Thank the lord as it is slowly driving me crazy
I get back from holiday and then get the train in on Monday to work. Within 15 minutes of leaving the house I am already stressed as the stupid train is delayed. Within an hour I'm even more stressed as I am now in London but the entire central line has shut down so I am now trundling along the ancient circle line at about 2 miles per hour. I arrive 30 minutes late for work, my journey should take an hour and a half but instead its taken 2 and a half. Stresssssssssssssssssss.
Last night another fine example, I'm settling back into my seat on the train with my good book (Sister, Rosamund Lupton - very good crime literature) feeling rather relaxed and happy to have not missed the train. Just as the train is about to leave a red haired 40 something lady runs onto the train and sits down with a thud on the seat opposite me. She gets out her blackberry and after laughing out loud and loudly to several text messages (just weird, why would you do that?) then proceeds to make 3 very loud phone calls. I will list these below in more detail so you get an idea of my "entertainment" for the 35 minute train journey:
1. I'm assuming it must be husband - she confirms she is on the train, she asks if their is wine in the fridge as she's had "the day from hell" and "I just can't take it anymore, I mean its just full of b******t". She rants on a bit further about her boss and that she should be home in an hour and then hangs up
She has spoken quite loudly on this call and the packed out but yet silent carriage all breathe a sigh of relief. Myself included, my book is getting good and I don't want to be distracted. But no, she dials again on the blackberry and starts up conversation number 2 at an even louder volume
2. It must be a friend as she once again starts ranting about her horrible job, "But yes darling, you wouldn't understand as you're job is all numbers and figures. Mine's just b******t. Arty farty people who just don't have a clue" but she carries on "Anyway, I don't want to talk about it. How's Susan?" Susan it turns out has broken up with her husband (I assume in their little village clique of friends) and I'm assuming its for some kind of affair reason as red haired lady is not a fan of the husband. "I know what he's playing at. He's trying to give her space and then hope she'll come back. I hope she doesn't. He's a right swine." Poor Susan.
3. Another call back to the husband to confirm she's not far away and then proceeds to read out headlines from the newspaper she's reading claiming all news is b******t and what are they thinking? "Has Pippa Middleton's bum caused the Euro to crash?" She may have a point there.
While all this is going on, about 5 other commuters all crammed into the train around her are giving her ultimate death stares but nothing is deterring her from gossip hour. I have read 1 page of my book but it's not going in as all I can hear is her.
I get off the train annoyed that I haven't read my book, annoyed I'm angry at red haired woman and also annoyed that I will never know what happend to Susan.
This is why people shouldn't chat on their phones in quiet train carriages.
One more day to go - oh yes.
Yesterday did the quick rounds of Forever 21 - very nice. Cheap and cheerful and kind of what I was expecting. Could be good for cute little tops and cardigans though
Wedding on saturday - coral shift dress, cropped balck short sleeved jacket, nude LK bennett shoes, black circular fascinator and black satin clutch bag. Still have a tan so hoping that will mask my enormous tummy and bum which are emerging from below due to no exercise
I will be back on track next week and will be in official training for my triathlon in august and half marathon in october - bring it on
xxxx
About Me
- Lottie
- London, United Kingdom
- Will I ever fit into a size 10 bikini? Will my boyfriend ever do anything romantic? Will I pass my masters and progress my career at the same time? Will I ever learn how to stop shopping and start saving - permanently? Join me on my adventures in London, Lottie Style.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
I am alive
Oh dear, I appeared to completely drop of the face of blog land.
But I am back and almost recovered from my hiatus.
The last week in the run up to my lovely holiday was rather manic - commuting still and trying to do last minute coursework bits and pre-holiday prep. There was also my trip to Wimbledon - awesome funness and got to see Murray play and pretty solid match. Shame he couldn't go all the way to the final, I nearly cried when he went out in the semis - why, why, why can he not hold it together? Poor chap, I am pretty confident he will do it next year.
I was very pleased with my fashion choice of white pleated skirt and plain white top and cream jacket for my day at SW19. Especially as the Duchess then wore something very similar on her day to the All England Club. I loved the dress she wore, she looked so cute, like she was actually going off to play tennis in the 20s.
My holiday to Italy was just fabulous, not nearly long enough and I am feeling the pressure at work and with my course at the moment. But I will not be overcome and will battle through with some extra energy courtesy of basking in the Italian rays for a week. Some essential shopping was also done - two pairs of just beautiful 100% leather ballet pumps from a gorgeous Italian boutique called Plas in Nocci, a Zara jacket in the sale from Bari and a lovely 100% leather handbag from Fasano. Bellissima! A week of salads, fish, lean meat and not too much bread has left me feeling like I didn't indulge too much but my exercise routine has completely disappeared.
I have a triathlon at the end of the month and a half marathon at the end of October - oh good lord. Never mind - I will power on. Plus just before I went away I did a 50k cycle race as part of a relay triathlon which was hard work but fine and definitely given me something to improve on. Bring it.
So tanned and blonde but could be slimmer! Is my current status but I am happily facing a 4 day week at work due to my boyfriends graduation service on Friday - oh yes I am the girlfriend of a doctor - I love it.
Only one more week of commuting and then I will be joining the ranks of other famous Wessex WAGS before me and moving in my gorgeous boyfriend. He is hilarious, I will leave you with a little story of us a couple of nights ago.
Whilst looking at our holiday snaps, my boyfriend quips up with:
"Gosh, I am selling some serious tickets in that photo"
Me: "Tickets? Im sorry, to what?"
B: "Tickets to the gun show"
I know this shouldn't be funny, but I am one of those hopeless girls who giggle at anything a good looking boy says to big themseleves up. BUT only when its true and luckily my boyfriend does have rather good arms, so he can get away with stuff like the above. Just don't tell him, I told you so
Happy Wednesday x
PS. This post is dedicated to Legs, getting better every day and who I am always thinking of xxxx
But I am back and almost recovered from my hiatus.
The last week in the run up to my lovely holiday was rather manic - commuting still and trying to do last minute coursework bits and pre-holiday prep. There was also my trip to Wimbledon - awesome funness and got to see Murray play and pretty solid match. Shame he couldn't go all the way to the final, I nearly cried when he went out in the semis - why, why, why can he not hold it together? Poor chap, I am pretty confident he will do it next year.
I was very pleased with my fashion choice of white pleated skirt and plain white top and cream jacket for my day at SW19. Especially as the Duchess then wore something very similar on her day to the All England Club. I loved the dress she wore, she looked so cute, like she was actually going off to play tennis in the 20s.
My holiday to Italy was just fabulous, not nearly long enough and I am feeling the pressure at work and with my course at the moment. But I will not be overcome and will battle through with some extra energy courtesy of basking in the Italian rays for a week. Some essential shopping was also done - two pairs of just beautiful 100% leather ballet pumps from a gorgeous Italian boutique called Plas in Nocci, a Zara jacket in the sale from Bari and a lovely 100% leather handbag from Fasano. Bellissima! A week of salads, fish, lean meat and not too much bread has left me feeling like I didn't indulge too much but my exercise routine has completely disappeared.
I have a triathlon at the end of the month and a half marathon at the end of October - oh good lord. Never mind - I will power on. Plus just before I went away I did a 50k cycle race as part of a relay triathlon which was hard work but fine and definitely given me something to improve on. Bring it.
So tanned and blonde but could be slimmer! Is my current status but I am happily facing a 4 day week at work due to my boyfriends graduation service on Friday - oh yes I am the girlfriend of a doctor - I love it.
Only one more week of commuting and then I will be joining the ranks of other famous Wessex WAGS before me and moving in my gorgeous boyfriend. He is hilarious, I will leave you with a little story of us a couple of nights ago.
Whilst looking at our holiday snaps, my boyfriend quips up with:
"Gosh, I am selling some serious tickets in that photo"
Me: "Tickets? Im sorry, to what?"
B: "Tickets to the gun show"
I know this shouldn't be funny, but I am one of those hopeless girls who giggle at anything a good looking boy says to big themseleves up. BUT only when its true and luckily my boyfriend does have rather good arms, so he can get away with stuff like the above. Just don't tell him, I told you so
Happy Wednesday x
PS. This post is dedicated to Legs, getting better every day and who I am always thinking of xxxx
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
SW19 - date with Murray and Nadal please
New balls please because Lottie is heading to SW19 All England Club on Friday with her cousin for a day on Centre Court - not too shabby. This has been a dream of mine since I started playing tennis aged 6 and to go to Wimbledon since I saw Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf play on the telly when I was little. I loved his ponytail and funny walk across the court.
I should hopefully get to see Murray play if a) the rain holds off and he gets to play his match today b) he wins the match and c) he gets put on Centre Court. Today he's on No 1 so I really really hope they put him on Centre. My next dilema is what to wear??? As I'm on Centre I won't need a full proof rain coat as the roof will come on when it rains. However I will need some kind of splash proof outfit as its looking like some kind of rainfall is inevitable.
I want to wear some kind of skirt or dress and a jacket - a summer layered preppy look. I had originally thought - yes, this is another reason to buy the gorgeous blue dress from Whistles. I have my eye on this for my boyfriends graduation and other miscellanous summer day time events. I can't seem to upload a picture of it - grrr. But its a cute bright blue dress with short sleeves and structured skirt. It has a cute matching belt with bow on it. So sweet and conservative. However I am going to resist.
I have instead opted for something out of my current wardrobe and gone for a white pleated knee length skirt, white t-shirt, caramel coloured cardigan, pale green scarf and burberry cropped trench jacket. Will be taking my ray bans with me too - just in case. Plus my gorgeous tan loafers which I love wearing at the moment.
My cousin is bringing fizz and pimms and i am in charge of food for our little sumptious picnic. I'm going to do some salads, little sandwiches and some cold pizza! Perfecto.
I'm so excited. Have a weekend at my parents this weekend but again still have work to do, so will be spending the majority of it working on my essays. What good fun! Maximum fun then has to be attained on Friday to make up for the otherwise fairly tedious weekend. Will be super lovely to see my sister and mummy and daddy though!
Mid week chaps, nearly there x
I should hopefully get to see Murray play if a) the rain holds off and he gets to play his match today b) he wins the match and c) he gets put on Centre Court. Today he's on No 1 so I really really hope they put him on Centre. My next dilema is what to wear??? As I'm on Centre I won't need a full proof rain coat as the roof will come on when it rains. However I will need some kind of splash proof outfit as its looking like some kind of rainfall is inevitable.
I want to wear some kind of skirt or dress and a jacket - a summer layered preppy look. I had originally thought - yes, this is another reason to buy the gorgeous blue dress from Whistles. I have my eye on this for my boyfriends graduation and other miscellanous summer day time events. I can't seem to upload a picture of it - grrr. But its a cute bright blue dress with short sleeves and structured skirt. It has a cute matching belt with bow on it. So sweet and conservative. However I am going to resist.
I have instead opted for something out of my current wardrobe and gone for a white pleated knee length skirt, white t-shirt, caramel coloured cardigan, pale green scarf and burberry cropped trench jacket. Will be taking my ray bans with me too - just in case. Plus my gorgeous tan loafers which I love wearing at the moment.
My cousin is bringing fizz and pimms and i am in charge of food for our little sumptious picnic. I'm going to do some salads, little sandwiches and some cold pizza! Perfecto.
I'm so excited. Have a weekend at my parents this weekend but again still have work to do, so will be spending the majority of it working on my essays. What good fun! Maximum fun then has to be attained on Friday to make up for the otherwise fairly tedious weekend. Will be super lovely to see my sister and mummy and daddy though!
Mid week chaps, nearly there x
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Moments in life
Does everyone know that scene in Pretty Woman where Richard Gere and Julia Roberts are lying in bed together and she opens up her heart about her troubled life into hooker-ville and Richard Gere simply replies with:
"I think you, are a bright, beautiful and very special person" and its just terribly romantic because all week he's been a closed book and no-one really understands why he's paid Julia Roberts to stay with him and its obvious he's falling in love with her?
Well I did not have a moment like that last night. No, while I'm literally about to fall asleep my boyfriend turns to me and says "Charlotte...So shall we go with First Direct for the joint account?" Then when I only mumble something back has a go at me for not taking "an active interest in our finances". Oh dear.
I will be taking an active interest in our finances, I am going to try my hardest. However while I will be trying my best to take an interest in something that frankly I find about as interesting as watching paint dry. I fear that my boyfriend will not be taking an active interest in romantic situations for us to experience now we are going to be living together. While I understand our weeks will not be spent on private chartered planes taking us to the opera and polo matches, is it so wrong to want "date night"? Which I am reliably informed is an essential component of living with the other sex. My boyfriend isn't totally convinced but he is a work in progress.
Right I am off to research bank accounts. Maybe if I show an "active interest" in researching bank accounts I can guilt on that he needs to do something for me.
I might even find bank accounts interesting and then maybe thats what we'll do on date night - research investments together
Have a good Tuesday
"I think you, are a bright, beautiful and very special person" and its just terribly romantic because all week he's been a closed book and no-one really understands why he's paid Julia Roberts to stay with him and its obvious he's falling in love with her?
Well I did not have a moment like that last night. No, while I'm literally about to fall asleep my boyfriend turns to me and says "Charlotte...So shall we go with First Direct for the joint account?" Then when I only mumble something back has a go at me for not taking "an active interest in our finances". Oh dear.
I will be taking an active interest in our finances, I am going to try my hardest. However while I will be trying my best to take an interest in something that frankly I find about as interesting as watching paint dry. I fear that my boyfriend will not be taking an active interest in romantic situations for us to experience now we are going to be living together. While I understand our weeks will not be spent on private chartered planes taking us to the opera and polo matches, is it so wrong to want "date night"? Which I am reliably informed is an essential component of living with the other sex. My boyfriend isn't totally convinced but he is a work in progress.
Right I am off to research bank accounts. Maybe if I show an "active interest" in researching bank accounts I can guilt on that he needs to do something for me.
I might even find bank accounts interesting and then maybe thats what we'll do on date night - research investments together
Have a good Tuesday
Monday, June 20, 2011
What a difference some sleep, a run and a couple of swims makes
And I'm human again.
Oh my goodness, I cannot believe that one extremely drunken night and two weeks of busy commuting would turn me into the creature from the black lagoon. But it did. After leaving work early on friday evening only to get trapped on the central line for 15 minutes due to a "signal failure" and then missing my train, getting the next train and then getting off the train to cycle home in torrential rain - I tied my magazine and bag of superdrug goodies to the back of my bike and set off in the down pour. About 2 minutes into the cycle I got severely splashed by a van going past which in turn knocked my goodies and letters and magazine off the back of my bike. I decided to tackle this misfortune in the nature of the mature 27 year old I am. Yes I threw the bike on to the side of the road where I proceeded to scream and jump and shout like a petulant 2 year old in the rain until another car came by and I realised how stupid I looked and sheepishly gathered up my stuff and cycled on. I get home and realise I have left the shampoo I bought on the side of the road. Fantastic.
But it's fine, a nice meal and a lie in on Saturday I wake up feeling headache free for the first time in 2 weeks and grab the hyperventilating dog and go for a run along the river and fields (they have a springer spaniel so it goes nuts for walks)
I return a new woman. Filled with positivity and hope for a new world.
After a few hours of chilling out I went to the hairdressers for my annual highlights appointment. Being a natural dark blonde every summer before I go away I get some highlights put in to give me blonder summery hair. Unfortunately it hasn't quite worked. How can I tell? Because I spent nearly £100 and not a single person has noticed I've done anything to my hair! The idea and brief I gave to the hairdresser was to look "significantly blonder" than I do at the moment. Brief has not been attained and I have to go back next week to have more put in - grrrr.
Sunday my boyfriend returns from a stag do a broken man. He can barely put a sentence together and open his eyes. He has been out every night since he finished his exams and is clearly a dead man walking. I loved that he was proud of his "pacing" and that he was walking around Norwich at 5:30 am on Sunday morning with his friend Simon - well done honey! So proud of you. Obviously what goes on tour stays on tour, but I happen to know that someone was sick all over the boat, several people fell off the boat, even more jumped off the boat and one person was having extreme paranoia meltdown yesterday.
I for one cannot judge as I spent all of last week in a mild case of paranoia. Helped only by boyfriend coming back last night and saying "Did you sing with the band at the wedding last weekend?" Oh good god. Note to self, really need to stop having such a close knit everyone-knows-everyone group of friends.
Sunday evening I also find out that MORE friends of ours have got engaged. They have been together only 2 years but hey who's comparing? (We've been together 6) After the total drunken bridget jones behaviour last weekend that has not managed to escape my boyfriends attention I fear I may be waiting a while longer. Woe be me. Everyone else is glamorous engaged gals or newly weds while I am destined to wander the planet as drunk singer girl at weddings.
Our friends that have got engaged are lovely and make a really lovely couple so I am very happy for them. Plus I just love weddings, they are literally the best things ever. I cannot wait to hear the engagement story and I have a sneaky suspicion this engagement will involve an enormous rock - sparkler to ooooh and aaaah over - I can't wait!
Yesterday I did 25 minutes of swimming and this morning I did 20 minutes of swimming too. I am slightly tired but feeling good and ready to brace the day. Plus this week my boyfriend is at home so I get to see his lovely face every evening. And he has a very gorgeous face. Plus its Wimbledon and I cannot wait to see what Sharapova is sporting this year - will she follow Kate's trend and add some lace to her tennis dress? Or stick to fool proof frills?
Come on Murray - you can do it!
Enjoy your Mondays x
Oh my goodness, I cannot believe that one extremely drunken night and two weeks of busy commuting would turn me into the creature from the black lagoon. But it did. After leaving work early on friday evening only to get trapped on the central line for 15 minutes due to a "signal failure" and then missing my train, getting the next train and then getting off the train to cycle home in torrential rain - I tied my magazine and bag of superdrug goodies to the back of my bike and set off in the down pour. About 2 minutes into the cycle I got severely splashed by a van going past which in turn knocked my goodies and letters and magazine off the back of my bike. I decided to tackle this misfortune in the nature of the mature 27 year old I am. Yes I threw the bike on to the side of the road where I proceeded to scream and jump and shout like a petulant 2 year old in the rain until another car came by and I realised how stupid I looked and sheepishly gathered up my stuff and cycled on. I get home and realise I have left the shampoo I bought on the side of the road. Fantastic.
But it's fine, a nice meal and a lie in on Saturday I wake up feeling headache free for the first time in 2 weeks and grab the hyperventilating dog and go for a run along the river and fields (they have a springer spaniel so it goes nuts for walks)
I return a new woman. Filled with positivity and hope for a new world.
After a few hours of chilling out I went to the hairdressers for my annual highlights appointment. Being a natural dark blonde every summer before I go away I get some highlights put in to give me blonder summery hair. Unfortunately it hasn't quite worked. How can I tell? Because I spent nearly £100 and not a single person has noticed I've done anything to my hair! The idea and brief I gave to the hairdresser was to look "significantly blonder" than I do at the moment. Brief has not been attained and I have to go back next week to have more put in - grrrr.
Sunday my boyfriend returns from a stag do a broken man. He can barely put a sentence together and open his eyes. He has been out every night since he finished his exams and is clearly a dead man walking. I loved that he was proud of his "pacing" and that he was walking around Norwich at 5:30 am on Sunday morning with his friend Simon - well done honey! So proud of you. Obviously what goes on tour stays on tour, but I happen to know that someone was sick all over the boat, several people fell off the boat, even more jumped off the boat and one person was having extreme paranoia meltdown yesterday.
I for one cannot judge as I spent all of last week in a mild case of paranoia. Helped only by boyfriend coming back last night and saying "Did you sing with the band at the wedding last weekend?" Oh good god. Note to self, really need to stop having such a close knit everyone-knows-everyone group of friends.
Sunday evening I also find out that MORE friends of ours have got engaged. They have been together only 2 years but hey who's comparing? (We've been together 6) After the total drunken bridget jones behaviour last weekend that has not managed to escape my boyfriends attention I fear I may be waiting a while longer. Woe be me. Everyone else is glamorous engaged gals or newly weds while I am destined to wander the planet as drunk singer girl at weddings.
Our friends that have got engaged are lovely and make a really lovely couple so I am very happy for them. Plus I just love weddings, they are literally the best things ever. I cannot wait to hear the engagement story and I have a sneaky suspicion this engagement will involve an enormous rock - sparkler to ooooh and aaaah over - I can't wait!
Yesterday I did 25 minutes of swimming and this morning I did 20 minutes of swimming too. I am slightly tired but feeling good and ready to brace the day. Plus this week my boyfriend is at home so I get to see his lovely face every evening. And he has a very gorgeous face. Plus its Wimbledon and I cannot wait to see what Sharapova is sporting this year - will she follow Kate's trend and add some lace to her tennis dress? Or stick to fool proof frills?
Come on Murray - you can do it!
Enjoy your Mondays x
Friday, June 17, 2011
MIA
To be honest I am been so wiped and down about commuting (which I now hate) I haven't had the energy to blog. Bad - yes.
Commuting sucks, getting up early sucks, sitting on a train which smells really bad for 40 minutes in the morning sucks, then getting on a tube which is really hot and rammed full sucks, getting back on the hot stuffed tube at the end of the day sucks and then getting on the smelly train for another 40 minutes SUCKS.
Why am I so down in the dumps? Because I am not doing nearly enough exercise. As my boyfriend said to me the other day "You will need to exercise every day, or the commute will drive you crazy". Well it already has so next week is officially - "I can cope with commuting and still do exercise" Week. I just don't get how these people get up sit on a train, sit a desk, sit on a train and then go home? No wonder everyone on that train looks so miserable.
Me? No no no. I need exercise. This week I played netball on Monday night and went for a run last evening but its not enough. Wednesday I woke up with a splitting headache which I haven't been able to shift all week. I swear its down to the lack of exercise.
So plan for next week (and if I write it down I have to stick to it):
Monday - run before work - 30 minutes
Tuesday - run from office to Liverpool Street - 50 minutes
Wednesday - run before work - 30 minutes
Thursday - run from office to Liverpool Street - 50 minutes
Friday - rest!
A lot but I am an all or nothing kinda girl and also its nothing compared to my marathon schedule earlier this year.
I will continue with mission bikini which has somewhat dissolved into getting-up-each-day-and-trying-to-survive-the-commute mission.
The good news of this week has been:
a. The wedding was amazing! Bride and Groom left the church on a tractor and bales of hay, we all got little pots of jam made from fruit in the orchard from the farm, the sausages and hog roast for dinner were from pigs reared on the farm and Joanna (the Bride) looked incredible. Purely stunning and gorgeous in her beautiful (size 8) dress. They are now on honeymoon in South Africa and then Mauritius - amazing.
b. My boyfriend passed his medical degree and is now a Doctor - wooohooo. He is off on a stag do this weekend which is being held on a boat. I'm slightly scared he might fall in to the river during his insane excitement/drunkeness. My friend Soraya who I saw on Tuesday night simply stated "This makes you so much cooler than Kate Middleton now" Yes it does Soraya. I like it.
This weekend for me is being spent in the books. I have a lot of coursework to start and am going to get cracking this weekend. A mini-break will be had on Saturday to go to the hairdressers for my summer highlights annual appointment and then a further break on Sunday for a bike ride. My cycle leg for the Surveyors Triathlon is looming at the beginning of July and I plan to do a 20 km time trial type thing on Sunday to see how I'm shaping up. Probably quite badly.
Thank goodness it is Friday and thank goodness for weekends and turning off that stupid alarm clock
Have a lovely weekend
Commuting sucks, getting up early sucks, sitting on a train which smells really bad for 40 minutes in the morning sucks, then getting on a tube which is really hot and rammed full sucks, getting back on the hot stuffed tube at the end of the day sucks and then getting on the smelly train for another 40 minutes SUCKS.
Why am I so down in the dumps? Because I am not doing nearly enough exercise. As my boyfriend said to me the other day "You will need to exercise every day, or the commute will drive you crazy". Well it already has so next week is officially - "I can cope with commuting and still do exercise" Week. I just don't get how these people get up sit on a train, sit a desk, sit on a train and then go home? No wonder everyone on that train looks so miserable.
Me? No no no. I need exercise. This week I played netball on Monday night and went for a run last evening but its not enough. Wednesday I woke up with a splitting headache which I haven't been able to shift all week. I swear its down to the lack of exercise.
So plan for next week (and if I write it down I have to stick to it):
Monday - run before work - 30 minutes
Tuesday - run from office to Liverpool Street - 50 minutes
Wednesday - run before work - 30 minutes
Thursday - run from office to Liverpool Street - 50 minutes
Friday - rest!
A lot but I am an all or nothing kinda girl and also its nothing compared to my marathon schedule earlier this year.
I will continue with mission bikini which has somewhat dissolved into getting-up-each-day-and-trying-to-survive-the-commute mission.
The good news of this week has been:
a. The wedding was amazing! Bride and Groom left the church on a tractor and bales of hay, we all got little pots of jam made from fruit in the orchard from the farm, the sausages and hog roast for dinner were from pigs reared on the farm and Joanna (the Bride) looked incredible. Purely stunning and gorgeous in her beautiful (size 8) dress. They are now on honeymoon in South Africa and then Mauritius - amazing.
b. My boyfriend passed his medical degree and is now a Doctor - wooohooo. He is off on a stag do this weekend which is being held on a boat. I'm slightly scared he might fall in to the river during his insane excitement/drunkeness. My friend Soraya who I saw on Tuesday night simply stated "This makes you so much cooler than Kate Middleton now" Yes it does Soraya. I like it.
This weekend for me is being spent in the books. I have a lot of coursework to start and am going to get cracking this weekend. A mini-break will be had on Saturday to go to the hairdressers for my summer highlights annual appointment and then a further break on Sunday for a bike ride. My cycle leg for the Surveyors Triathlon is looming at the beginning of July and I plan to do a 20 km time trial type thing on Sunday to see how I'm shaping up. Probably quite badly.
Thank goodness it is Friday and thank goodness for weekends and turning off that stupid alarm clock
Have a lovely weekend
Friday, June 10, 2011
Beyond tiredness
What a week. Have been so ridiculously busy it has gone by in a whirlwind.
Commuting is fine, getting up at 6:30 is really not that bad and I could definitely manage a couple of even earlier mornings in order to squeeze in a run or workout. The only bad part of commuting this week has been the one evening being on the train only to be surrounded by a groupd of 15 year old German exhange students who took up the whole train cabin and the smell of BO was really quite something.
Living in the countryside is super lovely though, I love how quiet it is compared to my flat in Fulham and it is rather nice cycling to the station in the morning in the fresh air, even if it is only for a few minutes.
This week I have managed to achieve serveral mini-achievements:
1. I have found Ben and I a flat to rent in Southfields from August. Its a one bed in a nice modern development and although rather tired and in need of some TLC, its bright, spacious with lots of storage. Essential for moi.
2. I ran the City Square Mile race to raise money and awareness for the charity Crisis to help fight homelessness. I did the 4 mile race in 35 minutes (I wanted to do sub 35 mins but never mind!) It was also shockingly hard work. I have lost a lot of my running peak fitness since the marathon. But plenty of time to get that back, so not to worry
3. I have stuck to my healthy eating and feeling a lot slimmer, healthier and happier due to it. Result.
4. I have started my next batch of coursework for the Masters. Second to last piece of the year and its started.
I am now tired beyond tired. But its Friday and I am spending the weekend in Somerset at my darling friends Jo and Neil's wedding, which I am unbelievably excited about. They are getting married in Jo's local church and then the reception is in a marquee on Jo's parents farm. Think apple orchards, rolling hills, cider and hay. Its going to be wonderful. Jo and Neil are friends of mine from University. I met Jo on a night out and we bonded over the fact we had both broken up with our first time loves at similar times and a love of cheesy dance films and shopping. We lived together and she is one of my closest friends. I think I will need the tissues tomorrow. Especially as I count Neil a very good friend too. The outfit is ready - pink dress LK Bennett, flat cream pumps LK Bennett, cream jacket Phase Eight and pink fascinator Hats n Stuff. Mini pampering session this evening so I'm looking glowy and lovely tomorrow and an early night. As the drive from Herts to Somerset is going to take 3 and a half hours and my friends are meeting in the pub at 12:00 pm. Cheeky pimms before the service - has to be done.
Let's all pray there is no rain
I hope you all have lovely weekends
Commuting is fine, getting up at 6:30 is really not that bad and I could definitely manage a couple of even earlier mornings in order to squeeze in a run or workout. The only bad part of commuting this week has been the one evening being on the train only to be surrounded by a groupd of 15 year old German exhange students who took up the whole train cabin and the smell of BO was really quite something.
Living in the countryside is super lovely though, I love how quiet it is compared to my flat in Fulham and it is rather nice cycling to the station in the morning in the fresh air, even if it is only for a few minutes.
This week I have managed to achieve serveral mini-achievements:
1. I have found Ben and I a flat to rent in Southfields from August. Its a one bed in a nice modern development and although rather tired and in need of some TLC, its bright, spacious with lots of storage. Essential for moi.
2. I ran the City Square Mile race to raise money and awareness for the charity Crisis to help fight homelessness. I did the 4 mile race in 35 minutes (I wanted to do sub 35 mins but never mind!) It was also shockingly hard work. I have lost a lot of my running peak fitness since the marathon. But plenty of time to get that back, so not to worry
3. I have stuck to my healthy eating and feeling a lot slimmer, healthier and happier due to it. Result.
4. I have started my next batch of coursework for the Masters. Second to last piece of the year and its started.
I am now tired beyond tired. But its Friday and I am spending the weekend in Somerset at my darling friends Jo and Neil's wedding, which I am unbelievably excited about. They are getting married in Jo's local church and then the reception is in a marquee on Jo's parents farm. Think apple orchards, rolling hills, cider and hay. Its going to be wonderful. Jo and Neil are friends of mine from University. I met Jo on a night out and we bonded over the fact we had both broken up with our first time loves at similar times and a love of cheesy dance films and shopping. We lived together and she is one of my closest friends. I think I will need the tissues tomorrow. Especially as I count Neil a very good friend too. The outfit is ready - pink dress LK Bennett, flat cream pumps LK Bennett, cream jacket Phase Eight and pink fascinator Hats n Stuff. Mini pampering session this evening so I'm looking glowy and lovely tomorrow and an early night. As the drive from Herts to Somerset is going to take 3 and a half hours and my friends are meeting in the pub at 12:00 pm. Cheeky pimms before the service - has to be done.
Let's all pray there is no rain
I hope you all have lovely weekends
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The move part 1 is complete
Thank goodness for that. Next time, I am officially hiring people to do the cleaning for me. What an absolute nightmare of trying to save £200. Well it was probably worth it looking back now but at half past midnight on Friday evening scrubbing the oven with all my might and then again at 10:30 on Saturday night seeing my poor boyfriend look beyond depseration as he tries to fit an armchair, a bike and three hat boxes into the boot of his VW Passat - wasn't quite worth it then.
But anyway, I have moved out of my little flat which is now in the hopefully very capable hands of a lovely set of Kiwis and I have moved in to the my boyfriends mum's house in the countryside (round the corner from the currently vacant Beckingham Palace) and am lodging up in my boyfriend's bedroom. Fun and games.
Yesterday I embarked on my first commute in and it was fine, I work in Marble Arch so I jump on the train which takes 40 minutes to get into Liverpool Street and then get one tube across to Marble Arch. Yesterday my boyfriends mum gave me a lift to the station but this morning I cycled in to the local station which only took about 5 minutes. Perfect.
I am also sitting with a fitness halo above my head because I managed to get up at 5:30 am this morning and went for a 30 min run before I headed out. It was glorious. I ran along the river and took the springer spaniel Tess with me. The early morning sunshine and quietness was so lovely compared to the smog of Chelsea Embankment, where I normally go out trotting. Loved it!
Not sure how many 5:30 am starts I can manage in a week. I have a 4 mile race after work on Thursday, so for this week I think it may be one only. If I can manage a run at the weekend too, the bikini mission will continue with full force.
So far its been salads ahoy, limited treats and not much red meat. I have to say after reading the american book "Skinny Bitch" last summer, my eating habits did change quite a lot and have stayed that way as the book really did make me look at some foods differently. I highliy doubt I will ever be a vegan but I have since seriously cut back on red meat and dairy products. I try and only eat fish and chicken and then maybe have red meat once or twice a month. If I have say red meat two days in a row it really does make me feel quite horrid. I would recommend the book as its true in some aspects and does give you quite a graphic detail on the effects of dairy and red meat on our systems.
So salad for lunch today and then I am off to see my darling friend Gareth this evening in Bermondsey. He is a man's man so I reckon red meat may be on the menu. But that's ok - its all about everything in moderation!
Here's a thought for Tuesday - A smile confuses an approaching frown
But anyway, I have moved out of my little flat which is now in the hopefully very capable hands of a lovely set of Kiwis and I have moved in to the my boyfriends mum's house in the countryside (round the corner from the currently vacant Beckingham Palace) and am lodging up in my boyfriend's bedroom. Fun and games.
Yesterday I embarked on my first commute in and it was fine, I work in Marble Arch so I jump on the train which takes 40 minutes to get into Liverpool Street and then get one tube across to Marble Arch. Yesterday my boyfriends mum gave me a lift to the station but this morning I cycled in to the local station which only took about 5 minutes. Perfect.
I am also sitting with a fitness halo above my head because I managed to get up at 5:30 am this morning and went for a 30 min run before I headed out. It was glorious. I ran along the river and took the springer spaniel Tess with me. The early morning sunshine and quietness was so lovely compared to the smog of Chelsea Embankment, where I normally go out trotting. Loved it!
Not sure how many 5:30 am starts I can manage in a week. I have a 4 mile race after work on Thursday, so for this week I think it may be one only. If I can manage a run at the weekend too, the bikini mission will continue with full force.
So far its been salads ahoy, limited treats and not much red meat. I have to say after reading the american book "Skinny Bitch" last summer, my eating habits did change quite a lot and have stayed that way as the book really did make me look at some foods differently. I highliy doubt I will ever be a vegan but I have since seriously cut back on red meat and dairy products. I try and only eat fish and chicken and then maybe have red meat once or twice a month. If I have say red meat two days in a row it really does make me feel quite horrid. I would recommend the book as its true in some aspects and does give you quite a graphic detail on the effects of dairy and red meat on our systems.
So salad for lunch today and then I am off to see my darling friend Gareth this evening in Bermondsey. He is a man's man so I reckon red meat may be on the menu. But that's ok - its all about everything in moderation!
Here's a thought for Tuesday - A smile confuses an approaching frown
Friday, June 3, 2011
Pastures new
I officially hate moving. Even when nothing goes wrong and the whole thing doesn’t even fall into the “stressful move” category, it’s still a bore and a chore.
But tomorrow will be the last day of packing, until I move from the countryside to Wimbledon in July/August. I feel like all I have done this week is exercise, work, go home and pack/watch Britain
The other day I had one of those awful shopping moments I hate. I was in Topshop and decided to try on some shorts – I will try a size 10 but no doubt these will be too small. I will then try on the size 12 or see if slimming down into the size 10 is feasible considering the current bikini mission I am still on. So I grab the size 10 and saunter off into the changing room. Feeling confident I slip on the shorts only to find they are huge! They are actually too big – oh my goodness, this has never happened before, I must have lost loads on bootcamp and trying to be good. Am I sure these are a 10? Oh no wait, the stupid shorts are a UK size 14 and a US
I would really like a smart pair of short shorts, to wear in England
There is only 5 weeks left of the bikini mission but if I could lose 7 pounds in those 5 weeks that would be good. The past two weeks have felt like a good start but I could have done better. So running once a week before work and then again at the weekend. Swimming maybe twice a week in the evenings. That should be enough to get me ready and raring to go.
The big move happens tomorrow, I will be leaving London London
Happy Friday
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
My love affair with Jack Bauer
What a weekend. I had a most enjoyable supper with my fellow fitness buddies on Friday night and then a glorious/horrendous 7 mile run along the embankment with bootcamp on Saturday morning. I have officially lost my marathon glory fitness. I really struggled and should have been able to do it a lot quicker. However having a month off exercise will do this to one's fitness so I shall not despair but move on and think of it as a stepping stone to regaining super lottie fitness once again.
After bootcamp I drove to the country and slipped into 24 world where after a 2 year break I reignited my love affair with the wonderful Jack Bauer. We parted ways approximately 2 years ago after I sacrificed two weekends and one week to his sexy deep american voice and hedonistic action man charms, which left me exhausted, serious eye strain and only series 1, 2 and 5 down (don't ask about the order issue). However after some time off from the destructive relationship, series 3 was calling me (as was the new 40 inch TV and Blu Ray machine to watch it on) so I once again delved in to the 24 hours or 17 hours actual running time (the episodes are not a full hour as they have to have commercial break spaces) of a frantic, heart racing and stressful relationship with Jack.
It was amazing. He totally pulled me in and before I knew it, 7 episodes in and I hadn't left the sofa because Jack had me hooked. Jack was trying to locate a deadly virus which terroists were threatening to unleash around the USA while also simulataneously combat a heroin addiction. I was in love and in lust once again. While my poor boyfriend studied for his finals (best of luck Ben!) I was holding my breath and gasping in shock at the turmoil and suspense Jack was dragging me through once again. I think the real low point was though when I had watched 6 episodes in a row, I stopped to get a drink from the kitchen I actually thought the rustle in the garden was not the dog but a SWAT team about to swing in through the windows yelling "Get down!!! Everyone down!! Do not move!!" Only for Jack to run in, pick me up and run with me out of the building which had been targeted for a huge bomb. As we reach the front door the bomb can be heard reaching its final beeps for countdown, we both leap out of the house running at full speed down the lane as the house explodes sending a huge explosion of fire and debris around us. Jack, the hero, jumps to cover me as we are sent flying up in the air by the impact of the blast.
But no, the rustle was the dog chasing a bird in the bushes.
This is what 24 does to you. It sends you to another world. I am now totally and fully fledged in love with Jack again. I don't know how he manages to play someone so bad and messed up who is simultaneously an absolute hero. Plus you'd know he'll never die if you were with him, no matter how dangerous it got, the "guy has more lives than a cat" I quote from series 3. Although there is a pretty high risk of kidnap and torture as the bad guys know how to get to Jack and its always the wife/girlfriend and children card. Its a toughie but a life of danger, thrills and all-american hero for company who seems to never sleep and never goes to the loo - sign me up. Its the voice, definitely the voice. Oh and maybe the sprints while shouting into the walkie talkie.
I have two episodes left and then its going to take all my strength to not start series 4. As much as I love Jack I don't think I can cope with another weekend of our tortuous relationship.
On that note, enjoy your Monday
After bootcamp I drove to the country and slipped into 24 world where after a 2 year break I reignited my love affair with the wonderful Jack Bauer. We parted ways approximately 2 years ago after I sacrificed two weekends and one week to his sexy deep american voice and hedonistic action man charms, which left me exhausted, serious eye strain and only series 1, 2 and 5 down (don't ask about the order issue). However after some time off from the destructive relationship, series 3 was calling me (as was the new 40 inch TV and Blu Ray machine to watch it on) so I once again delved in to the 24 hours or 17 hours actual running time (the episodes are not a full hour as they have to have commercial break spaces) of a frantic, heart racing and stressful relationship with Jack.
It was amazing. He totally pulled me in and before I knew it, 7 episodes in and I hadn't left the sofa because Jack had me hooked. Jack was trying to locate a deadly virus which terroists were threatening to unleash around the USA while also simulataneously combat a heroin addiction. I was in love and in lust once again. While my poor boyfriend studied for his finals (best of luck Ben!) I was holding my breath and gasping in shock at the turmoil and suspense Jack was dragging me through once again. I think the real low point was though when I had watched 6 episodes in a row, I stopped to get a drink from the kitchen I actually thought the rustle in the garden was not the dog but a SWAT team about to swing in through the windows yelling "Get down!!! Everyone down!! Do not move!!" Only for Jack to run in, pick me up and run with me out of the building which had been targeted for a huge bomb. As we reach the front door the bomb can be heard reaching its final beeps for countdown, we both leap out of the house running at full speed down the lane as the house explodes sending a huge explosion of fire and debris around us. Jack, the hero, jumps to cover me as we are sent flying up in the air by the impact of the blast.
But no, the rustle was the dog chasing a bird in the bushes.
This is what 24 does to you. It sends you to another world. I am now totally and fully fledged in love with Jack again. I don't know how he manages to play someone so bad and messed up who is simultaneously an absolute hero. Plus you'd know he'll never die if you were with him, no matter how dangerous it got, the "guy has more lives than a cat" I quote from series 3. Although there is a pretty high risk of kidnap and torture as the bad guys know how to get to Jack and its always the wife/girlfriend and children card. Its a toughie but a life of danger, thrills and all-american hero for company who seems to never sleep and never goes to the loo - sign me up. Its the voice, definitely the voice. Oh and maybe the sprints while shouting into the walkie talkie.
I have two episodes left and then its going to take all my strength to not start series 4. As much as I love Jack I don't think I can cope with another weekend of our tortuous relationship.
On that note, enjoy your Monday
Friday, May 27, 2011
It was all going so well
I was due an embarrassing experience. I had gone for about a month without one, so in fairness, based on past experience and statistics I should have seen this coming.
Yesterday London experienced what can only be called tropical storms throughout the day and consequently this morning my cycle ride to work was littered with puddles. I cut through Hyde Park for the final part of my cycle, its quiet and no road traffic and I like to escape the pollution and looming buses on my tail for 5 minutes. Hyde Park has many bridal paths which today resembled mud slides due to the floods that covered them yesterday. I had to cross the bridal path to get to the cycle path and there was no other way across. I could just see it happening like some freaky premonition. "Just take it slowly, you'll be fine" I whispered to myself clinging on to the handle bars for dear life. I slowly edged over the bridal path and then as I exited I got cocky and tried to turn onto the normal cycle path and woosh, whole bikegoes from beneath me in the mudslide and I land boom on my side flat down in the mud slide.
At this precise moment about 50 members of the Household Cavalry on their early morning exercise in Hyde Park came sprinting past. I stupidly screamed like a little girl as I landed in the mud with a splash and consequently they all turned round to see me lying in the mud with my bike on top of me.
"Are you alright?!"
"Everything ok there?"
About 20 of them started to run towards me as I tried to wriggle from under the bike and covering myself in more mud. They were then promptly yelled at by their leader to "Leave her alone, you and you can go and see she's ok. The rest of you carry on."
Oh great. I thought. I was in that fragile state where I wasn't sure to laugh or cry and once I managed to get out from under my bike the sheer humiliation of the episode took over and I leapt up yelling out "I'm fine, I'm fine, please just stay where you are, I'm just um... going to go" I limped off with my bike absolutely coverered in mud. Plus it was yellow mud from the bridal path so mixed on my black leggings just looked like I had had some awful loo accident. Really all this before 8:15 am???
Cycling off I realised my handle bars had gone wonky and a bruise was already forming on my right bottom cheek from the impact.
Just to top it off, I got in the lift at work only to be joined by one of the senior partners I'm currently trying to impress who looked at me rather dubiously as I stood there looking like I'd dropped in to Glastonbury for a mud rave on my way to work. I did manage to explain and hopefully my "bravery" will be seen as some skill in any future potential promotions.
So far the rest of the day seems to have gone by fine, although I am dreading putting my leggings back on for the cycle home. One things for sure, I am avoiding that bridal path on the way home.
Thank goodness its Friday!
Yesterday London experienced what can only be called tropical storms throughout the day and consequently this morning my cycle ride to work was littered with puddles. I cut through Hyde Park for the final part of my cycle, its quiet and no road traffic and I like to escape the pollution and looming buses on my tail for 5 minutes. Hyde Park has many bridal paths which today resembled mud slides due to the floods that covered them yesterday. I had to cross the bridal path to get to the cycle path and there was no other way across. I could just see it happening like some freaky premonition. "Just take it slowly, you'll be fine" I whispered to myself clinging on to the handle bars for dear life. I slowly edged over the bridal path and then as I exited I got cocky and tried to turn onto the normal cycle path and woosh, whole bikegoes from beneath me in the mudslide and I land boom on my side flat down in the mud slide.
At this precise moment about 50 members of the Household Cavalry on their early morning exercise in Hyde Park came sprinting past. I stupidly screamed like a little girl as I landed in the mud with a splash and consequently they all turned round to see me lying in the mud with my bike on top of me.
"Are you alright?!"
"Everything ok there?"
About 20 of them started to run towards me as I tried to wriggle from under the bike and covering myself in more mud. They were then promptly yelled at by their leader to "Leave her alone, you and you can go and see she's ok. The rest of you carry on."
Oh great. I thought. I was in that fragile state where I wasn't sure to laugh or cry and once I managed to get out from under my bike the sheer humiliation of the episode took over and I leapt up yelling out "I'm fine, I'm fine, please just stay where you are, I'm just um... going to go" I limped off with my bike absolutely coverered in mud. Plus it was yellow mud from the bridal path so mixed on my black leggings just looked like I had had some awful loo accident. Really all this before 8:15 am???
Cycling off I realised my handle bars had gone wonky and a bruise was already forming on my right bottom cheek from the impact.
Just to top it off, I got in the lift at work only to be joined by one of the senior partners I'm currently trying to impress who looked at me rather dubiously as I stood there looking like I'd dropped in to Glastonbury for a mud rave on my way to work. I did manage to explain and hopefully my "bravery" will be seen as some skill in any future potential promotions.
So far the rest of the day seems to have gone by fine, although I am dreading putting my leggings back on for the cycle home. One things for sure, I am avoiding that bridal path on the way home.
Thank goodness its Friday!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Bikini Inspiration
Its such a horrid grey day today. I am feeling tired and deflated. I feel so sorry for my boyfriend who is in revision hell. His finals start next week for the culmination of his 4 year medical degree and even though he won't say, I'm sure he's feeling it. I haven't seen him for over two weeks now also and I'm missing him and aso weirdly feel like I should be with him in his hour of need. Even though, again, he would never say so to me. I am seeing him this weekend as I'm going to his parents house in the countryside. Even though he'll be working all weekend at least we'll see each in the evenings/meal times!
Luckily he's pretty good at cramming and working very hard when he needs to. He also has one of those photographic memory things, so last minute revision has always been something of his speciality.
It is very strange though to think that after 7 years of being a student he is going to be a working doctor (hopefully, touch wood) in the matter of weeks. He gets his results the day after his final exam, so fortunately no painful wait. That morning is going to be nerve wracking - I think I will just spend all of it staring at my phone. He'll probably be incredibly calm or sleep in due to getting horribly drunk the night before in celebrations. Either way, I am very proud of my darling Benjamin. He has managed to juggle and deal with a lot of things over the past 4 years (medicine is his second degree) and to think he will finally be finished and having some well deserved time off in just a couple of weeks makes me feel incredibly happy for him.
My focus for the next few weeks will still be the bikini, bikini bikini. I think I owe it to Benjamin to look incredibly hot on our lovely celebratory holiday in Italy with his family. Ben's mum is renting a house for us for a week in Puglia, southern Italy. Ben's Aunt also lives out in the area so she will be around too. Ben's Mum, sister, brother and I are going out to celebrate Ben's finishing and also to celebrate Pippa (his little sister) finsihing her GCSEs. I've seen pictures of the house and it is decorated in a "Italian and African style and pieces" hence why I need the african print bikini I purchased earlier this week. And the african print sundress to wear over said bikini. Oh my goodness I can't wait.
So to keep the focus some bikini inspired pictures to keep me going! I don't think I'll ever look like the girls in the "group shot" but Kelly Brook is maybe achievable, although I will never have her boobs!
The bikini mission continues...
Have a good day
Luckily he's pretty good at cramming and working very hard when he needs to. He also has one of those photographic memory things, so last minute revision has always been something of his speciality.
It is very strange though to think that after 7 years of being a student he is going to be a working doctor (hopefully, touch wood) in the matter of weeks. He gets his results the day after his final exam, so fortunately no painful wait. That morning is going to be nerve wracking - I think I will just spend all of it staring at my phone. He'll probably be incredibly calm or sleep in due to getting horribly drunk the night before in celebrations. Either way, I am very proud of my darling Benjamin. He has managed to juggle and deal with a lot of things over the past 4 years (medicine is his second degree) and to think he will finally be finished and having some well deserved time off in just a couple of weeks makes me feel incredibly happy for him.
My focus for the next few weeks will still be the bikini, bikini bikini. I think I owe it to Benjamin to look incredibly hot on our lovely celebratory holiday in Italy with his family. Ben's mum is renting a house for us for a week in Puglia, southern Italy. Ben's Aunt also lives out in the area so she will be around too. Ben's Mum, sister, brother and I are going out to celebrate Ben's finishing and also to celebrate Pippa (his little sister) finsihing her GCSEs. I've seen pictures of the house and it is decorated in a "Italian and African style and pieces" hence why I need the african print bikini I purchased earlier this week. And the african print sundress to wear over said bikini. Oh my goodness I can't wait.
So to keep the focus some bikini inspired pictures to keep me going! I don't think I'll ever look like the girls in the "group shot" but Kelly Brook is maybe achievable, although I will never have her boobs!
Have a good day
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Cardio day - ouch
Cardio day today at bootcamp, I am now feeling very stiff and tired. I pushed myself hard and every time I felt pain or tiredness I pictured the bikinis and it worked. Spurred me on to keep going and push through the pain barrier. The session consisted of sprint drills, threshold running and cardio moves. It was tough but I’m glad I pushed myself hard – feel that burn.
Yesterday, I was walking along Oxford Street in my lunch break soaking up some Vitamin D and having a meander and what do I stumble on but the Marks and Spencer sale. I only went in to have a little look and lo and behold, what do I find but the dress I had my eye on for the past month or two reduced from £69 to £30. Well that is rather lucky, I thought to myself so tried it on and sure enough it looked fab so promptly snapped it up. Bargain. It’s for a wedding in July and potentially another wedding in August (different friendship groups, so I can wear it twice if needs be) I have a total of 5 more weddings this year. Last year I invested in 3 fabulous fascinators and three dresses and swapped them around for the 5 weddings I had last year. I have already attended 2 weddings this year and have still managed to not buy anything new. However the wedding I have in July is for a couple within a group of friends who will have seen at least all three outfits once, if not twice for one. So I'm feeling quite smug that my new planned outfit has been purchased as such a bargain. I now need to order a black fascinator and need to locate a summery black jacket to go with the dress and then I'm done. The dress is a fab coral colour - I love brights and is a shift style with a belt. I wear this style a lot as I have a tiny waist and long legs and I like to wear wide fascinators and they work best with this shape of dress too. It’s an Audrey Hepburn/Chanel inspiration look.
Yesterday, I was walking along Oxford Street in my lunch break soaking up some Vitamin D and having a meander and what do I stumble on but the Marks and Spencer sale. I only went in to have a little look and lo and behold, what do I find but the dress I had my eye on for the past month or two reduced from £69 to £30. Well that is rather lucky, I thought to myself so tried it on and sure enough it looked fab so promptly snapped it up. Bargain. It’s for a wedding in July and potentially another wedding in August (different friendship groups, so I can wear it twice if needs be) I have a total of 5 more weddings this year. Last year I invested in 3 fabulous fascinators and three dresses and swapped them around for the 5 weddings I had last year. I have already attended 2 weddings this year and have still managed to not buy anything new. However the wedding I have in July is for a couple within a group of friends who will have seen at least all three outfits once, if not twice for one. So I'm feeling quite smug that my new planned outfit has been purchased as such a bargain. I now need to order a black fascinator and need to locate a summery black jacket to go with the dress and then I'm done. The dress is a fab coral colour - I love brights and is a shift style with a belt. I wear this style a lot as I have a tiny waist and long legs and I like to wear wide fascinators and they work best with this shape of dress too. It’s an Audrey Hepburn/Chanel inspiration look.
I think an Epsom salts bath may be needed this evening to ease my poor legs. Oh and I also have to construct my outfit purchase matrix to decided what I can and cannot buy for my dream Italian holiday wardrobe. Anything to stop me raiding the secret cookie jar and secret chocolate in secret chocolate hiding place.
So glad there is no more running now until Saturday
Enjoy the sunshine
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Woman on a mission
Just like the song, I am a woman on a mission.
I am two days into my fitness bootcamp and I am feeling the burn. Cardio day yesterday and conditioning session this morning. I was so exhausted last night after the extreme lack of sleep over the weekend and then 5:55 am start on Monday, I passed out in bed at 9:15 pm last night. Rock and Roll.
But up again this mornig at 5:55 am and I worked very hard this morning. I even devised my own incentive programme. Yesterday in my lunch break I purchased two new bikinis (size 12 but I do think that because of my height the bottoms need to be a size 12 to fit properly?!) Anyway, new bikinis purchased I tried them on at home and they look ok. I look now, how I looked this time last year for my summer holidays - pretty good but room for improvement. I know I can tone up and jiggle down so am on a mission to make my body look amazing for the bikinis. No muffin spill, no jiggly inner thighs and a taught tummy - this is my mission and I have chosen to accept it.
I have approximately 6 weeks until the holiday in Italy and the two week bootcamp is the perfect super boost start.
So after an hour of squatting, lunging, jumping, planking and crunching I feel slightly stiff but good. My plan is to also eat well over the next 6 weeks. No rubbish and healthy suppers.
While life may be slightly dull for the next couple of weeks, it will be worth it. I also think that a couple of months with a reduced social calendar will also be good on the old bank account. And that means cute beach outfits to go with the new bikini and the two dresses I have my eye on in Oasis. One is aqua marine and long with frills - perfect summer holiday dress, it must be mine. Accessorize have at the moment the cutest beach wear, I have my eye on a striped jersey bandeau dress, some blue jersey sailor shorts, an african print bandeau dress and a frilly white broderie skirt. Not too much then??? Not sure will be able to purchase it all. However the house we are staying in in Italy is just too beautiful, it would be devastating to not be dressed well all week.
Luckily my boyfriend has also given in to two months of whining in his ear. He originally booked our flights with no haul baggage (darn you ryan air and your stuid overpriced "extras") and told me for a weeks holiday I needed to make do with the space of what can only be described as a large weekend bag for a weeks worth of amazing summer clothes for my only summer holiday this year and a sweets bag worth of liquid toiletries. I don't think so Mr.
However at the prospect of not being able to bring back his beloved olive oil and balsamic vinegar and the above whining, he has caved and I am reunited with my large Samsonite.
I'm sorry but for the one week of the year where you are not restricted to office wear, British weather, at your slimmest, tanned and looking generally amazing and you have to take out minimal clothing - not on my watch.
For the time being I will not be buying anything and then will probably devise some sort of hierarchy spreadhseet for my wish items and select accordingly. But first the bikini mission must be executed and so far so good.
This evening? Packing and the sky plussed episode of Glee I recorded last night
Have a lovely day
I am two days into my fitness bootcamp and I am feeling the burn. Cardio day yesterday and conditioning session this morning. I was so exhausted last night after the extreme lack of sleep over the weekend and then 5:55 am start on Monday, I passed out in bed at 9:15 pm last night. Rock and Roll.
But up again this mornig at 5:55 am and I worked very hard this morning. I even devised my own incentive programme. Yesterday in my lunch break I purchased two new bikinis (size 12 but I do think that because of my height the bottoms need to be a size 12 to fit properly?!) Anyway, new bikinis purchased I tried them on at home and they look ok. I look now, how I looked this time last year for my summer holidays - pretty good but room for improvement. I know I can tone up and jiggle down so am on a mission to make my body look amazing for the bikinis. No muffin spill, no jiggly inner thighs and a taught tummy - this is my mission and I have chosen to accept it.
I have approximately 6 weeks until the holiday in Italy and the two week bootcamp is the perfect super boost start.
So after an hour of squatting, lunging, jumping, planking and crunching I feel slightly stiff but good. My plan is to also eat well over the next 6 weeks. No rubbish and healthy suppers.
While life may be slightly dull for the next couple of weeks, it will be worth it. I also think that a couple of months with a reduced social calendar will also be good on the old bank account. And that means cute beach outfits to go with the new bikini and the two dresses I have my eye on in Oasis. One is aqua marine and long with frills - perfect summer holiday dress, it must be mine. Accessorize have at the moment the cutest beach wear, I have my eye on a striped jersey bandeau dress, some blue jersey sailor shorts, an african print bandeau dress and a frilly white broderie skirt. Not too much then??? Not sure will be able to purchase it all. However the house we are staying in in Italy is just too beautiful, it would be devastating to not be dressed well all week.
Luckily my boyfriend has also given in to two months of whining in his ear. He originally booked our flights with no haul baggage (darn you ryan air and your stuid overpriced "extras") and told me for a weeks holiday I needed to make do with the space of what can only be described as a large weekend bag for a weeks worth of amazing summer clothes for my only summer holiday this year and a sweets bag worth of liquid toiletries. I don't think so Mr.
However at the prospect of not being able to bring back his beloved olive oil and balsamic vinegar and the above whining, he has caved and I am reunited with my large Samsonite.
I'm sorry but for the one week of the year where you are not restricted to office wear, British weather, at your slimmest, tanned and looking generally amazing and you have to take out minimal clothing - not on my watch.
For the time being I will not be buying anything and then will probably devise some sort of hierarchy spreadhseet for my wish items and select accordingly. But first the bikini mission must be executed and so far so good.
This evening? Packing and the sky plussed episode of Glee I recorded last night
Have a lovely day
Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday morning comes again
I wish. This is the photo I was speaking of which made my entire month, my friend is such a legend. I think we make such a fabulous couple.
My weekend: was so lovely. Spent in Warwick with some of my closest girlfriends. We hired a cottage for the weekend and spent the whole weekend eating, drinking and talking. There were not any pimms shots but a lot of gossiping and putting the world right and chilling out. There were however 2 late nights so all in all I was exhausted yesterday. I have now had 5 weekends in a row of being out of London and spending Sunday night driving back feeling horrendously hungover.
On the way back from Warwick we stopped off at Bicester Village for some shopping and I managed to pick up some nude flats from LK Bennett, which are fabulous and should serve well at some weddings and summer parties coming up. I love LK Bennett shoes they have this amazing talent of transforming your feet into wonderful elegant objects.
After two nights of a lot of wine and food I was feeling awful on Sunday evening and dragged my flailing carcus to bed fairly early. I spoke to my boyfriend for a bit, really missing him at the moment as haven't seen him now for over a week. Also feeling dreadfully sorry for him as he ploughs on with endless revision for his finals. How do you revise 4 years worth of teaching for a 2 hour exam? Nightmare.
And this morning: was day 1 of the two week bootcamo before I leave for the countryside. It was a cardio day and involved doing timed running laps, sprinting and circuits. Has anyone ever seen The Little Mermaid, the Disney film? After the session I felt like the little crab Sebastien when he gets thrown through the laundry process and lunch process at the castle - well and truly put through the mill and pulled and twisted in every fashion. I haven't felt so exhausted and pooped since the marathon! But feeling good now, I am going home this evening to sort out and do more packing. I think a bath is needed in order to sort out my weary muscles and send me to sleep nicely this evening. I rarely do baths as I can never be bothered with them. Plus as I stand at nearly 6 foot I don't really fit into baths so either my shoulders get chilly or my knees get chilly. However epsom salt baths are incredible and send you into a complete coma afterwards, which this evening, I have a feeling will be encouraged by my weary self.
My best friend Claudia was with us this weekend and she is 5 months pregnant (and looks amazing). She succumbed this weekend to buying some gorgeous little baby clothes for her little one who is due in September. She also purchased a Cath Kidston changing bag. Claudia is going to be one of those uber trendy yummy mummys. We spoke over the weekend about how we always thought we would be pregnant at the same time as each other when we were younger (we've known each other since we were 8) but she is slightly ahead of me now. However I feel confident that I may be pregnant with my first when she is on her 4th!
Sun is shining and I am wearing my favourite 50s skirt today at work with my mary jane wedges, I feel very spring like and Doris Day inspired. Nothing like a favourite outfit to make you feel wonderful.
Enjoy your Mondays
Friday, May 20, 2011
Friday feeling
I don't know why but I have been in such a good mood today and I'm really not sure why.
After much consideration I have decided it is down to several things:
1. My friend sent me a photo of my face super-imposed on Kate and Will's enagagement shot. It looked incredible, i am going to try and upload it here I was so impressed and frankly I loved it! I have been a fan and have had a huge crush on Prince William since the age of 10. I have always loved him and was slightly devastated when he made it official with Kate. I even went to the steps of applying and getting into St Andrews University but luckily decided against it as it was so far away and I read somewhere there was no nightclub. I thought these were a necessity for University life and it turns out they were. But hey ho it wasn't meant to be.
2. I am going away for the weekend to Warwickshire with my close group of girlfriends from school. The days of Kings School Peterborough (KSP) were made incredible by the very strong friendship group I landed in of 8 fabulous girlies. We have remained pretty tight ever since and every now and then we like to do weekend things which normally result in many laughs, stories and last time shots of pimms. I really do not reccomend the latter. I will do a full report on Monday of the escapades. However as we know, what goes on tour, stays on tour!
3. It's friday - in general amazing. I have had a busy week. No uni work achieved but I have been busy every night and in bed late (for me) every night which has left me drained and feeling horrid. However just knowing its nearly the weekend has helped no end
4. Bank holiday weekend next weekend - I'm spending it in the countryside with my boyfriends family. Cannot wait to relax.
5. I have signed up for a 2 week fitness bootcamp which starts on monday and will be for an hour every day before work. It promises to be challenging and fun and the good kick start I need to getting beach perfect for the beginning of July. One of my very best friends is also getting married on 11th June so obviously I need to look amazing for that too.
I will be reporting on Monday of my warwickshire tales and hopefully will not be in too much pain from my first bootcamp session.
Happy weekend everyone
After much consideration I have decided it is down to several things:
1. My friend sent me a photo of my face super-imposed on Kate and Will's enagagement shot. It looked incredible, i am going to try and upload it here I was so impressed and frankly I loved it! I have been a fan and have had a huge crush on Prince William since the age of 10. I have always loved him and was slightly devastated when he made it official with Kate. I even went to the steps of applying and getting into St Andrews University but luckily decided against it as it was so far away and I read somewhere there was no nightclub. I thought these were a necessity for University life and it turns out they were. But hey ho it wasn't meant to be.
2. I am going away for the weekend to Warwickshire with my close group of girlfriends from school. The days of Kings School Peterborough (KSP) were made incredible by the very strong friendship group I landed in of 8 fabulous girlies. We have remained pretty tight ever since and every now and then we like to do weekend things which normally result in many laughs, stories and last time shots of pimms. I really do not reccomend the latter. I will do a full report on Monday of the escapades. However as we know, what goes on tour, stays on tour!
3. It's friday - in general amazing. I have had a busy week. No uni work achieved but I have been busy every night and in bed late (for me) every night which has left me drained and feeling horrid. However just knowing its nearly the weekend has helped no end
4. Bank holiday weekend next weekend - I'm spending it in the countryside with my boyfriends family. Cannot wait to relax.
5. I have signed up for a 2 week fitness bootcamp which starts on monday and will be for an hour every day before work. It promises to be challenging and fun and the good kick start I need to getting beach perfect for the beginning of July. One of my very best friends is also getting married on 11th June so obviously I need to look amazing for that too.
I will be reporting on Monday of my warwickshire tales and hopefully will not be in too much pain from my first bootcamp session.
Happy weekend everyone
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Post number one
I have a slight confession; I am not a virgin blogger. I don’t want to be a show off (ok maybe slightly) but I ran the London Marathon this year in April and I wrote a blog for that on a fitness website. However I feel slightly guilty as I love blogging but my running escapades have reduced rather significantly since then and now I’m the only one blogging about general life stuff and not about running and being super fit on said website.
However fitness is a big part of my life. I love it. I am tall and always have been; nearly 6 foot so was graced with long legs and a long body. This was snapped up by my sporty parents at about the age of 3 and I was a club swimmer for most of my youth and teenage years. This was until my parents moved me to the local grammar school from the sheltered all girl prep school I was at and I had boys around me. I was taller than all of them, posher than all of them and my shoulders were about twice the width of theirs. I toned down the swimming and unfortunately also my figure. During my teens I embarked on dancing, ballet, tap, modern, anything that involved being girly, dressing up and wearing pink. However my quest to impress boys didn’t really work and I always felt huge and bigger than them all. It didn’t help that the boys in my school were all complete losers and it was only during A Levels when the boys in the year above noticed me that I started to get compliments and fleeting romantic moments. Then at University I continued to dance and spent a lot of my time doing cheerleading for the University squad. I was obsessed with Bring It On and loved the dance aspect. We ended up being quite good and won some competitions. However my love affair with sport also returned and I embarked on playing lacrosse when I could and netball too.
After University I did a ski season as part of my gap year and then moved down to London Southampton playing on Saturdays was tricky as we embarking on a 4 year long distance stint as he started medical school. The outdoor fitness classes started my affair with running and that led to the marathon (although I think I will explain more on that another day).
My boyfriend Ben has also been a huge influence on me. When we met at Univeristy (the first time round for him) I was a bubbly blonde who was obsessed with pink and being uber girly. We have been together 6 years now and I have now progressed to being a more slender, toned down and classier version of my former self. He has helped me to achieve my fitness dreams, career dreams and along the way I have returned to my old school demure and classier roots. I love him so much for that.
I’ve done my early twenties and I have to say I struggled slightly, I learnt how to manage my money (although I’m still shockingly bad), I moved to somewhere where I had few friends and my boyfriend was 60 miles away. I had no career direction and needed to join Weight Watchers. However I came out the other side with a fairly balanced bank account, a career in the making, a good fitness regime and diet (although this is also questionable), settled in my flat which I bought in Fulham, lots of amazing friends and a boyfriend who I cannot adore more.
So here we are, marathon done and dusted – 4:49 and no walking or stopping if you’re interested, holiday in Italy the second week of July, nearly half way through my masters and standing on the edge of what feels like a life precipice. My boyfriend Ben is about to finish and hopefully pass (touch wood, fingers crossed) his medical degree and I am hoping to get on a graduate scheme at work to further my surveying career while I finish my masters. I am moving out of my treasured SW6 flat the end of May and going to live with my boyfriends mum for two months while Ben finishes up his exams and then we move to Wimbledon together in August.
So hop on board and join me for my next chapter, life as a 27 year old in London
It promises to be a bumpy ride but an adventure none the less.
Enjoy, I will be trying to.
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