Getting our skinny on...sort of.

So school friends K and J and I are relishing the last year of our 20's (this is code for, "I must be hot by the time I turn 30") so we have jumped on the Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation (12wbt) bandwagon. I must admit that I was fairly skeptical, thinking "there is no way in hell I can do this for 12 weeks". We all love our cheeses, cured meat and WINE and somehow I didn't think these would fit into Mish's plan.

The philosophy behind the program is fairly simple. You pay $199 for access to the 12wbt website, you put in your measurements, set some goals and Mish spits out a nutrition and exercise plan. You get 1200 calories per day (300 per meal and 300 for snacks/drinks) and an intense six day workout plan. 

So the day before we kicked off I got the horrid flu that is going around (the one even takes out women) so I didn't feel like eating. Win! Week one consisted of me drinking sugar-free lemonade and sleeping, so I managed to lose a few kg's. Double win! Even though I wouldn't say it was strictly successful, the end result was good. 

Week two proved to be more difficult. You see, I am a little piggy at heart. I love chocolate, cake and biscuits. I eat even when I'm not hungry - I eat out of boredom, I eat out of habit, I eat as a sport. The 12wbt has taught me to be more aware of what I am putting into my body. It makes you question yourself - do you really need a giant cookie and a Mars Bar at 3pm to survive? Old me would have said, "hell yes!", but having paid nearly $200 for this, new me says, "try a yoghurt". 

We are now in week four. To be honest I have not stuck to the exercise plan (I am hoping the fact that weight loss is 80% diet will work in my favour), but the real winner has been the recipes. They are (mostly) delicious, but to stick within the calorie intake the portion sizes are small. Here are some samples of what I have made so far.

Lamb chops with mint peas

Beef and vegetable pies

Ok - just kidding! I wish!

In terms of exercise, I like to do my own thing. Doing a million burpees in the park is not my idea of fun, so I have been mixing it up with running, group circuit classes, Body Balance and Zumba. K left us both for dead and was in the gym bright and early on day one and has stuck to her program. By the end of week two J had read her exercises, but was yet to put on her runners. Love it!

To be honest, I think the program is fabulous. I guess I could try harder, and maybe I would see results quicker, but I also want to have a life. I like to go out for dinner, I like to drink wine. So I figure if I can stick to this 90% of the time, then it might be a lifestyle change, and less of a fad diet.

I'll keep you updated on how we are going. Who knows, maybe I'll post my 12 week bikini photo on here!

H x

T Dog Tuesday

Hi everyone.

My Mum has given me sole rights to her blog on Tuesdays. Each week I am going to give you a sneak peek into the life of me, T Dog, so you can stay fully updated on what I have been up to.

First, to make sure we really know each other I should start at the beginning. I am originally from sunny Queensland, but at 10 weeks of age I was ready to leave the nest and find my new family. This is me at cousin E's house on my first day in Perth. 

You have to admit, I'm pretty good looking.

I also look really cute when I am asleep. See?

In August I had my first birthday, so I am much more grown up now...and still ridiculously handsome. You will get to see many more pictures of me - my Mum is obsessed with taking photos of me. I have to sometimes tell her, "No photos, no photos". It's out of control.

Finally, I have to tell you that swimming is my number one favourite thing to do in the whole world! I am really good at it too. I will leave you with these final few snaps of me doing my thing.

See you next Tuesday!

T x

I heart Radelaide

I know right?!?

 

Well let me just give you some context before you start thinking that this girl needs to get out more! Last Sunday A called me and suggested we fly to Adelaide to watch our favourite football team play in their semi final. Not being one to EVER want to miss out on ANYTHING, I jumped at the opportunity.

 

Flights purchased with Frequent Flyers, accommodation sorted with family friends, tickets secured and dog sitting organised and we were ready to go. As A works away he has racked up some serious miles so we were able to access the Qantas Club. Being the dork that I am, I think I was more excited about the prospect of consuming endless wine and food for free whilst waiting for our flights! Here is a sample of what I got up to on the journey.

 

I must admit I was taken with the beauty of the historical houses in the suburb of Parkside in which our friends live. To me, old houses have such character and have so many stories to tell. I was drooling just thinking about how I would like to change our house to look like one of these.

 

Aren't they amazing! The majority of the housing in the area dates back to the late 1800's, and it is gorgeous. A and I love the classic stone work, bullnose verandas and simple grand elegance that these houses command.

 

Being in Adelaide for a few days, we managed to pop down to McLaren Vale, just south of the city. We took the scenic route, picked up a few souvenirs and tasty delights along the way, ending with lunch at Leconfield Winery. It was delish!

 

After dinner at the local incon, The Earl of Leicester, we trekked out to AAMI stadium with the hope of our team smashing the opposition. Unfortunately we were not the best team on the night and were defeated. Here we are pre-match, hoping that 'Grinners would be Winners!'



But all was not lost. We spent our last day wandering through the CBD. We hit the Adelaide Central Market (absolutely a not-to-miss highlight) and then Rundle Street East, the more on trend, quirkier older sister of Rundle Mall.

All in all, it was a great couple of days in the City of Churches (even though we didn't see any). And you guessed it, I was excited to hit the Qantas Club one last time on the way home!

H x



Welcome to the world of a tall girl

Hello.

Writing a blog is always something that has intrigued me. I do not work in an uber cool job in which I am surrounded by amazing creative types for inspiration. I am not an amazing writer and hope that like fine wine, my skills will improve with age. This blog is just about me and things that happen in my everyday life.

I live in an inner suburb of Perth with my boyfriend A and my adorable dog T. We share a cute 1960's red brick house with a white picket fence, in which we have lived for just over a year and have plans to renovate to make our house more liveable.

I enjoy the outdoors and 'attempt' to lead a relatively healthy lifestyle, but am always keen for a catch up with my fantastic girlfriends over a glass (or five) of wine. I enjoy riding my bicycle, running and belting out power anthems in my car (with the windows up of course). I enjoy good food, great coffee and like to try my hand at decorating and gardening.

And I do not wear heels.

H x