WW Update - Week 3

I hate to say it but I was a coward this week as I didn't go and get weighed.  :(

I've really struggled this week - Olivia has been extremely unsettled during the nights and has been awake from 3.30am onwards so I've been very tired.  Because of that I've been reaching for quick fixes during the day for energy and I've not been choosing the most healthiest of options or recorded what I have eaten.  We also ate at Nandos again (this habit has got to stop) as well as having a Chinese takeaway and unfortunately I didn't hold back or even think about the points of what I was eating (it was very yummy though and I haven't eaten a proper Chinese since before I was pregnant).

Last night came around and I probably did the worst thing you can do before being weighed and that was to weigh myself.  To my horror it appeared as though I hadn't lost any weight and that I may have put on 1/2 lb.  For me, I didn't want to go and get weighed and have it recorded that I had put on  - it may not make sense to others but for me it's a psychological thing.  I want to keep imagining that I am loosing weight and I didn't want it to affect my progress if I had put weight on.

So I didn't go.  Bad I know as some would same that I'm avoiding reality and as I'm in control of what I eat I should face those dreaded scales no matter what they say.  But I must admit that this morning I feel so much better and I'm so glad that I didn't go as it's a new week and a fresh start. 

This week I'm going to try and ensure that I go back to basics and record everything that I eat and think before I reach for certain foods (chocolate mostly) and hopefully next week will show a more positive outcome for me.

Wish me luck!  If you want to know more about my weight loss journey then please subscribe.

Skincare Favourites & Routine

Ever since I was a teenager one thing I always made sure that I had was a proper skincare routine.  I always cleanse, tone and moisturise in the morning and especially at night.  No matter how tired I am, one rule that I always follow is to never sleep in my make-up.  Although the products that I use may have changed over time, my routine never does.

During pregnancy your hormones can be all over the place and this can have a negative impact on your skin causing it to break out.  I was very fortunate in that a part from the odd blemish my skin was always in good condition and I think having a consistent routine has a lot to do with that.

So what products do I use to maintain a clear complextion?  Here they are.  Now although they work for me, they may not work for everyone.  I have combination skin (more on the dry side than oily) and it can be sensitive at times.  For example both the Clinque 3-Step programme and Chanel skin care range did not work for my skin and they both caused a raised rash on my cheeks.  The products below however seem to work with my skin rather than against it.

Step 1: Removing Make-up

Simple Cleasing Wipes x 25 for Sensitive Skin
Price varies from £2 - £3 depending on where purchased

Before cleasing my face I always make sure that I take off all my make-up using a facial wipe.  At the moment my favourite brand to use is Simple as they can remove even stubborn eye make-up.  They are designed to cleanse and tone the skin however I would never leave my skin after this step.  I feel that the wipe is designed to remove the make-up but I then cleanse the skin to ensure that it is really clean.  By doing this my skin has been a lot clearer and has reduced the chances of blemishes from appearing.

Liz Earle Clense and Polish £12.25 100ml Pump
Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic £12.25 200ml

Step 2: Cleanse & Polish



Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish is a cult favourite of many beauty gurus.  The plant based cleanser is free from mineral oil, and has a rich and creamy texture which is able to remove all traces of face and eye make up, and even stubborn mascara by massaging it on to dry skin.  This is the then followed by using the pure muslin cloth to gently dislodge dead skin cells and help reveal clean, soft and radiant skin.   The cleanser includes eucalyptus and cocoa butter for smoother, clearer skin.  I adore this cleanser as it has transformed my skin and it is one that I will continue to purchase time and time again.



Step 3: Toner

After I have cleansed my skin, I soak a cotton pad in the toner and sweep it over my face and neck.  The toner is floral-scented (but not in an old granny way) and helps to soothe and brighten the skin as well as leaving it feeling refreshed. It is very gentle and alcohol-free. The ingredients include organic aloe vera to revitalise and soften and calendula, chamomile, cucumber and natural source vitamin E to soothe and refresh the skin. One thing that I do not like about some toners is that they can leave your skin feeling tight after using them.  This product does not do that, instead it leaves it fresh and moisturised.

Step 4: Removing Eye Make-Up 



Mac's Pro Eye Make-Up Remover £7 for 30ml

Often I might do this step before I use the toner and sometimes afterwards.  I won't do this everyday, however if after I have cleansed my skin using the wipes and the Cleanse and Polish I am still able to see traces of mascara on my eyelashes, then I will use this eye make-up remover.  Mac's Pro Eye Makeup Remover is a clear, lightweight liquid that gently and effectively removes all eye makeup, including waterproof and transfer-resistant products. It contains Cucumber Extract to soothe and hydrate the skin and it's perfectly safe for contact lens wearers and it doesn't sting your eyes when applied.

Step 5: Moisturise

Skin Repair Moisturiser £18.25 50ml Jar

I then apply a pea sized amount of moisturiser to my face and neck.  This perfectly balanced moisturiser softens, smoothes and conditions normal/combination skin for a naturally healthy glow.  It is rich in natural actives, including borage oil (a rich source of the essential fatty acid GLA) and natural antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin E to replace lost moisture and help protect the skin. You can also purchase this moisturiser in a lighter formular for oily skin as well as one for dry skin.  This is quite a rich moisturise, hence why you only need a small amount as it is enough to cover your whole face.  It doesn't include an SPF (none of Liz Earle products do) however that doesn't bother me as my tinted moisturiser and foundations that I use do.  I also have a primer which has an SPF of 50 so I think that's more than enough.

Step 6: Eye Cream 

Origin's GinZing £21 for 15ml

I always use this eye cream in the mornings.  It is designed to reduce the look of dark circles and make bags and puffiness seem less visible. This eye cream also contains Caffeine from Coffee bean, Panax Ginseng, Magnolia Extract and natural optic brighteners to rapidly wake up, refresh and restore radiance to tired eyes.  All you need to do is pat the product gently around the eye area (do not rub as it will stretch the delicate skin and could cause wrinkles) for instantly brightened eyes.



Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair £36 for 15ml



Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair is a wonderful product although expensive. It has a silky serum-gel consistency which is designed to help reduce the look of every key sign of ageing around the fragile eye area:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Puffiness
• Dark circles
• Dryness
• Uneven skintone

Whether or not these claims are true I cannot say but I do feel that it has helped to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from appearing.  Although it is expensive, you only need a small amount so the product does last a very long time.  At the moment I want to maintain and protect the delicate area around the eye and whether it is this product or not, one things for sure and that is that I will always use an eye cream for day and night.  I have almost run out of this eye cream and I am quite intrigued to try other night creams on the market.  Any recommendations then please leave a comment below.

Pure Muslin Cloths £3.75 for 2



When using the Cleanse and Polish I always use one of Liz Earle's Muslin Cloths to polish the skin.  They are extremely kind on the skin and provide a gentle way to exfoliate the skin and enhance daily cleansing. They remove dead skin cells and impurities whilst helping to stimulate the circulation.  They are also machine washable but it is wise to wash them after every second use to ensure that they remain in good condition.

When I tell people my age, people are often surprised and say that I look younger then I am and I think that because I have always had a skin care routine and stick to it religiously this has helped to ensure that my skin is always well moisturised which is one way of preventing wrinkles etc from forming. 

Over the years the products I have used have changed and who knows whether or not I will still use these products in a years time.  One thing that will remain though is the routine of cleansing, toning and moisturing every morning and night and I will certainly encourage Olivia when she is older to do the same.

If you would like to know more about my beauty favourites then please subscribe!





WW Update

This week on Monday I went to get weighed.  I wasn't feeling very positive about it as I had eaten out twice during the week, once at a local pub and the second at Nandos (loving their new Mango and Lime flavoured chicken by the way).  I also was having that second week itch where I knew I wanted to lose weight but I also wanted to eat all the things that I shouldn't. 

So I went to the meeting and stepped on to those dreaded scales only to be told that I had lost 3 lbs.  To say I was shocked was an understatement - I was so pleased!  That means that in two weeks I have lost 8.5 lbs - quite an  achievement if I do say so myself.  Realising that I had lost weight even though I still ate out has really spurred me on this week and I feel much more positive.  I did have a bad day yesterday as all I wanted to eat was rubbish but instead I stuck to my points and still had a Rich Toffee Chocolate bar from Weight Watchers (love these, plus they are only 2 points) to satisfy my chocolate fix and I have to say it worked.  I also fancied some crisps - so I had French Fries which are also 2 points for a pack.  I guess that's what I love about Weight Watchers - the fact that I can eat "naughty" foods which my points allow for.  Plus under the new Pro Points system you can include an additional 49 points for the week and it's up to you as to whether you use them in one day, perhaps for a meal out or divide them up and use some each day.  I try not to use mine, but save them just in case we go out for dinner on the spur of the moment - that way I don't feel guilty.

Along with following Weight Watchers, I am also trying to exercise more and take regular walks around my local park each day with Olivia in her pram.  I have also bought a couple of Post-Pregnancy Workout DVDs and I'll review these after I have been using them for a while to give my thoughts on them.

For now...on with the diet and fingers crossed for another successful weigh-in on Monday.  If you want to know more about my weight loss journey then please subscribe.

2011 Beauty Favourites

I love make-up and all things beauty related.  In fact if I had the chance I would love to train as a make-up artist and work on the London fashion shows but I also love my life as it is with my husband, daughter and two cats (Bailey and Murphy) so for the time being make-up will just have to remain as a hobby of mine. 

I hate to admit it, but yes, I am one of those women who don't leave the house without makeup on even to go to the supermarket.  I just don't feel like me without it on - even if my husband says that I look beautiful without it (he always knows the right things to say).  Don't get me wrong I don't wear a ton of make-up but I do like to wear it - perhaps it's the actress in me, putting make-up on to play a part.  Although that makes me sound that I'm fake and lack confidence - I'm not and I don't.  I can lack confidence in myself at times just like anyone, but make-up just makes me feel pretty! When I was growing up I would sit on my mum's bed and watch her put on her make-up and for years I thought that all women did that.  It wasn't until I had an office job when I was 18 that I suddenly realised that not all women wear make-up to work and it took me a long time to understand why.  

Well enough about me justifying why I like make-up, I just do and so I thought I'd share some of my favourite products from the past year.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish: 100ml pump £12.25

I tried this product a couple of years ago and it was at a time when I was using a combination of different products and something caused my skin to react and not create spots but instead a raised rash.  I therefore stopped using this product thinking that it didn't work for my skin.  At the beginning of 2011 I was running out of my favourite face wash by Estee Lauder and came across the cleanse and polish.  As my skin was currently in a good place I decided to give it a try but just at night time.  I was astounded by the results as it made my skin so soft and smooth.  Slowly as I was running out of my moisturiser and other skin care products I switched over to Liz Earle and I have to admit that I couldn't be happier with the results.  The cleanse and polish is a fairly thick and creamy consistency but you only need a pea sized amount which is then massaged onto dry skin.  Using the polishing cloth to then remove any dirt leaves the skin feeling moisturised and very soft.  I cannot rave enough about this product and it is one that I will continue to repurchase time and time again.

Estee Lauder Day Wear: 50ml £34

This is Estee Lauder's version of the tinted moisturiser and I have to say that I love wearing this product especially at the moment during the cold weather as I feel that it really leaves my skin moisturised.  It blends really easily so this product is perfect for first time mums and for the mornings when you have to get ready in a hurry.  I first bought this product during the summer last year as I wanted something whilst on holiday that could even out my skin tone without it looking too cakey and this product certainly did the trick.  It is on the pricier side for a tinted moisturiser but I like the fact that it includes an SPF 15.  The product is supposed to be designed for all skin tones as it is a sheer release that on application and blending into the skin changes colour.  I'm not sure whether this would be suitable for every skin tone though.  I am an NW20 (Mac colour range) usually and at the moment I would say that it is a little too dark for me, so I make sure that I only use a small amount and that it is well blended.  In the summer though it is perfect, especially if I want to achieve a natural glow but with some coverage.



Nars Laguna Bronzer: £24

 As  you can see from the picture above I have used a lot of this product.  In fact I have had this bronzer for over 18 months and there is still a lot left.  I love to wear bronzer but I am not one for the Oompah Lumpa look hence why I have so much left.  This product does give a bronzed glow to the face which is just what I am after and even though there is shimmer in the product it is not too much and I don't seem to notice it on the skin.  The product also doesn't look too muddy which can also be a problem with bronzers, instead it gives a natural tan (but this can change depending on how it is applied).  Nars products always look very sleek and stylish in their packaging but it does becoming quite grubby looking after a while if powder gets on to it.  With a mirror included in the compact, this product is perfect for travel as it is a decent size. 


Mac Mineralised Skinfinish Natural in Medium: £20.50 10g

I tend to have combination skin which features more on the dry side than the oily.  However I do like to set my makeup every day with powder to ensure that it stays in place.  Mac's Mineralised Skinfinish Natural allows for a light coverage to the face without it looking as though you have powder on - perfect!  I tend to use the shade Medium all year round to save buying a different shade for the summer months.  When I do have a tan I tend to increase the amount of bronzer I use on my face but as I only apply a small amount of power anyway it doesn't seem to matter that it's a shade lighter. There is a lot of product here and tends to last for a long time before having to re-purchase, in fact my last one lasted well over a year and I used it every day. 

Mac Mineralised Skinfinish in By Candlelight
£21.50 10g

 I love wearing highlighters and some of my all time favourites are from Mac in the form of their Mineralised Skinfinishes.  By Candlelight has been my absolute favourite this year and although it is a limited edition product it has be re-promoted in the past in different collections so it is always worth keeping your eyes open for them.   This product really does give a lovely glow to the cheekbones and tends to go with anything as it has a slight pink/beige undertone.  This truly is a product that I think would work on any skin tone, but if you can't find this then there are always others that you could try.  Again a little goes a long way so you won't need to buy another one in a hurry - unless like me you like buying them.

Urban Decay Naked Palette £35

I didn't really have a favourite eyeshadow this year - I had a whole palette.  The Naked Palette by Urban Decay has been named as being the favourite for many beauty gurus in 2011.  Some people don't like the fact that this palette is mostly shimmer but I am not one of them.  I love a shimmery look (not glittery though) on the eye and this palette includes some of my favourite colours to wear which are pink/taupe, and gold/browns.  My favourite combination from this palette is to use Sin all over the lip with Toasted in the crease.  I then take Hustle and put it in the outer v and along the lower lash line.  I then use Virgin as a highlighter for the brow bone and inner corner.  This gives me one of my staple looks and one that I will continue to love and wear well into 2012. This product is great value for money as it includes 12 shadows and all of them give amazing pay off.  With the release of Naked Palette 2 this month I am just wondering if that will take over as being my favourite for this year, who knows!

Chloe Eau de Parfum £39.50 30ml

I am awful at trying to describe scents.  All I will say is that whenever I wear this perfume I always have people asking me what I am wearing and complimenting me on it.  Not only has this scent been perfect for the Spring/Summer as it is light and fresh, it is also perfect for Autumn/Winter as it is slightly musky.  I love this perfume and I'm sure it will be one that stays in my collection for some time.


Moroccan Oil Sample £5.99 10ml

During my pregnancy the only thing I really suffered from was tiredness (I know, I was very lucky).  This meant that getting ready in the mornings was a chore and often I would do my makeup but not really bother about my hair.  My hair has become very long at present with it almost reaching my bust and still I don't really do much to my hair as I don't have the time.  This is where Moroccan Oil became a life safer for me as I still wanted to ensure that my hair was left in good condition especially the ends which were becoming rather dry.  This product can be quite expensive but you can get different sizes and you don't need a lot of the product especially if you are only concentrating on the ends of the hair which is what I do.  As mentioned, I am not very good at describing smells but the oil has a really pleasant smell and leaves your hair feeling soft and smooth.


Bobbi Brown Corrector in Bisque £17
Mac Pain Point in Bare Study £14.50 5g
Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Lemon Drop £16.50

Due to constantly being overtired I am paranoid of it showing especially around my eyes and so concealers have paid a large part in preventing the world from knowing just how tired I really am.  Bobbi Browns Corrector has been a life saver this year.  With its creamy consistency it is really easy to apply and neutralises the skin around the eye area (I also use it around the nose, mouth and to neutralise blemishes).  I then apply my favourite concealer (Mac's Select Moisture Cover in NW20) over the top and it's goodbye to tired eyes. 

I work long hours and most mornings I do my makeup at 6.30 am so I need it to stay put all day.  I combine two products everyday to ensure that my eyeshadow stays vibrant and doesn't budge.  Lots of people love Urban Decays Primer Potion to do this but I have always loved Two Faced Shadow Insurance as it is creamy without being greasy and gives a lovely base which neutralises any redness on my eyelids.  I then use one of Mac's Paint Pot on top before applying my eye shadows to make them more vibrant.  My favourite this year has been the colour Bare Study which is a shimmering champagne colour and looks beautiful on the lids even if worn alone and goes perfectly under any eye shadows and prevents them from creasing.

L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Carbon Gloss in Black £6.49

Eyeliner is something that I always wear and for a long time I used gel liners like Mac's Blacktrack fluid line, however that was until I discovered this product.  L'Oreal's Super Liner creates the perfect line and helps to create flicks with ease.  I prefer the black version in Carbon Gloss rather than the traditional black as I feel it gives the line a nicer finish.  This is the only liquid liner that I have tried that really lasts all day and doesn't smudge if my eyes get wet.  For now this is the only liner that I need (and I have a lot of all different colours and types) for the time being - I just hope that they don't ever discontinue the product.

Benefit They're Real Mascara £18.50 8.5g

This was a late addition to my favourites this year (the product was only released towards the end of the year) but one that I thought was worth including as I really love the way it makes my lashes look.  The first time I tried Benefit's They're Real mascara I wasn't that convinced as the product appeared to be quite wet in consistency and didn't really hold a curl in my lashes.  I kept persevering with it as I had heard so many good reviews about it and as the product dried out slightly (they all do after a couple of days as air gets in) I was really impressed.  The brush allows for all the lashes to be coated and the spikes on the tip allows for even the tiniest of lashes especially in the inner corners to be coated.  Unfortunately I am not blessed with gorgeous long lashes, but this mascara does lengthen them (although not as much as I would like). It also holds the curl in my lashes and is easy to remove which for me is so important as I don't want my lashes to fall out unnecessarily.  So, for now I will be repurchasing this product as I like the way it makes my lashes look but I will continue to try new mascaras in the hope of finding a holy grail product but perhaps one that's a little cheaper.



Mac Lipstick in Plink and Patisserie £13.50 3g

  

Nars Lipgloss in Super Orgasm £17.50
Mac Plush Glass in Ample Pink £16.50

I have two favourite lip combinations that I wore this year.  The first being Mac's Patisserie lipstick (which has a lustre finish and creates a beautiful sheen to the lips) with Mac's Ample Pink Plush Glass over the top.  This was infact the lip combination for my wedding day so it holds a special place in my heart.  It creates a natural (my lips but better) lip that has a slightly dark pink/mauve tint and goes with any eye colour worn but especially a smokey eye and is one that I wear all year round.  The second combination that I love to wear is more appropriate for the summer but can be worn all year around too.  It is Mac's Plink lipstick (a lustre as well - they are my favourite) which is a light shimmery pink.  I then put Nars lipgloss in Super Orgasm over the top which is a deep pink with glitter throughout.  This combination gives a beautiful summery pink lip which looks perfect with a tan.


L-R Super Orgasm, Plink, Ample Pink, Patisserie (with flash)

The swatches above don't do these products justice as they all appear to look the same, but trust me, they are two lip combinations that are worth swatching in person and trying.

There are rather a lot of favourites shown above, but they are ones that I have loved throughout the whole of 2011.  Each month I will post my beauty favourites and there won't be as many as here, just products that I have either rediscovered from my collection or new products that I have been introduced to.  Perhaps some of my favourites are some of yours too!

Please subscribe for more monthly favourites!













WW Update + Sleep

I went to Weight Watchers last night to have my first weigh-in to see how much I had lost.  I'm pleased to say that I managed to lose 5 1/2 lbs.  I was so pleased as I had been really good over the last week and made sure that I tracked everything that I ate.  I know some people might find that quite tedious having to write everything down but for me it allows me to see how much I'm eating and ensure that I stay on track and not exceed my points allowance.  I was surprised that I managed to cope with planning out what I was eating, especially as Olivia's routine isn't quite settled just yet but each day I made sure that I knew what I was having so that I didn't just raid the cupboards and snack as I had been doing.  Instead I made sure that I was eating proper meals especially at lunch time.

Overall the whole class did really well loosing collectively over 8 stone in weight in just one week which is amazing.  One gentlemen even lost an outstanding 13 lbs in his first week.  I'm not deluded though - as I have been to Weight Watchers before I know that the you usually lose the most during your first week and then the weight loss settles down to anything from 1/2 lb to 2 or even 3 lbs.  Although it might take longer to lose the weight this way, I do know that it will stay off in the long run and at the end of the day that's what I want.

So I'm extremely positive about the week ahead of me and hope that over the next few weeks I really will be on the way to a slimmer me.

SLEEP UPDATE:  A quick update on how Olivia is doing during the nights.  Well, I wasn't able to repeat the 5.30 am wake up but she did get close a few times by waking at around 4 am.  Last night however she was back to waking at 2.30 am and in the end I fed her at about 3.20 am and then she went straight back off to sleep until 7 am this morning.  Yesterday she definitely seemed a lot more tired during the day and tended to nap for longer and I think this was probably why she woke up earlier during the night.  Over the weekend my husband and I tried to keep her up more during the day and although this meant that she did sleep better at night, she was quite grouchy and overtired at times during the day.  So at the moment I'm not really sure what to do for the best.  She was so tired yesterday (probably as a result of the weekend) that I let her sleep as she's growing and needs it, so I think I'm going to take it from her lead and let her sleep if she wants to. 

At the end of the day as a first time mum it really is trial and error and I think that waking once in the night isn't bad at all and she is such a happy and contented baby that I must be doing something right!

A lighter side of me

I have to admit that I've always been conscious of my weight and when I was pregnant I wasn't prepared for how I would feel about my changing body.  That being said in the early months of pregnancy before I had established a "bump" I found the changes to my body increasingly hard to deal with and often felt "fat".  It didn't matter how many people said to me "you are not fat, you're pregnant", I couldn't shift the negative feelings about my body.  I have always been happy with the upper part of my body but I was very conscious of having a larger bum and hips (unfortunately something that runs in my family) and I often felt out of proportion.  It wasn't until I had developed a proper bump at around 7 or 8 months that I started to enjoy my body, and stopped wondering whether other people thought I was fat or pregnant.  Also at this time I could feel Olivia kick and move on a regular basis, and realising that I was soon to go on maternity leave and meet my baby girl I began to feel comfortable in my body and enjoy being pregnant.

During my pregnancy I didn't want to feel stressed about putting on weight so I made sure that the bathroom scales were hidden away.  I wanted to eat what I wanted and focus on the health of the baby and not about my weight.

Fast forward to 7 weeks post partum and I now have new body issues to contend with, the prominent one being do I still look pregnant to others and how can I lose the weight I've gained.  I know I shouldn't care about what other people think but unfortunately I do and I can't help it.  Like I've said I've always been conscious about my weight and perhaps I will delve into this in the future in a different post. 

Before I got married in 2009 I wanted to lose about 1 stone which I did by joining Weight Watchers.  I actually lost about 1 1/2 stone and managed to reach my goal weight and became a Gold member.  I knew that Weight Watchers worked for me and helped me to lose weight sensibly and healthily so this Monday I went to re-join.  I was very nervous about being weighed as I hadn't even gone near any scales in over 9 months but as soon as I saw my weight on the monitor I knew that I'd made the right decision as I had put on just over 2 stone.  With a holiday booked in July (it will be Olivia's first and I can't wait) I want to ensure that I can wear a bikini with confidence and get back into all my summer clothes as I really don't want to have to buy a new wardrobe even though I'd like to.  The best thing about my re-joining was discovering that as I am a Gold member and as I have just had a baby, I don't have to pay for 6 months which is another incentive to lose the baby weight as I can get the help and support I need for free.

Usually I wouldn't stay for the meetings but Weight Watchers has changed with the introduction of the new Pro Points system and as this was new to me I wanted to make sure that I knew what I was doing.  Plus now that I'm on maternity leave it was nice to see and meet new people.  I also bought the Deluxe Starter kit for £19.95 which includes a calculator which you can use to work out the Pro Points of any foods (very convenient) as well as an Eat Out guide, Shop book, Journal, highlighter pen, money off vouchers and a shopping list pad.  I also bought a pedometer (although I've yet to try this out but I thought it would be useful when I go on my walks with Olivia) and some food menu cards which contain 20 recipes.  Some might say I'd gone a tad overboard but when I'm determined to do something, having things to help are always handy.

So, I have 6 months in which I am going to try and get as close to my goal weight as possible.  I'm not quite brave enough to post my actual weight but I will post as to whether or not I have lost any weight at my weekly weigh-ins and how much.  Wish me luck as I know I'll need it!

Sleep...Oh how I've missed thee!

One of my favourite things to do is sleep.  There's nothing better than having a hot bubble bath followed by getting into a bed with freshly washed sheets and curling up under the duvet.  However this seems like a distant memory since having my baby girl just 7 weeks ago.  Even when I was pregnant (during the 3rd trimester especially) I wasn't able to sleep properly and I would often wake up between 12 and 3 am and not be able to get back to sleep. 

I love my daughter and woudn't change a thing, but I do look forward to the time when she is able to sleep through the night and for me to not wake up on hearing every sound that she makes.  I know when she goes into her own room this will help but at the moment i'm too scared as she seems so little to be on her own. 

I have to admit that Olivia is a very good sleeper...everyone keeps telling me "she's such a good baby" and she truly is.  From approximately 2 weeks old Olivia was able to go to sleep at 10 pm and only wake once during the night to be fed before getting up to be fed at 7am.  However last night my dream came true and she slept from 10.30pm until 5.30am when she started to get unsettled but her eyes were still shut and she didn't feed until 7am. 

My question now is, was this a fluke or is she on the right path now to sleeping through the night?  If only I could ask her and she could tell me if there was anything I did that helped her to sleep better.  Perhaps it was the way she was swaddled or the fact that she didn't sleep too much during the day.  I guess I will never know.  All that's left to say is fingers crossed that she will sleep through tonight!

A New Chapter...

Blogging is something that I've been considering for a while now but to be honest I was always a tad nervous about putting myself out there for all to read.  It wasn't until I saw an advert on television (I think for Windows software but I could be wrong) about a man who wrote emails to his child for them to read when they were older.  I thought this was a brilliant idea and wanted somewhere for my baby girl to find out all about her mummy, her likes and dislikes and basically her world as she was growing up.  I know it sounds morbid but if anything was to suddenly happen to me I wanted my little girl to know me...and what better way then to blog.  I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings, joys and fears in the hope that one day she might learn from my own experiences.  I also wanted her to know about my interests for makeup and all things beauty related as well as my love for drama and the theatre and singing.  So that is what you will find here...a blog about my world and the daily life I lead dedicated to my beautiful baby girl Olivia.

A quick disclaimer - all of the products mentioned in this blog have been purchased by myself and all reviews are completely honest and are my own opinion.