Cauliflower

Dear Bump,

You are now the size of a Cauliflower according to the internet.
Though in my opinion and just from looking at me I would say you are more like the size of a giant pumpkin! 

The letters have been on stand by due to so many things changing in your parents lives. 

We have finally moved into our own little place, though it was stressful, it is also a huge relief. 
Your room looks amazing, it is full of neutral tones and woodland creatures. 
We can't wait for you to see it.
Which (quite crazily) isn't too far away now. 
If you arrive on your due date we will see you in only four more weeks time! 

Over the past few weeks you have given us a few scares which have resulted in tears and hospital visits.
The midwives have been incredible and put our minds at rest by reassuring us that all these 'little hiccups' are perfectly normal.
There is no such thing as a straight forward pregnancy, plus it also means I have some new snazzy stretchy bands that wrap around my ever growing bump...aka you.

Having your due date basically on our doorstep now is making your mum feel so uncomfortable. The waddle, the sleepless nights, and the constant need to graze is ever so real.
Not to mention the twisted pelvis which hasn't helped the situation, but hey it will all be worth it when we finally get to meet you.

If you can do me a huge favour though, can you stay out of my ribs.
It is beyond uncomfortable and there is nothing I can do to shift you. I can't imagine it being that comfortable for you either, so that would be amazing.

The count down is on Bump.
Keep growing (well not too much bigger otherwise I may develop my own gravitational pull).
Keep wiggling as it makes my tummy look funny.
And keep developing into the awesome little human you are.

Can't wait to meet you Cauliflower

Let’s keep it going

As we are now coming to the end of January it’s around this time of year where we either quit the health kick and go back to our old ways or we push through and keep going. 

Let’s put it out there, chocolate and a sneaky glass of wine or two may have passed by my lips, but the healthy meals and the exercise are well and truly here to stay! 

So here are my 5 top tips to ensure the inner glow continues on into 2016. 

Preparation 

This is key to ensuring you stay on track! 
Take those few extra minutes to prep tomorrow’s lunches. 
No one wakes up in the morning and thinks ‘Oh Yay, time to make a healthy, nutritious and tasty pack lunch’…well maybe some people do, but if you are anything like me and wake up looking more like a mole, dishevelled and grumpy, that is the last thing on your mind. Coffee perhaps, but definitely not lettuce!   

                      

Mix It Up

Being quite the newcomer to the world of exercise (well for a good few years anyway) I am loving finding new and fun ways to ‘feel the burn’. 
Finding exercise you enjoy is key to keeping to a routine. 
For the past few weeks I have just stuck to the bike and the weights, but there is only so much cardio and squatting a girl can do before she gets a little bored. So I’ve started to look a little further a field and I’m loving it.
Yoga is becoming a major love of mine. Being someone who struggles with nerves and anxiety this is not only a great way to improve how I look on the outside but it is also helping me on the inside. It’s a great way of having some ‘me’ time and helps give me the chance to put things in perspective. I’d highly recommend Yoga with Andriene on Youtube. Her Yoga Camp is a great way for beginners to get involved. So mix it up!

                     

Meal Plans

Plan out your evening meals for the week.
Grab some cook books (Get the Glow Madeline Shaw, Lean in 15 Joe Wicks or Gizzi’s Healthy Appetite) are some of my favourites to ensure a healthy but beyond yummy evening treat.
This doesn’t only ensure your fridge is packed full of the goodies you need, but also gives you something tasty to look forward to whilst you plough on through at work.

                      

Keep Hydrated

Water has become a very close friend of mine and it should become one of yours.
Having a 2L bottle on my desk at work has worked miracles.
I’ve marked it with little time slots. Sounds a bit nutty but honestly it’s a great reminder to keep hydrated and just to get it down.

2L sounds like an awful lot but the benefits don’t even compare. 

Clearer Complexion, Boots Your Immune System, Flushes Out Toxins 

The list honestly goes on. If you think water is a little bland, why not infuse it with fruits and veggies? My personal favourite is Lime and Cucumber. Odd combo I know, but trust me.   

                                           

Just Keep Going!

Whether you are going it alone, getting healthy with a friend or fighting the flab with a partner, just keep pushing to reach your goal! 
Sounds cheesey I know (and that’s a healthy cheese by the way) but by encouraging each other and keeping positive, in an odd way, it makes you more likely to succeed as you won’t want to fail. 
I’m fortunate enough to have beardy pushing me to keep going, and trust me he can be strict when it comes to exercise and sneaking chocolate. 
But there are so many Bloggers, Instagrammers and Youtubers out there who are also there to support you. Carly Rowena, Samantha Marie, Vivianna Makeup, Kayla Itsines and Happy Healthy Sophie just to name a few. 

                        

So come on guys. Let’s not have another January fad and keep pushing forward for a happier, healthier you! 

Much love x