Day 37 - Week 5 Weigh In

Well, the time has come again! I have been dreading today after a week of no exercise due to a broken toe, but here are the results!

Weight: 13st 6lbs.

No change here, I am happy with that though. In total I've lost four pounds in five weeks. Not what I would've liked, but it's going in the right direction and hopefully once I can start exercising it will start shifting again!

Measurements -
Arms - 29cm
Chest - 100cm
Waist - 86cm
Hips - 115cm
Thighs - 63cm

And my measurements are the same again too! I would love it if I'd lost a couple of pounds this week, and some cm's off, but you have to think realistically and I am quite happy with these results bearing in mind my cutest circumstances. The hard work you put it does show, and I can't wait to start putting the hard work in again soon!

This evening we went to my works summer party, and it was really good! There was dancers, casino tables and a live band, as well as a three course meal and DJ! It was a really good night, and great way to get to know my colleagues more. I've included a pic from the night, excuse the terrible red eye remover!

Today, we are off to a local carnival where a few pubs have bands playing. A lot of my friends will be out so I'm excited to see them!!

Ellie x

Day 36 - Baby Steps

Well guys, things seem to be improving! My toe is feeling loads better and I can (almost) walk without a limp, so hopefully I'm not far off jogging again!

I've been eating as healthily as I possibly can, but still have a bad feeling about this weeks weigh in. Not being able to burn off any of the calories I've eaten has been really tough, harder than I thought it would've been!

Food Diary -

Breakfast - Special K with semi-skimmed milk
Lunch - pasta with peppers and light mayonnaise
Dinner - mushroom omelette

Tomorrow is weigh day (argh!!!) so I'll be back then with the results!

Ellie x

Day 35 - A Quiet One

Not much to report today guys! A little food diary for you all and I will be on my way :)

Breakfast - Special K with semi skimmed milk
Lunch - pasta with peppers and light mayonnaise
Dinner - Poached egg on toast

Be back tomorrow with more!

X

Day 34 - Insanity!

Hey guys!

So, who has heard of insanity? Who has tried insanity? I am contemplating buying it once my toe heals. It is alot better today, so I am hoping everything will be back to normal by the end of the week. Not sure if it was actually a broken toe now by the speed of my recovery! It is still splinted up to the next toe just to help it heal better but hopefully that can come off soon!

Anyway, back to insanity! For those who have not heard of it, Insanity is a high cardio workout, which can be bought on DVD. It is a strict 60day workout plan, with each day being a different workout. I've read a lot about it and it looks very intense, but for some weird reason I still want to give it a go! What do you think? Do I need to get fitter first?

Wedding wise, I have been looking at more dresses! I know exactly what style I want now, and think I've found the one, but am just making my last few final checks to make sure I make the right decision! So I'm hopefully going to two more dress shops in the near future to put my mind at rest!

Food Diary -

Breakfast - Special K with semi-skimmed milk
Lunch - Spaghetti (yep- just tinned spaghetti!)
Tea - Pork chops with mash potato, peas, sweet corn and carrots. It was delish! Picture below.

Be back tomorrow with more tales :) x

Day 33 - Little by Little

Progress guys! My toe is feeling alot better today. I can put more pressure on my foot, and can walk a little better. I'm sure that doesn't sound much to you, but is very exciting for me!

I am hoping to be walking properly by the weekend, as I have two events to go to which I want to wear heels for! I might be stretching it a little too much for that, but that is my aim! I cannot wait to get moving properly again, and back to my jogging. I have a horrible feeling having this much time inbetween jogging is going to make me fall behind on my progress, and take longer to complete the route.

Food Diary -

Breakfast - Special K with semi-skimmed milk
Lunch - Cheese and salad sandwich on granary bread
Dinner - Half a sweet potato with mushrooms, onions, peppers with herbs, spices and passatta.

Below is a picture of my tea. There is a sweet potato hiding under there somewhere!

Hope your all having a good day.

Ellie x

Day 32 - Toe Improvements... Get It?!

Like my post name?! I was quite impressed with it myself... simple things!

So yeah, no improvements on the toe situation. I tried to rest and elevate my leg as much as possible today to make sure I'm okay going back to work tomorrow.

Food Diary -

Breakfast - bacon sandwich on brown bread
Dinner - spaghetti bolognese
Pudding ... see picture! it was delicious :) you will be proud to know I didn't finish the ice cream. I decided I didn't need all of it. I do have some will power in there somewhere!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend.

Speak soon,
Ellie x

Day 31 - I write to you from my sofa...

Hi guys,

Not much to report here really, but wanted to write a post all the same!

I have spent most of my day lay on the sofa with an ice pack on my toe. And I can tell you, it's not exciting stuff!!!! I've finished reading the second Hunger Games book, and am now into the third. I am still yet to see the film, so excited to see it! Have any of you guys seen it? I want to wait til I've finished all of the books before I watch the film, so hopefully I don't have much longer to wait!

Diet wise, today was okay. As good as it can be at the moment! I had not normal breakfast, special k with semi skimmed milk and I had beans on toast later on the day. Because I can't stand for too long, and the other half was out, I couldn't exactly slave over the stove cooking from scratch. But beans are full of protein, so not a terrible day overall!

Hope you guys are well, today I am off to collect some crutches so I can move about more. They might even help to buff up my arms abit! Lol

Speak to you soon!

Ellie x

Day 30- Week 4 Weigh In

It's that time of the week again!  And I am happy to say it is good news! :)

Previous Weight  - 13st 7lbs

New Weight - 13st 6lbs

It is only 1lb, but it is in the right direction and I am chuffed after two weeks of no weight change! Measurements wise there were small changes;

Arms - 29cm. Lost 1cm!
Chest - 100cm.
Waist - 86 cm.
Hips - 115cm.
Thighs - 63cm

In four weeks I have lost 2cm off my arms, 2cm off my waist, 1cm off my hips and 3cm off my thighs. I am very happy things seem to be moving along in the right direction. Not as fast as it could be, but I am making these change for good and don't want any quick results. I want them to stay!

I am not sure what will happen this week, exercise or weight wise, as I have broken my foot. I am obviously going to stick to the healthy eating, but am not sure what exercises am I going to be able to do as I am struggling to walk at the moment! Hopefully within the next few days things will improve, but for now I am very limited as to what I can do!

Hope everyone has a great weekend,
Ellie x

Day 29 (Again) - All Change!

Well guys, today a 'first' happened to me. I broke my first bone. Urgh :(

Only a small bone, but a bone all the same. I was walking up the stairs to my office at work and tripped on the steps, thus stubbing my toe and making an almighty sound. The pain got gradually worse, along with the swelling, so I went off to A&E where the doctors confirmed I have indeed broken my big toe. Oh the joys! And just when I was getting into my jogging!!!!!! Why now?!

So I am currently lay on the sofa, foot elevated with an ice pack, as the doctor ordered, feeling very annoyed and angry this has happened. And yes, it means I am not going to the Jay-Z and Kanye gig this evening, double angriness, if there is such a word.

I have broken my big toe on my right foot, therefore I cannot put full pressure on my foot, shoes are a no no until the swelling goes down, and the bruising, well, as I am sure you can imagine is pretty damn attactive! And to top it off, I woke up with a stinking cold this morning, which due to my drowsyness, could've caused the trip. I think all in all, this has been a complete right off of a day!!!

*sad ellie*

My view for the day... yawwwn!

A very big BIG toe. Hey, atleast my naisl were freshly painted! :)

So guys, it looks like the jogging will be off for a few weeks, but I am looking in alternative exercises to do whilst my toe heals. Obviously until I can walk properly I won't be doing anything, but if you have any ideas of what I can do when I am almost healed it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Ellie xx

Day 29 - Come Rain or Shine!

It's official, I am enjoying jogging! Hurrah! I went for another interval jog yesterday and enjoyed it even more, and what's even more rewarding, is I managed to jog slightly further than the evening before, thus bettering my time! This is one happy lady right here!

Yesterdays Jog Results -

Todays Jog Results -

Now I never thought I would be the person trying to increase my jogging time, or attempting to increase the distance I jog (I don't feel I can use the term 'run' yet, but maybe one day) or even WANTING to get out there and jog. I would cringe at friends who were gutted they were injured and couldn't exercise, and would think, how sad are they?! But I get it now. I've always flirted with exercise, doing bits here and there, never really committing myself to a routine, but I've got the point now where I want to exercise regularly, it makes me feel good and hey, it plays a huge part in getting me get to the size I want to be!

Of course I have always known exercise is good for you, and I knew to lose weight I would need to exercise regularly, but actually doing it never comes as easy to me! I've known for so SO long what I need to be doing, and now I'm finally putting it into practice, it feels great!

I jogged for 3.15 miles, the normal route I go, in torrential rain, and it was so much fun! I have never jogged in the rain before, and I loved it! It felt so refreshing after spending almost 9 hours of my day sat at a desk, to get out and moving in the fresh air. Ahhh, the simple things in life!

A little dirty after my jog! :)

My food intake today was also good, a huge thumbs up for me! :)

Breakfast - Special K with semi skimmed milk
Lunch - Pasta with tomatoes, onion and light mayonnaise
Dinner - Sweet potato jacket with Onions, mushrooms, chilli and peppers cooked in pasatta, basil and cayenne pepper. Delicious!

Tonight I am off to celebrate the fiancés birthday and going to see Kanye West and Jay-Z's closing night of their Watch the Throne tour. I am so excited, and the fiancé is such a huge fan I can't wait to take him! I will take pictures and shall with you all tomorrow... tomorrow being weigh day!

Speak to you all then!

Ellie x

Day 28 - Progress

Well guys, today is a momentus day. I went for a jog, and enjoyed it. Yes, enjoyed it! I had spent all day LOOKING FORWARD to going to for the jog, mental I know, and really enjoyed myself when jogging. I didn't manage to jog for too long, maybe a mile and a half, but felt so much better for it! The scenery on the jog isn't too shabby either. :)

Can't say I looked so good after it though...

Lobster anyone? No pain, no gain though ey?!

I had spent today a little stressed. Another woman in the office I work in is getting married at the end of the Summer and is busy planning her day, currently sending the invites out. I am not really sure why but it set me panicking, thinking I needed to be doing something! I have almost 11 months til my wedding day, and have booked the venue, church, cars, photographer and decided on my dress and bridesmaid dresses. I'm pretty much on schedule, right?

So i googled wedding to do list and according to them I seem to be okay, although my next few items I need to concentrate on are booking a band/DJ and videographer. I am on it! We are going to see a band this weekend, who also does DJing, as a potential booking and I do have a relative who is videographer, bingo! So I am sure within the next few weeks I will have them both booked. Panic over (for now!)

Diet wise, food today was good!

Breakfast - Special K with semi-skimmed milk
Lunch - Cheese, tomato and onion sandwich on brown bread
Dinner - Gammon, potato with peas and sweetcorn. Oh, and a little pineapple on top. Yum!

I am planning on going on another jog tomorrow after how good it made me feel today. I always read that after exercise you feel so much more awake, happy and alive... well as corny as it may sound, I have to agree! I may be warming to the idea that exercise is, indeed, good for you!

Ellie x

Day 27 - I Did It!

I did it! I resisted the brownie birthday cake!

It helped that we had a busy evening, going the pub to watch the England vs. Ukraine game and seeing friends and family, but I did it! Just one problem... there are still remains in the fridge! I do have a busy evening ahead  of me today, more blog post writing, jogging and the normal chores that come with owning your own house, so I hoping keeping myself busy will prevent me from eating the brownie cake! Watch this space!!!! Oh and check out the card I bought the fiance, I could not find ANY Happy Birthday fiance cards, so had to do a little improvisation!

For the rest of the day, I ate okay. I didn't feel particularly well so didn't eat alot.

Breakfast- Special K with s-skimmed milk
Lunch - Pasta with mayo and tomatoes. I only managed a few mouthfuls.
Dinner - 2 x pieces of brown toast with butter

And that was all. Not a good day nutrition wise at all, but I felt so nauseous all day I could only face bland foods. I suppose that is another reason as to why I managed to avoid the brownie cake!! I picked up towards the end of the day but thought it would be best just to stick with toast to settle my stomach. I went to the pub anyway, and a little distraction from my stomach made me feel a whole lot better! Below is what I wore to the pub.

Top - New Look
Jeans - ASOS
Sandals - Next
Scarf - Primark

Join me tomorrow after I attempt another jog, and hopefully I can increase my time!

Ellie x

Day 26 - Birthday Preparations!

Today the diet was back on, full steam ahead!

I ate my usual breakfast, special k with semi skimmed milk (i'm wondering if I will ever grow bored of it!) followed by jacket potato and salad for lunch. In the evening I cooked mushrooms, peppers, onions, passatta and a load of herbs and spices mixed with pasta for tea. It was one of my go-to 'I haven't got the time or energy to cook anything else' meal! It always tastes good, fills the gap and is very healthy! Sometimes, if I have eaten well all day, I put on a little parmesan on top just to give that extra flavour.

As well as cooking tea I also had a very difficult job to do... make a birthday cookie cake. Oh the tourment!! My partner is renound for his sweet tooth (if you thought I like chocolate you should see what he can inhale) and one of his favourites is a chocolate brownie receipe I make on occassions. It is so simple, but so SO unhealthy! But as they say, the things you do for love, I made the brownie cake regardless.

Once it was cooked, and the smell was covering the house (sheer tourment I tell you!), I attempted to ice it. Not the most amazing of icing jobs I have ever seen, but not too bad for a first attempt! What do think? I think I needed to wait for the cake/brownie to cool down a little more before I iced it! And maybe not write over icing is already done. #error

Tomorrow I will try and resist eating the cake... arghh!

Ellie x

Day 25 - Air Show Day

Today there was an air show on at the local RAF base, and my parents house has a perfect view of all the action!

I've included a couple of pictures from the day, it was lovely seeing all of the family and enjoying the BBQ food!

I was pretty good food wise for the whole day, here is what I ate.

Breakfast - special k with semi skimmed milk
Lunch/Dinner - BBQ food. Salads, chicken, sausages, jacket potato and rice salad. All very yummy, healthy and filling!
Snack - now, there is my downfall. My mother (bless her!) put some gorgeous food, followed by my favourite sweet.... scones with clotted cream and jam! Now, I tried so hard to resist but caved, and had half of a scone with a small amount of cream and jam. It was delicious! I am glad I only had half, it was plenty and I didn't feel too guilty after eating it.

Drink wise, I didn't have anything alcoholic. I spend the day drinking diet coke, fun fun! :)

Tomorrow is back to work for me, followed by a week of celebrations for my fiancés birthday! Hopefully I can keep on track and resist the temptation of birthday treats...

Ellie x

Day 24 - ON IT!

I am well and truly on the diet now after yesterday's disappointing weigh in.

Today I went for a walk, before unwrapping my new toy! I am so excited to get sewing again, watch out crafts, here I come!

Hope you are all well, I will be back tomorrow with more news on my diet!

Ellie x

Day 23 - Weigh In Week 3

Dun dun duuuuun!

Not happy with this weigh in. I stayed the same, again! 13st 7lbs (well,just below).

Although, as much as I'm not happy, I can see why it has happened. Too many bad foods snuck in this week, and I only have myself to blame for consuming them!

Even though the scales didn't say what I wanted them to say, my measurements weren't completely bad.

Arms - 30cm
Chest - 100cm
Waist - 86cm. Lost 2cm!
Hips - 115cm
Thigh - 63cm. Lost 2cm!

I have felt trimmer in the waist his week, and the measurements agree! I'm very happy with these results, and it shows even when the scales aren't showing results, things are moving the right way! I do think my walking and jogging this week are to thank for the cm's going from my waist and thighs. It is worth the pain! :)

Over the next week I am going to continue jogging, and aim to increase my jogging distance to 1.5miles, hopefully reaching 2miles continuous by the end of the week.

Food wise, I am going to try a couple of new recipes, and possibly some alternatives to keep my sweet tooth happy! Someone at work has recently made some sugar free muffins, which I am tempted to make myself!

Hope all you dieters are doing well out there, I would love to hear how your progress is going!

I am off to a BBQ tomorrow so hopefully I can resist the mounds of buns, burgers and relishes!!!

Ellie x

Day 22 - Getting into the swing of things!

Today was a good day. I ate well, exercised and didn't feel the need to eat rubbish! I even wanted to go for a jog to clear my head after a manic day at work, a first for me! (the wanting to go on a jog, not the manic day at work, unfortunately!)

I didn't run as far today as my legs were still heavy from the previous two, but am pleased all the same with my progress! I walked and jogged the route, switching between the two. It is a very hilly route and so felt like I'd done much more than on my normal route!

Tomorrow is D-Day again guys! I am hoping for a good loss, fingers crossed I get it!

See you tomorrow! :)

Ellie xx

Day 21 - Oops

As you can tell my the title, today did not go as planned.

All day I ate really well, with my normal breakfast followed by salad for lunch and a pasta with vegetables dish for tea. But then came the afters.

I was on my own, Dan has gone to play golf and I was watching four episodes, back to back, of One Tree Hill. And before you know it I've eaten half a large bar of Milkybar. A big fat FAIL!

As soon as I realised how much I'd eaten I felt so bad, even though it tasted amazing! I always struggle in the evening and without my normal routine of Dan being home, I just gave into temptation. Arghh!

If this was 'me' a few weeks ago I would've thought, 'heck I've fallen off the wagon, I may as well go for it!' but I didn't, and I won't! Tomorrow I will be back on it full swing, and will be attempting another jog to keep my exercise up :)

Hope you dieters out there are feeling positive and are seeing great results! Weigh day is looming again and I hope to lose another 2lbs this week. Hopefully I do it! Let me know how you are getting on, inspiration is what I need right now! :)

Ellie xx

Day 20 - Run Forest, Run!

I did it! I ran over a mile! I am completely aware how pathetic this may sound to those of you that are athletic, but it was a huge milestone for me and I'm so chuffed! In total we walked 3.57 miles, with a long jog included plus a few sprints.

We did the same route as on Sunday, and managed to shave off 5 minutes of our time. Chuffed!

My legs weren't aching today and even when I had to stay late at work, I was still adamant I was going to do some exercise! For those of you who know me, this is completely NOT how I would normally react! Anything to cancel doing exercise and I'd do it.

I had loads of energy when I got home, so much so I mowed the lawns and weeded. It took longer than the walk to complete!!!

Tomorrow I will have another rest day, I don't want to push myself too hard, but I'll be back on it again Thursday and hopefully I can run a little further!

Hope you are all well!

Ellie x

Day 19 - Get me a walking stick!

I am so embarrassed to say that after my 3 mile walk/jog yesterday, my legs are really aching! I've felt like an old woman today, every time I stood up from my desk I'd have to ease myself up off the chair and take small steps because of the pain!!!! What's odd to is that it's only my thighs though, nothing below the knees. Bizarre! I do feel good having the ache though, but thought it would be wise to not go again today, so I don't put myself completely off it, but I will be going again tomorrow!

Today was back to work for me(yawn!) and I have a whole 6 weeks til my next day off...excluding weekends obvs!

Food Diary - Breakfast - special k with semi-skimmed milk
Lunch - leftover spaghetti bolognese
Tea - sweet potato with salad and cheese. Yum! See picture below!

I also went food shopping again after work and stocked up the fridge with more healthy foods for us!

Today has been a pretty non-eventful day for me, but I have enjoyed getting back into the routine of the diet and work. Excited for weigh day already!

Ellie x

Day 18 - All good things must come to an end...

Well, today is my last day before I have to head back to work. Sad face. I have had a great 9 days off, doing jobs here there and everywhere, catching up with loved ones and eating... lots of eating. Too much!

Today I woke up early, wanting to make the most of my last 'free' day! Myself and the fiance (that still sounds so strange!) went for a 3 mile walk first thing, and we did end up a fair chunk of the walk, which I was so chuffed about! We would run a distance, saying we would stop at the next lampost or large tree, but then would carry on until the next tree, etc! We did this three or four times, which made me feel really good knowing I could continue jogging.

The route we took on our walk this morning, such a gorgeous view!

It took us just shy of 45 mins in total, so I know I need to improve on the time, but was pleased with myself that I got off my butt (!) and did some exercise. Tomorrow I will either do the same route, or go for a swim. I love to swim but don't go often enough!

Food Diary -

Breakfast/Lunch - bacon sandwich on 50/50 bread
Tea - spaghetti bolognase
Snack - olives

Oh, hello tiny foot in the background!

For the rest of the day we just did a few jobs around the house, visiting family and making the most of being able to be at home! My next day off is not until the middle of July (excluding weekends obviously!) so wanted to make as much use of the free time as possible!

Hope you have all had a great weekend. I am making a few changes to my blog to make it easier for people to subscribe, if you are enjoying my posts please subscribe. It would mean a heck of alot to me! :)

Ellie xx

Day 17 - A Big 'Wedding' Day!

Today was a big day where wedding plans were concerned! We went back to a shop I had been to twice previously, that stock a bridal and bridesmaid dress I love. I went with my bridesmaids and together I put on the dress I like (REALLY like!) and one of the bridesmaids put on the dress I really like for them too. And let's just say, we are booked to go back in six weeks to order them! Eeeeekk!

I am so SO excited that I have found my dress and the bridesmaid dresses, and in a local, friendly shop too so I don't need to travel far for any fittings etc. I am so happy that I've decided on the dress! I think trying on some more yesterday made me realise how much I like this one. And the bridesmaid dresses are stunning! I can't wait to see how everyone will look on
the day :)

Diet wise, today went well. I am on the diet 100% now, no more excuses!

Food Diary -

Breakfast - special k with semi skimmed milk
Lunch - cheese and tomato sandwich on brown bread
Tea - spinach and ricotta stuffed pasta with a tomato based sauce

Tomorrow I will be going on a 3 mile walk in the morning, and I attempt to jog some of it, fingers crossed!

Hope everyone is well, let me know if you are working in making your lifestyle healthier, I would love to hear from people going through the same as I am!

Ellie x

Day 16 - Weigh In Week 2

Well, it has arrived again! I jumped on the scales this morning, and after the week I had I thought I would've put on, but luckily I have stayed the same. Not what I would've hoped, but I know I have had far too many treats this week so I only have myself to blame!

Weight - 13st 7lbs

I have also taken my measurements, just incase there were any changes there!

Last weeks measurements were;
Arms: 31cm
Chest: 100cm
Waist: 88cm
Hips: 116cm
Thigh: 66cm

And this weeks are;
Arms: 30cm. Lost 1cm!
Chest: 100cm
Waist: 88cm
Hips: 115cm. Lost 1cm!
Thigh: 65cm. Lost 1cm!

I am chuffed that the weight seems to be going, even though the scales didn't say so! As of today I am back on the diet, with no exceptions! This week I was meant to do alot more exercise than I have actually done, therefore I need to make up for it this week. And I've not forgotten about running that mile! I WILL be doing it this week, come rain or shine!

Yesterday I went wedding dress shopping, and tried on several dresses that were absoloutly gorgeous, but still didn't get 'that' feeling. There is one dress that I have tried on a couple of times now, which I really like, and I am going back to that shop today to order the bridesmaid dresses, so will probably have another try on of the dress! I think I am too scared to say it's 'the' dress incase I change my mind, or see another that I love once I've ordered it! Have any of you been in the same boat? I have plently of time to order it, but would love to say it is ordered, another box ticked!

Another problem I have had when dress shopping is the sizes of the dresses. In every shop I have been in the majority of the dresses are in a UK size 10 or 12, however they are not your typical size 10 or 12. As most women will find out, wedding dress 'sizes' are smaller than your normal clothes sizes. And so for us curvyer women, trying to fit into a size 10 dress, that should actually be labeled a size 8, is near enough impossible! I know there are plently of women out there who would not struggle getting into these sizes dresses, but would you not think to stock larger dresses, say in a size 16, to give more women the chance to fit into them?!

I am a size 14, which is BELOW the UK's average woman's dress size, and it baffles me why bridal shops don't take this into consideration? You are meant to enjoy every second of trying on wedding dresses, and feel amazing in them, but when they don't fit, and you are having to expose the back for all to see as they can't be done up, it is not even close to the experience I was hoping for! I suppose this does encourage me more to lose weight, however I know I am not the biggest woman, by a long shot, so how do larger women feel when they go shopping for the most important dress of their life? It upsets and angers me how it makes women feel when they are meant to enjoy every second of the experience. RANT OVER! :)

Sorry for the rant! I hope you all have a great weekend, we are off to order bridesmaid dresses today (eeek!) and Ludlow to visit family! I will back tomorrow will more tales of my journey!

Ellie x

P.S. - I forgot to take any pictures today, so here are a few encouraging quotes for you guys!

Day 15 - Jobs, jobs and more jobs!

Hi guys, hope your all having a good day! Well today (yesterday in my case...) was a good day! I am off work all this week so am spending my time catching up on jobs, seeing family and friends and just the normal, mundane jobs a home owner has to do!

Food diary -

Breakfast - melon slices
Lunch - cucumber and salad cream sandwich
Tea - 95% meat sausage sandwich. All sandwiches on 50/50 bread.

Not the most amazing of diet days, but at least sweet items weren't consumed! Because I was running around doing jobs I didn't feel so hungry therefore didn't snack, which was good!

Tomorrow I will be going wedding dress shopping, hopefully I will get closer to finding 'the' dress! I've been to so many shops without any luck so far, fingers crossed I will this time!

Hope you are all having a good week, speak soon!

Ellie x

Day 14 - Expecto Patronum!

Well guys, today was just magical! (excuse the pun!)

I had booked our tickets at Christmas, to attend the Harry Potter Studio Tour. We had been looking forward to it for some time, and it certainly did not disappoint! I will include some pictures in this post of our day, I won't go into too much detail as I don't want to ruin it for anyone else going. All I can say is, GO! It is such an amazing experience, I don't know why more film sets aren't available for tours.

I took almost 300 pictures (I know, a little excessive!) so these are just a select few! It was amazing seeing all of the sets, props and costumes used throughout all of the films. We watched the last few films again before we went to the studios, now I want to watch them all over again! I didn't fully appreciate the attention to detail the set, costume and prop designers made until I saw it up close. It was incredible, and what a job to have as well?! Jealous!

I am disappointed to say that the diet was not a success today. I tried to stay as healthy as possible but light bites and snacks just aren't healthy! Below is what I ate;

Breakfast - special k with semi skimmed milk
Lunch - selection of melon slices, packet of salt and vingear crips and a sausage roll
Snack - Cadburys caramel bar, woops!
Lunch - pasta with peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, basil and pasatta

The diet is back ON today! I have eaten melon slices for breakfast, and plan to have salad for lunch and pasta for tea. We are pasta lovers in this household!!!

Hope you all have a great day.

Ellie x

Day 13 - Busy Bee!

Hi All!

Hope you are all well! Today is only going to be a quick post as the other half and myself are on route to Harry Potter Studio Tour in London. I am so freekin' excited I'm like a child at Chirstmas! I will be posting pictures of our day tomorrow :)

Yesterday, diet wise went okay. I ate special k with semi skimmed milk for breakfast followed by spaghetti bolognese for tea. I'd be running around doing errands that I didn't eat any lunch, I didn't eat breakfast til late though so didn't feel the need to then have some lunch. Although I did eat a few biscuits when I went to the parents. Thinking about it eating some lunch would've probably stopped me from eating them. Planning is everything!!!!

I would love to hear from any of you that are currently dieting too, or changing their bad habits to good. It would be lovely to hear your stories to encourage me to do better and work harder!

Speak to you all tomorrow :)

Ellie x

Day 12 - Crafting

Hi Everyone!

Hope you are all well! I can't believe it has been 12 days since my first post, time is flying! I got very excited yesterday as I received my first comment on my blog! I was so chuffed and happy to see people are actually reading this! Thank you :)

Well, yesterday was another (relatively) good day. We attended another BBQ, but I wasn't feeling too peachy so didn't eat anything. Below is the outfit I wore to the BBQ. I'm not sure if you would be interested in me posting more 'outfits of the days', let me know if so!

Top - Zara
Jeggings - Tesco (!)
Shoes - Topshop
Scarf - Boutique in Padstow, Cornwall

Then in the evening once we had gotten home I was starving so chopped up a jacket potato and make oven chips. Completely healthy as all it is is potatoes! I then spray them with fry light, an alternative and much healthier option to oil, and hey presto, chips!

When we got home we then watched the Jubilee Concert, which at first I didn't think it was anything special, but then the last hour of it was amazing! The best part was when Prince Charles did the speech about his 'Mummy', so cute! I love of a bit of Royal Family-ness!

Whilst watching this we had opened a bag of Maltesers... bad, bad move. I'd promised myself to only eat a couple but low and behold, I broke that promise. They are just too damn tasty! So to keep my hands busy so they didn't creep back into the bag, I started craft making!

I've been planning on making some decorative crafts for some time, but life has been so hectic recently I just haven't got round to doing it. But I made my first cushioned heart yesterday guys, and am so chuffed with it! What do you think? I did have to hand stitch it so its not the neatest, but I am hopefully purchasing a sewing machine soon for when I make more. I found it so therapeutic and can't wait to get cracking and make more!

So, today the other half has gone back to work (sob) even though it is still a national bank holiday, so I will probably spend my day doing jobs, going for a walk and hopefully seeing my 7 week old niece!

Hope you all have a good day!

Ellie xx

Day 11 - Jubilee Celebrations!

Hey everyone!

Just a quick post to say hi! Trying very hard to stay on track this bank holiday, temptation galore at the moment!

Yesterday we went to a lunchtime BBQ, where I stuck to salads and pasta. I'm not overly fussed eating meat so stuck to the other healthy foods available.

Then in the evening we went to my parents for dinner, which consisted of shepherds pie, cauliflower, beans and asparagus. So all very healthy, until the deserts! I ended up having fresh strawberries and cream, the healthiest of the choices and it was delicious!!

I was very bad and didn't manage to get any pictures today, other than my freshly paints nails! You will lean throughout my posts that I LOVE painting my nails, and being the perfectionist I am, cannot stand chips or smudges! So my nails are painted quite regularly, which drives the boyfriend mad! Today I am wearing Essie 'Eternal Optimist', such a gorgeous colour!

I'm having a fantastic weekend so far, seeing lots of lovely people! I hope your having a good one too!

Ellie x

Day 10 - DIY day

Hey everyone!

Hope your all having a great jubilee bank holiday weekend! As the weather was miserable and wet today (of course it would be, it's bank holiday!) I decided to get a job done we've been putting off for weeks...wait for it... re-painting the living room!

We live a crazy life!

We've been meaning to do it for a while but due to one reason or another we kept putting it off. Today was the day though! I completely forgot to take 'before' pictures, but have included pictures taken just after I'd started, and of course some after shots!

Once I'd started decorating I couldn't stop, and have managed to do both coats of paint and glossing all in one day. I am aware how sad this sounds but I love that the job is now done, and I can tick it off my list!

Because I got into the swing of things I didn't get round to attempting my jog, I know it's a terrible excuse! Once I get into the swing of exercise I really enjoy it, but getting into the routine is SO hard! Do any of you have any tips on how to get started, and to stick to it?! I am going to attempt to go tomorrow, however have a very busy day with family visits. I'm even annoying myself with my excuses! Argh!!! I am off work next week so am going to use the extra time to get properly into an exercise routine.

Food Diary -

Breakfast - special k with semi skimmed milk

Lunch - poached egg on brown toast

Dinner - spaghetti bolognese

Snacks - 4 square of cadbury's dairymilk

Food wise I have been pretty good today. All of the decorating did make me very hungry however having the eggs for lunch really filled me up for the rest of the afternoon. Definitely a good meal choice that's quick, easy to cook and very satisfying!

I'll be back tomorrow, enjoy your weekend!

Ellie x

Day 9 - Weigh In Week 1

D-Day has arrived!!! I was very nervous to step on the scales, these results are below...

Weight: 13st 7lbs

3lbs weight loss! I'm so chuffed! I've stuck to the healthy eating, with a few treats thrown in, and I'm so happy with the results! It just goes to show healthy eating with the occasional treat goes along way.

Measurements:

Arms: 31cm. Lost 1cm!
Chest: 100cm. Lost 3cm!!!
Waist: 88cm. Lost 4cm!!!!!!!
Hips: 116cm. Lost 1cm!
Thigh: 66cm. Lost 1cm!

I am so SO happy with the results just after one week! Allowing myself to have a few treats makes me feel like I've not even been 'dieting', which is perfect for me to continue this long term.

Today I shall mostly be grinning like a cheshire cat whilst decorating and attempting my jog!

I also wanted to post this picture that I saw on fitnessista's blog the other day, it feels very relevant to what I'm doing right now and wanted to share it with you all!

I'll be back tomorrow, hope everyone has a fantastic jubilee weekend!

Ellie x