Monday 27 April 2015

Toning up at home | PROGRESS

Hey Guys!
Hope your all okay?
Today I figured I would share the routines and what I have been doing this month to try and tone up since quite a few people were interested in my progress (thanks guys!)
 
 
The photo above was taken on the first day of me starting to workout - funnily enough on snapchat it had the caption "1 work out done.. Where are my abs?" ha!
 
I think we are society of impatient people generally we want to see results quickly so YouTube and the Internet is full to the brim with quick high intensity work outs to help you achieve your fitness goals quickly
 
Tummy Area / Abs.

 
My tummy was one of the main areas I wanted to try and tone up, so a lot of the workouts I have been using are focused on abs.
That said I really did not imagine that in a month I could have such visible results - especially if I am honest I have missed a few weekends and days here and there and I haven't changed my diet at all, the only difference there is I have been trying to drink more.
 
The first video I have found gives really good results is this Ab Workout from XHIT over on YouTube.
 
 
The exercises in this workout mean that not only are you getting an ab workout you are also working your bottom half of the body too - your legs really feel it during this workout.
If you are looking for a less focused routine and want something to work more then one area, this one will be great for you !
 
 
For something that really works your core?
Then this Bye Bye muffin top routine also by XHIT on YouTube is awesome!
You do still get some workout on your legs but this really works your stomach,and the more you tighten those tummy muscles the better the results (I found a week of just pushing that little bit more really made the difference)
 
Both workouts are less then twenty minute's long so great for those of you short on time, or like myself if you don't have the stamina for hour long workouts.
Doesn't mean you have to loose out any results as these are high intensity in a short amount of time - winner if you ask me.
 
Bum & Legs

 
 Overall I have pretty strong legs as in they have some power behind them BUT they need serious toning / definition.
 
Now I am on steroids because of my transplants, and after so many years of having them they have had a real effect on my bones and in particular my knees which made me worry about squats.
As everyone says squats are the best think for getting definition to your legs and bum.
Long story short, I slowly introduced squats into my routine and now I can do them with a lot more ease, granted not with as much depth as the woman on the workout but at least I can do it now ha!
 
 
This 'Booty' workout by XHIT honestly is the reason I have seen a difference in my lower body.
I generally do this every time I workout and it really is great.
This is great if you don't enjoy squats as it uses lots of other equally great moves - with a few squats in between!
Highly Recommend this one.
 
 
If you DO enjoy squats then this is a insanely beneficial workout.
100 Reps.10 Variations of Squat in.. 8 minutes!
This workout does burn - but in turn gives great results.
 
I would love to hear about what work outs you use to tone up?
I have really surprised myself with how much I am enjoying working out, I think its true that when you see results it motivates you to do more.
 
Just remember though ladies,
workout for YOU and nobody else - YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL
 
Stay Safe & Speak Soon
Kate
x o x o

Sunday 26 April 2015

9 Month Marriage Update

Hey Guys!
Hope your all well?
 
I am always shocked at just how quick time flies recently, and when I realised I have been married for 9 months on the 19th of this month I was even more shocked the usual.
 
 
 
It still feels like just yesterday we got married - yet it is quickly approaching towards a year, insane!
 
Since my 6 month update not all too much has changed in regards to the relationship really.
Like I did say in that post though we have been settling into a new base and we really have fallen in love with it - the area, the people everything about Fairford is great (so far at least..)

 
The biggest change since last time is that we have discovered Gareth has a deployment coming up, so we have just been arranging plans for once he is away since we have no family too close.
Knowing he will be going away for quite a while (as I'm sure you understand I won't be sharing any kind of information that is too personal for obvious reasons..) we have just been trying to spend as much time as possible together, and getting up to a lot of searching for cool places to visit here in the Cotswold's.

 
 
 
I am quite obviously going to miss him so much while he is gone,
but I am just going to try and keep myself distracted and busy while he is deployed in the hope time will pass quicker!
 
In terms of being used to being a Mrs now?
I have defiantly got used to seeing Mrs Jakes now and not Miss Trevener.
That said though some places haven't changed my title over to Mrs yet and it always makes Gareth laugh as it annoys me - after all I am married so I think I deserve that Mrs title ha.

 
Next month I may do a Marriage Q&A if that is something you guys would like to see over on my Youtube?
I honestly can't believe how fast time seems to be flying by.
You can read my other Marriage Updates Here - 1 Week & 6 Months
 
Stay Safe & Speak Soon
Kate
x o x o
 


Wednesday 22 April 2015

2 months with Squidge | PUPPY UPDATE

 Hey Guys!
        Hope your all well ?
 
Yesterday I uploaded Smudge's 2 month update,
so here is my pup Squidge's update.

 
Out of the two Squidge has defiantly changed the most I'd say.
When we first got him he was very timid but as time has gone on he has gained a lot more confidence and independence - and is proofing to be just as cheeky as his brother.
 
 
When off the lead and around other dogs he has so far proven to be the more ballsy out of the pair,
so much so that moments after I had taken the above photos two huge newfoundland's came bounding in the water after them, and instead of being scared like smudge he ran after them - I don't think he quite gets that he is just a puppy!
 
 
Whereas Smudge is pretty good at recall, Squidge can sometimes take that bit longer to call back.
I'm sure like all things this will get better as he gets older, but his love for children and other dogs can sometimes prove a challenge when out on the field!
 
 
 
Once inside the house though he turns into a completely different dog!
He is no longer as playful and becomes my sleepy napping side kick - the picture above was a weekend nap (for us both...)
 
He still enjoys playing don't get me wrong, but it's very much on his terms.
Diva.
 
 
 
I can't wait to see how they continue to change the older they get after all they are only 4 months old at the minute!
 
I will update you all again in another 2 months, but don't fret I am sure they will still be making an appearance here on talking transplants.
But if you want new daily update aka cute puppy snaps you can follow there instagram which is squidge_smudge
 
Do you have any pets?
I'd love to hear below!
 
Stay Safe & Speak Soon
 
Kate
x o x o

Tuesday 21 April 2015

2 Months With Smudge | PUPPY UPDATE

Hi Guys!
Hope your all okay?
 
The 14th of this month marked 2 months since we picked up Squidge & Smudge so I figured why not post an update aka a reason to post loads of cute photos of puppy's !
 
In this post, I will be chatting about Smudge, and tomorrow Squidge.
 

 
They have both grown into right characters already, so god help us the older they get!
Since we picked them up and I wrote the post introducing them here they have already changed a lot really quickly.
 
 
Smudge is still a little rascal - and don't think he will ever change!
That said though out of the two he is defiantly the cuddler - especially paired with puppy dog eyes when he has eaten another pair of my knickers and Gareth's socks... yep you read that right !
 
 
 
 The other thing that hasn't changed about him is the fact he is his brothers shadow.
Whatever Squidge is doing you can guarantee Smudge is right behind him!
I have to admit I think this is pretty sweet, although that said it can be pretty difficult to deal with two pups of the lead, especially when Squidge runs off!
 

 
That said though he is slowly becoming a lot more independent,
as we found this weekend when he decided to make a dash for it when of the lead - something caught that spaniel nose of his!

 

 

Even though he loves following his brother around he is still a tad unsure of other dogs if they get a little bit too much in his face or if Squidge isn't close by.
We are hoping this will change the more socialisation he gets with other dogs.
 
 
 
So far he is proving to be a great little dog!
He is doing really well at recall and is generally well behaved - but can't expect them to angels at 4 months old.
 
Tomorrow I will be uploading a post about my puppy Squidge,
I hope you enjoyed this little update!
 
Stay Safe & Speak Soon
Kate
x o x o

Thursday 9 April 2015

Easter Weekend.

Hey Guys !
I hope your all well?
 
This weekend was great, I mean what is better then a weekend full of sunshine, great food, eating lots of chocolate and playing with cute puppies?
Thanks to the sunshine me and hubby managed to go out most days and enjoy the bank holiday weekend which as a blogger always leads to plenty of photos been taken!
 
Sunday.
 
We started our weekend at Cotswold Country Park & Beach on a gloomy Easter Sunday.
Since the puppies have had there last lot of injections we were eager to get them out and about this weekend so it made sense to take them somewhere to have a swim!
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Two Cocker Spaniel puppies, mud and a lake makes the equation of a bath!
In this household nothing ever goes smoothly so I ended up getting soaked in the process, but was all worth it in the end when we had two fluffy pups :)
 


 
 
  Once the pups FINALLY fell asleep I decided it was time to have some compulsory Easter chocolate while watching Hop - yum!
 
 
 
 
I did end up watching the rest of hop in the bath.
I had a very Easter themed bath using LUSH Golden Egg, Fizzbanger and Pot O Gold to create this gorgeous toffee scented bath (Some LUSH stores may still have these limited edition products in stock)
 
 
 
And what a better way to finish a Easter Sunday then to finish with a yummy lamb roast - don't forget loads of mint sauce too!
 
 
Monday.
 
When I woke up Monday morning I was very happy to see the sun was really shining, so instantly knew we had to get out again (blog photos were calling!)
 
 
We decided to visit Birdland Park and Gardens here in the Cotswold's.
 


 
We found this penguin on the left hilarious, he was such a poser!
The rest of them seemed very content with basking in the sun before they got fed - at which point we decided to have a look around the rest of the park as it got way to busy.
 
 
 
 
Which included five minute's of me following a duck..
As you do..
 
 

How sweet are these little easter chicks?
 


 
We fall in love with flamingos at Birdland ,
We were also very jealous of whoever's back garden happened to be where the flamingos were placed.
 
I can imagine its rather perfect sat having afternoon tea overlooking a pretty stream home to flamingos!
 
 

 
 
Once we had finished up at Birdland we were pretty hungry so decided to take a little walk into the little village of Bourton on the water since some people had recommended it to us.
 
We defiantly weren't disappointed!
 
 

 
 
 
 
What beats sitting eating chips while filming on a river bank really?
(I was pretty jealous of all the kids paddling in the water though I have to say!)

 After around an hour we reluctantly decided to leave the picturesque village and go and see the puppies.. Although I did ask Gareth if we could make a quick de tour via a field that was full of little lambs - it was Easter after all!
 

 


 
Well that was my Easter weekend - minus a LUSH trip I am saving for a future post..
I'd love to hear what you got up to this Easter Weekend?
 
Stay Safe & Speak Soon
Kate
x o x o