09/08-15/08

This week equals a success and I feel completely proud of myself to be saying that sentence.

As I relax now with a well earned beer (or two), I find myself looking back on the week. The lows, the highs, the successes, the failures, it really did all happen. But I battled with myself when it came to food and I made sure that I got a good workout session in (whatever I decided it would be). And two out of three ain't bad, as Meatloaf would say or for me six out of seven ain't bad! The only day I "took off" was Thursday, or yesterday I should say, as I just felt downright terrible after minimal sleep. At one point, I honestly thought I'd pass out from exhaustion. But I powered through, took two Pro-Plus (which I hate to do) and pulled it out of the bag. Now I never recommend taking caffeine in pill form, but yesterday it was necessary and quickly did the trick. I'd say within half an hour I was powering through job applications and continuing on with my Thursday.

Eating healthy and cleaner, and simply working out, doing whatever I chose is what has made my week a success. In my own eyes anyhow. The workouts where beginner and nothing too strenuous was achieved, as in I wasn't flipping tyres or throwing sandbags, which is what I always think about when I think of "proper people" who work out. I ran, I lifted weights, I toyed around with kettle-bells (easily my new favourite piece of gym equipment). Nothing was ever boring, though at times it was hard and I think that's where balance comes into the equation. You need to enjoy what you're doing, but it needs to feel challenging enough to see improvements and changes. These improvements and changes are what make you want to continue and to power through. They are evidence of your hard work and proof of the strength you put into each session. So hopefully 4 to 6 weeks time and I'll see some kind of improvements.

I'm not weighing myself at the moment,a deliberate decision that I have made. It will do no good and so I am going to leave it alone...for now anyways. My goal weight I feel is always 9 and a half stone, with a 25/26 inch waist. Those are the figures I always have in my mind, because I know when I get down to that weight all the opportunities I'll have. Opportunities like wearing shorts and not minding, just the little things like that that make life that little bit easier.

And that's where I leave it for today. Hopefully next week will be just as successful.

xoChloexo

Everyone Has To Start Somewhere

I heard this saying the other day. I can't remember in exactly what context it was said, but it was something that definitely resonated with me.

And it is true, 'We do all have to start somewhere...'. Where that may be is upto us. We are the ones who have that control.

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Sometimes it may feel as though it is slipping out of our hands, but stop, breathe, and take another look. You still have the reins in your hand, you are still in control.

But that's something I had certainly forgot up until this week. When I truly remember it, it tends to stick around for a long time. And I remembered the other day just how long I have made it. I made it a total of nine moths before crashing out, and that's not bad at all, is it? I don't think so, and in fact that's one of my best attempts. But then I remembered something, the things that got me through I had lost. I had stopped working out and I no longer had the faith and confidence. And these things are vital for how I got to where I am today.



So, here's to the next stint. Let's hope it lasts as long as the last. And if you are thinking of giving up, remember, 'Everyone has to start somewhere' and make that day today. Go on, you know you want to...I know I do.

It's not about where you are right now, or where you've been for however long, that's just temporary or in the past. It is about where you are going, and that's up to you.

When's your best place to start again? Or to move on...

xo Chloe xo

Snacking, Snacking, Cereal and Oh, more Snacking...

That has literally been my diet of the past few days. I just don't seem to want big meals or meal-type meals at all. If that makes any sense?

It's 18:51 on a Saturday night and I am exhausted.

It's not like I can't stay a wake at all like last week, but I am very unmotivated and just feeling damn right groggy. Yes, I think that about sums it up. I took a nap earlier but I am already ready for my next or my bed.

Bare with me I think I have a point I am coming to...

Oh yes. So over the past few days I have become a serial snacker. All I want is snacks. Fruit, Crisps and small bowls of Cereal. The idea of eating a big meal just makes me feel nauseous and at the moment I am just going with it. Eating what I am craving and letting it be.

I think forcing it will just make myself bad. Just like last night. I had a baked potato and tuna with salad but afterwards I just felt so sick and haven't felt right since. So I shall continue to just go with it. Still trying to get my fruits and veggies in but just not trying to force food down, which lately I have had the weird habit of trying to do.

Which is crazy right?

Hopefully it subsides soon, but if not I will just have to stock up on all my snacking faves and so be it.

Well, that's me. Hopefully tomorrow I will get a chance to blog down my goals!

Maybe I could do with remembering this also! Just for good measure etc.


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This one too probably?


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Anybody else being fuzzy/funny with their eating habits lately?

Is it the change in weather? Does your diet change dramatically during the colder months?

xoThanks for Readingxo

Friday Feelings, Update, New Goals...

First of all apologies, this post may be a bit of a ramble. You have been warned ha ha!

As you can probably tell by the title, my mind is all over the place at the moment. But I am just trying to deal with every day that comes, which makes making goals a little harder.

My feelings on this very bleak Friday the 13th are as follows; I am tired, my stomach is in pain (should have known better than to eat the pizza!), and I am not in the mood for much. Now this happens to everybody at the some point or other, and we all experience our highs and lows right? This just happens to be a not so good day for me. It happens. I just need to get through it as best as I can and get on with everything I need to. Maybe having an early night? I fell asleep during 'The Expendables' and woke up about 11pm yesterday. But lately I could honestly sleep for half the day and still need more sleep. I have no clue what's going on!

My best day this week was probably Monday, and that's when I involuntarily had to get up early and get stuff done! So, with that, everyday this week I woke up early after eight hours or so of sleep. But it just isn't long enough. Maybe tomorrow I should try a lie-in.

All I know is yesterday felt like a wake-up call, something telling me that I need to get everything together again and sort things out. Or I could be in trouble! So, I made a list dependant on what I need to prioritise in the clean up.

My List:

* Stop drinking Juice and other sugary drinks (they have snuck back in!)

* Limit Crisps and Sweet Treats (not to enjoyed daily - choose healthier options!)

* Smaller Portions (concentrate and stop when the signs of being full begin!)

* Stay Hydrated (mainly drink water!)

* Use walking to clear my head!


So, there we have it my feelings, update and new goals!

xoThanks for Readingxo

Spicy Wedges, Jackie Brown and a Packing Fail

Happy MIMM guys. Thanks to Katie for Hosting it this week : D It really is one of my favourite link-ups.

This weekend was spent relaxing. Once again I felt tired and was ready for my bed by 6pm each night. I have no idea what it could be or the reason behind it. Other than it's that time of the month, but I have felt this way pretty much for two weeks now! All I am going to do is monitor it, and if things get worse get some blood tests done maybe?

Last night we watched the only Quentin Tarantino classic I had yet to watch. 'Jackie Brown'. And it was... AMAZING. My moms opinion was that it was just so and so for a Tarantino movie, but I liked it. It was quite different from his others. But I enjoy all his films and think the man's a genius, so I am kinda biased!


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I always admire Quentin Tarantino movies, but I really love the Film Art work and advertisements for each one.

Other than that I was supposed to pack so that I am ready for when Tuesday comes. That didn't really go to plan, and my room now looks like a bombs hit it! Hopefully I can get lots done today, and catch up on anything. Luckily I made yet another list.

Last night I decided to make some spicy wedges, and my mom joined me in the eating of the 'delicious' wedges - if I do be saying so myself!

Step One.

Step Two.

The Spices.

Step Three.

My Meal. Not the best-looking, but what it lets down in looks, it makes up in taste!

I used white potatoes and a bunch of spices, with a few sprays of Fry Light - (which I must remember to pick up a bottle of this semester).

Lately, I have really been trying to get back into cooking and this weekend I cooked some of my simple favourites. Which also included my 'Spicy Chicken' (in pic above). Forgot to take a pic when it was in the pan looking colourful and pretty! #BloggerFail.


Anybody else watched Jackie Brown?

Chilled or Eventful Weekend?

Have you cooked an old favourite this weekend?

xoThanks for Readingxo

FMM #21

Questions and Answers

Thanks to Kenlie for Hosting :-D

1.  What is a typical weekday like for you?  

At the moment I have to make up my own schedule, which for me isn't all that good. I am someone who likes a schedule and who likes to make plans. So, I am definitely both looking forward to my new Uni schedule when I go back in a few weeks. But a typical at Uni schedule for me is; go to mandatory classes, make appointments with lecturers, run errands and spend time with friends whilst managing my homework!

In a way I can't wait for next year, when I become an official adult thrust into the world of work, but on the other hand it is all happening so quick and I just know that I'll soon be graduating *scary thoughts*.

2.  Name one song that never fails to make you happy and one song that you always listen to when you’re sad.

Hmm... I seem to always smile when 'Bruises' by Train comes on. I love that song. And a song that I listen to when I am sad... strangely enough growing up it was either 'Eminem' or my favourite songs from 'Musicals'. I realise that that's a strange mixture.

3.  Did you watch the VMA’s last night? 

No, but I usually catch award shows like that on repeat or catch up, because some bits never fail to make me cringe, especially the presenters.

4.  Share at least two that you possess. 

I'm quite a good cook when I put the effort in! I just get lazy when it comes down to it, but I do hope to start "properly" cooking again and sharing the recipes and my attempts on this blog.

And a second one...I like to think I am good at sport. I have always been competitive and competed regularly at school.

5.  Share one thing that you wish you had the confidence to do.

Start a YouTube channel. I have really been considering this as another creative outlet lately! 

6. Tell us about one insecurity that people might be surprised that you have. 

Well... I am really insecure about talking in front of a group of people. Mainly because in my head I think they are judging me and laughing at me, but that's mainly my 'social anxiety' issues!

7.  If you could be the CEO of any company, which one would you choose to lead?

It would probably have to be either a publishing company, a magazine or a fashion company. Wow that took me no time to answer!

8. List at least three hobbies that make you happy.

*Running + Walking.

*Reading.

*Cooking/Baking.

9.  Is there someone in your life that you wish you could say “I love you” to?  

Yes :-D

10.  Share one cool thing that happened over the weekend. 

I spent some time hanging out and meeting new people, and nowadays I feel like that's something I can do that's actually very cool. Because a year ago that probably wouldn't have happened.

xo Thanks for Reading xo

FMM #20

I haven't partaken in FMM for a while, but I really like the topic today so I am going to make time to write up this blog post :-D Thanks to our wonderful host, you should definitely go over and check out the questions and maybe even have a go at answering them yourself!

School Days

1.  What was your favourite subject in school?

I had quite a few to be honest (geek alert)! I think my favourite was P.E (sport), followed by German, English , Science and Maths :-D Told you I was a nerd!

2. Did you attend elementary school and high school in the same town?

Errm... I am english and so our school system works a little differently. But yes, other than changing primary school (5-11) when I was 7, my primary school and secondary school (11-16) were actually on the same stretch of road.

3. Are you still friends with anyone that you met during school?

Yep, my best friend I met at "high school", and I also keep in contact with some of my friends from primary, secondary but mainly "college" (16-18).

4. What activities were you involved in as a student?

Hmm.. like I said I liked my sport. So any time a sporting opportunity reared I signed up for it.

5. Did you bring your lunch, or did you get it at school?

I did both, depending on if my mom had any money to give me each day for my dinner in town. But I remember in primary that I went through a stage where I didn't like sandwiches and also wasn't keen on school dinners.

6. Did you enjoy shopping for clothing and school supplies? 

I did and still do. I need to go shopping for new supplies at the end of summer for my last year of university. #excitedmuch.

7. Name a song or a band that reminds you of high school.

Hmm... not sure I had a main favourite. But it is definitely the time I started becoming really into the band "The Arctic Monkeys", and I finally have tickets and am going to their gig on Halloween this year, which both me and my sister are super excited for!

8. Did you like school?

I definitely did, and as I approach the final year of my education for the forseeable future it does sadden me. I have spent the last 15 years learning and it will be hard (though wonderful) to not be learning and studying next year.

9. How long have you been out of school? *See Q) 8.

10. What did you like most about school?  What did you dislike most about school?

Most Liked: Friends, the routine, playing sports. Most disliked: "The Cliques" (I wasn't really part of a group and so floated between many kinds of friends), remembering Homework (I was seriously terrible!).

xo Thanks for reading xo

It's Easy To Forget

It's easy to forget how great our lives are. Our lives become busy and we neglect to see the good that comes of each day. So for a week I am going to commit to writing down the peak and pit of my day. I am hoping it shows how great the peaks are in comparison with the pits. In fact I am sure of it, but lately I have got too caught up in me and how I feel to enjoy the beauty of each day. And so I am using everything I remember from CBT to help myself again.

Anyways, with that said it wasn't a bad weekend. In fact I am going to start the peak and pit right now.

Peak: Going out for a friend's birthday and dancing the night away (after one too many drinks :-D).
Pit: Feeling exhausted and my stomach playing up (these two will probably crop up a lot :-[ )

There we have it the peak and pit of my weekend, and the peak definitely outweighs the pit!

So, without further ado I am going to share some pictures with you from my lazy but fun weekend.

First of all I got to wear my new dress that I showed in a previous blog.

Hmm... was just going through my photos and I haven't got a full length picture. Well, that's a fail! But the verdict on the shoes was I love love love them.

The Cocktails!

Mine was the Strawberry Daiquiri, but it doesn't look too good there!

Hangover Breakfast :D

Delicious and hit the spot.

One of the best hangover breakfasts I have ever had.

Definitely head over to our hosts Katie's Blog to show her some love :D 

Anyone else go out and have a great time over the weekend?

Does anyone have a favourite hangover breakfast?

xo Thanks for reading xo

It's Was A Great Saturday....

Not so much weekend, as I woke up Sunday not feeling my very best. But I am determined to make this week a success.

I don't really have that much to say, as I said it in yesterday's post but here's some photos I have to share.

Sorry about the crappy quality of the photos. We only had our phones on us, but it really doesn't do the day justice. It was a good day, and I am glad I could partake. I also took part in my childhood favourite, THE SWINGS. I don't think those caps justify my excitement ha ha.

Creepy Treehouse!

Me and Momma.

Me getting way too into it.

And a nice (serious) photo of the two of us :D

With all our ailments it's rare me and my mom feel this good at the same time. But the stars aligned and whatever else and we were able to just enjoy each others company (our friend Mel came along also).

Oh and the standard *photo in toilet mirror*, why do we do that on days/nights out?

I am hoping to get a lot accomplished this weekend, and to make sure it happens I made a list. A general outline of things I want to get done.

1. Dissertation: Reading, Research, Books taken out of the library (Visit Uni), and Writing down Ideas.

2. Get Eating back on track.

3. Make time for exercise.

4.Search for Jobs and Apply for them.

5. Finish Organising my room.

Like I said these are general goals for the week. I just want  a productive week in general, especially since I spent most of last week being on/off ill. Oh and I did a little online window shopping, and decided to make a Pinterest Board for it. I'm trying to save my pennies at the moment and so this was a great outlet!

So cheers to the week ahead, and head over to toast with the lovely Katie and others. Happy MIMM :-D

Did you spend any time with family this weekend, if so what did you do?

What were your childhood playground favourites? Like I said, mine were definitely the swings - so much fun.

xo Thanks for reading. xo

Adding A Little Marvellous To My Monday...

and hopefully to my week. Last week didn't suck. Actually it was a great week looking back, because great things did happen, and I made them happen. Sometimes with a little help from other, which isn't something to be ashamed about.


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I am not normally a fan of keep calm posters etc, but for this one I shall make an exception.

Last week from the Monday to the Sunday, I managed to workout four times, which I am a little defeated about even though I know it's not too shabby. But I always look back at the end of the week and think I could have done more, and this happens every time. But on the other hand I am glad I managed to workout the four days. I guess it could have been much worse.

On Friday I got my very own car (a photo will be coming shortly). Last week I finally decided to get my arse in gear and re-start the hunt for a car. It didn't go smoothly as I slightly touched up on in a previous post, but I have one now and so the search is over.

Another tick and something being crossed off my list.

And let me tell you my list was long, after a month of un-productivity of my usual standard. Hopefully getting the car is just a start and now the ball really starts rolling.

But most importantly my focus for this week will be to get going and get a few more ticked off my list. I want to eat clean, healthy food and to exercise enough, whilst going out and getting enough practice in my own car.

I just need to remember what I am working towards and regain that ambition I began the Summer holidays with. I was brimming with it, but I think I need to just start eating better, moving more and getting back out there.

When I do all of the above I feel great, and that's the way I want to feel again. But is this the week I am willing to hit everything on the head ?! I sure hope so. Let the stars align... and, err, everything.

Yesterday was a relaxing day, and only a little driving practice was had. But it was enough. The past few days have been spent on sorting out the car and practising etc, and so on Saturday and Sunday exercise was neglected. But this week I am hoping to exercise every single day because from Saturday I am away on holiday and only walking will more than likely be my form of exercise, for the entire week.

It may just kill me!

That's why I am hoping to be gearing up the rest of the week in my newly purchased workout gear and get as much sweat etc out as I possibly can. It will be gross for sure, and I will probably look like a bit of an un-kept mess this week. But I am sure at the end of it that it will all be worth it!


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Nowhere near where I want to be, but it's motivating knowing if I keep working out consistently that I could be there :D

Thanks to Katie for being a gem and the host of this shindig :-D

Happy MIMM guys!


What did everyone else get upto this weekend?

Any gym days off to relax?

P.S - Sorry about the rambling post!

My Week Of Attack After A Great Weekend

It was a great weekend, filled with time spent with family and friends and I really enjoyed myself. Every now and again I have to stop and remind myself of how far I have come from the start of the year. When I first decided I needed to address a few issues in my life that were becoming a major hindrance on and to my overall health. My anxiety and social anxiety was stopping me from properly enjoying myself with the people who matter, which was no fun at all. It all started last April when it first began to affect my life and my academics to the point where some days I was unable to leave my room, let alone get myself to class.

So, I always have to remind myself and not take it for granted at how far I have come and how many barriers I had to break down to get there/here. And I am thankful that I can now do everything I want to do, when I want to do it.

With many smiles along the way :-D

That's what I wore to the festival on Saturday, I am definitely loving wearing maxi skirts with crop tops and sandals this Summer. 

Other than these couple of photos I really didn't take that many this weekend. I just lived in the moment and enjoyed the time I spent with everybody around me.

Going into a new week I am in dire need of a change. A shake-up if you will, especially where food is concerned. I over-indulged on Saturday and it left me feeling really ehh and meh. So here are my goals going into a new week (14/07-20/07).

+ Cut out Chocolate, Crisps and Sweets.

Lately I have become complacent and it's leaving me not feeling my best. So this week I have decided to bite the bullet and just take it away, full stop. Slowly but surely things have been slipping into my diet that I don't usually like to have on a constant basis. 

It's not a diet, it's just healthier eating.

+ Drink more fluids, even if it means I can't stomach as much food.

I have found recently that drinking more fluids means I am feeling fuller, which means in turn that eating on top of trying to drink loads makes me feel really bloated. I am hoping my body gets with the programme and solves this one on its own soon. Balancing the higher intake of fluids with the regular intake of food.

+ To work on portion control and not overeating.

This is something I have been really struggling with as of late. Hopefully over this week things will pull together and fall into place again so I am back on the right track.

+ Avoid eating Bread and Potatoes where possible.

Lately they are both upsetting my stomach, which is causing some unnecessary side affects. 

+And my final one is trying to not eat after 6pm.

I am doing all of these for my health and how I feel, rather than for weight loss. So hopefully I am successful and by doing all these things I improve digestion and all things stomach related.

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Happy Monday :-D

Thanks to new mamma Katie for hosting :-D

Did anyone else go to any festivals or special events over the weekend?

and/or

Does anybody else have a summer fashion staple or favourite?

Daily #(technically)8 (Day in the Life)

Obviously I didn't post yesterday but that was just due to being too tired, as I'll explain more in this post.

Today has been a successful day where exercise is concerned. This morning I begrudgingly got out of bed at 09:30, yes that is 9.30 am. I have no idea what's the matter with me at the moment. I just really am struggling to get out of bed in the mornings. I think I need to be more organised throughout the day, with blog posts etc and get a few early nights. I'm an eight hours a night girl through and through, and going to sleep later and later means I am waking up having the same amount of sleep but my body's waking up later and later. So tonight I intend to get an early night and maybe go upstairs for a film or whatever about half ten at the latest. Baby steps is what I need right now, no huge giant-sized steps but small, manageable steps.

The older I get, the more I realise it's not about how big the steps are but about taking smaller steps with more consistency and repetition so to speak.

I still haven't thought properly about weighing in, but my plan for tomorrow and onwards is to get a good workout everyday and also try and get out for a walk every day, whatever time it may be that I decide to go because it's never too late.


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Daily Eats: 04/07

By the way sorry about photo quality!

In between these two I had a medium Iced Soya Latte.

I have to be honest and admit that I went back for a second packet of french fries. It's lucky they have less calories and fat than other packets!

At the end of the evening I decided to have 2 small apricots and a cappuccino. 

I know my food looks very bland today and it was definitely not the best day I could have had, but it happened and I'm instead focusing on my next meal, which will be meal number one tomorrow.

Daily Exercise: 04/07

+Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred Level 2.

Fingers Crossed for Tomorrow :-D

Daily #6 (Day in the Life)

Today hasn't been too bad as far as food is concerned. I ate when I was hungry but I also feel as though I could of done without some of the food I ate too. Does that make sense? Like I was eating for the sake of eating the snack, which I am trying to avoid doing.

But overall it hasn't been too bad. I definitely can't complain :-D


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I can definitely be guilty of this one, I guess it's something to work on and hopefully get better at.

Daily Eats: 02/07

Unpictured here is a buttered cob: I was suddenly really hungry before my main meal and couldn't wait at all.

A Couple of these :-D

Daily Exercise: 02/07

A little strength this morning and then in the afternoon I walked to the shopping centre 10-15 minutes away from me (there and back).

Fingers Crossed for Tomorrow xoxox