Jog on

I mentioned in my last post that I've recently starting jogging following the Couch to 5km programme. I'm going to be honest with you health and fitness have never really been my forte. Eating and drinking definitely, but exercise- naaah. I was a sporadic gym user and would occasionally take my mum's dog for a walk but that was about the height of it. Add in a strong addiction to junk food and a serious sweet tooth, over time my weight gradually crept up. I struggled to walk up a flight of stairs without getting out of breath.

However as New Year's Day 2014 passed in a haze of hungover boking and depression, I decided instead of making a list of ten impossible resolutions that would only last a fortnight I would make two general resolutions that would make the biggest difference to my life. The first was to take control of my finance (that really has not happened yet). The second was to lead a more active lifestyle.

I knew I really couldn't afford to join the gym and thought maybe I'd just start going for walks on my day off. Then I was chatting to a very good friend of mine Laura who is planning on running the Wellington marathon this May. She spoke about how running has really become an important part of her life and how much better she feels for it. A quick Google search brought up the Couch to 5km programme. A training programme for complete beginners which is endorsed by the NHS. The idea is that after nine weeks of varying intervals you will be able to run for 5km (approximately 3 miles) or for half an hour without stopping.

Easy peasy I thought to myself, how hard can that be? Very, is the answer. Very, very hard. The first week called for running for 1 minute without stopping that nearly killed. As the weeks went on the intervals of running got longer but I stuck to it and I am now about to finish week 4 which consists of running for five minutes. Now I have to admit I took a couple of weeks when I was working nights and became completely nocturnal. What can I say, the thought of going out for a run around Belfast at 3am didn't really appeal! I then repeated week three since I had such a long break but am now back on track.

I have to say I have loved it. Not so much the actual jogging but the idea that I am pushing myself to become fitter. I am not plannig on running any marathons or becoming a body builder but the fact I am doing something that is increasing my heart rate three times a week can only be a good thing.

The thing I have enjoyed most is finding new places to run. I tend to go to Drumglass Park mostly as it is closest to me. However I discovered Lady Dixon Park, a huge space with lots of different trails and paths to explore. I also enjoy the occasional run along the Lagan Tow Path.

I plan on posting about my training each week just for a wee change from my usual posts. If anyone out there is doing the C25k let me know we can be each others sponsors. Or if there's anyone out there who is  dedicated runner hit me up with tips!

The only advice I can give to someone starting out is to just do it. The old me would have put off starting running until I had the proper training and nice, new running outfits. But the first time I went out I just stuck on some old jogging botttoms and stuck my iPod in my bra. No excuses, just do it.

Here's to a healthy year!

S xx

Blow Out Queen: Babyliss Big Hair Rotating Styler review

About a month ago I went into the Blow Dry Bar on the Ormeau Road just to get a quick touch up on my colour and a trim. That is all I intended to do, I let the stylist talk me into getting my hair a few shades lighter and settled in to read my Grazia. Once all the dye was washed out the hair dresser asked me what way I wanted my hair cut and I swear to God I was planning on saying 'Oh just a wee trim please to get rid of the split ends' What actually came out of my mouth was 'Just chop it all off'

I genuinely think I was possessed. The hairdresser stared at me in the mirror and again I said 'Look just cut it off, it's been really annoying me recently. Maybe like a bob or something, just do what you want.' To which the hairdresser exclaimed 'I love when people say that!' And promptly set about chopping inches of my hair. I ended up with a very stylish graduated bob.

I know it's a a bit of cliche but getting a complete restyle on your barnett is actually really uplifting. I mentioned previously that I'd been in a bit of a funk the past few months, but getting all that old hair chopped off symbolised to me a new start.

However the problem with shorter hair styles is that you actually have to put effort into making them look good, there's no just shoving it in a bun when you can't be annoyed styling it.

I put my hands up I never, ever blow dry my hair. I can't. I don't know how to dry it with any sort of style I usually end up looking like Sideshow Bob. I knew I needed something that would dry my hair like the hairdresser did and a quick Amazon search brought up the Babyliss Big Hair Rotating Styler.

This hot air styler actually rotates both clockwise and counter clockwise and has two heat settings as well as a cool setting. I bought it for £37 including P&P. And hands up it has changed my life.


This is my hair if I just leave it to air dry after my shower. Frizzy and kinda curly, but not nice curly just meh. If I straighten my hair like this I'll still have all those annoying wee kinks and bumps.

Frizzy Lizzie

To use the styler I usually wait until my hair is just damp rather than soaking. I read somewhere that you hair doesn't begin to hold it's style until it's 80% dry so no point in taking ages drying it when I could be dancing about my bedroom.

I then just section it into two, top and bottom. Then just take big sections and start drying. It definitely takes a bit of getting used it. It's really easy for your hair to tangle up in styler as it rotates, I've nearly scalped myself I don't know how many times. 

And that's pretty much it, just keep going until all your hair is dry. The layers at the back of my hair are really short so I just blast them with a normal hairdryer and I'm good to go.

Tada!

Now if I was just going to work or having a lazy day I'd just leave it like this. If I'm heading out I'd give it a quick going over with the GHDs. All in all, I love my new hair. It just seems so much more slick and grown up. Yes it's a bit more work but I think it's worth it.

And I would definitely recommend the Babyliss Big Hair Rotating Styler. I think it would work for most lengths of hair apart from really short crop styles. It makes me feel like I've been to the hairdresser everyday so definitely a worth while investment.

Love

S x

Bad Blogger

Yes I admit it, I have been such a bad blogger the last time I posted was November! That is just ridiculous I am very ashamed.

Do I have any excuse for this atrocious behaviour?! Um not really to be honest. In fairness there were a couple of months there I wasn't really very happy, no real cause I was just extremely down I didn't really have any motivation to do anything. Also I subscribed to Netflix and that takes up a lot of my spare time. But I have picked myself and realised I really missed blogging. I don't know if anyone even reads this but I enjoy having a vaguely creative outlet in my life. My job is quite stressful and it can be a lot of responsibility sometimes so I need something completely different to do on my days off..

There have been some changes in my life. I moved out in December to a gorgeous apartment in South Belfast with a friend. That could be another reason why I haven't blogged much, I spend all my money on rent and food so haven't have any new beauty items to write about. I plan to do a little house tour post for you all soon so stay tuned.

I have also taken up jogging following the Couch to 5km plan and surprisingly I am actually enjoying it. Since turning 25 I'd been having a good hard look at my life and I've realised I am the fattest and most unfit I ever been and something needed to change. Hence starting jogging. I am actually really proud myself I'm almost
finished week 4 and this is the longest I've ever stuck to some form of exercise programme.

On that note you might notice a change to my blogging content. I will definitely still be doing beauty and fashion posts but I want my blog to be more of an overview of my life. I'm currently going through a lifestyle overhaul and want to share it with you all. So please stick with me

Sorry again for my long absence, but I'm back baby!

S xx