HOMEMADE Ice Cream

Hey Blog Readers, 

So did you know it is really easy to make a healthy version of ice cream at home (granted you have to like the taste of Banana ice cream)... Well I didn't know just how easy it was until a couple of weeks ago! I saw a picture post about home made banana ice cream on (I think it was) Brooke Benson's page 'Shorething fitness' (follow her on instagram or facebook for daily fitness and health motivation) So I thought I would give it ago!
AND to my DELIGHT it worked out.. YUM!

It's as simple as 1, 2, 3

1. You cut up banana and put it in the freezer for at least two hours! 
2. You blend it until it creates a paste in a blender or smoothie maker! 
3. You scoop it out, put it in a bowl and enjoy! 

It sounds like mushy banana but believe me it doesn't taste like it! 

I added Honey and Peanut Butter to mine and it reminded me of Ben & Jerry's without the guilt! (no lie!!) 

 

 

 

 

You may need to use a fork to make a paste and stop it sticking to the sides (when blender if OFF!) 

 

  

(to make it look more presentable/like real ice cream use an ice cream scoop to round the mixture and even add sprinkles;) 

It's cooling and yummy just like ice cream but it's a healthy option and it cures a sweet tooth! ;) 

Try it for yourselves I think you'll be pleasantly surprised (just like I was!) 

Lots of Love, 

Shahira Xo

If your company would like a review or specific blog-post on a product, treatment, service or any other item to appear on www.shahirabarry.com email info@shahirabarry.com with the details.

Exercise

Hey :)

TheraBands
Yesterday I found an old 'Cher Exercise Video' (yes Cher..."If I could Turn back Time..!" lol) and I was feeling to lazy to go to the gym so I did the video instead. I had really forgotten just how good it is!! I'm not sure if it is still available or not... however the basics behind it were firstly an aerobic dance section and then a exercise band section to follow. I knew we had old exercise bands hanging around the house so I found them and began exercising.

I found the bands really VERY good! So I thought I'd tell you about them incase you haven't used them before :)

Exercise resistance bands are often used in Pilates classes. They are a form of strength training equipment without having to lug around weights. They are easy to store and perfect for traveling or exercising from home. They are also Cheap and Cheerful coming in a variety of colours :)

With an exercise band you can get an intense workout that includes BOTH toning and weight loss. 

Exercise Bands are great for women who are afraid or reluctant when it comes to weight training however they can be just as beneficial to men.

With exercise resistant bands you can isolate and concentrate on every different muscle group. 

A Pilates Exercise Video using exercise bands (loads more on youtbe)

Again just YouTube to find more Theraband exercises that you can do at home!! :)

Get fit to stay fit :)

Lots of Love

Shahira Xo

Please Read

Today is World Meningitis day

ACT Meningitis has asked people to share the symptoms of Meningitis on their facebook Status today so that people may become aware of the symptoms and in turn it may save a life: As with Meningitis early diagnosis is everything. I thought I'd blog on this so that it will be here forever and more people may stumble across it rather than if I solely put it as my facebook status.

Any charity that is connected with meningitis is extremely close to my heart and I've reached out to ACT Meningitis to offer my help in any way that I can, as I really want to get involved and do my part.
As you may know If you follow my blog or if you know me personally: I lost my friend Sadhbh two years ago at the young age of 18 to the Meningitis Disease.

You can click here to read more about my friendship with Sadhbh on a blog I wrote based on our memories when it should have been her 21st Birthday last month.

Meningitis is very hard to detect as a lot of the symptoms are "flu-like" and often people think of the rash(-which does not disappear when a glass is rolled over it )when they think of meningitis and if the rash is not present they may delay and think that it cant be a case of Meningitis:

If you have any concerns DO NOT WAIT FOR THE RASH!! In many cases of meningitis the rash may not appear at all!!

Here are the symptoms please take a minute to read through carefully but remember not all the symptoms need to be present and can also be present in milder infections. 

Babies and Infants:

• Unusually sleepy/not waking for feeds.
• Very irritable, does not want to be handled or picked up.
• High temperature.
• Limp and floppy or stiff and jerky movements
• Not feeding as much as normal/vomiting.
• Not easily consoled/calmed
• Pale in colour or turning blue.
• Breathing unusually fast.
• Cold hands and feet.
• Blotchy skin colour.
• Red pin point or purplish rash (may not be present)
• An unusual or high pitch cry.
• A bulging soft spot on top of head.
• Check your baby often as babies can get ill very quickly.

Toodlers and young Children:

• Severe headache
• Vomiting
• High Temperature
• Confusion/irritable
• Very sleepy 
• Breathing unusually fast
• Cold hands/feet /Shivering.
• Pin prick rash or purple rash (again not always)
• Dislike bright lights (less likely under 3)
• Stiff neck (less likely under 3)
• Severe muscle pain-Not happy to move about, stand or walk.
• Jerky Body movements, possible seizures.

Adults:

• Severe headaches
• High fever
• Neck stiffness
• Dislike of bright lights
• Joint / muscle pain
• Vomiting.
• Uncontrollable shivering.
• Stomach cramps.
• Drowsiness.
• Confusion/aggression.
• Seizures, uncotrolled jerky movements 

Meningitis can occur at any age this is why it is important to be aware of the symptoms at all times! It is very common among young people in particular-from babies and toddlers to teens and college students. Awareness is vital!

Personally I also think it is vital not only to raise awareness of the Meningitis disease but to raise awareness and consideration when it comes to our health system to ensure that nobody is left waiting for hours in A&E before being seen-This was an experience of mine when I went into A&E last year after suffering from a collapse due to heart problems.

Act is a non-profit organisation that aims raise awareness and to educate society on the signs and symptoms or meningitis. It was established in 2011 by Siobhan and Noel Carrol, who in 2008 lost their precious daughter Aoibhe-aged 4 to Meningitis. Since losing Aoibhe Siobhan and Noel feel that there is urgent need to increase awareness and educate people of the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

Support their page on Facebook by clicking here and giving it a 'like' also visit their website to find out more about meningitis and about upcoming events that you can attend or get involved in to help the charity. http://www.actformeningitis.ie/

Please Remember Rapid medical attention is vital! Every second counts when it comes to early diagnosis of meningitis and most of all Trust your instincts!  

ACT stands for: 

A- ASK could these symptoms be meningitis?

C- CONTACT your doctor.

T-TIME -every second counts!!

Act today for a brighter tomorrow!

Lots of Love

Shahira Xo

Results Ireland

Heyyy!! :)

Here's a blog I did wayy back in February when I did a quick shoot for Results Ireland with Dave from results, Saibh Egan photography and Make-up by Flora. It then joins up with today which was the first day I began training wit Results.Ire.  


4th-Feb-12:
I did a shoot today for Results Ireland with trainer Dave Gallagher, photographer Saibh Egan and Make-up By Flora in the Salthill Hotel (which by the way has the most amazing gym). Had a good day-although I did get a couple of fits of giggles along the way :) 
The shoot was unlike any shoot I had done before... in terms of, firstly, make-up was very plain=natural foundation with only a little blusher and lipgloss, no eye make-up at all except mascara (no fake lashes), also normally, I am a big poser and I flirt away with the camera but this time I had to pretend like I was really working out (although it wasn't too hard because we were a little=those squats were hard to hold at times :p). I was to look over the camera and not directly at it, which was a little different for me, and Dave was in a lot of the pictures as well acting like he was training me and I was responding to his training. With modelling you never stop learning.. every shoot is different-so it was cool to do a fitness themed photoshoot especially because fitness is very important to me so it'll be interesting to see the resulting pictures ;) 


At the beginning I was trying to act fairly 'serious' as I just thought to myself about how I normally look when working out and  the truth is I'm not full of smiles while I'm slaving/sweating away, ha :) but as it went on I learnt that it was ok to throw a few cheesy grins in there and I eased into it a little more.

LMFAO's new song kepttt going around and around in my head, ha, and not because of "I'm sexy and I know it" as a few smartalikes might be thinking ;) but because I-I-I-I-WORKOUT! haha Love that song #SoFunny :)



Dave from ResultsIreland.com is going to be my new trainer when I'm in Galway and I'm looking forward to seeing what he has in store for me... I go to the gym a lot myself but I'm not a professional I just do my own thing so I'm excited to see how my body will improve with his help over the course of a couple of months :) #CantWait :)
Although I think he might be letting himself in for something like this YouTube Video haha :) 

April:
Skip forward to April and I'm now on the front of the Result Ireland studio in the Lisban Industrial estate in Galway.

Tuesday April 17th:
Today was my first day actually training with Dave and I'm delighted to have got the ball rolling: I must admit although fitness is important to me and I go to the gym a lot: I do get stuck in a rut of the same routine and I'm not too sure how to mix it up. I'm not great at doing my own thing with out the help of a machine for example I'd be much more likely to jump on the treadmill rather than do a series of squats etc.. so I know he'll be a great help in that area and weight training etc...

Although I have put on a couple of pounds since Christmas and I'd like to get those off and return to my normal size on time for Summer-the goal for me is not about loosing weight as such but more about toning my legs and just generally being the fittest I can be.. i'm only young once :) haha. 

I'll keep you posted on how I get on :)

Lots of Love 

Shahira Xo

KettleBell

Hellooooo :)

Today I did my first ever Kettlebell class so I thought I'd do a quick review on it.

I took the class in The Raheen Woods hotel in Athenry and it's free for members which is great :)

In the past few years the Kettlebell class has definitely become a fitness fanatic! and a Hollywood secret ;)

The Basics:
What is a Kettlebell??... a Kettlebell is a cast iron or rubber weight with a handle for swinging :)

What do you do in a kettlebell class: 

Basically its a weight training class with a lot of squats and lifting/swinging ;) It combines both Cardio and Strength training. 

Why a Kettlebell class?

• Kettlebells can be the solution to fitting in cardio, strength and flexibility training into an already busy life and schedule :) 
• There is an extremely high metabolic cost to throwing the weight around which means it's great for weight loss! While also increasing your resting metabolic rate. 
• Kettlebell workouts not only burn fat but are also great for toning!
• A kettlebell workout strengthens every muscle from head to toe!  
• It helps to strengthen not only muscle but your joints aswell making them less susceptible to injury. 
• You could always invest in a kettlebell and do the exercises at home! It doesn't take much space and the exercises are easy to remember: Kettlebells are so popular you can follow tutorials on YouTube! 
• You can do Kettlebell training at any age, size or shape. 

Kettlebell workouts are beneficial and great for both Men and Woman!!

A common misconception of many woman is that any weight training will make us bulky and muscly-This is not the case! instead it helps to enhance the best of the female body :)

It's easy to do and FUN!x! 

I really enjoyed the class I took today and I will definitely be making kettlebell trainning a regular in my fitness routine :)

Kettlebell classes are available almost everywhere now so Google to find a class near you ;)

Would you try Kettlebell training?

Lots of Love 

Shahira Xo

Transform yourself :)

Transform your image with Chez Elaine's 'Transformula' products!x!

If you say the word 'Shahira' when you visit Chez Elaine you will receive a 10% discount on any treatment or product that's not already on sale...See i'm good to you ;)

I popped into Chez Elaine in Terryland to get ready for the Sunday World event this week :) Elaine sorted me out with a TanOrganic Spray tan and a french polish. 

While I was in the Salon I was chatting away to the lovely Elaine-who is the Beautician that owns and runs Chez Elaine and she was letting me know about the other great offers, products and services available in her salon. They were just too good not to blog about!! 

What really caught my eye were the Transformula products! These are alternative to surgery and other costly products.

If you follow my blog, twitter or facebook: you will know that around a month ago I got some filler in my top lip thanks to Renew Clinic in Dublin. To read my review on this treatment click here. So I was intrigued when I noticed a poster in Chez Elaine about getting fuller lips without any needles or lip filler. I got chatting to Elaine about this idea and she told me about her product:

Transformula's 'lip Volume' is the secret to fuller lips "at home"!

• It is said to give a more contoured, defined and sensual line.
• It is scientifically proven to stimulate collagen to increase the lip shape within 30days!
• Clinical studies have shown an increase in lip fullness of 40% in 30days.

This is a product I'm dying to have in my handbag and I will write my own review if I invest in it soon :)

Elaine gave me a sample and I used it over a period of 2days and did feel like there was a small difference. 

This product retails for 35euro in Chez Elaine. 

Trasdox Colonic purifying capsules: euro 26.99

This product is ideal to use when dieting as it helps the digestion process and stops bloating. 

Professional Teeth Whitener by Transformulas: 35.00euro.

What I like about the idea of this product is that there are no palettes or teeth moulds.Whitening your teeth is as simple as brushing them with a little of this product-This method allows for a deep down clean and ensures the whitener is evenly distributed including in teeth crevices. 

Transformulas Collagen Boost: 35.00euro.

This unique formula helps to promote collagen growth which is crucial for younger looking skin, shiny hair and healthy joints.

Eyelifting Gel: 35.00euro

This advanced product has won awards for being one of the best eye booster, anti ageing and anti wrinkle treatments/products available on the market!!

FaceControl and Lighting cream with anti bag technology: 42.50

This is the product that I am personally the most interested in as it tackles dark circles and under eye bags..which I often find myself with :p

Firm slim cellulite treatment mouse: 29.95euro

Cellulite is one thing that most woman can't avoid as it attacks 94% of woman-models, fitness fanatics-it doesn't matter..chances are  that you will have some at one point or another: This product has been clinically tested and shown to have a 2.81cm loss from the thigh area over a 28day period. 

OFFER: 

At the moment Chez Elaine is offering a 3 for the price of two deal on all transformula products!-Bargain!!!-So even if you and two friends wanted to go in on a certain product x3 and get one for free you would be saving money.. no complaints there ;) 

To see a full Price list and the other products/treatments available from ChezElaine click here!

or check out the Chez Elaine facebook page here!

Also remember that due to the closing of The Beauty Rooms in Galway Chez Elaine is now one of the only salons in Galway who provide HD Brows-To read my review on the HD Brow treatment click here :)

To Book an Appointment: 

Phone:	091 539 671
Email:	info@chezelaine.com

The Salon is open Monday-Saturday and can be open late every night by appointment only.

Remember  say the word 'Shahira' when you visit Chez Elaine and receive a 10% discount on any treatment or product that's not already on sale!x!

Happy Transforming ;)

Lots of Love

Shahira Xo

A SuperModel Body AT HOME ;)

Heyyy Blog Readers :)

Just a quick entry for today's blog: I thought I'd let you in on a really good home workout dvd/video. 

It's safe to say nobody feels like going to the gym every day of the week-everyone has those days where you just want to stay in the house. So if you're having one of those days but you still want to get some exercise in a home workout dvd is a really good way to go. 

The one I do is Supermodel Elle Macpherson's 'The Body'. It's an 'oldy but a goody' ;)

Elle Macpherson was nicknamed 'The Body' in the nineties simply because... she has an AMAZING athletic body. This video is old (it came out in the nineties) but  it is still relevant today as it offers a great whole body workout-mixing a series of cardio-areobic intervals with weight and strength training as well as ab exercises and stretching. All of this is compacted into a 45minute exercise routine so it's a whole body workout in half the time and perfect for those who live a life "on the go". The unique exercise programme was inspired by Elle's Body and her busy lifestyle with the need to fit a workout into a working schedule.

All you need is:

• A chair or a Bench.
• A set of hand weights (the weight is up to you).
• A mat for floor exercises-abs etc... 

I love it because it's a hassle free dvd-you don't need too much equipment and you can be done and dusted within an hour :)
'The Body' dvd is athletically inspired to work for ALL body types and it takes the boredom out of bending, stretching, toning and lifting. It fights flab, firms up flesh and moulds muscle tone ;) as well as building strength and stamina with repetition.
You feel and see the difference within a few weeks o regular use :)

Does anyone know of any other good home workout DVDs?

Happy Exercising!x! :)

Lots of Love

Shahira Xo

A Body Like Nicole Scherzinger

Last night I went along to the Nicole Scherzinger 'Killer Love' tour in Dublin with a couple of my friends. I am a massive Nicole.S fan and she definitely did not disappoint! She has to be THE most BEAUTIFUL woman I have ever seen in person in my life... She actually glows! Her skin is radiant and her body to absolute die for!! Her stage presence and talent is out of this world-she reminded me of the late Michael Jackson with the effort and passion that she puts into her performance!x! I was a fan before the show but it's safe to say I'm a even bigger fan now!

Something that really stood out for me while watching Nicole preform was her AMAZING Body! She is not stick-thin like you might expect a Hollywood star to be.. she has curves and a booty but she is SO toned and athletic looking. I decided to do some research on her fitness and nutrition routine-following my post on my fitness and nutrition routine which you can read by clicking here. 

I was pleasantly surprised when I researched her fitness guide as I found out that she has a down-to-earth attitude to health and fitness and I was delighted to see that her eating habits are very similar to mine!!!

Nicole goes by the moto "All in Moderation" this is great to hear from an A-list celeb as she's not following any "fad diets"... in fact she says "ignore what you hear about miracle diets and stick to eating healthy and exercising" this would also be something I live my life by-as I said in my fitness guide: I will eat some junk food etc.. and I don't rule anything out if it's given to me or it's there, I'm not fussy, but I just try to avoid buying it for myself and I "Shop healthy".

* I thought it was very interesting to hear that Nicole also drinks low calorie hot chocolate when she's craving something sweet!

*She also eats a lot of eggs-Starting many of her mornings with a boiled egg and brown bread toast. 

*She snacks on whole almonds (see my blog on 'Healthy Food Healthy Skin' here) and also raw cashews. 

(It seems I'm not doing too much wrong :) ha as these are also guides of mine)

• For lunch Nicole eats fruit or some salmon with poached eggs. This is where perhaps my diet isn't as good as hers as I normally have a wrap of some sort for lunch :) 
• For dinner again it's normally Salmon or Chicken with pasta. 
• She only drinks alcohol in moderation-she will have a glass of wine with her dinner or socially.
• Workout wise Nicole has always danced. She also does a lot of running and goes to the gym regularly-when in the gym she likes to keep the workout balanced doing a whole body workout-legs, abs, arms.. everything!instead of concentrating on one area each time she hits the gym. 

I think Nicole has it right! dancing is a great cardio workout and will definitely keep her figure in shape-especially considering the energy she puts into her stage performances. Her "all in moderation" quote means she never gives in and binges as she's not denying her body anything. 

Other than Nicole which celebs body would YOU LOVE to have?

Lots of Love

Shahira x o