Your speed doesn't matter, forward is forward!

In Summer 2016, I decided it was about time to overhaul my image, I'd gotten to a position with my weight and health that I was really unhappy with. I was at the point where I wouldn't look in the mirror, I was getting changed in separate rooms from everyone and constantly covering myself up. Through injuries, operations and being a self confessed carbaholic my weight ballooned to the heaviest I had ever been. The final straw was one day during a netball game, I overheard the opponent's team whisper (not so quietly!) "for a fat girl, she sure can run!"... I was ruined, I was so upset with not only myself, but at the fact that I was being judged on my appearance, not on my ability on the netball court. Enough was enough, this made me even more determined to make a change.

I joined Slimming World after discussing my weight worries with my Mother, and she agreed to join and embark on the journey alongside me - what a woman! What amazing support. As well as this, I challenged myself to get back into the gym, strengthen myself up, and take on new exercise regimes alongside netball, i.e. my favourite Clubbercise! The journey itself has been full of ups and downs, of course I've had my struggles, I've fallen off the bandwagon (who doesn't?!) and I've lived my life, enjoyed going on holiday, social occasions and treats along the way. I have been able to live my life, and not limit myself or lock myself away from social events or celebrations. Of course this has meant my journey has not been smooth, however, I couldn't be prouder of myself for picking myself up, dusting myself off after a bad weigh-in and pushing hard the following week to put it right. I'm not really dieting, I'm changing my lifestyle, and I know what I need to do to be happier, healthier and more in tune with my body - something I have missed out on for years due to anxiety and poor body image. I know I'll never be the size I want to be, I'll never have a body that can compete with those I envy in the glossy magazines, but so what? I like food, and I'm not willing to make myself ill to attempt to look like these people that are missing out on so much good stuff in life!

The picture above shows my progress between June last year and just this week (March 2017). There is a total of 21 LBS difference between the two photos (not including the little micropig!) and I'm sure you can see just what a change there has been. I've never been confident enough to post photos of myself in a bikini, and I've always been hesitant about wearing them on holiday, so telling you all about this, and posting photos is a massive step in my journey - I don't plan on going back! I'm over a stone and a half down on where I was, and just under half a stone (6.5 LBS) away from my original target weight when I started the journey.

I hope I can inspire just one person through doing this, and then I know it has all been worth it not only for me, but to give someone the motivation to take that step. It's never going to be easy, but if you are 100% true and honest to yourself, you will get there. Slow and steady wins the race... your speed doesn't matter, forward is forward at the end of the day!

Until next time;

xoxoxo

Pastel Princess

The next part of my journey was to try something new, I decided to finally treat myself after always looking out for others. I've recently had my first ever set of OPI acrylic solar nail extensions put on, and I've decided to go for a complete hair colour overhaul too.

Today I went to Bleu Hair and Beauty to have my hair done by the amazingly talented Kiaya-Bleu Woodward. I arrived at 1:30pm with no idea if my vision would work, if it would suit me, and even if it was going to live up to expectations! I left the salon by 4pm amazed. I've never been so chuffed with a hair colour adventure than I am with this. I LOVE this pastel trend, my spirit animal is a unicorn and I feel like a real life My Little Pony!

Incredible! Next stop on my style change and overhaul... Is my Anatometal conch piercing with a titanium and tanzanite cluster! Eeeeeeeep!

Until next time; xoxo

Graduation Day

Wednesday 13th April 2016, Coventry Cathedral, United Kingdom.

Graduation Day, the day I had been waiting for. Four years of blood, sweat and a LOT of tears. After being sponsored to do my Bachelor's Degree through my Company, I knew that working full-time at the same time as studying was never going to be easy. However, I was up to the challenge.

By studying as well as working full-time, I learnt some valuable skills that I may not have if I had gone to university straight after my A-Levels. I now have a valuable 5 years experience within one of the world's top Aerospace Engineering companies, no student loans or debts as well as my qualifications to be proud of. Over the course of my studies I had been working 37 hour weeks, and studying in between to ensure I got the best result I could out of my degree. I managed to juggle a social life, my netball and sporting life alongside my personal life. How I managed to maintain proper friendships and relationships is beyond me however, as I barely had any time to think during certain modules along the way!

Not only did I manage to work, study and maintain relationships, but due to the non-existing debts I managed to do some travelling in between modules which has been such an amazing experience. A few of the places I've managed to visit over the past four years are; Japan, Dubai, Malaysia, Singapore, Greece, Italy, Spain, Albania, Florida (USA) and the Czech Republic. From visiting the beautiful Sakura cherry blossoms in Japan, to sampling great Malaysian food as well as sipping sweet cocktails in an Ice Bar in Prague at Christmas time, I feel truly blessed to have been able to experience some parts of the world. I have my company, university, family, friends and my amazing boyfriend to thank for that.

All of this led up to the 13th April 2016, the day I finally got to put on my university colours, my gown and mortarboard and celebrate with my classmates that we had finally done it - we survived! The magical setting of the Coventry Cathedral on a wonderfully sunny spring day was the perfect, picturesque location for such a monumental event. I was there to walk up on stage in front of 700+ people, as well as the ceremony being streamed live on the Internet, to collect my degree certificate. My First Class Honours Degree certificate that I had put my heart and soul into obtaining. When I shook hands and collected my certificate none of the pain, tears, stress and anxiety of the past four years mattered anymore. I was finally there, I had done it, I had managed to secure myself the highest grade certification as well as holding down a good job and living my life.

To say that I am proud of myself is an understatement. I've always enjoyed education and learning, but good grades have never come easy to me. I have always had to push myself to my limits to get to where I am today, and I feel so blessed that I had such a great support mechanism in my family, boyfriend, friends and my final year lecturer. To see the smiles on my parents' faces in the cathedral as I walked down the aisle with my certificate was beautiful. To see how proud I had made them, to see that my achievement meant just as much to them, as it did to me. To have someone to share my moment with, to celebrate with, and to cherish the day with, really meant the world to me.

So here I am, now with official letters after my name, I officially hold a First Class Honours Degree in Business Management and Leadership (BA Hons)!!!

Until next time, xoxo

Sakura Season, A Japanese Adventure...

Hanami - Japanese Sakura Celebration

In April 2015, Peter and I embarked upon a trip of a lifetime, in search of the stunning Japanese Cherry Blossoms that we had heard so much about. After several months of saving, researching and meticulously planning, we had decided to centre our trip around three main destinations within Japan; Kyoto, Osaka and of course Tokyo.

On the afternoon of April 9th we arrived at Birmingham (BHX) ready for our first leg of the journey, to arrive at Dubai (DXB) airport early hours the next day. After flying on a lovely brand new Boeing 777 via Emirates we felt refreshed and ready to find our way onto our next flight from Dubai to Osaka (Kansai).

We finally arrived in Osaka after our second, more lengthy flight on the evening of April 10th. We were lucky enough to check into our Presedential Towers Suite at the Rihga Royal Hotel, where we had our own cocktail lounge and private check-in area. Our room was very comfortable and the view was exceptional... It's not everyday you get to be treated to such an amazing room/service. We had the pleasure of this room for two nights, and they were beyond appreciated to help us both acclimatise to the different time zones. We were extremely lucky to catch the full-bloom stage of cherry blossom season, which we were so worried about missing out on after travelling so far to see.

Our next stop on our adventure was Kyoto, where we stayed in the Kyoto Mystays in Shijo for three nights. The room was a lot more basic than our Osaka hotel room, but it was conveniently located in the centre with easy access to all of the sights we had planned to visit. Whilst staying in Kyoto we visited the Kiyomuzu Temple, Yasaka Shrine Gion, Eikendo Temple, Ginkakuji (Silver Pavillion) and the famous Philosopher's Path.

One of my favourite places in Kyoto was the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, the views from the hillside were like no other, all the colours of the trees and plants were something out of a fairytale. We also took a trip on the Torokko Romantic Train which allowed us to get a better view darting through the mountains and countryside surroundings to awe at such natural beauty. Another great place to visit was the Golden Pavillion, a stunning example of one of the many beautiful architectural structures throughout Japan.

After an action-packed first five days in Japan, we got to jump on to the world's fastest train (200mph top speed), the Shinkansen bullet train travelling from Kyoto to Tokyo. The Shinkansen allowed us to travel 284 miles in just 140 minutes. The journey was very smooth (after a slight hiccup of getting on the wrong train at first..) and we used the time to back-up our photographs and discuss plans for the next segment of our adventure.

Once we had arrived in Tokyo, we checked in to the conveniently located Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku where we would stay for four nights. The bright lights of Tokyo City was quite the sight after being surrounded by so much nature and a different kind of hustle and bustle previously. Nobody seems to do lights, colour and craziness quite like the outstanding Tokyo. Anyone that gets the chance to go to Tokyo mustn't pass up the chance to visit Hachiko Square - the famous junction seen in many movies for its complex busyness and hundreds if not thousands of pedestrians crossing it at any one time. It's simply mind blowing.

We also got the chance to visit the Tokyo Skytree, standing at 634m tall, it is currently the tallest structure in Japan and second tallest in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It was a slightly hazy day which obscured some of the views from the tower, but it was still amazing to see right across the city and to the mountains where Mount Fuji lies.

My favourite part of Tokyo was Harajuku and surrounding areas for shopping, Shibuya, Shinjuku and the Animé district of Akihabara. Seeing the fashion in Harajuku and all of the cosplay was something else. All the colours, neons and loud clothing, all so crazy but it looked like a cartoon world - so distinctive! My favourite store was one called "Kiddyland" similar to a Disney Store but on several floors with characters such as Hello Kitty and Snoopy etc... We spent a fair while in here buying souvenirs and gifts for people! We heard about the famous Robot Restaurant which many celebrities have visited, and we knew we had to go experience the show. One evening we visited the restaurant and I even got picked from the audience to get in the boxing ring with a robot (and won of course - video on YouTube!).

We also made a point of visiting the famous Tsukji Market (fish market) to see where all the deliciously fresh sushi across the city came from. The market was huge, and so busy, nothing like your little fruit, meat and veg markets in the UK!

Our final Japanese instalment was back in Osaka at the Rihga Royal, but in a less extravagant room than our first stay. We were there for another three nights, where we visited Osaka Castle, Namba Area, took a day trip to Nara to visit the wild deer and the world's oldest wooden temple  - Horyuji as well as an adrenaline filled trip to Universal Studios.

Horyuji was incredible, for such an old, wooden building to still be standing with such intricate design is inspiring. The original temple was said to have been built by hand in 607 AD. The five-storey pagodas are simply breathtaking and the Buddha statues within are so detailed to such a degree that you realise how long building such an overwhelming structure must have taken without our modern technologies. Truly inspiring and well worth the walk-around!!

Universal Studios was our excuse to act like big kids for the entire day, riding scary Japanese roller coasters, meeting famous childhood characters, eating a host of great food as well as enjoying a park dedicated to so many amazing Universal creations. My favourite areas were the Jurassic Park zone, Jaws Zone, Harry Potter World and of course Hello Kitty Land! Each area so colourful, and a great depiction of the movie/show they represented. I'm a wuss when it comes to roller coasters so I was very proud I was able to go on the biggest and scariest ride there (Hollywood Dream) without crying! It's worth you looking up on YouTube, it's definitely scarier than any ride I had been on in the UK, but the adrenaline rush afterwards was totally worth it!

On our final day we ensured we were able to rent traditional kimonos so that we could get some alluring photographs for our scrapbook that we complete fatter each of our travelling adventures. I had always wanted to know what it felt like to have traditional geisha gear on and to wander the picturesque streets of Japan really soaking up the atmosphere. For this. We travelled back to Kyoto for the day, and I was really pleased with the results.

Japan is an amazing country, with a beautiful culture, wonderful food and awe-inspiring sights. I would recommend visiting to anyone, especially during the bewitching Sakura season. I experienced so many new things, made so many new memories and most of all I enjoyed every last second of it. I look forward to our next adventure.

Until next time; xoxo

The Emirates Stadium, June 2014

Okay, so I realise I've been rubbish with posting to my blog this past year, so I thought I'd update you on a few little things I've been up to, and why it's taken me so long to post (sorry!)

For a present my gorgeous Boyfriend Peter bought me a trip to the Emirates Stadium alongside an Arsenal Legends Tour. On the 22nd June 2014 we travelled to London in the perfect sunshine to enjoy revelling in our first trophy success in a while, and a year on we managed to retain the FA Cup Title!

It was a truly magical day being able to go behind the scenes at my beloved Arsenal's ground and hear about all the history, the banter and inside stories of the club, players and legends there. My tour was given by the one and only Perry Groves, who, if you're not an Arsenal fan you'd probably know from Talk Sport or his various sports columns.

I was definitely on cloud nine looking at every last cm of the stadium, and enjoying walking through the halls and sitting in the dressing room where some of the world's best come each week.

I would recommend this day out to any football fan, it was amazing from start to finish, I even managed to get a signed photograph from Mr Groves as a souvenir from the day.

Victoria Concordia Crescit ❤️

Until next time; xoxo 

A Trip To Upton Park - Father's Day 2014

For my Dad's birthday this year, I arranged for him to get a signed birthday card from the one and only Sir Geoff Hurst. Alongside this I bought my Dad a day at Upton Park with a stadium tour and two course meal in the Executive Lounge. This was booked for Father's Day so that the day could be all about him, and so that he had something special to talk about when he got back to work after a fortnight off!

As an Arsenal Fan, I can honestly say that I enjoyed my trip to the home of West Ham and what turned out to be a wonderful Daddy-Daughter day. We enjoyed looking behind the scenes and taking part in quizzes as well as reminiscing about my Dad's best memories about the club.

With one Happy Hammer during the day, it was made all the sweeter by him being able to meet one of his idols, Phil Parkes - once the most expensive goalkeeper in the world. We managed to get not only a look behind the scenes, but hear all the latest rumours and signings that could possibly be coming to the club over the summer months which was really interesting.

Dad and I had a wonderful day, and I'm sure it will be a tale my Dad will tell for years to come, his favourite Father's Day to date, and to be part of the history before the Hammers move on to the Olympic Stadium.

I just had to share this with you all, as it am a proud daughter and I am pleased I got to arrange something so special for my Dad! I recommend the stadium tour to any West Ham fans, or any football fans in general, it's a club of great history, and I learnt a lot as well as having a lovely day.

Until next time, xoxo

Malaysia Truly Asia

Back in April, Peter and I embarked on a three week trip to Malaysia (Penang and Kuala Lumpur), Singapore and Dubai. This was to be my first long haul adventure, and the first time I was going to meet Pete's Malaysian side of the family, so needless to say - I was nervous!

Our first part of the amazing adventure was to Penang - famous for its gorgeous golden sands, the tastes of Malaysia and of course, the peanut! During our time we stayed at an amazing hotel right on the beach called Golden Sands by Shangri La. Simply stunning scenery, an amazing room, and great service. We explored Penang Hill, the Butterfly Farm, many Buddhist Temples and we explored the markets and some gorgeous restaurants in the evenings.

Our second stop was in Kuala Lumpur. Unfortunately, with the recent MH370 tragedy we were a little on edge about travelling to KL and using Malaysian Airlines internal flights. Everywhere in KL you could see banners of support for family and friends of the people on board the ill-fated flight. It really hit home how even in this technological age, there are still mysteries that go unsolved, and every day we prayed for good news about the whereabouts of the aircraft. When we finally arrived in KL we had a fabulous hotel right by the Petronas Towers (ex tallest buildings in the world) and the main shopping mall - Traders. The hotel had the best sky bar I've ever seen. The ambience, the experience, the views - simply outstanding! During our stay in KL we explored the market places, the old china town and really enjoyed some lovely food and more of a city experience after soaking up the sunshine in the beachy Penang. Our favourite restaurant in KL was a chain called Madam Kwan's - the sweet and sour chicken was to die for! It was all such value for money too, once I got my head around the exchange rate from British Pounds to Malaysian Ringgit of course!

Our third stop was in Singapore, very humid, muggy and swelteringly hot Singapore. Unfortunately I fell ill during our short stay, so I ended up collapsing and being wheelchaired back to the room and I spent most of my time watching the football in bed when the virus allowed me to settle! During the time I wasn't ill, we managed to get out to see the famous Merlion and we visited Singapore Zoo and Night Safari which was a great experience. I'm a big animal lover, so it really did make me feel better to be able to experience such a great zoo without wasting all of my time being poorly in bed! My favourite parts of the zoo were Daisy the leopard and the baby orangutang leaping and soaring through the branches so elegantly above us! I didn't like the hotel we stayed in at this location, so the less I say about the hotel the better, but what I will say, is that if anyone ever needs an escort or prostitutes, I know where they hide out!

After one more short stop in KL we flew out to our fourth destination in a Dubai. In Dubai we really lucked out with our hotel, it was stunning, great views and a room that you. Old probably fit y parent's house in! The food was again very nice, and we turned into proper tourists by visiting he Burj Khalifa which is the tallest building in the world at the moment. We also visited the largest mall which not only has a huge aquarium inside, but it has fountains and sculptures as well as a dinosaur fossil! We enjoyed the perfect wall to wall sunshine as well as spending the day at a water park, which has become somewhat of a tradition for Peter and I on our trips around the globe!

We've seen and done so much on his trip that I really cannot do it justice on a single blog post, however, I am creating a wonderful scrapbook to immortalise the memories made!

Until next time; xoxo