Missing: Bread.

After the worst nights sleep in a long time (up 3 times- thanks teething child!) I wasn't full of enthusiasm at the prospect of a low carb breakfast.

I did manage a home made smoothie (with more yoghurt than fruit) and a protein bar and felt pretty full up. I was at a training day today and the later start meant I could do the 30 minute walk to the station.

Lunchtime proved more difficult as the gods had situated the training venue in the same place as a Krispy Kreme shop. I spent my lunch time eating a tuna salad which perched on a bench opposite the obit shop. Like a vulture circling, I could smell blood (well, chocolate frosting but you get the idea) and had to tear myself away and look at expensive handbags (which I had no intention of buying) in John Lewis.

Tonight I cycled to yoga instead of taking the car so I've had plenty of exercise today- 30 mins walking, 30 mins cycling, 90 mins of yoga.

I'm trying to man up enough to do some before and after shots but its just too depressing to post them at the moment! Watch this space and I'll see what I can do.

The day in pictures:

I ate...sausages and ratatouille. At first I thought strange combination but I am loving this high protein combo, filling and 1 of your 5 a day.

I applied...Clinique Thirst Relief Gel Cream which is providing me with great moisturisation and acts as a fantastic base for make-up.

I admired...diet tips from the lovely Jane. Check out her blog Janes Juggle which tells the tale of a working mum and competitive horse rider. www.janesjuggle.blogspot.com

The Christmas Edit...

Dear Santa,

Please can I have all of my Christmas shopping delivered to my door (wrapped nicely of course) and fantastic present choices for all?

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? I have to confess I am one of those sad people who starts buying theirs in October so I am now nearly finished.

I wanted to share with you some gorgeous gifts for those on a budget...

My mum will be unwrapping this set of 5 Clinique Chubby Sticks available from Boots for £30. Chubby Sticks are a cult beauty buy and this set has been tipped to sell out in stores so get in quick. I have, of course, bought her some other things but they shall remain secret...

I recently treated myself to this 100% Merino Wool Sweater from Uniqlo for the bargainous price of £19.90, they are available in a range of sizes and styles and would make a perfect gift for a best-friend or sister.

I wanted to get my baby daughter something fun that she could keep as part of her present list this year. I attended my first Threadbear party this Saturday and snapped up these gorgeous girly bookends (£12.99). Available at My Generation and also Gentian (both in Barnard Castle), Threadbear stock Quirky gifts, jewellery, bags and homewares. You can also buy online!

Fabulous Thursday

I am still very excited after landing my dream job! It doesn't feel real that when I return from maternity leave I will have to start studying again but it's all for a great cause!

This week my mum has been down visiting and we have achieved so many things- on Sunday we did the car boot sale I had planned following the giant de-clutter. It was hard work getting out of bed at 6am on Sunday in the very cold weather but well worth it as we raised nearly £300 selling books, DVDs and costume jewellery. The house is a lot less cluttered (though there is some stuff to go to the charity shop!)

Right now I am loving the good people at Bobbi Brown in York who gave my mum a really great makeover, she looked gorgeous and now has some lovely new make-up to show off! We also snapped up a boxed set of 5 Clinique Chubby Sticks for part of her Xmas present!

Today I managed to make a chocolate fudge cake and my lovely partner made some great minestrone soup. We did have a lot of things planned today but ended up napping in the after ion instead!

I can't believe my little girl is 20 weeks old today. It's been really tough for us lately as she's been teething for ages and waking every 2 hours at nights I have also been diagnosed with post-natal depression so I don't feel like my usual positive self, it's such a challenge just dragging myself out of bed some days.

One thing I will say is that the Princessing Challenge has really helped me feel a bit better. Although it feels like a huge effort, doing little things like painting my nails or slapping on some nice moisturiser really does pick me up on the bad days.

Busy day planned for tomorrow as you will see from the To Do list: