Road To Fitness; Day 1 to 5

Hello, loves.

So this is a little different post I know but I wanted to test this out to see if this type of thing would be popular and fun to write. I'm in no way fit or even entertaining but a little daily diary account of my progession might help boost me slightly. 

Day 1
Good morning, I've been up since 7am. It's my day off am i crazy?  People say exercising early, keeps you energised for the rest of the day and also it's out of the way without thinking about it. So, today is my first attempt at Charlotte Crosby's 3 Minute Belly Blitz and to cut out the crap, wish me luck!

Wow .. I underestimated how tough this was going to be, out of breath at the warm-up and heavily sweating after 2 or 3 rounds. Man, my stamina is dreadful! It's high intensity training so 12 rounds of 3 minute workouts but let me tell you, something is working, I feel every muscle tensing with every move. Something tells me I'm going to be in paaaain tomorrow! But I did enjoy it far more than expected, because it's different you're not stuck learning a routine for 3 hours. I'll definitely be continuing!

Food Of The Day:
Breakfast: Weetabix, milk and an orange.
Lunch: M&S Prawn Layer Salad, Count On Us Salt and Malt Vinegar and a banana.
Dinner: Sausage, Mash and Beans.
Snacks: 2x Oatcakes, 4x Ginger Snaps.

Day 2
So, I have the pleasure of my mother watching me workout today and I'm not sure if it encouraged me or not. However, it did almost inspire her to join in, obviously from the comfort of her own sofa, but working out together surely will boost my motivation right?
I had a break at the beginning today, to be fair my leg and stomach muscles were aching and I've discovered how weak my ankles really are when doing the more difficult moves but I hope this means it's working.

Food Of The Day:
Breakfast: Scrambled Egg On Toast
Lunch: M&S Tuna sweetcorn Pasta Salad, Banana
Snack: Galaxy Ripple {come on I needed a chocolate fix to get through my shift}

Day 3
I am suffering, like seriously bad. My legs and stomach and arms are achy, are like jelly and I'm very annoyed with myself that I couldn't do the workout as well. I was stopping and starting, I did it half-hearted ugh. I'm feeling cheat day to recover. 

On the bright side I got my Euros for my trip to Dublin today aaah only 5 Days!!

Food Of The Day:
Breakfast: Weetabix with milk
Lunch: Iceland Chicken and Bacon Pasta
Dinner: Fish and Chips

Day 4
I'm up and thankfully so much more energised and ready for this workout. I got warm so quickly today but other than water breaks whilst explaining each round I didn't stop! I battled through it all. My ankles are still super weak but I felt so chuffed with myself like my stamina is improving so it must be working and I even tried the dreaded surf press-up. (If you have this dvd you know what I mean) I can't wait to do it again tomorrow, I'm on such a high. I sound so silly wow.

Food Of The Day:
Breakfast: Weetabix with milk
Lunch: M&S Prawn Layer Salad, Count On Us Salt and Vinegar Crisp, Count On Us Chocolate Mousse
Snacks: 4 x Oatcakes, 2 x mini flapjack bites 

Day 5
I am feeling tired. I think it may all be catching up with me but this is my final day of workout until after my birthday and I wanted to do well. I got shattered quite quickly but then afterwards I was okay, I wasn't 100% like yesterday but I am starting to feel better about myself and that's what this is all about for me and it's worth the exhaustion and achyness! It's really bothering me that my ankles are the main thing hindering me though else I'd be able to keep up perfectly I think. So I need to find a solution to this.

Breakfast: Weetabix with milk
Lunch: Iceland Chicken and Bacon Pasta
Dinner/Supper: Chicken and Spiced Potatoes

Snacks: Banana, Count On Us Chocolate Mousse.

I'm going on hiatus from this workout and from blogging as I'm going to Dublin on Monday to celebrate my 21st (it's on Wednesday!) but when I'm back I hope to do a post all about my trip, I'm so so excited! Then of course back to the workout and healthy eating.

Love you loads.

Katie x

Time For Some Fitspiration

I honestly applaud people who can genuinely just get up on the 1st of January and have the motivation to lose weight and detox their body from Christmas. For me, it's not that easy. I mean c'mon, how can you suddenly start eating healthy when there's still a dozen leftovers like selection boxes and Quality Street tins laying about waiting to be eaten?? But it's coming to the end of January and there is no yummy indulgent distractions left so now really is the perfect time to feel better about myself.

I must admit it is pretty difficult for me to eat normally as I work evenings so I have to eat my meals before 4pm and I work weekends until 8pm but I'm determined to work out something that will actually help me. It's not as such losing weight, I'm a size 10/12 but I haven't exercised properly for a long time since I stopped dancing so it's more about toning up and feeling confident. Also, I feel sluggish, have zero energy alot of the time and my digestive system has really been giving me grief lately. So it's time for a change and a detox so i feel healthier as well as look better.

I picked up a few glossy mags and went onto Womens Fitness website to give me an idea of where to start and these are a few tips I've picked up to help get me going that may be useful to you too;

- You should drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to hydrate your body's cells. This will prevent bloating and even improve your skin health. Also if you drink water before or after a meal it speeds up your metabolism.

- Take a probiotic supplement to help your digestive system. Of course this is completely optional but I think my body is telling me I need some kind of TLC.

- So apparently lemon and ginger are natural weight loss aids that also speed up your metabolism, take care of your stomach and claims to be the ultimate weight loss booster.

- I've got my hands on Charlotte Crosby's 3 Minute Belly Blitz. Hopefully this will be the exercise motivation I need as gyms terrify me!!

- If you are feeling peckish, snack on some pistachio nuts, apparently they are full of protein and healthy fats that prevent you from that sudden urge to binge eat!

- Reading every single "LOOK AT ME NOW" article there is a running trend of poached eggs, porridge, salmon, chicken and green veg in their daily intake. These are definitely the staple buys I will be purchasing.

- If all else fails; get a tan! Just because the weather is rubbish doesn't mean you can't glow. It actually makes you look slimmer but also feel that extra bit confident instead of being that miserable milk bottle in the corner.

I'm starting off small, and not expecting incredible results but I think by actually blogging about this will give me the motivation to succeed and maybe even write down what I eat daily. I found when I did Weight Watchers actually writing down my meals helped me keep track and by writing it publically obviously I don't want to put down that I ate a whole chocolate cake so it gives me the mindset to be good and eat sensibly.

Just a small catch though, I probably won't start this full-on until I'm back from Dublin after my birthday so if you do see me on Twitter or Instagram eating that chocolate cake, please don't yell at me!!

Lots of love

Katie x

Online Friends.

Hello m'loves.

So, this post today is something very close to my heart aswell as i'm sure thousands of you out there; Online Friends.

Who remembers when they were younger before "proper" social media was invented we were taught not to talk to strangers, not to speak to anyone you don't know online etc. (although i must admit the awful days of "chat rooms" there were a few, lets say "interesting" individuals you came across.) but like everything technology has evolved! Facebook was invented to reconnect with your friends and family but the Holy Grail that is Twitter was basically created to interact with people you didn't know.

Think about it, Celebrities and aspiring musicians/artists/actors etc use Twitter as their primary source of gaining new fans to grow their following and success. To be honest, it's quite impossible to even remember life before it. How did we find out the latest gossip so fast? What did we use to vent? How did we know about events etc? It's very scary how pretty much everyone on this planet relies on the internet nowadays. And of course, by following your favourite people you're going to interact with other new strangers who share your interest from all over the world. For something potentially so dangerous, it's actually pretty amazing. 

Over the years I have been lucky enough to find friends across the globe from when i was a fan of The Wanted {y'know the other boyband that wasn't One Direction .. Glad You Came?} well with their growing success came growing fans and I was in this little bubble with so many my age who wouldn't judge me unlike my "real life" friends and we would gossip, laugh, cry together until the early hours of the morning, gushing about our love. 

Honestly, when I first got Twitter I never expected to be able to grow such a deep connection with someone over a computer and I have had many friends that have come and gone but each time was truly special and if you had the opportunity to meet, it would be the most emotional time you could experience. Thanks to everyone I've met online, I've had the chance to travel some of England, Ireland and Wales. I've gained experience and memories so to those who frown upon it, those who constantly undermined me and judged me for liking "a poxy band" it was the best decision of my life.

And here I am today. I may not be crazy over a boyband anymore or in any kind of fandom but at almost 21, I'm still meeting and befriending people everyday. With different lifestyles, different backgrounds it's so fascinating to me and right now I have Dublin to look forward to where I will see Soph who I met in 2011, I'm going on adventures with Charlotte {who lives near me BUT WE MET ON TWITTER} and my two current closest friends Jay and Sam who I met online, and we are all uncomfortably close to the point we share everything. 

And even more exciting news; I GOT TO MEET JAY YESTERDAY.

 

Never underestimate the power of the internet.

My word of advice is; Speak to Strangers! (But obviously be aware of creepy people lurking around.)

Love you all lots!

P.s. My photoshop is back up and running so I'm playing around with header ideas for each post, what do you think?

Katie x

REVIEW: Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes +

Today is going to be a beauty rave my loves since I haven't done one in a long time.

Have you ever wanted long lashes but absolutely loathe applying fake lashes? Then I highly recommend this product.

Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes + claims it increases your lashes by up to 400% with its micro-fibers and it couldn't be more true.

See I was lucky enough to be blessed with long lashes anyway so I was a bit sceptical as to whether it would be any good for me but it really does give that false lash effect and volumises amazingly. 

AND it's so easy to use;

First you apply your normal every day mascara onto your lashes, then you coat on the Transplanting Gel and then apply the 3D micro fibers straight away to create that lengthy look. It can be a messy job and you can repeat this step however many times you desire but just get a clean mascara brush and comb your lashes to remove the excess and seperate your lashes.

It originally is a bit on the pricey side if you purchase from the Younique website for £23 but you can get it for an absolute bargain price from £4.99 (sometimes cheaper if you bid!) on Ebay and it's the actual legitimate product.

If that doesn't persuade you, what will?

Katie x

I'M OBSESSED WITH THE SIMS (again!)

So the title is pretty much self-explanatory. I, Katie Louise Pook aged 20 (21 in 21 days!!) am a self-confessed Simaholic and proud.

Now of course I haven't been living under a rock all my existence but I haven't played The Sims in about 2-2 and a half years but don't get me wrong, my entire childhood was revolved around this absolute genius creation. What can be better than a game where you can create and control an animated version of yourself (or anyone!) in an alternate world? The epitome of escapism! After a long time, The Sims 4 has arrived into my world reminding me exactly why I am so obsessed so I thought I'd share my history of The Sims games I've owned through the years.

Now, I know The Sims primarily market for PC and free-play mode but please note these opinions are all based on PS2 versions of the franchise which alter to the PC versions or don't have PC versions at all.

The Sims

The original, what started it all off! I remember begging for this game as well as The Sims Bustin' Out but when I was 8 years old, I kid you not, the storyline was SO. HARD. Basically I could barely get past impressing that Mimi/Mindy girl who was your roommate and your mom, she was a mean old bitch and this was back when you couldn't queue different interactions/actions, you couldn't fast forward your time but somehow you had to have full bars, be a handy man and have a few skills under your belt EVERY DAY to get be successful in this game. (I am exaggerating a bit but it was a stressful time guys!)

The Sims Bustin' Out

So, thank GOD for The Sims Bustin' Out. As I said, all of these are on PS2 and to be honest, I prefer it because there are actual storylines and missions to keep you engaged (and addicted) forever (well until you got so wound up you keep killing your Sim off for amusement .. just me?) 

I thought this was so cool, the missions were so fun (that darn Malcolm with his zappy furniture remover thingy causing drama in every location!), you get to travel in different cars depending how promoted you were; you go from riding that little red scooter to a stretch limo with a hot tub (?!) and you'd unlock a different location once all the missions in the current place you were visiting were done. Definitely one of my favourite versions of The Sims.

The Sims 2

The Sims 2 is very similar to Bustin' Out where you had to complete missions/objectives in order to succeed but this introduced Aspirational Goals based on your personality making it more "real" in a sense. Also my favourite thing was created, which all of The Sims games should have in my opinion, is the POV mode where you can literally CONTROL your Sim's movement like physically instead of commanding them to do something. Like a normal game as a normal character. Also aliens were featured in this version. Unreal. 

The Urbz Sims In The City

I cannot express to you how much this is my favourite game OF ALL TIME for PS2. It's basically an edgy, alternative version of The Sims and maaan I was obsessed! Not only were the clothes finally decent, it had so much content and you met so many different characters during your missions including The Black Eyed Peas?! 

Your aim is to be the biggest star in Urbzville, earning rep and fame everywhere you went until you're finally famous where you celebrate in your own penthouse! I mean, the child inside me is still squealing over this game and it's making me want to find it and play it right now. Definitely more suitable for older kids though as it is a bit more grungy.

The only thing I'd say was missing from PS2 to PC versions but that godly motherlode cheat; gimme unlimited Simoleons nowwwww!

I apologise this isn't the usual thing I'd post but I was having a major gaming nerd moment and had to share!!

P.S. THE SIMS 4 IS AMAZING.

Katie x

How Has The First 7 Days Of 2016 Treated You?

It's a week into the new year and some may say that's a little early for anything significant or important to happen but that my loves is where you are wrong.

These past 7 days has seen break-ups, make-ups, laughter, sadness and excitement. If this is anything to go by, 2016 is going to be a very bumpy, eventful year!

To be honest it's amazing how one moment, one second, one message can change everything. Very early on I've lost friends that I thought I meant something to but like I said just one message can prove that can change in an instant. Backstabbing and outright rudeness is not something I'm going to tolerate this year, but I'm taking a different approach to it. Yes of course confrontation is necessary just to find out the reasons for turning their back on me but I think life's too short to constantly argue, either they make the effort or I'm removing their toxic attitude from my life. This is a way of boosting my postive vibes this year.

However onto a more exciting happier note; my 21st is creeping closer and closer and guess what? I'm celebrating it in Dublin! I know I said my heart was set on Prague or Italy but it just was not practical for the short space of time we have. 

I've been to Dublin before and it's a very beautiful city and we're staying right in the centre where I'll be able to visit all the landmarks, go shopping and best of all, there is a nightclub attached to my hotel(!?) amazing. Also I haven't seen my best friend Soph who lives there in over 4 years so meeting up with her will be so lovely! You can definitely expect a detailed, blogpost on this trip this time next month!

So there we go 2-3 of my goals for 2016 have been actioned already in 7 DAYS and I hope the rest of the year helps me achieve so much more, and that's what my message is to everyone. Why wait? Just go for whatever you want, make changes in your life NOW, because there is no room for regrets anymore. However there is room for bad choices and those are what make the best stories to tell! 

Hope you all survived your first week back to work/college/school too!

Much love

Katie x

First Post Of 2016 | Bedroom Tour

Hello my loves, and welcome to my first post of 2016! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year and like me, ate and drank that little bit too much!

I never mentioned this in My Goals for 2016 post but the one thing I've had my heart set on for years now, is to have a bedroom I am actually proud of. See over the years, I've always drawn the short straw, I live in a flat with my parents and I either shared with my sister or had the box room so my brother could have the bigger room, leaving no room for a space of my own but in just under a year I've finally achieved that and I wanted to share it with you!

Let's start from the beginning, the very first thing I did was plan the walls. After years of having posters plastered all over my room I finally decided it was time to grow up. (sad face!) Anyway, I love feature walls but I'm not a fan of patterns too "in your face" and extravagant, after all I do have to sleep in here! So, in the end I went for this gorgeous, cream wallpaper with roses on, it's so understated but definitely adds that little bit of character to the room.

Next up is my bed, oh I do love being single and having a double bed! No duvet hogging and overheating in the night just me, myself and I .. well ... and the cats when they break in my room 5 in the morning! Clever little buggers! The best thing about this bed is the leather headboard, I don't know why but I'm so inlove with the way it looks and it was literally the reason I chose this bed but its so comfy!

I never intended on the cream and brown theme, before I had pink bedding but since my mum bought me this duvet set for Christmas I've really grown to love it and I've bought curtains in Chocolate brown and now I'm on the search for the perfect lampshade! (I do get very OCD about these things!)

Now for where the magic happens .. my make-up table, that is actually my chest of drawers, which is actually for storage.

A quick little run through on whats on it because I know some people are nosey and like to know this stuff; 

Ari by Ariana Grande perfume which I got for Christmas, Impulse spray in Romantic Spark, Vaseline underarm deodorant, Cath Kidston make-up bag I got for Secret Santa this year which contains my everyday make-up essentials, Minnie Mouse wash bag from Primark which contains everything else from eyeshadows to nails, The Vintage Cosmetic Company tweezers in floral, Avon Care hand cream in Royal Jelly, two travel size tubes of La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo + cream which I was recommended by a girl on Twitter for my annoying breakouts, simply amazing! Avon Care Face Cream in Royal Jelly, Garnier Micellar Water, Make-up Wipes, Cotton pads, Tresemme Heat Protect spray and my Nicky Clarke Hair Dryer!

Whilst we're at in let's throw in my dodgy mirror above! This is what you get when parents try to do DIY together and clash ...

My cute clock that my mum literally give me about an hour ago that she thought would look cute and it's cute! How cute of her!

Here's my cute quote that, after having for about 6 months I finally decided to put up. This means an awful lot to me because if I'm ever having a bad day or a tough time, it reminds me of how many good times I've actually had in my life and the special people that I've met along the way. It just makes me smile. I've also had these colour-changing flower lights for a long time which I've only just put up too just to make it look a bit pretty and colourful.

Last but not least, my shoe rack ... and I don't even think this is all of them! Here's a picturesque version with my quote above it ...

and here's reality! 

Hey I'm not perfect!

So I hope you've enjoyed my little room tour, literally my room is tiny but like I said, I am finally happy with it .. for now. It's a cosy little space I can call all mine!

So Adios amigos, love from Katie and Phillip xxx