What's in my gym bag

 Hoody, Koss Headphones, Anasazi 5.10's, water bottle, Phone, Deodorant

I'm in love with my new faux leather gym bag from Forever 21!

These photo's honestly don't do it justice. The bag is huge, it's so sturdy and there is plenty of compartments inside for stashing valuables.

Usually I just take a backpack to the bouldering gym, but this means struggling to fit in all of my stuff. With this bag I can fit in several pairs of climbing shoes easily, as well as my huge chalk bag and other essentials.

I am really loving Forever 21's workout section in store and I couldn't resist treating myself to this.

I'll also be using this bag when I travel, there's more than enough room to fit several outfits and my massive makeup bag.

When payday comes around I will definitely be making another trip to Forever 21...

Instagram @wolvesandflames

Vegan "synthetic down" jacket review

Down jackets have become really popular in the rock climbing scene.

Most of the female climbers can be seen sporting their bubble effect coats in all different colours and they look awesome.

I have been eager to find a vegan version for quite some time, but for some reason companies think that ripping feathers off a terrified goose is a major selling point and whilst people buy the product they keep supporting the practise.

I took a trip to the new Go Outdoors that has opened up in Liverpool, the store is huge and I was psyched with all of the variety and choice! As always I roamed the jacket section and I was really excited when I came across a synthetic jacket designed to look like it is down fill.

The jacket comes in black with pink lining, black with blue lining (what I bought), full blue and blue with pink lining.

The price varies depending on the colours you go for, but because of the synthetic fill, the jacket is (what I consider) very cheap and well priced.

With my Go Outdoors discount card I bought the jacket for £49.99 and the RRP is £60.00.
Buy online

For me the jacket looking nice and the fact that it is Vegan friendly was enough for me to commit to the purchase. However I've wore the jacket several times now and the quality really is great.

The synthetic filling is extremely warm and teamed with the windproof/waterproof shell you are guaranteed to be cosy in the temperamental British weather.

I really love the fit and I found it was true to size.

The jacket has elasticated cuffs and the hood fits really well to keep you warm and dry in the elements.

If the weather warms up the coat comes with a small pouch to fold it away and store in your bag.

This really is a great feature because when folded in the bag it is extremely compact, meaning you can always carry it on you just in case.

I'm really impressed with the jacket and I can't wait to wear it when we go climbing outdoors and get the full experience.

It proves you don't need to torture sentient animal's to get a good quality coat!

Down production

Instagram @wolvesandflames

Payday purchases...

The last few months have been a whirlwind of manically saving money and trying to find somewhere to move before our lease was up. After having offers rejected on houses and being outbid multiple times my boyfriend, our German Shepherd and I have ended up having to move in to my Dad's back room.

After having such a nightmare with our landlords, I'm just so grateful to be out of the flat, and also paying keep is a lot cheaper than paying rent and bills!

So, for the first time in months I have money to spend on myself!

My first purchase is the boxy, fishnet top. I'm obsessed with sporty style and this top is easy to wear, layerable and I love the gold zip detail. I can't wait to wear it layered over a sports bra and high waisted shorts when summer finally arrives!

Forever 21 - £18

I have been trying to find a new black jacket that's versatile and comfy. This black denim jacket is definitely that, it looks great with my usual all black everything and gold accessories!

The jacket fits quite snug and I reccomend going a size up as it's tight on the arms.

Missguided - £30

Also from Missguided is the camel, ribbed crop top. I'm still loving turtle necks and this vest is easily transferred in to summer. It fits really well and I will be teaming it with high waisted pencil skirts and channeling Kim Kardashian!

Missguided - £8

I found the amazing grey, ribbed vest in Primark. It has a low neckline and strappy, open back that is balanced out by the long length and slightly baggy fit. Now I just need a reason to get dressed up, as I can't wait to team it with black skinnies and stilettos.

Primark - £7

In anticipation of the summer I bought the amazing gold buckled sandals. I'm always wearing boots or trainers so it's nice to have more options and I love the minimalist style when they're teamed with a plain t shirt and jeans.

I haven't took these off since they arrived!

Missguided - £18

these key pieces are exactly what I needed to freshen up my wardrobe and I'll be getting so much wear out of them!

Instagram @wolvesandflames

My Workout Routine

I've always found it difficult to consistently exercise and stay motivated. I tried going to the gym and I tried high intensity workout DVD's, but after a few months I would finding myself sticking to it less and less.

When my brother suggested we try bouldering I was really skeptical, I thought rock climbing without ropes would be really dangerous, I had flashbacks to rock climbing school trips and everyone laughing at my inability to leave the ground.
I can now say I've been consistently bouldering for almost two years. Of course I've hit a few plateau's in that time, but I've still happily gone to the climbing gym and tried to break through it because I always know I'm going to have a great time.

I've never been a sporty person, I got kicked off the netball team in school because I would run away from the ball (true story) and I've always been weak, inflexible and scared of heights.

With bouldering I've been able to overcome all of that at my own pace and I love it.

The atmosphere is so friendly and if you're ever struggling with a route or a move there will always be someone willing to give you tips to help.

Although I have continually gone to the bouldering gym around three times a week, I haven't had an exact training regime until recently. With my training I want to build my stamina, build muscle and improve my climbing overall. To achieve this I want to climb often, use different body weight exercises and train on the fingerboard.

Here is my current routine...

Monday -  Finger board training (7 seconds on)

                  Variations of pull up's, chin up's and leg lift's

Tuesday - Climbing session,

                 ab's routine and stretching

Wednesday - Climbing stamina session (continuous climbing for as long as possible)

                      Climbing specifically big moves and dyno's

Thursday - Climbing session,

                   ab's routine and stretching

Friday - Finger board training (7 seconds on)

             Variation's of pull up's, chin up's and leg lift's

Saturday - Rest day

Sunday - Climbing session,

               ab's routine and stretching

My super kawaii chalk bag!

I will be doing more detailed posts about bouldering and talking about my ab's routine and my gym wear, climbing shoes and equipment. Also as the weather warms up I will be climbing on plastic less and climbing on real rock more, I'm so excited for summer!

Instagram - @wolvesandflames