Mother's Day present from my babygirl. A defaced picture frame of us at her Christening.
Said 'Babygirl' loving the new One Direction fragrance
Revisited this album from Everything but the Girl - sublime.
Hit pan on my favourite blusher. NARS Sin - simply the best blusher ever made.
I do love a bit of Ole.
THE most beautiful gift box from Tory Burch - if you're struggling to give a good gift - this is effortless. It's now holding the necklaces from my last Instagram catch-up.
Clinique's new Lash Power mascara - water-resistance without the allergic reactions to waterPROOF.
OSKIA Restoration Oil - in testing now.
Peacocks delaying me on my way to work!
Trying to keep 4 kids full is never-ending. There was a time when our fridge was always empty. I never, ever take it for-granted.
I can't help feeling like my Nana (in the picture behind) is laughing at the craziness of my family - and joining in - wherever she is.
2012 was an amazing year for me. For the first time in my life I made a list of things I was determined to achieve by the end of the year. It had 5 major things on it. I completed 4 of them before the Autumn and number 5 is in progress as we speak.
I finally get the old saying 'Fail to plan, plan to fail.'
So I'm doing it again this year. I'm not making resolutions, I'm making plans.
I'm not exactly superstitious - but I am (surprisingly I know) intensely private. When I passed my driving test last May only my Husband and Mum knew what I was up to. I didn't even tell my kids. Nearly everyone I know said 'Bloody hell you kept THAT quiet.' I do. I keep the big things under my belt. This year's list has another 5 big things on it. I'll report back in a year.
What I don't mind talking about are the plans for healthier living.
I'm pretty huge on the anti-inflammatory diet these days - I have a predisposition towards inflammatory diseases on my Mother's side and with every passing year I'm more aware of the importance of taking care of myself. Not just for me, but for my family. If I don't function at my best, my family don't function at their best. That's the reality.
I've already made quite a few changes progressively in the past few years:
When I do drink, I only drink red wine - and have done for years. I wouldn't dream of drinking beer (bloat city and sugar = inflammation and fat) and spirits are over-rated.
No fizzy drinks. I may, once a month (you know!) have a can of fat coke - and enjoy it. But that's it.
No chocolate. This one is easy - I'm not a big lover anyway so don't miss it. Ditto biscuits. Meh.
So the changes I'm implementing/adding this year to my current lifestyle are: *deep breath*
No alcohol. I did this last year from Jan-Apr and didn't miss it. It's surprisingly easy. I drank at the end of April for my son's 18th birthday - he's 19 this year - I figure it's not a 'big one' so I'll be fine to carry on! I'm not sure how hard and fast I'll be - maybe until my holiday in July, maybe until the Summer gig season in June (Bon Jovi AND Bruce touring?!) maybe I won't fancy it at all - who knows? But drinking as par for the course during the week/weekends? No.
Ditto Champagne at events. Goes down easy, hits the head and stomach hard. No.
Also - a nice trick your body plays on you the older you get - that second glass of wine? Up. All. Night. I'm not kidding. I need my sleep.
Even less sugar. I'm already doing quite well but I'm going to be even more vigilant about it. Sugar = inflammation.
To continue drinking shedloads of water. I already do this. Consciously. I'm going to continue to do so.
Eat even less white foods. I'm doing ok cutting out pasta and now only have whole grain rice - but bread - I am still partial to hot buttered toast on occasion. Working on it.
The big one for me? Crisps. Wave a Ready Salted Kettle Chip in my direction and I'm up quicker than Westlife in a key change (2.19 into it). They are my crack and have to go completely. I can't just have one. Impossible. Complete and utter salt addict and they are the one thing I can mindlessly pick at while watching tv/blogging/chatting. My name is Caroline and I am a crisp addict.
No. They have to go.
Supplements. The big ones. I'm always asked what I take so:
Fish oil - I already take a minimum of 3000mg a day. I try and take anything up to 10,000mg a day. Working on maximising it as often as possible.
Zinc - I take 15mg a day.
Vitamin D - I am a sun girl and undoubtedly suffer when it disappears - like now. I take 2000 iu units a day.
Others to be thrown in when I feel I need them:
Floradix - I'm anaemic, so when I have a noticeable slump, I step it up.
Magnesium - in the evenings to help me relax and sleep.
B12 spray - I use this a LOT. I've escaped any winter cold thus far - coincidence? Maybe. I'm not taking any chances.
(Make sure you've done your research for what suits and won't suit you if you want to start taking supplements)
And there you have it. (Some) of my New Year's Day rambling/plan/list.
Wherever you are celebrating New Year's Day I wish you the best of health and hope your plans come to fruition in 2013.
Oh! I forgot one last one.
Wear sparkly, nicer shoes. I am a comfortable size 9 (11 US) and I live in trainers. Sod it. Bring on the nice shoes (sometimes).
I've been asked a lot recently about supplements - what I would recommend and what I take myself. So when I was getting everything out this morning I thought I'd grab a quick picture and show you my current routine.
Left to Right:
Floradix - I've waxed lyrical about Floradix on here before. I was first put on Floradix 21 years ago by my midwife during my first pregnancy. I have Thalassaemia Trait which means I am permanently anaemic. When I'm pregnant or having my period its obviously worse. This single-handedly raised my HB levels 3 points. that is NO mean feat. I highly recommend this to anyone who has heavy periods, is low on energy, anaemic, pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are anaemic, or suspect you might be, ask your doctor for a blood test (while we still have an NHS). It's your right.
Beauty Works West YOUTH- I started taking these when they launched last year and I was working on a project with BWW. They are essentially a brilliant blend of amino acids and marine plant extracts (superoxide dismutase). They were made by Dr Daniel Sister. I won't lie. I took them thinking they would help my face - you know - the post 40 saggy, baggy always-tired appearance? And they've actually done much more than that. I now notice my energy levels dip in the day if I have forgotten to take them in the morning. The huge amount of press that these have received recently is well-deserved.
Perfect for boys and girls 35+ who have lost their mojo a little! If you know what I mean when I say that - you need them.
Lambert's Starflower Oil - This is my first bottle of Starflower Oil. I started taking it just over a month ago to help with CHRONIC breast pain. My breast pain HAS GONE. GONE.
If your boobs are so sore you have to carry them in your hands like a little bird and wince when you take your bra off - these have COMPLETELY fixed mine.
*the Lambert's website is really good for general information if you are interested in the area of supplements.
David Kirsch B12 Spray - David Kirsch is THE man when it comes to wellness and personal fitness. The man who takes care of the bodies of Liv Tyler, Heidi Klum, Bobbi Brown and Anne Hathaway to name a few, coined phrases like: 'Keep it lean, clean and green' and my favourite - this one about people who have to eat meat: 'If it swims or flies, you can eat it'. I heard this the same week my father was diagnosed with heart disease and have drastically cut my red meat intake. And I mean drastically. Anyway: I digress.
The B12 Spray, I think, is the main reason I avoided getting any kind of real flu or heavy cold this winter. The one day I had a really bad scratchy throat was the one day I forgot to take it in the morning and travelled to Paris for work. I couldn't speak by 3pm (not handy for meetings) - I got home that night - took a double dose, another double dose in the morning and it had gone within 48 hours.
B12 is essential for energy, immune function and if you are female - it stops you going completely loopy at that time of the month. If you don't yet use it, you'll wonder how you functioned without it when you do.
Perricone MD Omega 3 - this one I have been taking almost as long as the Floradix, but I tend to dip in and out of how often I take these. I usually get back on the bandwagon when my skin goes bad (like now) and I crave crap food (like now). I try and take at least 6000mg a day. If I can I take 9000mg a day - a huge dose I know, but it really does kill off any food cravings alongside improving brain function and helping my hormonal acne breakouts.
Perfect for - any age, any sex, Omega oil (3) is recommended for literally anyone. If you are veggie, switch for flax oil.
That's it. My current routine that I keep coming back to. I would just mention that although trained in supplements, I am not a qualified nutritionist or doctor - this routine works for me. If you are interested in supplements, look at your lifestyle, health issues and if you are in doubt ask your doctor. Although for me, I have always found better advice on places like the Lambert's, Kirsch or Victoria Heath websites. Doctor's tend to be prescription happy - and I'm not....
*Although I have worked with BWW and DK I will not benefit financially from any links to the brands and websites listed. The above are a mixture of purchases and gifts from the companies involved.
One week in...
I started trialling Murad's Cellulite Solution just over 2 weeks ago - original post here.
Do I still have cellulite? Obviously. BUT - I have noticed a few changes in my habits..
I am eating less. Yes. Really. I thought it could be down to the heat... but I really seem to be eating LESS in general.
I am persevering with the supplements - despite the definite whiff of vitamin B (GAG). I am however, admitting to breaking the habit occasionally and am not giving myself a hard time about it. I honestly think that most people would do the same and so consider this a REAL trial!
I am drinking an inordinate amount of water. Again - could be down to the heat - but I've never kept a jug on my desk at work for ease before!
I have dipped in and out of taking supplements for years. Never completely habitual, but always taking SOMETHING... so here - a few of my faves and some tips that you may find helpful if you want to supplement yourself..
One of my all-time favourites is Floradix.
I have been taking this on and off for over 19 years. It was recommended to me by my midwife to boost my HB levels in pregnancy. It contains organic iron, herbs, vitamins and is basically a brilliant boost if you are run down in ANY way.
Folic Acid - have been taking this since I was 13 and started my periods. It's not just for pregnancy. Read up about it - your body needs this to synthesize and repair your DNA - get to it.
Magnesium - this was recommended to me on my first day (many years ago) at The Organic Pharmacy. I went for a health check-up - (something they do for all their staff - nice eh?) and mentioned that I had a very stiff neck and had done for years - I was also grinding my teeth at night. I was prescribed magnesium and have never looked back. It made a difference overnight - amazing. Taken at night it also aids sleep.
Omega oils -fish or flax for vegetarians - too many known benefits to list here - but everything from skin, hair, nails, brain function, cholesterol and heart disease can be aided by these wonder oils.
And just quickly!
Never take iron with calcium (i.e. a glass of milk) - they work against each other. Take iron with vitamin C - orange or apple juice
Never take iron before bed - take it in the morning - personally gives me wild dreams and keeps me up all night if I do
Always take vitamin B and any oil supplement BEFORE food. Otherwise you'll be burping fish and thus gagging for hours afterwards. Ugh.
