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Stress Free Style

What Is Sustainable Fashion?

sustainable fashion, cyntra charlesworth, cyncity, fast fahion, sustainability

Pictured: Green silk long sleeve pyjamas, IDentity Lingerie
There is nothing more that I like to do then snuggle on the weekend, fresh coffee in hand, with the windows open for some fresh air. My new weekend snuggles have also gone to the next level with my newfound love of silk long sleeve pyjamas.
I don’t know if it’s a case of me getting older or getting wiser to the fact that sleeping in silk is quite heavenly. – Cyntra

What is sustainable fashion?

I love style, who doesn’t! that feeling of newness, when you step out the house in the brand-new top/dress/shoe or jacket. Whats not to love?

Well… quite a few things really. Over the last year, with the knowledge that our precious planet is almost on its knees from the acts of human’s, I have been trying to find ways that ‘little ol me’ can do to help reduce my carbon footprint and play a small part in a big change.

It can be quite overwhelming, wondering what you can do personally to reverse the adverse effects we as humans have caused on the planet, but there are small steps we can do in our everyday lives to make it just a little bit better. You hear about ‘do this, do that, stop this and stop that’ but when it comes to the personal day to day – one can feel quite useless in trying to understand what part we can play in helping.

However, through doing some research, there was a discovery about one thing we can all do, aside from our trusty keep-cups, and that is to start looking at our habits… particularly our spending habits.

If being fashionable is in your jeans (pun intended) how about starting to look at what makes up the fabric of your favourite garments and start with a little savviness in your style choices.

So… I mentioned sustainable fashion… what does this mean?

Sustainable fashion is a movement and process of fostering change to fashion products and the fashion system towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. Sustainable fashion concerns more than just addressing fashion textiles or products.

We live in a world where coffee costs more than clothes. This is the world of fast fashion and cheap clothing is becoming a major problem.

Merriam Webster defines fast fashion as “an approach to the design, creation, and marketing of clothing fashions that emphasizes making fashion trends quickly and cheaply available to consumers.”

We are now living in a world where clothing is so ‘throw away’, ‘hand-me-downs’ are a thing of the past and the constant need for new-ness has overshadowed the meaning of owning a nice piece of clothing.

You may be wondering… what is wrong with new clothes? What does fast fashion have to do with the environment?

Here are some of the top reasons:

  • Carbon Footprint

The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of the world’s carbon footprint.That’s a huge proportion when we think of all the other industries out there which contribute to carbon emissions. It’s not often associated with our wardrobes and the purchases we make in stores.

  • Chemicals in fashion production

From insecticides in farming cotton, chemicals in dyeing process and other heavy metals are all used in the mass-production of new clothes. These chemicals are often toxic to the environment and people making the clothes and often are not cleaned up or disposed of properly in fast fashion.

  • Water pollution

The chemicals used for dying and production most often than not end up in run-off to rivers and the ocean dispelling over 20,000 cubic litres of toxic waste. Fashion is considered the second biggest polluter of clean water. When we look at the pollution in Ocean, 85% of the human-made materials found on shorelines microfibers, which are frequently used in clothing.

  • Textile waste

And the list goes on….

What can I do be more fashionably sustainable?

There are a few simple things that you can do immediately which will have a big impact. I am going to pledge to do as much as possible to change my habits to make a small difference,

  • Op Shops/ Thrift Shops/ Second hand

Turn your eye to going on the hunt and you will find some beauties. There are high-end, old school and all kinds out there. Hit up new areas and you never know what you will find. Even online with apps which allow you to purchase second hand. There are endless opportunities.

  •  Clothes swaps

Organise clothes swaps with friends and friends of friends. If you need a dress for an occasion – create groups of friends where you can lend to each other. Fancy dress – reach out to your inner circles. You can’t keep buying a new dress for every wedding, christening and birthday which comes around.

  • Sustainable Fashion

Find brands and stores which support sustainable fashion. Look online to find out which brand are supporting the creation of new styles with sustainability on the top agenda. Even by googling you will find well-known brands which are highly rated for their ethics and sustainability. There are great resources like this website which will help you find brands which align to being more sustainable.

  • Stop buying new clothes

A hard task but if you must buy new make sure it’s built to last. Sounds odd but seriously there are so many wonderful ways to get your hands on something that feels new without the fast fashion. This one will be tricky; I love that feeling of stepping out in something fresh but do-able. Applying the above points can help put a shoe in the right place in making small changes to our day to day impact to carbon footprint.

  • Local brands

If you do need to buy something new; find brands which are local, ethical and sustainable. Look to see what designers are in your area, local creators or even just localised to your country. There are so many good brands out there who are doing the hard work to source sustainably making our purchase decisions that tiny bit easier. For example, the silky soft pyjamas, I am wearing are from IDentity Lingerie, a brand who make quality lingerie and nightwear, who’s ethos is stapled around sustainability, local products and ethical practices. They have such a cute range of hand-made and beautiful products all produced with a green heart. By making wiser choices, and choices from good quality brands, we can all get that 1% better.

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Stress Free Style

5 Fun Ways to Add a Personal Touch to Your Wardrobe | Style

  

Mixing things up in your wardrobe with pieces that show off your unique personality is a great confidence booster. Even with a few simple additions such as custom jewellery or handcrafted accessories, you can make a statement. Look for eye-catching second-hand or vintage pieces that represent your character. The more original your style, the more on-trend you’ll be this year, as in 2021, pretty much anything goes. Have fun mixing up your look for different occasions, and you’ll always be able to show your own style.

Here are five ways to add a personal touch to your wardrobe:

Custom jewellery

If you love collecting jewellery, layer pieces, such as necklaces or bracelets. Play around with textures and mix and match. Choose accessories you can easily customise yourself such as trollbeads. Each bead you add to your bracelet can represent something that’s important to you. You could also look out for fun accessories while you’re travelling so that each one your wear tells a story, and makes a great conversation piece.

Handmade accessories

Another way to add a unique touch to your look is with handcrafted bags and accessories. Research local and international designers and find one whose values align with yours. You can find artisans that only use sustainable materials to create one-off pieces, and they’re much more affordable than you might think. Handmade accessories are much more beautiful than ordinary high street options.

5 Fun Ways to Add a Personal Touch to Your Wardrobe

Vintage classics

Vintage classics will always be in style and you can find some really original pieces. There are plenty of vintage shops to browse online, so you don’t even need to leave your house. Here are some of the best online vintage clothing stores to give you an idea. Vintage clothing isn’t as expensive and inaccessible as it used to be. There’s a wide range available online and you can spend time looking for something that reflects your personality.

Upcycling

If you want to put your creative talents and flair to good use you could even refashion and upcycle your clothes. Alternatively, look for second-hand pieces in charity shops to re-purpose. If you’ve got the knack for throwing an outfit together, you can have a lot of fun up-cycling old clothes into a new look. You could even check out swap shops, or host a clothes swapping party for your friends. There’s no need to spend money to add a unique touch to your wardrobe.

Layering

Layering is about mixing and matching different styles and pieces. You can do this with your clothes and accessories. Throw a blazer over a brightly coloured top for a casual job interview style, or combine a floaty dress with boots and a leather jacket. Layer your jewellery by wearing bracelets of different weight and colours. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, just have fun creating your own look. The colder weather offers even more opportunities for you to layer up. With a few creative changes to your wardrobe, you can reflect your character and style.

Stress Free Style

Summer In The City: White Hot!


Anyone else feeling the heat!

This Summer has blessed us with perfect weather. Radiant sunshine, fresh green parks and the calling of BBQ’s in the evenings easing us out of working days.

Style choices start to become easier as simple cotton dresses and breathable shirts start to make up the basis of every outfit.

Topshop Broderie Bardot White Cyncity Cyntra Charlesworth Blogger Style

Whether at work or play – finding your style for Summer in the City is always made easier when you have a wardrobe staple to take you from work to play.

White Hot

Nothing brings a breath of fresh coolness to any look than a clean white jumpsuit and I have found the perfect one at Topshop. This Embroidered Bardot Jumpsuit has become my go to. Gliding me from work to play with the simple change of an accessory.

Topshop Broderie Bardot White Cyncity Cyntra Charlesworth Blogger Style

No-one wants to be carrying around anything more than their handbag in this weather, which is why I have chosen to share my simple tips to style for any occasion. Take the stress out of your day and make it easy from work to play.

Here are my simple hacks to take your from work to play:

Style For Work:

Pair this Bardot broderie jumpsuit with a heeled sandal, breathable shirt and colour-pop clutch.

A pair of oversize glasses will add a hint of glam.

Style For Play:

Dress down with a trainer: any colour can work as you have the purity of the white. With a clean fresh tee and the right shades, this will be the perfect pairing. If it gets chilly bring your favourite vintage denim jacket to pull over your shoulders.

Style For Evening:

Topshop Broderie Bardot White Cyncity Cyntra Charlesworth Blogger Style

A heeled wedge or a spicy stiletto and a leather jacket will take this jumpsuit from day to date.

A flash of red lipstick and a small flick of eyeliner and you can stroll into the evening oozing with chic and style.

Topshop Broderie Bardot

Style For Festival:

Topshop Broderie Bardot

Look chic and fresh – even in the mud!

Nothing says chic like a beautiful Bardot paired with your muddy wellies. A floral headdress and the classic festival shades – marry together that summery festival vibe.

Be it Wilderness, Tomorrowland, Obanjan or Bestival – you always have to be prepared for the #BritishSummer

Topshop Broderie Bardot

This Bardot Playsuit makes the perfect addition to a capsule wardrobe as it is so versatile to suit every need your Summer throws at you!

Stress Free Style

Minty Mondays: Matching Heels and Sneaks

Spring is finally here and what better way to celebrate then freshening up your wardrobe with some pastel mint vibes.

Going to work 5 days a week you can get stuck in the same rotation of grey and black making you feel like winter is still in your wardrobe. Time to shake it up and bring some fresh colour into you repertoire. Adidas stan smiths have brought out a fresh new range of pastel sneakers ranging from frozen green to pastel pink. Intricate details and a cool finish these are an excellent addition to put a spring in your step and spring into your wardrobe.


Changing from sneakers to heels is made easy when you stick to the same colours as you know it will match.

My ASOS mint heels add a simple yet effective insert of colour into my black suit. If you are like me and your wardrobe is a mix of monochrome then brightening up for the seasons can be simply left to your accessories.


Matching your sneaks to your heels means you can dash about town to all your meetings, commute without damaging your knees, get in the car easily while placing your heels in your bag and transition from boardroom coffees to girls and cocktails without having to dash home to change.

Its all about using your precious time effectively and not feeling a pack horse every time you know you’re meeting friends after work.



We are busy ladies these days. Managing your time effectively so you can be the best #GIRLBOSS while also balancing out that time for social and relaxation.

Keep it fresh this spring and treat yourself to some matching heels and sneaks! Go on… you deserve it!

Balance/ Stress Free Style

Changing Seasons Style

This Autumn I have a new addition to my Fall Wardrobe

Timberland 6″ Classic Boot

Timberlands 4

Timberland once known for being workman boots are now defined as a timeless Style staple.

They have an ability to give any style an air of nonchalance. Worn by Men and Women, these boots bring a certain look to an outfit while being applicable to a plethora of looks. Just take a glance at Cara Delivigne or Rihanna – effortlessly cool in their dress down wear – these boots bring the casual joggers and baggy top a type of definition which is hard to come across in any other boot.

Timberlands 3

Paired with jeans, skirts and dresses: the classic Timberland can really bring a degree of edge to your fall wardrobe while elongating your legs as the chunk of the boots brings a clear contrast in size to your pins.

As the nights draw in and the days become cooler layers will become a necessity.  A strong and stylish pair of boots will allow you to layer on those chunky knits without making yourself feel like you’ve given up style for practicality.

  Timberlands

These boots are also great for those Winter walks through the beautiful parks to see how the seasons are changing.

I got mine from Footlocker who have the range of Timberland styles from Classic to the Glastonbury to the Sneaker Look

Encourage yourself to get outside and make sure you get out and enjoy what is left of the day in order to get those daily endorphins and limited amount of Vitamin D. Fitness is equally important in the Winter as it is in the Spring/Summer as Root vegetables come into season and the warmer drinks are the ones that seem more desirable.

timeberlands 5

How do you style your boots? What are your Winter essentials? I would love to hear! Comment below with your links to your pics! Or @ me on in instagram @cyntra,city

This post is in collaboration with footlocker but all opinions and style choices are my own. #approved

Balance

Seasonal Styling: Workout gear to strut into the New Year

Retro Fonts

This week I have been updating my Workout Wardrobe ready to start the New Year with a bang!

fabletics

There is nothing like hitting a new workout, new plan and new goals with a wardrobe to support. It inspires you and it motivates you to get up and move.

Gym clothes should be treated with the same level as your work clothes. They need to be suitable, supportive, stretchy and stylish!

There are lots of places on the internet where you can get new clothes but here are my seasonal suggestions

My new garms consist of:

Wellicious:

 

wellicious

This cute catsuit is perfect for yoga, stretching and jogging. 
Launched in 2009 by Heike Schnell, a passionate yogista and mother of three who found it difficult to find clothes for her yoga class that combined fashion, comfort and the eco-friendly aspect. Wellicious was set up with a mission to create eco-premium performance apparel for the growing number of individuals interested in sustainable, healthy living and being active but who do not want to sacrifice style for practicality.

The team who work at Wellicious are great so if you have any questions just shoot them a message.

Fabletics:

fabletics 1

So chic – I love this!

 leggins

top fab

Fabletics is great. Its chic, Stylish and has clothes for every type of workout.

You can go online and put in your size, likes, colours and needs and leave it up to Fabletics to put you outfits together!

Kate Hudson is the co-founder of a great company where you can order gorgeous clothing. It holds you in so makes you feel slim, strong and sexy. You can use their VIP but remember to skip or you will get charged £44 a month!

This whole outfit: Leggings and two tops came to £76

NOW THAT IS A STEAL

Footlocker:

footlocker

These are my favourite shoes of 2015. Not ideal for working out in but if you are running from work to the gym – they can style a suit and a workout outfit and give you swag!

Footlocker have every style to meet your need so head online or instore and grab the creps you need!

So tell me: What are you wearing this season?

Balance/ Recipes

Morning Motivation

We all have those weeks when the alarm for the gym goes off – and you hit snooze

You have a green smoothie for breakfast – and someone offers you a lunch out in a plush restaurant

You go tee total – and then it turns out to be your best mates birthday!

Motivation is a long term thing… there will be ups and downs in the long term plan… all you have to remember is that it is long term.

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You must remember the days you have done well

Plan wisely: this allows you to stay motivated.

Set aside that time where you are going to catch up with all your favourite hobbies. Get in your gym gear first thing in the morning to remind yourself at some point your are going to have to go! Organise your food menu for the week. Do your weekly shop on a sunday and prep for the week ahead.

 

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Keeping motivated is all about staying on top of your goals and re-organising them as day to day life gets in the way. Just because you didn’t achieve something today does not mean it cannot go on your to do list for tomorrow. 

And when all is said and done – allow yourself those moments when you can relax and have some well deserved r&r

Peace xx

Stress Free Style

Puma Logo Street Style

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Loving this Puma Logo Crew Neck Sweater

 

image3xxl

 

Chic, soft and stylish and can be paired perfectly with jeans or A-line skirt with sneakers.

This sweater is perfect when running from work to the gym or from the gym to friends. It can really ease your day if you can mix up your style to incorporate sports brands so you only need to carry one bag.

Hot to trot!

You can find this Puma Logo Sweater on ASOS or click here

Explore

Bequia: What To Pack

Bequia: What to Pack?

Heading to Bequia and not sure what to pack? Here are my top tips as to what to pack for Bequia.

First things first: Mosquito’s

There is mosquito’s all year around in Bequia as the environment is so lush.

They are not harmful but they will take a nibble if possible. The times to watch out are in the morning and the evening.

Be sure to pack mosquito repellent and appropriate precautions to keep these critters at bay.

What to wear in Bequia

What to wear in the Morning: 

Pack lots of light long sleeve tops or maxi dresses and wear deet.

It does get very warm so linen and cotton are ideal. Aim to get breakfast early so the time the mossies disappear and when the sun comes out you will be in beachwear.

What to wear in Bequia

What to wear in the Evening: 

Long sleeve shirts, maxi dress with shawl, long skirts and anything to cover exposed skin.

The bug spray will keep the mossie’s at bay and the evening weather is mild enough to wear more clothing.

What to wear in Bequia

Swimwear: 

Bikini, tankini, swimming costumes – the island is surrounded by the most beautiful ocean that invites you in. The island is not too conservative but I would suggest not going topless as this is not a very touristy island due to its location.

Stick to bandeau if you want to stop tan lines.

What to wear in Bequia

What to wear in the Daytime: 

Shorts, skirts, dresses – the island is there for exploring so wear clothes to explore.

Scratchy materials are not ideal as the weather is warm and any discomfort is un-necessary  What to wear in BequiaShoes: 

High heels are not necessary – there is a beautiful beach path leading from Port Elizabeth to Queen Margaret beach which is best done in flats.

Superga’s, trainers, flip flops, sandals and pumps.

Evening: 

Bequia is not Barbados.

It is not wrapped up in the more materialistic side of life – it is far more relaxed.

In the evening think simple, chic, chill and make sure you have something to protect from sea breeze if you like to be near the sea at night.

Jazz up a nice outfit with jewellery!What to wear in Bequia

Necessities:

Hat, sunglasses, deet, beach bag, handbag, mossie spray and sun-cream

Bequia is an island to explore: meet the locals, meet the people who have moved there, enjoy the cocktails and rum punches and take in the vast views of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Use this as an opportunity to mix simple, chic and comfort into one wheelie suitcase. You won’t need much to keep it simple.


For More Information on Bequia Click Here: Bequia

 

Stress Free Style

Today’s Outfit: Winter Work Wear

It is chilly up in Manchester!

The temperature has dropped and the need for all inches to be covered is very much my first priority!

Fortunately a purchase I made mid August this year from Monsoon has saved me from having to do my best impression of a snowman!

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God bless Goose Down

You would have thought being wrapped from head to neck in my long locks, draped with my YSL scarf and held together with my Roxy headband would be enough to warm me up – this was not the case.

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I had missed out warming my little toes and exposed ankles! For fear of frostbite I headed out to town and came back with these wee little booties! And between you and me these primarni boots (yes you heard right #Primark) have completed my winter warmer and I am ready to face the day.

Sleek, chic and sexy these thigh high boots finish off a jumper and skinny trouser office look

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Add a little splash of colour to my all black ensemble – and I’m ready for work

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Looking forward to indulging in this little gift later… thank you Hilton

Cannot wait to get back to my room for some night time reading: The Optimum Nutrition Bible – this book gives all the knowledge you need to get your cold bodies through this chilly Winter. It has taught me a variety of key information on Vitamins and Minerals and how these can play a huge part in keeping the body healthy and make your energy thrive… definitely a plus! Find it on amazon – definitely worth a read…

 

xxx

Stress Free Style

Roses are Red, A/W 2013 is Blue

trendingblue

This autumn and winter its time to dig deep and bring out those cool shades of blue.

Paired up with a high waisted black jean, slick white capri pants or some denim – Blue is a firm fixture till Christmas

Chanel has brought out a limited edition nail polish: Magic – perfect to accompany any shade of blue chosen.

Navy is the perfect tone…xxx

blue

Stress Free Style

Today’s Outfit – Red, Black and a little Louboutin

 

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Today’s Outfit: Jacket – Zara, Top – Oasis, Trousers H&M, Shoes H&M and Bag – Christian Louboutin

I awoke today feeling a little under the weather – mid summer and I have swollen glands – two days before I go on holiday too!

I wanted to work together an outfit that gave a fleck of colour while remaining within my comfort zone of Black. The bag is there purely for my own indulgence because what girl doesn’t love little bit of Louboutin red to brighten her day

Dark red lips are often left for winter but I think a nice deep Chanel Red can brighten any summer outfit to make it playful and feminine

Have a wonderful day

Cyntra x

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Recipes

Juice Cleanse – Day 1

 

 

 

 

 

Juice Cleanses! We have all heard of them! They seem to the new nutrition trend of 2014 and have been acclaimed to be the best thing to do for you gut!

In a world full of toxins, acidity, pollution, stress, sugary and processed food – these juice cleanses are designed to help cleanse your digestive system to free up some energy!

As we are peak in summer I thought I would give one of these cleanses a go. I have started going to to hot yoga every day in Clapham at Yoga haven and Glo – Juice Bar is conveniently situated en premise!

glo sign

 

I started doing hot yoga more frequently as I am finding from all my weight training that I am gaining muscle at a rate that I am not happy with and looking to find a way to lengthen and lean out my body. (I have taken before and after pictures and I will share these at the end). I felt the juice cleanse would aide with the new change I am looking for – ridding out all the crap and maybe lose a few pounds on the way

.glo

So – back to the agenda.

After my hot yoga I collect my juice package which has been freshly prepared for me. At the collection point there is a cup of hot water and lemon ready for my morning commute and shot of apple and ginger to kick-start my day.

I make my way to work and pick up the essentials (see below) cannot wait to read about Mrs Victoria Beckham in this months Vogue – after spending hours watching the tennis and of course the Beckhams – I still can’t work out who I am more in love with out of that beautiful power couple….

Breakfast

I open my package at my desk – inside there are tea sachets, my juices and smoothies for the day and an envelope listing my two day menu and some frequently asked questions.

So as I sit down to start my first Green Smoothie – I am going to fill my head full of the positivity and confidence in myself to stick and complete my cleanse and enjoy every moment.

Will blog later about my days menu, my thoughts and feelings, the ups and downs and any other info that may be helpful to the next juicer in line

Have a wonderful day xxx

 

Stress Free Style

Today’s Outfit – Little holiday lace

 night

Packing for holidays requires a little thought – you need to take into consideration weather, culture, religion, day, evening, bugs, sun protection oh and of course…BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE! All off the above lead to the inevitable sitting on top of your suitcase to try and squeeze it shut – hoping it wont burst! Then realizing you’ve packed half a years worth of clothes in for a week and may be acting a little over zealous! It is key to have a holiday wardrobe – something you can mix up each year with some statement jewelry, hair piece or a splash of colour.

day

This little lace number – has successfully made it into the team – and I will tell you why. Even though it is lace is it modest – covering your arms and legs which protects from the sun at lunch and the cool in the poolside afternoon. It has a little je ne sais quoi that my boyfriend finds intriguing – perhaps its the lace…

front

The black is flattering and it loosely covers your curves – hiding the bits we all have when we sit down for lunch. If you holiday like me and you are in and out of the ocean and find it a chore to change into clothes in the middle of the days heat – this one is perfect

I found it in asos.com – it is so simple and chic and after a glass of wine and a bit of Kiesza hideaway – deserved its very own catwalk

back

point

Balance

Today’s Outfit – Running about town

220414 - black dress

Dress: American Apparel

Shoes: H&M

Bag: Longchamp

Ahhh so woken up this week and my head is firmly still on Easter holiday mode! Today is a busy day – back to work, off to an exhibition and have the gym this evening… oh yeah and I need to eat, breathe and sleep as well.

Work is full on at the moment so I needed an outfit which is smart comfortable and can transcend into evening wear – especially Shoreditch evening wear. The dress is knee length and cotton therefore the material is soft and suits all weather and is appropriate for all offices. I have paired this with some H&M wedges – the perfect shoe for having the elegance of a heel while keeping the ability to rush around the city.

In my Longchamp handbag I have put all my gym clothes in – a stylish way of being able to move from work to play to the gym without having to carry a Sports bag

I am off to the London Newcastle Oasis Exhibition – Chasing the Sun http://londonewcastle.com/arts-programme/events/2014-04-11/chasing-the-sun-oasis-1993-1997/ – I was a huge Oasis fan so looking forward to sneaking this in after work.

Tonight’s Workout: Chest and Arms for 40 minutes followed by 20 minutes of HIIT – training my brother and cousin tonight who are new to weights so should be quite a fun evening.

Have a wonderful week – and if you can head down to the exhibition – GO!