Post bank holiday pampering!

Hi everyone!

Are there any Easter eggs left at your house?! There are a couple on the top shelf in the kitchen and they seem to keep catching my eye...must resist!

So I promised a mammoth bank holiday beauty blitz post and I hope not to disappoint you. As I had the house to myself it seemed like Saturday evening was the perfect time for the blitz (I had also worked all day so felt a little tired and in need of relaxation!)

 

Firstly I applied Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment and tied my hair back whilst having a bath. This hair treaty regenerates and restores hair making it smooth, silky and shiny. As someone whose hair is on the oily side, I find I can get away without conditioner for several days after this treatment. The nutty smell isn't my favourite fragrance but it does grow on you!

Following the bath, it was pedicure time. I'd exfoliated my feet with Body Shop Peppermint Smoothing Pumice Foot Scrub (the only foot scrub I will ever use!) and the applied cuticle remover round my nails. I rubbed on a little olive oil to moisturise then painted with Rimmel Lycra Pro Nail Polish in Purple Addict. The long lasting nature of this Polish is great if you exercise regularly as it stays put for a good week without chipping.

Facial wise, I slathered on a thick layer of Decleor Prolagene Gel. This is probably the most expensive thing I own! But you can use it for pretty much everything. Blemishes, sunburn, stretch marks, acne scars, dry skin and even under the eyes. I let it sink in before applying a few drops of A'Kin Pure Radiance Rose Hip Oil.

Incase you hadn't heard, Rose Hip Oil is incredibly  gentle and popular with those who have dry/sensitive skin. The bottle lasts a very long time and you can use it alone or under moisturiser.

Next up was a recommendation from my lovely friend Helen. She's very pale like me but has a gorgeous natural glow thanks to Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion which builds a gradual tan. I applied to my arms and legs and they are now brown though my legs are slightly streaky so I am going to give it a few more applications then let you know what I really think!

Last but not least....hands! Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover was applied then I used a 4-sided buffer to file, remove ridges and smooth. The purple theme continued with Essie Nail Lacquer in Bond With Whomever and then Leighton Denny Miracle Drops were applied to speed up drying. I then finished with Leighton Denny Cuticle Oil and Crystal Tips Top Coat.

My final bank holiday pampering will be an early night, I don't care that I haven't filled the dishwasher, there is a pile of ironing to do and toys all over the place! Lights out everyone!

Bank holiday beauty blitz!

Hope everyone is enjoying the sunny bank holiday weather!

Today has been a food-fest for me! It started with homemade berry smoothies and pancakes for breakfast, followed by hot cross buns, biscuits and cheese for lunch and then...drum roll please...the first barbecue of the year. I've probably gone up a dress size overnight but who cares?!

Tomorrow evening I'm on my own (partner is working nights!) so I've decided to have a mini bank holiday beauty blitz, one evening of pampering to make me feel fabulous for the return to work next week.

So let me share with you what's on the list:

1. Pedicure and nail polish

2. Manicure and nail polish

3. Conditioning hair treatment

4. Moisturising face mask

5. A generous slathering of gradual tan as my skin looks blue at the moment!

If I've inspired you let me know what's on your list! Tomorrow I'll update you with the list of products I will be using!

So here's the day in pictures

I ate...large quantities of potato salad. It didn't take me long to make and I put some mustard and parsley in for flavour.

I applied...Blistex relief cream. I love this stuff, it's been around for years. My lips have been really dry this week, probably because I've been out in the sun a lot. Enjoying the instant moisturisation with this cream which doesn't leave a greasy feeling.

We're back...and we're bringing gin soaked beauty tips!

Hi everyone!

You'll have noticed that the blog has had a bit of a hiatus. So what's been going on?!

Well I've moved house, changed job and put on several pounds! 

But I miss writing about my random forays into the world of beauty so I thought it was time to resurrect the blog. So if you are wannabe beauty queen who likes to surf the net whilst stuffing creme eggs into her gob then you are in the right place!

Here is the day in pictures:

I ate...Salt and Pepper chicken. It's Friday, I wanted a treat, so I had one. Now my mouth is on fire because of the large amount of chilli in the dish.

I applied...Revlon Photoready Peefecting Primer £11.99 from Boots. 

Now I know it looks pink but I promise it doesn't look pink on application.

I've been using this primer for around the past 8 weeks. It can be used either alone or under makeup and evens out the skin creating a great base for foundation. Since I started using the primer I have found that I need less foundation, my t-zone doesn't tend to get as shiny and my skin looks more even. What's not to like?!

I admired...some new and shiny storage for my bathroom! In an attempt to become more organised (hide away the junk!) I have acquired this rather lovely wooden storage unit which fits the room perfectly. See www.therange.co.uk for similar!

Week one weigh in!

So week in and it looks like this:

Weight: 56kg (yay, lots 3kg)

Chest: 36 inches (still)

Waist: 31 inches (lost 1 inch)

Hips: 35.5 inches (lost 0.5 inches)

Thighs: 20.5 inches (lost 0.5 inches)

So I was hoping so more inches would come off, especially from my waist. But given that's where I seem to carry my weight so it's not surprising that I have only lost an inch!

Today has been incredibly hot so I spent most of the day in the park running after my little one. I've walked 5 miles which felt more like 10 in the heat!

Dinner tonight was pork with ratatouille cooked in the slow cooker however I overdid it a tad and made it a little chewy (ooops!)

Tomorrow is a long day at work and I am prepared for the fact I may not get much exercise done! 

The day in pictures...

I ate...slightly overdone pork with ratatouille 

I applied...Leighton Denny nail colour in Forbidden Territory

Dear, oh dear...

Yes, that is chocolate pictured below. Although I will mention I am still below my calorie target for the day.

I've worked all weekend, work was crazy busy and I have to confess that exercise is the last thing on my mind. However I've promised myself I am going to keep at this. 

It now2 hours since I started writing this post and I've managed 30 minutes of interval training and a quick 2.5 miles on my bike, add in a long bath and I feel much better. I have to thank you- if I wast for the thought of having to write this and tell you I'd let myself down today, I wouldn't have bothered to try and turn things around. I'd still be sat on the sofa eating chocolate!

The great news today is that my sister is out of hospital- what a relief! She's not 100% yet but it's great she's over the worst. 

Tomorrow is my weekly weigh in (oh no!) and I am super keen to keep up the hard work and improve my fitness levels:

Here is the day in pictures:

I ate...some Cadbury Dairy Milk with Oreo (only because I had 320 calories left!) 

I applied...No 7. Intense Volume Mascara in Brown/Black. I've been using this for a few days now and I am really pleased that so far, it seems to be smudge-proof, even after exercise! 

Get well soon Lisa!

Today I had a work from home day, great because I can work in my pyjamas. Not great because the postman delivered two parcels and I was in my pyjamas. 

Breakfasts continue to be a challenge, today I made a mango and raspberry smoothie and upped the protein content by adding protein powder. Lunch was salad and dinner was chips with cheese (well I am allowed a treat once a week!)

Exercise was a brisk walk to the optician to collect my new glasses, getting back to interval training before work tomorrow.

The "side-effects" of high protein appear to be kicking in. I have a headache and I feel a tad grumpy (sorry)! On the plus side this means the diet is working, on the minus side, it feels pretty rough.

The day has ended on a great note with a gin fuelled chat with my ultra stylish, über fun friend Heather (hi if you're reading this!)

Here's the day in pictures...

I ate...well drank, a mango and raspberry smoothie with added protein powder.

I applied...Body Shop Colour Crush Lipstick in shade 230 and puckered up to support the Teenage Cancer Trust. Available in 24 gorgeous new shades and enriched with Fair Trade Marula Oil, the Body Shop York will donate £0.50 to the Teenage Cancer Trust for every kiss they recieve in store. Simply let one of their makeup artists apply your choice of tester shade, pucker up and sign your name on the card. A treat for you and support for a great charity! For more info visit your local Body Shop to see how you can get involved, also visit: www.teenagecancertrust.org

I admired...my new work related purchase. A leather satchel handcrafted using artisan techniques. See www.bohemiadesign.co.uk/satchels

 

And finally...a huge Get Well Soon to my sister Lisa who is in hospital with complications following a nasty riding accident where she broke her collarbone. Love you lots sis! Xxx

Okay, forget the bum, today everything hurts!

The title says it all really, I've spent all day walking like John Wayne something which hasn't been improved by the 4 hours driving I clocked up in the car.

Not to be deterred, I donned my exercise gear and got through a warm-up and one circuit. Then I gave up because I was frankly knackered! 

In terms of diet, I felt pretty sick when I woke up- am I adjusting to lack of carbs?! I managed to force down a protein shake (balk!) which made me feel full until lunch and I had (yet another) salad for lunch. Rounding off the protein fest was tonight's Portuguese Lamb which is pictured below. We cooked it in the slow cooker to save time after work.

Today's good news is that I have lost 2 kilos- yaaaay! I still can't fit into the trousers that kicked this health kick off however I shall not be defeated!

I'm off to do some yoga, slather myself in arnica gel then have an early night (I will have more than 5.5 hours sleep eventually...)

The day in pictures:

I ate...Portuguese Lamb with steamed Kale

I took...Perfectil Hair Skin and Nails in an attempt to bag myself a glossy mane!

My bum hurts...

No really, apparently it happens when you haven't been on a bike for years! I think frozen peas may be deployed!

It's been a good day diet wise, stuck to my high protein and although tempted to reach for the chocolate (hard day at work!) I have resisted thus far. One thing I must say is its really hard to grab food on the go, I went into looking for snack and a trip to the small Co-op next door landed me some prawns and dip, not entirely satisfying with a cup of tea!

Going to invest in the Hairy Dieters cookbook (thanks Alison!) and am considering a foray into the world of protein powder- any advice welcome on this subject. 

So here's the day in pictures:

I ate...lamb with Mediterranean vegetables which would have been better with a side of mashed potato. I managed to injure myself by dropping the phone on to the plate whilst taking the picture and spilling hot veg on my leg. 

I applied...Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain in Honey. Very well used, very much like a certain brand beginning with C, very very much cheaper.

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 blog is back, and this time it's, erm, blobby...

Last week, we had a holiday in the Lake District. I had been looking forward to it for sometime and spent the week walking, then eating cake, taking my daughter to the park, then having more cake, putting my daughter to bed, then having a 3-course meal with wine (and cake obviously!)

The result, well I can no longer fasten the trousers I intended to wear to work tomorrow and I am tipping the scales at 59kg. It's the heaviest I have ever been. Ever.

So I've decided to resurrect my little corner of the Internet as I try to slim down and (more importantly) get fit!

I've decided to go low carb (which means no cake- humph!) and exercise as much as I can.

Now, taking a deep breath, here are my vital stats on day one.

Weight 59kg

Chest 36 inches

Waist 32 inches (whaaat?!! Really?!)

Hips 36 inches

Thighs 21 inches

How easy will it be to go low carb when I love carbs and can't stand the thought of eggs for breakfast? Will I ever fit back into the cocktail dress I wore once before I got pregnant? And, will the cellulite cream I bought actually work?!

Here is day 1 in pictures:

I ate... Salmon with sundried tomatoes and garlic alongside steamed spinach and carrots.

I applied...Soap and Glory Sit Tight which promises to slim when used as part of a healthy lifestyle.

I admired...the abs of Jillian Michaels whose DVD I am currently completing.

Wish me luck!

Time flies when you're having fun...

And in fact, even if you aren't having fun it still seems to pass pretty quickly!

Something exciting has happened- we have bought a house! It wasn't planned (well not very well anyway) and the news is still sinking in.

Our new place isn't built yet so we won't be moving until December (what a great Christmas present!) but I can still start shopping for sofas already!

Yesterday I dragged myself out of bed at 5.30am- way to early for a Sunday- to sell a heap of junk we no longer use at the local carboot sale. The morning was surprisingly successful and everything that I didn't sell was dropped at the charity shop on the way home.

Following the early start, some pampering was in order and I headed to the gorgeous 5 Senses Thai Spa at Clifon Green York. My hour and a half experience consisted of an aromatherapy massage and a facial. I'm pretty sure I fell asleep at one point and my skin is glowing today!

I'm going to try and blog a bit more after my period of inactivity- watch this space.

The day in pictures...

I ate...Nakd Cocoa Orange Vegan Snack Bar. Surprisingly moist and tasty!

I applied...Essie nailpolish in Bond with Whomever

Ouch! My face!

Hello everyone,

Hope you are enjoying this bank holiday weekend. I have spent mine applying large amounts of arnica gel to my very swollen face.

You will see the pictures below, and no, I haven't had dodgy fillers done (thanks sis!). I had my wisdom teeth taken out on Wednesday afternoon and this is the aftermath.

Thankfully the pain wasn't as bad as I thought it would be (plenty of ibuprofen and co-codamol have sorted that) but I wasn't prepared for just how huge my face would swell.

As the doctors told me to be on a soft food only diet, I have been slurping my way through smoothies, yoghurts and soups. I am dying to have something more substantial but I still can't open my mouth properly and chewing is a definite no.

My mum sent some arnica gel down with my sister so I have been applying it generously and the bruising does look better already- I am now yellow instead of purple. Apparently it can take up to a month to fully recover so I am lucky it's improving already.

The hardest part has been not doing as much as I normally would with my daughter. Every time I lean forward, the bleeding in my mouth starts again so picking her up and playing with her has been challenging. She knows when mummy isn't right and she's been really upset and clingy- she just wants cuddles bless her.

We did take her out on Saturday afternoon (I felt like I was getting cabin fever from being indoors for so long) and she enjoyed getting some sunglasses and eating tapas.

Tomorrow I hope to lessen the number of painkillers I take (the co-codamol are great but I have felt doped all weekend!) and venture out for a walk of the weather is good!

So here it is...the weekend in pictures

I ate...tomato soup

I applied...arnica gel

I admired...the impressive shape of my jaw

Shredding and a gradual retreat...

When you become a parent, sleep becomes a topic of obsession- how much is your baby getting? How much are your friends getting? Is there a way to get more?

We have been fairly lucky in the past few months as our daughter was sleeping through doing about 8 hours a stretch (this didn't happen until she was 8 months old- I'm not going to lie!)

Unfortunately this has regressed over the past week, bedtime is becoming a war despite following the same routine of bath, cuddle, bed and she's waking during the night again. We are tired and feeling hard done by!

So tonight we began the "gradual retreat" technique which essentially involves staying close to your baby until they sleep. The first night you may cuddle them to sleep or sit holding their hand etc. As time progresses you begin to move further away from the cot until you can put baby straight into bed, leave and shut the door.

It worked quite well tonight as she was asleep in a few minutes. Apparently the approach requires consistency so I will keep you updated as the days go on.

I managed to shred again today. My legs still felt like jelly but I rewarded myself with a new body lotion for sticking at it- I had better see results after all this effort!

Today in pictures:

I applied...Garnier Intensive Body Lotion (smells yummy and gives great moisturising at high street prices- my new favourite!)

I admired...my daughters ability to "help" in the kitchen

Water, water everywhere...

When I woke up this morning I was simultaneously hit with two thoughts:

1. Wow, my daughter has slept through. 2. Ow! My legs.

I can see why they call it the 30 Day Shred, I have spent most of the day walking around like John Wayne. Not to be deterred we did the workout again tonight! I think the stairs will be out of the question at work tomorrow!

What today's post is really about is the hot-right-now multitasking product which I have recently been trying- Micellar Water.

The invention of our French friends, Micellar waters act as a gentle cleanser with no harsh drying agents. They also tone the skin without leaving a residue.

So what exactly is Micellar water? Let me put my degree to the test and explain...

A micelle is a ball type structure formed when a soap, oil or detergent type molecule is added to water.

The soap/oil/detergent has a "head" and a "tail" and these "tails" don't like to get wet. I order to avoid getting wet they clump together (almost in the same way that penguins huddle for warmth!)

What you are left with is a solution of water with micelles swimming around in it.

The micelles are then able to remove materials which water alone would struggle to shift (think make-up and mascara!)

So, basically the micelle waters are, well, posh water?!

In a way, yes. However they also contain molecules of oils to cleanse.

My current favourite is Vichy Purete Thermale Cleansing Micellar Lotion. (Retails around £10.50)

Touted as a 3-in-1 cleanser, eye makeup remover and toner. You simply sweet a cotton pad covered in the solution over the face.

I've been using mine as part of a double cleanse regime (more on that later) and I love the fact that my skin feels clean and fresh without stinging, tightness or residue.

Inject some French glamour into your skin care routine and add a Micellar water today.

30 Minute Dread

I'm a bid sick of looking at my muffin top. And as summer is on its way I am determined to shift it!

Having carefully considered my options- sweating it out in a gym (no thanks!), doing nothing (easy but avoiding the issue) or working out at home.

Having googled and seen the amazing before/after pictures on some forums, I ordered Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.

The concept is interval training, each 30 minute workout consisting of cardio, strength work and abs.

I roped in my partner to joining me (mainly because I didn't want him laughing at me from the comfort of the sofa)

Tonight we embarked on our first workout. We started at level 1 and OH MY GOSH! It's hard. My legs feel like jelly, I am sweating buckets but on the plus side I got to use my new sports bra!

So here's the day in pictures:

I applied: Balance Me Hand Cream

I admired: The amazing Jillian Michaels

I wore: Pashmina bought in Rome

Day 1 of Summer-prep Princessing

You may have you use your imagination slightly here. I know this weekend is officially the start of British Summer Time but its still very very cold (and snowy in many parts of the UK!)

Undeterred by the UK weather I pushed on with my challenge and today managed to increase my water intake, take my vitamins, remove my chipped nail polish and do some exercise.

Today's exercise was a 1.5 hour yoga class, part of which (ironically) was spent on foot massage- I am now even more aware of my rhino feet. It's foot cream and cotton socks before bed for me tonight.

I've been reading a lot about Korean skincare recently, famed for their youthful and radiant skin, Korean women are said to follow an extensive skin care regime of 5 to 8 steps in length.

In homage to such dedication I have decided to adopt the "double cleanse" an will be keeping you posted on whether or not my skin is benefits.

The day in pictures...

I ate...A (slightly) naughty but very nice Bakewell Flapjack from Blackfriars. I was paying 85 pence for these in a health food shop but recently discovered Aldi stock them for an incredible 49 pence!

I applied...Vichy 3 in 1 cleansing water . The first cleansing step in my new double cleanse regime. This ultra gentle solution removes makeup and soothes skin without leaving tightness or irritation.

I admired...the dedication of Korean women and their extensive skincare regimes!

Return of the Princess...

When I started blogging, I wanted to tell women everywhere that we all deserve a little time for ourselves and that when we look our best, we feel our best.

I am ashamed to say that I haven't been living up to this ideal and as I survey my dodgy hair (that should have been cut weeks ago!) and my chipped nail polish I have decided that urgent action is required.

Luckily I am not alone in this feeling and so a group of princesses has been convened.

My mission is to get myself ready for summer! I've lost all of my baby weight but my stomach needs some toning work. I am really tired at the moment (just found out I am anaemic) so I need to boost my diet with lots of good food to improve my skin, hair and nails.

Due to time constraints (a.k.a the realities of work, family and home) I am going to undertake a slightly smaller challenge this time, 6 steps in total.

1. Improve the amount of fruit/veg in my diet.

2. Start taking my vitamins again to ward off anaemia. Also resume taking cod liver oil for my dehydrated skin.

3. Body moisturiser- every day!

4. Do 30 mins of exercise three times a week (I know this falls short of the recommended targets but I need a goal that's achievable)

5. Ensure my feet are flip flop ready by exfoliating, moisturising and polishing my nails!

6. Increase my water intake to 8 glasses per day.

In preparation for the challenge, I decided to have a final blow out, see the (shameful) pictures below...

I ate...an entire box of biscuits (oops!)

I drank...gin and tonic

I shamefully gazed at...my chipped nails

It's a mans world?!

Right now I am watching political show The Agenda.

Currently the topic being debated is the male dominated culture present in many institutions and whether or not the sexual abuse which appears to have been prevalent in many institutions would have taken place had more women been in top jobs.

I don't tend to wade in to political debate, but I do agree that it still is a "man's world"

The lack of affordable childcare, jobs for the boys attitude seen in the political landscape and the fact that we'll still judge a woman on her appearance before taking her talents and abilities into consideration illustrates perfectly that the feminist cause still has a way to go.

"So what's her point?" I hear you say.

Sure, I spend my time baking the odd cake, doing yoga and deliberating which face cream to buy. But right now I am also spending my time trying to find well-paid part-time work where my desire to be a mother and a worker doesn't stand against me.

It's sad that we often become aware of flaws in the system when they affect us on a personal level. I'd like to hope the next government will consider the working woman to be the most important voter, but I won't cross my manicured fingers!

Someone on this train smells of booze...

...I hope it's not me!

I sent the above text to my lovely friend Heather whilst nursing a rather sore head on the train journey home.

This weekend was the first time EVER that I have been away from my baby overnight. Getting on the train to Edinburgh, I was very very nervous- they change so much at the 8 month stage and I was worried I would miss something new and exciting.

We had travelled to Edinburgh for the Hen Weekend of the rather fabulous Julie (a University friend). Like many girlie gatherings, the weekend featured cocktails and carbs with a generous smattering of dancing to boot,

It was great to come home to cuddles from my daughter and a family Sunday night dinner.

Like they say, a picture is 1000 words so here we have the weekend in pictures.

I ate: Well, drank, many cocktails during our 3 hour cocktail masterclass at The Living Room. There was free pouring of a (great many) spirits, a toast with bubbly and we each made our very own personalised cocktail.

I applied: Collection 2000 Glam Crystals Black Liquid Eyeliner. This liner has added glitter making it ideal for a night out.

I wore: Lulu Guinness Lips Clutch Bag. Big enough for all of my essentials (and then some).

I admired: The lovely bride-to-be Julie who was a great sport when faced with a game of Mr and Mrs (thanks to the groom Duncan for answering my list of questions!) Can't wait for your big day.

And finally I must say, well done to our boys on their victory against Ireland today!

Freecycle, you are frustrating me!

Now my little one is crawling, we are having to baby proof the house. She seems to have a knack of seeking trouble and can often be found:

a) Trying to pull the digital box off the shelf on the tv unit.
b) Trying to pull pictures off the table top.
c) Crawling into a dark corner to chew electrical cables (!)

On a practical level I think we may benefit from emptying our living room and leaving it bare except for a layer of plastic which will provide a wipe clean surface. In an attempt to compromise however, I have been getting rid of some clutter we don't need anymore,

I decided to use Freecycle to get rid of some bits but every time I try to post an advert it crashes. After half an hour I decided to sit and sulk instead, leaving a large pile of unwanted tat in the middle of the living room floor.

Today we had an NCT reunion which was lovely, it's amazing how babies change in a few months. We enjoyed a roast dinner and there was plenty of conversation about how none of our babies will sleep through (even though they are nearly 8 months). It's always good to talk to other parents as it can help normalise things you are experiencing- for instance, my grumpy baby has a terrible cold today and I was worried she seems to be catching everything but a quick chat to the other parents reassured me that we are all in the same boat.

The day in pictures...

I ate...Toast and jam

I applied...Barry M nail polish

I wore...Zara bag