Motivating myself to stay fit & healthy

 

Over the past couple of years I've tried to gradually get myself into better shape. I've never been confident about my appearance, my weight, or my body shape, so my mission has mostly been to improve the way I look for my own self-confidence and happiness. I wouldn't call myself a remotely athletic person, so exercise has been something of a struggle in the past (basically I'm a bit lazy...) and sugar is my Achilles heel. Needless to say, losing weight has been quite a battle. 

I've never been a member of a gym before, until around September of last year. I decided to join because a new one opened up close to where I live, and my thought process was basically "it's now or never". I was genuinely quite apprehensive to go, mostly because I had an idea in my head that everyone would know that I've never set foot in a gym before and laugh at me for it (a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea). I was wrong though. It wasn't remotely scary. There is a specific ladies only part of the gym, but I surprised myself by not going in there to work out. Instead I use the mixed area and generally don't pay attention to anyone else in there. I'm there to work out, so I just get on with it. There's absolutely nothing wrong with choosing to use a ladies only gym, but I'm just pleased that I didn't let my own insecurities beat me in that respect.

I try to exercise at least 5 times per week, even if it's just for 20-30 minutes including a cool down. Doing this just keeps my momentum up, and lessens the chances of me coming home and deciding not to work out at all for weeks on end. Once I get myself into a routine, it's easier for me to stick to. I go to an Aerotone (aerobics and toning) class for an hour every Wednesday, and I try my best to keep up the same level of intensity when I exercise for the rest of the week.

Food, food, food. Probably the most important part of trying to lose weight is changing your diet. Sugar has been my Achilles heel for years. I can't just eat one Malteaser or one biscuit, I'll eat the whole packet. It's sort of an all or nothing situation I suppose. With that in mind, I knew for a fact that I had to cut as much sugar out of my diet as possible, which is easier said than done. Since doing this, I've noticed that sugar was making me feel bloated and gassy; not a particularly nice feeling at any time of the day. It's probably been about 2 months so far, and I know that when I've had even a little bit of sugar since, it's had a bad effect on my body and my digestion. It just goes to show that healthy eating isn't just about losing weight and getting in shape, but also about ensuring that your body is functioning better on the inside as well. 

I'm definitely still learning when it comes to food and nutrition, but any pieces of knowledge that help me to better my diet or the way I'm living are always useful. I've replaced my snack foods with carrot sticks and other vegetables so that I don't feel like I'm making myself hungry at all. Changing my breakfast to a bowl of Shreddies every morning has really helped me to cut down on the amount of snacking I do as well. I'm fuller for longer while I'm at work, which works wonders for my concentration as well!

I'll admit that I've always been a very lazy cook. If throwing a pizza in the oven is an easy option then I'll do it. However, since I've really been paying attention to what I'm eating, I've found that I'm enjoying cooking more and more every day. Eating well motivates me to get busy in the kitchen and make some really tasty meals because, honestly, there's nothing better than coming home after a day at work and eating something delicious for tea. I make sure that I'm eating lots of protein rich foods like chicken, eggs and fish, as well as lashings of greens and other vegetables. I enjoy my food so much more if I know that it's good for me, because I don't get that guilty feeling afterwards of "oh, I shouldn't have eaten that". 

Of course I definitely don't think that we should never treat ourselves! I certainly won't be saying no to a girly night in with a takeaway, or a meal out to a restaurant where you can be a little bit naughty. It's all about moderation.

Instagram has been massively motivational in my little fitness journey. I've set up my own private account (which I won't be sharing) to document my meals and progress, and the simple act of sharing this really helps to motivate me to keep going and do better. I also love to see other people's journeys too, and the wealth of body positive instagrammers out there spreading love on the internet. Staying fit and healthy isn't about being supermodel thin or getting yourself a nice set of abs. For me, it's about working to gain a body that I feel comfortable in and that I can appreciate. If I appreciate and love the way I look then I don't give a monkeys about what anyone else thinks.

What's your relationship with food and exercise like? Do you work out/go to the gym and do you enjoy it? What are your favourite healthy meals? I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments!

~ C xxx

Summer Reading

This week I booked my summer holiday. Cue a deafeningly excited squeal from me because of sunshine, sea, sand and... books! The prospect of being able to laze around all day and have nothing to do but read is so so very appealing to me, and quite honestly is my favourite part of any holiday. That and the food, of course. Because of this I've been thinking about what books I'd like to take away with me this year. Have I reached a decision yet? Absolutely not. No doubt I'll change my mind about a million times whilst I'm packing my case. Two weeks is a long time, a long time for a lot of reading. 

Instead of sifting through books I might read this summer, I thought I'd delve into the ones I've read on past holidays and how I've found them. Everyone likes something different to read for a week or two away. I know that my mum is a lover of crime and thriller fiction, whereas I'm partial to something a little softer and fluffier, perhaps with a little romance in. 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Perhaps not the most uplifting summer read, however I bought this to take on holiday about 4 years ago. Most people have probably either read the book or seen the 2014 film because both were huge. Needless to say I shed a few tears by the side of the pool as I was reading it, so it probably wasn't the best book to take away on holiday. I really enjoyed it though, and if you haven't already read it I definitely recommend that you do. It's a novel aimed at a young adult audience, but I pay little attention to target audiences. If something appeals to you then read it!

Is everyone hanging out without me? (and other concerns) by Mindy Kaling

I loved this book. I've always been a fan of Mindy and found her incredibly funny, but I very rarely read biographical books. Unless I'm really interested in the life or career of a particular person then I generally don't pick them up. This was the perfect holiday read though. Her observations and stories had me giggling to myself on my sunbed, and I think it only took me about 2 days to read, which for me is a sign of a really enjoyable book. If you like the Mindy Project then you'll love it. If you want a hilarious book to read on your jollies then you'll love this. 

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

I read this book a couple of years ago when I last went to Menorca after reading two of Rainbow Rowell's other books; Fangirl and Eleanor & Park. I really enjoyed her other books, both of which are aimed at a young adult audience. I think I liked Attachments a little more because it's more suited to an older audience. I found myself not wanting to put the book down so I could finish it, while at the same time desperate to cling on to it because I didn't want it to end. I recommended it to a couple of friends who loved it too, so it's definitely a great book to take away on holiday!

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

This was another book I read on a family holiday a couple of years ago. It's a lovely book with an enchanting story that had me eager to know what would happen next. I haven't read any of Perkins' other books, but if this one is anything to go by then I'd definitely like to read more. They're definitely aimed at an audience younger than myself, but that doesn't mean an older reader can't enjoy the romantic storyline. I'd definitely recommend it to teenagers and young adults for a quick holiday read. 

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This wasn't actually a book I took on holiday with me. I'd finished all of the books I'd taken with me, and the villa we stayed in had a little bookshelf with a couple of different novels on it. I picked this up as I was searching for something to read for the last couple of days and the journey home. It's vastly different to the books I've read on holiday in the past and so very different to the other books I've included on this list, but I honestly think I enjoyed this book the most. If you prefer novels that tell a story that's true to life and deals with important social issues and events, then this is a book you'll enjoy. The film is a good adaptation as well - Viola Davis can do no wrong.

What are some of your favourite holiday reads? Have you decided on your own holiday books for this year? I'd love to hear any suggestions! :)

~ C xxx
 

My Love of Photography

I've had an interest in photography for years and years now. Back when I was at school, whenever me and my friends would go out together or go to a party, I was always the one with a camera. I would take hundreds of pictures, because to me taking photos meant that I could keep the memories forever. My parents have a huge stash of old photos in the cupboard in my room, so maybe that's where my love stemmed? 

I studied photography at A-Level, which is probably when I started taking it more seriously. It quickly became one of my favourite subjects, and I just loved the fact that my homework and my coursework and exam work consisted of me going out and taking photographs to meet a specific brief. I could interpret it in any way I wanted to, and it gave me so much freedom to express myself. I came out with an A in the end (not too shabby), and I haven't really stopped taking photos ever since. 

My favourite things to photograph mostly involve nature. It's everywhere, it's gorgeous, and I see so many photogenic aspects of it wherever I go. If i go on a walk, I'll take my camera. If I go away for the day, or for a week or two, I'll take my camera. I don't ever want to miss out on an opportunity to capture a beautiful image. It's amazing how much joy you can get from simply spotting something that would make a great photograph. Flowers, animals, insects and lanscapes are my favourite things to capture. I just don't think I'll ever tire of seeing a beautiful sunset, perfectly framed, or a close up of a beautiful flower, showing all the intricate details that the eye doesn't always see.

People are wonderful to photograph too. I'm less fond of a staged photoshoot, and much prefer catching people off-guard. Natural pictures are some of the loveliest because they just show people as they are; no posing, no airs and graces, just natural. 

I find inspiration in so many places. If I'm totally honest, it's quite a simple process for me; if I see something that visually looks like it would make a good photograph, then I'll take it. Sometimes I'll just snap away, and once I come to look at everything on my laptop, maybe I'll find a little gem that I never expected to take? The beauty of an image is completely subjective, but the way I see it is that if you like it, then that's all that matters. It's your work. Be proud of what you can create.   

Often I'm just walking around and I see something and think "wow, that would make an amazing photograph", but I don't have my camera on me, or I don't have time to stop and get my phone out. Times like that are a shame, but another opportunity will come along instead. Sometimes I'll imagine how spectacular an image i've taken is going to turn out, and then I look at it again and instantly hate it. It doeesn't look how I expected it to. Again, these things happen. 

I find other people's photography really inspiring and motivating. I talked about the bookstagram community a couple of weeks ago, and when I see people's book photography posts on instagram it really inspires me, both to take my own photos and to read more! There are so many other places I'm exposed to beautiful imagery - tumblr and pinterest and so many others. 

My weapon of choice is a Nikon D3300 SLR. Sometimes I use the Nikon lens, but I mostly use the Tamron 90mm macro lens because wow. I'm a big fan of close up, macro images, and this lens does exactly everything I want. Capturing all the tiny details is really exciting for me when I'm taking photographs and this one provides me with an automatic and a manual focus which I love. I enjoy the fact I can be so precise when snapping pictures. 

I have a couple of other cameras that I sometimes use as well; a Sony Cyber-shot and a Canon Power-shot SX260 HS. I'll mainly use these if I'm going somewhere that I don't want to take my SLR, or if I just fancy a different camera. When I'm out and about I'll use my iPhone 6, and the photos are pretty decent to be honest, especially just for snapping a few quick shots that have caught my eye. 

Using Photoshop is a massive part of my photography process and I really enjoy this part of it as well. Editing images to really enhance them and make them look as aesthetically pleasing as possible is so much fun. Everyone who uses Photoshop probably has their own little quirks and tools that they swear by. I won't lie, I go through phases of using the same tools because I particularly like the effect they give, but I'm certain that I don't use Photoshop to is fullest potential. I do learn things every now and again though, thanks to tumblr/friends who use it for design purposes :) 

The vibrance tool is a favourite of mine. I love my images to look bright and colourful, especially ones of flowers and plants. To contrast, with book images, I try to go for a more muted look - bold colours but with a faded layer over the top of them.  

I really enjoy having an eye for photography. I love the fact that I look at something and immediately think "that would make a lovely photograph". It's a nice way to look at the world :)

Feel free to check out my photography instagram page and tumblr page.

Do you enjoy photography? What are your favourite things to take pictures of? Leave a comment and let me know! 

~C xxx

Mid-week Blog: I'm obsessed with Love Island!

We all have our guilty pleasures. I have quite a few if I'm being completely honest, but I fully blame one of my closest friends for my latest one. Love Island.

I've only ever watched the Celebrity version about 10 years ago but I've never been remotely bothered for the ITV2 version filled with "Insta-famous" people. BUT... I was (sort of) forced to watch it a few weeks ago and was officially hooked from the off, despite how much I protested about it. 

Is it trashy TV? Yes. Do I care? Nope. It's addictive and I can't wait for 9pm to roll around every night to catch up on all the drama. There's just something fascinating about picking other people's televised relationships apart and analysing everything they say and do, then tweeting about all of it. Me and my friends constantly play texting tennis while we're watching it, which saves me from shouting at the TV when something crazy happens.

All that being said, I absolutely adore Gabby and Marcel, hands down the strongest and sweetest couple in the villa. I'll be surprised if they don't win. And then there's Camilla. The bomb disposal expert turned national treasure has won the hearts of a nation. I still hate Jonny for the way he treated her and I really hope some amazing, gorgeous guy goes in just for her. Craig didn't cut it, but maybe the new guy Jamie can? I couldn't stand Chris when he first went in, but now I can't stop laughing at the things he says and does - especially his bromance with Kem. Their rapping had me in fits of laughter. The girls have so many "best friend goals" moments, especially Gabby, Cam and Montana. It's so nice to see how close they've become and how much they have each other's backs in amongst all the drama.

I don't really know what I'll do with my weeknights at 9pm once the show is finished. I guess that's just what happens when life is Love Island and your own love life is non-existent xD

~ C xxx

Being a Pig Mum: 3 years on

Roxie and Ruby are now 3 years old, which has flown by honestly. My cheeky little piggles came to me in May of 2014 after much begging and pleading to my parents who I'm still living with. I adore the two little fluffballs and never imagined they'd have such distinct personalities. Also, FYI, they cost way more to look after than I ever thought, but maybe that's because I like to spoil them and buy them nice things :)

It hasn't all been smooth sailing with them. Roxie had several trips to the vets during summer last year. She was making some worrying noises when going to the toilet, and was pulling out her fur on her stomach and legs. After trying several different medicines (all of which she hated), the vet finally came to the conclusion that she'd been suffering from a water infection. For a human I know how horrible that is to deal with, so I can't even imagine how my little piggie was feeling. Thankfully she was right as rain in a few weeks after a course of antibiotics and she's been fine ever since!

Compared to most other pets, Guinea Pigs are relatively easy to care for. They eat 99% of the time (like me then) and are forever squeaking for fresh fruit and vegetables whenever I come into the room. My girls love being out in the garden and munching on the grass, so in summer I take every opportunity I can to get them outside when the weather is good. Direct sunlight is a bad idea though, so I always pop a little blanket or a towel on the top of their pen to keep it nice and shady, as well as giving them plenty of tunnels and things to hide with. Dandelion leaves are a particular favourite of Roxie and Ruby's, and they'll devour any that I put in front of them. 

As much as it's great for piggles to have hay to eat/snuggle into, I always make sure I give my two lots of fresh food as well. Babycorn, blueberries, cucumber, lettuce and carrots are all great. I'll occassionally give them a strawberry or a raspberry as well, but not too many as they're very sweet. The internet is a great place to research what kind of fruits and vegetables are best for Guine Pigs, along with pet shops and your local vet. I know that when Roxie was visiting the vet last year, I discovered that it's not advisable to give piggles too much spinach because it can make them poorly, so I quickly stopped the spinach treats! I suppose it all comes down to each Guinea Pig and what they like to eat. I've seen some piggies on instagram eating bananas and tomatoes - my two both turn their noses up at them!

I think Guinea Pigs make the perfect pets, and maybe that's because I'm a little biased. They have lovely temperaments, are incredibly friendly and would make a great first pet, or a good pet if you have small children. The youngest members of my family were fascinated with Roxie and Ruby when they met them, and I'm pretty sure the girls loved all the attention they got. 

Check out ladypigford and guineapigmoments on instagram. You won't regret it!

I'll leave you with a couple of posey pictures of Roxie and Ruby just because :)

~ C xxx