Happy 1st Birthday Lola... Or is it 7th?

Our little puppy is a pup no longer, she now eats big pup food and is a responsible adult. Pah.

She still jumps up at people, chews our clothes, runs away as soon as the door opens and sits on the baby in broad daylight. She doesn't care what she does, and neither do we because thats Lola. She is another human in this house and part of our family.

That is why, we threw her a Birthday Party.

PMA - A Powerful Tool

Last week I could have diagnosed myself with depression I was feeling so defeated by all things life... I know, sounds miserable, but bare with me.

This week I thought I would stop feeling sorry for myself and do something about it, what on earth do I even have to feel glum about? I have a beautiful baby girl, a gorgeous caring husband, an annoying yet cutesicle puppy and a lovely house where we all reside in harmony (PAH).

So I said Melodie - Yes your a little tubby, so do something about it. Yes the house is an utter pig sty... do something about it. Your hair hasn't been brushed in a while... BLOODY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

I began to run, at 6.30 in the morning. This gave me time to reflect on the day ahead whilst no one else was around, It gave me space and time to begin the day on my terms while Danny looked after Elsie and began to get himself ready for work. It also gave me sooo much energy that I just can't sit down, I have to clean the house and make sure its' spotless before I leave. (which by the way I walked to the local farm shop only to realise it was still only 8.30 and they wouldn't be open for another 1/2 an hour. Eager Beaver)

Now I take a breath when something annoying happens, traffic jams... NO PROBLEM. Old people paying for things with Pennies - Throw em at me.

However it has only been 2 days, and like many other things I begin I am not the best at following through, but with my Positive Mental Attitude I can only say YES I CAN DO IT.

Will keep you posted.

BooTea

So this is it, and it is supposed to be a great aid in dieting and weight loss, it basically helps you to cleanse your body.

So this evening was my last glass of red and piece of cake for 2 weeks... come on tea, detox me.

Return of the gym bunny

I have started back at this gym this week. Needless to say, I can't walk.

I have been a horrendous student for poor Will at The Club and Spa... he must hate me. Today I proceeded to tell him that we should spend our hour napping, as without sleep you can't lose weight.

He didn't agree with me, and got angry when my cookie tourettes appeared and I admitted to the amount of cookies i'd consumed this week.

Bad Student.

However, I do try when he puts me to work. And we we started off strong with some weighted squats, now I would advice no one to try these on their own to start off with as you need to get good footing and make sure you have the right weights...

Pain in the..... Back.

A few years ago I was in a car accident, and ever since I have really suffered with my back. Since being pregnant it has just intensified, but I do have a secret weapon...

Tom (magic hands) Austen - He is an osteopath here in Chester, I am sure he has super sensors in his hands. He just knows where the pain is by feeling around your back (or limbs depending on what your problem area is). But more importantly he makes you feel very relaxed and safe - extra plus point would be his psychology degree which makes him a great listener whilst your lay on the table... your stress literally melts away within the 45 minute sessions.

When I very first booked an appointment with Tom I was anxious as I wasn't sure what it entailed, but since starting with him I feel slightly addicted to our sessions.

Do Note - If you don't like getting your back cracked you probably wouldn't enjoy this, but as I said I think I am a kind of sadist and have become addicted to the mixture of pleasure and pain. However it isn't just back cracking he also works on all your muscles and even dabbles in acupuncture (amazing btw).

Any mother needs to pay a visit with either Tom or a very qualified osteopath like Tom. I didn't know I even had muscles in the places he is trying to de-knot them... it's mad to think of the strain pregnancy can put on your body, never mind carrying the children around for years after that.

I honestly thought I wouldn't see an end to my back problems until I met Tom, so if you feel the same you need to look into osteopaths in your area.

Tom Austen
3 Hares Clinic
www.3haresclinic.com/

I'm Back - Holiday News.

We have just enjoyed a very lovely holiday in Tenerife, it was bloody warm though... took us all by surprise but no one more than the poor husband.

Elsie and I were fine, which gives me hope that she will have my skin tone and not Dannys. She really loved having barely any clothes on and having mummy, daddy and any passer by pay her tones of attention.

Unfortunately Danny was hit with a bout of what could only be described as "The Rash of Death" if you were to listen to him moan all day... to us it is just "Prickly Heat" and then that obviously turned into "Heat Stroke" not "I've been sat in the sun watching the football and drinking beer all day stroke" which left him unconscious for the remainder of one whole evening.

Other than that we had a great time, Elsie went into the water every day for a little swim and we showed daddy what she had learnt at Water Babies.

Have missed nearly 3 weeks of the gym I can guarantee that I am back in the 9st club and can't wait to get back...

Graduated from the 9st Club

It is a slow progress and I get upset and demotivated at times, but I am finally out of the 9st Club. Only by 1 lb but it's a start and I haven't jumped for joy in a long time.

Naturally I treated myself with a curry... but I also went for a run so they cancel each other out.

Now that the curry left overs are eaten we are back to serious Paleo Dieting, and then in 1 week we will be sunning ourselves in Tenerife.

SO EXCITING - if I get serious enough this week we could even have photo proof of all my hard work with Will at the Gym.

Citrus Chicken Recipe

I have done it... I have managed to make a meal without completely screwing it up. And it was the most delicious thing I may have ever made (if I say so myself) I even managed to make it look edible which is just unheard of.

Therefore I am going to share with you this most delicious recipe.

Ingredients
The Marinade:
Skinless Chicken Breasts
Juice of 2 lemons
Juice of 2 limes
1/2 tbsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Minced Jalepeno Pepper
1 Minced Garlic Clove
1 tsp salt

The Guacamole 
2 Avacados
jalepenos diced finely
1/4 red pepper diced finely
2 garlic cloves diced
1 tsp granulated garlic
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and Pepper to taste
1- 2 tbs of melted coconut oil

Sweet Potato Fries
Chop up a sweet potato per person in chip wedge sizes (1 inch thick, half the potato long)
Cover with melted coconut oil (or normal oil if you don't have coco oil)
Sprinkle salt all over
Bake for 40 minutes.

The Method
Place your chicken in a gallon resealable bag or in a deep dish.
Add lemon juice, lime juice, chilli poweder, paprika, jalepenos, garlic, salt and pepper.
Mix well, then coat the chicken and place in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour.

To make the guacamole, add avocado to a bowl and use a fork to mash it up, then add the jalepeno, onion, spice and salt and pepper. Mix it up and store in fridge covered in foil.

Pre heat oven to to 204c
Place the chicken on a baking sheet and put into the over for 20 - 25 minutes (discard marinade)

Then grill for 3-4 minutes (or until cooked)

Serve over a bed of lettuce and garlic mayo.

Put your chocolate upstairs so you have to exercise to eat a piece.

Winner...

So I am back in the game. Today I had my first client pitch in over a year and I won the client. YAAAY

I can't say too much about it at the moment, but this is a very exciting time for the Public Relations part of my company. I can not wait to get started working with my lovely new client and all her gorgeous products.

To celebrate we had a Wok n Go. I'm addicted and it's two for one on Tuesday, so it's pretty easy to turn down the meat an veg I had planned.

Oh well. We all have to celebrate some how.

Moving house...

Just as our life has started to settle, after welcoming a puppy and a baby into our life within 5 months we have decided it is time to move house... not just move house, we want to buy a derelict house and do it up. 

We just stumbled along a gorgeous Edwardian House in dyer need of renovation, we popped along for a viewing and I could feel the potential bouncing off the walls...

Then Danny fell through the floor, and we really saw the potential... it sounds weird but realising that the whole house needed gutting gave us even more ideas of what we could do, as well as the price falling a little further. 

I want to live in the house, Danny wants to convert it and make money. He is the sensible one, all I can see is the walk in wardrobe potential and utility room availability.

Watch this space we may turn into property developers before the year is out. :)

What have I started?

After being Ill all week I thought I would get on top of my dressing room, organise my clothes a little, sort out what I want to take on holiday - but this happened instead. I am swamped by clothes (most of which don't fit which is even more depressing)

So I thought I would take a break and talk about it with my lil helper.

The pair of shorts there that look like they could nearly fit Elsie [exaggeration] but they used to fit me... when I was 19 and at uni (don't ask me why I still have them) but they USED TO FIT ME.

Then there is my 2nd pair of favourite high waisted shorts that fit me in early pregnancy... NO MORE.

I have no clothes for my holiday, I must go shopping. Shopping for my old hips. 

Elsie and I are both crying so we will have to sign off for now and give my skinny clothes a good send off. 

No More Noodle Neck

An extremely proud moment this morning when Elsie held her head up high and strong. I thought she was never going to do it. I didn't think she would do it anytime soon as she hates tummy time. But here she is... yay.

Sleeping pattern, sleeping shmatten

Last week Elsie was sleeping through the night, and when she wasn't she would only wake up once, which is totally fine by me. But I honestly thought by the end of the week that we had cracked it, until she stayed over at her grandmas and it must have messed with her pattern. Now she is waking 3 times a night and screaming like a banshee.

I think it must be to do with her teething, because she won't get her hands out of her mouth and she is drooling like a st. bernard. On the plus side she has mastered getting her chubby little hands around teething objects and she can get them to her mouth which makes me think that she should be part of mensa... haha.

Not only is Elsie no longer sleeping, but now Lola won't sleep through the night and has started hammering on the kitchen door for us to go and pay her some attention. This is also around 3 times a night and when we let her out for the toilet she just plays...

So we are up about 6 times a night and we are going a bit insane with sleep deprivation.  Now the whole family is ill... how do you get better without sleep? How do I do my work with an ill baby, an ill husband an annoying dog and a head that feels like it is filled with cotton wool.

HELP.

Working on our waistlines.

So as you all know I have lost 2 inches off my waist - which I am really happy about and have been feeling really comfortable within myself again...

Here is an exercise to help you shed the inches and trim your waistline, demonstrated for you, by Will at The Club and Spa.

Must be a better wife...

Don't worry my husband hasn't demanded this, but I have demanded it of myself. 

Elsie is 3 months old, I have worked continuously through it and now I have got those two elements of my life in order, it is now time for me to concentrate more on my husband and my home. 

So I have researched lots of recipes that need pre preparation, so that when I get a spare minute from Elsie I can prepare tea to throw in the oven later. 

Here is one I made earlier - it is once again from my Vegan collection as that diet is very close to the Paleo Diet and another steal from Naturally Sassy.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers

(What they are supposed to look like)

INGREDIENTS

Makes 8 burgers

3 sweet potatoes 2 tins black beans (3 cups) 1 cup sweet corn 2 red onions, diced 1 cup brown rice flour

2 tsp cumin 1 tsp salt 2 tsp ground oregano 1 tsp chilli powder

METHOD:

Preheat your oven to 190c Peal and chop the Sweet potato into small cubes, drizzle with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally.

Meanwhile rinse and drain your beans and place in to a large mixing bowl. With a masher mash until roughly half the mixture becomes a paste.

In a frying pan add the onions and cook until caramelised. Place in mixing bowl with the spices and sweet corn.

Once the sweet potato is done, mash well before adding to mixing bowl, Mix well. Add the brown rice flour to bind and continue to stir.   Shape into 8 large patties and place in the fridge to cool.

To cook: in a frying pan, drizzle olive oil and fry the burgers for 3 minutes on each side, place on a baking tray and cook at 190 degrees for a further 10-15 minutes until crisp.

- See more at: http://www.naturallysassy.co.uk/recipes/sweet-potato-black-bean-burgers#sthash.Xyj0yxLe.dpuf

What mine looked like:

So as you can tell - mine needs a little more work and a lot more sweet potato. 

But I am trying and I am determined. So watch this space, the newest Delia Smith is on her way to a computer screen near you. 

Chocolate Cravings and Vegan Cuisine

The paleo diet has beaten me... I had to get my chocolate fix so I gave in and treated myself. Then I treated myself again and again and again.

However, because of my strong need to still have chocolate in my life I then stumbled along this vegan blog www.naturallysassy.co.uk she has lots of amazing vegan recipes as well as a vegan chocoholic ebook... its amazing and I believe her when she says her dishes are amazing.

Unfortunately, when I attempted to make mine the result was far from delicious... and further from chocolatey.

Here is the recipe that I tried:

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cheesecake

What it's meant to look like.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups oats (can use gluten free oats)

1 cup pitted Medjool dates

1 tbsp water

1/2 cup cashews

2-4 tbsp cacao powder

*Note, to make the crust completely raw substitute the oats for 1.5 cup of cashews.

Peanut butter layer

1 cup peanut butter

1 Tbsp coconut oil

1 cup almond milk

1/3 cup pitted medjool dates

Chocolate layer

1 ripe avocado

1 banana

4 tbsp melted coconut oil

1/3 cup pitted medjool dates

1/3 cup cacao powder

Garnish

1/3 cup peanuts

a pinch of salt

THE BASE

Blend the cacao, cashews and oat to a crumb in your food processor. Pour into a bowl. Then add your dates and a tablespoon of water, blend until a smooth paste has formed. Add the date paste to your bowl and totally combine so it easily sticks together.

Place into the bottom of a spring form cake or tart tin. Spread, and form the base evenly. Place in the fridge.

PEANUT BUTTER LAYER

Blend the dates, peanut butter, coconut oil and the milk until completely smooth. Spread on top of the cake base, place in the freezer. (This will harden it up quicker than in the fridge).

CHOCOLATE LAYER

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Once its been in the freezer around 15 minutes it should be hard enough to pour the chocolate mixture over it. Spread the chocolate evenly and then place in the fridge. Leave in the fridge for at least two hours before serving. Garnish with toasted peanuts, roasted in a pinch of salt!

- See more at: http://www.naturallysassy.co.uk/recipes/peanut-butter-chocolate-cheesecake#sthash.l4soI1Om.dpuf

What mine looked like:

Hahahaha! 

Boxercise / Anger Management

Will and I often have little boxercise sessions with one another, and it really gets the heart going. I absolutely love it. He had me running around the studio chasing him and trying to punch the pads, there were a few near misses, but he was asking for that as my co-ordination is horrendous.

You can feel the burn all over your body, with the combination of high intensity repetitions and the speed in which you do it. It is also fabulous form of anger management.

The Amanda Holden arms have to be coming along, and with all the high kicks I can feel it trimming my waist as we do it. 

I would definitely recommend for anyone to pop along to their local boxercise class - or just ask your husband to be your punching bag for an evening.... it could probably help a few marriages. lol.

Enjoy x

Success I've 6lbs in 7 days.

So far, my paleo diet has been going very well (with the exception of a glass of wine here and there) I have lost 6lbs in 1 week. I thought that I would miss chocolate so much more than I have been... so I am a happy girly at the moment.

This diet does however make exercising harder. Eggs and bacon, although delicious don't seem to give me the same energy boost as some toast did in the morning. So I am working harder, which in turn should make me burn more fat... maybe?

And seeing as sweet potato is allowed, I am going to make a delicious spicy sweet potato cottage pie this evening. (I will be leaving out the butter and ketchup and normal potato as they aren't part of my plan.

Here is the recipe if anyone would like to join me:

Spicy cottage pie with sweet potato mash

• Preparation time:20 minutes
• Cooking time:60 minutes
• Total time:1 hour 20 minutes  

Serves: 4

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, diced
2 medium leeks, thinly sliced
450g Waitrose Aberdeen Angus Beef Lean Mince (10% fat)
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
4–5 tbsp chopped, flat-leaf parsley
500ml beef stock
750g floury potatoes, peeled and cubed
350g sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
30g butter

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC, gas mark 6. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and cook the onion, carrot and leek for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the mince, break up with a fork, and fry for a few minutes until lightly browned. Stir in the paprika, cumin, ketchup and parsley. Add the stock and seasoning and bring to the boil. Simmer, half covered, for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a 2-litre shallow ovenproof dish.
2. While the mince is cooking, put all of both types of potatoes in a pan with cold water to just cover. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10–15 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly, then return them to the pan and mash with the butter and seasoning until smooth.
3. Spoon over the top of the mince mixture. Rough up the surface with a fork. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. Great served with peas or broccoli.

Injections :(

Elsie had her first injections last week, and they may as well of swapped my child for another. My once peaceful, calm and smily baby was gone. In her place is a grumpy, whiney and angry little girl.

When she initially had her injections, she was soooo brave. She cried a little with the initial pain, but not for long and then settled nicely... it was the days to follow that proved to be more difficult. 

I wonder why it is that this happens. She didn't get a temperature or anything but from reading online forums it sounds very common. A week after though, I am wondering when she will return to her happy self and I feel awful that I can't do anything to help. 

Paleo Diet

So I am attempting the Paleo Diet - I don't know how I will get on, I know it will be very difficult.

Here are the basics.

So cutting out sugar and alcohol is going to be very very difficult for me, but when Danny did this for Lent he lost so much weight very quickly. As long as I am giving my body enough fuel for the gym I should be fine... 

However I am already thinking about the chocolate I won't be able to eat. But my darling husband has offered to do it with me to help me stay focused and committed. (Note - I have never committed to a diet for longer than 3 days.) I hope it doesn't cause us to divorce as I read an article recently that would suggest it is a possibility. But hey at least I will be thin. 

Through this journey I will share recipes, hints and tips for anyone else that would like to start it. 

Making Progress!

So I had my first weigh in after 6 weeks of Personal Training at The Club and Spa

My original stats were:

Waist 82cm
Hips 96cm
Weight 60.4kg

They are now:

Waist 77cm
Hips 96cm
Weight 60kg




That is 5cm (2inches) off my weight... I am so happy!!!! I could see it decreasing, I just need to get serious about my diet now (she says feeding her wine hangover with a wok n go) from seeing that we are making progress it has spurred me to put the chopsticks down and get running more.

So Sunday I start the Paleo Diet, Hubster did it for lent and lost over a stone and a half in 6 weeks. I have 6 weeks till holiday and Elsie is sleeping much better so I am committed.

Side Boob Arm Flab

Pregnancy creates something called Stubborn Fat, in Stubborn areas. Stomach, legs and arms.

One of my stubborn areas is my side boob arm flab, you know the bit between your boob and your armpit. It looks gross, and it ruins the look of summer when my arm overflows into my breast.

So Will and I have been working on this area and I thought I would share the exercise with you.

Tomorrow is the weigh in. Wish me LucK !!!!!

One of those weeks.

It has been testing to say the least, lack of sleep, lack of patience and complete loss of sense of humour.

It started on Monday Evening, Elsie is a very noisy sleeper. She cries out in her sleep, kicks crazily and makes little piglet noises. At least every half an hour, which means I wake about every half an hour, that's if I even ever fell asleep.

Tuesday -
I tidy the whole house.

Write a couple of reports.

Attempt to go to town with my mum to pick up hubs watch.

Sounds delightful, and to my husband it's a fun day out. But on little sleep and with a baby, this little outing is like a full army mission, with feeding times and nappy changes it can sometimes take over and hour to get out the house.

Then I realise I'm not even dressed.

Come home.

 Lola (Puggle Puppy) has emptied her bowels all over the clean kitchen floor. She has obviously eaten a stone, peg, tree (I don't care to investigate anymore I'm sure it will turn up in her sick or poop at some point)
Que clean the whole house again, because the smell has got every where as far as I'm concerned.

Tuesday Evening.

Do a body pump class (with what energy I wasn't sure)

Hubby offers to sort the bottles ready for bed... how nice. I settle into a sleep.

3am

 Elsie wakes up. There are vital parts of bottle making equipment missing. (OBVIOUSLY)

Go downstairs.

Lola has had another FOUR accidents on the kitchen floor.

Give her cuddle she must be poorly.

Clean the kitchen again.

Run back to screaming baby.

Aaaand Feed.

Aaaannddd half sleep till 5.

Wednesday

Clean Kitchen Again

Take Lola to the vets. *KACHING*

Take Elsie for her first injections :(

Go home

Husband returns home as I am doing my work - moans about how tired he is. I mustn't know how he feels.

Get ratty with him.

Feel guilty so be nice.

Go to bed.

Thursday

No sleep again.

Only one accident from Lola this time.

Clean the house.

Stub my toe whilst hoovering.

Write this to release some anger as the baby sleeps.

INSP QUOTES

Sweat is your fat crying.

Don't treat yourself with food, Your Not a Dog.

Body Pump = FEEL THE BURN

I just did my first body pump class with Steve at The Club and Spa. As expected I can not move my arms further than an inch away from my body. Similar to that odd Impulse Advert where all the women danced with their arms at their sides. I have no idea how I will lift Elsie tomorrow, or even move.

Steve is understandably soooo toned, and proves to me the benefits of the class. Along with two ladies that took part in the class that had bodies I am currently dreaming of. The young lady in front of me had a very nice booty and I'm not ashamed to say that I couldn't help looking at it. She is definitely my squatspiration, The Hubster is hoping I become bootilicious and this will be the class to do it!

Right now I would rather stick pins in my eyes than do another squat or trisep dip, but I am staying strong and motivated, 8 weeks till holiday. We can do this.

Four Tips for Losing Baby Weight After Pregnancy

Here are some motivational postpartum pointers to get you going in fitness.

Pregnancy Tip 1: Set Your Sights

If you haven't done so already, set a realistic goal for yourself — say, losing one pound per week. Work toward it by following a sensible weight-loss diet (the Postpartum Diethas all the nutrients you need; add about 300 calories a day if you're nursing), and by exercising regularly. Regular is the operative word here — working out for at least 30 minutes three times a week is essential to losing baby weight after pregnancy (and staying healthy for your little one). 

Losing Baby Weight After Pregnancy Tip 2: Keep Moving!

Sticking to a diet is much easier if you stay active (and you’re already on the move with everyday baby care!) plus postpartum exercise can boost your metabolism. Find an activity you enjoy — jogging, yoga, cycling, swimming, even walking works — and plan it into your week. You'll get in shape even faster if you squeeze even a little extra activity into your daily routine. For example, leave the car in the garage and take the baby in his stroller for nearby errands. When you do drive, park a bit farther away than usual, and take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever you can. Every step counts toward your ultimate goal of burning more calories than you take in (the only way to shed those stubborn pounds!). 

Losing Baby Weight After Pregnancy Tip 3: Team Up

When it comes to losing baby weight after pregnancy, you need all the support you can get — so make sure your partner is on board, too. Instead of watching TV, take a walk tonight. And together, make a commitment to sticking to a diet. Start by ridding your fridge and pantry of high-fat foods; then stock up on fruits and veggies, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products and lean meats, poultry, and fish that are good for you (no matter what you weigh). Keep an eye out for each other’s eating habits — no sneaking snacks! 

Losing Baby Weight After Pregnancy Tip 4: Think Positive

Most importantly, keep a positive attitude about sticking to a diet. Treat yourself to some smart snacking with healthy on-the-go noshes and focus on what you've accomplished so far (like having a baby and the weight you've already lost). And remember that just because you aren't at your prepregnancy weight yet doesn't mean you can't look fabulous. If your skinny clothes are still too skinny, buy a couple of fun things that you'll enjoy wearing as you make progress towards losing baby weight after pregnancy. A new haircut or makeup can also perk you up as you slim down. 

Exercising with Baby on Board: Some Fun Ways to help..

Course you want to get back into shape — and of course, finding time to work out can be next to impossible with a little one taking so much of your time. One way to get back into the fitness swing is to start exercising with your baby. Here are some exsample ideas on moving your butt (and whittling down your belly) with your little one at your side.

Walk the walk. Pop your baby in her/his stroller and hit the road (or the mall, if you prefer). A front carrier works too, and the extra weight will give your workout an extra boost. ( I use a carrier a lot it fantastic and so much easier) Or sign up for a stroller-based class or a personal trainer to come to your home, which both will give you a great cardio workout and it also tones your muscles — and if you go to a class you might even make some new mommy friends. I would wait to buy a jogging stroller or bike trailer until your baby is to hold their neck/head in a controled away to ride safely.

Take a hike. Ah, the great outdoors — it's a breath of fresh air for both of you. If you choose to hit the trail for a workout with baby, consider your baby's age and temperament before you set out. For one- to five-month-olds, use a front carrier to give head and neck support. How long a hike you can take depends on your stamina and your baby's. Remember that an infant, especially one who's not used to being confined in a carrier, will probably not last longer than 20 to 30 minutes without fussing. Those sturdy back carriers should be reserved for a sturdier baby (six- to 14-month-olds). Be sure to pack snacks (get ideas for smart snacking ), drinks, and nappies, and plan your trek ahead of time. Go early (or late) in the day to avoid the sun's rays, and whether it's winter or summer, dress both your baby and yourself appropriately. Layers work best.

Experiment with yoga and Pilates. Both can help increase your flexibility and strength using your own body for resistance — and it can be a great workout with baby as well. Once your cutie is at least four months old, try some mat exercises like this one that really targets those abs (yay!): Lie on your back, bend your knees and plant your feet flat on the floor, then prop the baby on your pelvis facing you (hold under her/him arms). Inhale and pull your navel toward your spine; exhale and lift your bottom and back off the floor, one vertebra at a time, until you've pulled your body into a straight line from chest to knees (keeping a careful grip on your baby, of course). Inhale, then roll back down (and give them a kiss). Repeat.

Get in the swim. Working out in the water is wonderful for both of you. You'll enjoy feeling weightless after all those months of feeling huge, and your baby enjoying the simple act of splashing their hands. And exercising with baby in the water is simple — you can use your baby as a weight by holding beneath the arms and lifting her up, then lowering her/him back into the pool. (make sure it's safe) 

Do a little dance. Get down with your darling to your favorite tunes (you won’t even notice you’re getting a workout with baby!). And not only will your little one love the movement, you'll also foster a passion for music. (No head-banging, Mama, no matter how radical the song might be…and don't pump up the volume too much — tiny ears are extra-sensitive.)

How to get those Amanda Holden Arms.

Here are a few of the exercises Will and I do when we are at TheClub and Spa, but I also have to do them when I am at home... homework.

Chair Dips

Do it:

• Sit on the edge of the chair with your feet together.
• Place your hands on the seat on either side of your thighs and keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Bend your elbows 90 degrees and lower yourself toward the floor.
• Straighten your arms, raising your body back to the start position.
• Do 8 reps to start with and build up your reps each time you do the exercise.
• Two Arm Tricep Extension. 

Two Arms Tricep Extension.

• Stand up and hold one dumbbell with both hands behind your head, upper arms pointing straight up.
• Raise the dumbbell up by curling your elbows and slowly lower it back after a short pause.
• Your upper arms should remain still throughout

You can do these exercises at home or at the gym so they are perfect for working your arms, wherever you are. 

Say Hello to Amanda Holden arms in no time. 

Thinspiration

Many people think of this as a negative word, but if you are sensible and serious about losing weight safely then it is just that. Inspiration to help us thin.

I have a few Thinsps, but Amanda Holden is my number 1.

      

Amanda Holden, is super sexy and I can only hope that I will look as good as she does at her age. She is nicely toned, her arms are firm without going all Madonna Heroin Chic like some people do, and she has had children. So she shows me that my perfect body dream is possible.

So you may say Thinspiration is a negative word, but I think that having inspiration for something whether it is the gym, a career or chocolate. It can only be a good thing...

Thank you for the Inspiration Amanda.

The Importance of Eating

Today I learnt a valuable lesson, having got no sleep thanks to lovely Elsie and not eating this morning due to being in a mad rush I set off to meet Will at The Club and Spa for my first PT sesh of the week.

Feeling the pressure today, I could tell my strength was down, along with my motivation and determination to get rid of the dreaded fat... "maybe I could live with it" definitely crossed my mind a few times as I held back the tears but no I fought on with Wills help we hit it hard and fast until...

Just at the end of the session on the bike (during the warm down I might add). I lost my breath, I just couldn't catch a breath and in turn started to panic. Trying to keep myself calm I had to steer myself away from the impending full blown panic attack that was creeping up inside me. Luckily Will noticed (probably the fear in my eyes) and kept me calm whilst trying to keep me on a steady path with my cycling to take my mind off the fact I couldn't breath.

Once I was back to normal and had apologised repeatedly to Will for my lack of energy, determination and Will power. He asked me what I had eaten today... "A Banana" I shrugged - then I got it. A very stern look.

Will explained to me that due to the lack of food in my system along with the 48 hours I hadn't really slept, my body had nothing to work on, and therefore it struggled to even breath. Whoops, my bad.

But no matter how tired you are it is important to still continue with a good exercise regime as it will help with your energy levels through the day.

For me this is really important, having Elsie and Lola to entertain as well as do my work and try to be a good wife (although admittedly poor Danny and dinner keep creeping down the list) by exercising in the morning I do find I have that extra push to get on with my days.

It wasn't even the panic attack I was ashamed of, but the fact that I hadn't listened to Will when he has repeatedly told me to eat more... it is just an odd concept for me to eat more when I am desperate to lost weight. But Boy will I eat more in future. It was utterly embarrassing nearly crying and spluttering for breath in the middle of the gym and I only have myself to blame.

Sorry Will, lesson learnt. I promise.

Not Enough.

The Gloves are OFF

Today I had another PT Session with Will at The Club and Spa Gym in Chester. Will is fabulous when it comes to mummies wanting to lose their tummies, and he also a dab hand at anger management.

When handed a pair of boxing gloves I thought this is just what I need. Boxing is a great way to get fit, it raises your heart rate, tones those bingo wings and relieves any built up tension.

I could feel my troubles (and my fat) melting away, but who would have thought there was the need for coordination in boxing? Poor will nearly had a black eye when I got confused between my lefts and rights.

I am now completely jelly legged but utterly invigorated. I can't wait to do it all again - I didn't know getting fit could be fun I thought it was all treadmills and cross trainers.

Lola

Lola is our Puggle Christmas Pup, we got the little rascal when I was 4 months pregnant and she is the best dog I have ever known.

Lola loves water, she likes to be close to you and more recently she adores eating stones (and consequently throwing them up). Since the day we got her she has eaten everything she shouldn't including:
Laptop Chargers
Pillows
Spongebob
Her Bed
Chocolate Biscuits
Teddy
Playstation Cable
Phone Charger

More importantly though, I want to talk about how brilliant she has been since Elsie came along. It will soon be Elsie and Lola, they will be best friends. Lola already knows how to calm Elsie down and likes to be as close to Elsie as any other member of the family.

an example of how Lola likes to be close to people.

Lola is a nutter, and has the best snuggle tooth around. Many people think that there is a human inside her and I tend to agree with them. She is a great big sister and although I never leave the two alone together I know there is going to be a special bond between them.

Post Natal Exercise Tips

Did you know that when your pregnant, your abs split in half and move around to the back of your body? (this could be where my back fat came from)

During my PT session today with Will, he told me that you aren't to do Sit Ups or Crunch like exercises to get your tummy back in shape as it could give you a POT BELLY. We don't want that ladies.

This is because your Abs aren't yet healed and by doing the wrong exercises it can cause them to heal incorrectly. 

What should you do...

Work on your Core - and strengthen your abs from within. 

Here is an excellent exercise for your core and pelvic floor muscles. 

The Pelvic Floor Lift, here Will is using a kettle bell, but you could use your baby and incorporate play time too.

(demonstrated by the lovely Will at The Club and Spa at Hoole Hall in Chester) 

SHE'S SMILING

Wow, Elsie smiled for the first time and I don't even know what to do with my self. Other than send photo's to everyone I know, then post them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Should I send one into the local paper? I know everyone in Chester would love to see Elsies first smile... wouldn't they?

A mummy first, and a first time mummy. I just had my first proud moment and my smile is from ear to ear. I can't wait for Daddy Cugs to get home so we can show him our new trick.

Back Fat

So I had a baby 5 weeks ago, and after a week I wasn't back into my jeans... What the heck I thought. The baby is gone... so why on earth am I still having to wear maternity leggings up to my arm pits and baggy tops.

Nobody tells you about the wobbly bit in the middle that doesn't go away, like they inserted some jelly in there to replace the vacant space that Elsie once lived.

"Be Patient" they say, "It will drop off you in no time" I hear.

It has been 5 weeks and I spotted a new revelation. BACK FAT. What is this strange thing that rolls around my bra straps I ask. Even though I have never been a gym goer or particularly healthy eater, I have never had BACK FAT.

"THAT'S IT" I am joining a gym, and join the gym I did. The Doubletree by Hilton in Chester has a brand spanking new Club and Spa - It's very swanky and just the thing I need to get myself into gear. So now I am a member of a gym and I have a lovely Personal Trainer called Will.

We had our first session yesterday, and inevitably I can't walk today - but I shall gain a body like Amanda Holden and I will show that Back Fat who's the Boss.

( I also got to go shopping for lots of nice gym clothes, and I have ordered a sexy pair pink trainers which I can't wait to hit the gym in.)