was a surprise for me. I am normally not that excited about eye creams. I mean, I feel like I need to use them but I never feel a difference when I do. Until I found this gem. My concealer lasts longer, my eyes are less puffy and the most important part: my under-eyes feel so much more hydrated. If you will get one of the products from this post, it seriously should be this one.

4. Overnight Bronze & Glow Mask* 

I have to be honest that I haven't used this mask a lot yet. I gave it a try a few weeks back and loved the result. I was a bit hesitant because I was scared that I might wake up with an orange face but that was not the case. Instead, I found myself looking slightly sunkissed. I used it again the following night and could intensify the result. So it's definitely buildable. And it didn't break me out. I know this is often a problem when fake tanning your face. But so far there haven't been any problems for me.

5. Goddess Skin Clay Mask* 

My holy grail mask. I actually have been using this for over a year and get back to it all the time. This is another very hyped CT product. Again.. for a good reason. My skin looks so clear and smooth every time I use it. Obsessed!

6. Hollywood Flawless Filter*

I wasn't sure if I should include the next two products in this skincare post. It's not really skincare but not really makeup either. I would put them in the primer category. On the other hand, especially the Hollywood Flawless Filter, is way more than a primer. You can use it as one, but you can also use it on its own or over the makeup as a highlighter. I love it so much and can't wait to use it more often in the summer.

7. Wonderglow*

My primer of choice, every single day. I love this for its glow and for its lovely formula. It's not sticky or slippery like most primers tend to be. Give it a try!

Have you tried any CT Skincare products yet?

xx Lisa

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What's In My Bag | Mini Edition.

I have previously done a couple of these posts and I personally love to read them myself. I mean, who doesn't like a little sneak-peak into other peoples bags? But I have to say it's pretty hard for me to show you guys what I always carry around with me. I change bags quite a bit and with the size of the bags, their content also changes. Today I will show you what I carry around in a very small handbag, as small as it gets with me!

Let's get the obvious out of the way. My phone never leaves my side, especially when I am outside. This blush beaut case is from Richmond & Finch.  My purse also has to come with me everywhere I go. This one is a gift from my boyfriend's sister and I adore it. The quilted leather and the gold hardware is so me! It is by Charles & Keith, but I am not sure if they still have the exact same model.

I always have either sunglasses or glasses with me. Without them, I am helpless. Especially when I am driving. No chance I can do it without them! Also, my eyes are pretty sensitive so I need something to protect them from wind, sunshine and the cold. Otherwise... it's RIP to my eyeliner. 

Some sort of powder is another must for me. As far as makeup goes this is all I carry with me. If I am wearing lipstick that day the same one will find its way into my bag as well. Last but not least: Hairbands! Seriously anyone with longer hair will agree with me here... there is nothing better than tying up your hair after a long day out. And sometimes even during that long day out.  

What are your must-haves in your mini handbag?

xx Lisa

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The Energy Balls I Have Been Making Recently.

Before we start with why I love these so much and how I make them. I want to give Lydia Millen a shoutout, who shared Carrie's recipe which I almost completely used for these. So give these gorgeous girls a follow.

I have been on the hunt for a delicious but healthy snack for in between meals. I am not someone who needs to snack all the time but when I have a very stressful day or it's exam period I find myself raiding our cupboards for something quick and small to eat. Something that gives me some energy and satisfies my craving for sweets. Of course, I still treat myself to some chocolate but I try not to have it in the house (I will eat the whole thing in one go) so I was looking for an alternative. When Lydia showed this recipe in one of her vlogs I knew I had to try this. Everything Carrie makes always looks so good. So why not? 

So a few weekends ago I got all the ingredients and gave it a go. I don't have a proper food processor but the Nutri Bullet did the job quite well. And surprisingly they were delicious and even my boyfriend likes them. Now I make them almost every weekend for the week ahead.

So let's get into how to make them... 

• 200g of pitted dates
• 160g of ground almonds
• 50g desiccated coconut
• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
•          40ml of coconut oil
•          50g of crunchy peanut butter

Whizz everything besides the coconut oil and the peanut butter in the blender. You will get a pretty fine consistency. Then you add the oil and the butter by hand and mix it well. Then roll them into small balls, mine make about 12 balls. I then love to roll them in some more coconut or even some cacao powder. You can either pop them in the fridge or the freezer and enjoy over the next few days (or eat them all at once). Enjoy! 

x Lisa

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