www.soyaras.co.uk

OK so I spent a gorgeous sunny Sunday afternoon in London at The Chocolate Festival  at the Southbank Centre . I love all types of chocolate milk, white, mixed and dark…guess you could call me a Chocó-tart. I am just getting into the whole 70% and above pure coco chocolate line thing. This was an afternoon well spent, well I promise you I didn’t over indulge.  Well you couldn’t really, because some of the Chocolatiers at the festival were acting really tight with the “free” samples and I use that term lightly.  I kid you not, some of the stallholders were offering the free samples to the gifted and talented punters and then when they took it they would put the free sample tray back behind the banner/counter…nonsense. Totally different form ym experience at the Vitality show a few weeks ago where there were freesamples of tea, juices. Seed bars, health bars and more.

But I must add they were not all tight there were two special and informed Chocolatiers, one was  Olrtisoln du chocololt  and the lovely team on the Hotel Chocolat stand . Now the lovely lady on Olrtisoln had some fabulous chocolate power balls that almost blew my head off…gorgeous if you have mega sweet tooth like me. Let me tell you the power balls are (on the web they are called sugar free milk truffle), take a note sugar free here. They are pure chocolate on the outside and the inside they are packed with liquid caramel. The taste is divine, they have a caramel and a passion fruit flavour too. I am a big chocoholic and I was satisfied after 2-3 balls and that is saying something . They were great at the Olrtisoln stand, gave me lots of information and loads of free samples, which it should be “try before you buy” in my book.

The other informative stallholder offering free samples was the Hotel Chocolatier  stand. They had such a wide range of products from cute little Easter eggs and the massive family size variety pack. The Hotel Chocolatier stand had chocolate from all over the world, Ecuador, Congo and St Lucia to name just a few. I learnt at this stand that the longer chocolate is churned for then the smoother and silkier the taste. Regular High street brands have their chocolate churning for 6-8 hours. Now the Hotel Chocolatier range has some products that  are churned for 96 to 120 hours. Pop one in your mouth and it literally melts in your mouth. Divine!

I also learnt so much about the benefits of chocolate . Did you know that pure chocolate can lower cholesterol, blood pressure and contains antioxidants. Let’s not get it twisted I  love eating chocolate for the pleasure feeling it gives me, it acts as an anti-depressant and gives me a mini high.

So, that’s the end of my Chocolate Festival review. I got to stop now because the chocolate I was eating in-between writing paragraphs has finished.

My last word is to enjoy chocolate sensibly…so break that Galaxy in half my dear and give me some.

If you liked this blog let me know, if you have ideas how I can improve drop me a line too.

Email: info@soyaras.co.uk

Web: www.soyaras.co.uk

So, do you have any annoying jobs that need doing around the home. Today walk around  your home and write down the jobs that need doing e.g. fix cupboard, paint the room and repair the curtain etc. These little odd jobs that you see every day might be draining your energy, slowing down your race to greatness, and achieving your dreams in life. In order for you to be great, you have to be focused, and I don’t know about you but my home allows me a lot of time to think and for me to do that and do it well I might add, I have to have a peaceful and clear space. Each week or month get one of those annoying tasks done. You will feel the tension release off of your  shoulders and getting that leaking tap fixed now will allow your mind to focus on other things later. You may not release it but there are many little annoying things in life that are zapping your energy, your task this week is to identify them and reduce or eradicate them out of your life. Your mind is a creative space not a holding place. A jumbled home could indicate a jumbled up mind, if you beg to differ than I might add that you are just too lazy to tidy up and if you too lazy to tidy up what else are you avoiding to do in your life.

Ok ladies you know those shoes that you bought in the sales, that were perfect for such and such party and you were just waiting for the right outfit. Get rid of them. Ladies have on average 10 pairs of shoes that they do not regularly wear. Another person trash is another person’s gold. You have uncollected money waiting for you once you sell some of your shoes and clothes that you know cannot fit you anymore. Get yourself an EBay and PayPal account and get selling. If you are not an EBay or PayPal fan there  are many collection sites that will pay for your weight in clothes donated. My sister has been putting her unwanted clothes in a black bag, going to the clothes collection centre and it is simply a matter of weigh and get paid.

Don’t forget those old CD’s and books that you have lying around the house. You can re-sell these items on Amazon and make a nice little earner.

Remember every time you buy something new for your wardrobe and old item should be kicked out. Less truly is more.

Love to hear what you think of the blog contact me on the details below.

Email: info@soyaras.co.uk

Web: www.soyaras.co.uk

Mob: 07943 814 884

Not what you know but who you know

1)    Network your way up the success ladder

So ever heard that statement “it’s not what you know but who you know.” So not all job adverts will be published in the main newspapers or job sites, sometimes word of mouth is the quickest advertiser. So you need to make sure that you are regularly networking, attending seminars, workshops and social networking sites for people who are already in the industry that you want to enter.

2)    Consider a new career

OK so you studied English and Maths, but did you ever think that these skills might be transferable to another industry. Research some other industries that you have always thought about doing, check what skills and qualifications are needed and book into the next taster course at your local college.

Take on extra tasks that will develop your skills.

3)    Prove your worth at your workplace.

So when you are doing a report for work, always try to go that little bit extra and add a further piece of research that you have considered, which not part of the original brief. Take on extra tasks that will develop your skills. Create a specialism area at work where you are the go-to person for certain information. Continue to read up on your subject area and keep current and ahead of the game.

Success leaves clues

4)    Find a good mentor

Success leaves clues (Anthony Robbins). If you want to become better, you need to follow the example of those that have had success before you. Drop an email or go to lunch with someone who is in a position that you are interested in working in. Ask for guidance and advice on how you can develop your career.

Always think outside the box

5)    Have an unlimited attitude

If at first you do not succeed then try, try again. Think wider than what you can see at the moment. Have a vision that you can be anything that you put your mind to. Never think that you trained as a biochemist and that you cannot transfer those skills into being an engineer. Always think outside the box.

6)    Trusts your instincts

Put your CV out there and listen to feedback and make relevant changes. Take a risk and have a plan that is fluid, but albeit a plan.

Learning is a lifelong process

7)    Learn a new skills

Learning is a lifelong process. Business changes so frequently and you need to keep up. So read relevant books, journals and attend seminars and keep your social networking skills current because often headlines appear here first.

8)    Listen

Listen to those in the industry, listen to feedback and make positive changes i.e. new course, change CV or read a book to get you that little bit closer to your dream job.


Love to hear what you think of the blog contact me on the details below.

Email: info@soyaras.co.uk

Web: www.soyaras.co.uk

Mob: 07943 814 884

1)    Dating in a recession

You got to have fun but be careful with your money in this economic crisis. This is the time to think of budget friendly dates and activities to do with your special other half and get through this recession together in love. If your other half does not understand that it is not the amount of money you spend rather than the amount of quality time you have together then may be that person should not be your other half.

2)    Cinema on cheap night

Check out what day your local cinema does half price or two for one tickets and book your date for that day. You get to see the same great film, probably a little less crowd and all within your budget. You buy the tickets & let your date buy the snacks.

 

3)    Book Signing or workshops

Check out events on the web and on your Facebook, Meet up, Twitter, Ning or other social network pages. These events are usually free or at a great price and you will learn lots and also get  fantastic networking opportunities, you never know who you might meet.

4)    Galleries and museums

Get a bit of culture in your life by heading off to your local science museum or gallery and get some culture. There is always a new exhibition or launch happening check out your local listings and let me know how you get on. Southbank Centre always has a new exhibition or event going on.

5)    Bicycle Riding, running & Walks

Get on your bike, you and your partner can take a ride in the country, have a great date and keep fit at the same time. If you cannot ride then how about both of you go for a run or walk in the park. On the other hand, if that is too much sweating and puffing how about a nice even paced stroll hand in hand to the local sightseeing events.

Do not forget to sign up to Groupon, KGB and Livimg Social for the best vouchers for all the top places.

Part 2 Is coming next week.So check out www.soyaras.co.uk  for the next part.

Love to hear what you think of the blog contact me on the details below.

Email: info@soyaras.co.uk

Web: www.soyaras.co.uk

Mob: 07943 814 884

Do something today that makes you smile
3)    State of mind:
Regardless of what you put into your mouth, if your mind is not right then no amount of food will make you feel better. We all know that chocolate and other pick me ups only have a short-term effect. Do something today that makes you smile, wear that new top that you were saving for “some big night” because today is for living. Make sure you schedule rest time into your day, so please, please, please make sure you give yourself 5 minutes in the morning just to focus on how you are feeling and what you want to accomplish today, this week, this year, this lifetime. Write down your dreams and passions if it helps.

Have some "me time" sessions
Catch up with your girls and  always give yourself a weekly “me time” session. Me time could be anything from reading one of your favourite magazines, going for a walk, shopping or heading off to a spa for some well deserved TLC. We women work so hard every day and do not always get a thanks for all of our efforts, so sometimes we need to tell ourselves thanks through our own “me time” sessions. When you feel the stress of the day coming on, stop breath, think, if it helps write the problem down. Go away from the problem and then re-visit it if possible with a fresh mind full of ideas and solutions.

Get a good night's sleep for a better day
4) Benefit of 7-8 hours Sleep every night: We women really do need our beauty sleep. Sleep is the time when are bodies recharge and rejuvenate. You know when you have not had enough sleep that you are ratty, rushing through the day and often when we are tired we eat more to get us through the day. Now I know this may be a difficult job when you have so many commitments and demands on your time like the children, the husband/partner and the over demanding boss. We work to live, not live for work remember.
A quick tip, if you have young children, when you put them down for a nap, catch a few winks yourself, your motherly instinct will wake you up when your child needs you. You only have one life and why not go through looking beautiful and feeling great. You need to ensure you get a decent night’s sleep even on the weekends too; sleep will help you maintain your Goddess features.

If you like this blog then please feel free to read part one and other fantastic blogs on www.soyaras.co.uk.

Love to hear what you think of the blog contact me on the details below.

Email: info@soyaras.co.uk

Web: www.soyaras.co.uk

Mob: 07943 814 884

Do not ignore your body.

Those aches, pains, smells and discharges are just some of the ways your super body is trying to tell you that it needs help in certain areas. The body is a fantastic tool to self-repair and clean, but there are some conditions that need intervention. Ladies our bodies go through so much e.g. the menstrual cycle, childbirth and the menopause to name but a few.  We have to get better at listening and seeing any changes in our body and providing the appropriate response. Whether that means changing behaviour, starting a new habit, stopping a bad one and seeing the doctor for that check-up we always seem too busy to attend or simply just by relaxing more. You only have one body in life so you must look after it and even though I know it sounds clichéd it will look after you too.

1)    Fit exercise into your life: Walking is free, easy and fun. Bring your best mate with you and make it a girl’s day out. Strap on those trainers and let me know how you get on. You can always squeeze in a bit of exercise every day.  When you park your car to go shopping, park further way to squeeze in a 5-minute walk. Get off the bus or train a stop earlier when you are going to work to fit in a power walk that will get her heart pumping and your mind ready for a day at work. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Try it; trust me you will feel better for it. Invest in your health: Rather than buy that new dress that you have seen. Why not buy a pedometer that you can wear to track how many steps you take each day. When you use a pedometer you can set yourself daily targets of how many steps you want to take each day and slowly increase it and loose more calories.  In addition, you can join a gym ; they always have some great membership deals at the beginning of the year. If the gym is not within your budget then you can buy some home gym equipment and do a 30-minute exercise routine in the comfort of your own home. Remember whatever you choose to do “moving is improving”. Make improving your health a priority. It is just as important as getting your hair done or your monthly leg wax and facial. Plan to be active and stick to it. You will love the results a good eating plan and scheduled exercise will give you. I look forward to seeing the new sleeker and healthier you

2)    What you eat affects your health and lifestyle: Eat everything…in moderation. Prepare and carry a snack bag that will be your lifesaver when the munchies start. So the night before prepare some snacks like nuts, fruit, yoghurt, carrot sticks and your recommended 2 litres of water. If water is a bit bland for you, mix it with juice or a dilute drink. An alternative is to drink herbal tea; I am drinking cranberry and raspberry tea as I write this for you. Select the better food option: Now I love a bit of jerk chicken, jolof rice, fish & chips and the skin on the chicken, but we all know that this is not the best option. So instead, if I am going out for dinner I try to select the better option of grilled fish or skinless chicken that is baked but preferably not fried. Do not forget your plateful of salads and vegetables that will keep you full. If you cannot buy fresh vegetables, then the frozen option will be just as good.

Eat Less
Eat less: It sounds really simple but this really works to cutting the excess weight. When you go out to eat, choose a dessert but share it with your friend or take it home and have it the next day, so the calories are spread out. Trust me this really works; now I could eat a whole slice (no I am lying the whole cake) of sticky toffee pudding and custard all to myself, but it tastes so much better when you have shared it and the calories too with a friend. Now let us run away fast from the word diet and make sure that we are eating a range of foods to maintain and improve our health. Your daily food intake should consist of a mixture of fruit, vegetables, and good carbohydrates: whole barley Grapefruit, Turnip Apples oatmeal, wholemeal bread, couscous, prunes, Apricots, Zucchini, Oatmeal, lentils, nuts & seeds and proteins (meat, fish, eggs, beans).

PS: This is part 1, check back next week for part two.

Love to hear what you think of the blog and give me any great ideas to improve or you want others to hear.

Email: info@soyaras.co.uk

Web: www.soyaras.co.uk

Mob: 07943 814 884

At the beginning of the year, I like to make a vision board of all the exciting things that I want to achieve in the year and beyond.

How make a vision board?

Take an hour and cut out fantastic pictures of what you want e.g. family, finances, good health, holidays, healthier lifestyle and all those other holiday ideas and stick them onto poster paper and everyday look at your vision board and have a plan of how you will achieve each of those goals. Then once you have planned then as Nike said, just do it, so book that facial, go and visit the different country, and go for that run. Take each day and try one activity that will get you closer to your dreams.

Why does it work for me?

It really works, I made a vision board last year and I have seen great improvements in my health (I am working out 5 times a week), my finances have improved and my whole state of mind stays really focussed on my goals. It helps if you put a picture of yourself on the vision board because it makes it that much more realistic to you. I want to become a better blogger and improve my social network to develop Soyara’s to truly inspire all women to be beautiful on the inside and out. So I joined this group that is totally London Blog Club focussed on blogging check it out.

Have a look at mine below, let me know what you think and lets share this idea with everyone that you think will benefit form having a vision board to focus on achieving their goals. See if you can see me, I am the gorgeous hot chick standing next to my knight in shining armour.

 So the party season is on us and you know you need to make sure that you are looking good enough to eat and be stepping like you are the hottest thing since the invention of mobile phones. Check out my 5 tips on how to look and feel good over the busy party season.

 1)    Beauty make over’s

Book an appointmen withSET makeup artist, who will carefully select products that suit your skin and you will look like a Hollywood star all within the comfort of your own home. I guarantee you will have all the heads turning at the office party for all the right reasons.

  Have heads turning at the office party for all the right reasons.

  2)    Facials and massage London School of Beauty Therapy.

I went to this salon to have a facial and hot stone massage and I came out looking and feeling a million dollars. Students do facials so you help them pass their course and bag yourself a fantastic range of treatments at a fraction of the price. What are you waiting for?

http://www.lond-est.com/student_salon/

  3)    Clothes

Ok, so you have had your facials and make up done now it is the dilemma of what to wear. The weather is so touch and go right now it can have a big influence on whether you wear that backless number or throw on your trusted black trousers. Check out one of my favourite drop dead gorgeous outfits.

MORE FASHION IDEAS

 If you are still unsure check out Gok Wan’s trusted fashion book. What not to wear. You cannot go wrong with Gok’s advice tips; you will be the belle of the ball once you have read his book.

  5)    Bags

So a lady is never fully dressed without a bag right. I have found some statement bags in all sizes that will be perfect for the party season. I love a big bag and find it hard to down size for the party season. Some of these bags are too gorgeous to resist.

So ladies, enjoy yourself this party season be safe, have fun and always remain beautiful in whatever you wear.

PS: send me the pictures of how great you look at the parties at info@soyaras.co.uk and I will upload them to the web.

 Please let me you’re your thoughts on this blog by emailing Soyara at info@soyaras.co.uk or call/text me on 07943 814 884

 Inspiring you to be beautiful on the inside and out.


Soyara's

 Do you ever feel that you are stuck in a rut or too tired to even cry. This blog gives you tips to stay uplifted and inspired even through the difficult days.

Me Time

One day a month have a pyjama day, where you lounge around the house all day or at least for a long morning in your pyjamas, reading books , eating chocolates and just chilling. You work so hard so you need to relax and rest hard too. If that does not sound like your cup of tea then book yourself in for that massage or pedicure or catch up on that book you been promising yourself to read. An exhausted , tired and irritated woman is no good to anyone, so you owe it to yourself to relax and refresh yourself on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Running on empty only lasts so long and the tank will eventually break down unless you stop and refuel your engine.

  Only do what is important and not everything on your to do list has to be done every day. Be content when not all things get done. Life is for living not just ticking off tasks done on a to do list. Hire in a cleaner, ask for help with tasks that take you forever. Have a cut off time for certain tasks and do not beat yourself up when not all the washing was done on time.

 Focus on your accomplishments and not the failures or the things you wish you could do. Someone would love your life right now, so make sure you enjoy and love everyday because someone in the world would love to swap their problems with yours right now. Life is not easy, it has its ups and downs but make sure you learn every lesson you need to while riding the rollercoaster in life.
http://www.motivatingquotes.com/

 Make sure you have goals in life that you can work on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. These goals will give you something to strive for in life, whether it is to be the best mother, partner in a firm, a good friend, more compassionate. Make sure that each day or each week you do something to further your dream. Goal Setting

I would love to hear what you think of  this blog.

Email: info@soyaras.co.uk

Web: www.soyaras.co.uk

Mob: 07943 814 884

1)    Make your CV and covering letter unique

A subtle border and underlining or printing on slightly thicker CV paper could give you the slight edge over your competition.
http://www.soon.org.uk/cvpage.htm

2)    Widen your horizons

If you have been looking in the same newspapers for jobs then you need to widen your search. Maybe post your CV online on a few other job sites, apply to a company who you have never worked for before.

3)    Networking like crazy

Get to know people who are in the industry go  to networking events. Join the companies Facebook, Ning and Twitter page. Ever thought of working abroad. http://www.goworkabroad.co.uk/how-to-find-a-job-abroad.html

4)    Where do you fit in

You need to work for a company where you will fit in.. Look at companies websites, opening hours, employee benefits and assess whether they work life balance fits your ideal. http://www.quintcareers.com/work-life_balance_tips.html

5)    Be encouraged

 Remember you may be going to hundreds of interviews and being turned down; keep going until you get your “yes.” Thomas Edison tried 1000’s of times before he was successful with the light bulb. http://www.thomasedison.com/

6)    Do your homework and be prepared

When you go for an interview, always get there early and make sure you have done your homework  e.g. key people, key targets and challenges.

http://career-advice.monster.co.uk/?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_n=Srch_UK_SK_G_CAR&s_kwcid=TC|21030|preparing%20for%20an%20interview||S|e|5789381322

7)    Timing is crucial

Be on time.

8)    Dress for the job

Make sure that you look the part. First impressions count. http://www.cvtips.com/interview/what-to-wear-for-a-job-interview.html

9)    Show off your gifted and talented side

Mention your charity bungee jumping, some employers may be looking for this type of person for their company. Show the blogs that you have written and any new ideas that you have that will improve the efficiency of the company.

http://www.cvtips.com/job-search/extra-curricular-activities-can-be-a-help-when-looking-for-a-job.html

 

10)     Question Time

Remember interviews are a two way process. Have a list of five key questions, e.g. on an article that you have read recently or an interesting workshop you attended.

http://www.howtobooks.co.uk/employment/interviews/questions-to-ask.asp