The Lo Down - Weightloss Update #14

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Another week is almost over and you know what that means another weightloss update of course. I could never have imagined in January that in May I've accomplished so much in such a short period of time, it's pretty unbelievable and I almost can't believe it myself. Losing weight isn't easy for me it's an extremely hard thing to do but once you get into it it's plain sailing from there on in. You just have to be commited and everything else will follow suit. Before I started my weightloss journey I was so unmotivated but now I can proudly say I am alot more so.

This week I lost 2 pound which brings my total weightloss to date to 3 stone 5 pound which is amazing and I'm really happy about it. The support I get is unreal and I know alot of people are trying to lose weight so I'm going to do what ever I can to help them out. If your in the same boat definitely email me and I can write you out my weightloss tips and trick. It's exactly what I'm doing myself so it definitely works. I still treat myself on my weighin day and enjoy food so that's a good thing cause I know it's hard sometimes to cut out the food you like.

It really is just making some small changes and this could really change your life for the better. I was always a confident person, that being said I am much happier now in myself and you could be like that too. I think at the end of the day you get out what you put in.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Avonmore Chocolate Protein Milk

Hey Guys and Dolls,

As you all probably know I did a review a while ago on Avonmore's Protein Milks and my brother & I were really big fans of this product. It has alot of protein in one carton plus it doesn't have a protein taste, it actually tastes amazing. I'm not a big fan of protein foods that taste really strongly of protein but this stuff I can handle.

My brother and I were sent out some samples of the new chocolate flavour to try and yes we love it. They already have the normal and vanilla flavours available but chocolate is something different. It doesn't taste really artificial like some milks can so that's a good thing. Both my brother and I are on our fitness journeys at different stages and we both drink this stuff alot as a part of our eating plan and we wouldn't drink anything but this.

Our favourite flavour was Vanilla originally but that has now changed to chocolate so if you see this in your local store definitely give it a try.

Laura<3 

The Lo Down - Weightloss Update #13

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Sorry that my weightloss update is a little late, I've just been so unbelievably busy with college it's been unreal. I've been loving it so far though so I guess that's the main thing. Back to my weightloss update though I'm down another 2 and a half pounds which brings my total weightloss to 3 stone 3 pounds which is incredible. I've been working so hard so to be smashing my goals like this has been amazing.

I'll have to start buying new clothes as some of my clothes are looking that little bit too big which is a good sign and I'm delighted. I've been so busy with college lately rushing around so I think that has had a big impact on my weightloss this week to be fair I really haven't had a minute to myself but all is good. I'm still working on the weightloss tips and tricks folders for those of you that wanted one so don't worry I haven't forgotten about you, I'll get them to you as soon as I can.

I do feel that I'm not on a diet now I'm more making a permanent lifestyle change which I feel is a better way to look at it. I feel much healthier right now and I think it is amazing how small choices can make such a big difference to your life. I'm going to keep this short and sweet as I have to get some college work done so until my next post, keep smashing your goals I bet you are all doing amazing.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Well Fest 2017

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Last weekend I attended the annual Well Fest in Dublin's Herbert Park. I was so excited as it was my first year going. The event consists of talks, workshops and classes. The weather was good for it too which was amazing. I went down early myself on Saturday to have a look at what was on offer.

Everyone that attended was in for a treat. As I've already said the event took place in Herbert Park in Donnybrook and the layout was fabulous. There was classes taking place everywhere, outside and in tents plus there was lots of workshops and talks.

The speakers over the weekend were amazing, Joe Wicks, Rob Lipsett and John Kavanagh to name a few. There was different tents that had numerous health food stands which was pretty cool as it's always good to learn about new health foods.

It was all very interesting and I had such a good time, I definitely recommend checking it out next year if you get the chance.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Weightloss Update #12

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Another week as over and of course that means it's time for this weeks weight loss update. I can't believe I've been doing this for 3 months now, that's totally insane in my opinion. Time really does fly so we should all definitely make the most of it and make everyday count for sure.

So your probably wondering how my weightloss went this week. I'm down another 4 pounds bringing my total weightloss to date to 3 stone and a half pound. Like what is life right now?? I am so unbelievably happy, I'm smashing all my goals and feel so much better in myself right now. I feel so much healthier, I do have a long way to go but I do feel amazing.

I got minor head surgery during the week so I won't be doing much next week. I don't think I'll be even going into college cause I'm in alot of pain which is never good. This means I'll have to work extra hard this week and eat super healthy. I want to lose another half a stone in two weeks so I want to seriously smash that goal aswell so fingers crossed and all that jazz.

Before I finish off this post I just wanted to mention something to you guys. As I'm doing so well with my weightloss I wanted to share some of my tips and tricks with you that definitely work. I'll be doing a sports and recreational therapy course in June so I think it would be pretty cool to start off by doing something like this. Of course it will be completely free so if your interested leave me a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you smash your goals and achieve your dreams.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Weightloss Update #11

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I can't believe I'm on my 11th weightloss update, like where does the time go? It's hard to believe that we're half way through April, the Summer months will be upon us before we know it. Its crazy! Of course I want to get Summer ready, I may not be rocking a bikini this year but I want to feel fitter by then so you know what that means alot of hard work thats what.

I've been working hard the last week anyways thats for sure. I'm down a further 4 pounds bringing my total weightloss up to 2 stone 8 and a half pounds in a 2 and a half month time frame. I know unreal like I couldn't be happier right now. I'm smashing all my targets left right and centre plus I just feel really good in myself all round to be honest. Exercise has taken a back seat since I started college as I just don't have the time but I've started getting off the bus stop before mine just to get that bit of a walk in and sure I've been walking everywhere these days anyway so that's really helped.

I'm still staying clear of the college canteen, I just can't chance eating college food or lets be honest I just won't stop. Sad but true! I am really enjoying college by the way my course is really good but you are sitting around for pretty much the full day which can be a pretty much a pain but I'm working around it. Now that the Summer is nearly upon us Marley Park is opening later which is good. My Dad and I actually went on a long walk last week. I love going on walks up there even just to clear the head so I'm going to be going on a lot of walks up there in the coming weeks. I'm going to bring my phone aswell as there's so many photo opportunities up there as it's such a beautiful park. I wish I was going to one of the concerts up there over the Summer who knows I just might treat myself to a ticket if I keep doing so well I think.

In the coming week I'm still going to work my ass of eating well and walking as much as I can to get some form of exercise in. Sure we'll see how things go and I'll definitely keep you updated on my progress that's for sure.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Weightloss Update #9

Hey Guys and Dolls,

So it's Friday again so that means another weighin of course. I love when it comes to Friday as I love to see the progress that I have made so far. I've always struggled with my weight throughout my life to be fair and seeing as I'm getting on pretty well now it makes me so happy! So I'm down another 2 pound this week, the same as last week but it's still amazing progress and I haven't had a gain since I started my weightloss journey back in January. In total I'm down 2 stone 3 and a half pounds now which is huge and I'm well on track to lose another 1 stone 10 and a half pound in the next 7 weeks. It's definitely achievable and I'm going to blow my target out of the park.

So what did I get up to this week. I didn't get to my fitness classes as I'm quite broke and everything costs money these days as you probably all know. I didn't let that deter me though and I went on a walk to Marley Park a couple of times this week which you can see on my Instagram. I actually ran into some peacocks up there one of the days and I had no idea peacocks were even in the park, sure you learn something new everyday. Marley Park is super close to my house like a twenty minute walk at most away. It's really nice to have this right on my doorstep, I literally go for a nice walk when I'm up there then I read a bit of my book. I'm still reading Unseal by K.M. Langdon and I'm loving it so far, it's such a great read I'd definitely recommend it. She's definitely going to be the next Nicholas Sparks that's for sure.

I thought I'd keep this post short and sweet. I'm starting college on Monday as you probably read in my last post so I'll be beyond busy all next week so hopefully that shows on the scales on Friday.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Weightloss Update #8

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I've been doing my weightloss updates for 2 months now and wow I could never imagined what I would have achieved in this short period. I'm seriously delighted with life right now. The jeans I bought two weeks ago are already two big which is a bit mad to be honest. I liked those jeans aswell but going down a size is always a good thing so I'm happy.

I weighed myself this morning and I'm down another two pound which brings my total weightloss to 2 stone 1 and a half pounds so yeah I'm chuffed. I seriously didn't think I'd be doing so well when I started this journey back in January that's for sure. I'm well on course to losing another two stone by May I can feel it, then I can get my Gryffindor hoodie from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando. I've been wanting this hoodie for ages so of course I'm going to wear it around lots when I get it.

This week wasn't the best of weeks either I wasn't feeling the best so I couldn't go to my fitness classes which was a shame as I miss them lots I'm not going to lie. Boxercise and Aqua Aerobics are seriously the best two classes I ever could have started and I'm seriously hooked on them. I do Aqua Aerobics twice a week and Boxercise on a Thursday, the latter is definitely more intense you definitely feel it on Friday morning that's for sure.

I'm going to try and put lots of hard work in this week. I'm going to eat super healthy and go to all my fitness sure I miss them so why wouldn't I to be fair. I'm hoping to lose another good bit of weight next week so we'll see how things go.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Weightloss Update #7

Hey Guys and Girls,

I can't believe this is my 7th weightloss update already, time really does fly by. I could never hav imagined my progress would be so good since I started eating that bit healthier back in January. This week was another busy week, I had something on everyday. I went swimming on Monday and to Boxercise on Thursday plus I had little errands to run every other day so I was always moving. I really believe that the extra bit of fitness classes is really helping my overall weightloss this week.

So how did I get on this week? I'm down a further 5 and a half pounds which means I'm down 1 stone 13 and a half pounds in total and half a pound off 2 stone. I'm really happy as I wanted to lose 3 pound this week and I smashed through that. I also want to reach my target of 2 stone in two months which would be unreal and that's easily achievable at this stage.

Again I've just been making simple easy choices that anyone can do. I haven't been happier in ages, I can't wait to buy some new clothes very soon. I'm heading out on Saturday with my boyfriend, Daragh for a few drinks and I'm going to see Beauty and the Beast tonight with my Mum. I always treat myself a little at the weekends but I do prefer to buy myself something nice as opposed to treating myself with food. It's a better compromise in my opinion. I'm thinking of buying the Benefit Cosmetics Cheek Parade palette, I saw it in House of Fraser during the week and it looks amazing so I'm going to treat myself soon once I have the funds of course.

My end goal is to be able to fit into smaller clothes by the Summer months, I have so many exciting things coming up so I know I can do it and I can't wait. I'm so motivated to do well at the moment and I know nothing can stop me right now. I'm really enjoying doing weightloss updates and I hope you are too. Thanks for all your support!

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Weightloss Update #6

Hey Guys and Dolls,

For me this week totally flew by I was so busy, I had a lot of stuff to do so I didn't really have a minute to chill out at all. I had such an amazing week I got my eyelash extensions, went to a Yves Saint Laurent event but probably the highlight of my week was going to the Kong Skull Island Premiere with my Dad on Monday night in Town. It was awesome,everyone should go see it.

We went into town early and went for food so it was a lovely day as we're usually both so busy we don't get the time to go out. Of course after going out for food on Monday I was a bit nervous about how my weightloss was going to go this week but I needn't have worried as this week I lost a further 2 pound which brings me total weightloss to 1 stone 8 pounds to date. I'm seriously happy right now when I started my weightloss journey six weeks ago I never thought I'd get on this well.

It just takes pure willpower and detemination after all and I truly believe anyone can do it if they put their mind to it and make a couple of health changes. I'm bringing my fitness game at the moment, I already do aqua aerobics a couple of times a week but I'm starting Boxercise aswell on Thhursday and I can't wait I'm soo excited. I did a boxercise class at the Pure Results Bootcamp last weekend, it was intense but really good fun and I'm definitely recommend it To anyone who is trying to get fit.

So that's my weightloss update for this week, I'll check in again next week.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Weightloss Update #5

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I'm into my fifth week of my weightloss journey and I'm beyond amazed with my progress. This week I lost another pound and I'm really happy, words can't describe how I'm feeling right now. I'm over the moon that's for sure. I'm down 1 stone 6 and a half pounds in total in five weeks which for me is unreal. I'm come a long way at this early stage of the game.

I'm really surprised that I lost weight last week as I was sick for most of it. I didn't get to go swimming so I was pretty disappointed not going to lie. I did go shopping though on Friday with my Aunty and my Nanna Mags, I had such a lovely time with them. We hit up New Look, my favourite clothes shop. I love their range for curvy women it's the bomb.com and I always pick up something there when I pay the shop a visit. I bought all the clothes in the picture below.

I'm in love with the leather jacket and jeans, they fit amazingly well and are going to be perfect for the Spring/Summer months ahead. These are the first pair of jeans I've worn in literally years so I'm pretty chuffed about that. They have the ripped knee effect so they look so cool I'll have to put on some good tan aswell. The jumper is from New Look, it's also really nice it can probably be worn casually and formally which is a good thing.

Again I have the most amazing support ever from all my family and friends.  They give the best advice don't know where I'd be without them most of them.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Propercorn

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Even thought I've started my fitness and weightloss journey I'm a big foodie at heart. I like good food but I've been making alot healthier choices as of late.

I was recently sent products from the brand Propercorn and if you haven't guessed already they have a range of popcorn, just so your in the loop. I love snacking on these between meals as they are really good for you. They come in big and small bags, the larger bags are great for movie nights.

I have two favourite flavours from the range which are Smooth Peanut & Almond and Sweet & Salty, they are both so yummy. If I'm out all day I always bring a bag of these with me so I'm not hungry throughout the day. There are 6 flavours to choose from in total but I did see on the website that they brought out a limited edition Honeycomb flavour which sounds unusual so I'll have to try it soon. Sorry about the picture above two flavours are missing some members of my family couldn't resist snacking on these. Propercorn also have a range of Crunchy corn that I haven't tried yet either basically they are slightly popped kernels that are a health alternative to nuts.

If you are on a health kick like me yourself I'd highly recommend giving these a try.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Weightloss Update #4

Hey Guys and Dolls,

I'm four weeks into my weightloss journey and I'm happy with the progress I've made so far. As I've been doing so well lately I wasn't too sure how I'd get on this week. I've eaten healthy but you can never predict what the scales is going to say.

This week I lost  one pound so that means in total I'm down one stone 3 pounds in 4 weeks which is beyond amazing. The progress I've made has been soo good and I really want to keep it up for sure I'm just getting started.

I would love to lose 7 stone I know it's alot but it's what I'd like to lose in the long run. I'm not going to put a time frame on it I'm just going to take everyday as it comes and just try my best. Sure your best is all you can do at the end of the day. This week I've been eating pretty healthy foods, I did treat myself to a sneaky KitKat Cookie Dough and it was beyond worth it so yummy. I thoroughly enjoyed every last piece.

I've also pretty much cut out eating bread completely which has been helping alot. I haven't replaced it with anything as I'm not missing it too much at all to be honest. I was told by a specialist a while ago that it's not too good to replace food with other things as there is a chance you could end up overeating that food, I totally agree with him as I'm guilty of that.

I have started back going to Aqua Aerobics classes this week. My Nanna and I were busy last week with it being my birthday and all, I missed it alot so it was nice to get back into the pool even though the water was freezing. I love having my partner in crime, my Nanna, we have all the chats and a good laugh when we go swimming. 

I'm going swimming twice a week now and I might be starting to go three times a week next week and I can't wait. Swimming is so good for you, it works every muscle in your body. I do be so tired after a class. The classes only cost €6.50 a pop and go on for 45 minutes. I love the music they play during their classes, it's soo old school. I feel the swimming has definitely helped me shift some of the pounds since I started my weightloss journey. If you were looking for a new hobby to help you lose eight I'd definitely recommend swimming to anyone. Not only is it great for you it's also really enjoyable.

So yeah all and all I'm so happy with my progress losing almost one and a half stone in four weeks has been reallty good going. I'm really hoping to lose my one and a half stone target next week. I'll be even more thrilled. I'm definitely going to treat myself to something nice when I do maybe some new makeup products or a bag. If course I'll keep you posted on future weightloss in upcoming posts.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Weightloss Update #3

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Three weeks ago I started my weightloss journey and I've come a long way since then. I began this journey cause of course first and foremost I wanted to lost weight but I also wanted to make some healthy changes to my diet. I'm happy to say I did just that.

I weigh myself every Friday morning when I get up in the mornings which is sometimes pretty early. I like to weigh myself at the same time as I get a better idea of my progress.

This week I lost a further two and a half pound which brings my total weightloss to date to one stone two pound. I couldn't be happier to see all the progress I've made so far. It shows that the simple changes to my diet have worked. I don't like calling what I'm doing a diet it's more of a lifestyle change. I did Slimming World and personal training in the past so as they aren't really in my budget anymore I decided to take what I learned before and put it into action which I thought was the best thing to do. It has definitely payed off so far. I haven't made too many other changes to my diet although I have pretty much cut out Pepsi Max completely, I only had one can this week and I didn't miss it that much at all to be honest. I'm aiming to lose another two pound next week which I feel is pretty achievable. Daragh and I have started to go on long walks aswell so I definitely think they have helped alot this week indeed.

I'm still eating the food that I enjoy, sure last Friday I went out and celebrated my 27th Birthday in a beautiful Thai restaurant with my family and my boyfriend. Like you can treat yourself at times but remember always get back on track the day after. I always go out for a long walk the day after as it clears my mind and I know I'm doing something healthy aswell. I missed out on swimming this week cause my Nanna and I had other things on so it was important for me to get a walk in. We will definitely be starting back swimming next week though cause we definitely both miss it alot.

As always I have the best supporters ever who always give me such good feedback on my Facebook weightloss status which is so nice and again much appreciated. I know it's a small thing but it means a great deal to me indeed.

So far this hasn't been difficult at all. It's simple and easy to make simple changes it's just really important to stick to it because that's where I believe this factor can let people down sometimes. If  I can do this anyone can.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - Pure Results One Day Detox

Hey Guys and Dolls,

On the 4th of March, Pure Results One Day Detox event is being held in the Radisson St Helen's Hotel in Stillorgan. It's will be starting off at 9am and finishing at 5pm, it's going to include boxercise and yoga classes plus lots more including workshops so it's definitely going to be a great day out.

My sister, Lisa and I are going along to on the day, we're really looking forward to it as we've never been to a event like this before. Lisa has actually never been to anything like this so this will be her first and it should be great as this event is the first of its kind in Ireland. We believe this event is perfect for us as Lisa is big into fitness and is a qualified nutritionist and I've started my weightloss journey only recently. We both think we can benefit from this day out and take so much from it as I'm sure it will be really informative indeed.

Tickets cost €99 included in that price is a breakfast on arrival, lunch, a Q&A with Kathryn Thomas and the Pure Results fitness and wellbeing experts, classes, workshops and an amazing goodie bag filled with health and beauty products which is sure to go down a treat. Pure Results run fitness and nutrition retreats in the country during the year so this one day event would be a taste to see what there like and if it would be something that you would be interested in attending in the future.

If you yourself are looking to attend a fun and interesting day out which I'm sure will be really informative with lots of fitness and wellbeing tips along the way you can purchase tickets here.

This is a event not to be missed I'm sure a amazing time will be had by all and I hope to see some of you there too. Pure Results Bootcamp can be found on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook under the username @PureResultsBootcamp if you're looking for information.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - My Weight Journey #2

Hey Guys and Dolls, 

I'm into week 2 of my weightloss journey, I'm down another 5 pounds and I couldn't be happier. I've lost 13 and a half pounds in total which is huge just a half a pound off a stone. I can't visibly notice a difference yet but I feel healthier. My Mom bought me some new clothes from Simply Be during the week for my birthday and If I do say so myself the look amazing on. It was so hard to decide what dress to wear for my birthday dinner last night as two of them are so nice.

My eating habits have no changed drastically. I'm just making healthier choices that are easy to make. I'm eating less foods, like fizzy drinks, cheese and sweet things. I'm drinking a hell of alot of water lately. So this week went pretty good and went by so quick. I went swimming on Monday, had a meeting on Tuesday and then I had a hospital appointment on Wednesday, I also can't forget my birthday dinner last night so it was a busy week all round.

Next week is going to be tough as it's my birthday, the big 27 and I'm so excited. I'm sure plenty of drinks will be had so I hope it doesn't affect my weightloss too much. I'm aiming to lose another 2 pounds next week to get over the stone which I will be over the moon about. It's alot to achieve in three weeks and I couldn't be happier with how I'm doing so far, I'm making great progress.

Laura<3

Swim Like A Fish

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Hope you're enjoying this series so far as much as I'm enjoying writing it which is alot. I have so many ideas running through my head for posts recently so there will be loads more coming don't worry.

I recently took up swimming again as I feel it's great for weightloss and if you can't hit the gym well it's a good way to stay fit and healthy. When I was younger my parents always called me a water baby ever since I can remember. Even in freezing cold Winter months I'd be jumping into the freezing cold sea. Even last year I did that with my Dad and the surge of energy after you jump in makes you feel so alive I love it. I'm guessing me being a water baby makes perfect sense as I'm a Aquarian also known as the water carrier.

I go to a Aqua Aerobics class in my local swimming pool and I love it. I also have a partner in crime to go with, my Nanna. This woman means the world to me and she's so inspiring. She had a knee replacement towards the end of last year and being in here eighties she felt like it was going to be really debilitating that was the factor she feared the most. Almost three months on she couldn't have been more wrong as a hobby she decided to take up swimming. For a woman that never swam before in her life and find this amazing. She's a natural and loves the water like I do. Not only is it great for her recovery being in the water but it also is great for her fitness levels. I went over a couple of times with her and my Aunty while they swam I just watched but as my Aunty got more busy in work I decided to take over her role. My Nanna was only delighted as though she's confident in the pool she does get nervous at times so when she heard I was going to go with her that made her day. I usually just take the tote bag pictured above with me to the pool. It fits everything in it but it's certainly not waterproof which is a downside but I love the colour. My friend Chie who is a YouTube from the States bought this for me a few years back and I use it alot. It's so handy for carrying stuff around. Besides a towel, my hat and my swimming togs I also bring along a moisturiser. You know yourself that chlorine can not be at all good for your skin. I've been using the Nimue Moisturiser alot lately and its tiny so it fits really well into my swimming bag. I love the smell of this stuff too.

I'm definitely going to keep up my hobby as I feel so refreshed after a Aqua Aerobics class even though the water is a bit cold when you first enter the pool I have to say. The classes can be intense at times and they do run for 45mins but you do feel like you accomplished something when you finish. I feel like this had really aided my fitness so far. I only went to one class this week and I really miss it already to be honest so I'm definitely going to go again next week twice. I feel this class has already really helped my weight loss so I'm going keep it up for sure. I'm doing my next weightloss update on Saturday so keep an eye out for that for sure.

What do you do to keep fit?

Laura<3

The Lo Down - My New Weightloss Journey

Hey Guys and Dolls,

As I'm sure most of you already know I properly started my weightloss journey last week. I've been eating healthy for the last month or so but I eventually borrowed my brothers scales so I'm finally able to track my progress for you lot. The last week hasn't been too difficult at all to be honest I was expecting it to be a little harder but I still ate the foods that I enjoy eating but I did make a couple of changes to my diet. I am so happy with my first weigh in you guys, I made a little video below that you can watch and see how much I lost this week. MAKE SURE TO PRESS PLAY!

I firstly drank a tonne of water this week I always had a bottle beside me whatever I was doing. I am partial to the odd Pepsi Max (I even did my advertising college assignment on it) I usually drink alot  but I cut it down a bit this week. I'm not sure if I could cut it out entirely. I cut out cheese because I tend to eat a bit too much, I love mixing it in with my omelette in the morning it tastes unreal. I haven't missed this that much though to be far. I did on some days have two meals a day cause I either found myself not being hungry or I had healthy snacks that made me full throughout the day. I am actually going to do a post on my favourite health snacks very soon so be sure to stay tuned in for that. I have been writing down all my food intake this week which I have found pretty helpful since I started my weighloss journey last month. I just like writing things down its a good way to stay on track and focused on what your doing.

Something I added into my fitness routine besides walking and the odd bit of jogging is swimming. I'm going to do a post solely on swimming very soon so I'll keep this short and sweet. I swim with my Nanna and Aunty twice a week and I've been really enjoying it so far. It's a Aqua Aerobics class and it's like a workout in itself so I've been so tired after classes and my legs have been totally exhausted. You do feel absolutely amazing after a session though.

I have such an amazing group of friends I put my weightloss up on Facebook on Thursday evening and they all have been nothing but supportive with their lovely comments. I beyond appreciate it there a seriously great bunch and I wouldn't change them for the world. Little did I know I was going to love another 3 pound by Saturday, my official weighin day.

I like to call this more of a lifestyle change to a diet to be honest like I'm not going to deprive myself of stuff. It's my birthday on the 15th of February and I'm heading out next Friday for dinner and drinks with my family and boyfriend so I'm obviously without a shadow of a doubt going to treat myself that night. Sure I'm only 27 once but I am probably going to stick to gin and tonics. I really like them though it's definitely my drink of choice just wish it wasn't so pricey! It's almost better value to go for the double sometimes in my opinion.

Hope you enjoyed this post and the new format I chose including the video. I'll be back next week with the next segment in my weightloss journey.

Laura<3

The Lo Down - It's Fitness Time

New Year New You, that's the words that come out of everybodys mouth in January. A positive mantra that helps you on your journey to whatever you want to be. I quite like it as it's so positive, I take it as it is, forget about the past and look on into the future.

Since the first week in January this year I've been keeping a food diary. I've had one before and I find them super helpful to keep track on your progress, mistakes in your diet and what you want to or sometimes need to change. Weightloss journeys aren't easy, I have first hand experience on that matter. Once you fall off the horse it's sometimes difficult whatever the situation to get back on the saddle. I for one at one stage found it that bit too difficult and I'm going to tell you my story and how it's never too late to start again.

In April 2012 I started my weightloss journey which both made me nervous and excited all at the same time. I did a lot of blog posts at the time so you can check them out here! I joined Slimming World I was nervous because I'd tried weightloss groups before and some I have to say didn't quite work in my favour after a couple of months I'd lose a bit of weight and to my despair but it back on instantly so not going to lie I'd quit. Something was different when I started Slimming World I had a big burning desire to succeed this time and I did. In a little over a year I lost eight stone it wasn't easy as I changed my diet and opted for the Paleo diet which really limits you in what you eat. Kind of bad when you meet your friends for dinner, just saying! It was the first time I could comfortably fit into the clothes that all my life I wanted to be wearing pretty Taylor Swiftesque dresses that fit beautifully and I was happy. 

Fast forward to 2014 and things started to slide and I just wasn't feeling myself. I signed up to run the Mini Marathon with the paper which I thought was a good idea at the time and for months the training completely drained me. On the day of the actual Mini Marathon a family member who was super close to me like a second Mother passed away and it really broke my heart big time and still not a day goes by that I don't think of her and her witty humour. I did the Marathon in a bit over an hour I met my ex boyfriend at the finish but I have to say I wasn't feeling at all the best mentally or physically. A week later it happened when I least it expected it, I broke down completely. 

The next couple of weeks were a complete and utter blur. I went to see a doctor and explained my symptoms which is kinda difficult to explain when it's going on inside your own head. A week later I was admitted to one of the best mental health hospitals in the country where I stayed for a while. At first it scared me as it was like nothing I ever experienced before being confined in a place with other people. Slowly but surely I came around and made a lot of friends which I'll probably have for life by the looks of things. It's still great to have that support on days that I'm feeling down. After a few appointments the doctors diagnosed me with an anxiety disorder and depression and put me on a course of medication which I'm glad to say worked and I don't have to take them any more. If anyone is reading this and going through stuff like this themselves just know that it's ok to get help, you're special and so important to people around you. I know I didn't realise at the time but you really are, life is precious and you don't get a second chance at things. Medication, sometimes long term can be a great help to you in the long run. Also remember, you are not illness and never will be. Your diagnosis doesn't label you and all your good friends will still recognise you as the fun, strong and outgoing person that you always were. They will be blown away by your inner strength which you probably thought you never had but you definitely do.

When I came out of hospital I did realise I'd put on weight from not being as active as I usually had been. I didn't want to jump back into things so I gave myself a bit of a break which was much needed. Unfortunately my boyfriend and I at the time decided to call it quits which was in the best interest of both of us. As we had been through alot in those past few months. We still had the highest amount of respect for each other at the end. When you get out of hospital I think it's a good idea to take it easy but to not get too isolated and see your friends when possible. Lastly on this topic it's so important to talk, I can't state this enough. There was sometimes I didn't want to when I was so far inside my shell but I know now that that never helps noone so I can't stress it enough TALK!

Fast forward to 2016, I was back working for a short period of time and I met my now boyfriend Daragh on Tinder in June. We'd been chatting since February and after a abundance of hour long phone calls we finally met up and the rest was history. With his support I decided to start my fitness journey again. I've been eating really healthy lately and using my food diary to jot everything down. We also go for walks  here, there and everywhere which is good for fitness and also for the oul head. We are already planning some more adventures so I can't wait to see what the future holds. I know he's going to be my gym buddy everyone now and again which will be great I think. I can't thank him enough aswell cause he is just about the most laidback, friendly, understanding and caring guy I know and I love him to pieces! Of course I also wouldn't be anywhere without my amazing family behind. They have helped me through alot and always push me to succeed and achieve my goals which is really important. I'm a real go getter at times to be honest. The picture above is of me and my little brother on my last holiday before my battle with mental health began. He's a superstar and very knowledgeable when it comes to anything regarding mental health so I have a tonne to thank him for too. He's always going to be my little brother but he's definitely my best friend too. 

Now thankfully I'm more positive than ever and I know I'm going to succeed. I'll definitely keep you guys and dolls posted on my progress. Of course if you ever have any questions feel free to contact me on my email which is laura.allmadeup21@gmail.com I'll be happy to help in any way I possibly can.

Laura<3

Running with Team Herald for the Mini Marathon!!

Sorry guys for the serious lack of posts over the last couple of weeks,I've been super busy in work and life has seriously gotten in the way of things. Don't worry I'm back again, I've really missed blogging and sharing my favourite gems with you all. I also have pretty exciting news that I want to tell you guys. As you can see from the title of this post I'm going to be running the Flora's Womens Mini Marathon in June. Last year I took part and I jogged it in a time of 1hr 13mins which I was over the moon about. I wrote a post about my experience on the day and if you ever are considering signing up for the Marathon I'd definitely say go for it. It's such a wonderful day out and the rush you get when you see the finish line is unreal. I know it was a huge accomplishment for me.

A couple of weeks back reading the Evening Herald, I seen a blurb saying they were looking for people to run the Marathon with the Evening Herald. I applied for it, never in a million years thinking that I'd hear back. Last Wednesday after work I got a email from the lovely Dee telling me that they'd love me to be a member of Team Herald. Not going to lie I was in shock, when I sent my email in I didn't think anything else of it and hearing that I got it completely blew my mind. My family and friends were really delighted for me as they know how hard I've worked over the past two years. My goal for this years Mini Marathon is to beat my time from last year which I guess is on everyones mind. After getting the phonecall everything happened so quickly, I had some pictures taken and a telephone interview which happened in just two days. On Tuesday I picked up the paper to see my story in there which was really surreal. I put it up on my personal Facebook page and within a day it had 100 likes which was a bit overwhelming to see how supportive my friends are. To get such amazing feedback really made my day! I'm in the Fast Jogger category which is a bit daunting but I know if I train well and right I should do just fine.

I hope some people draw inspiration from my story and it helps them. I know weight is such a personal topic and I know back before I started Slimming World it never effected me but I still wasn't too keen on talking about it. As I have 11 weeks to go until the big day I've started training, with the weather being so bad in Ireland I've been going to the gym quite a bit but when the weather gets better I hope to go jogging around my area. I got a pretty good app called Map My Run on my phone which I feel will help alot. I also want to buy the Now That's What I Call Running CD, I seen it in HMV last week and I love listening to good music when I'm jogging so this will be perfect. I'll be doing updates every week until the Mini Marathon in June so if you guys get to read the articles definitely tweet me and let me know! I'll be putting links up on Twitter regardless so don't worry if you miss them. This is another exciting new chapter for me and I can't wait to get started.

Thanks for all the support so far, you guys are truly amazing,

Laura<3