A New Me... Or Maybe Not

'A New Year... A New Me...' Sound familiar? Every year we do the same thing, over indulge at Christmas in food, alcohol and general merry-ness. By December 27th, the merry feeling is replaced with something a little darker, a feeling of guilt and regret. We ate too much food, we didn't achieve half of our New Year Resolutions that we set last January 1st, and the feeling that we are still not quite the person we had hoped to be by December 31st.

I know this feeling so well, because it is something I experience every year, and it never gets easier. I am the queen of procrastination, 'I will start it again tomorrow, I will give that up on Monday. I will start that task after I make a cup of coffee, ah sure no point starting now I only have an hour left of work..' The list goes on. I am so aware of my faults and I try every day to improve on these in the hope to make myself a better person. I absolutely love Christmas, nothing makes me happier than celebrating with my closest friends and family, I love giving presents and decorations get me so excited that my house looks like Santa's Grotto. But for some reason, by Stephen's Day every bad thing I have said and done during the year comes crashing on top of me, a night I drank too much, a time I could have been nicer to someone, or something I still haven't achieved... all of a sudden I feel like I am the worst person in the world. It is horrific how hard you can be on yourself sometimes, in fact I don't think that anyone can be harder on you than you are on yourself. 

Don't get me wrong, it's not all doom and gloom, by the 28th December I have picked myself up and am back to being my normal happy person again. But it doesn't mean that I have forgotten what I have thought about. I try to turn those negative thoughts into a positive and create small resolutions in my head that I feel will help me to be a better person day by day. It's all about the small steps. I think most of the time it is just the fear, too much drinking in December that by the end of Christmas Day you are so consumed it seems this is what it's going to be  like for the rest of your life!

fear

fɪə/

noun

1. 1.

   an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.

   "I cowered in fear as bullets whizzed past"

   synonyms:

   terror, fright, fearfulness, horror, alarm, panic, agitation, trepidation,dread, consternation, dismay, distress

Fear: When you find your false lashes in
your hair the morning after the
night before 

I used to have no problem going
for a run after a night out when I was 21

Set Realistic Goals:

What I do believe to be a more successful way of entering the New Year is to set yourself small goals. Don't create unrealistic expectations for yourself, because if you don't achieve them you will feel like you failed. At the start of 2015 I set myself small milestones in my diary - one being I wanted a new job, by the end of April, I had achieved this. I also set myself fitness and financial goals, and although there were some setbacks, by taking small steps I think you create a more sustainable future.

My Fitness Goals: 

I have always exercised, it has just been part of my routine. I grew up dancing and always enjoyed the feeling I get from working out, ok well not always! I have gone through phases of being really dedicated and then falling off the bandwagon. But since the summer, I really feel like I have found something I love so much and I haven't felt this comfortable in my own skin for a long time. It's not that I have lost loads of weight, because I haven't and that's not why I do it. I love the way it makes me feel and although like most women I would still love to be a bit skinnier or a bit more toned, I am nowhere near as strict on my diet as I have been in the past. But more than that, there is a lot to be said for not wanting to make excuses, because I used to be the queen of them!

I have never had a trainer so encouraging before that I actually hate to miss class because like a parent, I feel he will be disappointed in me! But also, I set myself some fitness goals to achieve before the end of the year - one was to hit 100kg in my deadlifts and the other was to do free handstands and handstand pressups. I didn't quite hit the 100kg but I did get 90kg  and I was chuffed with this, for me this was an achievement. My second goal I hit with weeks to go and now I just want to be upside down all the time!

For some people this might not be a big deal but for me it most certainly is, because in September I could barely kick into one and now I am not only doing pressups in a handstand against the wall but I can actually kick into one in the middle of the room and hold it!

This is the first time I have ever gone in to train between Christmas and New Year, because I actually wanted to! For me it is all about moderation, train hard, play hard because life is too short to miss out on pizza and chocolate!

The moral of the story? Anything is possible with a bit of dedication and stubbornness. Set your mind to something and you will achieve.  

Goals to be a better person:

One of my main goals for next year is to quit the procrastination and make it happen today. I stopped writing for a while but when someone asks me what makes me happy in a professional sense, I will always say it is fashion and writing. When I am writing I get a feeling I cant describe and I am so blessed to have found it. I know it is so easy to make excuses, 'I don't have time, I have to much on at the moment.' But I am the first person to say you will always make the time for people and things you care about. So in the words of Nike, Just Do It.

But most of all what I have realised over Christmas is how important it is and how much I love just spending quality time with my family. There is actually no better feeling than curling on the couch or just hanging out with the people you really love, that is what happiness is to me. So I have decided a personal goal for me to learn to say NO. I am too much of a yes person sometimes which means that my time is never my own and not only do I suffer but so does my family as you feel like you nearly have to set aside a date for 'quality time' Yes I think I might have a few hours free Saturday week for that! I think we get to spend so much time with our families over Christmas that we realise it really is the little things in life which are important. I always advise other people that they need to be more selfish, well I think that it's about time I take my own advice! Don't let people mistake your kindness for weakness, they will only respect you more if you learn to say no.

I spend my professional career talking to people about how to be 'more strategic' yet when I look at my personal life I realise I don't quite have my own strategy figured out yet. I know what I want but sometimes the journey is the toughest part. Like standing in a London underground station looking at the lines on a map and not having a clue how the hell you are going to actually reach your required tube station, except the end destination is actually your own success or happiness. 

              

I realised more than ever what is most important this Christmas

I have learned a lot about myself this year and I know that I still have a lot of learning to do. I have made the mistakes but I take something from each one everytime. 

When the clock strikes 12 tonight just remember, that New Year's Eve is about hope, forgiveness, fresh starts, and also it's one hell of a party! Thanks for all your support this year and let's make 2016 the best yet!

In 2016 - Eat the food, drink the drink and take all the selfies you want!!!!

 It’s nearly everybody’s favourite time of year, and if it isn’t then WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! I absolutely love everything about Christmas! It is the season known for sparkling Christmas trees and decorations, groups of people in ridiculous jumpers trying to make it to 12 pubs, Santa Claus, tins of Roses and…. very expanding waistlines.

Obsessed with H&M fitnesswear

There’s nothing better than pigging out in front of the fire with your family and friends indulging in every delicious treat you can get your hands on. But, unfortunately come January, all you are left with is an empty bank account and a belly full of turkey and chocolate. Last January I couldn’t believe how much weight I had put on around my stomach over the festive season. But then again, for a full month I ate my bodyweight in Celebrations and barely exercised so what did I expect?

This year I have told myself it’s going to be different, but already I can feel myself slipping. There is chocolate everywhere I look and slowly my training evenings are being replaced with various social dinners and nights out. 

I go to Unlimited Fitness www.facebook.com/unlimitedfitnessireland where Adam is not only my trainer, but my psychiatrist and priest by the way I feel like I have to confess every cheat meal I’ve had since our last session. I have really noticed my progression since I started training with Adam in June, my strength has increased dramatically and I have really noticed a change in my shape. Also, cheat foods like pizza and chocolate aren’t treated like the devil so I find I’m not gorging as much at weekends.  

                                    .  

I was delighted to find out that my classes will be on between Christmas and New Year and have every intention of trying to keep up a bit of training over Christmas. But there is this little voice in the back of my mind saying ‘Will you hell get up on the 28^th December to work out!’ I really want to prove that voice wrong as it is so hard in January to start from scratch again. But I know come the time it’s going to take iron willpower to take off the fluffy pjs and tear myself away from watching Elf for the thirtieth time for burpees and deadlifts.

I suppose that’s why gyms make most of their money in January, so basically I have to face it, I am just another ‘Get fat in December and skinny in January’ cliché. I know that we work hard all year and December is a time to relax and let yourself go but by rewarding your December-self you’re ultimately making life for your January-self next to impossible.

You know what though, we can get so hung up on stuff like this instead of just going with the flow and enjoying what we have. At the end of the day, life is short so I think let's Drink and Be Merry… Except in January, aint nobody got money to drink in January, and if you do WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!

         

My top 5 essentials to get you through the party season...

1. Over the knee Boots - They are a December wardrobe staple and go with everything. Whether you are dressed casual in skinny jeans and a knitted jumper, or going for cocktails in a dress. I nabbed mine from www.getthattrend.com for a cool €62.

2. Christmas Jumper - Need I say more? Work, 12 pubs and Party Nights, these festive fancies work with everything. I love Penneys selection of Christmas jumpers...and of course fluffy socks, pj's, and pretty much everything else
3. Faux Fur - Hats, bags and gilets.. keep warm and look fabulous in fur this winter. I am a big fan of fur bags and got mine in River Island

4. Pom Pom Hats - I am loving the giant pom pom hats this winter, get yours from Custom Vintage Dublin, I want one in every colour! 

5. LBD - Let's face it an LBD is not just for Christmas, it's for life! But a trusty little black dress or two can see you through the silly season, without you ever looking silly! Missguided have an amazing selection of dresses right now!

Happy shopping... Santa hat optional! heart emoticon

I have to say, I am a huge fan of Estée Lauder skincare and make-up and although it might be a little bit more expensive than some other  brands, your skin deserves it! Apart from the amazing quality of their products, another great thing about Estée Lauder is their rewards to customers by offering incentives such as 'Gift with Purchase'. Brown Thomas usually run these promotions and this time they have really outdone themselves. The March/April gift, which comes free with two or more Estée Lauder purchases, one to be a moisturiser, eye care or repair serum, is absolutely amazing. It contains a large tote bag, small makeup bag, Re-Nutriv creme cleanser and Re-Nutriv handcream, Re-Nutriv age correcting face cream and Re-Nutriv ultimate lift age correcting eye cream, Love Bite red nail polish, plum divine lipgloss, and my favourite, fuchsia fever lipstick.

The pink lipstick is so silky and the vibrant colour lasts all evening. I used this on a client at the weekend and she blotted it to make it matte, which was another fabulous way to wear the lipstick.

I am also a massive fan of the Re-Nutriv cleanser and this is something that I would use on a daily basis to remove my make-up. It smells amazing and gets a full face off in a couple of wipes! The hand cream has taken position at my desk and the bag now accompanies me to the gym!

My new gym tote

If you regularly use products from a brand such as  Estée Lauder, find out if and when they are running in-store promotions. It's an excuse to stock up on your make-up and skincare and also get some gorgeous freebies too!!

In love with this hand-cream

Every girl should own a pair of black skinny jeans, they are a wardrobe staple. Not only do they make you feel slim, but they go with most coloured accessories, shoes, bags and you can completely change the look with a different top and pair of shoes... as I did this weekend.

Make-up looks from the weekend 

The first half of Saturday was spent beautifying some lovely girls around Galway and I stupidly wore a black playsuit which ended up covered in an array of different makeup products. I also had to rush into River Island to return and re-buy a playsuit that I bought last weekend (my monthly payday treat) because before the courier had even graced me with that lovely red package, I got an email from River Island announcing SALE! and yes, the playsuit had gone down half price before I received it. So, I brazenly returned it and bought it again, along with two new tops in the sale that made up the difference in price! Well it is a recession and I am all about value for money...

           

I raced home to get changed for my twin niece and nephew's first birthday party and threw on my trusty black skinny jeans with my new white River Island shirt (another stupid decision) and white pointed stilettos. I was obviously in a rush because usually chocolate birthday cake and kids hyper on sweets do not mix well with white clothes!! Surprisingly, I kept the shirt clean but I had been in such a rush that later on during the party my eagle-eyed boyfriend shouted across the room, 'Jess the tag is still on your top'... so much for him not finding out about that purchase! No sooner was the party over and I had the white shirt back off again and replaced with a tracksuit, we were babysitting the twins and stilettos and skinny jeans are not so practical for rolling around on the floor with three kids!

Sunday morning was an early start, at 6am I was downstairs feeding two 1 year olds and a tired 4 year old Weetabix (Morgan is not so used to early rising at the weekend). I had planned on taking advantage of this weekend's sobriety by going for a run during the twins' 9am nap, however I decided to take the advice nurses give to new mothers and 'sleep when they sleep', plus Sunday is meant to be a day of rest!

I didn't have much time to get ready for our lunch date with the girls (I had a very tired and cranky 4year old by 1pm) so I showered and threw on the trusty black jeans again, this time with my second new River Island sales purchase, a black and grey boucle peplum top (a steal at €14). Paired with a pair of black Topshop shoes, it looked completely different. After spending all week looking forward to my beef salad in Mixgreens, I was still so full from the morning's fry (the run never happened) that I had to take it to go! We finished off the day with a wander around Penneys and The Once Loved Showroom (of course I couldn't leave Penneys empty handed), did our Sunday family visits and as soon as I got home, straight out of my jeans and into a trusty trackie again! As much as I love them, no one ever says, 'I can't wait to get home so I can get all snuggley in my jeans!'

Because no-one can leave Penneys empty handed!

                                      

So the moral of the story is, just as every woman needs an LBD, I think that everyone should own a pair of SBJ. I love Topshop's Leigh Skinny Jeans, but at €60 they might stretch the budget. This weekend's pair were from Penneys and at €13, they are an absolute steal, and are comfortable as well as flattering! I like to think of skinny black jeans as being a 'wardrobe investment' as they look great dressed up with sandals and sometimes better again with a pair of Converse and a hoodie.

Fashion GorJess Blog: Hair, Make-Up & Beauty: Make-up looks created in March 2014                                            Wedding Hairstyle ...

So welcome to my world... where it is a constant battle between my love for food and a desire to have a body like Michelle Keegan. I spend 3-5 days a week working out to try and attain a 'desirable' beach body, whilst fighting the constant urges that come with having the most ridiculously sweet tooth.

 

I absolutely adore chocolate muffins with ice-cream from Supermacs (see I am a country girl at heart), I will happily gulp through one on a Tuesday night and then go to TRX training at 7am on Wednesday and literally work my ass off to get rid of the muffin top that is there only because of habits like these. Pretty ridiculous right?

On paper I am pretty healthy, I go to the gym regularly and my meals usually consist of breakfast smoothies, salmon/turkey and salad for lunch and sweet potatoes, vegetables and some form of meat for my dinner. I keep my 3 main meals a day pretty clean and even my snacks in-between are either corn cakes with organic peanut butter and fruit, or something pretty unsinful. But then Friday arrives and I am like a food junkie who has been kept deprived since last Sunday night and all hell breaks loose! Chinese, wine, crisps, chocolate, there's no stopping me! 

I made a poor attempt at cutting 
out chocolate for lent this year

Being a size 8-10 I am not saying I am overweight by any means, but like most women I am never satisfied by the way I look.

For example, last Sunday I had toast with peanut butter and banana for breakfast, followed by popcorn in the cinema, then McDonalds, and then a Sunday roast, with some mini Crunchies thrown in for good measure! And this could be a regular weekend occurrence. That's why I am starting to believe that abstinence is the only way forward, if I don't taste it I won't want more. Maybe I am just a glutton for punishment, I actually love TRX and Spinning classes, and the feeling you get afterwards is amazing.

I really really do want a stomach like Cheryl Cole, but sometimes food tastes better. I mean, whoever said that nothing tastes better than skinny feels has never eaten a bag of chocolate mini eggs (whilst supposed to be off chocolate for lent!)

But I just have a weakness when it comes to food, I need to learn to say NO.. Is this something you can train yourself to do, or just a curse that you have to live with?

Another example, I spent two hours on Tuesday evening cooking 'clean' meals for the week - chickpea burgers, sweet potato wedges and butternut squash & sweet potato soup. I then went to Lidl and did a healthy shop for the week, whilst also throwing in a couple of packets of cookies and dairy milk bars, oh and a MaltEaster bar 'as a treat' for spending so long cooking. But instead of eating it, I put it in the cupboard and went for a late night run.

I did however, come in last night and eat that said MaltEaster bar, followed by a couple of cookies and half a share bag of Sea Salt and Balsamic Vinegar crisps that Andy had left lying on the coffee table.

      
So I guess that word abstinence comes in again, if I don't eat it I won't want more. As I said, it is a constant battle with myself and I just hope someday the better half of me, the side of my brain with willpower and strength wins...

       

         Clean VS. Delicious