Getting Fit For The Lazy and Un-coordinated

Anyone that knows me a long time would not associate me with being in any way sporty. Ever. I was the girl that hated P.E class in school and always felt below average when it came to it. When I left school I never did any physical activity until I joined a ballet class for a short time when I was 20 years old (and unfortunately does not run anymore). Even joining that class was a big milestone.

It came to the point in 2014 when I became very unhappy with the way I looked and a severe onset of depression/anxiety that I made the plunge to join the gym; I simply had to do something. I joined a local DW gym. Mainly locality was something I needed; if it was miles away there are more excuses not to go. I wanted something different too - I hate running so a cardio based gym was not asthmatic little for me.

I booked in for a gym induction and was pleasantly surprised by what they offered. A £30 monthly membership for students, which is open to me 6.30am-10pm weekdays and 8am-8pm on weekends. The cost has suit me perfectly; I would have easily spent that money on a big takeaway splurge instead. Also the opening time availability; as I have previously mentioned working for myself can mean I have a crazy schedule, so flexibility is required to when I can actually go. DW also boasts a steam room, swimming pool and jacuzzi (bliss after a heavy training session!) The staff are pretty friendly too.

The big question is 'Do you get a personal trainer?'
Personally, I did at the start and absolutely hated it; we didn't have much in common and felt I could train by myself more effectively independently. It wasn't for me; but if you get a good PT it can make all the difference. I guess it depends on your own motivation.

Since my first and last disastrous PT session, I've trained by myself; not easy at the start, granted that, but it does take time. I've found watching other gym members an invaluable way to learn (look at their, posture, stance, how they hold a weight) and try it yourself!

It will be a year in April that I'll be part of DW gym and honestly it has been a great decision. I've found the gym picks my mood up even on my worst days and looking a year back can say I've come a good way from it.

Of course, like most people diet is the big struggle. My sweet tooth overrules me and I am finding it hard to substitute fruit for chocolate (it's just not the same!) Diet Is a long-term factor that I think I'll have to work on for awhile.

2015

Hard to believe it's a new year! As usual all the cliched resolutions have been made...

It took me until April last year until I eventually joined the gym; but I did and it's definitely one of the best decisions I made in 2014. This year I plan to tone up and build my strength up even more; I'm lifting more than I would ever have dreamed possible and want to continue progressing! I also want to increase my level of flexibility; it'll help with my weight training. 

Another resolution is to stop procrastinating so much. Be it assignments, housework, walking the dog on a rainy day. Usually if you do something when you are supposed to, it makes life easier (especially in the case of assignments!)

I'm trying to eat better too. I've crash dieted before and all it does is make you insanely miserable. Sofar I have cut out all carbs (such a pasta, rice potatoes etc) and replaced them with leafy greens. I actually prefer wild rocket and watercress to spinach so would eat more of that currently. No fizzy juice or my beloved Fanta, tea or coffee. I've replaced this mainly with either water or milk or the odd diluted juice. I've cut out all chocolate, curries, crisps too. Basically if it's not vegetables or fruit, eggs or meat I'm not eating it.

The aftereffects of all this? Some hunger, at times. Mainly due to my job and university, my eating patterns are not regular, but I have started eating a regular breakfast. Temptation is big; a lot of people I work for offer coffee/tea and usually biscuits. I'm just saying no thanks or ask for water instead. As for temptation when I'm out and about, I just have to quickly walk past.

Sofar so good.

As for assignments it's the first day back and it's been alright. Patterns assignment is in this Friday, so a busy week ahead. Marketing deadline has been rescheduled as our tutor was away in Australia for nearly three weeks so that's a relief. Sewing isn't going great as I'm such a slow learner/doer but I'll get there; at some point ha.

Fashion Management, Year 2, First Term

Yet again it would appear as though I have died...I don't know how some bloggers crank out 2/3 posts a day; I simply do not have the time anymore.

As a rough guess I've been working 7 days a week now for the last 5 months. It's only in the last 2 weeks I've gotten actual days off (which feel bizarre but are much appreciated). Even stranger is that I have practically a whole 2 weeks off work and class for the Christmas Holidays. To say I'm excited is an understatement. I can't wait to lie in bed in a boojum like state...

Ok best to talk about college first I guess! Settling back into the rhythm hasn't been so bad surprisingly. Even though alot of things do feel like deja vu at times. Not all bad though routine is great to get into again. However, the morning struggle out of bed can be a gigantic task in itself. Winter mornings and myself personally do not agree!

It's going well sofar; surprisingly got a 2:1 in my quality and colour management exam (no idea how I pulled that one off but I won't complain). Handing in my design assignment tomorrow and I am pretty much prepared for it (horrendous quality of my CorelDraw capsule collections. No idea why they've turned out pixelated but hey-ho).

Compared to this time last year I'm a lot more organised; I haven't had one single all-nighter or even really late night. I guess I do a lot more at home at home. Plus, I usually sit by myself in class and find I am a lot less distracted. The only part I still struggle with is sewing; I'll never be a sewing magician. Handed my dress in earlier this week and I'm only starting the zip whereas others are finished/or finishing. Sigh.

The other assignments such as Patterns and Sewing are due in the new year after we come back from Christmas break and I have to admit I have barely looked at them/started them. However, having 2 weeks off will certainly boost productivity. Hoping my Sewing and Pattern Work will make up for my weaker practical abilities. Waiting on results from my Marketing assignment but don't think I'll get them until the second part of the hand-in. That's about it college-wise.

As for work itself it's great to be self-employed and work whatever hours I want to. Plus being great on a lot more than minimum wage. I have to say I really love my job though; I really enjoy working with children/teenagers. Yet again, organisation seems to be a vital key to make things run like clockwork. Over my time off I'm working very little and am going to enjoy some rest and relaxation (possibly with the duvet, Domino's Pizza and a film marathon).

A note on my dental treatment (which is still ongoing). I have had my braces off well over a year now and things are going good. I had my annual check-up and they same there's minimal movement in my lower jaw - stupidly and bizzarely lost my bottom retainer set over last Christmas and my teeth began to move slightly :(

I am considering getting braces on the lower jaw again because of this. May seem mad to a lot of people but if you know me I 'm really weird that way about my teeth. I've also ditched NHS treatment and have signed up with private dental treatment. All I can say is - WOW! I usually have an anxiety attack over the dentist but not no more; all the treatment I've received has been quite relatively pain free. I've had a few root canals, fillings and restorative work done over the past 6 months or less and it's pretty much all been plain sailing. My next appointment is to collect my at home teeth-whitening kit and I'm SO excited!

I've a few fun things planned for when I'm off - one is a beauty day at Bellaire and can't wait for it. I have also recently picked up some new thread (mostly from Liberty Blue). Yet still find it hard to find a pair of good fitting jeans that have longevity in them - any recommendations are welcome! Of course I plan t hit the sale like a speeding train to pick up some new necessities and key pieces. I've nearly all my Christmas presents got too (weirdly organised haha).

As for the gym I recently haven't went as much (cold weather really off puts me in general but my asthma always flares up badly this time of year too). I'm hoping to go daily when I'm off and keep the dreaded Christmas bulge off that can seem to appear out of nowhere.


I'll be keeping you all posted of my time off over Christmas and all the things I get upto!

Maze Restaurant Belfast

Had a great meal recently on Sunday 20th of July In Maze, Belfast. It is conveniently located on 11 Wellington Place, so has close parking at Castlecourt or Montgomery Street or a 5 minute Walk from the Europa bus and train station.

First impressions were great, we were warmly greeted and seated quickly. The interior is spacious yet also an intimate setting (would be great for a date or business meeting) and has gorgeous earthy tones accented by hints of bright orange. We had picked the steak dinner (as a special offer it was only £11 per person; but it was not highlighted alot that it was either which was a nice touch).

The deal itself is a 12oz rump steak with one side dish (we both chose mashed potato) and is garnished with a juicy beef tomato and perfectly crisp onion rings. TO DIE FOR. I'd recommend the

For dessert we shared a chocolate fondant with vanilla ice-cream and chocolate sauce and sticky toffee pudding, honeycomb ice-cream and a toffee sauce. The fondant was perfect; oozy in the centre with a delightful sponge texture. I fell in love with the sticky toffee pudding; simply one of the best I've had in ages!


I can only fault a few things. One, that the main was served on cold plates and subsequently cooled our dinner quicker. Two, that my mashed potato was quite cool compared to the rest of the meal when serving. Three, a steak knife was not given with the main (therefore I proceeded to hack at it in vain attempt like a caveman and was afraid to would fling itself of my plate in my attempts). Nothing in major, just lacking a few practical touches.

Maze is one of the latest restaurants that gives the foodie a fantastic fusion experience (a combination of different food types which can somewhat be categorised to country or region).  The menu is extensive with: breakfast options, seafood, italian, indian, asian, thai. From personal experience I'd really recommend the steak for the carnivore inside. There is an extensive vegetarian menu also, if your not that way inclined. You simply have to try the dessert menu; I can't recommend it enough.

Onwards and Upwards

Back after quite (what seems) long break from writing. Most people probably think I've died or just given up like some many new bloggers do; not the case here!

I've had such an extremely busy time with everything. The biggest step was going back to university last Monday to begin repeating my second year after a rough start this time last year. However, much has improved then and I'm in such a better frame of mind; I even paid attention to Cliff's mad tangents he goes on about vultures and dear lord knows what else in Textiles and Business Class.

A year out and repeating was really the best decision for me and I'd say to anyone it's not the end of the world if you choose to do it! I find myself much more interested and attentive in class, extremely more organised in terms of both academically and in work and in general miles happier than what I was. Financially, I am so much more mature and can quite comfortably live just by myself with the two mad dogs.

Of course there are still the niggling worries but they seem dulled in comparison to what they were last year, such as 'how in blazes do you sew this dress together', Am so much happier in many aspects of my life and am even planning a holiday away (the first and only I'll have been on)!

Look after yourself and be selfish sometimes (to a degree) - you are the only person who will fully push themselves to there true potential.

June Update

I recently went to the churchs' first meeting of the month 'Momentum'. It's a more relaxed and informal service compared the typical Sunday Service. This months service was on prayer and what prayer means to each individual person. It got me thinking; I never have really prayed apart from the standards such as Grace and the Lord's Prayer. Where to start?

Usually, starting anything is the hardest part; be it a piece of coursework, redecorating a room or even a prayer. Although, after starting to write it became easier. Maybe I should pray more, but find it hard to...

As for work it's going strength to strength! I had thought at this time of year that it would have quietened down but it's quite the opposite. Not that I'm complaining; this is the opportune time for me to get some money together for upcoming events and projects.

For the previous week the sun has been shining and hasn't stopped. It's been great, sunshine like this can be a novelty for people in Northern Ireland. A good amount of people are sporting a dodgy lobster coloured sunburn. Although I am not; I tan easily without burning (thanks for those genes Daddy!). I don't sit out in the sun much either so it wouldn't effect me much.

May Update

May has been a crazy month. I am in the midst of home improvements and feel as if I'm finally getting somewhere. Moving a whole house around has been a big task. As the days turn lighter and the evenings stretch out it feels as if I get alot more done as well.