Tuesday 31 July 2012

Day 68 - Monday Blues

Is it not just the worst day of the week? I always dread waking up on that Monday morning, when it dawns on you the weekend is over and you have to leave the most comfortable place in the world, aka my bed. Once I am up and out of bed the day is never as bad as I imagine, but that few minutes after the alarm rings and you have to get up is just pure torture!

Today was a normal working day for me, and once I got home my sister, niece and parents dog came over to sleep. All the girls! My poor fiance was most definitly out-numbered last night!

I helped feed my gorgeous niece porridge, she is just over 3 months old so has only just started on solids, and she loved it! You couldn't tell from this picture though as most of it ended up on her, bless! She was distracted in this picture by the Olympics we were watching on the TV.



On a side note, how addictive is the Olympics?! I am loving watching all of the events, especially the aquatics! I just hope GB get a gold soon, just one and I would be happy! :)

I started using a new app last night, and so far I am really enjoying using it! It's called 'Absolute Abs' and provides you with varous abs exercises for beginners, intermediate and advanced users.



It also has a 'train for the day' option, which gives you a set workout to complete in the allocated time. The workout yesterday included crunches, mountain climbers, back extension and plank hold which I had to do 20 seconds at a time, with rests, continually for 7 minutes. It was hard work but I felt so good after it!



As you can see it have an 'give me a break' feature, so if you need to pause for whatever reason you can. This app was free, and even after only one use I would highly recommend it! I am going to try and keep up the daily workouts for as long as I can, they usually alternate between 7 to 8 minutes, and include workouts from beginner stage right through to advanced, so gives you a great overall workout.

I will keep you posted on my progress!

Has anyone else tried this app? What did you think, was it easy to stick too and see results from? Would love to hear some stories!

Ellie x


Monday 30 July 2012

Day 67 - Sunday Funday

And it is Monday again!

Yesterday we put up our new garden gate, I am aware how completely sad and boring this sounds but it has made so much difference to our garden! Here is the before gate...

And the new 'after' gate! I think it is safe to say it is a definate improvement! 

After sorting the garden we then went shopping, got the food for the week and treated myself to a couple of new nail varnishes. I have a thing for nail varnish, if you have not guessed already!

I normally go for more neutral colours, but this light lilac colour caught me eye, and well the glitter. Ho could I refuse?! Hoping the colours look just as good on my nails as they do below! 

We then cooked a yummy tea, one of our go-to's if we are busy! Spaghetti mixed with peppers, onions, mushrooms, basil, pasatta and garlic. I always add a little parmesan on top once cooked, plus a little tabasco for a little kick! It tastes amazing, and is healthy... double win!


Hope you all had a great weekend, not long til the next one!

Ellie x

Sunday 29 July 2012

Day 66 - Family Time

Hope you are all having a fantastic weekend! We are over here! Our weekend began by watching the Olympic opening ceremony, and what else can I say other than OH MY GOD! How fantastic was it?! I was so proud to be British watching the ceremony, and thought Danny Boyle, the creator and director of the ceremony, did an amazing job putting it all together. Below are a couple of screen shots from the show, I was completely blown away all of the way through.



Team GB all the way!

Yesterday we spent the day dog walking, and visiting family. We visited my other half's sister who lives near Ludlow, Shropshire. It in such a beautiful location, I love visiting! We enjoyed a lovely BBQ whilst there, and I got to see an egg hatch with a tiny chick inside. So SO cute! Below are a couple of pictures from our visit...

The views driving to their house. Amazing!


Some of their land, including pony, goats, chickens, dogs, cats... etc!

  
We also spent time with my niece and parents dog, look how cute they are getting along!

Tomorrow we are putting up our new garden gate (woop woop!) and watching more of the Olympics. I am really enjoying watching the games, my favourite so far being the aquatic sports. I am looking forward to watching some sports I wouldn't normally... the other half is looking forward to watching the beach volleyball. I wonder why?


Ahem...


Day 65 - Week 9 Weigh In

So it is here again! Below are this weeks results...

Start Weight - 13st 10lbs

Last Week's Weight - 13st 4.5lbs

New Weight - 13st .4.5lbs
Measurements -
Arms - 29cm
Chest - 100cm
Waist - 86cm
Hips - 115cm
Thighs - 63cm

No change AGAIN!!!! I have been on six walks this week, eaten healthily and used my shake weight! Argh!! What am i doing wrong?

Time to up the ante on the exercise front I think. Back to jogging this week, and I will start Insanity!

Wish me luck! :)

Ellie x

Friday 27 July 2012

Day 64 - Canine Friend

Another glorious day in England! I could so get used to this weather, although I'm not expecting it to last for much longer!

After work the other half went to play golf with his Mum, and so I stayed home getting some chores done ready for the weekend. I did have someone to keep me company though!


The mother in law left her dog with me whilst they went to play golf. Jinley, the dog, and I had a lovely evening together! We went for a lovely walk around a local park, chilled on the sofa catching up on TV programmes, and reading blogs! A lovely girls night :)



After our walk I had worked up quite an appetite so roasted myself some sweet potato, jacket potatos, mushrooms and peppers. It was a 'use what is left in the fridge' meal, but I really enjoyed it!



I am still waiting to hear back from the bridal shops to see if the have any of the dresses I like in stock... fingers crossed people!

Hope you are all having a good week, tomorrow will be another weigh in! I have tried really hard this week, so hope I have lost some more weight. Less than 10 months til the wedding now, so the countdown is on!!!

Ellie x

Thursday 26 July 2012

Day 63 - Summers Day


Another beautiful day in England!
We are so lucky at the moment with the weather, I just hope it stays for the weekend so I can make the most of it! Unfortunately I spent my day in an office so don’t get chance to be out it in it until the evening, and then time just flies!
Last night we spent the evening at my parent’s house before they left to go on holiday today. They have flown to Majorca, a Spanish Balearic Island, for a week. I am so SO jealous of them, a week by a pool in the glorious sunshine is just what I need right now!
My gorgeous niece was there too and I just had to share this snap with you all, my hubby to be and niece! Shortly after this photo was taken she turned and looked and him, and proceeded to burst into tears! Oops!

The rest of my day was pretty uneventful, I searched the internet at lunch time for bridal dresses, checking if I really am making the right decision. Good, or bad, I came across the Allure designer.
Oh. My. God.
How stunning?!
I think I have tried a few of their dresses on throughout my dress-trying-on process, but did not really fully appreciate how amazing their range is until viewing their website. So, in true ‘Ellie’ style I jotted down all of the dresses I like the look of, all ---- of them, (the most dresses I’ve liked from one place!) and have sent off emails to all of the local bridal shops that stock this designer to see if I can try them on. Fingers crossed they have some! As much as I LOVE the dress I THINK is mine, there are a couple of elements that I would change if I could, and some of these Allure dresses were exactly to what I would change ‘my’ dress to. I won’t include any of the dresses I listed (or have I?!), as I don’t want to give the game away, but below are a couple of the dresses from the collection I looked at. How beautiful?!


So, the hunt still continues, I think, but I know exactly what I want, so hopefully the search will come to a close soon!
Diet wise, today was relatively good. I ate well, but didn’t get chance to go for another walk, however did use my shake weight and did a few sit ups. It was so hot and muggy last night it felt like working out in a sauna! Good for calorie burning I guess?!

My cheese and ham salad lunch.

Keep a look out for my shake weight progress blog post coming up very shortly…
Ellie x

Wednesday 25 July 2012

Day 62 - Beautiful Day

The sun is still here! I'm loving it! Although spending 8 hours of my day in an office where the aircon has broken, is not so fun. I was so glad to get out of there today and get some fresh air!


We went for a nice stroll after work tonight, to brush away the cobwebs and destress after the day. It was so beautiful in the sunshine! Once we returned I took to the garden, doing a few little jobs tiding the place up. What do you think? I love looking into our garden from the living room, even though it's not the biggest nor neatest, I still think it's very pretty!



For tea we ate corn on the cob, salad and homemade sweet potato fries. I was so hungry I completely forgot to take a picture! It looked so good too... oops! I promise to take a picture of our meal tomorrow :)

Tomorrow evening we are off to the parents as they are going on holiday early the next day, and are planning a nice pasta salad for tea. So excited to eat it already! God, my life really does evolve around food!!!

So for tonight we are off to do a little his and her reading...


Hope you are all having a great week!

Ellie x

Tuesday 24 July 2012

Day 61 - Monday Madness

Why do we have to work?

I mean, I get WHY, but even when the weather is this good?! Really?!


JUST GORGEOUS!

If you are not from the UK you are probably thinking, yeah we have sunshine almost every day, and? Well trust me when I say, the sun rarely makes an apperance in the UK, hence why I try to make the most of it when it does appear! So much so we are planning on going away this weekend to make the most it, however after checking the forecast I don't think we'll be going anywhere. Shock.

 Hopefully 'they' have got it wrong and we can get away for a day or two by the beach!

Today was another good day food wise, and we also went for a two mile walk after work in the glorious sunshine! It wasn't the most intense walk, but where we live it is very hilly, and so got a good cardio workout going up and downhill for the whole route! I have also been continuing with my shake weight, and can really feel a different in my upper arms now. I will be doing a post in the next day or two on my progress, along with some pictures!

Tea for today was spaghetti bolognese, one of our go-to meals! Never get tired of it!



Tomorrow I intend to do some more exercise, possibly some Zumba, and wiggle away this weight!

:)


Monday 23 July 2012

Day 60 - Revisiting the Weekend

Well, it has been a manic few days to say the least!

Saturday -
Bridesmaid dresses were ordered! I am so SO excited to see the finished dressed in a few months!

I tried on the 'maybe' dress for the fourth time, and have made the decision it's THE dress! I haven't ordered it yet as I want to lose more weight first. September it will be ordered!

We discussed invites, order of service and all other stationary, and have chosen the style we want. Now to discuss with my graphic designer friend!

We finally had a great weekend weather wise, so made the most of it and mowed the lawns. It makes the world of difference! I love how the garden looks once the lawn is cut, I just hate doing it! I think it's because it's one of those jobs you know will need doing week in week out over the summer, and never seems to go away!

Myself and the other half then went our seperate ways and went out with different friends. I went to a friends house with the girls to celebrate her birthday, and my partner to a new friends house warming. I had such a good evening catching up with the girls, and even managed a little boogie on the 'dance floor' aka decking!


Me with the birthday girl (centre) and my maid of honor (right)!

Sunday -

Visited the parents as my mum has badly bruised her ankle and can't walk properly! So we popped round and I did a few jobs for her. After breaking my toe I completely understand how limited mobility is so fustrating!

As it was an even sunnier day than Saturday I tried to spend as much of it as possible outside, whether it was painting the new garden gate or trying to finish my book! Below is a picture of where I spent most of my time yesterday... heaven.

AND I finished my book, bonus! I will be starting 50 Shades of Grey in the next few days to see what all the fuss is about!

Diet wise, I have been good. We ate homemade chilli with boiled rice at the birthday party, and yesterday we ate spaghetti and salad for tea. I did indulge in a small ice-cream but hey, when the sun shines!

Hope you are all well and having a great time whenever you are in the world!

Ellie x

Sunday 22 July 2012

Day 59 - Silence...

Not much to report today guys!

All is well, I have been eating good. Still annoyed about the no weightloss again. Today we ran errands and visited friends, and the weather has been so good!

Keep an eye out for my shake weight progress which will be appearing in the next few days :)

Ellie x

Saturday 21 July 2012

Day 58 - Week 8 Weigh In

No change. No weight loss or cm loss. Gutted!

I've worked pretty darn hard this week with my food intake, however I have only been on one walk this week which must be why there has been no change!

Not a happy bunny over here!

:( x

Friday 20 July 2012

Day 57 - Plodding along...

Not much to report today guys! I ate super healthily, but didn't fit the walk in in the end as I had to go back to the doctors.

The heart palpitations hadn't improved so went back to the doctors who has prescribed me with some tablets to reduce my heart rate. Hopefully things will improve very soon!

We cooked a yummy homemade chicken curry for tea, and I also made a mint sauce to go in top, similar to the raita sauce you get in the restaurants. It's the sumpilist of recipies... three table spoons of low fat natural yoghurt and one table spoon of mint sauce. I told you it was simple!

Hope you are well! X

Thursday 19 July 2012

Day 56 - Green Fingers

I love sunshine! Living in England, you don't half appreciate it more when it's here! Albeit, it was only for a few hours, so I made the most of it and tidied the garden. We have had so much rain over the past month or so, everything in the garden has really overgrown. I wasn't planning on doing the garden, so haven't got a before shot, but this is how it looks now. Still a little overgrown, but I don't have the greenest of fingers so it will just have to do for now! :)


Loving my plant pots this summer as well. I couldn't tell you what flowers they are though unfortunately... except they are pretty!

Food wise, it was a good day. I was on my own for tea so treated myself to my favourite vegetable pasta dish, accompanied with a corn on the cob which needed eating. A little was left over and so will be joining me for lunch tomorrow. Yum!


Hope you have all had a good day. Tomorrow I will be attempting a 3 mile walk, and am looking forward to it so much!

Ellie x

Wednesday 18 July 2012

Day 55 - Walking on Sunshine!

 

It felt SO good getting these clothes back on! I haven't been on a power walk for a good few weeks due to my broken toe, but tonight I went for it! And it wasn't too bad. There was a slight ache on some steps, but I'd say 90% of the walk was perfect! I'm going to attempt another walk in two days, and hopefully add some jogging into it as well! :)


The walk wasn't a long one, as I wasn't sure how my toe would hold up, but I am so glad the 'first' walk is now done! My next walk will be back to the normal 3 miles, and hopefully a little jogging! I can't believe I am looking forward to jogging... how strange.


:)

Once we returned from the walk, we then cooked up a feast! We shared a large sweet potato, is it just me or do you reach for the largest sweet potato in sight when shopping?! I don't get why I do, I must feel it is better value for money, even though you pay for the weight! So yeah, we cooked sweet potato and made a chilli to go with it.

IT WAS GORGEOUS! The tastiest tea I have had in a while. Below are our ingredients, incase you are thinking of replicating...(trust me, it's easy)


1 x Pepper
7/8 x Mushrooms
1 x Onion
400g Extra Lean Mince
1 x Carton of Passatta
1 x tbsp of Hot Chilli Powder
1 x tbsp Basil
1 x Clove of Garlic

The receipe is so SO simple, you basically;
  • Chop up veg
  • Cook mince
  • Add veg once mince is almost cooked
  • Then add herbs and spices
  • After five minutes then add passatta
  • Chilli will be ready in another 15/20 mins!
Personally I would add kidney beans, however the otherhalf doesn't like them. How rude?! Our cooking is very 'throw it together and see how it comes out', so you can make any changes to the ingredients above and I am sure it would taste just as good! Let me know if any of you try it out.

And for pudding...


Delicious!

Although it didn't taste as good as it does when on holiday... funny that. It got me thinking about holidays and how much I would love to be laying on a sun lounger, next to a pool in the glorious sunshine. Oh how I would love to be there! I haven't been on a 'sun' holiday in almost two years, and won't be going on another until atleast our honeymoon... in ten months! What about you guys? Will you be sunning it this year, or taking an alternative holiday? Last year we went to Boston and New York, and would love to return one year. As much as I love a chilled holiday by the pool, that holiday won hands down, I would recommend anyone to visit those cities!

*Ahhh...reminiscing*

Ellie x

Tuesday 17 July 2012

Day 54 - A Good Day!

Well guys, you know that wagon we all get on at some point in our life? The one that is so damn bumpy you could blink and fall off it? Well, I'm on it! And am holding on for dear life and not wanting to come off!

I am feeling SO motivated, and want to succeed! This is a good day :)

The fridge is stocked with food supplies for the week. I barely bought any cupboard items, the majority was all fresh food, which makes me feel even better about myself! Having the tools to succeed is very important, otherwise it is setting yourself up for failure. Well in my case anyway!



Food Diary -

Breakfast - Special K with semi-skimmed milk
Lunch - Salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing
Dinner - Pork and Sweet Chilli Sausage with new potatoes, peas and sweetcorn
Snacks - Red grapes, sweet and sour noodle mugshot

I didn't get chance to exercise today as I had to make another doctors visit about my heart palpitations. Basically it has been confirmed they are down to my anxiety and stress I have been suffering with recently. It's something I hate to talk about, so am going to leave that here for now, but I am working on it, and will beat it!

So yeah, exercise, I will be going in a 3 mile walk tomorrow. The usual route whitmch I haven't done in almost a month due to my broken toe. I am going to try and jog some of it, but don't want to do any damage when I think it almost healed.

I do still plan on starting insanity soon, but don't think it would be wise for me to do insanity as my first workout in almost a month. Talk about killer!!! So I plan on starting it by the end of the week, early next week, all being well with my walk/jog tomorrow!

Hope you guys are all well, and feeling super super motivated today!
Ellie x

Monday 16 July 2012

Day 53 - How Sunday's Should Be

Talk about perfect!

The morning spent catching up on tv shows I'd recorded (the majority being repeats of One Tree Hill...yes I'm slow to get on the band wagon!) followed by an evening with my family and Dan reading the papers and generally just relaxing!

The diet is BACK ON properly as of today, and so last night decided to indulge in one last treat... I know I really shouldn't of but could you refuse this?

Thought not.

:)

Sunday 15 July 2012

Day 52 - A&E Visit

Well yesterday didn't turn out as expected!

All day Friday I had been suffering with strong heart palpatations and shortness of breath, and so when I woke up yesterday morning still feeling the same, I phoned the doctor to see what he would advise. I'd never suffered with heart palpatations for this length of time before, and so thought it best to get it checked out.


The doctor advised me to go to A&E have an ECG test to see if there were any problems. Luckily after the ECG test, and various blood pressure tests, I was advised nothing was showing on the tests, and that it was more than likely down to working myself up too much. I had had a very stressful week, and so think this played a strong part in me feeling that way.

The doctor advised me to take it slow over the next couple of days, so that is what I shall do. Having heart palpatations is a horrible feeling, and I feel for anyone who suffers with them regularly. I still have them at the moment, but they are nowhere near as strong as they were. Not the way I wanted to spend my Saturday!

So, that is why there was no weigh in blogpost yesterday. I spent my day with the family, and went for a stroll down to a local village fayre where we played tombola, and chatted with people we hadn't seen in a long time. It was the distraction I needed.

Because of this, the last few days, I've not really concentrated on what I was eating or even thinking about if it was good or bad for me. But that changes now. The diet is back on, and properly. I have just ordered our groceries online, to stop me from impulse buying and going down that dreaded chocolate and sweets isle... and I have made sure to order plently of fruit and vegetables.

Today I will mostly be catching up on some TV programmes, and going to a BBQ at my parents. More distractions!!

Hope you are all having a good weekend!

Ellie x

Day 51 - Week 7 Weigh In

Sorry for the lack of posting yesterday. It was quite the manic day, all will be explained in my next post!

Weight and measurements wise there were no changes. I'm not surprised after my complete lack of exercise and some of the foods I consumed. Slap on the wrist to me!

I am back ON track now and WILL lose that 1.5lbs this week!

Ellie x

Friday 13 July 2012

Day 50 - Royal Visit

Well guys, yesterday was a very special day! I think the pictures do more justice than me harping on about it... so sit back and enjoy the snaps...


The weather was gorgeous all day, we were so lucky! However, after a few days weeks of rain, I was not expecting sun, therefore did return home with a red glow... not attractive! I am normally so religious about putting suncream on whenever the sun makes an apperance, but it just did not cross my mind after so many days of rain. Bad Ellie!



The 'main stage' as it were, where local school children, brass bands and orchestras performed. As we arrived a brass band were playing on stage, it was such an amazing atomosphere!

My gorgeous niece getting into the Jubilee festivites!

Start of the Pagent. Hundreds of school children and local charities/companies took place in the pagent which was all viewed by HRH and Prince Phillip. It was a very special moment, and I am glad I was there to experience it myself.

This float above is made out of real, fresh flowers, by a local florist. How amazing is it?!

And the lady herself... she looked absoloutly amazing, and so did Prince Phillip. I am so lucky to have seen them, and will always remember the day! (Damn hand almost getting in my way!)

... I cracked.

After such a long day on my feet, I was NOT in the mood to cook. I didn't even attempt to resist when the other half suggested it. I cannot even remember the last time I had a dominos pizza, so that makes it okay, right?!

Hope you have enjoyed my snaps!

Weigh in tomorrow... eeek!

Ellie x

Wednesday 11 July 2012

Day 49 - Friends and Food

Me again!

So today was manic. Crazy manic, but in a good way! (all I can say...for now. Sorry!)

We went to our friends for tea this evening and it was so nice to catch up with loved ones, and enjoy some home cooked food! We ate bacon pasta bake with salad, it was so tasty! The cheese on top of the bake probably wasn't the best, but all other ingredients were, including the 0% fat free salad dressing!

I am yet to let friends and fam know about me blog, I guess I see this blog as a diary and would cringe at the thought of someone I know reading it? I'm sure I will change my mind over time, I'm still getting to learn the ropes! So I didn't take any pictures of the food as our friends would've been very confused as to why I was snapping away at the grub instead of digging in...

What would you do if you started to right a blog? Would you let friends and family know from the beginning or would you see how successful you are without them knowing? I hope I'm not the only one thinking the way I do! :)

Keep watch out for tomorrows blog, it's going to be a good one! I am off to see the Queen! No really, I am! :)

Ellie xx

Day 48 - On the Wagon

Things are all going to plan over here. I am still yet to do any exercise as my annoying toe is causing some discomfort still.

Food intake is healthy as can be!

Breakfast - Special K with semi-skimmed milk
Lunch - tomato soup with one piece of brown bread
Tea - pasta, peppers, onions, mushrooms with a pasatta sauce and herbs. A sprinkle of parmesan on top!

My shake weight is still being used daily, so hopefully some photos taken later this week will show improvement!

Ellie x

Tuesday 10 July 2012

Day 47 - Flying Visit!

Sorry it's such a short post tonight guys, things are a little hectic here! Hopefully I can explain why in the coming weeks...

I've been good food wise, unfortunately I've not had chance to exercise (I know it's an excuse..) but i am hoping for that to change in the next few days!

Today I went for a meal at Cosmo in Wolvehampton, which is near to where I live. It's a buffett style dining restaurant, not what I would normally choose, but it was for a friends birthday and a bit of socialising was just what I needed! The food was surprisingly good, and I ate as healthily as I could, sticking to dry meat and vegetables, nothing in rich sauces which are laden with calories!

My blog tomorrow will be better I promise! :) x

Monday 9 July 2012

Day 46 - We Live a Crazy Life...

Not much to report from yesterday guys! A very bland day, as days go!

We went and ordered a new garden gate (woop), followed by the normal grocery shop (double woop) and then spent the afternoon watching the Wimbledon final...which did get a few woops and hollas but unfortunately Murray did not win! I am not normally as bothered about Wimbledon, but felt having a Brit in the final was just a biggy so did my big and supported him. He didn't win this time but hey, there is always next year!

Food wise, we were well behaved! Bacon sandwiches on brown read for breakfast/dinner followed by spaghetti bolognese for tea. I did cave and treated myself to a ice-cream after dinner, I couldn't exactly refuse one could I? ...Or could I?

I've put up another blog today about my shake weight progress, let me know if you've ever used one and if you had any success with it!

Ellie x

P.S- on a different note, we did watch the girl with the dragon tattoo last night. Very unnerving in places, but a fantastic film. Has anyone read the books? I am about I finish the Hunger Game trilogy and need a new book to get my teeth stuck into!

Shake Weight Progress - Week 1

After seven days I can feel a slight difference, however nothing that the camera can recognise!

I will continue for another seven days and hopefully some progress can be visible by then. I really do think the shake weight is a good working out device, as much as I HATE the look the other half gives me when using it!!! (if you have ever used one you will understand what I mean...)



After about 30 seconds of constant use the burn begins to start in my arms, so my routine us usually 1 minute shake, 10 second rest, and I repeat that six times to complete my six minutes each day.

I am hoping come this time next week you will be able to notice a difference, and if my results continue to improve I will definatley keep on using the shake weight up until the wedding. Defined, toned arms are a bridal MUST in my eyes! It is the only skin visible on the day, and so I want to make sure it is as toned as can be. Bingo wings will not be making an apperance at my wedding!

Visit back in seven days to check out my progress.

Ellie x