Walking myself happy

Earlier this week I shared my lifestyle changes with my slimming world adventures. Thank you to all that commented on instagram and on here and also text with such lovely messages of encouragement, it really does make a difference. Having shared my eating changes, over the last couple of months I have stepped up the healthier lifestyle with a little easy exercise!.

Exercise doesn’t come naturally to me and I could easily have been a sloth in previous life, however I knew that I needed to do something. With a twin that runs daily and can run a marathon sub 4hrs, genetically I knew that something was possible, although I am unable to run a bath so pulling on my trainers for a jog around the park wasn’t on my agenda! However I have pulled on my trainers and have completely fallen in love with the big long walk.

I started with walking to the station from home 3 mornings a week (weather permitting! I am a fair weather walker when commuting) It’s a 2k (1.4miles )walk which on a nice day through the park is a pleasant way to start the morning and less stress than trying to find a parking space at the station and ticking off a 3 mile walk (to & from station to home.

This built up gradually until I decided to take on a bigger challenge Bond Street (Selfridges) to Liverpool Street. I have now mapped 7 routes which range from 7k to 10k (4.6 – 6.3miles) which I am walking at least twice a week and can honestly say I love it. The feeling at the end is fantastic, I'm less stressed and have a real sense of achievement.

To begin with I stuck close to the route of the central line in case I needed to jump on the tube, but now verge off to explore hidden streets and green spaces. Along the route I capture images of my walk alongside me 'map my walk' route. It’s a lovely reminder, fun and keeps me focused. So far I've explored the city on a Sunday, ambled the banks of the river – embankment & south bank, royal parks and knooks and lanes of Bloomsbury & Holborn.
I am loving my walks and have now started to look at setting myself some bigger goals, I've even downloaded the couch to 5K running app, so maybe running a bath may just be in my sights! ......
thanks again for the lovely comments, pop back next month and I will update you on my progress.

TCakes SW adventure ...

12 months ago I started on a journey to a better me, my plan was to include lifestyle, health and general well-being. I was at a point where I was genuinely unhappy about lots of my life, but feeling constantly tired, listless and low was something I wanted to change.

My first goal on my plan was diet, I didn’t tell anyone that I was doing it as there is nothing worse than telling people that you are on a diet and then them pointing out all the calories, fats, and things that you eat that are wrong. I managed to loose 14lb (1 stone) on my own before I realised that I probably couldn’t do this solo and would need some motivation and support to assist. I had tried many 'diets' before and failed after the first couple of months due to the restrictiveness of them. I had until then followed a couple of people on instagram that had been following slimming world and had lost lots of weight, they instagrammed their daily meals and I was amazed by the volume & variety of food that they could eat.  SW looked like a food lifestyle plan that I could follow and not feel like I was on a 'diet'.

I joined SW last August and have over the last 11 months slowly lost lb.'s and inches, and this week I crossed the 3 stone goal, which means that in 12 months I have now lost 4 stone. I am thrilled with my progress. I have had slow weeks and a couple of low weeks, small gains but overall a steady loss which has culminated in 3 stone gone.

Things that I have loved about SW over the last year:

•          I have fallen back in love with cooking – ready meals are a thing of the past.
•          My weekly shop is more planned and I no longer run into M&S on the way home because the fridge is empty
•          Its flexible, I have still gone for my weekly Indian with the golden girls on a Saturday.
•          Virtually and Socially I have met some lovely people who are also on this lifestyle change.
•          I have a sense of pride and worth that I lost.
•          The shy social butterfly is becoming more confident.
•          Become more active!
•          I've eaten more food daily that what I ate before!

So what does SW look like for me! –

Breakfast
·         Breakfast is usually at my desk – weekdays are usually Weetabix / oats, fruit & yoghurt. Weekends are cooked breakfast / poached eggs. – as you can see I have lots of fun with my breakfast styling!

Lunch

      Lunch is as creative and colourful, often using leftovers from the previous night dinner or opting for salad / jacket potato.

Dinner

·         Dinner is predominately chicken, fish, or a recipe from the slimming world books, favourites include; curry, lasagne, chilli, and pulled pork. I try to cook a roast on a Sunday, using fry light instead of oil (still makes great roasties)

Eating out

I try to save my syns for treats and eating out as you have less control over the hidden dangers of fats / sugars but as you can see I still have a varied menu and genuinely enjoying this food lifestyle change. Whether I am out eating breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.

Each month I set myself mini goals which keeps me focused, which make the monumental lb.'s that I want to lose more achievable. Along with loosing lb.'s I have lost inches and have dropped 3 trouser / top sizes, and I'm the smallest clothes size & weight that I have been in 12 years. I feel better, people have noticed the weight loss, although it is something I am only beginning to see for myself in recent weeks.  think it's going to take a long time before I look in the mirror and not see the fat girl but I am loving the wider variety of clothes shopping. I now feel better, more active and have more energy. The only thing that hasn’t got any better is my terrible insomnia, I'm hoping this improves with a job change in the coming weeks. -

So what's next – ideally I would like to lose another 2 stone and drop another dress / trouser size but would be happy with a stone and a half. My next goals will include a wider fitness programme. Pop back later this week when I share my Walking myself happy roadmap. If you would like to follow my SW adventure on instagram you can fine me here.

T's travels - London's mews

Recently having spent a Saturday morning at my desk, I escaped into the back streets of the west end of London to explore some of the hidden delights of the city. I had seen and liked a number of Instagram images of mews's and hidden squares and gardens and was keen to explore these.

I mapped a small route which took me from Manchester Square (behind Selfridges) up towards Lancaster Gate, zig-zagging through lanes and gardens running alongside Hyde Park.

My first stop was in Connaught Square where I fell in love with the most gorgeous house covered in climbing roses and wisteria. It was hard to get a picture front facing as the road is quite busy, but I will definitely pop back later in the summer to see what else this gorgeous house blooms.

Meandering along I discovered some fabulous little lanes and private mews, however my favourite was a mews that allowed you to walk and explore its glorious cobble path.

I can't describe to you how delightful this mews was filled with most gorgeous window boxes, planters and flowers, along with gorgeous painted doors and garages. Whilst enjoying this little hidden slice of London I was surprised to hear horses hooves, until I saw a small riding group using the mews as a cut through to their stables nearby.

One of my favourite instagram feeds @georgianlondon recently shared the origin of Mews's - they were originally built as stable blocks for grand squares and street. When cars replaced horses they became homes for chauffeurs and cars instead of grooms and horses.            A short walk from this mews is another which still houses stables and horses and is the riding school which uses Hyde park as its playground.

I had a lovely couple of hours exploring these little side streets and have already started planning my next London exploration. I am inspired daily by a number of Instagrammers who share their adventures across the city; here are a few of my favourites.

Skye @georgianlondon,  @meanderingmacaron,  michelle @crazycatladyldn,  magdalena @magspangeni,  @mewsingsldn and @prettycitylondon   Thankyou all for sharing such lovely images.

I hope that you have enjoyed my hidden slice of London - pop back later in the month when I share some more London delights.

Hello July....

So July is here and that means a new makeover for the blog and we have entered the 7th month of the year. July is a month that is usually filled with a very busy work schedule, and a birthday celebration! Along with this it will also be my last month at the big yellow store as I say goodbye to Mr Selfridge at the end of the month. My month therefore is filled with lots of goodbyes and lots of planning and looking forward to a new adventure!
I have a few things planned for the month:

 
• Breakfast at The Wolsley with my boss and work colleague.
• A trip to Claridges is on the cards.
• Drinks with lots of work friends.
• Birthday celebrations and a trip to Paris to plan!

Aside from this I would really like to enjoy some down time, reading, walking and getting back on plan with slimming world. I've hit a bit of a road block since i passed the 3.5 stone but really pleased with my progress so far.

So here's to a gorgeous July, hopefully with a little more sunshine, lots of laughter, love and I'm sure a few tears!

Insta Love - June

My love affair continues with Instagram and today I am sharing some of my favourites from June.
June's instagram feed was full of  glimpses of summer, royal celebrations, and politics. As with May I wasn't able to just pick 9 so here are a few from my 3 instagram accounts;

• This purple haze with Big Ben in the background is one of the beautiful images posted on London Masters this month.
• Gorgeous sunrise image from Angelo of the One World Trade building from New Jersey is delightful
• Love this image from Mr Whisper of sunset behind the London eye from the shell building. My friend used to work at this building and I have great memories of this view.
• With the Queen celebrating her 90th birthday I love this image of David Beckham and her Majesty this month. He posted a lovely quote in remembrance of his Nan & Grandad. (sigh)
• I currently planning a mini trip to Paris at the beginning of August so this image from Elena of the Musee Gustave Moreau has been added to my 'must visit' list.
• My friend Joe launched his fabulous style business this month and his friend David shared this image from the launch breakfast!!!!.
• There have been so many images of sunsets this month, but this Gorgeous sunset across south London from my friend Anne is one of my favourites.
• Two of my favourite things on my daily commute captured by Pretty City London - Howarths music shop and a glorious classic car.
• June saw me visit The Connaught Hotel for breakfast and I saw these beautiful hydrangeas in all their glory - stunning.

My blog theme for June was Pinks and Apricots and here are a few images that I loved on my feed during the month capturing these colours perfectly.

• Love this image of The Queen waving from a balcony from her trip to Liverpool this month, taken by The Royal family account.
• My insta love regularly features Sally and her 'gettingstuffdoneinheels' account - this image of roses in her garden is simply stunning.
• More roses this time from regents park's golden hour captured by OnePurlRow- beautiful.
• Daytime roses in beautiful pink & apricot hues captured on one of the few sunny days in June by Kathryn from wanderforawhile.
• GeorgianLondon has captured this beautiful door in Fournier Street in the heart of East London perfectly.
• Yes more roses - this time from KerryHillFarm - love this instagram full of dogs, farm life and vintage tea.
• Pony's instagram feed is fully of crochet treats, but this capture of her cat skittles, sleeping on a ball of wall is so much fun.
• Door love in my favourite June hues from Leah is perfect. a beautiful colourful instagram feed from across the city.
• Lovely summer juices from Mill Juice captured by Amanda Mclernon.

From my Tcaketess account; here's what I have loved in June;

• Fun with Letters and light boxes with Heidi Swapp - one of my favourite crafting ladies. There isn't much that I don't have on a wish list from this ladies company.
  
• Crochet envy from Mandy's insta feed, she has inspired me to want to pick up a hook and wool again.
• Planner love from Nadia's paper heart gold account.- a feed full of paper love.
• I have recently discovered a beautiful illustrator who's images inspire me daily - this is one of my favourites from this month from Heather Rosehill.
• Bookshelf envy from The Planner Spot - i would like it all!!
• Another planner envy post from Anne of anneheartslife full of planner & peony gorgeousness this month.
• Crafting isn't complete without a little cake or doughnut's - Pink the Towns glittery doughnuts are delicious. 
• Macaron gorgeousness from Natasha at Neviepie cakes are full of fun for a monday - love her feed and uniqueness of cake illustrations.
• Finally this fun flat lay styling from Louise - full of fun, glitter, buttons and stars to celebrate everything gorgeous.

My instagram community continues to grow and I am meeting lots of new 'insta-friends' through it both in the virtual world and in person.

Thankyou all for sharing such lovely images during June, they have been beautiful, fun full of flowers, royalty & delicious men! With 3 instagram accounts now -@tcake31 for London life and things that I love,@tcaketess for planner, crafting & stationery happiness and my healthy eating journey on @tcakes_sw_adventure pop over and say hi... look forward to seeing what July brings on insta love.

I hope you have had fun with my social media Sunday loves ... here's some from previous months... 

Farewell June .....

Oh wow, how is it the end of June? Halfway through 2016, I'm not sure where this year is going.

June was a month filled with catching up with old friends along with a big road trip, and then some simple things like London walks, cinema, reading and a little shopping!

June also saw the cats take their first trip to the cattery, they survived the adventure, and didn't seem too worse for it on their return home. They have been incredibly loving and haven’t left my side when I am home since they returned!.

I had high hopes of work easing up a little in June as we take a break from stocktaking for sale, however a huge technical issue meant that there were lots of late nights, conference calls and a little stress on the lead into sale! Sale was fun and I stockpiled some presents for christmas along with a few treats for myself; including 4 pairs of shoes and a mulberry bag!!! (this was my last sale so I made the most of it!) 
June saw me take a trip to a very cute cinema in Baker street to see the beautiful 'Me before You'. Here is what I thought of it! I loved the little cinema and will definitely visit again. I started the month with great slimming world ambitions and due to some seasonal like weather I managed to increase my walking activity to and from work. 
Unfortunately this was hampered slightly when the weather took a wintery turn and suddenly 8k walks were much more favourable via the tube!

I did however manage to snap some lovely images of day to day life in and around London, and have a couple of blog posts to share from some gorgeous mews meanderings. Roses bloomed everywhere and I loved capturing them throughout the month. (I wish I could capture the essence as easily as they smell beautiful and completely transport me back to my granddads back garden)

I spent a lovely morning at The Connaught Hotel having breakfast which was lovely. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Mayfair this hotel was a pleasure to visit, the old school glamorous bathrooms were just gorgeous and I wanted to teleport them home. (detailed post here). Another breakfast was had at the Rosewood in Holborn to celebrate the launch of my friend Joe's new adventure. Joe has launched his own style website and with his best friend on hand to lend some morale support and incredibly delicious eye candy for breakfast I was a little flustered!!!... yes the gorgeous David G over breakfast was a little distracting for me!.

We celebrated Fathers Day in June, which gave me an opportunity to spend some time with my mum at the cemetery and over brunch at the local café. We were really lucky with the weather and managed to dodge the rain showers and it was nice to catchup over a coffee.

The last weekend of June I spent in Scotland. I escaped the floods of Essex and London and headed up north through the beautiful lake district into Scotland and across Ayrshire to the west coast. Taylor and I survived the road trip and I spent 3 lovely days with very special friends, celebrating the wedding of a very special lady, who made the most beautiful bride.

As you can see I have had what I thought was going to be a relatively quiet month turn into quite a busy one!.... July is looking fairly quiet at the moment, it will of course be my last month at the big yellow store, which has arrived frighteningly quick. I hope to catch-up with a very long list of blog posts, plan a whole new adventure for august and finish with lots of fun and celebrate being another year older!... here's to July, thanks June for the fun, friendship and abundance of flowers