I have been trying for what seems like an eternity to slim down, become fitter and be more toned. This, however is harder than you may think; or if you have, indeed, travelled down this same challenging path with the same end goals sometime in your life, then I am 99.9% positive that you will all agree with me in saying how hard it is! I started out with buckets full of determination and willingness. Who knew it was so easy to forget your goals and drift away from the 'right path', if you will. I certainly did not, when I first began.
I follow the basic ideas and rules of the 'Slimming World' plan, although not to the extent where I go to meetings and such like. My Mom used to go to the meetings and I picked up a few handy snippets of advice from her so I just go off that.
I have been at it for over a year now, although I am not sure if Christmas and holidays suggest a new start, or if you simply carry onwards and try to shed the many Mars bars one has managed to stuff in. So far I have actually enjoyed it (peculiar, I know!). At first, in the initial few weeks, I did find it very hard and it was a real effort every time my eyes drifted toward a slice of delicious-looking cake or some heavenly bar of chocolate. However, after a month or so of actually getting results and being seemingly closer to my 'final destination', I just wanted more and I wanted to keep going!
All the above pictures were lovingly magpied from Pinterest. Original source unknown.
My 'I will look good in that bikini' Motivation Board. This is determination.
Mainly, I want:
Toned muscles
A slim tummy
To feel light and energetic
To feel confident
To lose all that extra flab
So, little angels, this is my 'journey' so far. I would be simply delighted if I have boosted even the slightest spurt of energy and motivation into you all, which hopefully I have...
What do you think? Am I doing it right, as this is a very contraversiol question, indeed. I believe I am doing it smashingly well as it seems to be working for my body, although, how do you go about melting off those extra few lumps and bumps? I am absolutly, very interested to know your opinions.
Today has, again, been somewhat stressful: running around doing last minute odds-and-ends and packing my school bag for tomorrow's looming day at school (then panicking about last minute homework). Sitting down now, writing this, seems like a good and sensible way to finish off what could probably have been listed as one of the most hectic days. Now, however, I am grateful to be able to sit down, put my feet up, dream about that lovely hot chocolate with mini marshmallows that I will not be able to have because of some crazy New Year resolution to try and eat healthier (who ever invented dieting!?), and wait, with anticipation, for the new series of 'Mr.Selfridge' on ITV that has finally decided to grace our lives after what seems like an endless interval.
Somehow, I am smoothly shimmying onto my 'current favourites'. I found this a challenge, to be quite honest. After deciding it was something I would quite like to do a post about; I figured I would have to have something to write about; thus, the dreading task of compiling a list of 'current favourites' arose. I am not all that into designer make-up or beauty brands (which after doing innumerable investigating on other similar blog posts, I realised was what most people's favourites tend to be), and my own creative juices had decided to dry up. It took a while and many ponderous nights and days: I think I have something worthy of sharing, and that I feel is honest and things that I have truly been loving.
1. Spaghetti Hoops - by Heinz, if we are being pedantic
I have never really liked these so I have absolutely no idea why I suddenly do. I still think they taste awful unless spiced with garlic, salt and pepper, but now I actually eat them and, surprisingly, enjoy them. I am 100% certain that they are not the most nutritional of foods and probably have more preservatives, colourings, flavourings and anything else bad that could possibly be thrown into food; correct me if I am wrong, because I essentially could be as it tastes very tomato-y (this is probably not a real word).
2. Homemade Frozen Yoghurt
Yes! These are so good! It is usually around this time each year that I give up on my New Year resolutions however in my attempt to steer well clear of any unhealthy foods this year, turning to frozen yoghurt has kept me going. They have been my heroes whenever I see real ice cream or a chocolate bar. I just put the yoghurt, whole, into the freezer and remove many hours later, eat and dream of bunnies, beaches and many happy things!
3. Tinned fish in Tomato Sauce
Anything, from herring to sardines to kippers - so delicious!
4. The Mortal Instruments Series: The City of Bones
This was a wee bit difficult to get into; the author, Cassandra Clare, seemed slightly inexperienced through the first few chapters of the book. However, as I read on, the book became so enthralling and I just loved it!
4. Nude Watch - by Next
This was a Christmas gift from my lovely Mom and Dad - thank you again!
5. Primark Nail Polishes
Contrary to what you might think, these are probably some of the best I have. They are not waterry, nor are they gloopy. I have three sets now: bright summer colours, darker winter colours and glittery party colours.
6. Travel Documents Case - by Paperchase
I realise my descriptions have been getting gradually less and less as the post has progressed, and for that, I apologise. I just love this travel documents case, I think it is so adorable. I have just summed it up in one sentence.
7. 'The Notebook'
This is such a beautiful film.
8. Lookbook.nu
This is a website that I have only recently discovered but I absolutely love it. There are so many amazing fashion inspiration ideas and gorgeous outfits - I just adore it! Definitely go and give it a cheeky gander!
9. Best Song Ever, by One Direction
I have a deep and profound love for 1D - a Directioner, if you will - even more so, when this song was released. I find my self, at many unplanned moments of the day singing this song in my rather un-tuned voice. Zayn makes a surprisingly attractive girl and, Oh Harry, wow, so mischievous; Niall, a personal preferance, of course; Liam - loving the shimmy; Louis, always a favourite.
"Summer afternoon- Summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language" - Henry James
Bonjour peeps,
Whilst sitting writing this, I am remembering the horrible, icy cold weather outside; and then the beautiful, warm summer we had before. Oh, the joys of summer! The larks one has with those friends, when one eats too many ice creams *said with a guilty face*, watching the beauty develop outside. I LOVE Summer! Thus, I feel that, amidst the horrible weather we are having to survive currently, it is time for a necessary reminder of what is soon to come again- just to keep up our spirits!
How good does this look? I am drooling at the mouth.
And perhaps a little recipe to stir things up a little (I feel like I am the only one who gave an accidental laugh at the hidden pun).
The events, of late, have been most dreary and somewhat similar to that of the day before. And while my mind and body have been grateful and at rest; my creative juices have been feeling rather neglected. Nonetheless; today was again a lazy day. And, yippee, what a day it was! Amongst doing nothing, I did several un-stimulating (Is this a word? Probably not!) things. I read, because, oh, what joys reading brings! I baked a smashing potato and vegetable fritata, *proudly said*. Mostly, today was a resting day, a dreaming day, an un-thinking day (Ooh! Making up words now!); a day filled with Etsy gazing *hand goes up*, Pinterest gawking *hand up again*, tumblr giggles *wave your arms in the air like you just don't care!*; singing badly and dancing even worse. But I rested and, boy, do I feel good!
Maybe tomorrow I will complete six impossible things before breakfast. Maybe I will dream the impossible, possible. For those adventure filled days ahead, and those cranky 'What should we do today?'s: a few ideas to swirl in your creative mind:
read
watch a film
bake
recycle and craft old cards into new cards
scrapbook those memories
try out that new hairstyle
get fancy with nail art
cuddle a little furry creature
write a story
have a luxurious bath
pamper yourself
take some cool pictures
blog a bit
while away the hours on YouTube
take a walk
go for a swim; or splash
meditate
scour Pinterest for some craft-able ideas
cycle
I feel like now is a good time to re-quote some witty, spiffy and most enlightening quotes.
These images were lovingly adopted from Pinterest; original source unknown
I survived the first week back at school, and now, with the second week looming ahead, I do believe it is, without further ado, time for a well-deserved, extra-bubbly bath time.
This post's pictures are from a while back; New Years Day! It seems like such a long time ago and yet it's only been five days. I baked this Bread and Butter Pudding for our scrummy dessert after our big meal to celebrate the start of the New Year. It made a delightful, warming, homely bake and was a winner with everyone.
Today I went to a beautiful, quaint little village in The South Lakes, called Cartmel.
Today was one of those days that you feel bothered to try a little harder when you get dressed and feel a desire to add some pizazz and flair to your ensemble. Thus, you can imagine, I was quite delighted when this outfit popped up in my head. Delighted, I tell you! And certainly, I must share it with you!
Though the pictures are sparse because my photo capturing skills are not quite up to scratch, I hope you enjoy this short, inspirational, photographic display.
I wore:
Thick Black Stockings (Primark - where else?!)
Over-the-knee Burgundy and Black Woollen Socks (I can't even remember if I bought these at Primark or H&M)
Burgundy Patent Doc-Marten-style Boots (Primark)
Fitted Brown Tweed Shorts (Zara Kids; bought ages and ages ago!)
Thin Black Belt (Primark)
Burgundy Long-sleeve Cotton T-shirt (Primark)
Off-white Floral Lace Over-sized Jumper (Primark)
PS. Most of the outfit was bought many seasons ago.
I think in between all my other posts, it will always be good luck to throw in a few cute bunny snaps of my delightful, lovable rabbit: Domino, for good measure. I think we all need a bit of adorable, fluffy, fat animal friendship in our lives to revive us back from our busy, stressful days.
