Mark my words.

For me exercise is a love/hate relationship. In the past I have had to force myself into any type of exercise  I really did just loathe it. This year thought I have been really keen on Pilates and then Yoga (and they both count as exercise, they are by no means easy). And then I couldn't do them for a while, so then it all went out of the window. But since July, I've really wanted to actually go to the gym regularly.

So this week, I joined a gym and I have been 4 times so far! I came to London on Friday, so my gym duties are put off until I'm back, but yes, I'm proud of myself! I'm still finding my way around the gym; I've been on the cable pulley thing, as if I'm rowing a boat or so. Been on the cross trainer etc etc. However I find myself with a bit of gym shyness, which is frustrating because I know that in order to get the results I want I need to be using the weights.

I really want to exercise for various reason:

• I want to tone up - no shame in being vain! 
• I want to be able to run for the bus without feeling like death is approaching
• I won't be blessed with a fast metabolism forever, so may as well not pile on the pounds, especially with my diet! 

But in the gym, people stare. Like goodness me, I couldn't imagine anything worse for my SA than a huge room filled with people (this also happens to be filled with equipment). But alas, I did manage to fight the pesky anxiety and use some weight leg machine. I didn't manage to do much and after that I quickly bolted before my anxiety reached an all time high. 

.

Anyway gym and fitness can also be confusing, like is stretching before actually bad for you or not? What foods should you eat? Do you really need to take protein shakes? There is SO much information out there about the gym and female bodies, that it's hard to know which one will work for you. For now I've started off by taking on what I can, now I'm drinking at least 2 litres of water a day. Trying out different veg and adding loads to my meals. However staying motivated is what concerns me - with most things I do I throw in the towel after two weeks.

Thing is I feel really great after I workout and it’s really excellent from taking my mind of the blues that frequent me. So it’s a winner overall! Anyway, watch this space for my body transformation (haha). But here are some more words and pictures I use to keep me motivated. 

I actually have this on my noticeboard

How do you stay motivated?

xxx

Battle Born.

Yesterday night was perfection - I got to see The Killers at the o2 arena in North Greenwich. This is my 2nd time seeing them and they just blew me away again. I wish I got some good pictures, but I was waaay to busy drinking, jumping up and down and singing my lungs out. So you have loads of photos of lights.

It was such an AMAZING night, even if I got attacked by a very very drunk woman. She even attacked her husband, very lovely. Anyway if you haven't listened to their new album "Battle Born" do so immediately, it's so great!

xxx

Spread your wings, my little butterfly.

So with my student loan finally coming in, I did a little bit of a shop! I can't even remember half of what I've bought now, but I have managed to acquire two pairs of trainers and some high heels (although these were a gift). I thought what better wa o keep my blog updated and show off my goodies? I finally have a pair of high tops! And I got them off ebayfor a bargain of £30 (inc. postage). I love them AND they have purple features, so goood :)

I just love them! 

The next thing to show is my heels! They were a gift and they are incredibly high!

Currently £10 at Republic.

Say hello to my purple Vans! Schuh are doing this and many more for £30, so I would log on to the website if you want a pair!

Love these, love purple. So I'm really happy with my bargains and new footwear!

Time to Change

Tomorrow I'm going to be helping out with a campaign called 'Time to Change' it's a campaign dedicated to challenging the stigma around mental health. So that's ranges from anxiety, to depression to schizophrenia and everything in the middle! You can find out more about them on their website Time to Change and you can make a pledge to start ending the discrimination here

I've never really talked about my mental health on here and I don't think I will too much, as that's not what I created this blog for. But I do think it is something that needs to be spoken about more openly! I'm putting myself out there because it means a lot to me, so I certainly have to share it in my blog. The event will look a bit like this (this is from Leicester's pop up village).

So if you're in Birmingham tomorrow, pop down to Cathedral Square Park, it's right next to Snow Hill station. We'll have loads of activities going on and you have a chance to find out more about what Time to Change are doing and more about mental health and how you can talk to people about it. We won't even want any money from you! :) There will be face painting, live music and other bits of entertainment - plus I'll be there smiling away, trying to entice people - it's all for a really good cause! 

Don't forget to visit the website!

I haven't loved you in a long long time.

I bought this lovely dress last week. 

I benefited from a wonderful 20% off, but it also caused me to lose my university card :( 

I'm slacking now because I'm a slacker but also because I have a whole week to catch up on. 

xxx