A Little Bit of What You Fancy (Does You Good)

Hey,

As we step into February, I was thinking about what myself and so many people around me have sacrificed during the month of January.

I'd put on weight last year after our wedding (which I fully expected after letting go so spectacularly!) so I'd decided that as soon as January hit, I was going to get serious about getting back into shape.

There seems to be opposing views on New Year's resolutions but I am firmly in the camp that if it takes a new year to give you a fresh start and the motivation you need to achieve your goals then good for you, girl! For me, I like to indulge a little at Christmas - drinking, eating, partying, spending, you name it - so January is the perfect clean slate.

Once January hit, I gave myself a week's grace and then it was straight into an intense diet and increased activity down at the gym. I've made some great progress so far - but approaching the last week of the month, I realised that I was unnecessarily punishing myself.

Like many of my friends around me (who've been doing Dry January, cutting things out like carbs and sugar and putting themselves on a spending ban), I was becoming miserable! I found myself not looking forward to weekends because I didn't want to make plans that would involve meals out, alcohol or even caffeine - I was happier in work, keeping myself busy without temptation.

And that's when I decided it was time to ease up. Having a treat every now and again isn't failing; sometimes it's needed to help you stay on the right track.

With that in mind, I allowed myself the first treat of the month - a wander into Altrincham with lunch out at Toast and a potter around the market, plus a few beers later on. It's not much but it did me the world of good!

Fedora hat - Primark

Green faux fur coat - Mango

Jumper - Tobi*

Velvet constellation bag - Ali Express

Leggings - Tobi*

Boots - Office

Even though I wasn't overly dressed up, feeling happy in my new casual pieces from newly discovered site Tobi, just slapping on a bit of makeup and getting out really lifted my spirits.

Sometimes I think I can be a bit hard on myself; I always strive to do the best that I possibly can and recently, I've been reflecting on the fact that not only is this not always possible, it's not necessary either. 

As part of the goals I've set for myself this year, I want to give my wellbeing a bit more attention. I need to remember that I don't have to go through life at 100mph, all or nothing. I can, in fact, take more time out for myself and not feel bad about doing so. 

So with my health goals in mind, I've decided that I don't have to smash them in record time - I can take things a little slower and not completely deprive myself of  everything. 

It's all compromise and I need to get better at not beating myself up over the small obstacles that make reaching life's goals that bit more enjoyable.

Did you set any New Year's resolutions? Do you feel differently about them now we've reached February?

CityMoves with Nokia: Health Challenge for the North of England

Hey,

Today I'm looking at something which combines two big interests of mine - health and digital technology.

Being from Yorkshire and living in Manchester, I often hear the stats on how the North of England is reportedly 'less healthy' than the South. Apparently us northerners are more likely to be fatter and die younger; the recent studies of late make for some shocking reading!

I was really interested to hear about a new project from the University of Manchester, Connected Health Cities and Nokia, designed to encourage and challenge people across the North to live a healthier lifestyle.

'CityMoves' is an eight-week step challenge, running until the 21st December, focused on the positives in using data and technology to promote healthy living.

I'm already a big advocate of using technology to make life easier when it comes to health. Being pretty much always glued to my smartphone, I already use and love apps like My Fitness Pal and Nike Running - plus I've got my Pure Gym app to book and manage classes, as well as an app I've found absolutely invaluable since realising that I have a complex series of food intolerances - the  FODMAP guide (developed by the MONASH University).

To aid those taking part in the CityMoves challenge (which you can sign up for yourself, here), Nokia are providing motivation in the form of their technology solutions.

I was sent the the Nokia Steel Activity Tracker Watch and the Nokia Body Cardio Smart Scales to try out for myself*. I've been testing these out for just over a week so read on to see how I got on!

The Nokia Steel: Activity Tracker Watch

I've never had a fitness tracking watch and my main knowledge of these, like most I'd imagine, comes from the Fitbit.

Now, even with my limited exposure to fitness trackers - surely you have to admit that this is a good looking watch!

I've really enjoyed using the watch. It's definitely highlighted that I don't do anywhere near enough steps most days. Working in an office and driving to work means I'm at odds with achieving a good level of base activity. 

The watch face is very minimal, with the focal point (other than the time of course) being the gauge in the bottom right, which displays in real time how close you are to reaching your step goal.

Your goal is completely defined by you, which is done within Nokia's Health Mate app, syncing with your watch via Bluetooth.

The watch tracks all your details and you don't even have to be near your phone - it simply syncs when the two are reunited; so you can walk, run or even swim without it.

My favourite part of wearing the watch hasn't actually been the overview of my daily steps - it's been the sleep function.

The watch measures your pattern of movement as well as heart rate so it can provide an accurate picture of your night's sleep including when you fell asleep and how quickly, how many times in the night you woke up and how much light vs. deep sleep you achieved. I was pleased to find out that what I'm lacking in under-average steps, I'm making up for in over-average levels of deep sleep! Another of my favourite features is the ability to set a window for the watch to wake you up, not with a shrill ringing but with a gentle vibration on your wrist - and the technology calculates the exact point within your window that will be, depending on the optimum moment within your sleep cycle!

Nokia Body Cardio Smart Scales

The amount of data I have about my health right now is unreal - and the scales have really raised the bar!

Now these scales are so gorgeous and shiny that I struggled to get a decent picture of them as they were just reflecting everything! At under an inch thick with a solid aluminium base and slick surface, they truly are a thing to behold.

And they don't just look good, oh no. They go so much further than measuring weight alone, providing readings and insights like your BMI, body fat and water percentage, muscle and bone mass, heart rate and pulse wave velocity (that indicates your overall cardiovascular health) - plus it even gives you the weather forecast so you can plan what to wear for the day!

Using WiFi, the scales connect to your Health Mate app, hugely enhancing the health data provided by the fitness tracker.


I would genuinely recommend either of these products to someone looking for insights into their health and the motivation to improve their lifestyle. The fact that Nokia Health Mate, teamed with the technology products, also pairs with popular apps including My Fitness Pal is a huge plus too.

Don't forget to sign up to the CityMoves challenge - throughout its course, Connected Health Cities and Nokia will be providing motivational content and seasonal tips, plus giveaways of hundreds of fitness trackers like the one I tried out; the data collected from the programme will also benefit The University of Manchester who are partnered in the study.

Let's get moving!

Cryolipolysis (Fat-Freezing) in Manchester at Skinhealth Spa

Hey,

So, Cryolipolyis - what is that? I didn't know either but when Skinhealth Spa (i.e. my most trusted skincare/cosmetics salon in Manchester!) asked if I'd like to try it out* I thought, why not!

What is Cryolipolysis, Anyway?

Cryolipolysis is a 'fat freezing' treatment which promises to rid you of pesky fat cells in the treated area; permanently. The idea is that your chosen area is frozen, which kills said cells - never to return. It all sounds fairly drastic however the treatment, which is a relatively new technology, is dubbed the 'safe and pain-free alternative to lipo' - you know, that invasive treatment that celebs seem to get as a 'last resort' or ticket to a 'new body' if the Daily Mail is your info text du jour.

So why did I want to try it I hear you cry? 

You may be aware that I'm getting married next year and I admit, the pressure to get in shape is pretty high. I thought I'd lose a few pounds on my own accord and that would be that but I never anticipated the kind of comments you get from those around you - some even strangers! - giving their advice and expectation that you need to lose half your body weight and do everything humanly possible to 'look your best'.

I'm as sensitive as the next person and comments like that do get to you, though I'm determined to do what's right for me and in my own time too.

That said, my arms have always bothered me. I've never been happy with the tops of my arms, even when I've been much slimmer, they'd always stood out as being 'big' to me, so the thought of being able to get them looking a bit leaner for my wedding was appealing - so in I booked!

The Process

The lovely, Dominique was performing the treatment for me and told me that she was something of an expert 'fat freezer'. She totally put me at ease prior to and during the procedure.

Firstly we discussed the area I wanted to freeze and she measured the most 'flabby' parts of each arm to make sure the optimum area would be captured. I found it interesting that one arm had half an inch more fat! Though I suppose that the arm you use most is likely to be more toned.

After defining the area, she explained how the machine worked. We decided it would be best for me to lie on my front, with my arms propped up on my elbows. It's important to get as comfy as possible as the machine stays on for a whole hour for the treatment.

Once comfortable, Dominique proceeded to apply the machine to my left arm first. A gel is applied, along with a thin layer of material which prevents the cold temperature from damaging your skin tissue.

The cup is then placed onto the arm which has a strong suction, which pulls your flesh into the machine, where it's cooled to -8°C. The process is repeated on the other side, then you just need to sit tight for the hour!

Dominique left me to relax but periodically came to check on me and even brought me some magazines and some water - to be honest, it was nice just to lie down and relax for an hour, I wasn't bored at all!

Once the hour was up and the cups taken off, the frozen cells needed to be broken up. For the final stage, the Aesthetician massages the frozen area.

Verdict

On initial impressions, the whole procedure felt very easy. It's obvious that Skinhealth Spa are total pros at this! I felt at ease the whole time and Dominique was able to tell me a great deal about the treatment, process and results I could expect.

The salon itself has a real boutique feel. It's small but perfectly formed; not clinical, just calming, clean, professional and friendly - which is why I love to go there for treatments. The expertise at Skinhealth, I feel, is unrivalled and it's all done with a smile and a friendly, chatty person at the helm.

The guys at Skinhealth explained that it takes 8 weeks to see the optimum results for the treatment, plus I've booked in for an extra treatment in January to boost my results. I'm therefore going to come back here and post before and after photos and extra updates. Look out for my progress updates which I'll put on Twitter!

Race For Life 2015 At Heaton Park with Scottish Power

Hey,

A few weekends ago I did something I've been wanting to do for ages - take part in a long distance run!

A 5k probably doesn't sound like a big deal to most but I have never been a long distance runner. I used to be really sporty at school but long distance running is just something I've never been adept at.

I don't go to the gym as often as I should, though would still consider myself to be reasonably fit. I was therefore devastated to be out of puff in less than 5 minutes on my first outdoor run (of the past year or two).

I stuck at it and although I sucked hard, it did get easier - still, I was dreading the big day.

The cause made it easier. Cancer Research is a great charity and although I've thankfully never lost anyone as a result of this awful disease, I don't think I'm alone in saying that there's plenty of people I know who have, and I've seen the devastation it brings.

My Race for Life took place in Manchester's Heaton Park.

Scottish Power, an official event sponsor, kindly offered to pay for my entry fee - which I decided to put into my sponsorship donations, as I'd have been happy to pay this myself.

I had no idea at all how I'd fare. Even during my practice runs, I'd never even got to 5k!

I had plenty of energy at the start line. I put myself with the 'jogging' group and seeing all the other runners who came in all shapes and sizes and across all ages, I felt part of something really special and that I had to do my best.

Within the first half a mile, I'd already felt that pang of exhaustion; my head repeatedly telling me that I couldn't do it, that I needed to stop and walk - I ignored it.

I used my Nike running app and hearing an update at each milstone I reached spurred me on. I pushed on and was proud to reach 1.5 miles without stopping to walk. At this point, it hit me that I was already halfway there (5k being just over 3 miles). When I passed two miles, I wondered if the whole thing was something I could complete without walking.

I would have never found the motivation to carry on if it wasn't for my surroundings; seeing all the other women with heartfelt messages and photos of lost loved ones pinned to their backs somehow gave me more strength to push on.

I had a bit of a struggle towards the end. My running app told me that I'd reached 3 miles and knowing this, I used my last bit of energy to speed up and push for the finish line. Following this, I saw a sign for 4k - what?!

I powered through but had to succumb to a bit of walking after my app told me I'd hit 3.75 miles. Still, I crossed the line proud at bang on 40 minutes. That is probably a very poor time to most runners but I was pleased to have completed the track in what I felt was a decent time.

Thank you to Scottish Power for the experience, hopefully I'll be back next year to beat my time!

For anyone wanting to take part, look out for 2016's events on the Race for Life site, or in and around the North West, there's still a 'Pretty Muddy' 5k race open in Cheshire's Tatton Park which takes place in September (so enough time for a little training) Though if you'd like longer to gear up, the races start again in June next year.

Have you taken part in any running events this year or would you like to?

Fashion Week in the North

Hello!

You may have noticed a new addition to my bar on the right- I'm super excited to announce that I'm an Official Manchester Fashion Week Blogger!

I'm stoked to be a part of the proceedings this year. I find Manchester such a fashionable and inspirational city with such great design talent and established companies; it's only right that we have our own fashion week!

As a perk of being a Manchester Fashion Week blogger, I will receive monthly gift boxes of treats and products to try out from some of the partner brands.

So without further ado, here are my thoughts on box number one.


Beautifully wrapped...

The contents...

The low-down...


Fashion & Beauty

Thoughts.

Lancome Hypnôse Drama Mascara: I love a good volumising mascara; for me, it's probably the most important item in my makeup bag. I'd actually never tried this one so was really pleased to receive this sample in my box. FYI, some of my past favourites are Dior's Diorshow, Max Factor's False Lash Effect, Yves Saint Laurent's (or should I say Saint Laurent?) Volume Effet Faux Cils and currently Benefit's They're Real! I've been using this for a few days now and am quite impressed! I'd say that it's main effect is thickening. It provided good volume and length but wasn't as great on separation (something I find my Benefit mascara gives well). The brush is a curious curved shape as opposed to the original Hypnôse version and I've heard there's a correct application method to get the effect right with this one so it may just require more practice.

Lancome Génifique Yeux Youth Activating Eye Concentrate: While I can't comment on the anti-ageing effects of this, I've applied it on a few mornings before putting on my make-up and found it really nice to use. It has a velvety texture but feels light on the skin. It's slightly cooling on application and made my eye area softer and appear brightened.

Redken Velvet Gelatine (07) Cushioning Blow-Dry Gel: I love my hair products and was very happy to hear that Redken were to be a partner brand for Manchester Fashion Week as I'm a big fan of their products of which I have many (almost as many as Tigi's). I've used this on several occasions in place of my usual  Tigi Bed Head Superstar Thickening Spray on wet hair before blow-drying. Though a 'gel', it feels really silky and absorbed really easily and left no residue on my hands. Even without my usual thickening spray, it left my hair volumised and bouncy with plenty of body. My hair looked shiny and healthy after blow-drying so it's a thumbs up from me!

Gift Voucher from Hair 1 UK: I received a £10 voucher from the team at Hair 1 UK. I've never been to the salon before but looking forward to going!

Inner Me Lustrous Locks Vitamin Complex: These girly vitamins contain MSM and Silica and promise to give healthier looking hair in two-weeks. The first thing I noticed about these is the packaging- it's so pretty! I love the illustration, it reminds me of a blogger profile portrait. These are marked with the days of the week to remind you when you need to take them which I found really useful (though I've still managed to miss a few). So far I can say my hair is looking good!

Multi-pearl Ring from Accessoryo: I'd heard of Accessoryo before but never really had a look at their jewellery collection. While the ring in my box probably isn't something I'd pick myself, they've got a good range of fashion jewellery on the site at reasonable prices.

Snack Time

Hotel Chocolat Milk Oblivion Sleekster Selection: Who doesn't love a nice box of choccies and they don't come much better than Hotel Chocolat. These were scoffed by Chris and I within two days (oops). My faves were the cinnamon praline and sea salted caramel chocolate.

Megaload Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter Cups: I love American sweets and chocolates but sadly hate peanut butter! That didn't stop me from having one (and a half...) of these though and they were actually really yummy!

PopChips Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips: I've heard a bit about Popchips recently having done the rounds at London Fashion Week (the new Vitamin Water??) but haven't seen them on the supermarket shelves anywhere. These are made from potatoes like regular crisps but are 'popped' like popcorn so they're healthier than fried crisps and tastier than baked ones. I would be inclined to agree and at 95 cals a bag I think I'll be buying these in the future!

Teapigs Darjeeling Earl Grey Tea: I'd heard good things about Teapigs from various tea enthusiasts but it wasn't until I went to a conference with work a couple of weeks ago that I actually tried one of their teas; I can honestly say it was the best peppermint tea I've had! After this I was pleased to receive another in my box to taste but being the uncultured northerner that I am, I think I probably spoilt it by adding a glug of milk. It probably would have been nicer without but it was really fragrant and I enjoyed it nevertheless.


I've really loved trying out everything in my box and can't wait for the next one to arrive.

Have you had the chance to try anything new recently?

Love,

Foxy x