Carefully Considered Cheeky Bargains

Hello Lovelies! So, after sharing with you how I trimmed down my wardrobe, I'm feeling the need to share a few purchases I have made recently. Mainly with money received for my birthday :-)

I carefully consider any purchase and try to always buy in the sale. I see something and if I find I am still thinking about it a couple of weeks later and it is still available, then that means it has my name on it! This is how I roll! ;-)

First up, as usual, shoes!! Who doesn't love shoes? My shoe of choice is an ankle boot. These beauty's by Hudson from Office were a bargain in the sale at £44.00, sadly sold out but plenty of ankle boots still available on sale!

As you saw yesterday I gave my Kurt Geiger's to my daughter. I have lived in these for years and even wear with a suit at work. This time though these bright Vans replaced them, which I adore! New slim fit for women too. So many styles, I could have bought loads. Plus half price = Bonus! Love the back zip!

I have a navy leather jacket that I love more as it gets that beaten up look. Worn throughout the year, it's a fashion must have. This I bought in the sale from Muubaa with 70% off, the colour is described as 'concrete grey' but it is a grey plummy looking colour. Bag one while you can!

Lastly my love of Sweaty Betty is well documented. This jumpsuit is perfect for apres ski, original price £175 I bagged at £75. I've just looked though and none left :-(

So, that's it. I think you'll agree there's some great buys there, with longevity. 

Are you an impulse buyer or do you think about a purchase for a while like me?
Have you bagged anything in the sale?
XX

Currently Coveting

It's good to set goals, even better to achieve them. 

& what better way to reward yourself when you do reach your goals than to treat yourself?

Currently wanting to reward myself with this lovely Sweaty Betty Training Skort

Who else rewards themselves for achievements?

Just need a 20% discount code now!!!
XX

30 Day Challenge

Feels so long since I posted so I'm happy you are here!

I've had a mad week, both at home and work, chasing my tail whilst 

struggling with  niggling back pain and lack of sleep. 

I'm grateful that my back isn't a quarter as bad as it has been in the past

 but now know I need to do something preventative - 

I'm thinking 1:1 Pilates sessions initially then moving to group sessions.

 I know my problem is my core - despite being generally fit my core muscles 

are far from the strongest and I know they won't improve by themselves - 

time to put some work in I think!! 

I was unable to lead my running group last week and that just guts me....

I have always been fortunate to enjoy free Yoga sessions at work on a Friday lunchtime but never quite managed to carve time out in my diary - now they have finished :-( 

(due to lack of attendance gggrrr)

So, I have decided to join Gwen Moss with Matt Cutts 30 Day Challenge.

I am going to wake slightly earlier and do a 10 minute morning 

yoga session for the whole of May. 

According to Leo Babauta who writes the fabulous Zen Habits a 

habit is formed after 21 sessions have been incorporated into your life -

 so hopefully this ritual will last far longer than May!!

Obviously starting a new activity means a trip to Sweaty Betty.

Research shows that if you feel good in your chosen sport clothing you 

actually work harder, well that's my excuse anyway, hehe!

Calypso Yoga Pants                                                      Niyama Vest

pilates

“In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty you will see the difference and in thirty you will have a whole new body.”
Joseph Pilates

Does anyone practice Pilates?
 I'd love if you could share some tips or advice! XX

For the Love of Running

Some of you may know I lead a running group, which I love so much.

 I inspire people to run, but actually it's a two way relationship - 

they inspire me massively.

 Until this last week I had not run since before Christmas. When I have a break my fitness drops so quickly - does anyone else find that?

So this week it was back to leading and I thought "I'm never going to be able to do it!" 

So, I got my bum in gear & I've run four nights running, including leading, 

covering 17 miles. Wowzers - what's wrong with me??

I love running, didn't used to, but now I run for fun & have learnt it doesn't matter if I can only go out for 10 minutes and walk for most of it!!

Running is free, doesn't impact on your day and you can be out the door whenever you feel like it and back 20 minutes later feeling virtuous...

When I run it encompasses so many other areas of my life. 

I up my fluids - no, not wine, water, think about what I eat and also look after my skin better (said before I'm lazy!) A good cleanse and moisturiser is needed as well as a refreshing hot shower after a run, especially in this cold wet weather we've been having.

This week I have learnt why you should definitely invest in a Sports Bra as I couldn't find mine and ran in my normal bra - I now have a graze where it has rubbed....

Its good to treat yourself to some nice attire to run in, you will run better - trust me - 

its psychological but worth it! I buy running gear from Aldi for cheap basics but for high end LOVE Sweaty Betty - would really like some Skirt Leggings but not willing to pay full price and keep missing out in the sale - always like their cycling and running pants with attached skirt - girly chic! ;-)

Trainers are an important part of your kit, but I would say don't rush out and buy an expensive pair, see if you stick to running before you part with your hard earned cash. 

When you know it is worth investing, consider a Gait Analysis. These are carried out at various sports retailers, but I go to a small independent retailer, himself a marathon runner. 

My footwear of choice are Brooks - they suit the way I run. Before I ran people always said you could wear trainers a size smaller than you would usually wear.

I am a size 6 - my trainers are 7.5 & perfect - don't go smaller!!

Did you know you should replace your trainers every 300 miles - not that I keep track haha!

A waterproof, windproof jacket is a must for anyone who becomes serious about running, along with a hat and gloves. I wear this jacket for running and cycling.

I don't profess to be a running expert, but just wanted to share some tips with you.

Here's me on my first run of the year - a selfie - yes I know!

“If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run.”― John Bingham

Who else runs? What do you do to stay fit?

Do you carry on through Winter?

XX

Cycling Gisburn Forest

I didn't realise how much I missed cycling until I started again the last year or so. Mr. L and I try to cycle together every weekend.

 Best bike I've ever had - Cube Cyclo-Cross Bike.

 Now I do a bit of road and trail riding. Years ago I used to love mountain biking - the tougher the better ;-) BUT now I'm a real scaredy pants - when does that sneak up on you?

Last weekend we met friends at Gisburn Forest - purpose built cycle trails in the beautiful Trough of Bowland.


Cycling Gisburn Forest

We always have a cafe stop on our bike rides - tea and cake obligatory - one of the few times I am guilt free! Wahey!

Essential bike storage outside Forest Den Cafe.

These beautiful beams were crying out to be photographed. They are in the Cafe - I just love how they are not engineered. 

 

  Me wearing my favourite Sweaty Betty cycling pants (bought in the sale I hasten to add) - perfectly padded bottom and a little skirt attached to hide fatty bits at the top of my legs. LOVE! 
My cycle pants

Little known fact...

The Queen actually says she would like to live in the Forest of Bowland if she had a choice! 

Back with more soon,

XX