Wave it, Wear it, Win it…

I was recently sent one of the “Official Paralympics GB supporters Scarfs“ which has been designed by the UK retailer NEXT to show their support for London’s 2012 games.

The scarf comes in two sizes, either 90×90 cm costing you £10 or the size I was sent, 50×50 cm costing just a fiver. What’s more all proceeds (and I mean every single penny) goes to the British Olympic Association which aims to help British Olympic and Paralympics athletes deliver their best performance.

There are loads of ways you can use your scarf to show your support for the games and those athletes taking part! The larger 90×90 is a great option if you fancy getting super creative and wearing it as a unique fashion accessory. The smaller size is the perfect size to frame and hang on the wall, or maybe tie around a ponytail or around one wrist! It also makes an awesome gift as my dad can tell you. His a big sports fan and one who is looking forward to the 2012 games so this was the perfect gift for him and he loved it.

The design is fantastic, the hand painted Lion is a visual reflection of a quote that describes the sheer courage, talent and determination of our Great British Athletes. If you look closely you’ll also find 60 HANDS to symbolise the athletes’ sixty million supporters and the map of Great Britain.

If this isn’t your style, Next have also designed the “Official Team GB Scarf” available in the same sizes as above for that of the same money!

So, if supporting the 2012 games isn’t enough to make you rush out and buy a scarf, then how about the prospect of winning a prize? Next, want to see how you use your scarf to support the games…. Will you wear it, wave it or opt for something else altogether?

Here’s my dad getting creative with his…

YES IT REALLY WAS TO SMALL TO TIE AROUND THAT HEAD OF HIS BUT HIS HAPPY TO JUST WAVE IT FOR THE CAMERA:)

Thanks Dad

You can win some awesome prizes by joining in, just click here for more info

So , have you got your scarf yet?

Update – Davina for Next

Last week was a busy one, so I apologise for my late update! On the plus side, I’ve likely done more exercise than I actually think I did, what with all the rushing around! So, I’ve continued with the Davina ultimate workout and fell both on and off the diet wagon more times than I care to mention. I’m yet to take up any form of running but continue to engage in some power walking (unless with the toddler, this is like walking at a snail’s pace)! I’ve walked around our local woods so many times in the past 4 weeks, I could tell you where the squirrel’s hide their nuts!

Sadly, I didn’t do much dancing last week, unless you include my antics at the Lollibop mini disco at the ‘Ministry of Sound’ London, or that of me shaking my butt to a bit of Kiss 100 every morning as I go about doing the horrible task of get the kids out of bed and ready for school (it all counts doesn’t it)!

Most importantly, I’m feeling somewhat better within myself. I’m eating at reasonable hours, despite the odd slip, as well as making simple lifestyle changes that are now fitting into with my daily routine without much difficulty, I mean, it’s not so much of a struggle, I’m naturally making healthier choices without feeling like its a chore! I’ve also found that I am actually much more motivated now then I was a week ago, maybe it just took a while to kick in.
Last week I faced the fear of having to brave my swimsuit in order to take the toddler swimming. I continued to declare I just didn’t have time, but if the truth be told, deep down, It’s the fact that I’m still not comfortable in the way my body looks since baby number 3. Swimming is something that will help me get back in my size 8’s, so to avoid it seems a little crazy (plus Harley is two now and has never been, I can’t be holding him back due to my own body hang ups)!

Now as we start a new week, I’ll also be preparing to write my last update, Yep, it’s all going to be finished, leaving myself and my fellow 9 ‘Davina for Next’ virtual workout buddies, to our own devices. Last week I was a bit worried that I’ll just let it slip when it’s over, one week will turn into two weeks and before you know it I’m back to my old ways! I thought that without the need to send a weekly report I may just sit eating lashings of dessert as I watch Eastenders, going back for seconds and maybe thirds! I actually think I was just having a low week and wasn’t thinking about it properly. You see, I will continue on my journey to get back in my size 8’s and make lifestyle changes that will stick with me, because I want it so much, I want to do this for myself! I really won’t need to share and I’m sure as hell, you’ll all have had enough of my battle to combat the flab anyway! 🙂

So with only one more post to write, I thought that this would be a great time to share some of the lessons I’ve learnt from having started this journey to get fit with Davina and Next!

◆ We, all fall of the diet wagon from time to time, beating ourselves up in the process only makes us depressive, looking for comfort in something sweet. So, instead of embarking on a chocolate eating frenzy, I tell myself off and jump back on the diet wagon.

Image via Wikipedia

◆ We often become more motivated when we have failed at something! If I notice I’m actually gaining a few pounds as opposed to shifting them, I’m disappointed, though it makes me all the more determined to kick my own arse the following week!
◆ Stop being so restrictive! Yes, this one makes me feel like a hypocrite as its one I know to be true, though I do struggle with. You see, I know by putting yourself on a really tight diet you will drop it quicker, but like they say… It’s just as easy and speedy to stick it back on! Not only this, I find myself, moody, irritable, and not all that nice to be around. I’m therefore trying to be less extreme and more realistic yet happy.

◆ If like me, you have a serious disliking to the weighing scales then just don’t go near them. I really dislike weighing myself, it can determine my whole mood for the day and I don’t want to be worrying myself stupid every time I gain a pound or two! I instead go by my dress size and the way my clothes fit. You know when you’re losing weight or toning up in many ways, scales only make you obsessive, I know as it ruined a good few years of my life.

Image via Wikipedia

◆ An important one, that I myself discovered last week, (the hard way) is don’t push yourself to far when your body is telling you you’re getting sick! I think a certain amount of light exercise when uncomfortable (example the time of the month) is a great way to feeling more you again plus it also helps create natural pain relief, however, when you feel like you’re coming down with a horrible flu then rest! I didn’t, I ignored it, and ended up in bed recovering from a horrid flu that then converted itself into the worse ever stomach flu. I know, that for the 3 days I battled on ignoring the messages given off  by my body and that’s why it caught up with me and likely put me out of action longer than It probably would have done if I sweated it out in bed from the start.image from google docs

◆ Eating little and often makes calories easier to burn off, while only eating till your full will likely be the real key to success. My mother always told me as a whining child claiming I was starving not long after lunch, to drink some water! It’s so true, we often mistake thirst for hunger!
◆ When that dreaded time of the month hits and you feel yourself reaching for that family bar of Cadbury dairy milk, grab a handful of Cherry plum tomatoes that have been stored in the fridge, instead. Ok, I’m not going to lie… of course this isn’t the same (give me the family bar over a tom any day of the week) however, they are nice and actually really juicy and sweet! For me it helps put the sweet craving at bay which is just brilliant as monthly’s are usually the time when my willpower runs of without me.

Image via Wikipedia

◆ You really can exercise while sitting on your back-side! Once you have it nailed, you find your engaging in such a task without realising it. When sitting watching my favourite programme… let’s say… “BBC3 Being human, which was on last night & I love it, I’ll do some pelvic floor exercises (so, important and  just doesn’t apply to those new mothers) then I’ll do some leg lifts or when actually really in the mood and trying, I’ll sit on the exercise bike for half an hour or so. I’ve discovered that it’s these little extra things that end up amounting to big differences and once done once or twice they come naturally without becoming a dreaded chore! If I forget one night, it doesn’t matter, I’ll still gain from them,  tomorrow!
◆ Walk as opposed to driving or using any other forms of transportation (buses, taxis etc…) OK, if we are talking long haul distances then go on… I’m with you if you wanna start the car up, but those journeys within walking distance will leave you feeling better (probably not at the time) and will also help you reach any goals quicker. This is especially the case if you are shopping. I’f my bags are heavy but I can mange regardless of a little struggle, I then refuse to call a taxi. Instead I focus on landmarks to help me get back without putting the bags to the ground and wiping the sweat from my forehead just 2 minutes up the hill (yes, I
have to walk the shopping up the hill)! Once I’ve reached the landmark, example traffic lights, I may be half way there, so I then focus on something else, It really seems to work well and is not only a great way to shift calories and tone the tops of your arms, but a good way to penny pinch too!

I was  going to share some pictures of myself in my Davina for next clothing and give an update on whether my chosen pieces have withstood the test of time, especially that of the washing machine. However, given that this is now my final week and in a few short days I’ll give you my final update, I’ve decided to save them till then, when I’ll also share some recipes, ideas, my highs and lows, progress and final thoughts! After all… I want to finish on a bang!

So to discover my final last words and see some photos I was thinking about burning… then get yourselves over here on Wednesday the 15th February

To checkout the ‘Davina for Next’ fitness range of clothing and innovative footwear click Here

Related articles

• Making Progress with Davina (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Week one – Getting fit with Davina (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Davina for Next – Week 2 (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Davina for Next, working out in style (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Davina for Next – Week 3 (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)

Making Progress with Davina

Getting fit with Davina and Next has been a blast and sadly we are now coming up to our last few weeks of the challenge. 😦 

 This week has been intense as I’ve struggled to get back onto the “Diet Wagon” though with the receiving of a gift from the those lovely people at Next and Davina herself, I have managed to keep going on the exercise front. Yes, I was sent the all new “Davina, Ultimate Target” DVD and have done the workout at least 4 times this week. It would also seem that I have inspired my 9 year old daughter because every time I turn around their she is working out beside me, bless her.

The DVD consists of a “Fabulous Fat Burner” Cardio workout with funky Latino moves, “Brillent Boot Camp” A squats and toning fest, “Target Abs” fifteen minutes of tummy toning and lastly “Target Workouts” 3 short but effective routines targeting specific problem areas such a them horrid bingo wings, summer shoulders and bikini bum.

I am loving the DVD and the fact it aims to sort this specific problem areas is nothing short of a god send!

 There is some more good news this week! I’ve not had one Redbull… NOT ONE! So, I’m feeling pretty pleased with myself on that front.

 I do at times worry, that without this challenge, I will flake and fall back into my old dirty ways (well, I say dirty, what I mean is lazy)! Yes, I’m enjoying it and I think this should be enough to get me going, though I’m just so used to worrying I guess that explains the reason I’m doing so now. I do however have my picture of my old sized 8 super bod and that of Davina’s super abs which I’m sure will be all the kick in the backside I need. 

 I’ve continued with my crunches and struggled on with my push ups. I’m enjoying long walks in the park with the toddler and having fun dancing with the 9-year-old daughter! 

 I’ve done loads of skipping with Little man and if anything this is turning into a family fitness plan.

 Next week I intend on doing my new Davina DVD workout DVD every night before bed… I may even brave it and share a clip of me doing it… (of course with Alice by my side)! Otherwise I’ll just carry on with what I’m doing (apart from eating like a piggy)!

 I’m also planing on trying some Zumba, as I’ve been inspired by the lovely Clairejustinoxox who has been way braver than myself in sharing a video of herself working out (umm, yes, maybe next week). I’m also considering doing a little running as opposed to power walking, though I’m a little worried about “Killing myself” in the process.

Above: Some of my many Workout DVD’s

 I do hope you are all enjoying my journey to get fit and would love to hear your own stories or any super tips you may have (all are very welcome)!

Checkout some some the fabulous “Davina for Next” workout wear by clicking HERE

Davina for Next – Week 2

As I write this, I am dying to run downstairs and munch one of the soft, sugary ring donuts the other half brought home for the children! The fact that I am still here, not there, shows how my flaking willpower has started its journey in repairing itself!

Yes, it’s now my second week on the road to fitness with the help of Next, Davina MCcall and 9 other bloggers (who have all been very supportive, via twitter and commenting here on the blog).

So… How was week one?

On the food front, I’m hanging in there, its hard, I cannot deny! Yet, I am proud of myself and how I’m sticking to a healthier eating plan (I’ve only had chocolate once this week, and that my friends, is a miracle)! I’m now eating healthier options which this week has consisted of mainly foods high in portion reducing my carb in-take a little. I’ve also eaten at more sensible hours and I have tried to ensure that nothing crosses these lips in the late hours.

What about RedBull Lights, I hear you asking? Well, I haven’t stopped drinking these completely, id be a liar if I said I have, though what I can report is, I’m now drinking a huge amount less of the horrid addictive stuff than I was before I started my health kick… No more than one can per-day and yesterday I had not a drop (massive improvement from the five cans I’m used too)! This one isn’t easy, the stuff is addictive like coffee… but worse if I’m honest!

Exercise

For the first 4 days it was going so well! I did most of what I planed to do, with the exception of dog walking (my mother embarks on such a task at the strangest of hours, with three kids to parent, my mum has done her duties alone). I’ve also not been swimming or clubbing on a Friday night, more to the petty! I did buy a gym ball (the peanut kind) and I admit I went crazy and brought not one but 5 fitness DVDs and have tried a few. Everything on the plan was going really well, then four days in I was struck down with a horrid flu bug and exercise was the last thing on my mind, so I’ve basically spent three days struggling to climb out of bed! Nonetheless, I’m starting to feel like myself again and I plan to make up for lost time and up my todo list this week.

There was however, a nice surprise on Saturday afternoon that helped brighten up a rather gloomy day! My new Next FIT shoes, available via the ‘Davina for Next’ innovative footwear range, arrived at my door.

These are my beautifully shiny red pantent corsage slab shoes, equipped with the new ‘Next FIT’ technology!

Lovely, don’t you think?

Not only do these shoes look lovely but they are really comfortable too! I have to say, when I first saw them, I really never expected them to be so comfortable to wear! There was no new shoe blisters or no aching feet, and since they have arrived, I’ve worn them on most days and even in the house like slippers. Choosing a pair of shoes from the Davina range was the hardest task for me, I choose my fitness outfit within a few minutes but I seriously studied the pages of the Next Website that host these innovative shoes, and it took me the best part of an hour to decide. They do the slab shoes in one or two designs and in a range of colours, I’m seriously considering getting myself a black pair too. At £31, I feel they are very good value, if anything a bit of a bargain!

So… enough about shoes (this crazy loving shoe mum, could talk shoes all day)! Let me finish by jotting down and sharing my goals for the week ahead.

Goals for Week 2

All of the goals recorded in week one can stay with the exception of dog walking, this just isn’t gonna work! I’m upping the pace a little to make up for the past three days sickness and have decided to do this by upping the number of sit-ups and push-ups by adding 20 more on each, and I will also do a few more squats (Yer… I love squats really)!

I’ve now got a gym ball which I’m loving! I will incorporate this more into my daily exercise routine (yes, instead of just siting on it)!

I’m also hoping to have a Friday night on the dance floor this week or next, so all you fellow bloggers, come fitness freaks (aka fellow 9 Davina for Next bloggers) you fancy getting your groove on? I say let’s go swing our pants and have some serious fun getting fit!

So… that’s it

Till next week… its good-bye 🙂

Others joining me in the Davina for Next fitness quest

• Jessie’s Crazy Kitchen
• Nadine – X
• Clairejustineoxox
• Super amazing mum
• Marisworld
• Snugglebubby
• Pret-a-Style
• Mummy Mummy Mum
• Mum of one

Related articles

• Week one – Getting fit with Davina (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Davina for Next, working out in style (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Davina McCall’s Spring 2012 Collection for Next (lifeloveandlivingwithboys.wordpress.com)
• Davina McCall: Biggest Loser hosts joins show’s contestants in toughest workout yet (thesun.co.uk)
• New Year, New You with Next and Davina McCall (fashion-mommy.com)

Week one – Getting fit with Davina

Before I go any further, I must add that this post has no relevance to potty training, autism, the school run or anything else on such a scale! It’s simply about me, no one other than me! It’s me doing something for myself, something I feel I need do more of!

 Let me explain… Last week an email popped up in my inbox with some pretty exciting news! It was actually from those lovely people at the UK retailer ‘Next’ Informing me that I was one of the lucky ten bloggers chosen to test run the ‘Davina for Next’ workout & post workout range, while documenting my journey back to fitness!

 This my friends is god… It’s the big man in the sky giving me a much-needed kick up the backside!

 You see, I’ve always been a person who has loads of willpower, however, lately it’s flagging and although I know I want to get healthier and fitter (more the case, I need too) I’m just having issues finding my Mojo!

 For an ex dancer I’m slacking in the get up and go, which really isn’t great! ‘Next’ setting me this challenge to undertake has come at a perfect time, It means I’m forced to document my demons and therefore, face them!

 It’s also my hope that along the way, I will inspire other women to get up and join me.

 My first mission… to find lots of motivational tools! First we have the lovely ‘Davina for Next’ workout and post workout range, which I shared with you in a post I published at the end of December (Click here to read)

Next, invited me to select two items of clothing and a pair of their innovative footwear.

 It was a difficult decision but in the end I chose the lovely and extremely comfortable Davina Burnout T-shirt in black £18

 The Davina loose black joggers £25 (the word loose made me feel somewhat better )

 As for footwear my chosen shoe is yet to be delivered so, I’ll surprise you with these later on!

 Thankfully everything fits 🙂 and surprisingly there was no breathing in, still as lovely as these Items are, I’m hoping that in a few months time, they will no longer fit me, instead being too big in size (well, this is the plan)!

 The burnout Tee is comfortable, hangs well and in my opinion looks good and is great for workout or lounge wear.

 The joggers are also comfy which is what you want when you’re exercising.

 In addition to all the above, the items I choose look good, they don’t reveal my less pretty areas and I’d be more than happy to wear these down the gym (not that I’ve graced one for a while)

 So… I have my motivational workout wear, what else am I missing?

 A good dig through my CD collection unravelled some motivational dance albums! Every girl needs some good music to get her going!

 A rummage through the photo album unravelled the perfect motivational picture. This is me just 2 and a half years ago, before I fell pregnant with Harley!

Although I’m not massive now… a size 10-12, I’m not this toned!

GOD… I want my size 8 body back!

 The Picture is now the wall paper that graces my iPhone and the screen saver on my Mac… There is simply no escape!

 I also find myself pretty envious at the sight of Davina McCall flat washboard stomach! Maybe I should make her my screen saver too?

 Now, I just needed to work out where it is I’m going wrong, tough It don’t take a genius to figure it out!

 Eating at the wrong times

Skipping meals and snacking on crap

Drinking far too much Sugar-Free Redbull

Not enough sleep, leading to little motivation & psychical activity the following day.

 Ok… I’m pretty such I can fix 1-2 however, cutting out the Redbull is going to be a hard habit to kick! As for sleeping… when you’re 12-year-old on the autism spectrum doesn’t sleep, it becomes a little difficult to get a decent nights kip! Nonetheless, when he does sleep then I need to, instead of being this night owl who’s moody and unmotivated by day.

 I’ll also be doing a lot to improve my physical fitness! With this I’ve decided to buy Davina’s New DVD as well as a gym ball, when I go shopping on Friday! I’ll also be walking more, dancing for an hour a day (yes, like I used too) and going swimming once or twice a week.

 I’ll also be getting some inspiration from Davina herself!

So, I’ve decided to try (1) I’ll take Harley for a long walk in the woods (4) Go dancing with friends (its been a while) (5) walk my mum’s dog or at least walk with her (7) Little man aged 12 attends boxing training so I’ll be asking to borrow his skipping rope.

For this one, I’m doing (1) 20 squats while doing the house work (how hard can it be right)? (4) 20 sit ups as soon as I rise from my pit (now this is one that will be a challenge)! (6) get a gym ball (after all sitting doesn’t sound to hard)! (7) 20 crunches before bed (8) work out to the ‘Davina DVD’, though this wont be on my return from work, more like following a day running after my 3 monsters (though to call it anything other than work is crazy)!

Well, the DVD workout and sitting on a gym ball, will have to wait till Friday but I’m on a mission to start the others from the minute I hit the publish button on this post!

So… good-bye junk food

My days of Luvin it are officially over!

With all these lifestyle changes ahead of me I’ve had an idea!

 The best way of sticking to something is to offer a reward at the end of it (No, apart from the body to die for)! So,  if I hit all my targets at the end of this, I’m then going to reward myself this certificate for being the worlds sexiest mum! 🙂

I would also be happy to reward those lovely ladies joining me (well, the ones that are mum’s that is)! So here they are..

1. Jessie’s Crazy Kitchen
2. Nadine – X
3. Clairejustineoxox
4. Super amazing mum
5. Marisworld
6. Snugglebubby
7. Pret-a-Style
8. Mummy Mummy Mum
9. Mum of one

Now if that’s not an incentive ladies, I don’t know what is?

Related articles

• Davina for Next, working out in style (aspergersinfo.wordpress.com)
• Davina McCall: Biggest Loser hosts joins show’s contestants in toughest workout yet (thesun.co.uk)
• New Year, New You with Next and Davina McCall (fashion-mommy.com)
• Davina McCall’s Spring 2012 Collection for Next (lifeloveandlivingwithboys.wordpress.com)
• Davina McCall on Botox, love and no more kids (mirror.co.uk)