Rose Tinted Lenses: 2014

Friday, 27 June 2014

Sometimes life throws lemons

*NOTE - this post is not rose tinted*

Most of my friends have children, for me it's a great excuse to play on trampolines, visit the zoo, watch Disney movies and generally do anything I should have stopped doing when I turned thirTEEN.

When it comes to children they say you shouldn't have favourites, well, I'm afraid I do!

L is my favourite, he's our best friends' little boy, last week he turned 8 years old, we bought him a Star Wars chess set, Lego Movie Xbox game and a Chelsea Football shirt which he loved!!

Last month he was diagnosed with Leukemia.

I cannot even put into words how that makes feel. I'm not even going to try and attempt to. NUMB.

I have always been exceptionally good at maintaining positivity and happiness, even during the toughest of times, but for this I've had to dig deep and use everything I have to find the strength to put a smile on and be there for my favourite little guy and his mummy and daddy.

I can confirm sporting a fake 'brave face' is tough but watching people you love suffering is the toughest thing in the world!!

They say everything happens for a reason, what could possibly be a reason for children fighting cancer, or anyone for that matter!

My Mum says all we can do is pray for L... For the first time, I questioned my faith!?

I don't want to write the most depressing blogpost in history, I just felt like sharing why I have been missing from the blogosphere (yet again)

I hope you are all well!
Hopefully I'll be back soon with some positivity and smiling!

Friday, 2 May 2014

Workout with a smile | Health & Fitness

Do you have days where you'd rather be eaten alive by an army of angry ants than do a workout?

I used to HATE working out. I've come a long way from then, however even now where I sort of enjoy it and LOVE that post-workout high, I still have days where I cannot motivate myself to exercise at all

I'm ok with this happening the odd time but I have a problem where one rest day can quickly turn into one month.

So of you are like me and struggle with self motivation or you are a newbie to working out and aren't exactly loving it, here are some tips to help you(and me!)

FIND YOU MODALITY

I've tried as many as I can think of, I suggest you do too.

Home workouts-These were great for me when I started working out, I was too self conscious to workout in front of anyone and I had more important things ~~like wine~~ to pay for than a gym membership.

However after a while with DVD's, the fridge and sofa were too close for comfort and let's be honest Shaun T and Jillian Michaels don't really know if you've stopped to check your Facebook.

Workout buddy- this can be great but make sure the other person is really focused, which in turn will make you feel obliged to workout.

If not you'll end up chatting about what the Kardashians have been up to and not doing much work at all or your buddy will cancel, are you really still gonna go?

Personal Training- I have to admit I got the best fitness results from this and stuck it out for 12 weeks but it was expensive and I chose the toughest PT in the area, I'm still convinced she was trying kill me with burpees.
It did make me realise that I need someone to push me as my mind gives up a million times before my body does.

Fitness classes- As I need someone there to push me but I'm still a bit scared about one on one personal training, I find fitness classes the perfect solution, you can take your workout buddy too.

The instructor is there to make sure you're working but not too in your face and most of the pressure comes from trying to keep up with the rest of the class.

MAKE MANAGABLE GOALS

The first time I started Insanity I lasted 6 days, yes, the workouts were 'insane' but what put me off was the thought of another 54 days to go. UGH!

Try challenging yourself on a weekly basis.
Aim to workout 3 times a week, if you manage 4 you'll feel proud of yourselfif you manage 2 you'll want to do better the following week! WIN/WIN!

RECORD YOUR WORKOUTS

Whether you write it in a notebook or download a specific app I suggest keeping a note of what you do, this will definately boost your motivation, as well as tracking your progress. You'll know what I mean when you try it!
I currently use Map my Run and My Fitness Pal.

WORKOUT CLOTHES

I am a hot mess when I workout but new workout clothes always make me feel a little better. Recently the brighter they are the better!
I know we all love shopping, right?

*NOTE: if you are one of those girls who does not sweat a drop, can wear flawless make-up and perfectly curled hair to a HIIT class, I'm sorry I can't be friends with you! I'm too jealous!

WORKOUT PLAYLIST

If you solely do fitness classes you won't need this but in addition to the classes I do one workout in the gym and I go running twice a week - I honestly cant even begin if I don't have my tunes.

Spotify has some great playlists to workout to!

Try these tips and if you still hate working out, don't do it. WHAT?!

You won't work to your fullest if you are forcing yourself and hating every second.

Instead maybe just go for a walk or climb the stairs for no reason or do some high intensity vacuuming...as long as you are moving right?!

Have a great weekend!

Workout and...

Keep smiling :)

Tuesday, 22 April 2014

Easter Weekend Snaps

Hey lovelies.

I hope you had a great Easter weekend, if you don't celebrate Easter I hope you had a great weekend

Mr was away for the weekend with his race team, so I had a super girly weekend with my little sister.

FRIDAY

Hello Sunshine!!!
We had planned shopping and lunch but after a just a quick browse in Topshop, it was declared that we needed to be outside in the sunshine before it disappeared again.

Meadowpark Hotel in Bridge of Allan was once a nightlife hotspot for students, however a few years ago it was sold and refurbished into a lovely restaurant. We love their patio and conservatory so we headed there for some food and drinks.

French Martini in the sunshine. Bliss

The marinated sticky chicken was delicious

D opted for the steak sandwich

I love the decor

Sunshine Sister Selfie

SATURDAY

Looking like the sunshine was here to stay there was only one way to go: To the beach, our favourite, not too far away, coastal town. St Andrews.

It soon became a family affair as Mum and Dad joined us too. My other sister and her husband ended up there with their nieces too.

Sadly we weren't as lucky as Kate we didn't meet Prince Charming in St Andrews but we did have fun walking around.

Sidenote: I was accepted in to The University of St Andrews and I would have been in the same year as Kate and Wills, alas I chose to experience the city life *sighs*

Windswept Sister Selfie

First barefoot day of 2014

No-one wanted to be in photos :-(

1 scoop honeycomb 1 scoop raspberry

St Andrews Cathedral Ruins

Students at the University enjoying the sunshine

Took the coastal drive home to stop for some fish and chips at the famous Anstruther Fish Shop

SUNDAY

We had breakfast with the parents then I went for a run, it was such a beautiful day I found it difficult to run without stopping to admire the views

NO puddles

Gorgeous views

Baby Ducks

Then I joined the sis again for a drive to Queensferry and lunch at Orocco Pier

Cheers

We shared lobster and oysters

MONDAY

We joined our friends and kiddies for a fun day out at Blair Drummond Safari Park where we all behaved like 5 year olds and had the best time ever...

Peddle boats

I LOVE GIRAFFES

These otters were so cute cuddling each other

This little guy was a bit cheeky

the Meerkats posed for some photos

Simba wasn't too impressed but we all had a ball

As you can see no chocolate eggs for me but I still had a fantastic Easter weekend.

Have a fab week!

Keep Smiling :)

Thursday, 17 April 2014

THAT Dress

Hello again lovelies!

Last month my sister bought this gorgeous little dress to wear to a Christening! Recognise it?

After showing me the dress I fell in love with it, I decided I'd make a cheeky purchase myself the next day. Unfortunately with no such luck.

Here's why...

Queen B was papped wearing the same dress.
The next day BOOM it was sold out in every Topshop to grace the planet.
Topshop's Satin Stripe A-Line Dress went A-List!

This got me thinking about some other famous dresses, I'm sure you'll recognise my favourites...