Personal Experience

Gym Day 3 ended in drink and bubbles

body confidence, confidence, weight loss

Day 3 this may be the end of a friendship

So todays workout has left me sore and feeling muscles I am pretty sure I don’t actually need.

Abs a hoy

Today was abs day. The day that would transform what I fondly call my keg rather than my stomach to tone it up. I am not after a muscly stomach at all I just want it flatter. The main way I will do this will be my diet, as I shove a slice of dominos in my mouth. But exercise will help

Today we did

Bicep curls. Where I went from a 3 to an 8-kilogram dumb bell. Yay me!

Then we did a similar one but I had to rest my knee on a bench and pull it up. That was seird. I really do have to work on my posture as a lot of the time you have to focus on pulling your stomach in, straighten your back and stick your bum out.

For me this is all too confusing.

Then we hit the floor

I hate the floor. I had a real ad version to anything where my spine touches the floor. Unless I am in bed or the sofa I don’t really like anything touching my spine. I find sit ups legs up curls you name it so uncomfortable.

We had to plank for a minute- which I failed twice

I had to lay down and lift my legs. I must have really heavy feet because I really struggled to get to twenty, I guess as my body gets stronger, I will find these things easier but for now they felt near on impossible.

Impossible

Then he asked me to suspend my legs and using an 8-kilogram weight touch it on either side of my body. Suspension and co-ordination not so good.

But I did my reps

Nun Slut Machine

I don’t like these names but these are the pet names for them and this is all about toning your legs and thighs. One I had to push in the other out. The push in. The in one was a lot harder and although I don’t really want o focus on my legs its good that your whole body gets involves. Plus all of this helps your core.

I wasn’t as sweaty as I usually am and I didn’t feel like my body worked out as hard but I was wrong

My whole body was alive with awareness. Every muscle ached and when I got home, I needed a gin and tonic (Renegade Gin) and a hot bubble bath filled with Epson salts. I was also in bed just after nine so that I could appreciate the comfort of my bed!

Jon is giving my whole body a lesson in toning and strength I am learning a lot. Although I am not a fan of leaving my bed I am really going to miss these sessions and already I know that I need to change up my routine a lot in order to get maximum results. I do worry that I wont be confident using the weights a lone so I may have to schedule some more weight training with him.

The legal side of getting married, giving notice

Wedding

If you are having a humanist ceromoniy which we are, then it is not a legal marriage. Which means you have to get married legally, either in a registry office or in a church by someone who is legallay able to marry you. In an place that has a perminant roof before 6 Oclock.

These are the laws.

They suck

I have said it many times before.

In Scotland it is totally legal to get married outside and probably by the time you read this they would have changed the laws in England too.

So we had to go to the registry office and declare our love is real and that our marriage will be lawful.

The registry office

There aren’t many forms but you have to go an have a meeting and apparently all the Saturday meetings are booked up till Christmas.

You have to bring two forms of ID? Two, because a passport isn’t good enough. Me and Gav think this is silly. If you are a UK citizen with a valid driver license or passport why do you need two?

You have to answer questions about what your partner does, what his father does for a job etc.

Ensue an mini argument

Gav isn’t happy that I don’t know what his job is. He works in IT testing… seriously he doesn’t talk about his job much. I know a little but apparently not enough and he got really annoyed at me.

I didn’t know exactly where he worked and his job tittle. Pretty sure if you work in IT then no one has an idea about what you do anyway. They just nod and know it’s fairly dull work.

No offence.

So we are all booked in for our meeting and this is the message Gavin sends me. He is so funny not sure we would be allowed to get married.

The day

So we booked the morning off and went to see the registra. We had to have all the information and ID and had a quick chat asking some simple questions.

Gaynor was warm and friendly and for some reason I was nervous. Nervously excited maybe. Perhaps it is because this is the first actual step in getting married.

This is the legal bit. The official bit. It was also in a really pretty place on a lovely day!

We still have to legally get married then have our actual wedding.

But this was the first proper step.

The legal side of getting married and giving notice is done.

One more thing of a very long list of jobs to do!

Next we have to get our rings!

Makeup plan fail! Passport photos trying not to look like a pyscho!

Advice, Beauty, confidence, Travel

So I lost my passport and it’s been stressing me out. First world stress obviously as it’s for my hen do trip in just under 4 weeks.

So I thought hell I know I could write a little blog on what I did to prepare. Like a get ready with me plus prep.

I was so happy with how I looked a little extra mascara a bit more blusher. Umm no still looked like a pyscho.

Pre-care pamper session

So the night before I thought about it. I used the Philip Kingsley Eslastizer on my hair as a treatment rather than just a pre wash treatment.

Frank had a bath first of course. He gets jealous if I spend too much time in the bathroom. He loves a hot bath but I have to cool it down for him incase he cooks.

Any goo back to me!

Skincare

Used my Omorovicza cleanser. It’s gorgeous balancing luxurious and light. At the moments it’s replacing my Elemis, especially in the mornings if I was want to wake up rather than indulge.

So I haven’t used my baby facial in a few weeks. I was using it twice a week and then reduced it to once. I love it. I don’t find it too strong on my skin. I have had a few hormonal breakouts so my skin has been pretty grim.

I used my baby facial.

I love this stuff. It goes on and you feel a slight tingling and leave it as a mask for 20 minutes and wash it off.

Applied a wee bit of Matryxal because it’s my favourite product ever I think!

Then you are left with baby plump skin straight away and in the morning!

After I applied that I used my Guerlan night mask just to give it an extra bit of cushioning.

Pre care hair and skin done!

Morning of the photo shoot ha ha

The next day I woke up to lovely skin. Myi was so happy. So I decided as this image has to se me through the next ten years I better look decent.

So I applied makeup.

You can’t wear too much in a photo but just enough to highlight your features.

What I forgot was that passport photo booths wash you out! They strip back all the effort and I was left looking, well, like a psycho.

For the next ten years!

I redid it 6 times.

I looked awful in all of them! So I picked the best of a rotten bunch.

This photo will haunt me for the next ten years but hey ho.

At least I get to keep my European passport if this crappy brexit ever does happen.

I look like a pyscho

I should have applied more makeup!

But I am a proud European!

Sofa so good…… DFS issues

interior design

So this is an old picture of when Manny was still with us so it’s going up! Gone but not forgotten kitty!

We fell in love with a sofa from John Lewis. It was gorgeous battered leather in a beautiful old tan colour. It would look good in an old house or a new one!

Then we read all the reviews.

Although it was a gorgeous comfy couch and every one loved it! The back pillows constantly fell down and it had to be straightened every night. The complaints on this were endless.

So we looked elsewhere.

A DFS sofa

The interior snob in my hadn’t even considered DSF. But we went and had a look and found this battered tan couch that we fell in love with. It probably is too big for the room but we love it. We wanted an arm chair to match but that really was too big.

We had our exchange date in hand and they said it would take 2 months to make. So we signed for it.

They made it in a month and then constantly harassed me to take it even though we hadn’t moved in yet. I was living in Kingston with my friend and vomiting to Hampstead every day.

They suggested that I just get it sent to a friends?

Yes good idea DSF! You said two months we exchanged in 2 more weeks and even though we explained this I was still harassed with phone calls all the time.

It was delivered 1 hour after we moved in and we love it.

It fairly hardy and has survived two fur babies. countless hungover mornings and becoming my laze inducing best friend. Some days I don’t want to leave it!

Some night I think I could just shut my eyes!

Cushions

I live a cushion Gav actually loves them too. I like mix and match some are from homesense, some next and a few from Primark! This is our cozy space and I love it!

Oh and the Prints are Joe Wilson again!

Battle with large pores: skincare

Beauty, skincare

I feel as I have gotten older my pores have also increased. Large pores are not attractive but I cleanse my face twice a day so my pores are treated.

I am trying to look after my skin.

I am going to talk about what has helped my pores and what I am going to invest in to help them further.

Why you have large pores

  • Genetics ( I blame my mother)
  • Sun damage
  • Mistreatment of pores
  • Not washing your make up off

The truth about pores is that they shrink but, and this is a big but , they will never disappear and they can’t shrink completely.

A little TLC will help this.

A few Pore truths

Firstly we need our pores. Like the rest of our body they work hard for us and generally we mistreat them and underestimate their importance.The hair follicle allows the oil created by the oil glands to reach the surface and lubricate our skin. The skin’s natural oil, sebum, helps keep the skin supple, moisturized, and healthy.

So blockages to this skin stop this from happening. Which is why we need to exfoliate especially if you have oily skin like me.

how to help your pores shrink ( slightly)

  • Keep your skin clean
  • Cleanse
  • Exfoliate
  • Moisturise

That’s pretty much it right?

Things I have learned

I don’t wear makeup day to day. I like it to be able to breath and stay cleaner for longer. But let’s face it I live in London and get the bus to work. My face is ensconced with pollution on a daily basis. Perhaps a barrier would help that?

The only exfoliates I use are chemical ones. Those grainy exfoliates with peach seeds or walnut can actually do more harm than good. They can make your pores bigger so don’t waste your money. So don’t use them on your face!! I accidentally bought one so my elbows knees and feet now have a new treatment.

Cleansing Rose balm

I use a balm cleanser and so far Elemis Rose balm cleanser is my favourite I feel like I am having a facial everytime I used it. I couldn’t get on with Drunk Elephants Jelly cleanser but I take it when I am on holidays as it is nice and small.

Indie Lee

I use Indie Lee toner or my peach Elemis one. Both of which are gentle and my skin doesn’t feel dry afterwards. everyones skin is different and if these two don’t work for you then find something that does.

Skincare is personal

It is really important to try things before you invest in. I went out and bought Clinique which is such a popular brand but on me it stripped my skin and dried it out.

Dry skin means flakiness which is generally a lid to trap your pores. Dry skin is your enemy. We want out pores to hydrate our skin naturally and with a little help from us!

Matryxal

Okay I bought this because I wanted it to help with my skin. I visibly notice a difference in my timelines ( ha ha this is a spelling error but it suits! Fine lines) and my pores. I stopped using it for a few weeks and wondered why I wasn’t happy with my skin. I am almost running out so Cult Beauty will be getting my money on pay day!

I love this product.

Exfoliation Alpha H

Exfoliating is key to healthy skin. It literally makes it shine. It removes all the dead skin cells and declogs those pores. Scrubbing physically at those black heads and white heads isn’t going to help.

Don’t be afraid of this because it’s chemical. Acids are natural and they aid the skin.

My top products are… alpha H yup. This stuff is called gold for a reason it tingles when you put it on but in a refreshing way!

I have never had dry or patchy skin when using it!

future care

My skin isn’t finished though I still have things I should add to it. I am looking for products that contain nicinamide and azeliac acid. These two products are great for blemishes and the general conditioning of your skin.

I can wait to try the Paula’s choice serums they will be my next investment. The prices aren’t too bad but I may try some Ordinary products first!

I want to introduce nicinamide and Azelaic acid into my skincare. Apparently these are dermatologist secret weapons!. My battle with my skin continues but I am seeing improvements!

Guilt behind the diet: confessions of a chubby bride

body confidence, Fitness, health, weight loss

Everyone who has ever started a diet, cleanse or trying to be healthier is always struck by guilt. Guilt of want bad foods. Guilt of eating bad foods. Guilt of the scales for tipping over when we know we have been a bit naughty.

So as you can guess I really really didn’t want to put this picture up! But guess what this is me. Fat going over my running leggings and a belly over hanging. Now before you say I don’t look too bad you need to remember. I have excess fat over my vital organs. This is bad and unhealthy and frankly needs to go.

Being over weight isn’t about looking good or bad it’s actually just bad for you and if I don’t get fit now, then when. Plus I am unhappy so I need to do this!

Guilt is your enemy

It makes you feel like you have failed and so don’t want to try when actually you should just keep going.

Cheat days, treats these are negative words that can make you want to give up when you have been trying so hard.

Working out what your relationship with food is so important! I am emotional eater if I am upset or angry then I crave chocolate. And a little chocolate isn’t bad but I am a compulsive eater who isn’t good with portion control.

Stuck in a rut

The other problem with diets is getting stuck in a rut and convenience. There are no healthy option take always where I live. So you start off well. Putting healthy veg in your fridge. Looking at fat percentage in your mince etc.

But then you start eating the same thing all the time.

I have my go to meals that are no brainers but it’s the snacking that causes issues I love fruit but shouldn’t it be sliced and put in my gin and tonic?

An apple is delicious but it is not, nor will ever be, a bar of chocolate!

So when you fill up your fridge make sure you put things in it that you actually want to eat rather than because someone told you too.

Kale will never be my friend

Chocolate will always be my wayward friend, I will never let go of them completely. We have to much history, too many good times!

But I need to get real and focus.

Running is helping, I am more proactive to eat better after a run or long walk

But I am not giving up

I am not going to make myself feel bad if I eat 4 Bakewell tarts. I am a compulsive eater. I keep telling you this. I would have eaten all 6 but I gave 2 away.

Being negative is never going to help. Being self deprecating doesn’t motivate you to lose weight. Guilt doesn’t make you feel better.

I want to do this

I am going to do this!

May Day British Beach trip avec pooch!

french bulldog, Personal Experience, Travel

So Easter, then Mayday equals a lot of extra days off. This May Day bank holiday I had my mum visit me from France! Yay.

Thought I might share a nice day at the British seaside with the pooch! He hates being left at home and we love taking him with us. I think it’s great that you can take a dog with you. London is pretty good for dog friendly places but where we are going is super dog friendly!

We decided to treat her to a day trip to Leigh-on-Sea a place that if I won the lottery I would move to in a heart beat. If you have never been to Leigh it’s so lovely. A traditional British fishing town where dogs are welcome in so many places!

We got the train up and arrived at Leigh-on-Sea just before 12pm. It was busy considering that the weather was grim. Dogs were everywhere. We walked passed the cockle sheds passing lots of walkers a few tourists and a lot of locals!

All the puppies

It isn’t a long journey but obviously a pint was in order! Also more frenchies and the most gorgeous British bulldog Hugo!

He was super friendly. He jumped straight up on the table and Frank, not to be out done, jumped up to!

Then we wandered up along the front and hadn’t walked more than 10 paces before we came across Sara’s Tea garden which is an amazing dog friendly cafe. Frank had his own menu and came away with his own homemade snacks! Pretty much every table had a dog underneath it.

Oh yes the human menu was pretty great too.

The great scone debate

We all had the scones and the Essex Tiptree jam. Jam first then clotted cream!

I really don’t understand how people put jam over cream it’s practically impossible!Tea was good. As a Brit we judge tea places quite harshly. If I say it’s a good cuppa it’s a good cuppa!

Then we had to walk off our scones! So we walked all the way up to Chalkwell. The houses along the sea front are the stuff of (lottery) dreams said the weather wasnt perfect but it was great for walking. Frank tried to give me a heart attack by almost jumping in the sea!

On-Sea Estuary

Technically it’s the estuary not the sea, but do I love it! Leigh-on-Sea has won awards for its beaches even though its not big. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach which is a shame because Frank loves sand.

Just before the main beach there is a little bank between the buildings so we let Frank play with that stretch of sand whilst we waited!

Of course we walked all the way there and walk all the way back! It was a lovely walk and by the time we got back we were ready for a nice local pint at Ye Old Smack.

Plus I had some time for some planning! Lots of birthdays and appointments this month!

waiting for the train

We were happy. Eaten yummy scones, gorgeous ales, 15000 steps befriending lots of puppies.

We checked the train times. Still had time to snark in another drink!

This time something warm. Then home.

How was your bank holiday?