Monday 3 May 2010

I've been lost in the wilderness somewhere...but now I'm back!

Good morning! And, it really is just that.....4:04am when I started this entry! It's the "oooh-pooh-it's-Sunday-night-I've-got-work-tomorrow-and-can't-sleep" syndrome (except it was actually Monday night as it's a bank holiday in the UK).

Well, I've not been on here for a while....it's a long story, so, basically I won't bore everyone with it. I would rather talk about positive, healthy and happy things, so.....

The Murder Mystery evening was really really good! I guessed who the murderer was which is amazing for me as I'm usually a bit rubbish at being a super sleuth! I adapted my outfit (which really was a leotard and fishnets!) by adding some strategically placed tassels and it was fun. Even the photos don't look too bad! I will post one on here when I'm feeling brave enough :-)

My 40th birthday came and went. I had a fabulous time and got thoroughly spoilt with lots of beautiful gifts. I feel very lucky to have such wonderful family and friends. I won't lie however, I'm still in a disgusting sulk about turning 40. As I said before, it's not because I think it's old but more about how I feel...ie. overweight, unfit etc.

One gift for my birthday was a subscription to Zest magazine. It's really good! Loads of health, fitness and diet tips, and most of the articles I could relate to helping me. I guess what I'm trying to say is it's a great magazine for fitness of all levels. There is an arm toning workout in there which I have decided to try twice a week. It only takes around 15 minutes so I think it will easily fit into my routine.

Secondly, there were some tips on burning calories and toning when you don't feel you have enough hours in the day. One fabulous tip I came across......whilst teeth-brushing in the mornings/evenings, do some plies or leg lunges! I've been doing it and it's great! I can really feel it in my legs and it really is a time-saver.

For one reason or another I've not really lost any weight since I last blogged in March (I am going to try and blog weekly from now on and not leave it so long next time by the way), however, I have been exercisiing which has certainly helped with toning etc.

I have re-discovered ballroom dancing again. I always did it as a kid and have joined a class again! It's also run by my old dance teacher which is fab, and what's more, there are a few ladies at the class who I know from my childhood when dancing. It's really nice to rediscover old friendships.

I'm having a bit of a problem this week regarding dairy...so, any advice would be good. Here's the situation. I've had to stop eating dairy products for a while (I won't bore anyone with the details of why, but I keep getting a rash). I can live with drinking soya milk and I can even live with no chocolate. However.....I am a "savoury person", so my naughty treats often revolve around cheese! Oh my goodness....I MISS CHEESE! Obviously the positive thing is it will be great for my weight loss and cholesterol so I really shouldn't be complaining, but I wonder if anyone has any ideas for a healthy substitute snack? I tried the non-dairy cheese this weekend....YUK YUK YUK...AND YUK AGAIN! Any suggestions of alternative savoury (non dairy) snacks will be gratefully received.

Ok, so, my aims for this week: I am going to try and track down an adult tap dancing class. It's fabulous for your legs apparently and with dancing, I'm exercising but it's sociable and enjoyable, which is key for me. I get bored with the same old routine at the gym...it's monotonous and lonely at times. I think it's so important to find an exercise that is enjoyable so it doesn't actually feel like exercise. So...tap dancing it is....I will let you know how I get on.

Wednesday 10 March 2010

Oh For The Love Of Latte!!

Well, I know I said this was going to be a weekly blog...but, I just had to say....

Usually, if I'm following a diet or eating regime I always particularly crave a proper Latte or a cappucino. Well NOT TODAY! I really fancied one, so I had it and enjoyed it! It's funny how just a simple thing like that can put you in a great mood for the day. I really do believe in that little saying "a little of what you fancy does you good"! So true!

Having a very productive week so far (at home and at work). I'm working well and eating well this week. Very tired though for some reason...maybe it's the lack of sugar that's given me that mid-week slump....well hopefully I'm so exhausted I'll sleep alot better so that's a bonus!

I just wanted to give a mention to the podcast "Two Fit Chicks And A Microphone". You can get it free from itunes. Two friends Carla and Shauna discuss health and fitness in an inspiring, down to earth way. It's great to listen to and so many of us will relate to their issues (I know I do!). They also have good guests on too that are really knowledgeable and helpful. Why not give it a go?

I listened to the latest podcast whilst walking on the treadmill at the gym, looking through a window overlooking the golf course, watching the sun come up over the rolling Hertfordshire hills...perfect :-)

Monday 8 March 2010

Big gulp....here goes!!!!

Well, I thought I'd give this blogging lark a go. I guess it will keep me entertained once a week as I re-live the trials and tribulations of my little world!

Ok, actually, it's not just for my own amusement I'm writing this. It's for lots of reasons....phew...now...where do I start...?

I'm a 39 year old girl (I like to say girl...makes me feel so much younger!), who is going to be 40 in a few weeks. Quite frankly, I am TOTALLY FREAKING OUT ABOUT IT! I don't want to be a "forty-something". The thing is, I've thought about this LOADS, and, it's not actually about the age thing...it's about how I'm feeling about me......and let me tell you, at the moment there are a few reasons for me to be feeling glum, for instance;

1) I'm overweight (and, we're not talking a few squidgy-bits on the derriere here!).

2) I've just been told by my doctor that my cholesterol is too high (6.5....hhmmm!).

3) I get married next year, and, every time I think about looking around for a wedding dress I just want to scream "PANIC" at the top of my lungs. Now, don't get me wrong...I love my boyfriend and can't wait to get married...but, a couple of months ago I tried on a dress and even the tightest corset underneath couldn't help the poor bridal shop owner when she was trying to stuff me into what would have been a beauthiful gown! I felt (and probably looked like) Mavis the Fat Fairy (if any of you remember Willo The Wisp on TV you will know what I mean...).


Well, I can imagine the vision of me I've created, and seriously I'm not scarey at all.....obviously the Mavis thing was a joke! Anyway, as you may have guessed, I've decided that I am going to use this blog to share and record my journey to a healthier, happier more confident me. I've been brave and posted a piccy of myself. This is probably the best picture taken of me in recent times. I was at a party when this was taken, I was relaxed after a lovely holiday and that smile definately says "a little tipsy on the vino!".

There's a number of things in my life I need to change. Obviously, eating more healthily being the largest change, coupled with some exercise and just generally being positive and looking after myself more.

BUT.....I don't want my life to be one long miserable diet....that's enough to depress anyone! I still want to have fun, do as many enjoyable things as I can, yet become healthier without the misery attached to strict eating and exercise regimes. I also thought that anyone who had any good tips could post them on here to help not just me, but anyone in a similar position to me who happens to stumble across this blog.

I thought I'd write weekly on here to let everyone know how I'm getting on, what exercise I'm doing, how I'm enjoying it and, more importantly, any fun or amusing things that have happened in my life over the course of the week.

Ok, so this week I've got loads on.....my eldest son's parents evening, my youngest son has footie training, I'm going to a ballroom dancing class on Thursday evening (love it!...do you know, most people think of gentle gliding round the floor when you say "ballroom" but, let me tell you, I come out of that class dripping in sweat!).

Quiz night is Friday evening at my sons football club. I am usually the one with the pen writing down the answers that my team give me...that's about the best contribution I can make! Unfortunately my general knowledge is always more limited that I like to believe.

As for SATURDAY....woo hoo, I'm very much looking forward to it...a "murder night" round my sister-in-laws! I love these events! It's a dinner game and everyone comes dressed as their character (the host tells you who you are in the original invitation). We all have to work out from a series of clues who the murderer is. I've got to go as a "showgirl" .....in fishnets and a leotard type thing....oh dear, why me?! Still, it will be fun....I just hope I don't drink too much and lose my willpower with the healthy eating lark and each too much cheese (ooh I do like a bit of Wensleydale!)

Have a good week everyone!