Monday 29 April 2013

Friend Makin Mondays #8

It's great to back, linking up for Friend Makin Mondays again! Thanks to Kenlie for hosting the link up :D


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ABC's in 2013

A) I would like to travel around America. Soon-ish!

B) I love trying out different kinds of Beauty products, and always spend way too much in beauty and drugstores.

C) I go through phases where I can't drink warm Coffee, because it just makes me nauseous (I'm not pregnant!).

D) I have a thing about touching Doorhandles when I am out and about, especially in Bathrooms. All the way through high school and college me and my friends managed to master a technique where we got the door open using our feet and legs. A little embarrassing when people walked in!

E) I would love to make Exercise a bigger part of my life, and with Summer just around the corner I need to make the most of that opportunity.

F) Friends and Family are an important part of my life, and as I get older I realise this more and more.

G) Games. I still really enjoy playing Board Games. The other day I played Risk for the first time ever. Can't believe it took me so long. It was the Lord of the Rings version and like with every other game on this planet I became extremely competitive.

H) Home. There's nothing like it!

I) I was a very imaginative child, and like to think I have carried that through to being an adult.

J) JUNE. June is not only the month of my birthday, but a lot of other women in my family. My aunty's is on the same day, then its my cousins, then it's my moms and then it's my cousins. Like I said a lot of June birthdays.

K) I would really like to get a Kindle.

L) I used to be a really closed off teenager, and as I get older I'm discovering I need Love. Not just romantically, but to give and receive with family and friends too.

M) My mom is so important to me. She's both a great mom and a great friend, and words can't describe how important she is to me.

N) Growing up though, I was Nanny's little girl. Or as my mom likes to put it I was nanny reared. I spent every waking moment down there up until the age of 5 or 6.

O) It took me a long time to get my head around the fact I wasn't going to be an only child any more. I was 5 when my mom had my sister, and it took me ages to adjust and warm to her. But looking back now she's 14 and I will be 20 in a months time, I wished we had shared a closer relationship.

P) When I graduate from University I'd love to get a job in the Publishing Industry. Fingers Crossed!

Q) I'm someone with a lot of queries and questions. And even when I was little I was that kid with a 101 questions to ask.

R) Running is something I hope to get back into over summer. I love to run and watching my endurance go, so that's definitely one of my summer goals.

S) Summer. Summer. Summer. My favourite season!

T) I recently just passed my Driving Test!

U) I hate the fact Umbrellas always seem to break on me, and living in England, it's pretty much a handbag staple.

V) At home my mom has recently banned me from using the Vacuum cleaner, because every time I use it it overheats and breaks. Which is not a real big issue as I'm no fan of vacuuming!

W) Writing, is something I love to do both academically and personally and I believe that will probably never change.

X) I'm not a fan of X-factor at all! Yeah, that's lame but I seriously couldn't think of anything for X at this current time.

Y) End of Year is approaching and I can feel the time ticking away. But can't wait for this academic Year to finally be over.

Z) I'm not a fan of Zebra print.

So, there you have it the ABC of me.

Can't wait to read everyone else's over the week. 

Happy Monday :D

Saturday 27 April 2013

Long Time, No Post

So it's been a long time since I sat down or even contemplated writing a post. There's been so many things happening around here, and with end of year exams literally just a week away I'm a little stressed to say the least! But I'm determined to start blogging again and to get back some kind of a routine.

Ever go through those times where whilst doing one thing, you are thinking about another thing you need to get done? Well, that's what I've been constantly doing these past few weeks. There's so much to get done in such a short amount of time, and I want to do well in all areas. That includes food and exercise, something that has been very touch and go at the moment. But, to be honest with you it hasn't been a priority like it was a month or so ago. This week though I am determined to make sure I fit some workouts into the mix. Even though I have three exams and one assignment left to go until I'm finished for my second year, I don't have any more classes to go to. Which is both nice, and not so nice. I like routine and this routine is now down to me, which is going to be a good test for summer.

My eating is getting better in general, not just the physical aspect of eating the food, but also mentally and my attitude towards food I have noticed is massively improving. I am finally getting to grips with the fact that treats are there to be enjoyed, as is the rest of the food we eat. Of course, it primarily serves the function of fuelling our bodies each day to get us through our daily activities, but that doesn't mean it needs to be a chore and become something we dread. My disordered way of eating has been an issue since my early teens, and something I rarely discuss or share. The people I'm closest to are aware of my constant issues, "battle", whatever you want to call it with food, and although I've become better over the years by a long shot, there are still improvements I need to make and are being made with every week, if not day, that passes. It's all about working hard to improve what is already there bit by bit, and that's what I feel I'm getting better at. I certainly wouldn't say I know everything there is to know about diet and exercise etc. All I am saying is I'm noticing how much better I am getting and that's something I am proud of.

At the moment the goal in regards to weight that I am working towards is under the ten stone mark (140 pounds). Something it seems I am always working towards but the goals is to get under that mark and maintain it, without being too strict on myself! The goal is to achieve this before my birthday on June the 4th, which is when I will be turning 20 and for me going into my second decade, which I must admit I'm excited for. It will also be a week before I go to France and I want to be looking and feeling great for then too.

The sun has been shining here as of late, and it is lovely. I am someone really affected by season, weather, etc and I have noticed how boosted my moods become, just by getting some heat and sunlight on my skin. I am excited for the summer months, hopefully the weather will only improve and we'll get to spend some quality time outside just enjoying everything summer has to offer.

Monday 15 April 2013

Friend Makin Monday #7




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Thanks to Kenlie for hosting.

1. Share something that you enjoy doing when you’re alone. 
There's loads to say, but the main ones are to dance and sing. I'm an ok dancer but my singer is terrible, but I always think as long as you know you can't sing it's fine to do so. If that makes sense?!

2. What do you plan to eat next? 
Breakfast, at some point. My stomach hasn't started off the day well so I probably won't be ready for food for a while. But I know if I don't eat heartburn will happen.

3. When did you first travel on a plane?  Where did you go?
It was probably a family trip when I was about 5 to Spain, can't remember exactly where we went though. But I remember it distinctly because it was a few months after my sister had been born.

4. Do you currently have a crush on someone?  If so, share a few of the reasons why. 
Hmm... I am not fond of the word "crush" full stop. It makes me wince and cringe for some reason. I prefer the word "like" I know it's pretty general but it doesn't make me pull faces. But the answer is yes =D

5. List one thing that disgusts you that probably wouldn't bother someone else.  
People sharing other peoples drinks. I say this with no hesitation. This has always freaked me out since I was little!

6. If you could buy a new car tomorrow (and money was no object) what would you buy?
Probably a BMW, maybe a M3?

7. Who was the first person who broke your heart?
Hmm. A hard one to answer.

8.If you could spend the night with a celebrity tonight, who would it be
Ehh... I have no immediate thoughts! 

9. Are you a morning person or a night person? 
It depends on a number of factors. And I have been both. I always find that being a morning person is better for me. But lately I find myself staying up really late. Like 3 am but that's what end of term brings unfortunately!

10. What’s your favorite board game?
That's easy Monopoly!

11. Can you play an instrument? If so, what do you play?  
I got into playing the keyboard in highschool, and actually it was a present I got for Christmas one year. But I wouldn't say I could play in the first place properly, let alone anymore.

12. What is the last thing you ate?
Cereal, Bitesize shredded wheat - both plain and honey nut in a cup with Milk.

13. Do you wear a watch? 
No. I used to at school. I always needed to know the time. Now I just check my phone or laptop or ask someone else, but maybe I'll re-invest again one day.

14. Do you go to church? 
No. I haven't been in years, but my family aren't particularly that religious.

15. Do you ever wish on stars?
Sure. Sometimes.

16.  Have you ever been on a motorcycle?
No. But I think it would be cool at least once. I wouldn't want to drive one permanently but on the back of someone else maybe =D

17. What is the last thing you purchased? 
Food run. Fruit and Cheese. So boring.

18. How big is your bed?
Double. At both homes. Uni home and home home!

19. What size shoe do you wear? 
A uk 7.

20. What are you looking forward to most in the coming week?
I am going to see Pink with my mom this Sunday so that!

Happy Monday guys =D Can't wait to read everyone elses!



Being Marvellous At The Beginning Of A Stressful Week

It's the beginning of a new week and with it brings one of my favourite blogger link-ups. MIMM! Thanks to Katie for hosting as always.



These next 4 and a half weeks are going to be tough and demanding, both physically and mentally. The physical side-effects are probably going to be that I have headaches and feel sleep deprived, I just hope that wont affect my weight etc. It's going to be a struggle but I know that the end is so close now for this second year that I want to be working on over-drive, so I can make sure I achieve the best I can achieve. After this there will be a long break of nothingness, or rather should I say not much planned, structured and scheduled, which I will have to make sure to correct. Simply as I am the kind of person who benefits from structure and schedules etc. So that will be something to work on over summer. Staying busy and getting things done even though it's not necessary or an emergency! That will probably be one of my biggest challenges this summer.

But as somebody said! I need to stop concentrating so hard on the future because I am missing the present and now.

I want to make sure that I've always got things to look forward to no matter how tired I feel.

Right now the weather is definitely showing signs of Spring. It's mild but raining quite bad and it feels like all day, but definitely most of it. I hate this kind of weather! If it was left to me I would have skipped straight from Winter to Summer. My favourite seasons go in this order - Summer, Winter, Autumn and then finally Spring. I guess I just really hate the Rain.

I have so much to get done that I need to jot everything down in my diary to make sure nothing is missed! That would be annoying and I have had weeks where there's so much to do that something gets missed off the list =( And this week I am also going to work on getting enough sleep, early nights and early to rise is probably what I need!

Yep.
I am going to use this quote in all aspects of my life, not just fitness and exercise.

silver linings.
Haven't seen this film yet, but definitely want to!

positive attitude
This is so true and something I definitely forget when times get stressful.

I'm going to say that to the next grumpy person I run into :) or to myself when I'm grumpy
This made me laugh. There are definitely days when we all need this said to us =D


Yes! I have to keep this is mind.
Love this one!
This week is going to be a toughy and very draining and taxing, but at the end of it there will be more than one silver lining I am sure.

This Friday my mom will drive down to pick me up and we will be going to see Pink! on Sunday night. I don't feel very excited at the moment, just because I know that there's a lot to get done between now and then, but I know that by Thursday night I will be really looking forward to it =D

Happy Monday Folks! Start the week off right wherever you are =D





Friday 12 April 2013

Limbo + Weigh-In

I feel like I am in limbo right now. Ever had that feeling? You're getting stuff done but going nowhere all in the same moment/movement?! Well that's what I feel like right now. I have always felt that spring/easter break has always came at the right and wrong time. Right time because I am exhausted but wrong time because my momentum for studying is always on a high before break. And then after break BAM, where'd the momentum go?

I can feel it slowly returning to me, just wish it would get its jog on!

Moving on...
I haven't weighed in in 4 weeks now and I am unhappy that I've gained 3.75 pounds but at the same time I am just accepting that number and moving on to the next week, where I am hoping to lose at least 1.75 of those pounds. I don't know why but I hate .75's they drive me crazy! So, this week I am going to focus on tracking my calories in, and trying to get some small workouts in just for some movement. Which is going to be hard over the next 6 weeks because it is the end of semester 3 soon, which means the year is coming to a close and things around here are becoming stressful, with deadlines every week and end of year classes coming to a close.

I kind of feel like I suddenly don't have enough time to get done what I want to get done, but I need to remind myself to take it one step at a time and tick off one thing on my list at a time. No matter how long that list feels. It's all about prioritising for me these next few weeks, not balance which is what I normally strive for. My goal is to prioritise things on my list and get them done. I need to realise that end of term also means Summer is coming. I really hope it brings the weather with it! But Summer is coming and so there will be plenty of free time shortly, and in that a few months time I will be no doubt moaning about I miss a hectic schedule and my usual Uni routine!

LISTS

I have seven weigh-ins before I return home and I am going to make every single one count, no matter how hectic things seem at the moment. I am aiming for at least a pound in weight loss every week, but I'd like 1.5 pounds if I am honest.

Motivational Fitness Quotes

With exercise it's going to be about getting in small workouts until this stressful period is over on the 14th of May. I will try and share what I am doing as far as workouts go here on my blog. And obviously I will be showing a snapshot of my food on WIAW =D

I have found a few good workouts that I want to try, and that I'll be sharing in a post soon. I will probably start the squatting challenge tomorrow!


Spring Break Squat Challenge ... starts TODAY!

Happy Friday =D

Tuesday 9 April 2013

What I've Been Eating Over The Easter Break!

Sorry about the sub-standard shots. There happens to be quite a few pics this week, as I have missed two weeks of WIAW. So they have built up on my phone and I am just going to let the pictures do the talking. It's not a full picture. It was break and there was some naughty treats/meals thrown in there that I didn't always picture, but hey it happens and I am slowly getting back to it this week so there are more veggie and fruit appearances in my daily diet.

Peas and Crayons
Thanks to Jenn for hosting =D






















On a final note! To get in the spring mood I painted my nails a coral colour. It was a favourite purchase of mine last spring, and I forgot how much I love the colour until it's on. It is one of those colours that looks good but different on everyone depending on your skin tone. Also as it fades it changes and the intensity dulls, making it more pinky than orange.





Have a happy Wednesday =D

Monday 8 April 2013

Friend Making Mondays #6

It's good to be back answering Kenlie's questions. So here we go.

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Thanks to Kenlie for hosting one of my favourite blogger link-ups =D

1.If you could be a recurring star on a show that is currently on TV, which show would you choose?

Hmm... So many shows to choose, but without hesitation the first one to come to mind was Bones, followed by Criminal Minds (mainly because of Derek - Shemar Moore). Yes I think it would be cool to play a detective or a crime fighter working for the good guys!

2. Name the movie that you are most embarrassed to admit that you love. 

Nothing springs to mind immediately, but it would probably have to be some kind of musical movie like Hairspray or something (the John Travolta one). It's really sad but I had a major phase of watching all the same when I was about 13/14 and I still know all the words to the songs!

3.Name one show that you’ve never seen and would love to watch.

I did say I'd like to see something from the beggining the other day to my mom, but what was it? May have to return to this because normally if I like a show I'll try to go back to the beginning and catch-up. I like back story when it comes to TV shows!

4.Do you ever go to movies alone?

No. Going to the cinema to see a movie is something I tend to do with either family members or friends. Just because it's a nice way to hang out and spend some time together. If I can't find anyone to watch the movie I like the look of with me (which isn't often as my friends and family cover all genres) I usually just skip it. I went to see the new Oz film with my brother the other day and I still don't know what to make of it. Has anyone else seen it? It looked amazing visually don't get me wrong, but I felt that I could have came up with a better plot because I felt that that's where it was lacking, and it felt like it dragged after an hour and half to say it was a 2hr and 20 minute film.

Anyways... getting back on track...

5.If you could only watch one TV show for the next year, which show would you choose and why? 

That's easy Gilmore Girls because that show never gets old to me - actually I'm changing my answer to question number one to Gilmore Girls. I'd love to be one of the family members!

6.If you could star in one reality show, which one would it be and why?  

Hmm... I don't really like reality shows to be honest. The only one I ever watch is biggest loser, but I wouldn't want to be on it. Ooh or maybe as one of the trainers that might be fun, working with Bob and Jillian would be great : D

7.If someone rented a billboard for you, what would it say?

I haven't got a clue! I am going to have to pass this question I think. Maybe something motivational to others?!

8.Who is the most famous person with whom you have been in the same room? 

Only people I have gone to see in Concert, so... Pink! I am going to see her in a couple of weeks too, so excited. It will be my second time!

9.If you were chosen to be a contestant on a TV game show, which show would you want to be on? 

My first reaction was ehh I have no desire to be on a game show, but then one came to me. Here in the UK we have  a game show called Pointless where you have to find a pointless answer to a question. You go on with a partner and I think that would be fun, although the hosts would make me cringe! Just with the bad jokes that contestants don't want to laugh at but find themselves doing it anyways.

10.If there was a movie being made about you, which actor would you choose to play you?

Hmm now how would you pick? Would you pick based on looks and/or personality in similarity to you similarities to you  or just someone whose personality and looks you like? Decisions decisions ... I am going to have to get back to that one.

Wow! These are toughies this week =D Love them still though. I am going to ponder the last question and get back to it in another post or in the comments. I really can't pick. I am sure though it will come to me when I least expect it. Actually, I may just ask my friends and fam the question and then pick one =D

MIMM - It's Good To Be Back!

It's been a couple of weeks and it's good to be back :D It's going to be a short drop in today.

Thanks to Katie as always for hosting this get together =D

Lately my productivity levels are low. So, this week that's what I am striving for - to get everything done!
I need to make my crazy lists and plan to fit it all in so I can tick lots off my "to do" lists. And there's a few. On top of that I want to get back to tracking everything I  eat and fitting my workouts in, because they really do provide me with the sanity I need to keep trucking along. It's took me a while to realise that but when I go a couple or few days without a good workout I don't feel good, and I actually feel more exhausted?!

So, this week is going to be about pulling away from Easter Break and getting back to a routine and a schedule because I am craving it back again. Lie-ins are great but at the moment doing me no favours. I need to be getting to bed a couple of hours earlier, say 11pm and waking up around 08:30 am. Or maybe earlier who knows. My sleeping pattern has shifted to going to sleep later, waking up later and I constantly feel sleepy like I could take a nap. And when you have deadlines for essays and exams coming up within the next 6 weeks it's the worst way to be. I need to get the routine back so I feel alert and energised.

Spring Break Squat Challenge ... starts TODAY!
Speaking of I really want to begin this challenge this week, hopefully I can begin today =D

I am definitely someone who dwells in the past and lately that is not helping my mood, which in affect will come back in the form of anxiety and panic attacks. It's a vicious circle I desperately need to break out of.

But, today is a new day meaning I get another chance to start again and to start a fresh.

So, here goes my thoughts for the week to push me through!

Failure is not falling down

Better not bitter

discipline

triumph

Without passion life is nothing. What is your passion?

10 Healthy Tips for Fitness Success


I need to be reminded of this right now. So true.

And there's my seven quotes for the week =D So good to look at when your having a stressful few hours or a tough day. There little reminders to keep you focused and keep you going at least for me anyways!

Have a great Monday : D

Friday 5 April 2013

It's Been A While

It has been a while since I have wrote on the blog. It's not intentional, we just still don't have internet at the new house back home. It sucks and it is very frustrating. I had to access the internet all on my phone and for some reason it wouldn't let me write blog posts.

Anyways, I'm back and hopefully by the time I go back for Summer there will be internet.

Moving on to what's been happening lately... I'm struggling. For the past three weeks now. My motivation is practically nowhere to be seen and the determination that I had at the end of Feb/ start of March has fizzled out. In my attempt to get it back it has been psychologically and mentally draining, not to mention the way my  body is making me feeling at the moment.

I've been trying to keep the exercise up over the Easter holidays. Mainly the treadmill because at home is where my treadmill's at, plus it's so convenient to just hop on the treadmill and do my thing. Out of 14 days I probably got exercise in 8 times, which is the best short break at home so far. I didn't nail it, far from it but I tried and didn't quit. So I guess that's something to be proud of.

But I desperately want to put this struggle behind me. I haven't weighed myself in 3 weeks now, so don't know exactly what I weigh. But hopefully when I get on the scale sometime in the next couple of weeks it won't be too frightening. Not going to weigh myself straight away, so I am not on a complete downer. I still hate that after all this time I am still letting the scale dictate to me. Over my feelings and how I act and feel. But for now I have to accept it, until I can figure out a way to not let it bother me. It's not going to be easy and it's definitely something that is going to happen over night, but hopefully one day it won't matter to me as much as it does today.

It's time to get it back and I'll be blogging about it over here probably constantly just trying to keep my sanity! I am going to set new goals and post later on about what I've decided.

This is the thing I struggle with most and the thing that everything in my life sadly revolves around. I cherish the day it's the other way round, but for now that is how I feel.

I watched the televised Oxford vs Cambridge Boat race the other day and just like it did last year it inspired me. Not to row as such but to strive and train hard and do what I have to to in a way beat myself. I am aware that I am my worst if only enemy and I it's time I step up to the mark. I want to beat this and I believe I can, but time involves patience something I am getting better with.

Well that's it for now. I just wanted to get the thoughts that are constantly replaying in my head put down.

Thanks for Reading and have a great weekend :D