Little Venice

I love London because there is so much to do! My other half lives in the Midlands, so when he comes down to the South east, I always try to show make his journey worth it!

I was reading about places to go in London, and I found out about Little Venice. Little Venice is situated near Warwick station. It is filled with picturesque canals with narrow boats that can take you to London Zoo and Camden lock.

Little Venice

My bf and I decided to eat a spot of lunch at the Riverside Cafe. It was so beautiful - eating jacket potato and looking at this view! Wow!

I have a thing for narrow boats (I think it's because I was obsessed about Rosie and Jim as a child lol)

The beautiful houses on Warwick avenue!

We ended up going on the Waterbus. We also went to Camden Market from there which was an invigorating experience - I definitely want to go back and try some of the street food.

 

 

 

 

When we went on the narrow boat, we saw this beautiful restaurant (Feng Shang Princess)

All in all, we had a wonderful day out! My biggest tips are to ride the waterbus, and to visit Camden market (unfortunately, I did not take any photos of it)

Lil Miss Energetic: Current workout regime!

When I ask people why they don't exercise, the first excuse I hear is 'I don't have enough time'. I always think 'So you have enough time to watch TV, go on Twitter, but not actually take the time to take care of your body?' Even though I am currently in the final year of my university , I still set aside a little bit of time to work out. I always feel so much: happier, healthier and so much more energetic after a workout! I don't feel that I am wasting my time - plus when I exercise, I feel that I am in much more control of my life.

Note - my workout routine changes often - because I like to challenge my body. I try to workout between 3-4 times a week.


Here is my current routine:

I love Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30 - which is a step up from 30 day shred. There are four levels - I am currently on level 2. I will be doing a thorough review once I have completed all four levels. The great thing about this DVD is that it is only 20 minutes long! I have no excuse - sometimes I get up half an hour early and do this workout! As I don't always have time for 1 hour workouts, this intense 20 minute workout hits the spot. I do this workout around 2-3 times a week.

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The next workout is one of my favourites. It's the No More Trouble Zones workout, again by the lovely Jillian Michael's. It involves working on different trouble zones such as your abs, legs, triceps, shoulders and so on. It involves mainly strength based exercises, but also incorporates abs and cardio. I've noticed a massive difference in my figure since using this workout DVD - my thighs and bottom are way more toned - plus I feel stronger. I will be doing a full review on this! I only do this workout once a week. (Note - it is 50 minutes long).

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The next workout I love doing is the Tracy Anderson mat workout. This workout involves exercises which work your accessory muscles (and are meant to change the shape of your body). I love doing this workout because it's very relaxing, especially compared to Jillian Michaels' DVDs. I only do this workout once a week, even though Tracy states that you should do it 5-6 times a week. This workout is one hour long, and you should ideally mix it up with some cardio. Here is my full review on the DVD.

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Even if I do an intense work out, it does not give me the right to sit around all day. I love walking - I try to take the longest route and walk as much as I can. I always walk on escalator's and even get off a stop early to walk the extra five minutes. The more you move your body = the more calories you burn! If you seriously have no time to work out, then I highly recommend moving your body as much as possible :D 

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This is my current workout routine, please note: it is subject to change....

What is your workout routine?

Lil Miss Motivated: Workout inspiration!

Working out is definitely something that is very difficult to start doing (and to continue doing so) ! I'm going to help by posting some inspirational photos. Enjoy :)

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Lil Miss Healthy: Tracy Anderson Mat Method Review +

Hi guys! I'm very sorry about the lack of blogging - I was bogged down with exams so my priorities were shifted. Now that I've got three weeks off, expect a lot more blog posts!

I could not think of a more appropriate blog post to do, now that it's Christmas time. I do love to indulge, but I also love to remove any guilt by working out! This is my latest addition to my vast workout DVD collection (thanks to Nicola for recommending it to me).

The Tracey Anderson Mat Workout.

Who is Tracy Anderson?

Tracy Anderson is a celebrity personal trainer and former dancer. Her clients include: Madonna, Shakira, Penelope Cruz and Nicole Richie. This gave me even more of an incentive to do this workout!

"Truly is a miracle... you will see the results you never thought possible." Gwyneth Paltrow

"I love Tracy Anderson's Method! Her approach to exercise is smart, creative and empowering. I believe Tracy can transform any woman." Shakira

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 What is the DVD low down?

The purpose of this Mat Workout DVD is to re-engineer your muscular structure, wake up your accessory muscles, pull in your larger muscles and shift your shape into something you never knew you could achieve. The DVD is the perfect companion to my Dance Cardio Workout DVD but equally can be done on its own - the moves are easy to follow and provide amazing results. No specialist equipment required--Tracy recommends weight exercises for the arms to be performed using a 500ml bottle of water in each hand. (I use 3 pound weights for this workout)

Method?

This DVD is very different to all my other DVDs. The DVD incorporates Pilates, yoga and ballet moves. I use this as a toning workout. Tracy states that you should do this workout 4-6 times a week. This isn't always feasible, therefore I try to do this 2 times a week. I truly enjoy doing this workout - the music is peaceful and relaxing. I always look forward to it :)

How long is the DVD?

The workout is 60 minutes long. There are 7 segments, as well as a warm up and cool down,

5 minute warm-up
Standing leg toning exercises (a chair will be needed for support) - this is quite tough! I can feel my love handles burning away! There are two separate segments for this.
Standing ab exercises - I found this difficult at first because it's quite fast but I really enjoy doing it.
Two sets of arm exercises, one including light weights, one without- this is definitely the toughest arm workout I have EVER done! I am always so close to giving up! It is very painful but totally worth it.
Floor leg/bum exercises - this workout is not as hard as the other segments. You will be on the floor so make sure you have enough space.
Floor abs - I can feel my abs burning within seconds. I love the rotations that Tracy Anderson uses, in order to excite your accessory muscles.
Cool down.

Has it made a difference to your body?

I've done this workout every single week (I have had it for over a month now) and I've noticed that my 'muffin tops' have shrunk, my arms look more toned and my posture has improved :) You do need to incorporate it with cardio in order to see the benefits. I don't always have time to workout for more than an hour, but I do try to walk during the day.

What is Tracy Anderson like?

The biggest criticism is the lack of instructions for some of the moves, especially during the 'Floor abs' section. I cannot always see my laptop when I am doing the moves, and Tracy doesn't always tell you when she is moving onto the next move. This is slightly frustrating! I do like Tracy though - she doesn't speak much, she is definitely not as intimidating as Jillian Michael's and she also has the tendency to pout during the workout, which is fine by me because I love to pout ;)

Advantages?

The workout can be done if you've had something to eat as it doesn't make you run out of breath. I also love the music and the fact that Tracy doesn't talk too much! You can also customise the workout by choosing the segments that you would like to do :) .

Disadvantages?

Lack of instructions, therefore it may not be suitable for beginners.

Where can I buy it from?

I purchased mine from Amazon  for a mere £6.67.

Have you tried this workout?

How do you stay healthy?

Lil Miss Flexible: 10 minute solution Pilates perfect body DVD review *

Hi guys! 

I'm going to review a workout DVD called 'Pilates Perfect Body' by Suzanne Bowen (a personal trainer in America). Pilates is a body conditioning routine that helps to not only build flexibility, but also strength, endurance, and coordination in the legs, abdominals, arms and back. Since I've been doing Pilates, I have noticed a massive difference in my body! As long as you total it up with cardio, you will notice great results. I've noticed that my posture has improved, as well as the shape of my body. Rumour has it, Pippa Middleton does Pilates to stay trim!!

This DVD has 5 exercise segments which are 10 minutes long!

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'No time to exercise? We have the solution for you the 10 Minute Solution! Everyone can find at least ten minutes in their day, and we've developed 5 innovative workouts that are just 10 minutes each. Because many of the traits associated with the perfect Pilates body are dancer s traits, these programmes focus on Pilates and give you an added bonus: some subtle elements of dance training for graceful elegance. The quick workouts fit into even the busiest of schedules. Split them into 5 separate routines or do them all together for one incredible Pilates Perfect Body workout!''

 I'm going to quickly summarise each workout.

• Pilates Perfect Arms -'Use light hand weights and your own body weight to beautiful sculpt your arms while also working your shoulders, upper back and chest'- unfortunately, I've only done this once. The reason being is because I have 3lb weights, and I felt that I could not complete the exercises. I'm going to buy a set of 2lb weights for this workout.
• Pilates Perfect Belly - 'Whittle your waist and flatten your tummy while you strengthen your entire core with innovative twists on traditional Pilates moves 'I love this workout! It is super tough - with all the twists and the turns. I would not recommend to start with this workout if you are a beginner purely because it's very challenging.
• Pilates Perfect Buns and Thighs - 'This modern take on classic mat Pilates will give you a perfectly toned and lifted lower body' - Wow this works my legs hard. After doing this, I usually cannot walk properly the next day. It is worth it though! I've noticed a slight definition since doing this ;)
• Pilates Perfect Silhouette - 'Compound Pilates exercises will effectively tighten and tone all the right places, sculpting sexy curves when you want them and creating a gorgeous body line' - I love this workout. I tend to do it when I want an easy going workout. It's great for your posture and really helps improve your balance.
• Pilates Perfect Stretch- 'Using fluid motion, this stretch will make your everyday movements look more effortless and improve your posture, which is a key part of the Pilates Perfect Body' -  when I work out, I tend to use weights or do a lot of cardio. This can make my muscles feel very sore. This Pilates perfect stretch workout helps me to cool down after the work out. People don't realise the importance of stretching - not only does it help prevent injury but it gives you definition!

Summary:
Method: I try to use this as a supplement to other workout DVDs. Remember, you can't tone up without cardio first!
Has it made a difference to your body? -Yes, I've noticed a change in posture. What's more, my body looks leaner.
What is the trainer like? I love Suzanne Bowen! She's a great motivator and always has a gorgeous smile on her face. Her great energy makes me want to work out even more! The trainer is also easy to keep up with - trust me, I have the WORST rhythm in the whole world (if I can keep up with her, anyone can!)
Advantages: Sometimes when I'm not bothered to exercise, I do three sections at a time. The good thing about this DVD is the customisation - you can do how many you want. Usually I incorporate it with cardio for some serious results. Pilates is also very relaxing - and I look forward to it.
Disadvantages-Pilates alone won't give you a perfect body - like I said, team it up with cardio.
Is it good for beginners?I would say yes. The 'Pilates Perfect Belly' is very difficult, so I suggest you try the 'Pilates Perfect Stretch' and 'Pilates Perfect Silhouette' first as I find them easier than the others. 

Price: £4.99 from Amazon. 

Celebrities who do Pilates (thought I'd add this bonus section to motivate you guys!): 

“I'm a Pilates person. It's great. I had a hip problem. I had a chronic back, a pinched nerve and a hip problem and it's completely solved all of it. I love it. It makes me feel like I'm taller.”

– Jennifer Aniston, TV and movie star

 “Pilates is the only exercise programme that has changed my body and made me feel great.”– Jamie Lee Curtis, movie star

 'What do I like most about Pilates? 'The fact that I can really feel my body working. I might do 250 crunches but my body is so used to them that I don't really feel them. With Pilates, I can really feel [my abdominals] even if I only do six or 12 repetitions.”

– Joan Collins, actress and writer, who first started doing Pilates over 20 years ago

I do Pilates four or five times a week. The benefits are subtle, but it increases your flexibility and really tones you up. It also straightens your spine and improves your posture. In the past eight years, I've grown more than two and a half inches (6cm). I am 5ft 7ins (1.70m) and I am very pleased with that.”

– Belinda Carlisle, singer and pop icon.

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Have you tried Pilates before? (If so, let me know how you found it!)

Lil Miss Sporty: 10 minute Solution Blast Off Belly Fat review

Hi guys! 

Today I'm going to review a workout DVD by Suzanne Bowen (a personal trainer in America). Avid readers of my blog will know that I love workout DVDs, especially ones by Jillian Michaels. Workout DVD's are great to do at home (as long as there's space.. and privacy) and don't cost much compared to the gym!

This DVD has 5 exercise segments which are 10 minutes long!

The ''10 minute Solution Blast Off Belly Fat'' DVD has caught my eyes many a time during my frequent trip to Amazon. I thought it was just a gimmick until I read the reviews. I decided to purchase it because I wanted to lose my stomach for my 21st birthday party and because it was so cheap (under £5!). 

''No time to exercise? We have the solution for you – the TEN MINUTE SOLUTION. Everyone can find at least ten minutes in their day and we’ve developed 5 dynamic workouts that are just ten minutes each. The workouts were specifically designed to attack your midsection from every angle for optimum results. These compact, ultra-efficient workouts fit into even the busiest of schedules. Split them into five separate workouts or do them all together for one amazing, belly-fat-blasting workout.''

 I'm going to quickly summarise each workout.

• Flat Belly Fast - 'Get a flat belly that will turn heads. This core -focused segment zeros in on the deepest abdominal muscles with a singular goal: to flatten your belly fast. In my opinion, this segment is  the hardest! If you ever buy this DVD do not start of with this  segment. There are lots of plank moves (which I hate ) but I have to admi, it really works your abs.
• Pilates Perfect Abs -  ''Pilates is famous for delivering a sexy midsection without traditional crunches or sit-ups. This programme delivers those Pilates Perfect Abs'' I haven't really used this segment as much as the others. It is pretty tough, but there's lots of breathing and I did feel really relaxed after this segment.
• Belly Fat Blaster- ''Toned, firm ab muscles can be hidden from view by a layer of fat. This standing segment will burn mega calories and bring you that much closer to revealing your chiseled ab muscles''This workout is the easiest! I find it easy because I love cardio-vascular exercises. I like how there's a mix of cardio and ab work. I don't find anything in this segment particularly difficult.
• Ab ripper- 'Instructor Suzanne Bowen picked her favourite, most effective exercises and put them together into this powerful, 10 minute, all-out attack on belly fat''. I love this segment. It is pretty tough- but do-able. My stomach tends to look a bit flatter the next day! 
• Six Pack Abs- ''If you won't be satisfied until you have wash board abs, let's hit the floor and crunch it out with this jam packed workout that will leave you well on your way to 6 pack abs' This is the second hardest segment in the DVD. At times I felt like giving it! It really works your abs out.

Summary:

Method: I try to use this as a supplement to other workout DVD's. Remember, you can't lose the belly fat without cardio first! I love this with Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism by Jillian Micaels - which is a cardio workout.

Has it made a difference to your body? -Yes. I have noticed a bit more definition in my abs. My stomach is my major problem area! I try to use this 3 times a week.. ideally I would love to do it everyday but I'm so lazy at times :(

What is the trainer like? I love Suzanne Bowen (she even replied to me on Twitter :O )! She's really sweet and motivating- plus she is super gorgeous. Her abs are perfect and she's not too muscular! I love Jillian Michaels too but this trainer is a lot sweeter! 

Advantages: You can customise the workout! I've done two workouts in a row together, but I could not muster anymore. Plus the DVD is under a fiver! I love the fact that each workout is 10 minutes long, perfect for those who have no time!

Disadvantages- you can't rely on this DVD to lose the belly fat. You need to incorporate some cardio and weight training too. However, it has definitely helped with toning my body.

Is it good for beginners? I would say no. I've done 30 day shred workouts (some of which are pretty tough) and I couldn't do a lot of the moves. This workout does get easier but I would recommend it to those who have a moderate level of fitness. Start at segment 2 or 3.. but defininely not 1 or 6! 

Hope you enjoyed the review :)

Have you tried any of the 10 minute Solutions workout DVDs?

*Not affiliated with Suzanne Bowen, Amazon or 10 minutes solutions. This review is my honest opinion - as always :) ''

Lil Miss Sporty - 'Jillian Michaels Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism' first impression review

Hi everyone! Hope you're all well :)

Here is another blog post on a work out DVD - I love  them lol!!

Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism is one of Jillian's latest workout DVDs.

''Fire up your metabolism with TVs top trainer, Jillian Michael's, and lose big with her fierce formula that adds strength and ab moves to dynamic cardio for increased fat loss. This 40-minute circuit workout blasts your heart rate with challenging intervals to turn up the burn and melt off the pounds. Whether you're just getting started, or ready for a hard-core workout, Jillian will help you reveal a ripped, lean body''

Before you carry on reading, this is a 'first impressions' review; I have only used this DVD once and I want to give you my initial thoughts. I will do a full review on the effectiveness of it after a couple of months.

I love Jillian Michael's work out DVDs. I also workout to the 30 day shred but I wanted to buy another DVD as I felt that my body was getting used to the 30 day shred. It's always good to give your body a challenge!

The DVD contains:

• A 5 minute warm up
• The 40 minute cardio circuit which is broken up into seven six-minute circuits
• A 5 minute cool down.

 All in all, the workout is 50 minutes long! This is a MASSIVE jump from 30 day shred, which is a mere 20 minutes! I was actually dreading using this DVD, but it was not that bad. The first five circuits are bearable - I could do most of the moves. Unfortunately, it does get harder (which is good I guess) and I was unable to do some of the moves due to sheer fatigue! Even though this is wholly marketed as a cardio workout, there is some element of ab and strength exercises. Some of the ab workouts are done standing up - very unusual and interesting! You do a certain group of exercises for three minutes and then repeat - this is basically one circuit. There are a lot of plyometric moves - these focus on fast, explosive movements such as doing a squat jump. Apparently this is one of the best ways to lose weight and increase your metabolism.If you're familiar with the 30 day shred workout, mainly level 3, you will know what I'm talking about!

Method: My 21st birthday party is coming up (in 2 months lol) and I want to look as fit as a fiddle lol - that is my motivation! I would not use this as the only form of workout though. It is quite intensive and  I don't want to tire my body out therefore doing it 2-3 times a week will suffice. I've read that teaming this up with the Jillian Michael's 'No more Trouble Zones' is highly effective. I haven't got this DVD yet but I'm definitely considering it. Remember, this DVD is mostly cardio and a bit of abs (there is a specific abs circuit) so it's good to do something different the next day - such as a strength exercise or maybe something lighter. Another thing about this DVD is that you have the ability to choose which circuits you would like to do - however I would not feel satisfied.. I need to do every circuit for that!
How did you feel after the exercise? OK this has NEVER happened to me before. After the workout, I showered and then ate a full Indian dinner. I probably ate more than I usually do (I was starving). I then watched TV for an hour, and after the programme had ended - I was hungry again. I could literally feel the fat burning. I woke up the next day feeling slimmer. I even looked it. It was such an amazing feeling. My knees did feel a bit sore though! 

Would you recommend it? I would highly recommend it. Even though I have only tried it once, I literally felt the fat burning. It is not as super intensive as 30 day shred level 2.. there is a much slower pace but it does get faster and tougher. There are some very similar moves to 30 day shred; if you're a fan of the 30 day shred, I would highly recommend this! Jillian is a great trainer - she is highly motivating and gets to the point. Just like the 30 day shred she is with 2 other girls who both have amazing bodies - even more of an incentive!

Would you recommend it to beginners? Yes and No. The reason that I'm a bit indecisive is because it is seriously not that bad (I still struggle with some aspects of the 30 day shred) and if you do find it difficult then you can always pick the circuits you want to do. It does get harder though - I would say my fitness is a tiny bit above average and I did struggle but I wanted to struggle. If I found the exercise far too easy then I wouldn't feel as if I worked out enough.

Sorry about the overly long post, I'm trying to be as thorough as possible! I hope you enjoyed reading this review. I am not affiliated with Jillian Michael's whatsoever even though it looks like it lol.

Love from Rosh xx

Lil Miss Sporty: 30 Day Shred Review *

For all those who have not heard about the 30 day shred - where have you been? I think that the '30 day shred' workout DVD is the most coveted workout DVD on fashion and beauty blogs!

For those who actually don't know what it is - it is a workout DVD that involves only 20 minutes of exercise. There are three levels. You're meant to do this DVD for 30 days, doing level 1 for 10 days, level 2 for another 10 days and level 3 for another!

Each 20 minute work out contains:

• One 2 minute warm-up
• Three 6 minute circuits featuring:
• 3 minutes strength
• 2 minutes cardio
• 1 minute abs
• One 2 minute cool down.

The DVD is by Jillian Michaels, the trainer in 'The biggest loser USA'.

Here is my previous blog post on the 30 days shred.

I haven't really tried many workout dvds.. only Davina Fit and Bollyrobics (this is utter crap lol) but 30 day shred is the winner, hands down. I love how Jillian Michaels gets to the point. She really motivates you and makes you wanna work out and lose the weight.

Let me summarise the different levels:

Level one:

This is in no doubt, my favourite level. I used to find this really difficult, when I first did it I could barely feel my legs. Even though I find it kinda easy now, I still feel toned the next day and I feel that it's a nice, moderate exercise. There are some really tough moves that I have not yet mastered - one being the push up. I can barely do two push ups :( Like with all the levels, there are two trainers with Jillian.. one doing a slightly easier workout and the other doing the intensive one. I can do most of the intensive moves in the level.

Level two:

This is my least favourite level. It is so,so much harder than level one! Even though I have done it about twenty times.. I still struggle! I still end up collapsed on the floor! I find that this is the level that will make you feel exhausted and it also involves the most cardio-vascular work! It is really tough - the strength and the cardio. I tend to be ok with cardio - I find it the easiest out of abs and strength but this level involves lots of plank moves, which i hate! Plank moves involve you being on all fours and moving your legs - I hate it, but it is highly effective!

Level three:

This is the last level, and to be honest it is not as bad as level 2! When I first tried level 3 I swore to myself that I would never do it again. It was sooo immense. Two weeks later, I tried it again and it wasn't that bad. Some of the moves will make you howl in pain but I find that it gives me amazing results the next day. I look noticeably more toned! I would not do this more than once a week though - I feel that it would make my arm muscles really bulky! I don't want big biceps thank you very much - just a slight definition would suffice.

Summary:

Method: I do this every other day - changing levels, e.g one day I will do level 1, the day after that I would do level 3 and so on. You also need some hand weights and a mat (if you're working out on a hard surface) to do the workouts.

Has it made a difference to your body? - yes! I have been trying to lose weight since last November, and my weight loss would have been much slower in progression without this DVD. The fact that it is only 20 minutes leaves no excuse. What is 20 minutes (actually it's 27 mins cos Jillian explains everything but all in all you're working out for a mere 20 minutes). I like the fact that there is interval training involved - this helps you burn fat faster. My body does look kinda toned - my waist line has shrunk. There seems to be more definition in my body. Don't worry - you won't end up in bulky arms... just avoid doing level 3 a lot and you'll be fine :)

Would you recommend it? - DEFINITELY. It is amazing. If you don't believe me, go on Amazon and look at all of the wonderful reviews. The dvd only costs £5.99! That's nothing considering it will have a huge impact on your health.

Moving on:

As much as I love this dvd.. I feel that my body has become used to it - my weight is plateuing. I want to venture out in the DVD workout world. I do love Jillian's Style therefore I recently purchased 'Banish Fat Boost Metabolism' by her. I have not received this yet, but I will do a first impressions review as soon as I use it. I would also love 'No more trouble zones' by Jillian, but Amazon keep changing the prices! It used to be £11.99 and now it is suddenly £15.99 - I know I'll probably get it anyway but 16 is a lot for a work out dvd!

 Hope you found this review somewhat useful!

Love from Roshas xxx

P.S check out my Mac giveaway! I want all of my followers to enter! xxxx

#Lil Miss Healthy: My exercise story#

This is a follow up post from my previous post on weight loss. I suggest you read that first to get an idea on my weight loss.

In my opinion, exercise should be a compulsory addition to your lifestyle.

Here are some advantages:

• Great for weight loss.
• Good for your skin.
• Will improve your memory.
• It improves your mood.
  

These are just some of the reasons why exercise is good for you.

You're probably wondering.. then why doesn't everyone do it? This is because people have a bad relationship with exercise.. they imagine themselves huffing and puffing in the gym..

Paul Mckenna says that exercise is simply moving.. moving a little faster so that your heart rate increases. You could do this by walking more. Remember - it's the little things that all add up to contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

I took this little piece of advice and decided to walk to the station when going to work.. and walk between stations if I had the time. Furthermore, I walk up escalators and stairs instead of taking lifts. All of this has contributed to my weight loss. You could even buy a pedometer to count the number of steps you walk. Paul Mckenna says that the difference in the number of steps walked by overweight and slim people is only 2000 steps. If you aim to walk more than 5000 steps.. you will see a difference in your weight.

Same pose. Different body.

Have you noticed something about naturally slim people - they seem to move around more, and fidget more. That's what I've been aiming to do. If I have nothing to do at work.. I just walk around. Every little helps lol.

Having said that, I wanted to tone up. You don't have to exercise to lose weight... but exercising will make you lose weight quicker.

I embarked on the 30 day shred plan (which I couldn't do everyday for a month because I find it difficult as it is) and I feel that this has changed my body. The 30 day shred is a DVD workout by Jillian Michael's, which aims to make your shred your weight! Here is my post on it. Not only have I become more toned, but I've become stronger. I use this about 3-4 times a week. As I'm working full time and I get home at 6.30 it has proven very difficult. The workout is only about 27 minutes though - which provides some sort of consolation. The good thing about this workout is that it works out your WHOLE body. It involves intensity training. It is a tough workout - but definitely worth it.

Doesn't Jillian have such a gorgeous body?


I've noticed something about exercise. If I do it once, my body yearns to do it the next day. Furthermore, it makes me very happy and smiley, and people always ask me 'why are you always so happy?' This makes me even MORE happy haha! I tend to work out before a night out - it makes me so hyper that I don't even need to drink alcohol! Additionally, I used to suffer from period pain - it was so bad that I used to cry. Since I've started working out, the pain has lessened and I've cut down from taking 6 pain killers to just one! Additionally, I used to be ill ALL the time before I started working out. I'd have the odd sniffle here and there. Now, I'm hardly ever ill .. last time I had a cold was December 2009.. just shows that my immune system has improved!!

Remember, our muscles are there for a reason - to be used. Our bodies are designed to move - so make most of your body!!

Before the 30 day shred workout, I used to use the treadmill. I have one at home - and tbh I don't like using it that much because it's soo boring .. but it did wonders for my legs. I started of doing 10 minutes.. then 20 a week later and now I can do 30 minutes of jogging and walking and sometimes running. I'm going to start using this again just to change my workout routine - it's good to change it every so often so your body doesn't get used to any workouts.

Another machine that I absolutely LOVE is the power plate machine. This machine works by vibrating continuously. All you have to do is stand on it, or bend down and you will feel your muscles working out. When I get off the machine, my whole body feels all tingly and lightweight! I do this everyday for about 10 minutes, and trust me it tones your body up so quickly!

I know I have totally contradicted myself in this post by saying that you just need to move more, but that is a good option for anyone embarking on a healthy lifestyle plan. Just start off slowly and then you'll become stronger, fitter and leaner.

Mini-exercise tips:

• Imagine your ideal body when exercise. Imagine you look slim, fit and beautiful - with a massive smile on your face.
• Move around more.
  
• Invest in a pedometer to count the number of steps you walk. Try to increase it every week.
  
• Shut your bedroom door, put on your favourite tunes and just dance. Sweat it out too! (I love doing this haha)

I hope you enjoyed reading this post. and found some of the tips useful.

How do YOU maintain a healthy lifestyle?

> Lil Miss Posey: Baby Shower Pics >

Hello my pretties,

I went to a baby shower on Sunday morning, my cousin is going to have a baby .. yay! I decided to dress up (as always LOL)...I even took a few pics (beware.. bad lighting..really only pictures of me.. and an ugly pimple.. ugh!)♥♥

Here's a full shot of me, I'm wearing an Indian suit (that was the dress code) I overdid it with the bronzer and blush.. oops!



I wanted to take closer photos so you could actually see the makeup I was wearing.. but unfortunately I had a pimple and felt 'shy' lol I attempted to shut my eyes so you could see my eyemakeup.. but frankly it didn't do the eyeshadow any justice :(




A close up of my tiny eyes :)


Face:
Mac Studio Fix Powder Foundation in C40.♥
(I forgot to wear concealer because I was in a rush.. but my foundation concealed my under eye circles)

Cheeks:
Benefit Hoola Bronzer for contour. ♥
Mac Refined Golden Bronzer for blush. ♥
Sleek highlighting combo in Peach Shimmer for highlight.♥

Eyes: ♥
Barry M dazzle dust in Forest Green all over the lid and under the eye to make my brown eyes POP♥
Urban Decay eyeshadow in Zero on the outer corner for definition.♥
Urban Decay eyeliner in Zero in the waterline and upper lid for a smoked out effect. ♥
Sleek Ink Pot in Black to outline the upper lash line.♥
Benefit Highbrow for highlight on my brow bone.
Dior Mascara in Black to make my fake lashes look more real.♥
Eyelure eyelashes no. 101 to make my eyes look bigger and more glam.♥

Lips:
Mac Peachstock Lipstick (Libery of London Collection) - gorgeous nude colour.♥
Mac Lust Lipglass on top to add a mauve-y sheen onto Peachstock♥

Random:

Indian Girl Pose ♥


A professional photo, from my uncles camera!

My sister and I.. I love her!♥♥


Mini update on 30 day shred:

In my earlier post, I stated that i was going to embark on the almighty 30 day Shred!(It's basically a work out DVD in which you have to work out everyday for 20 minutes for 30 days.) I just wanted to say that I've only done it 3 times.. I couldn't do it everyday.. due to sheer laziness and muscle fatigue! The first time I did it, I couldn't feel my legs.. the second time I did it.. I was in pain! The third time i worked out to it.. I felt noticeably fitter! I'm going to attempt to do it everyday from today onwards! I'm still on level one.. and I can barely do a press up.. hopefully I will be able to soon :) I've lost like half a pound LOL wooo

Anyway guys.. hope you enjoyed this post.. I'm a total camera whore!!♥

Please note that I don't dress up like this everyday! I don't really wear much makeup on a day to day basis.. I like to go all out for a special occasion <3

Lil Miss Random: New Look 20% Discount and 30 Day Shred

Hello Lovelies :)

I just wanted to do a quick little post today regarding the New Look Discount.. it's 20% off until 17th May so hurry up and make most of it because the 20% discount only occurs three times a year (as far as I've seen anyway).

It's only for students though, and you can click HERE to obtain your discount woooo!!

I'm so tempted to go back but one time is enough lol :P

Anyway.. on another note.. something that has been on the bloggers atmosphere recently is the '30 Day Shred'.


Image taken courtesy of Amazon.co.uk

It's basically an exercise work out DVD that involves only 20 minutes a day of exercise. How amazing does that sound? It's perfect for those who are constantly busy, yet want to tone up.

Each 20 minute work out contains:

• One 2 minute warm-up
• Three 6 minute circuits featuring:
• 3 minutes strength
• 2 minutes cardio
• One 2 minute cool down.

This will probably be the most productive 20 minutes of my life! It sounds easy but I've heard it's excruciating!!Exercise is amazing for your body, your skin, your mind and basically your overall system and as I'm a 'beauty' addict.. I might as well cleanse my insides first to make the outside look polished hehe. It's a 30 day programme, and you up levels every 10 days. Naturally the levels get harder as you proceed. I personally have never worked out everyday for a month.. I tend to do every other day or every three days (or more recently.. every 2 weeks LOL). This is going to be a major challenge, but I'm looking forward to fitting into a bikini this summer.

I'm going to start this today, I thought I would blog about it to share it with you all and to motivate myself to do it. I'm going to do an update on this once a week to tell you how it's going on! I've got exams for the next three weeks and I always put on weight during them because I snack constantly and sit in the same spot for hours.

The DVD costs £5.99 and you can take a deeper look at it from HERE.

On a more lighter note, this is what I'm planning to wear when I work out to the 30 day shred:


Sorry about the grainy image.. it was taken on a crappy phone camera and you can clearly see the worn out trampoline (it wasn't me.. promise LOL). The top and tracksuit bottoms are from Matalan.

So guys have you tried this out?
Does it work?
How do YOU work out?

Take care beauties,

Love from Roshas xxx