My Personal Training Diary - Week 1

If you read my last Slimming World update you would of heard me mention that I was going to start going to a personal trainer. I've already completed my first week out of five so I thought I'd share with you how I got on. Before I started last Monday my Mum was ever so nice and picked me up these gorgeous beauty goodies from Nivea. I love the shower gel it contains bursting beads and my skin feels so soft after I use it and it smells amazing!! She also ordered me a Adidas Gym bag which I really need so I can't wait for that to come in the post!!

Since starting Slimming World over a year ago I hadn't once set foot in a gym so I was starting fresh plus I had no idea what to expect, of course I was beyond nervous Sophie my lovely trainer from No.17 put me at ease straight away, after chatting about what I wanted to achieve from training, we got right to work. What I personally like most about No.17 is that it's one one one, if I went to a gym myself I  seriously wouldn't have a clue what to do or where to start. The workout itself lasts thirty mins which is made up of a mixture of cardio and weight training. Having never done anything like this before I did find it pretty tough but after my first workout, I definitely got into the swing of things. Thirty minutes may seem like such a short period of time but it's so fast paced and intense that I'm nackered afterwards.

On Wednesday Sophie wrote me up a food plan that I have to follow and it's not that bad at all. The diet I'm doing is called the Paleo Diet which in a nutshell means you have to eat like a caveman eats. Basically if it wasn't around 2,000 years ago its out. There's a variety of foods that I can eat that are yummy and also great for my body which is even better. Of course there is a certain things I have to avoid e.g fizzy drinks, dairy products, salt etc. but that doesn't bother me at all. Over the past week I've been keeping track of what I'm eating by jotting everything down in a food diary. In general I find these really useful as it can show you were you've gone wrong or if your taking in enough.

My goal over the next four weeks is to tone up and hopefully lose more weight too. I'm glad I chose to go to a personal trainer as I'm getting guidance which I may not have necessarily got at the gym. I#m really looking forward to seeing what the next few weeks have instore.

Of course as always I'll keep you guys up to date,

Laura<3

Slimming World Update #13

Sorry for the serious lack of Slimming World updates lately guys. I've come to a bit of a stand still weight loss wise over the last couple of weeks. I guess I've plateaued which I knew would happen eventually after losing so much weight in such a fast period of time. I'm by no means saying Slimming World isn't working for me after achieving so much. I'm still an avid member, never in a million years did I think over a year ago that I would have embarked on such a successful weight loss journey. I have so much to thank this programme for and I'm so glad I got the encouraged by my Mum to do it. She is my rock and always has my back, I couldn't ask for a more supportive Mum!

Over the past month I've wanted to try something different and after hearing great things about No.17 Personal Training I've decided to give it a go. I start on Monday so I'm pretty nervous. Having not worked out in forever I don't know what to expect. My goal is to tone up and get fit in the process *fingers crossed*. I've signed up to train twice a week for five weeks straight. I know I can already tell that I'm going to be nackered after it. On my free days I'm going  to go to my local gym to workout and do some classes too. As I'm still a student the gym has a really good offer on so I'm going to take advantage of that of course.

Top Picture - January 2009 Bottom Picture- Holidays Sepember 2013

Don't worry I'm still going to keep you guys up to date. I'm going to do weekly updates to let you know my progress regarding the personal training and I'm going to keep doing Slimming World posts too. This is a new chapter that I definitely want to share with you all. You guys were the first people I told about Slimming World and you've all been so unbelievably supportive. I couldn't ask for better readers, thanks so much for everything.

Until my next update,

Laura<3

Slimming World Update #12

 As you can see I haven't done a Slimming World update in quite a while. Over the past month or so I didn't get around to going to as many weigh ins as I would of liken to. I wanted to wait til I managed to attend a couple of meetings before I posted another update on my progress so far. Seeing as I haven't done a weight loss post in a while, I've decided to do a five week update instead of my usual monthly offering. I've still been sticking to the program itself even though I haven't made it to class. I myself don't find it hard to stick to it as I've been a member of Slimming World for over a year now. If you want to read over my weight loss journey to date you can check out my other posts here.

A lot has happened since my last update, I finished my college exams (and passed) plus I also took part in the Flora Women's Mini Marathon. The latter is something that I couldn't have imagined taken part in this time last year. It's such a huge achievement for me, I've done a full post on my Mini Marathon experience. I've definitely been keeping busy over the past month which I think helped my weight loss somewhat. Since my last update in April I've lost a further 9lbs which brings my total weight loss up to 6st 12.5lbs which is a pound and a half of 7st. Some days I still can't believe it myself it's unreal! My life has totally changed since starting Slimming World, I feel much more confident now plus I have a brand new wardrobe of clothes which I love. I feel like I have much more choice in what I get to wear nowadays too. I did find it hard to reach the 6 and a half stone mark but since I reached that I've started to get back into the swing of things again. Always remember that these things do take time, before I started Slimming World I used to think changes happened over night but I learned fairly quickly that they don't. If you really set your mind to something though you can achieve it. As long as you believe in yourself you can do anything!

I'm heading to London (post coming soon) on Friday which I'm so excited about. I'm definitely going to treat myself over there to something nice, I have my eye on some bits from the Burberry makeup line. Before I go I just want to thank you guys for the lovely supportive tweets you've been sending me in regards to my Slimming World Journey. You've all been with me from Day 1 and I really appreciate all your support thus far. You guys are seriously amazing!

Until my next update,

Laura<3

Slimming World Update #11

It's been nearly a week since my last blog post so I wanted to get another one up today. I though I'd come back to you all with a Slimming World update as I haven't done one in a while now. The reason for my absence from the blogosphere over the past week you may ask, I finished college!! It's technically my last ever class tonight and I'm beyond proud of myself for sticking out the whole year. My exams start in a month so I'm officially in study mode, everyone spare moment I have I basically read over all my lecture notes. I really enjoyed the course and who knows after a little break over the Summer I may go back again. I'll keep you guys posted on that one.

It's also been a pretty successful month for me in Slimming World. I lost a total off 3lbs over the past couple of weeks which I'm really happy about. I'm losing the weight gradually, a few pounds a week which is the best way to do it. In my last two updates I mentioned the gym and I have to put my hands up and admit it wasn't out for me. I know people enjoy going to the gym but in my case it's just not my sort of thing. However I have started jogging with one of the girls from work which I'm really enjoying. I wouldn't call myself a brilliant jogger yet, it's all just a bit of fun but I do put a lot of effort in. My next big goal is to jog the Women's Mini Marathon in June which for me would be such a big accomplishment! I feel like I've achieved so much over the past year so I definitely think anything is possible right now. I'm a pound and a half away from hitting a total weight loss of 6st 7lbs which is huge for me. I'm complete confident the next time I write an update I'll be over that milestone. I feel my target inching closer and closer, I can't wait to reach it.

Until my next Slimming World Update,

Laura<3

Slimming World Update #10

I can't believe I'm writing my tenth Slimming World update, it feels like only yesterday that I wrote my last one. February definitely flew by for me. I had quite a few things on, Valentines, followed by my birthday the next day and a lot of college work. This month I did gain a pound and a half which I was kind of disappointed about at first but in the grand scheme of things I'm very proud of myself for how well I've done so far. I think really where I went wrong this month was nibbling at bits and pieces while doing my college work. I'm usually out and about doing x,y and z but with deadlines fast approaching I've been focusing on getting assignments done. I only have another month left in college so I can't wait to get it out of the way.

I have something to be really proud of this month, I was named "The Greatest Loser" in my group. This award is basically given to the person who lost the most in the group for that particular year. For 2013, I'm that winner!! At one of my recent meetings I was presented with a certificate, sash and a new sticker for my book. I really couldn't be happier guys, it's been almost a year in April since I started Slimming World and I couldn't be happier with the results. I'm not going to lie it wasn't easy to start with but once I got going it's been all plain sailing from there. I've seen my confident flourish in the past few months, I've gotten so many nice comments from people in work and friends that I haven't seen in a age. I know a couple of you in a post a while back asked would I be putting up a before and after picture. At first I wasn't a 100% sure I would but I've decided over the past few weeks to put one up. You all have been nothing but supportive since I started this program and reading your comments everyone month has given me such motivation. I really can't thank you all enough.

I still have a bit further to go with Slimming World, I'm not over the final hurdle yet. I'd love to be down to my target weight by Summer so we'll see how that pans out.

Until my next update,

Laura<3

Slimming World Update #9

I got some pretty exciting Slimming World related news this month which I can't tell you guys about yet. When I can talk more about it you all will be the first to know. We're now onto my , it doesn't feel like I've been doing the program for that amount of time. It's hard to believe that at the end of April, I'll be doing Slimming World for a full year. I feel like I've accomplished so much so far and I'm very happy. Just after I posted my last update Slimming World came out with these new members booklets. I really like the presentation of these as they look much nicer in comparison to the old books. The inside layout is easier to follow too. A plus even for me when I want to read up on the program and keep myself  up to date with everything. I have nearly everything transferred over from the old book, except my weightloss award stickers. I still have one or two of them to get.

 This month has been another good one for me with Slimming World. My weight has stayed the same which I'm really happy about. So far to date I've lost 6st 4lbs which I still can't get my head around. I did have two small gains during the month which I'm not too worried about at all. I had surgery during the month so I was held up with that for a bit but now I'm perfectly healthy again. To be honest I feel like I've already won, never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd lose this amount of weight. I feel myself even getting a little emotional as I write this. I always feel thankful that I have you guys leaving comments on these post, you all have been nothing but supportive. If I can keep maintaining the weight I'm at now for a while I'll be happy. I don't have a set time for when I want to reach my target weight as of yet but I'm hoping maybe sometime during the Summer. I want to lost another 2 stone, after that I'm going to see were it goes from there. I think this deserves a drum roll, I joined the GYM during the month. Yeah I know I mentioned that I was going to join the gym in my last two updates but I finally bit the bullet and went. Let's just say after the first day I was absolutely shattered. My lovely gym instructor wrote up a program for me on my first day. It's intense but really great.  Basically I want to continue to lose weight and tone up at the same time. Since I started Slimming World I've been walking everywhere but I thought I needed that extra push as well. I'm not big into exercise so joining the gym was probably the best option for me. I'm hoping I get really good results with it, so I'll keep you guys posted on how I'm getting on with that in my next update.

Until the next time,

Laura<3

Slimming World Update #8

You may of noticed that I haven't posted a Slimming World post in quite a while. I've been super busy with college and work, that I missed a few weeks here and there. I didn't want to put up a post showing just two classes I attended so I waited til I made up a month to put up my next update. Rest assured I haven't stopped doing these posts as I really enjoy reading your comments and it motivates me even more. I've been doing Slimming World for almost 9 months now but this is my eighth update what with missing classes and the like.

Since my last update Christmas has come and gone, I know alot of people were unsure with how this time of year would go for me. I'm happy to report I didn't fall off the wagon yet, I did treat myself to a hot chocolate or two here and there but that's it. There was still lots of chocolate around the house but I guess after doing Slimming World since April, I have gained alot of will power along the way. Something that I don't think I really had 9 months ago. Before Christmas, I along with my group were given these sweet little decorations. Just to congratulate us on how we got on so far, I'm really delighted with mine and I'm going to hold on to it. Slimming World goes on for 52 weeks a year so there's no breaks to be had there. I like it this way though as going to class every week has turned into somewhat of a routine and it was helpful to have over Christmas and the New Year.

Over Christmas and the New Year, I've lost a further 6lbs which brings my total weight loss up to 6st 4lbs. I'm over the moon that I did so well over the festive period, at some points I wasn't so sure how I was doing. I've bought some new clothes over the last month which I love and that I don't think would of suited me as much if I didn't get the weight down. That's one of the highlights for me since starting Slimming World, I'm enjoying buying new clothes even though it's not so good at all for my bank balance. I still haven't joined the gym yet, but I have looked into a few and there is one that I'm considering signing up for. I find that alot of them can be very expensive but this one has quite a good deal for students. I know I've said that I'm going to be joining a gym in recent blog posts but I'm genuinely serious about this one as it looks great. Aswell as aiding my weight loss, I'm hoping to tone up a bit aswell so I'll definitely keep you posted on how it goes. You guys who go to the gym will have to give me song suggestions for my Work Out playlist for my Ipod! After paying your join up fee, you can use the gym and attend any of their fitness classes on the side, I don't think you can really go wrong there. I've always heard that spinning classes are brilliant so I want to possibly do that, though I think my legs will be dead the next day. I don't have too long left to go on my Slimming World journey, I'd like to lose another two and a half stone which I hope to achieve by the Summer of this year. I want to give it a bit of time as I know it's hard to lose that last few pounds or so but it will be unreal when I reach my target.

Until my next update,

Laura<3

A Look Back Over 2012 & My Hopes for 2013

When I look back on 2012 there's alot of positives to take from it. I've done so much this year that I'm very proud of indeed.

First off I joined Slimming World way back in April, when I started I would never of imagined that I could achieve so much in a short period of time. In my first month, I lost 1st 3lbs which I was literally ecstatic about it. Every week I was excited to go to class to see how I was doing. I started doing Slimming World Updates here on my blog after the first month. I wasn't too sure if I wanted to put my weightloss journey out there but I'm so glad I did. You guys have been such and amazing support and to read your comments on those posts seriously make my day To see some people go as far as saying I'm a inspiration to them is very overwhelming it has to said. I'm happy that people that something from it for themselves though too, I know how hard it is to lose weight. I had tried so many weightloss programs and none of them worked for me. When Slimming World came along I wasn't too pushed on going until my Mom said what can it hurt to go and give it a try. I'm so glad I listened to her in the end, she's such an amazing person and I owe alot to her. Since I started way back in April I've lost over 6st which is insane! I couldn't be happier, it is hard work but once you get into the program I found it's all plain sailing from there.

At the end of July I went over to Manchester to do a PR Internship. I yapped so much about this when I was going so I'm not going to tell you guys what you probably already know. I really enjoyed the whole experience. The people I worked with were so sweet and I took so much out of  my time there.While I was there I went to a see Team GB play in Old Trafford which was amazing. I'm big into football if you didn't know already, I've been to Old Trafford before to see United play. They lost that game to a fairly terrible side so my boyfriend may say I'm not a good luck charm when it comes to seeing his favourite side win. I went to see Morrissey in the MEN too.  Before I went I wasn't the biggest fan but now it has to be said I love the man. The gig was amazing and seeing as he doesn't play them too often, it was great to experience him sing live. I went to two other amazing concerts during 2012, Florence & the Machine and The Cribs. They were both amazing live, definitely two acts that I would love to see again. I also did alot of shopping in the space of ten days whilst I was in Manchester, surprise surprise. I always feel that the makeup is so much cheaper over there. There's some brands like Sleek and Look Beauty that you can't get over here, so I love picking up some bits from them. I've been to Manchester three times now and it's definitely a favourite destination of mine. I think I may plan another trip over there very soon.

Last but certainly not least I've met some amazing Irish bloggers throughout the year. It's so nice to meet someone when I've been reading their blog for so long. There's so many Irish bloggers, old and new now and I enjoy reading all their blogs. The Beauty Blogging Community is huge and I love how it's such a friendly community and everyone is so welcoming. I can't believe I'm going to be blogging two years at the end of April. It's true what they say, time goes fast when your having fun. I hope to meet some more of you this year, it's so nice to meet like minded people who love all things beauty related too.

Looking back over my 2012 Goals post I was happy to see that I accomplished some them. This a why I prefer to write up some small goals as opposed to a New Years resolution as I'm not likely to fail on these. This year I put a bit more thought into my goals and came up with this list.

Take Chances and stop being so indecisive 
In simpler terms take more risks. When it comes to making big choices I never can decide what to do so I definitely want to take more chances this year.

Travel 
I have a couple of holiday destinations I'd love to visit in 2013. One of them being Paris. I went back when I was 13 so of course I don't really remember it too much. My boyfriend and I are thinking of going before Summer so watch this space. If I do go I'll take lots of pictures to show you guys!

Save money and use up more makeup - 
pretty self explanatory this one! Being a makeup addict I doubt I need to buy any more makeup this year. This is never the case though, I always cave and buy new things I don't need.

Blog Regularly - 
with college and the like I know this may be pretty difficult but I'm hoping to get at least 3 or more posts up a week. I think this is manageable with my current work load so any more posts than this and I'll be happy.

Learn another Language
I've always wanted to learn another language I took French in school and I remember loving it. I hope during 2013 I can improve on my French and also brush up a little on my Irish. Both my Brother and my Sister can speak fluent Irish so let's just say I'm a tad jealous!

Continue doing Slimming World and hopefully reach my target by the end of this year!
As you all know 2012 has been such an amazing year for me when it comes to weight loss. I join Slimming World back in April and since then I've lost over 6st. I'm on cloud 9 at the moment about it, it still hasn't sunk in. The only issue I have is getting new clothes all the time, my bank balance is seriously declining.

Pass my Theory Test and Finally Learn How To Drive
This has been a goal of mine for an awfully long time and I've never gotten around to doing it. I don't know what it is every time I go to organise my Theory Test I end up putting it off for one reason or another. I think I may be just scared that I won't pass but finally this year

Get College over and done with
I was lucky enough to head back to college this year. I'm doing a Diploma in Marketing, PR,Sales and Advertising and so far I'm really enjoying it. I think doing the PR Internship in Manchester during the Summer of last year really showed me what line of work I'd like to get into in the future. The assignments I have been given has really taken up alot of my time so that's why I guess I haven't been blogging as frequently as I would like to.

Read More
I'm a big book worm if you didn't know already and I have a mountain of books to read. I have a Kindle but I like physical books to fill my shelves with at home. My Aunt's friend gave me the full  Game of Thrones book series recently, I can't wait to get stuck into them as I've been hearing really good things. All the books seem to be huge so I know it's going to take me some time to get through. I'm hoping to start doing some more book reviews and my blog, it's something that I know I'd enjoy alot.

I have some really exciting things planned for 2013 which I can't talk about yet but when I can you'll hear it first here. I'm looking forward to seeing what else this year has in store for me. I'm hoping to get tickets to see Ed Sheeran in concert next weekend so maybe that will be my first gig of 2013. I just wish the tickets weren't ridiculously expensive.

What's your hopes and dreams for 2013?

Laura<3

Slimming World Update #7

I'm back with my seventh Slimming World update, I can't believe I started this program way back in April. Where has the year gone people? Next week will be the start of my eight month of the program it doesn't feel that long at all the time has flown by. I should of really done this update last week but I missed a Slimming World class cause I was sick, so yesterdays meeting made up the month. I couldn't of been happier this month as I feel like I've progressed alot.

Many people thought I would find it hard over the Halloween period as my Mom goes all out and buys some amount of goodies for all the trick or treaters and the family. Back in April when I had a serious sweet tooth I would of probably told you I'd find it impossible to stay away from the sweeties. That wasn't the case though at all this Halloween as I haven't eaten any chocolate since I started the program so I wasn't tempted at all. I was so pleased this month as I'm still gradually losing weight. I was worried that I would begin to plateau after losing so much early on in the program but I needn't of worried as this hasn't happened yet *fingers crossed*. One week during this month I put on a half a pound which I was disappointed at but my Mom told me to look how far I have come already and to not be worrying. You have to love my Mom, she's the one who told me about Slimming World at the beginning. I seriously couldn't of done all this without her and my Dad's endless support over the past couple of months. Over the last month I've lost a total of seven and a half pound which brings my total weight loss up to 5st 12lbs. I'm 2lbs off 6st now which is huge for me, I seriously can't put it into words how happy I am right now. On my Slimming World book cover my stickers go up to 5st, apparently they don't have ones after that which I can deal with. I still liked getting them every couple of weeks though. One of my goals for this month is to start going to the gym. It's always been something that I've kept on the long finger, I walk alot so I never felt the need to go as of such. I didn't think I'd have the time with work and college either but now I really do want to start. I'm not joining just to aid my weight loss but I also want to tone up a little. I've never been a Gym Bunny at all so I'll let you know in my updates next month. I already have my brother Gerard signed up to be my gym partner so I'll definitely be kept motivated by him. People in the clothes shop were I work have been unbelieveably nice to me this month. Many customers have complimented me on how amazing I look now and that I'm a inspiration. I don't know about the latter but it's still such a nice thing for someone to say to me. Not going to lie I was a bit taken aback at first as I would never be so forward in commenting on someones weight myself but understandably they were just being supportive. I've never experienced it before so it was nice to know that people have noticed the work I put in myself. I know how hard it is to lose weight, it's never easy. Slimming World wasn't the first weight loss program I joined in my life but it's certainly been the best. Whenever someone asks for advice or how I did it myself, I'm always happy to help in some way and give my experience.

Until my next Slimming World Update,

Laura<3

Slimming World Update #6

I can't believe this is my sixth update, the time has flown by so fast. I'm glad I started these posts as I can always read back on them and see how much I've achieved so far. At the end of this month a half a year will have past since I started the Slimming World program and I seriously couldn't be happier with the results. The last month has been pretty hectic for me, I started college and that has taken up so much of my time. I already have like a million assignments to do, YES I'm being a bit over dramatic but it seems like alot. My days seem much more fuller now, I literally rush from college to work on Mondays and Wednesday, then I have my Slimming World Meeting on Tuesday.  Nearly half my week now consists of college and the rest is left to more work and assignments. I was pretty happy on my way to college last week, I got a text on my phone saying I was Slimmer of the Month for September which is a big deal I guess. When I went to the meeting last night I was given a little fridge magnet that says Slimmer of the Month, I was beyond happy about it and it's definitely going on my fridge. Since my last update I've lost four and a half pound which I'm really happy with, I'm super close to my target now, something that I thought would never happen over five months ago. My Food Optimising book is full up with award stickers now as you can see, I'll have to start using the back now too. Something I've been eating more of this month is salad, which I surprisingly I really like. I was never a vegetable person growing up, I couldn't stand the look of the stuff but now I can't get enough of it. The only thing I don't like about it is the price, it's so much more expensive to eat healthy. I paid nearly €8 for a salad that consisted of lettuce and chicken, how shocking is that. I haven't got in as much exercise as I would of liked over the last month. I did alot of walking when I went to Kilkenny over the weekend, that place is seriously beautiful. It's so relaxing compared to busy Dublin so it was nice to have a break. I did a bit of shopping down there so I may stick up a haul soon. Let me know what you think.

Again I'd like to tell you guys that I'm glad I shared my weight loss journey so far with you, reading back over your comments has actually given me so much more motivation. I seriously can't thank you enough.

Laura<3

Slimming World Update #5

I can't believe this is my fifth Slimming World update, like where does the time go? I'm now into the sixth month of the program and I'm so delighted I started it. My journey began way back in April, my Mom suggested we tagged along to one of the meetings as she heard such amazing things about it. She was perfectly right as five months down the line I've lost 5st which I never would of thought possible back then. I'm not going to lie it was hard work at the start but once I got into the swing of things it's been mostly plain sailing from there on out. I've had such a good time this month picking out new clothes and throwing out old ones. Even though I will miss some of the latter which some people find ridiculous, but I did love my navy hoodie. One of the highlights of this month was some of the girls in work commenting on how well I look, even the smallest compliment means so much to me. I've been getting some great advice off one of the girls in particular who will remain anonymous. I despise the gym with a vengeance and I haven't set foot in one since I started this program back in April, I much prefer to walk everywhere. This lovely girl in work suggested some really quick and easy exercises that you can do at home to tone up, I've been doing them constantly lately. You may be thinking do they work, I don't know yet but I'll touch on it in next months update for sure. This month they didn't seem to have the little awards stickers, so one of the ladies wrote 4&a half and 5 stone on the book for me which I thought was super nice. One thing changed this month at my meeting which I wasn't expecting, my class leader left.  I was very sad at first as I had no clue that was going to happen, she had been nothing but supportive since I started back in April. I'll miss her alot.

This month in total I've lost 13lbs which is crazy, I can hardly believe it myself. There was one set back in my second week when I put on 2.5lbs. I was pretty disappointed but then I remembered how well I've been doing so far and that these small glitches happen. I got back on the horse and at next weeks weigh in I lost a whopping 7.5lbs, everyone was so happy for me and I couldn't of been more pleased myself. It's weird I can see my target weight getting closer and closer which I couldn't of imagined five months ago. I got also some great news this month, I'm heading back to college in October. I've wanted to go back for ages so I'm very excited. I didn't realise how expensive college supplies were until now, maybe I just bought too much stationary. Well enough about that I'm probably going to do a post soon talking about what course I'm doing and college related bits.

Until my next update,

Laura<3

Slimming World Update #4

There will be a slight interuption to my regular beauty posts for me to bring to you my fourth Slimming World Update. I know it's hard to believe I'm onto my fifth month of this amazing program, seriously where has the time gone?! It feels like yesterday when I was writing my last update for you guys. Before I start rambling on about how I got on over the last few weeks, I just want to thank you all. Over my past three Slimming World posts your comments have meant the world to me. Since I started four months ago I've only told a handful of people about this program, so I was a bit hesitant to put it online of all places. After weighing up the pros and cons for what felt like an eternity I finally decided to start doing these updates. From the bottom of my heart I'm so glad I did in the end, for people who don't know me personally you all have been so supportive it's quite overwhelming. At recent events I've been to other beauty bloggers have commented on how well I look and for people who only know me through my blog to say this is so nice.

You'll be probably wondering how I did this month. Well firstly I wouldn't really call it a month as I was away so I only managed to go to three meetings. At the last weigh in before I went on holidays, I lost a half stone which I was in shock about. It's the most I've ever lost in a week since I started the program. To say I was surprised is the understatement of the year as I have no idea how I did it. I was kind of worried before going to Manchester as I wasn't too sure how things would fare over there. In my opinion when you start a weight loss program you get into a routine, you know where to buy your healthy foods and places to eat out in. In Manchester it was totally different as I don't really know the place too well. In the end it couldn't of gone better then it went, there was so shops that stocked bits and pieces I like so it wasn't a big issue. Not going to lie I did have the odd treat here and with my Mom. I wish we had a Spud U Like in Dublin, that place is so good if you ever go get the chicken and baby potato salad it's amazing. In the two weeks since I've got home I've lost a further four and a half pound, eleven and a half pound in total which I'm over the moon about. If someone told me at the beginning of the year that I was going to lose this weight I'd probably of laughed at them. I'm now only a half a pound away from 4st so I should hopefully get my next sticker by Tuesday. Last weekend I raided my wardrobe and cleared out the whole thing, it was crazy looking at the amount of clothes that are too big for me now. I gave them all to charity so hopefully someone out there will be happy with them. During the month I've bought some gorgeous new clothes too, my prized new purchase is my green parka (think Liam Gallagher style) I love it so I've been certainly getting a lot of wear out of it. I'll have to do a fashion style post soon and show you guys. Let me know if it's something you'd like to see.

Until the next update,

Laura<3

Slimming World Update #3

I'm into my fourth month of Slimming World, time has certainly flown by since I started back in April. I'd never in million years have thought I'd be doing so well this far down the line. Since I've started the program I've lost 3st 2lbs, this month I've lost 10 pounds which for me is seriously incredible. I couldn't be happier and to be doing so well after three months has motivated me alot to do even better. I think this was my big downfall in other weight loss programs as I just didn't have this at all and only ever lasted a month at most.

Since my last update I've definitely been trying to squeeze in some extra bits of exercise here and there when I can which I haven't done before. Sure I walk everywhere but as my brother told me if your not breaking a sweat your not exercising. I've fixed this now by going out jogging with him on a daily basis, let's just say I'm absolutely wrecked the next day but hopefully it pays off. It's great to have the support of my little brother as I doubt I'd do it on my own otherwise. I haven't started going to the gym yet but after talking to lots of people I'm going to go soon. I think it will add that extra something to the program that I need. As everyone know weight loss does slow down after the first few months so I'm going to have to add something different into my routine shortly. I've been doing a lot of clothes shopping recently, I've been able to get a size smaller which I'm so thrilled about. Even though I've been trying to save over the last few weeks it's become a bit of a fail when it comes to retail therapy, when there's a nice dress I just can't help myself. In exactly a week from today I'm heading to Manchester for nearly two weeks. I'm really excited for my trip and I can't wait. I love Manchester it's such a lovely city, I've been there twice already but there is some things I still want to do and see. I'll be doing a PR Internship for five days while I'm there which will definitely be interesting. I've picked up some new work clothes lately which I love. I may do a few  scheduled outfit posts while I'm away so you can see them of you'd like. For my time off while I'm there I have a couple of exciting bits planned. I'm going to Morrissey on Saturday 28th in the MEN which I can't wait for, it's sure to be a amazing gig. I've been to the arena before for Taylor Swift two years ago and it's such a great venue. I'm also *fingers crossed* going to an Olympic football match in Old Trafford. I'm big into football so this is another thing I'm very excited for. Of course I'm going to be doing a spot of shopping while I'm there seeing as everything is so much cheaper compared to over here. I already have my eye on a few bits in Zara, I'm in love with their shoes so who knows I may treat myself over there. While I'm in Manchester, I will be missing a week of Slimming World which I was kind of worried about but you can book holidays during the year so it wasn't an issue. I haven't missed a class since I started so it will be weird come Tuesday evening I'll probably be thinking I should be somewhere else. I'm sure I'll be fine during the week and hopefully there will be no glitches.

Until the next update:)

Laura<3

Slimming World Update #2

I've been attending weekly Slimming World meeting for two months now. I did a monthly update post last month and your nice comments meant so much. I was quite reluctant to do a weight loss post as this is first and foremost a beauty blog, but your support was overwhelming.

This month has been great, I had some meetings were I wasn't too sure how I did during the week but ended up doing really well. In the last four weeks I've lost 1st 3lb which is identical to what I lost last month. In total, I'm down 2st 6lbs which I couldn't imagine happening when I started this programme, I'm over the moon. I have a few more stickers added to the front of my log book, you receive one everytime you lose a half stone. I find this to be great motivation it might not be for some people but it is for me. I can't really say what my weight loss so far has been down to. I haven't started a strict fitness regime yet, I'm hoping to soon though. However, I have cut some foods out of my diet which I believe has helped tremendously. Here are some foods I cut out completely, all kinds of bread, dairy products except low fat milk, and every form of sweeties (no chocolate for me). With Slimming World you can eat these things in moderation, but for me I think it's best to take them out of my diet completely. I don't notice my weight loss when I look in the mirror but I definitely see it with my clothes. My favourite zip hoody has been looking alot baggier on. A good excuse to go out clothes shopping I think.

When I went into town yesterday, my boyfriend treated me to these lovely goodies. He said I was doing so well that I deserved something nice. Lush's Breath of Fresh Air is a toner I've been wanting to try for a while. I've seen brilliant reviews on blogs lately, so I have high expectations. This is the larger size of the two available and it's massive so I see this lasting ages. The other gift was Lindsey Kelk's I Heart London, this was only released last week so I can't wait to get stuck into it. I've read the entire series and I'm hooked on it. If you haven't read them and you love a good chick lit like me then you should get your hands on these.

I know I'll be kept extra busy this month as we have a new addition to the family. Meet Sam, he's a cross between a spaniel and a sheep dog. Isn't he just the cutest thing ever? We just got him yesterday and already he's made himself at home. Our labrador Sid loves his new buddy, I can see them both being a handful on their daily walks.

That's it really for my Slimming World update. I'm just getting ready to watch the Ireland game which is a must win game for us, so until next months update.

Laura<3

Slimming World - An Update

Four weeks ago I started my weight loss journey by joining Slimming World. In My 2012 Goals I mentioned getting fit but until recently I've let that slide and never got around to starting anything. I've joined a few of these groups in the past and to be honest they never worked for me. I would get on great for a while and then lose all motivation completely and leave. I can't say that has happened with Slimming World, I could probably say it's the best thing that I've joined all year.When you start up you pay a registration fee of €18 and every week after that it's €9. After seeing how well my Aunty got on with the program I couldn't wait to start. My Mom and I go to our meetings every Tuesday and it's so great to have her support. 

As I said I started this class a month ago, I went in with no expectations. I feel when you aim high sometimes you can be let down so I just take it one week at a time. I couldn't be happier with the results I've seen in the past four weeks, since I started I've lost 1st &3lbs in total. This has never happened on any other plan so I was definitely encouraged. I feel like my diet has changed in the past month, I've cut down on portion sizes and also drink so much water (like a camel). I also made a decision to stop eating bread/sweeties. I don't really have a sweet tooth at all so I haven't been missing the odd chocolate now and again. I was totally surprised with the bread as I thought it would be much harder to cut out but it really wasn't. After taking all these things out of my diet, I can tell you that I have a new found love for hummus (low fat variety). I hated it as a child but now I can't get enough it tastes so good.

Exercise wise, I've been walking alot more. I haven't started the gym as of yet, in the past it hasn't been my favourite place to go but this is a new chapter in my life so it's worth looking into. I've heard spinning classes are amazing even though your apparently wrecked the next day, so I might give them a go. My sister's fiance Keith has also been helping me fitness wise as he's a trained personal trainer and nutritionist so it certainly helps to have support. 

Laura<3