2000 Lives: The White Queen by Phillipa Gregory

I bought this book because I enjoy history. Please note that I used the word 'enjoy' and not 'know'. I like to watch the odd documentary and imagine what it would be like to be Cleopatra from time to time, please never ask me a serious history question. I spent most of my history lessons at school playing the Malteasers game*.

I don't know exactly what I was expecting, perhaps an easier to read Wolf Hall (which I loved), but I did not expect this...

Within the first few chapters I knew that I was going to struggle finishing this one. Don't worry, I did. I am incapable of leaving a book unfinished no matter how little I like it (See also The Yard by Neil Grecian Review).

There is absolutely no dimension to the main character and it's a problem. I just had to look up her name because I cared so little about her. Elizabeth is a female that wants power, she loves King Edward. That's pretty much the book. The first few chapters read as a chick lit set in ye olde days, which I know now does nothing to improve my chances of liking that genre. Once queenie has bagged her man, the rest of the book is her worrying about her husband as he goes away to fight endless battles. Later, she worries about which of her children will sit upon the throne.
Oh, and don't forget about the small side plot of her and her mother doing some witchy shiz by pulling threads out of a river. That REALLY rounds out the story...

Obviously, I know this book is based on historical fact, so certain events are solidified in the timeline, but there are just so many better examples of historical fiction, if that is what you are looking for. If you are looking for chick lit but with more expensive jewellery, then you might actually enjoy this book! There's love, and heartbreak, rivalry, and all the other things that go along with that style. This book is just really, really, not for me. As you can probably guess, I will not be reading the rest of the series.

An extra note of advice, if you want to read this, be aware that it is set around the time of the cousin's war, so although there are a good number of characters in the story, they are ALL called Richard, Edward, or George. Girls are named Elizabeth. This can become confusing if you are really not into the story.

Have you read The White Queen? What did you think?

*The malteasers game consists of making an obstacle course on your desks, from pencil cases, textbooks, whatever is to hand. Then, you and your desk friend proceed to blow malteasers from one side of the obstacle course to the other. Much skill is required, this is why I don't know who William the Conqueror is....

2000 Lives : A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby.

I picked this book up in a charity shop down Watford way, quite a while ago. It then sat on my shelf waiting in the long queue of books I hadn't got around to reading yet. I read and loved High Fidelity years ago, perhaps due to the music references, but I enjoyed the writing style as well. Obviously, I've also seen most of the film adaptation of About A Boy. How could I miss it when ITV2 replay it about 5 times a month? Not my favourite film, but not offensively bad either.

Aside from the price tag, and the fact it was written by Nick Hornby, what attracted me to this book was the subject. The briefest synopsis is this : four strangers meet on the roof of a building, they were all planning to jump off of it.

The narrative cycles through each character with every chapter, so we get a good insight into each of the character's reasons for wanting to kill themselves. All bases are covered, you've got a male and a female of both the young and the old variety. Actually I think that most people will be able to relate to at least one aspect of each person. Equally I found aspects of each character annoying too. On reflection, I guess this what you would call writing good, well-rounded characters.

I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but obviously if they all jumped off the roof, there wouldn't be much of a book. So, I can say that not all, or maybe any, of them kick it at the beginning of the book. I enjoyed the subsequent interaction between four types of people that otherwise would never have met. I was also pleased that instead of just brushing suicide under the carpet as a convenient story starter, it is the main theme throughout. You may be thinking now 'this sounds depressing Laura, why should I read this?!'

Well buddy, firstly, let me defend depressing things, or in fact any thing that doesn't have your typical happy ending. It is much more advantageous to you as a person to learn about ALL aspects of humanity, because although fantasy worlds are nice from time to time, you do not live in one.
Secondly, this book is FUNNY. In a lot of places. Also, I guess, hopeful. The characters spend a lot of time trying to think of reasons for the others to go on living. So, that's quite nice.
Thirdly, if you are still struggling (although COME ON), there is a film adaptation. With Aaron Paul. I haven't watched it yet*, but maybe you should read the book before you get distracted in your swooning?

If you have read it, what did you think? Let me know, I'm always interested in other people's take of books.  

Next week - The White Queen by Phillipa Gregory

*It's on the list....

Fit Friday: Cassius Edition

And it's been a while! Since I could, something something blah....

Well, this week has been the complete opposite of fit, but for once through NO FAULT OF MY OWN. It was actually ALL Hannah's fault. She gave me a delightful cold and I've spent the entire week just trying to breathe. So, as you can imagine there hasn't been a whole lot of gym action this week, as in zero. I mostly haven't left bed. I have been going crazy.

Eating wise, it's been a bit shameful. I've not really tracked and I've not really cared. Illness is no time for restriction. I did have an orange though, yay VIT C.

So this week, I'd really like to work on getting back to it. The night before I fell ill with Hannah's devil flu, I printed all these geeky cool charts and tracking sheets off to stick on my wall. I was all raring to be motivated and awesome. Now, the first four days of each thing have horrible red zeroes and crosses on, so that's a little disheartening. However, it shouldn't be too difficult to rediscover my awesome.

I think the gym part will be the hardest. I normally only have 1 or 2 consecutive rest days, so 7 or 8 is going to be a bit of a challenge. Let's just hope I still remember how to do a squat...

How fit has your week been?

Fit Friday : Cassius Edition

 

It's that time of week already! 

How fit was my week on a scale of 1-10? 1 being bathing in pasta and cheese, 10 being an iron man?

6? 6.5?

What exercise have I done?

Saturday - Nope.
Sunday-  A monster gym session, elliptical, hill sprints on the bike, stepper, treadmill mountains, rower intervals, kettlebell everythings. A nice 700 and something burn.
Monday - Body Pump class
Tuesday - Kettlebells class
Wednesday - Step class
Thursday- Spin, pump, abs class
Friday- Probably a rest day

What has my eating been like?

Better than last week's fiasco! Still not 100% . Calorie wise mostly under target, but in terms of protein and my macros they've been a bit askew. However, I have ordered my new batch of powder, and pancake mix so I should be back to the A game when it's delivered. Sometimes all that lies between you and good nutrition is an overdue food shop...

How have I felt?

Kind of sleepy. Mostly sleepy. I can only assume this is a carbohydrate overdose because I don't do a lot else with my days at the moment. Also, I have been craving sweet sugary things more, again I'm guessing because I have been getting too much from the carbs.

Have I lost any weight?

I was really expecting a gain. BUT! A 1lb loss ! This takes the total to 5lbs not huge, but it's moving in the right direction again so it is ALL GOOD .

What would I like to work on next week?

Last week I said I wanted to sign up to a Friday class. I haven't, oops, and also, the Friday classes don't really appeal to me. I think I want to make Friday my official rest day so instead Saturday is going to become the new Friday (you're following right?). I want to develop a gym routine for Saturdays which is all (or mostly) about the muscles, so I will be researching routines, and how to use the equipment without crushing yourself this week.  Second focus will be to make Sunday my monster workout day, because it felt good to spend a long time there, it worked on my mental capacity to keep at things that require effort. Thirdly, eat well. Duh.

Are you feeling FIT? 

 

 

Real Talk Wednesday

It's probably inevitable that Real Talk Wednesday will always be shared on the blog page at least a day late. I really do recommend subscribing to the YouTube channel....

2000 Lives : The Dice Man by Luke Rhinehart

It's taken me quite a while to get around to doing one of these hasn't it?! 

After I finish a book I'm so keen to move onto the next one, that I keep forgetting to write about them. Not that the books I read are so rubbish that I need to move on fast, I just want to ALWAYS be consuming books. Do you know that scene in that duck film?

 I know, I know, you are overwhelmed yet again by my film knowledge. I'm not even sure I've seen this film but I remember this scene...

Well I want that, but with books. Before you start getting all fastidious, yes books would hurt, but so would gold coins so go D: yourself.

Should I get to the book bit? 

This fine book was recommended to me by Hannah. She said it was amazing and she loved it, so, I said 'Okay!' and picked a copy up.

Usually, people pick up a book, and before they choose to buy it, they read the blurb, the reviews, maybe even just the publication date. 

I forgot to do all this. Hannah had said it was good, so I just jumped straight in. 

Lesson learned. 

Although it is not good to judge a book by it's cover, it does help if you LOOK at it. 

I don't know what I thought this book was about, maybe a guy that just really loved dice (which is kinda is), or perhaps a man that just frikking loves playing monopoly (which it isn't). Whatever I thought it was about, it was nowhere near what it is actually about.

Within the first few pages, there's a whole lot of rape talk, murder, general dickishness. Which is fine, I am no prude, but I should have prepared myself by reading the blurb.

Also, it was published in 1971! Who knew!?

So, in the interest of your potential interest in the book, here is the blurb. Read it!

'The cult classic that can still change your life... Let the dice decide! This is the philosophy that changes the life of bored psychiatrist Luke Rhinehart -- and in some ways changes the world as well. Because once you hand over your life to the dice, anything can happen. Entertaining, humorous, scary, shocking, subversive, The Dice Man is one of the cult bestsellers of our time. '

Done? Good.

 It starts with Dr Rhinehart being bored of his life, his family, his job, which everyone can relate to. Instead of just grinding on, he starts to develop a new methodology, 'The Dice Life'. He starts letting the dice decide what he does, in the hope that it will allow every aspect of his personality to be satisfied. As he gives himself more to the die, his life becomes more and more chaotic...

I actually really enjoyed the book. I like the way that it's all over the place. Sometimes 1st person, sometimes 3rd, sometimes a chapter is just one sentence. I enjoyed the psychological aspects of the story. I find the habits of humans and society fascinating and I found myself not entirely disagreeing with Rhinehart's theories. If I was a crazier, or perhaps braver, person,  I may have adopted the dice life myself. 

I found it a slow read at first, but perhaps a third of the way in things do pick up. At times Rhineheart can become a little frustrating, because he is just so in love with himself and his 'genius' theory, but it doesn't entirely ruin the book. The ending suits the book, but some people may also find that frustrating. Don't read this book if you like neat endings. Also don't read this book if you don't like to think too much about life, and ALL aspects of your personality, the good AND the bad.

Overall I gave this a 4 out of 5 on GoodReads. It made me think, and I like that. Certain bits drag (like the parts from 'the book of die') but you can just skim over those.  It's topics are still very relevant to today, and it's brutal honesty about human nature is refreshing.

Have you read this? What did you think?

 

Fit Friday: Cassius Edition

It feels like I've missed loads of these but it's only been one. Last Friday I was enjoying some down time with my family and a certain someone that I hadn't seen for 3 months.

So back to it...

How fit was my week on a scale of 1-10? 1 being cheesecake, 10 being 1000 plank rows?

ermm. I can't remember, so probably a 4. I'm kinda blending the last two weeks together for this post.

What exercise have I done?

Saturday - Nope.
Sunday- Only the mother flipping Race For Life! So, a 5K.
Monday - Body Pump class
Tuesday - Kettlebells class
Wednesday - Step class
Thursday- Spin, pump, abs class
Friday- Maybe a rest day? Maybe a run?

What has my eating been like?

Weeee-helll. I have been for a few meals, both at restaurants and people's houses. Food has included, but is not limited to, cheesecake, waffles, cannelloni, dough sticks, popcorn, veggie percy pigs, popchips, rich tea biscuits, ice cream... As you can see, eating has not been stellar this past fortnight.

How have I felt?

Not exactly energetic, but not too shabby. I knew that I'd be eating a few 'bad' things this week but whatever, I'm a grown up, I can cope with eating nice things without having a breakdown about it. Those things taste nice and I like to have them from time to time.

Have I lost any weight?

I weighed myself on Tuesday and to my surprise, not only had I not put on a stone of cheesecake weight, I'd actually lost the pound I put on last week. So, I am back to the total 4lbs loss. NICE. Going to keep pushing hard this week to make sure I don't have a delayed cheesecake gain.

What would I like to work on next week?

I would like to get my eating back to the scheduled protein fest it was before, and either sign up to a Friday gym class, or commit to a Friday gym session, with weights brah.

Are you feeling FIT? 

 

 

 

Whoops. Real Talk Wednesday

Soo I completely forgot to share the YouTube videos on here. I really do recommend you subscribe to our channel because  I just can't be trusted !

Here's the latest:

Fit Friday : Cassius Edition

 

 

How fit was my week on a scale of 1-10? 1 being macaroni cheese, 10 being a 4 minute mile?

7? 7.5?


What exercise have I done?

Saturday - rest day
Sunday- Home HIIT workout
Monday - rest day (no pump class due to bank holiday)
Tuesday - Kettlebells class
Wednesday - Step class
Thursday- Spin, pump, abs class
Friday- Early gym challenge planned with Hannah. (1.6km sprint follow by 10reps of 3 kettlebell exercises 10 times. Finished with a 1.6km sprint.)

What has my eating been like?

I went over my food target a couple of days, but always with healthy things like nuts or fruit, so I'm not beating myself up too much. Also, my average weekly consumption came in right on target so it's all good. Had a delicious macaroni cheese that my sister cooked on Wednesday, which was completely off plan, but I worked extra hard at the gym the next day and it's all about moderation after all!

How have I felt?

Pretty good! I feel confident in my choices, savoured my extra rest day, and that helped me give more the next day at kettlebells. I am looking forward to getting back to body pump on Monday though, makes me feel stronger and barbells are just cool. I was less neurotic about my weigh in and only really got worried the half hour before, but again I soon realised I was being stupid.

Have I lost any weight?

Lost another 2 pounds! Total loss 4 pounds. I'm happy with this. Sure some people like to lose 6 pounds in a week but I'm confident in the fact that my 2 pounds is actual weight loss not just water loss. Plus I'm trying to build muscle so I'm not expecting all 70 odd pounds to drop in a month!

What would I like to work on next week?

Next Sunday (8th) I'm doing the Race For Life 5K, so I really want to get some more runs in this week! I am going to set a target of 3 5k runs before next Friday, on top of my usual gym activities :)

Are you feeling FIT? 

Bye, Bye Bedroom! Design Option Two

This week's idea is probably as far from last week's as possible. Those that know me know that generally I like things to be black, grey or white. I also despise objects with no purpose. Candles, fine. Vase, fine (WITH FLOWERS IN). Cushions, fine, they're comfortable. Little ornaments of a cupcake, or mustache, or owl, or whatever is cool this week, NO. What does it do! Nothing. Therefore it has no business being in my room.

I'm kinda in love with dark grey. I already own black, white and grey bedding/throws/cushions, so it's kind of convenient from a money point of view. It would also mean I'd just refresh the paint on my white walls and cover the red with a darker grey. No pesky light paint over dark paint jobs.

I've always wanted an Expedit, and the white one just so happens to be the cheapest. I'm of the belief that it's the only shelf that will take ALL of my books. The chest of drawers pictured is a rather pricey one from Habitat,  but I'm sure I could find something similar for less. It would mean throwing away my project chest of drawers though, the wood isn't quite in keeping with my soulless furniture vibe (I really do mean that positively).

I could add monochrome patterns, such as the one on the lampshade above to give the room a bit more depth, but I don't think I'd even be that bothered. I'll have patterned bedsheets, what more do you want?

The colour in my room would come from any flowers I've bought that week, and I think it'd be fun to get some mini cacti. That will be enough, let's not get too excited!

To see what my room looks like at the moment Click Here!!

What do you think?? Do you prefer this to Option One??

Fit Friday: Scotch edition

Workout schedule:

Friday: Circuits
Saturday: Rest day
Sunday: Circuits
Monday: GRIT cardio
Tuesday: Rest day
Wednesday: Bootcamp
Thursday: GRIT strength

Happy?
This week is definitely an improvement on last week! I usually do a class on Tuesday but was so tired and just knew it would be pointless going. Sometimes you have to listen to what your body is telling tou even if you really want to work out. I like to have at least 2 rest days a week or I'll just burn myself out.

What's your eating been like?

Again, better. Saturday was a complete write off because we just ate lots and lots of rubbish all day and had a few drinkies over the weekend but all in all, not too bad. Now it's coming into summer, the weekends are always going to be a bit naughty so I just have to make sure I'm extra good in the week, which I have been!

Weight loss?

My weight fluctuates so much it's hard to keep track. Weighing myself every day doesn't help either so I'm going to try and cut it down a bit, and only really take notice of Friday morning weigh ins. I am currently about 2.5 lbs heavier than my lowest weight, so my current aim is to get back down to that.

Fitness challenge
I finally managed to do my press ups, sit ups and triceps dips challenge! I must admit to missing a couple of days, only because I actually forgot! I managed most of them though and this morning was a killer! 60 sets of each: ouch! I feel slightly stronger though and I do think my press ups are getting better!

I didn't manage my other workout challenge unfortunately just because I didn't want to miss out on any of my usual classes and I haven't had chance to squeeze it in anywhere else. I'm planning to go tomorrow though so I will set myself the same this week.

1 mile sprint
10x kettlebell squat and press
10x kettlebell swing
10x some other exercise I haven't decided on yet
(repeat 10 times)
1 mile sprint

Has anyone tried any new workouts this week?

Fit Friday : Cassius Edition

 

 How fit was my week on a scale of 1-10? 1 being salt and vinegar doughnuts , 10 being an ultra marathon.

 

8.5, I didn't add in the extra stretching that I said I would.


What exercise have I done?

Saturday - rest day
Sunday- 4 mile run
Monday - Body pump class
Tuesday - Kettlebells class
Wednesday - Step class
Thursday- Spin, pump, abs class
Friday- Run planned for later

What has my eating been like?

I'm all about the protein brah. Protein shakes, protein pancakes... ON IT. Also I found out there's such a thing as salt and vinegar doughnuts in Tesco AND turned them down. Pretty impressive. Also, walked away from Belgian waffles this week. STRENGTH. Discovered a love for protein pancakes, may never look back. They are slightly eggy but as protein supplements go, a winner.

How have I felt?

Nervous that all this work wasn't going to pay off because it's been a whole week and I'm not even a size 8 yet. But irrational Laura was silenced on Wednesday when I saw the results of my efforts at weigh in. Now 85% empowered smug determined Laura.

Have I lost any weight?

I am 2lbs lighter! NOICE. Those circles over there are the pounds I am going to lose. This was taken before weigh in so obviously now two are coloured in. I find it encouraging to know where I'm at.

What would I like to work on next week?

Trusting the process. I knew all this week that I was on form but in my head I was still convinced that I'd gain weight. PMA is the watchword this week. That's positive mental attitude for those of you that don't go in for those sorts of things.

Are you feeling FIT? 

Who doesn't like Game of Thrones?

Idiots! Idiots don't like Game of Thrones. Okay, maybe a little harsh but, c'mon, it's amazing! Everything you need in a TV show! Although me and Laura were discussing the distinct lack of man candy, which does prove that it is just amazing in its own right but it is a little disappointing! Littlefinger does save the day for me though. Ooh I love a bit of Baelish. Also the hound for me but I think I'm probably the only one. It's probably just because I know he's actually Scottish and I love all thing Scottish. It was the same with Robb Stark. Mmm. Not so much now that he has the head of a direwolf... We also agreed that Oberyn is a bit of alright. Maybe. I still can't decide whether he's actually hot or I'm just really willing him to be.

ANYWAY. I've been quite disappointed with myself cos I claim that it's my favourite show and I love it so much blah blah but I still need to catch up on the last four episodes. WHAAA??!!

I know, I'm a terrible person. I deserve to be flayed. (Ouch!) I just don't seem to have a lot of time these days after sleep, work, gym, housework, cooking, reading etc. Oh the life of a grown up! I need to start making time because I miss it so! This morning I finally have some proper time to myself! Shock horror! I will still have two episodes to watch but it's getting better! I do love being able yo watch a few in a row because there's nothing worse than getting really into an  episode then knowing you have to wait a WHOLE WEEK for the next one. Why do things have to end?

I love this season. Ever since reading it in the books, I've been desperate for the TV show to catch up with Joffrey's death. Muahaha! I will kind of miss him though, he is a character I love to hate. Cersei and Jamie getting jiggy with it next to his body was just lovely...

I'm really enjoying how badass Dany is becoming, I can't wait until she finally decides to cross the sea and sets everyone on fire. Also extremely pleased that we're seeing more of Baelish and I get to drool over his evil smirk once more! Arya and the hound are two of my favourite characters (see beginning of post) so I love watching them together and seeing their relationship progress. Having read the books kind of puts me at a disadvantage though because I'm just waiting for the worst to happen...

I'm excited to see what the rest of the season brings! Although I know what happens to the storyline, it's always interesting to see how they portray certain events or characters on the screen. Can't wait to see how everything pans out!

Who is your favourite character?

Real Talk Wednesday : Human Experimentation

So, we finally sat down and filmed some Real Talk Wednesday. We started with Naomi's suggestion of humanity being an alien experiment. Naturally, we wandered a bit off topic, so grab a cup of tea, maybe a biscuit...

Godzilla!

I love going to watch films at the cinema and now I only live a very short car ride away from my favourite one:
Kinema in the Woods.

It literally is in the middle of the woods! It's an amazing old school cinema and has a really great feel to it. It's much cheaper than the other mainstream cinema chains too! What I love most is that they still give you an interval in the middle of the film, perfect chance to grab a drink and an ice cream! If you're lucky, you'll also get serenaded by the amazing Compton cinema organ that comes out of the floor!

Yes, this is real! The Kinema is worth a visit even if you don't live close, you won't be disappointed!

There wasn't much choice this week, it was really between Bad Neighbours and Godzilla. Hurry up Thursday when X-Men comes out! I would probably enjoy Bad Neighbours but the only real attraction is Zac Efron so I went for Godzilla.

Godziiillaaaaa! I really can't say it without sounding like a Japanese anime character. The one word I can think of to describe the film is IMPRESSIVE. I was really taken aback with the special effects and how scary the monsters were. It doesn't take a lot to impress me though! I was in awe of how huge these creatures were and my favourite part was when the soldiers executed a halo jump into the city. The actual build up to the jump was much more tense than in the trailer.

Looking back, the storyline actually wasn't that great and you didn't really connect with any of the characters. Except Godzilla, I was really rooting for him! He wasn't actually in the film much though, which was a surprise considering it's meant to be about him! I expected more from the huge monster fight scene too. I just loved the end where he had saved the city, almost died and then just casually gets up and walks back in to the sea. He's so nonchalant! 

I didn't even know Bryan Cranston was in the film until his name appeared in the opening sequence. He was good, as usual, and it gave me chance to reminisce about Breaking Bad a little. Oh, how I miss you Walter White! I'm always a fan of Aaron Taylor-Johnson and he's really beefed out. Mmm. I could have quite possibly not liked the film so much if he wasn't in it. Shallow, I know. 

I think it's worth a watch though, especially if you haven't seen any of the originals, like me. I have nothing to compare it to really, it's just a good monster movie! Have you seen it? What did you think?

Dewa mata!

Scotch's adventures with A Street Cat Named Bob

As promised, I will begin by completing my review of 'The Shock of the Fall' by Nathan Filer. All in all, I thought the book was a good read. I loved the fact that the chapters were really short and easy to read, apart from the section towards the end where Matt is explaining what happened to his brother. This contrast to the rest of the book kept me gripped to the story and I couldn't put it down until I was finished. I think Filer managed to build suspense and tension really effectively. In the 'question and answer with the author' section at the back, I was interested to find out that Matthew is real and the book is based on a true story. It was quite sad in places but had a hopeful ending. Worth a read!

ANYWAY. I shall move on to my book of the week. Finally.

Oh, Bob. Your ginger fur. Your round squishy face. Your SCARF. You are everything I want in a front cover. I also like the fact that the blurb is simply an extract from the story. That's all the up-selling books need, in my opinion.

'London has always had a large population of street cats; strays who wander the streets living off scraps and the comforts of strangers, fighting for survival on a daily basis. A lot of them were, like Bob, slightly battered, broken creatures. Maybe he'd spotted a kindred spirit in me...'

My research into the book (I was too excited whilst waiting for it to arrive in the post) told me that it is true story about a homeless busker named James, the author, and the unlikely friendship he strikes up with a stray cat. Apparently there is talks of a film too! I wonder if my ginger cat would stand a chance in the starring role...

Unfortunately I haven't got a lot of reading done this week, I seem to have been really busy, so I'm only a couple of chapters in. I do like the book so far, which was probably expected due to my crazy cat lady tendencies! The writing style reminds me of my own, you can tell that the author isn't really a 'writer' so to speak. It is a lovely story though and I am looking forward to seeing how it progresses. I just really love reading about cats if I'm honest!

Hopefully I will have made a lot more progress next week and I can tell you all about it! What have you been reading this week?

Bye, Bye Bedroom! Design Option One

I am eternally indecisive, about pretty much everything. So, before I commit to a definite scheme I am going to explore my options...

I've started with perhaps the easiest one. Keeping my red walls. I could even leave the white ones, meaning the only painting I would have to do would be the skirting and woodwork! Appealing so far.

To mix the red up a bit and give it a bit more life, I like the idea of turning it into a bit of a boho den. I really like the mix of vibrant blue, mint green and deep red. It also leaves a lot of options for decorative things. There really isn't much that couldn't be made to work in a boho room. Pretty much anything goes.

I could really see myself going all out with this style, I'd have fabrics on my ceiling and everything. I could have endless patterned cushions and bedding (Think of all the FLORAL) ! It would also be great fun to turn my old chest of drawers into a bright cyan masterpiece. I could also look for an old wardrobe to convert?

I'm surprised at how much I like this style, because as a rule I don't like colour. I always wear black, grey or neutral. Everything I have ever bought, from bath towels to kitchen plates, has always been black, or beige if I was feeling adventurous that day.  My concern would be that my already small room would be dwarfed by all of the colour action.

What do you think?

 

To see what my bedroom currently looks like see part one

Fit Friday, more like FAIL Friday

Too much food and too little exercise makes for an unhappy Hannah.

Workout schedule:
Friday: Nothing
Saturday: Rest Day
Sunday: Circuits
Monday: Fail
Tuesday: Rest Day
Wednesday: Boxercise
Thursday: GRIT

Happy?
The weekend was terrible. Monday was even worse. Tuesday was pretty awful. Wednesday was a slight improvement. Thursday, back on track. Not good. I was meant to have a PT on Monday, my first one in ages so I was quite excited, but I was just so tired and run down that I decided not to go. WHYYYY?! I also ate the whole world on Monday. Cakes, coffees, chocolate. WHYYYYYY?! I usually go to HIIT on Tuesdays but it was my dad's birthday so you can let me off for that one! I feel like I weigh 50 stone at the moment. I've managed to turn it round in the last couple of days and I'm writing this before heading off to circuits this morning but it's still not right. It's also now the weekend where it's even harder to stay on track!

How has your eating been?
Like I said: cakes, coffees, chocolate. Oh, and the wine. So much wine. At least eating with Mark in the evenings guarantees that my dinner will be healthy. Its the rest of the day I need to work on. Well, needed to work on. It's over! I'm moving on. I had a bad few days and now I can just forget about it. Onwards and upwards! Hopefully the scale will go downwards.

Fitness Challenge
Surprise, surprise. Another fail.

Last week I set myself the challenge of doing sets of press ups, sit ups and tricep dips. I was going to start with 10 and increase the reps each day. I managed the first set, and that was that. Most of the time it was due to me actually forgetting about it rather than not doing it on purpose, but I could have made more of an effort.

So I am setting myself the same challenge this week along with another. My boyfriend had a CrossFit obsession phase and would trawl the internet reading about it, much to my disdain! Some of the workouts do look pretty good though and he found this huge list of example WODs. I've chosen one that I want to try:

You start with a mile on the treadmill as fast as you go. Then you pick three exercise and do 100 reps of each, ie 10 of exercise one, 10 of exercise two, 10 of exercise three and repeat ten times. Finish with another mile on the treadmill and you're about dead! I was thinking of using a kettlebell and doing weighted squats, bicep curl and press and tricep extensions as my three exercises but that may change.

I'll let you know how I get on! Hopefully next Fit Friday will be more positive and I will have had a better week. Must resist cake, must resist cake...

Fit Friday: Cassius Edition

 

If you saw my instagram post earlier this week, this is the post you've been looking for...

 

How fit was my week on a scale of 1-10? 1 being a cronut, 10 being Gerard Butler circa 300.

A good 7. As of Monday a strong 9 but the few days before bring down the average.

What exercise have I done?

Saturday- 5.4K outdoor run
Sunday- A 'fast' 3K
Monday - Body pump class
Tuesday - Kettlebells class
Wednesday - Step class
Thursday- Spin, pump abs class
Friday- Planning a 5K run later

What has my eating been like?

Up until Monday, not brilliant. As of Monday, ON POINT. I've got back into my tracking, I've calculated a 40/40/20 ratio for my macros. I am eating much more protein and so much less carbs. I am eating regularly, in small portions. I am snacking on veg, fruit or nakd bars. I am drinking in excess of 3 litres of water a day.

How have I felt?

Good. I've been feeling positive, but achey. I feel less bloated and I'm never hungry.

Have I lost any weight?

SO. I finally remembered to go to Boots and weigh myself. I almost wish that I hadn't. Without even realising I have reached my heaviest ever weight. About 16 pounds heavier than when I last weighed myself at the end of January. I don't feel that much fatter. It's all the more disappointing because of how 'on it' I have been this week. But now I know, and since I'm already 'on it' I know that next week will be better.
I guess I just hadn't been eating well at all until this week, because I have definitely been working out more than I ever did in Manchester. I was obviously just eating back all the calories and more. Well, no more. This week before I even weighed myself I switched up my eating plan as detailed above. I'm eating lots of protein and averaging about 1200 net cals. This should definitely lead to weight loss next week.
I'm sticking to it 100% because cheating would only be cheating myself! etc. Thinking back over the last few weeks there has been a lot of ice cream, and there was a lot of chocolate before I started my 100 day challenge. I could well have been a few pounds heavier last week, I just didn't know!
And I think that is why scales are important to me right now. I know there are stories of people becoming obsessed with the numbers but I think at this point it is important for me to hold myself accountable for my eating each week, and to see results so that I know all my hard work is paying off.

The thing is, when you start out as FAT and then lose a stone, you still look fat. So it is nice to know the numbers so that you know for sure you are heading in the right direction.
This could easily be a very depressing moment for me. I am the heaviest I've ever been, ever. However, I can turn it around. This is a new motivation, this isn't failure, I'm not dead yet.

What would I like to work on next week?

I want to keep going at 100%, I need to see a loss on the scales next week just so I know I am not going crazy, or have some sort of medical condition. I need to focus on extra stretching this week, I am very stiff at the moment, and it is making efficient workouts harder.

Are you feeling FIT?