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! 

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!

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!

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!

Staying fabulous in February!

I just wanted to say Well Done! We got January out of the way.

Our resolutions may have slipped, we may still be broke but we survived!

It's hard to believe I have been back at work for nearly 4 weeks now. I absolutely love my new job- interacting with the students is a great experience and its so interesting to hear fresh ideas and see their optimism and enthusiasm.

Work has brought it's challenges though- most notably 5.30am wake up calls which, coupled with a baby who is still up at least twice a night to feed, is leaving me looking dull and feeling tired.

In a bid to combat my fatigue I have started a new exercise class which will (hopefully) boost my energy when I get past the red faced, puffy stage which I am at currently.

My lovely other half gave me some money for a treat and I invested in one of the beauty products of the moment- Facial oils. In the interest of balance I am going to write an entire post about the different oils available and how they can benefit you (even if you are oily of complexion like me!)

Here is the day in pictures:

I ate...slow cooked lamb ragout with rice

I applied...Clarins Lotus Flower Face Oil

I wore...Emu Slippers