18/04/2014

Weight Loss Update|Part 1

Since my last post where I said I was detoxing before I restarted my Juice Plus+ shakes, I thought I'd give you a little update.

I 'detoxed' for a week in total, however it's not the stereotypical detox. None of this just living off spinach and carrot juice for week! It was more about cutting out the crap and just eating clean foods. 

I'd have weetabix for breakfast, with unsweetened soya milk and a handful of fruit on top, with a green tea and a big glass of water. 
Then come lunch time I'd maybe have a salad or a stir fry with rice noodles, maybe tuna pasta with (brown pasta).
For dinner I'd probably just have something similar to my lunch. Boiled eggs, stuffed peppers, salad. Anything as long as it was healthy and either brown rice or brown pasta, and trying to avoid gluten and wheat. It's quite flexible really! 

So apologies for the picture heavy post, but here's some of the meals I ate that week! Some of them like the pastas and the stir fry I eat now for dinner while I have my Juice Plus+ shakes.

Brown rice, Tuna, Sweetcorn and a little bit of chilli sauce for taste.

2 weetabix, a handful of blueberries with calorie free sweetener, green tea and lemon water.

2 weetabix, a handful of strawberries, cucumber water and a pot of greek yoghurt with blueberries and raspberries.

Post workout snack- 2 eggs scrambled with a low far cheese triangle and a slice of ham ripped up (the ham was a naughty snack)

I've also joined the gym in the last couple of weeks which is a big thing for me! I joined with my best friend so we can motivate each other and so far it's working. We've been going 3/4 times a week. We're aiming for 5 but life gets in the way! 

Unfortunately I forgot to weigh myself before and after my detox week, but I weighed myself before I started my shakes. 
Banana Juice Plus+ shake with a bowl of banana, strawberries and grapes with a pint of water for breakfast.

Strawberry Juice Plus+ shake after the gym with a Nakd cocoa orange bar (a snack that's allowed on Juice Plus+ which is super yummy!)


Bloody loved this stir fry- I used spring onion, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms (we didn't have much veg left in) with rice noodles and again a bit of ham ripped up. This was so delicious it's now my go to because it's so easy!

In the first week of being back on the shakes I've lost 6lbs which I am so happy with! I can also notice the difference in my skin and my nails which is fab. 

If you'd like a post like this next week and a quick post of what I do in the gym then let me know!
If you'd like any more information about Juice Plus+ then just drop me an email at justdoingkatie@hotmail.com and I can send you some stuff over as I'm a distributor. 

Hope you enjoyed this kind of post
Katie xxx

18/03/2014

My Juice Plus Story

I have't blogged for absolutely ages so this all feels a bit weird again! 
But I just wanted to spill out how I'm feeling. So I thought why not? I am in a MUCH better place than I was a few months ago! 

I had been feeling down- nothing extraordinary just what I guessed most teenagers felt like at some point- a bit miserable about things. I had a lot going on family wise and found it really hard to shut off from it. Then in January I came out of a relationship and whilst it wasn't a long term thing I was really happy in that relationship and it was my first real boyfriend so when it ended I felt like my whole world had fell apart. Obviously it hadn't but at the time it made me feel dreadful! So I plodded along, feeling like crap but still trying to pretend everything was ok.

Then I got admitted to hospital, you can see my post about that here, after which I sat my A-levels. Now I am one of them people that doesn't deal with exams well AT ALL. I hated them. I wasn't sleeping, I wasn't eating properly and I was just so stressed. I got myself into a right state. Then I left college officially which meant I had nothing to fill my time. I'd lost my interest in blogging completely so I didn't even want to put my time into that. I spent my days applying for jobs to give me something to do, but it was useless- I couldn't get one anywhere, not even an interview. It was so frustrating and really began to get to me. This also meant I had no money whatsoever, so when all my friends were going on holiday, going shopping and going out I had to turn it down, which eventually meant they stopped inviting me out. I'd also just fell out with my best friend of 7 years so it really wasn't going well for me. 

I had the stress of wondering about my exam results from May-August and had no job, no money and no friends, as well as the problem in my family which I had no-one to talk about. I was in the house all day. I wasn't getting dressed- I didn't see the point because I wasn't going out. I'd shower and put on fresh pjs and lie in bed all day. There was a time when I didn't leave the house for 10 days which for me was ridiculous. It then got into a circle- I didn't want to go out which then meant when I had to go out I was too anxious to do it. I was convinced people were going to be laughing or talking about me and they'd be able to tell how vulnerable I felt. I had nothing to do all day so all I'd do is eat. Biscuits, crisps, chocolate, cereal, icecream. ANYTHING. I've always been a bit over indulgent when it comes to food, but I always thought I could control it. But over these months was when my relationship with food changed completely. 

I ate out of boredom. I ate because I'd had a 'bad' day. I ate because something relatively good had happened. I had an excuse for every takeaway, every McDonalds and every tub of icecream. Food was literally my only comfort. I have never felt so low in my life. I know people experience a lot worse, but for me this was the lowest I'd ever been. I hated myself. I hated my life and I thought it was the end of the world. I was teary. I would cry at the slightest thing, and I mean burst into uncontrolable tears for at least half an hour. I'd snap at everyone over nothing, I'd cry myself to sleep every night without fail. Like literally sob until I fell asleep- but I had no actual reason that I could point to. I was just crying because I was so low. I'd lie in bed from around 10pm trying to sleep and I wouldn't drop off until about 2/3. Then I'd be awake at 4/5 because I had so much going round my head. All this time I'd managed to keep all this from my family and friends. I hadn't told anyone how I felt and looking back this was the worst thing ever. I had all this stress on my shoulders and I thought it was normal- that's how everyone felt right? Everyone else managed ok without moaning about it? 

One day I just bawled my eyes out to my mum hysterically for about an hour. Over nothing. It was then she realised just how bad I'd been feeling and why everyone had to walk on eggshells around me. So the next day I plucked up the courage to talk to a doctor. She tried to get to the bottom of why I was feeling the way I was but it was no use. There was no one thing. I hated being at home because that's where all my problems were (I'm not from a bad home it's just where all my problems came out because it's the only time I could essentially be myself) but I couldn't go outside the house. I felt so trapped with all these problems. 





This picture was at my 18th birthday party when I should have been happiest- this was in May before everything really got on top of me. I was surrounded by my friends and family, in a nice dress with a party that had cost a lot of money to make me happy. I thought I'd love it. But I have never felt so fat, so ugly and so self-concious in all my life. I have around 5 photos with me in from that night because I felt disgusted at the way I looked. All I can see on these pictures is how fat I was and how slim and gorgeous all my friends looked in comparison. I am aware that I don't look big to everyone else- this is why no-one ever realised how I felt. Because I didn't look overly big. I knew what to wear so I didn't look as fat. But whilst everyone else saw someone just a bit chubby I saw someone who was repulsively fat. I hated it. I had a fat tummy, massive thighs, huge hips, a double chin and flappy arms. I wouldn't buy new things because I hated going into shops and picking up things that should have been my size but in reality were about 6 sizes smaller than the label said. Changing rooms with mirrors were a no go. I'd come out in tears. Jeans that wouldn't go past my knees, tops that nearly split at the seams over my gut. I hated it. I'd run in, pick up what I liked in a couple of sizes and take them home, try them on and take back which ones didn't fit-mainly all of them because I refused to buy bigger sizes- I didn't want the shame of buying a 'fat' size in front of slim shop assistants in case they laughed. 

I dealt with my depression and once I got my a-level results and a place at university, things started to come together. I got a part time job which I absolutely love and I started to feel happier. But my eating habits carried on. I refused to deal with them because I thought everything was ok because I was happier. I just got bigger. In that picture I was at my biggest. I was 12 stone 5 and a size 14, 16 on the bottom. Bear in mind I am only 5ft1. People used to tell me I didn't look that big but that's because I knew what to wear, things that went in at the waist, leggings, long baggy tops to hide it. One day something changed and I decided I wanted to lose weight and change my food habits. So in September I signed up to Juice Plus. Juice Plus is a meal replacement shake that allows you to eat alongside it, gradually introducing more food so you don't pile all your weight back on when you start eating again. Its focus is on clean eating. 

I'm not going to lie and say it's easy. I'm not going to say I've lost loads of weight on it. Because I haven't. Since September I've lost around 1 and a half stone. I say around because I don't weight myself regularly. I don't tend to lose the weight but more the inches. You don't buy a 10st5 pair of jeans do you? I have gone from a 16 bottom to a 14, 12 on a good day and a size 10/12 top. I still have a long way to go and I struggle a lot. I just can't help myself. It's a control thing. I know I choose what I can eat and nobody can stop me so I eat. There's been times when I've eaten as well as had a shake so double the calories! Not because I've been hungry, but because I feel like I need to eat this shit to feel better. If I've had a shit day I'll find a pack of biscuits. If I've done well in my coursework I'll order a big greasy pizza. I am addicted to food. But Juice Plus is slowly changing me. My attitudes to food are changing. I know if I eat a kebab I feel sluggish and shit, whereas if I have a Juice Plus smoothie I'll feel ready for what's gonna be thrown at me. 

I guess I've written this post to kick myself up the backside. I sell Juice Plus to people, and it does work for me- I'm much healthier and slimmer but I'm not as good as I could be on it. I see my clients get amazing results and I want that. And I know if I set my mind to it, I can do it. So today I am restarting the Juice Plus programme and beginning my detox again for 10 days before I start my shakes. Here's to a slimmer me for the summer. I refuse to look at girls from behind my window envying the confidence they have to wear shorts and get their arms out. I want to feel like that myself! So this is my challenge. Wish me luck.



Only ever look back to see how far you've come

This is the difference between May and February. It doesn't look much but I can notice the difference, in myself physically and mentally. I am so much happier and healthier. When my relationship ended I was told "You're just not the person anyone could love" Well I'm learning to love myself and I won't stop until I'm head over heels. 


Katie xx

20/07/2013

The one hiding in the corner...

 
I'm going to Blog On!
This will be my very first blogging even and I am super nervous! I have no idea what to expect and apart from the odd conversation on Twitter I don't really know anybody that's going. So here's my introduction!
 
I'm Katie, I'm 18 and still living at home with mum and dad. Exciting right?
I'm a beauty blogger with the occasional fashion and lifestyle posts and I'm new to this, in fact only 7 months in!
 
I'm verrrrrry excited to see what real life bloggers look like and I promise I'll try to put my nerves to the side and speak to people! Please come and say hi, I don't bite...
 
 
 
See you all tomorrow!
Feel free to drop me a tweet and say hi! @ibemoorby
Katie xxx

15/07/2013

Life Update

Apologies for being such a bad blogger. But fear not, I am back!

I haven't written a post in forever, mainly because my A-levels took over. I had 3 exams on one day and 2 on another, so I really felt the pressure. I had so much revision to cram in and then after the exams I was just catching up on sleep and being free of doing anything! And just a couple of weeks before my exams I changed my course choice for university, so then I had to rewrite a personal statement and submit it in 2 days. Life has been pretty damn hectic!

Then came the job hunt, another reason for how bloody exhausted I got. I've never worked before, so trying to find a part time job with no experience is proving ridiculously hard, tonnes of failed applications and failed job interviews have taken it out of me. But fingers crossed things seem to be on the up.. Touch wood!

I've also not been feeling myself recently, probably because I've been so tired and the rubbish weather wasn't helping! I'd had a lot of drama in the real life world with friends, or so called friends, and I'd just been feeling very crappy. Blogging was at the back of my mind..

So last week we took a family holiday. It was absolutely fab! Just what the doctor ordered. We had a week away in Skegness (East England) in a nice little caravan. The weather was smashing and it was nice to shut off from everything going on back at home and just spend time with my loved ones relaxing. We met up with some of my mum's friends and made lots of new friends. I had such a lovely week and it definitely perked me up!

I feel much happier now and I feel like I'm ready to devote more time back into my blog. I have a few ideas for upcoming posts, but you'll have to bear with me as I get back into the swing of things!
 
I've also got my first blogging event on Sunday which I'm soo excited for. I'm nervous but excited. I have no idea what to expect but I've been told that everyone who's going is lovely, so I'll be sure to let you know how I get on!
 
I hope you're all doing well and enjoying this heatwave that's going on in England!
Love Katie xxx

27/06/2013

Review: L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara




I have this mascara in the waterproof version because my eyelashes can't usually hold a curl. I can't tell you if this has the same effect as the normal version. 
I've been using this mascara since December now and it's fair to say I love it. I'm not generally too fussy with mascara, whether I want volumising or lengthening, it doesn't bother me. Just something that makes my eyelashes look big. And this mascara ticks the box!
It's not something I wear everyday, just if I want a dramatic eye look. For everyday wear, I just want a mascara that blackens my lashes because I like to keep it looking natural. Given the false in the name of this mascara, it isn't the best for a natural look! 
The wand is plastic I think and it's quite narrow. I like this because it means I can get right at the root of my lashes, and I like to start and the root then wriggle the wand up towards the ends. I don't use this on the bottom lashes. 



I always get compliments when I wear this mascara and I've been asked a few times what false eyelashes I have on, so it must be good. I'm not clued up on mascara, but from what I can see it makes my lashes look longer, thicker and just a lot bigger! I cannot rave about this enough. It retails at £10.99 in Boots and in my opinion it is definitely worth the money if this is the sort of look you're after.
 

 
 
What mascara do you use for big lashes? Have you tried this one?
Katie xxx





21/06/2013

Review: Veet Easy Wax Roll-on Kit

 
 


If you saw my review of the E45 Nourish&Restore lotion* (here) then you'll know I work with BzzAgent. Recently they sent me the Easy Wax Roll-on Kit* from Veet to try out. Now I love Veet. Their hair removal creams are the bane of my life, so easy and painless- I always have a tube of the stuff knocking around. But I've never tried waxing, it just hadn't interested me before because shaving/hair removal creams are just so easy to and quick. But the thought of having longer lasting results that waxing gives really won me over, so I gave it a try. Also note I have quite a high pain threshold so the pain wasn't putting me off that much!

 
The kit came in a box like this with a larger cartridge of wax for arms and legs, and a smaller one for underarms and the bikini area. I wasn't brave enough to use the smaller one mind you.
I was excited when this arrived and uploaded a picture on Instragram only to be told by a few girls that it was rubbish. But I love Veet so I wanted to love this! It comes with the device shall we say, a holster for the device to stand in, the waxing cartridges, wax strips and finishing wipes.
 
Using it was simple, pop the wax cartridge into the top of the device and plug it in. It suggested you let the wax heat up for 20 minutes or so until it glides out smoothly on your arms/legs. I ended up having to leave it for 35, which wasn't a problem. It stands in the holster which is handy and there's a little red light to indicate when it's on. Simple right?
 
Then you have to put it on. The instructions say leg hair shouldn't be too short, so I made sure I didn't shave my legs for a while prior to using this. The wax comes out smoothly and warm, but it felt very uncomfortable pulling the wax all along my leg hairs (gross right)! So I did a strip of wax and immediately lay a wax strip on top of it. I smoothed it on so it stuck good then ripped it off nice and quickly. It got the odd few hairs of but the majority were still left, along with a shed load of sticky wax on my leg! I tried again, only for it to still have the same result. I then used the back of the waxing strips and a finishing wipe to try and wipe off the excess wax. Fail. It didn't work. Then I showered and scrubbed at it. Fail again. The wax ended up staying on my leg for 2-3 days, and all this time it was sticky and uncomfortable.
 
 
But I tried again. This time I tried my arm because I generally like to shave my arms. The same thing happened again. No matter how hot the wax was and how smoothly it came out, it still tugged on my hairs very uncomfortably and the hairs never even came off the skin!
 
I had such high hopes for this kit being such a worshipper of Veet products but I felt really let down. I think for now I'll just stick to hair removal cream and a cheapo razor!

Available in Boots for £14.99 here
 
Have you tried this product? Let me know if you had good results and if I've been using it wrong!

* Product sent for review via BzzAgent

 


29/05/2013

Review:Supaskin Micro-Dermabrasion Cream








If you've seen my recent review on the Supaskin products I was sent (post here) then you'll know I was impressed with the Mico-Dermabrasion Cream*. That much so that I felt it was worthy of its very own post! 

I have combination skin and I suffer from mild acne, predominantly in my tzone but often it works its way onto my cheeks. Because of this I have a lot of scarring from acne, and I'm left with a lot of rough skin when spots have eventually 'gone'. I've tried tonnes of exfoliators and they're alright but they don't do what I want them to do. 

I started using this product all over my face once or twice a week. Big mistake. My skin isn't overly sensitive but there were certain areas that got a bit sore when I used this. So I started to use it just on problem areas and I liked it a whole lot more! When you've had a spot and you've gone through the whole performance of getting it to reduce in size, and in redness, then it eventually goes. But then you get left with a pesky bit of dry skin that just looks cakey under makeup and nothing budges it right? Lovelyyyy. But this stuff just banished all that. From the first time I used it it seemed to just take off that top layer of skin without aggravating the spot- it didn't leave it red or sore. Score!

I also used it on and around my nose where my pores get large and congested (this is a lovely post right) and it made my skin sooo much softer. I have tiny little pimples and bumps around my nose, especially in the cracks at the side, and this smoothed them out completely. 

As you can see from the picture it's extremely gritty and quite harsh on the skin. I don't find it irritates me if I use it once a week, but I wouldn't recommend it for people with sensitive skin, or for regular use. 

In all, I cannot rave about this enough! It really is fantastic and when it runs out I will definitely be repurchasing. It's on the pricey side for me, but I think it's completely worth it and the tub will last a long time. 

You can buy it here for £39.75 for 30ml.

*Product sent for review,