A word we have all seem to have adapted in our day-to-day life this past couple of years .... 'hair goals' 'relationship goals' 'lunch goals' ..... but today I've talking about actual goals. Plans and dreams we all have and our small but mighty mission to get there.
I, for one, am someone who seems to constantly be making new goals - I want to do this or be like that, strive for this, pray for that! But actually getting those goals.... that's another story. Over the last few years I've realised that if you want something, you can get it. As much as I believe in timings, gut feelings and thing that are meant to be - there's also the aspect of attracting your dreams, believing in yourself and doing everything you think you can to get there! I've put myself on a right health and fitness mission this year, and although now and again I seem to fall off the wagon (damn hormones) I'm always straight back on it with that end goal in sight. (Alot different than that giver-upper Kirstie from a few years ago... booo we don't like her). So I've decided to create a short list of ways to help you stay focused on your goals - no matter what they are! These will work for everything.... whether you want to loose 5lbs, saving £1000 or become an astronaut (which you can totally do if you want to you know..... I think I'd puke though).
1. Small steps = big distance The easiest way to start your journey is to make those small steps. Even if it's just one step a week to start with. For example - want to loose weight but feel like you have a long way to go? Week one, switch all your drinks to water. Week two, make sure you're eating at least 3 portions of fruit and veg a day. Week three, start walking at least 20 minutes a day. Slowly but surely you would have added in everything you wanted to change into your routine and you'll be surprised by how much you've changed by just changing one thing a week... they all add up and make a difference, no mater how small! In the same way you can save money, instead of buying that Costa or Starbucks daily ("there are also other coffee suppliers available...."), put that £3 in a pot and watch it grow and grow.... all from having one less hot drink a day - bring on Barbados! 2. Reminders Another simple but easy thing you can do it give yourself little reminders. Why are you doing this? Why is it going to benefit you? Change your phone wallpaper, make a vision board, write in a diary - just remind yourself often of that end goal and how amazing it's going to feel (even if it feels a million miles away, it be get here as long as you stay focused and determined!) 3. Record accomplishments This is SUCH a motivator! Everytime you feel like you've overcome something, improved or got a little bit closer to that end goal.... write it down! Whether it's on your phone, in a book.... in a blog post?! You'll see this list grow and grow and you can try and beat it each month - progression is the key, you're not going to get to your goal in, like, a week are you? Not if it's a big life change! So each month that passes by look back at what you did in that month to help you achieve your end goal. Every accomplishment starts with the decision to TRY. 4. Vision Board They'll be a new post up very soon about these! As a child I was obsessed with making collages, cutting things out of magazines and creating. Vision Boards are an amazing way to keep yourself on track and striving! I'm excited to start a new one for myself this week - and yes... you will be seeing it soon :) 5. Don't be hard on yourself We all need to press pause sometimes. There is no point in burning the candle at both ends and over-doing everything. I mean that does sort gear towards diet and exercise a little more but it can also be adapted for other things! Everyone needs some 'me' time, time to forget about stresses and pressures (especially ones you're putting on yourself) Saving money? You can go out for dinner with your friends or buy that top. Eating well? One Krispy Kreme in a month isn't going to hurt is it? Changing careers/studying? A day off to watch the Kardashians and rest your brain is okay. Keep yourself motivated by having those pauses, you'll treasure them and feel so much better afterwards. Depriving yourself of anything is the easiest way to head straight back to the start line. To get something you've never had you must do something you've never done. #truth
Remember the only reason why you don't fulfill your goals is because - you choose to give up half way through that journey. Imagine how you would feel if you got there .... remember that feeling... bottle it up and when you feel like giving up, remember it. (And now I've written this I have an excuse not to give up on my goals.... take your own damn advice girl!)
Images sourced from Pinterest UK (minus the trainers... that's mine!)
When I was a child, cutting out pictures from magazines and printing things out to make moodboards and collages was always one of my favourite things to do.
Of course as an adult now it's not really as acceptable to have a fun wall of mix-match pictures covering your bedroom... especially when you live with your partner.
I still have a tendency to cut pictures out of magazines though.... yes I'm that girl.
I even have a small notebook that I have glued in styles, looks, tips and images that I love but because it takes up so much time it's not that often I get to sit down and do it....
So.... what better way to stay motivated and have something I can see all the time than to create it digitally.
Obsessed with moodboards and collages I find it SO enjoyable creating them on my laptop. (For a tutorial on how I do this please click here :) Here is my Motivation Moodboard for the next few months...
Staying Focused
With my new job in full swing I really want to keep on throwing myself into it as much as I possibly can, I learning new stuff every single day and I love it! I'm so grateful that I got this opportunity to start in this industry and I want to do as well as I possibly can.
Eating Clean
Before Christmas my diet was amazing. All clean, healthy, natural foods and I hadn't felt that good about myself in years. 2016 so far has NOT gone well for me and I am SO disappointed in myself. Time to rewind to last year and remember how great I was feeling.
Image
Yes. Margot Robbie is my ultimate girl crush.
But, I shall not compare myself.... because I mean that never ends in happy thoughts! I LOVE her hair here and with my hair appointment just around the corner I think I'll be taking this photo with me!
Organisation
I'm becoming more and more organised as the weeks go on and I love it. Not only at work, I want my home to be tidy, organised and clutter free - it's so much better for me, mess = stress.
Saving For A Puppy?
It's no secret that being an owner of a French Bulldog is probably the number one thing on my bucket list. Fingers crossed we can move out of our flat over the next year or so and then I'm hoping it's then puppy time! So I want to start putting a little money away each month for the little nugget!
Worrying
I love this little image about only focusing on what you can control. I spend so much time worrying about things that really don't matter and won't change as much as I worry about them, time to just focus on the things that matter!
Writing
Like I said in my blog make-over post, I really want to focus on my content. I love writing and this year I want to stretch myself and head out of the normal 'beauty review, wishlist, favourites' types of posts! Plus.... I still really want to write that book, I'm determined to get that started this year, even it's just a page a week.
Reading
First up how gorgeous is that image?! I've already talked about this (here) but reading has now taken the place of my nightly social media addiction. Every weeknight I've been putting my phone down earlier then normal and had a nice little reading session before bedtime. It's so relaxing and my love for Harry Potter has well and truly increased by a million percent!
Running
Yes. I must start again.
Joining in and making one yourself? Let me know what's on your motivation moodboard!
After seeing Jim Chapman's recent video called 'how to be a Youtuber' this seemed like a fun thing to do! I was going to do this as a video but my Flip camera has decided to die so I shall be writing it out instead .... which, seeing as this is about blogs kind of makes sense doesn't it?
Over the last few months I've been getting more and more e-mails for girls wanting advice on blogging or who have a few questions about blog related things - literally anything from giveaways to how to increase your views!
I'm shocked and overwhelemed everytime someone comes to little old me for advice or with a query as I've only been doing this for just over a year and am noway any form of 'expert' in the subject. All I know if what I've seen/done/realised/taught myself over the past 14 months and I'm going to share all those things with you now!
These things may be obvious to you or they may not even interest you but this is what I've found to have helped me so far in this little journey!
So get a cup of tea, some comfy clothes on and settle down because this could be a long one... you've been warned!
Taking The Plunge & Getting Started
Anyone can be a blogger - if you have a blog and create content for it - you are a blogger.
1. The Right Reasons
You want to start a blog because you love reading other blogs and you have a passion for a certain subject and want to share that passion and your knowledge of it with others as a fun hobby, then GO FOR IT! But..... if you want to start a blog because you want to get free stuff and make money - stop now, it doesn't work like that. You've got to have a passion and drive about what you are writing about, if you are there for the wrong reasons it's transparent, it will be seen.
2. Picking That All Important Name
This is the tricky bit. You've got to think of this one username that's going to stand out, not confuse anyone and be original.
I think everyone goes through the stage of wondering weather they've picked the right name for their blog and I've seen a fair few change in the past year or so. I always have moments of doubt - should I change it? Is it okay? But for me I feel it's too late now to change it now and I've grown to like it!
Here's a few tips to help you create that awesome new blogname...
Pick Something Easy : No-one is going to remember 'babygirl27lovesmakeupforlife446539' are they? It's too hard to remember and too long for people to care about or type. Have something that's easy to read, especially when it's written all as one word and easy to remember! (People get mine wrong alot which is frustrating - you don't want that!)
Google : Thought of a few ideas? Google them, see if there is anything similar already taken, if so try something else!
Be Original: You want to stand out right? So don't copy someone else or have something super similar - there's no point calling yourself PollyBowBow or SprinkleOfSparkle! You want to be a first rate version of yourself not a second rate version of someone else.
Commit : Once you've picked your name, commit to it - learn to love it - you're going to be typing it alot!
Content & Aesthetics
I think I'll probably just be echoing alot of other people's thoughts here when it comes to what readers re looking for when they click on a blog to read.
1. Photography & Pictures
Now firs off - you don't need a big flash DSLR to create great pictures for your blog! As long as you have a camera and some decent lighting you can make it work! Just make sure they are clear and big, small, dimley lit photos are a big turn off for people and it only takes a spilt second for someone to decent weather to stay and read on or not - make sure they want to stay!
2. Font
Pick something readable , tiny fonts and funky calligraphy writing will put people off staright away aswell as bright colours/hard to read colours! Alot of people I've spoke to said that simple dark font on a white background is what they want to see as it is easy to read and clear.
3. Layout
Simply laid out blogs are usually the most popular. Lots of pop-ups and different places to click with multiple pictures and colours can put people off. Make sure each section is clear and it isn't too over-crowded for the reader. Just think of what you like to see and what you enjoy and don't enjoy when looking at blogs!
4. Writing
Everyone is different! Just because someone writes a certain way doesn't mean you have to fit that mold and write that way. Everyone has their own style and you'll develop it over time, you'll tweek and edit til' your blue in the face but if you know what you want to say you'll get it out! Just make it easy to read and well structured!
5. Content
Just because everyone else has gone out and bought every single one of the baby lips collection doesn't mean you have too! Buy/blog about things that really do interest and excite you not just because you think it's what everyone wants to see and will get you more views from it. If you really like something and want to share it that will shine through in your posts, if it's not genuine that can also be noticed!
DO NOT steal/use other bloggers content - writing, photos, anything - you will be found out an it's just not cool!
6. Honesty
Bloggers nowadays are relied on alot for decent and honest reviews and opinions on a range of different products. I always go to bloggers first when it comes to trying out something new or wanting recommendations. Being honest is a key ingredient for your blog. I'd say it's the number one rule when it comes to blogging - there is no point writing something if you don't mean it. Saying something is amazing when it isn't won't do you any favours, just say how you feel, everyone has the right to express their opinion right?
7. How Often Should I Post?
That is totally down to you and your lifestyle. I post more or less everyday and that has become my routine but I'm well aware this isn't doable for everyone and there is alot of the time where I do struggle. Don't put pressure on yourself, this is meant to be fun - don't turn it into something else! As long as your posting as least once per week you should keep people interested.
Organisation Is Key
I got asked this one alot on twitter - how to keep organised - so these are the few things that I have found really helpful to keep my blog going!
1. Keep a Notebook
Write down every single little idea you have! Weather it's just a product you've bought and want to write about or a fun idea for a new series of posts I find writing everything down so helpful - even on scrap bits of paper or maybe even the notepad on your phone!
2. Plan & Schedule
Having a plan each week for my posts saves my blogging life! Each week I write out Mon-Fri and what I'm going to have up for each day. It makes it so easy to know what to write next and what to prioritise when I sit down to blog each night. Scheduling posts is a must for me, on my days off I usually try and write at least 2 or 3 posts for the up coming days/week and have them all published for certain days so I don't have to worry about it! Somethings I have set days for - like my POTW posts I normally put them up on either Friday or Saturday and wishlists on Wednesday's, it helps me to have a regular timetable to keep too.
3. Do Things in Bulk
Taking lots of photos at once is a must for me. Having all my photos ready for the upcoming week or so makes it so muhc easier when coming to write the posts themselves.
4. Get The Apps
For blogging on the go - get the apps! I use Blogger & Bloglovin to keep my own blog upto date aswell and catching up with everyone elses!
Growing Your Baby
I'm sure alot of you have scrolled down to find this section as this is the most askd question when it comes to blogging - how do I grow and build my audience?
1. Be Active
Make sure you are keeping your blog alive, posts as much as you can without it disrupting your life too much. If people go onto your blog and see our last post was 3 weeks/a month ago they will think you aren't that interest and will probably be les likley to follow. (I know this sometimes can't be helped with work, school, exams etc so if you know you aren't going to be blogging for a little while maybe just write a little note on there and explain to help keep people upto date!)
2. Use Twitter (and every other form of social media)
In this day in age I'd say Twitter is the number one place to share your blog and promote. Tweet every post you do, even tag the companies, if any, that are mentioned to help spread the word of your blog! Use the famous #'s and RT accounts to help get your posts across to new readers! The same goes for instagram, facebook, pinterest,
3. Join In & Interact
If you are a blogger yourself then I'm sure, like me, you are a major lover of other bloggers and their blogs! I LOVE joining in with the #bbloggers #lbloggers #fblchat etc chats on twitter! Such a fab way to chat with everyone and find new blogs to check out and read! It's also a perfect time to show your work too, get involved with everyone and share!
Also, if you read someone's post, write them a comment - it's another great way to interact!
4. Don't Compare Yourself
I will say this once and once only - you will (unfortunatley) not turn into Zoella or Tanya Burr in a week. "Big" blogger are 'big' for a number of reasons including time, hard work and originality!
Something Shaycarl says has really been drilled into me and that's 'Time & Pressure" if you put both time and pressure into something eventually it will turn into what you want it to be.... that's how diamonds are made right, time and pressure?
Just because someone else has 458967 don't feel gutted that you don't. Success doesn't come overnight, it does take hardwork and blood, sweat and tears! Okay maybe not.... along I've definitley had a few tears in the past!
Feel blessed for the people who have already followed/subscribed/commented on your blog/twitter instead of just thinking about the people who haven't yet! It can be hard not to focus on the numbers, number of views, number of followers but try not too.
5. Be Confident & Proud
If you are happy with your posts and like what you've written adn put together then it is highly likely that someone else will too! No-one got anywhere thinking that what they've written was a bit pants, be proud to show it off and share it.
Uninspired? : Surviving Writers Block
Now this is something I think everyone suffers from, I have a fair few times! It's hard to give advice on this as everyone is different but I'll give it a go!
1. Making Notes
Like I said before, keep that notebook, paper, phone close at all times and write down every little idea you get! You'll never know when they might come in handy!
2. Tag Posts
When I'm suck in a blogging rut I always love doing a good old tag post!
I find these so much fun to write and they are too strenuous on the brain either so if you're not feeling in epic blogger mood you can still bust one of these out no problem! And the good things is with these theat there's always one you haven't done yet! I seriously want to do the British Tag asap!
3. Read Other Blogs & Magazines
Now I don't mean this in a "copying" type way but really other blogs can really inspire you to think of new content for your old blog! Same with magazines, you might see a great celebrity look or a gorgeous outfit you want to create! Be insprired by others!
4. Create a New Series Of Posts
A great way to have a constant flow is having a series of posts that you are constantly adding too, for instance I have the Dress Like Disney series that I love doing and each week I like to share my Product Of The Week and a wishlist of some sort! This provides you with at least one thing to do each week!
5. Share The Love
Can't think of anything to write yourself and at a total loss? Why not form a list of your favourite bloggers/youtubers to share with everyone! You'll make someone's day and there's nothing better than a bit of blogging community love!
Coming to the end of this post I am so so glad I did a written version instead of a video version. Lots to get out and it's pribably better to have it in writing anyway!
I hope you have enjoyed this post, please let me know if you found it helpful at all! IF you have any questions write them below in the comments or feel free to email me at ayellowbrickblog@hotmail.com
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To see videos check out A Yellow Brick Vlog on YouTube
This time I'm going to share with you girls (and possible boys) some of my top tips for shifting those few unwanted pounds and feeling better about yourself!
Like I've said before I am in no shape or form a trained dietitian or fitness expert but these are things that I have learnt over the years and things that have worked for me!
This is fairly text heavy, so make yourself comfortable and get your reading brain in gear.
Now... let's turn that self-esteem around and make ourselves look and feel fabulous!
1. H20 - Yes, any dieting tips you will ever read will probably more often than not have this as the number 1 top tip!
Water has so many benefits I could be here all day jotting them all down! If you aren't a water drinker then it is time to change your ways! It is such an easy step to take and water is free so there is no excuse for this one! (Don't like water? Add a slice of lemon or lime!)
It helps boost your metabolism, keeps your brain working and helps you remain focused and keeps you feeling full. So if you think you're hungry then have a glass of water (colder is better as it makes your body work harder to regulate its temperature again) alot of the time the hunger you feel is actually dehydration!
2. Get into a routine - Being in a routine has always helped me immensely. Getting up and having a healthy breakfast like high fibre cereal or porridge and/or fruit to kick start your morning everyday is a fantastic way to kick start your metabolism and will have you motivated and energetic for the day ahead! Having lunch and dinner at the same sort of time each day helps alot too! Just a few days into setting yourself into 3 meals and your body will get used to the routine and you won't feel hungry as much and end up unnecessarily snacking (with biscuits in front of Eastenders) - score!
3. Have a Buddy - Having some to talk to in the same situation and on a similar journey is always a bonus! Whether it's a friend, a family member or maybe even just someone on Twitter or Instagram having someone you know is in the same position as yourself is always motivating!
Talk about your cravings, your progress and your achievements - it will help keep you going... and if you're anything like me and competitive then it will help spur you on even more!
4. Don't Go Cold Turkey Or Under Eat - A mistake a lot of people make when deciding to go on a diet is just going full-on diet crazy and cutting our more or less everything they think is bad!
This is definitely something I would say don't do! Just slowly start to cut out a few things a week - maybe start with swapping fizzy drinks for water, having 1 biscuit instead of 4 or not eating after 8pm.
Each little difference, as small as it is, will have an effect! If you suddenly just start living off soups, salads and fruit only you will only crave the foods you want more and will have a high chance of snapping and quickly reverting back to your own ways (and stuffing you face with those things you've missed!) .
As well as this under eating will not help you lose weight. Eating 1000 calories a day, yes will help you loose weight at first, but as soon as you go back to eating normally your body will just cling to all that extra food and those pounds will pile back on - it is a proven fact!
5. Keep a Diary/Get The Apps - Keeping a food diary is a great way to keep track of your progress and it is great to see where your downfalls are aswell. Apps like My Fitness Pal are amazing for this. You can write in everything you eat and what physical activity you do each day and it calculates for you everything from your calorie intake to what % of fat you had that day!
The one thing with this though is you need to be HONEST. If you "forget" to add in or write down that sneaky snickers bar you had at 7pm it doesn't mean you didn't eat it - the only person you are lying to is yourself!
6. Avoid Those White Devils - I made a conscious effort a long while ago to swap all those white things for wholegrain!
Breads, pastas, rice, you name it - I always have brown/wholemeal. With these I feel so much less bloated than when I ate white and they are so much better for you! A great source of fibre and it makes eating carbs alot less naughty! Just swapping your bread over will make you feel a million times better believe me!
7. Treat yourself - Cheat day is something I am all for! There are always going to be times when you seriously fancy that chocolate bar or some cheeky sweets! I think one day a week is fine to relax and eat what you want! Without these days it would definitely be harder to keep up the dieting and when you've been good a treat really does feel like a treat, not an everyday snack!
8. Make Your Goals Realistic & Attainable- Now I did touch on this back in my 'Motivation' post! We all need goals that are attainable. Wishing to loose half a stone in a week is pointless. It is isn't going to happen. Nor is staring at photos of Michelle Keegan - you aren't her so don't strive to be like her. Look at photos of yourself, photos you have from when you've felt better about yourself - you know you can look like that so go for it! Making small goals is the key - loosing 1 lb a week for a month or cutting out crisps for 2 weeks, these are goals that can be done, go for it and you'll be ticking off your accomplishments before you know it!
9. Green Tea -"ewww" will be alot of yours reactions to this one but I have to say - I swear by this stuff!
I thought I'd give it a go about 3 years ago and I've never looked back! I could drink this all day everyday, I love it and can drink unto 10 cups a day! The fact it comes with so many benefits is a bonus! It boots metabolism, is a great source of anti-oxidants, lowers stress levels, seriously hydrating and a perfect 0 calories per cup! The list goes on! And if you aren't a fan... try green tea with lemon, or ginger! Just don't add sugar... that defeats the object!
10. Swap Your Snacks - Snacking is one of those things that no-one can seem to agree on. One diet tells you to snack on small portions all through the day and others tell you to just stick those 3 main meals! Who knows?!
I'd say if you're hungry, you've had a drink and you're still hungry - the eat! Just make sure what your snacking on is helping not hindering your hardwork!
Instead of picking up that packet of crisps or an easy chocolate bar option - swap it! Fruits, salad, veggies, nuts, some yogurts - these things are great ideas for simple snacks!
I also Love Ryvita and Special K products! Ryvita bites/thins are great tasting and have hardly any calories - perfect for an inbetween meals munch!
11. Never Shop Hungry & Avoid Those Unnecessary Extras - Something which you may not have noticed is when you go food shopping. If you go shopping before a meal when you're a bit peakish you are 100x more likley to over spend and come out with things you had no intention of buying! The best thing to do is go after a meal or when you are just not hungry and write a list! Only write down what you need - try and get in and out as quick as your can, avoid those tempting offers and save both money and unwanted calories!
Same as what I said in my last post aswell, plan your meals, take your lunch to work - this will save you money and you will be less likley
12. Keep Moving - Just 20-30 mintues a day, whatever it is it is better than sitting on your butt! Walking, running, zumba, the gym - get out there and work it girl!
13. Be Patient - Patience is key. Don't get disheartened if after a week you feel the same and have only shifted half a pound - everything comes in time! The longer you keep at the the easier it will get.
Try and only weigh yourself once a week - same day, same time, same clothes - this will give you an accurate reading of your progress!
You will get there in the end - the more progress you see the more motivated you will feel! Take before photos as you may not feel a change over time but looking at photos you will see how far you've come! (I've added a few of mine for you... cringe at 2011 me!)
ALWAYS REMEMBER...
THE BEST PROJECT YOU WILL EVER WORK ON IS YOURSELF.
I'm back again with #2 of my newDieting & Me series! I have been loving reading your comments on the first post I uploaded (here) and they have really spurred me on even more to keep going with this healthy eating and changing the way I look at my diet and what I put into my body!
Today's post is going to be all about that key ingredient to dieting and something that for me decides to go up and down on a regular basis - Motivation!
Along with healthy eating and keeping active, being motivation and determined is what you need to keep going and help you steer away from spiraling back to your old ways.
I'm going to share with you ways of how I motivate myself to stay healthy and what has pushed me to turn my diet around and cut out the excess rubbish.
1. Health & Body
Before, diets for me had always been about loosing weight and fitting into that dress for the weekend. But after having a long hard look at what I was putting into my system recently I realised that it was mostly doing me 0% good.
Snacking on chocolate bars and sweets to the extreme has been a daily occurrence and I would rather come from work and just have a bowl or cereal and some biscuits than cook a healthy balanced meal. This is both wrong and utterly lazy!
I know this is doing me absolutely no good and actually is seriously bad and after having my first filling last month I know that sugar is really having an effect on my body so my intake needs to to be cut drastically. (I swear to god I could easily eat a whole tub of Celebrations and not even feel sick.)
I don't just want to have a good body on the outside but on the inside too!
So I've been getting myself into a routine of 3 meals a day and minimising snacking to help me keep a balance diet.
MY 3 MAIN AIMS :
Avoid sugary snacks and binge eating/over eating.Did you know just one standard Mars bar contains over 30g of sugar?! Just a few chocolate bars a week meant I could have been having an extra 100g or so of sugar added into my diet and as much as I love chocolate that is seriously not worth it.
Have a main meal every evening. I want to make sure that I eat dinner every night, there has been some nights I have happily just sat and eaten biscuits or toast for dinner, which of course left me even more hungry which then lead to me eating more. So a healthy dinner is what I need to keep me satisfied and avoid that desperate need for chocolate at 8pm.
Be active for at least 30minutes per day. Even if it is just walking to work and back or cleaning the flat I am going to make sure I doing a bit of exercise everyday. You'd be surprised how much of a difference this can make and as soon as the weather has made up it's mind here and stops raining and blowing a gale then I will be pounding the pavements again and training to hopefully be able to run 5km again with ease.
2. Motivate Yourself With.... Yourself
Now... we are all guilty of staring endlessly at photos of Beyonce and Jessica Alba, crying into our takeaway's wishing we had their body.
But at the end of the day - we are not Beyonce and unfortunately we will never be Beyonce (sorry to crush your dreams girls).
We all need a goal that is attainable so using photos of ourselves is the best way to keep that body image we are striving for realistic.
Everyone has a photo of themselves from a time where they have felt a bit more confident about how they look and feel about themselves, using these are a fantastic way of keeping motivation because at the end of the day - you know you CAN reach that goal.
3. Fashion & Self-Esteem
Fashion is always a major (and possibly even the biggest) reason that I get so upset and frustrated with my body. Every year I am obsessed with so many trends and looks that I just feel I could never pull off.
Going round stores and looking through websites normally consists of me just looking at items and thinking to myself ... "I can't wear that it's to short" or "I can't wear that you'll see my bingo wings" and "You'd see my tummy too much in that".
I want to be able to wear whatever I want, feel good about myself and get totally involved with all the fashion and trends that I am loving. I want to not feel totally gross on a girly night out with my gorgeous (size 8) friends!
Things like playsuits & cute dresses (without my trusty tights), crop tops, disco pants... the list is endless really - I want to be able to buy these, wear them and not feel conscious of every single piece of me looking horrific - especially with summer on the way!
4. Holiday
And... talking of summer it is just over 5 months now until I will be on a plane to Florida! This is an obvious thing to keep me motivated!
Knowing I am off on holiday and am going to be both wearing summery outfits and bikinis is enough to make me step away from the pick 'n' mix!
I love buying clothes for holidays and I want to be confident enough to buy all the outfits I dream to wear! And.... bikinis - I haven't felt good in a bikini since... well... ever - I would love to be able to hit those water parks without a care in the world and I'm hoping this "new me" will help achieve this!
5. Bank Balance
Not only does food have an affect on my body but also on my bank balance. Buying lunch at work, treating myself, going out for dinner, takeaways - they all add up and it's definitely something I want to stop.
Knowing that just taking in my own food to work and avoiding the bakery and supermarkets in my lunch hour can save me pounds and pounds every week is motivation enough to get up a little earlier and make my own lunch!
So there are just a few things which help keep me motivated when it comes to slimming down and staying healthy! Let me know what keeps you motivated in the comments below!
Now.... me, I, Kirstie never really had to think about dieting or about what I ate until I hit about 20 years old (2010)!
This was not a good time in my life, I put on a couple of stone and was at rock bottom! But before my trip to America I turned it all around and lost 2 stone (you may have read my weightloss post) and since then I have more or less kept it off apart from a certain half a stone or so that likes to float up and down (bastard)!
At the beginning of this year I was feeling a bit low after Christmas and New Year's pig-outs (I'm sure I wasn't the only one) and decided to avoid the junk and try and loose a few lbs! And I did it, a few weeks into the new year and I was down 5lbs and feeling alot better about myself.
Well...... that was then and this is now!
The past month or so I have slowly fallen back into those bad habits I hate myself for and the pounds I had said goodbye too have decided to show their ugly wobbly faces again!
SO I thought it was about time I changed my diet for good - none of this start and stop dieting and not just to loose a few pounds but to also be healthy!
I've really started to take a good look at what I'm eating and it is just not the healthy balanced diet that my body deserves!
I feel like I'm ruining myself - and it is all my own doing!
Laziness and unnecessary over-snacking are definitely my downfall (not too mention sugar) and I'm really looking to change the way I look at food and finally getting myself into a healthy routine and stick to it!
This is where these new posts come in!
I thought writing about dieting,weight and health would not only be a different blog series for A Yellow Brick Blog to look at but would also be a great help for me to keep determined and stay on the right track! So even if none of you check this out I'm am writing these for myself!
I am in NO way saying that I am a nutritionist or expert on the subject, I'll just be writing about whats worked/working for me and how I feel!
As summer is on the way I'm sure, like me, alot of you have holidays booked - and the thought of a bikini right now makes me want to hide under my duvet until the leaves fall off the tree's and it's Autumn again - I want this to change, I want to be excited about that summer wardrobe and all the SS14 trends!
So it begins, I'm going to be talking about getting motivated and the best ways to keep that motivation, the changes I am making/have made, my top tips and hopefully eventually share some updates and results with you all!
2013 may seem a million years ago (aka 3 weeks) but after being tagged to do this post I thought back to 2013 and how much fun I had blogging so this seemed he perfect thing to include on my here!
I was tagged by Lauren from BeautyxDivision and I loved reading her answers! So interesting to find out who everyone else has been loving and what posts have been their most popular and I thought this would be great to look back on in a couple of years!
So here we go - A Yellow Brick Blog's year in review : 2013.
Q1: Top 5 new blogs to read in 2013
To whittle it down to just 5 is hard because I love so many but I think I'd have to say :
That I've written? I think I would have to say My Weightloss Story - it is a very personal post that I am quite proud of, it took alot for me to write it (it was like therapy!) and the reaction/comments I still get to this very day makes me so glad that I was brave enough to upload it! It also helps when I've gained a couple of pounds to help motivate me to get my butt in gear! I also loved completing the 30 Day Snap - I was proud to keep that up and keeping up with the creator of The 30 Day Snap (the legend that is Louise from Sprinkle Of Glitter) and her photos for each day!
Q4: What would you like to improve(if anything) on your blog next year?
100% my images. My camera isn't a bad camera and with the right lighting i'm normally quite happy with the photos I upload but over the last few winter months I have realised how much I do rely on natural sunlight! I would love to invest in adigital SLR (Canon 600D I have my eyes on you!) and some snazzy lighting to help improve A Yellow Brick Blog because I feel photos really can make or break a blog! (I would also love a total blog make-over!)
Q5: Name one blog you have a blog crush on
Who haven't I got a blog crush on? Glambeautys, Tanya Burr, Couture Girl... the list is endless!
Q6: How often do you post?
I like to post as much as I can, I try and keep my posts mixed up so it isn't alot of one subject or one type of post but with a full-time job it is difficult to post most days. Right now I've posted 11 days in a row which I am so proud of - high fiving myself!
Q8: Share your first blog post of 2013
My first post of 2013 was back on 21st May. It was titled 'I Am Back!' - I have had A Yellow Brick Blog since 2011 but unfortunately previously when it came to blogging I'd do a couple of posts times and then the motivation would fade away and I'd forget all about it for months on end! When I uploaded this back in May I knew I wanted to may a go of my blog and put as much work into it as I could.
I've loved reading blogs and watching youtube for so many years now I wanted a little space of my own to share my loves and interests - even if it was just going to be me reading it!
Q9: Name one thing you would be doing if you weren't writing this post right now
I need to sort out my wardrobe! As I'm on a spending ban to help save money for my holiday to Florida I thought it would be great to start eBaying again and get rid of all the clothes and accessories that have just been sat in my wardrobe for months on end collecting dust! So that would be what I would be doing if I wasn't sat here on my laptop watching George Of The Jungle.... don't judge!
Q10: What have you loved the most about blogging in 2013?
Definitely the community. Everyone is so lovely, supportive and just total babes! I'd love to think that I have made some good friends through doing all this blogging malark! I've also loved watching my blog grow - the fact I am nearly hitting 1000 followers on Bloglovin after just 8 months is just insane to me - I am overwhelmed - so thank you all!
I think these are such great questions and so fun to answer and read alike! So I tag you all - all you blog writers to get involved and share all your posts and feeling about blogging in 2013!
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