So far so good....

but its only day 1.

I got up early this morning & headed off to the gym with my lovely husband to be :-)

I was feeling super tired this morning and really did not want to go but got my ass out of bed & worked out :-)

The rest of the day has been spent catching up with my friend, a little bit of retail therapy plus a haircut.

Here's some of the bits I bought

these were both from h&m. 

I usually buy levi's curve id jeans as they have a really good fit but thought i'd give these a go.

I also got a top in the sale but i can't find a photo of it.

much love

Jen

#weddingdressdiet

With just over a year until the big day I've decided to start a regular post on my wedding dress diet.

I'm the type of person that needs an end goal to keep me motivated & what better goal than this!

I'm not going to be going on some insane craze juice diet, no carbs before marbs or any of that crap!

My plan is to simply exercise more, lift weights (nobody wants bingo wings in a wedding dress!) & feed my body the fuel that it needs!

In a weeks time I'm running the Great North Run so this weeks plan is to eat healthily the beginning of the week & then from thursday to eat lots of healthy nutritious carbohydrates in order to 'carbo-load' my muscles ready for sunday. 

Exercise wise I plan on just keeping my muscles ticking over since I've not really done enough long runs in the past week or two so I'll be happy to do a few 5-10km runs :-)

with that in mind i've treated myself to some new lovely lime green nike free's which will mainly be for going to the gym in since i've got some more supportive trainers for covering distance

here's a link to my sponsorship page for the GNR  

So I've discovered I'm not too good at this blogging thing....

but every now & then I get the sudden urge to have a little ramble & today is one of those days!

(photo from FD blog)

so much has been going on in the past few months - I've actually made so pretty big leaps & bounds in the wedding planning malarky!

As I wrote a few months ago we set a date & venue but I felt under pressure to book florist, photographers, dj etc etc.

Its all sorted! I'm very exited to have chosen Jane at the wonderful Flower Design to do our flowers! She seems to be the fairy godmother of weddings!

I also chose my dress earlier this week! Which was a massive weight of my mind! I know its still a year away but I had a fear I was not going to find 'the one' but I have!

hope your all having a wonderful weekend

Jen xxx

Cycling

I've recently got into cycling :-) my husband-to-be has been having a tootle about recently & bought himself a road bike. This has given me a push to order myself one :-) I've been using my mums bike as mine hasn't arrived yesterday but here's a copy of the route I cycled with my step dad yesterday :-)

It was such a beautiful day & we stopped at a cafe near glasson dock where we had a bacon sandwich and a coffee. We then cycled to knott end where we had a fab wallings ice cream and caught the ferry back to fleetwood & cycled home! all in all a great day! (bar my horrendous short lined sunburn!)

here's a pic of the beauty i've ordered :-)  

half marathon training

I've just finished my weekend of nights and am currently fighting off sleep whilst sat in the glorious sunshine in the garden (it makes a change for me to have nice weather on my days off!).

This week marks the start of my half marathon training in preparation for the Great North Run (September 7th 2014). Im using the Nike + training app as I wasn't quite sure what training to do & unlike my last half marathon I thought I ought to do some proper training!

This weeks training looks like this :

I'm determined that i'm going to stick to the plan as I really want to get my time under 2hours!

but currently the sunshine is winning and I have no intention of donning my running shoes until it at least cools down a little!

Tomorrow I'm off to the florists for an initial appointment to get some ideas for our wedding! Super excited about it!

At the moment I'm loving peonies, Juliet roses & just all things girly and flowery! 

xx

Wedding plans, Running, Nights & too much cake.

So I thought a couple of months into being engaged the whirlwind would of died down by now!
It hasn't! We've booked our wedding date & venue (its not till september 2015) but now I feel under pressure to book the photographer, florist, find the perfect dress, etc. etc.

I'm hoping once things are all booked we'll be able to just enjoy being engaged.

I'm currently working nights, (this is my second weekend in 3weeks!) My last lot of nights I decided it was clever to still run the 10mile event I had booked on the following morning. This was NOT a clever idea! Especially considering I hadn't ran in around 2-3weeks prior to that. I ran a very slow time of 99mins 52secs. Still under 10min miles & considering i'd not slept in around 28hours not bad! I felt crap for it though!

Its given me my love of running back :-) I've been out a couple times this week and although not for 'long runs' i've just enjoyed tootling round the park :-) Plus im lusting after some new trainers.

So i'm on nights again this weekend and hoping that i wont lose my running cool but im not planning on running until i've finished nights :-)

today i made the most lush red velvet cake.
then ate all the leftover cream cheese frosting!
:-0

never going to fit into my wedding dress at this rate!
best get my head back into 'clean eating' mode.

Jennifer xx

I Got ENGAGED!

Why hello there….

It's been awhile i'm aware, intact its been over two months!
It's been a busy two months though but i'm going to try to get back into blogging!

Since I last blogged I've completed my first half marathon! I ran it on April 6th with a friend from works brother. He really helped keep my spirits up between miles 3-6 where I seemed to hit a wall - stitch, dead legs & a general lack of motivation. Once I hit mile 6 I got back into the swing of things, had an energy gel & really felt good about things! The last 3 miles were running into a headwind & at mile 12 I decided to leave my friend (sorry!) and try pick up the pace! I finished it in 02hrs 00mins 41secs. I'm a little bitter about the 41secs as I really wanted a sub 2hr time but for my first half its a good effort! My running hasn't been all that regular recently, although i've been getting out a couple of times a week. I'm running a 10mile event next weekend though!

In mid April we went to London for Andy's birthday. We had a fantastic time, we went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the theatre. Had a fantastic meal and cocktails at Christophers. Had some amazing post theatre cocktails at The American Bar in the Savoy. We went to the Shard for breakfast for Andy's birthday & HE ONLY WENT AND POPPED THE QUESTION!!!!! Obviously I said YES!! We also went to The Savoy for afternoon tea :-)

Since getting home everything has been abit of a whirlwind! Choosing an engagement ring, lots of celebrating and now we're starting to look at where we are planning on getting married.

I've also just joined slimming world! I can & I will lose weight for this wedding!

Much Love

& I promise to blog again soon!

Jennifer xx

MIA, 5 Piece Update, Great North Run

It's been nearly a month since I last blogged. 

Where has it gone!?!

I seem to have been super busy. 

I've worked the last 3weekends including a full weekend of nights. 

I've had a few trips to manchester.

I've started learning to figure skate. 

I've been training towards my first half marathon. 

I've been to my first clandestine cake club.

5 Piece Update : 

1. Grey Cardigan - Primark £10 (ok so I said i wasn't going to do it but I just needed something to keep me going until I found the 'perfect' one)

2. White Leather Converse £45 (My pink ones have seen better days)

3. Still lusting after a handbag.

4. Dress

5. Space

I've started training for my first half marathon and also in preparation for the great north run.

Here's a link to my Sponsorship page, I'm raising money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. This is such a great cause & one close to my heart. In June 2013 my Stepdad was diagnosed with a rare aggressive type of Non- Hodgkins Lymphoma, he has since undergone chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant and is currently doing extremely well. I hope he's going to take me out cycling hills soon ;-)

I've been MIA

Apologies that its been rather a while since I last posted!

I've been a very busy bee :-)

I've still not purchased a thing off my ' 5 Piece French Wardrobe'

I got a place in the Great North Run, raising money for leukaemia lymphoma research! I bought some new trainers. I went for a extremely windy 12km run in my new trainers (I now have black toenails again :-( ) I hurt my foot and have now got to rest :-(

I had a haircut - a new fringe!

My Brother & His Girlfriend had a Beautiful Baby Girl - Emily Victoria Holmes

I've done a little bit of baking & a little relaxing.

I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things blogging again….

Here's some photos from the past few weeks :-)

5 Piece French Wardrobe Update

This is 'the perfect leather jacket' I'm hoping to purchase it as the first thing out of my 5.

although I need to wait until I have a trip to manchester to try it on :-)

Its from All Saints

(I know 27days & i've not bought anything yet!)

I'm also thinking of ordering this cardi - anyone who knows me, knows I LIVE in cardigans - I'm aware i'm not the coolest kid on the block but they are easy & comfty & thats all that matters.

This is from Topshop

Has anyone else took on the 5 piece challenge & how are they doing?

Jennifer xx 

Pilates, Moussaka & Fougasse

So today was my day off. I've had a really productive and yet chilled out day.

I went to Pilates this morning, I really needed a good stretch after the spinning class I attended yesterday! Then I had a quick swim before I headed over to see my friend Vikki at Cupcake. We had a good catch up and I had some of her amazing chicken & chorizo soup… nom nom. 

Then I nipped to the food store to get some bits for dinner before heading home to do a little housework and prep dinner. I made the Hair Bikers moussaka for tea which you can find the recipe for here. I warn you theres lots of washing up!! (also enough to make one for tea and one to go in the freezer for another night).

 I also had a go at making some of Richard Bertinets Fougasse to go with it. 

The recipe for these is from Dough. I cannot stress how much of a brilliant book this is & it even comes with a free dvd (where richard bertinet shows you through the steps of bread making). 

This was my first attempt at these but they were really easy and I think they'd make a great entrée with some oil & balsamic vinegar when having friends & family over for dinner. 

Jennifer xx

KMix Review & My Nana's Carrot Cake :-)

Just before Christmas I started the debate of Kenwood vs KitchenAid. After doing my research I decided to go with the Kenwood and i'm so glad I did! I read a lot of reviews about both machines before I finally decided on the KMix but here are the main differences between the two.

The Kenwood has a 4L bowl, the KitchenAid has a 3.8L bowl - not a great difference but a difference non the less. As for power, the Kenwood has a 500W motor and the KitchenAid has a 300W motor, a significant difference. Also price wise - the KitchenAid retails at around £425 where as the Kenwood is around £300 (prices from John Lewis). I understand the KitchenAid is very good but is it £125 better or do they just get away with charging high prices as the larger 7l machine is shown on various tv shows? Also the Kenwood comes with an additional attachment (a paddle scraper mixer and also a splash guard!) I know I'm biased because I've not got a KMix but I love it and am not regretting not getting a KitchenAid one bit!

I got mine as a Christmas present from my Nana (also my housewarming present). I researched the machine and waited to find a good deal. My Kmix was £250 from John Lewis and I also got a free KMix kettle & Toaster (these retail at around £90 for the two!).

I've made a few things but thought it was appropriate to share my Nana's carrot cake recipe with you, with a few added tweaks of my own :-)

Ingredients

8oz / 225g SR flour (I used Gluten Free)
Pinch of salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
6oz / 175g caster sugar
8fl oz / 225ml sunflower oil
4 medium free range eggs
6oz / 175g grated carrots
3oz / 85g chopped walnuts
3oz / 85g Sultana's
A little dark rum (optional)

topping
1oz / 25g butter
5oz / 150g cream cheese
8oz / 225g icing sugar
2drops vanilla extract

method

optional - soak sultanas in rum overnight (i find this makes them really plump and juicy)

sift flour, salt and cinnamon into bowl. stir in sugar.

Beat in oil & eggs (adding one at a time if doing this by hand)

 Add Carrots, Walnuts & Sultanas and Mix.

Pour into a Greased and lined cake tin ( I use a 1LB Loaf tin)
Bake for apron 1hour at Gas 4 / 180C

 (when you test it the skewer may come out a little sticky still)

Remove from the oven and leave to cool. Mine did catch a little on the top as you can see but once it had cooled I removed these bits with a sharp knife.

To make the topping - beat butter until soft, blend in cream cheese, sift in icing sugar (i didn't sift it and it got lumps!) & add vanilla.

Put the topping on the carrot cake once its completely cooled.

Enjoy with a cup of tea :-)

Jennifer xx

5 Piece French Wardrobe Update

Today I went for a little trip to the trafford centre with my mum & nana, the main aim was to look at light fittings for my mums new house but we ended up looking at a few clothes. I really like this dress from Ted Baker. I love Ted's range of clothes and have a similar style dress to this but in a emerald green. I didn't try it on but I think this may be added to my list for spring/summer.

My list again - 

1. Perfect Leather Jacket.

2. J Brand Black Skinny Jeans

3. Cross body type bag - Mulberry Alexa

4. Ted Baker Dress

5. Free Space.

I was very good and did not buy any clothes! I did however get a great bargain in M&S with this Richard Bertinet Pastry book & I even got my friend one! Richard Bertinet is one of my favourite cookbook authors, his book 'Dough' is fantastic, he gives step-by-step instructions to the basics and comes across as a very charismatic man. He has a cookery school in Bath where he teaches a wide range of classes. I really want to go on his 'An introduction to bread course'. 

Hope you've all got a fantastic weekend planned

Jennifer xx

Book Review & Technical lights out...

Keeping up with the theme of health, fitness & new years resolutions I thought i'd share with you the book I'm reading. Part of my new year 'goals' was that I wanted to run a half marathon and that I wanted to complete a triathlon. Rather than buying a fitness dvd or a diet book I got this. This book just inspires me to want to put my trainers on and run. I love Alex's honestly, I love how you go through her ups and downs and i'm only half way through the book! So far she's gone from novice 'i can't run' to running two marathons! I will keep you updated on the rest of the book once I finish it! 

Secondly 'technical lights out' I've been trying to not use my phone in bed at night and just read instead. I'm terrible for checking my email/facebook/instagram/twitter and I just think why?! If anything that serious happened I'm pretty sure i'd get a phone call and that it wouldn't happen on one of these social networking sites so I'm putting the phone down! I'm sure not that much can happen in twelve hours! I've only done it for a few nights but I honestly feel I have such a better nights sleep! Also today I made a big boo-boo and reset my phone to factory settings and couldn't get it working again…. it was actually so nice not to have a phone for the day! 

Jennifer x 

Yoga, Hockey, Boxing and Butter Chicken

I've been extremely busy since my last post. On Saturday I played hockey for the first time in around 5 weeks. We drew 1-1 which was a good result as we're struggling in our league at the moment (we were premoted into the premiership last season and are just aiming to stay up this season!) Also I scored my first goal of the season, which was a pretty good one if I do say so myself. However, I have managed to pull something in my back which is really sore.

After hockey it was a quick dash home to get ready for a charity boxing event we were going to. A black tie do, I wore a lovely black dress and heels (didn't help my back!). I however am a complete fool as I did not take a single photo! The evening was fantastic and the night managed to raise over three thousand pounds for a fantastic charity - A Soldiers Journey.

Sunday was pretty much a right off as A) drunk far too much wine on saturday night and B) was in agony with my back!

Monday we had the in-laws round for dinner and I cooked a butter chicken curry in the slow cooker.

Needless to say my 'healthy eating' has gone out the window! I have been trying to stretch and do some yoga poses to help with my back. Not sure if they are working but going to keep trying.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend.

       Photo from the beauty of yoga (via instagram)

Jennifer x

My Sisters Baby Shower

So today I went to my Sisters baby shower. It was a surprise as she really did not want to have a baby shower. We had it at our local revolution bar in the daytime as we knew we could get her to go there for lunch! When she arrived she was so shocked! She even tried to leave. haha. It was just very relaxed, only family and we all just chatted and ate some lunch which was lovely.

My cousin had organised little gift bags which were so beautiful. In them we all got a cupcake candle which smelt of babypowder which was lush, An actual cupcake, some babypowdered smelling melts (for melting in a wax burner) some chocolates and a cute little manicure set.  As you can see I couldn't wait to light my candle! This was the first baby shower I've ever been to & we had such a lovely time.

the candle's were from the little melting pot be sure to check them out!

Here's a sneaky pic of her with the little ted baker dress I got for the new arrival.... I'm sure she'll kill me for putting this up :-)

Jennifer x

Health Kick, Lust list & Fitness 'Goals'

Since its January and everyone including myself is on a health kick wether they have new years resolutions or not I've decided to do a post about sportswear.

 I always find when I get new sportswear it makes me want to workout. Here's a few things I would love to purchase to get me all excited about working out! 

Onzie Sport Short Illusion - These shorts would be great for my circuit training class as i always end up boiling hot! plus i love the pattern.

Nike Pro Hyperwarm fitted pullover - This would be great for yoga as you always want to feel warm. Also would be great to pull on too and from the gym and even for running as its hyperwarm material.

Nike Free 4.0 V3 - I have a pair of these already in blue and grey but there a little dirty and would love this ones as they'd match the full outfit! They are seriously comfortable trainers!

Adidas by Stella McCartney Run Performance Tight - Would love these tights for running in the cold weather, they look super stylish!


This year I set myself 'goals' - my working out goals were that I wanted to take part in a triathlon, run a half marathon and take up a yoga class.

Are you on a health kick or have you made any new years resolutions?

Beauty - Favourite Fragrance / Review

I was lucky enough to receive the 30ml bottle of this Jo Malone Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne from my boyfriend for Christmas. I just wanted to tell you how much I love it! I'm relatively new to the Jo Malone cologne's, my first purchase being in September last year. I had been after a new scent and this is just perfect.

It smells really refreshing and light. When I first put it on I always think oh no! I've put too much on even with just one or two sprays but as the scent warms on your skin it just smells beautiful. One of the best things about it is it lasts all day! I hate it when you put perfume on and an hour later you can't even smell it.  I've used it nearly every day since Christmas and you can hardly tell any has gone out the bottle. I would highly recommend it to anyone. I will definitely be trying out more of the Jo Malone colognes in the future.

Do you have a favourite fragrance? Have you tried any other Jo Malone colognes? I would love to hear about them.

5 Piece French Wardrobe Challenge!

Over a year or so ago I made the decision to buy quality over quantity after getting fed up trying to iron t-shirts that had lost there shape or shirts thats hem's were falling down after just one wash! Or ballet shoes which decided to talk to me after just a few wears. I have to admit I've done pretty well, I have really cut down on the amount of shoes I buy and only buy good quality ones. Clothes however; as much as I stick to my thoughts of 'buy cheap buy twice' with main things such as coats, dresses etc I still buy far too much cheap stuff I just thinks alright from topshop, riverisland, primark etc. 

I've decided to take part in the '5 Piece French Wardrobe Challenge' with fellow blogger Neeny after reading about it on her blog. Basically your allowed to buy 5 Pieces per season (seasons being spring/summer and autumn/winter). So that's 10 pieces per year! Obviously it's as flexible as you want it to be. I'm not including necessities such as underwear, basic t-shirts or sportswear (within reason). Also anything bought with Christmas money I'm not including! (its only fair!) 

I Hoping that this will allow me to justify (to myself and my boyfriend) spending a little more on things I really, really want. And also allow me clear out my wardrobe of things I simply don't wear. 

I'm not 100% sure what's on my list but I have a few ideas and will update you if they change. I'm super excited as it means I may actually purchase a few of the things I seriously lust over!

Here it is so far;

1. The perfect leather jacket - I don't own a leather jacket and love how soft the All Saints ones are.

2. J Brand black skinny jeans - I don't even think I need to justify them!

3. Smaller handbag - I'm thinking maybe a Mulberry Alexa or Chloe Medium Marcie.

4. Top / shirt / jumper of some variety.

5. free space. 

I would love to know what you think of the idea and if you'll be joining in or what would be on your list? 

Jennifer x

Why Hello There....

I'm Jennifer.

This is my first attempt at blogging after a lot of procrastinating i've finally made the move.

New years resolutions and all that...

I just wanted somewhere to share my lusting after clothes, love of all things food and just general ramblings as well as the odd picture of my cat Roland. 

Please feel free to leave me comments and questions.... thats if anyone reads this :-)

Jennifer x