Saturday 29 August 2015

Let's get fit!

I nearly named this post 'blogging before jogging'. Then 'bro's before hoes'. I know, its ridiculous. Someone slap me. 

I do go through a lot of phases, and in April I was determined my fitness journey wouldn't be a phase. I started using Kayla Itsines' Bikini body guide. Its a 12 week workout program dedicated to women who want to get fit, tone up and gain masses of confidence. I followed her on instagram at first and was amazed at all the before and after pictures she was sharing of these incredible women who had completely transformed their lives. Slim built girls wanting to tone up, ladies who wanted to lose some weight whilst getting fit at the same time and also men that wanted to jump on the bandwagon too! I didn't and don't need to lose a huge amount of weight but I do need to get fit and I do want to tone up. Seemed like the perfect guide for me, especially as we couldn't afford a gym membership or a few evening classes a week.

I was in a really crap place at the beginning of this year. I won't go in to it as it's all quite personal stuff that doesn't need to be shared, but a lot of stuff was getting on top of me and I couldn't put anything in to place. I usually write a list or off load to Joe or my Mum but not even these small things were making a difference. I'm not really sure how or why I managed to turn my outlook around but I feel like i'm in a much better place now and I feel like I can give it my all this time. I quit stopped after 6 weeks before and I am totally bummed about it but it just wasn't the right time or place. I'm so excited to start back up again and get the body I always have dreamt of. We are going away next year and I am desperate to wear a bikini and feel comfortable in it. So I'm excited to jot everything down here and share my fitness journey with you too.

I'm not brave enough to share my before pictures, maybe I will at the end! You can buy BBG here, or follow Kayla on instagram here. Bring on the next 12 weeks!!

Here are a few snaps from our week this week..

Char x







Saturday 22 August 2015

Camping at Higher Moor Farm

Aloha!

So I feel like another reason for starting this blog is because quite frankly i'm done with the way social media and everything about it portrays motherhood. I feel like, as a parent, there is this way in which we should all conform to, rules and standards that 'they' have set. And if we don't match up to them, then we are crap parents and we haven't fulfilled our duties as a good parent. Well, f*** it. Motherhood is HARD. It tests out patience, takes us to boundaries we didn't even know we had. I want this blog to be real, honest and a genuine portrayal of how our life is a family of 5. Of course, I look at my children through rose tinted glasses and yes I do think they are utterly awesome. But I really hope that I don't portray this idyllic lifestyle as its far from that.
 Its raw, honest and wine fuelled.

We are a few days back from our camping trip and I am, touch wood, I think, recovered.
The washing is pretty much done, the suitcases are still sitting on the landing though reminding us of the fun packed weekend we had. The children made friends, we laughed a lot, we ate a lot and most of all we made awesome memories. I did also at one point march across the campsite with Oliver under one arm wailing and screaming, but lets just slide that to one side.

Higher Moor Farm is a quaint little campsite on the Juriassic Coast of Weymouth in a little village called Nottingdon. Run by the most wonderful friendly staff, set in beautiful countryside over looking fields upon fields with the odd cow and buzzard thrown in for good measure.

We arrived to torrential down pour but that didn't dampen our spirits! (I know, I know...) With a few other campers rushing over to help we were set up in minutes (who i will forever be eternally grateful to as without them it probably would have ended in divorce). We enjoyed what was on offer at the campsite during our stay and also ventured out to various hot spots. The coast is beautiful of course, but it felt different! Untouched, and quieter than we imagined for the middle of the summer holidays. It was utterly divine!

We would recommend it to anyone and everyone. Families or just couples looking for a weekend getaway, it suits everyone. The little pods that my parents stayed in were perfect for the family members who don't camp or just want a decent nights sleep instead. The question is would we actually go back when there is so much of our beautiful country to explore still? I do like to think that we will...

You can see our trip in video form over on my YouTube channel! Would love for you to check it out!