Now then...

I'm back! - it occured to me that since I started blogging, I haven't done a proper "get to know you post" - I want to connect with a few more bloggers/vloggers that I may not know as well and share the love! (if it works that way... I don't know...)
But either way, here's 50 facts about me, some you probably already know, but I've tried to keep it as interesting as possible (I hope..) but here we go!

1. On a wednesday night I present a radio slot on 102.4 Redroad FM called Grice Up Your Life (formally the Hayley show!) - it's a voluntary job, but I absolutely love it.
   

   

   Me in action, nothing wrong with a bit of cheeky promo right?!

   
   
2. I have a cockerpoo called Alfie, except he doesn't look like a cockerpoo, he looks like a springer spaniel... (I don't know either?)
   
   

   

   Alfie

   
   
3. To say I've moved about a bit might be a small understatement! I've lived in Middlesborough, Sheffield, Carlisle, Doncaster and Scunthorpe to name a few!
   
4. I'm a graduate, I have a bachelors degree from Sheffield Hallam University and a Foundation Degree from the University of Cumbria in Events Management!
   
5. I'm a member of a triathlon group Tri4Girlz, I don't actually do triathlons... yet (eep), but maybe in the future I hope to be fit enough to complete one! (gulp)
   
6. I also do Tri4Girlz social media and PR too, busy busy busy!
   
7. I'm quite clumsy and have broken numerous bones/injured myself one too many times... the most hilarious is probably dislocating my knee dancing to Michael Jackson's thriller... make of that what you will... (It was bloody painful fyi.)
   
   

   

   Source: GIPHY

   
   
8. When I'm not at work I'm usually in the gym, I make myself do at least 3 workouts a week.
   
9. I swim every sunday night with the Tri4Girlz swimming lot, it hurts and we get pushed a lot but I've improved so much and my fitness has got a lot better! (I'd like to think my figure has too!)
   
   

   

   Source: Tri4Girlz - spot me!
10. I passed my driving test when I was 19 and I have a little red car which I called Steve (yes really...)
    
11. I gained a lot of weight at uni from the combination of bad diet, medical and general lack of exercise, I've since in the past year lost nearly 3 stone and I'm well on my way to getting fit again!
    
12. I've got an underactive thyroid and have done since birth... it makes things tough at times but since losing weight and getting fitter I've had pretty good control over it!
    
13. I hate clothes shopping... (sorry not sorry!)
    
14. I worked as a volunteer at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, I absolutely loved it and wish I could do it all again! despite the 6:30am starts!
    
15. Favourite TV show without a doubt is Friends, I've seen every episode probably 100 times over and still find it funny.
    
16. I'm even pretty sure I'm the female version of Chandler Bing...
    
    

    

    Source: GIPHY

    
    
17. Other favourite tv shows include Impractical Jokers, Gavin and Stacey, My Mad Fat Diary, Hollyoaks, Corrie and probably everything you find rubbish...
    
18. My favourite films include Bridget Jones Diary, Dirty Dancing, Happy Gilmore, Bend it like Beckham and a ton more, if it makes me laugh, it'll probably get approval from me!
    
19. If you had said to me 4/5 years ago that the majority of my jobs would of been in the sport/leisure sector, I probably would of laughed at you, but I've had 5 jobs in the industry, 3 of them in football!
    
20. My biggest fear is spiders, followed closely by needles and general insects and death
    
21. I've been a slimming world member since April and with that I've lost 2st 3.5lbs since then! not bad going I don't think!
    
22. I probably have far too much road rage... infact there's no probably about it, I do.
    
    
    
    
    
23. I have a really weird sense of humour, I'm not sure how my friends and family tolerate me at times... I'm pretty weird.
    
24. My favourite games are Cards Against Humanity, What's next? and probably most drinking games... always a good laugh!
    
25. I love cocktails but I don't mind a pint every now and then either, best of both worlds!
    
26. My guilty pleasure is singing loudly and proudly whilst driving, but I'll only do it in front of anyone if I'm 100% comfortable in front of them ha!
    
27. I'm a pretty sociable person and I don't like solitude, unless I'm sulking ha.
    
28. My favourite genre of music is cheese/pop, even being named the cheese queen by some of my friends/collegues in the past!
    
29. I have a long list of nicknames, including Gricey, Egg Fried Grice, Grice Pudding, Grice Krispies, The Grice is Right, the list goes on, feel free to add to it and see if you come up with any originals ha!
    
30. Favourite musicians change alot, but I absolutely adore Queen, Michael Jackson, Mcfly, Olly Murs, Busted and Kaiser Chiefs to name a few!
    
31. My worst habit has probably been biting my nails... (I know its gross) but I'm getting a lot better!
    
32. Favourite place I've visited to date is probably New York City, with Amsterdam coming in at a close second!
    
    

    

    Source: GIPHY

    
    
33. My favourite food is probably chicken, I love chicken.
    
34. Although I do like cake... especially cheesecake...
    
35. My clumsiest injury (ruling the Michael Jackson incident out here!) is when I fell down 3 steps (whilst sober) and broke my foot... not one of my most attractive looks ever.
    
36. Me and wine don't mix, please don't ever buy me wine hahaha.
    
37. A lot of people say they hate leg day, its actually my favourite part of most work outs!
    
38. I love a good night out but a night in with the right company is just as good if not better sometimes!
    
39. My biggest aspiration is to be working in the Events or Radio industry someday!
    
40. My favourite places to eat are Nandos (I did say I like chicken!), Wagamama's or anywhere that does a decent pizza!
    
41. I was born blonde, but I'm naturally a weird mousey light brown colour!
    
42. My favourite places in the UK are Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield.
    
43. I'd like to see a bit more of the UK, especially the south coast such as Brighton and Cornwall, and Wales! I've never been!
    
44. I'm very much a night owl and I hate mornings! however I'm pretty good at getting up when I need to be somewhere.
    
45.  I've never had a five guys... (everyone seems to rave about it?)
    
46. I really wish I lived in Sheffield again, I miss it!
    
47. I hate wearing dresses, I'm definitely more a Jeans and nice top kind of girl.
    
48. I'm not really a "girly girl" until it comes to makeup, give me all the eyeshadow and foundation and everything please!
    
    

    

    Source: GIPHY

    
    
49. I'm a bit of an organised chaos, pretty messy but it's an organised mess... If that makes sense.
    
50.  I absolutely adore winter and christmas, everything is so pretty!

Well then, there you go! 50 things about me that you might not of known before!
I'd love to see some of yours?

Until next time...

 

Now then,

Not last weigh in, but the one before I was pretty angry/fustrated with myself, I had gained a pound.

Source: GIPHY

 "A pound? That's nothing! You'll get it off again!" was a common response when people had asked how I had done that week, but in all honesty, as much as people were trying to be encouraging, it just didn't do much for me, those of you that have followed the blog and/or know me personally may or may not know that I struggle with my self confidence when it comes to my body and figure, I do post selfies on my instagram on my "good confidence days" if you like (ha). - But I was more fustrated with myself mainly because I was half a pound off my 2 stone award at Slimming World and I really bloody wanted it! But a weekend of being slightly naughty (my own fault I know!) meant I gained rather than maintained or lost and I really kicked myself for it (not literally... Is that even possible?!).

Well this week, I lost 2.5lbs and I got my 2 stone award from Slimming World (WOO!).

I already exercise a lot but I upped it last week, doing 5/7 days of gym/swim/walking, whatever that may be, and upped intensity, which was tough, but hey, I did it!

Source: GIPHY

 One thing you need to do when you unexpectedly* gain weight (* - is you forget about the ice cream and the parmo and sausage rolls you ate over the course of one weekend... oops.)

 is don't be so hard on yourself, I was and those close to me would probably say that I still am to a certain extent, it's only because I want to be and look my best, which at the moment I'm still not happy with my figure, but I'm certainly getting there, I've lost nearly 3 stone and I am looking happier, healthier and fitter, but there is still serious effort to be put in before I get to where I want to be, it might take me 6 months, it might take me a year, who knows? But I'm not going to get anywhere without continuing to motivate myself and work hard.

So if you have an unexpected weight gain which you're unhappy about, please try not to get too angry and upset with yourself, I did, I was in a right mardy all night and became a bit of stress head for a bit too long afterward, it can make the whole process a bit more complicated, luckily, like anytime I've had a gain, it's given me a well needed kick up the backside and I've worked extra hard the next week, so all is good!

Long story short, don't do what I did and get angry at yourself, it's not good.

Work hard, but don't overdo it, pushing yourself too hard can be just as unhealthy.

Look after yourself, make sure you rest appropriately and just keep your mental and physical health as priority.

Keep it simple, work hard and you'll be well on your way again... (If you want to ha).

I'll get back to planning my hectic schedule now...

Until next time!

 

 

What's changed in a year?

Thought I would write about something a bit different today, last night as I was getting ready for sleep I was flicking through old photos and realising how much has changed, not just long-term, but also in the space of a year.

2015 in general was a rubbish year for me, I just wasn't happy, around this time this year I was diagnosed with depression, social anxiety and every so often I had panic attacks.

It was a pretty low point for me and generally, I felt awful, which I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.

Of course there was some positives, I had finally realised I needed to do something about my weight, as it was one of the heavier problems that was holding me down, I vowed to make myself happier and you know what? I have.

So it's July 2016 and what's changed? What's still the same?

For one, I'm 2 stone and 6 pounds lighter and damn! don't I feel better for it! I'm still not 100% happy with my appearance, but I know I'm constantly improving and I will get where I want to be.

I've removed toxic people from my life, people who were bringing me down, making little or no effort with me, what's the point of putting effort into those who just constantly set you up for disappointment? I've met some great people since and some I hope to be friends for life, surround yourself in people who bring out the best in you!

Source: GIPHY

I think I've toughened up a bit, I still have my moments and my down times, but I'm only human, who doesn't? I was a massive pushover (I still am to a certain extent!) but I've got a lot better at recognising when to know when things aren't working for me and when I need to take a step back, I'm incredibly loyal to those I care about and I can't stand letting people down, However, I'm not as willing to put my feelings and principles on the line for the wrong people anymore, sometimes you have to be selfish and think of yourself first.

So to summarise, what's been my highlights?

In January, I landed myself a wednesday night slot at a radio station, it's such a great station with a variety of shows and music and a fab team behind it, catch me live on air on Wednesday nights between 9pm-11pm! click on the logo below to listen live!

Source: Redroad FM

 In April, I took the plunge after my weightloss had just come to a bit of halt and joined Slimming World, lost a total of 1st 11.5 pounds with Slimming world in just over a couple of months, which as I mentioned earlier has racked up my total weightloss to 2 stone 6 pounds, easily one of the best things I've ever done.

In May, I joined Tri4Girlz - a group focused on triathlon and fitness training for ladies of all shapes, sizes and abilities, ran by my fab friend Beth, met some fantastic people through this and it's definitely helped to boosted my confidence and I'm even going to Lanzarote with them all next year! Click the logo below to visit their website!

Source: Tri4Girlz

 In June, I went to Amsterdam! Finally took the plunge to go on my first holiday without family and went away for a few days with Lucy, beautiful city, definitely an eye opening experience in parts but I had such a great time and I would love to visit again someday!

Boat trip through Amsterdam!

Now it's July, We've just past half way through the year and I'm determined to make this last half of the year as good as the first half, I have a lot to look forward to, including my birthday, so lets make the most of it!

I've managed to somewhat make peace with my past, my lows times were still important, they shaped me to be the person I am today and I am a completely different person to what I was then, I'm healthier, more determined and a hell of a lot happier, which is all I want from my life.

So here's to the rest of 2016, hope you have a fab rest of the year too,

cheers, hope to post again soon!

20 Things I have learnt during my weightloss journey

There's a number of things I have found while losing weight, some unfortunately negative, some surprising and some overall, fairly positive.

Losing weight isn't considered an easy task for most, some find it a lot more challenging than others (myself included!) and I find that, at times it can be incredibly testing.

Over the past year, I've lost 27 pounds, (1st 13lbs), with 18.5 pounds (1st 4.5lb) of that being with Slimming World, I've certainly learnt a lot.

So here are 20 things I have learnt during my weightloss:

1. Temptation is everywhere...

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, temptation just calls out to you, whether its the smell of KFC (yep...), Those sweets staring at you in your local Asda or that Burger in your works canteen, it's everywhere, even on your television screens and blaring through your car radio, you can't avoid it, having the strength to resist temptation isn't just willpower, its a mixture of strength too and it's a skill that has to be mastered, because sometimes, over-indulgence is just too easy.

Source: GIPHY

 2. Not everyone will be as supportive as you hope...

 As harsh as it sounds, not everyone will show as much support as you may need/want, some may get fed up of you talking about what you've lost, what you've achieved, what you've done, but it doesn't mean they don't care, focus on you and carry on, the ones that matter and truly care about you will be the ones there when you're at your peak and achieve!

3. However, you may see support coming from the most unlikely of people...

I have connected with so many people on different levels since trying to lose weight, people that are going through similar experiences with weightloss or fitness in general, I've made new friends and acquaintences since joining slimming world because we're all going through the same journey and battling the same or similar obstacles. - These people will understand better than anyone, be there for each other!

4. The world can be a cruel place... 

The amount of times I've been subjected to abuse because  no matter how minor the comment or action, it can be damaging, do not let anyone else get you down about your achievements, loss', even gains, because they're not you and they don't know what you're putting yourself through! Keep your head held high and carry on, because at the end of the day, your success will shine out a lot brighter than their thoughtless actions and comments.

5. It can also be a great place...
The compliments and the praise I have recieved from various people have been a huge help on my self esteem and motivation, It's always a positive that people are noticing a difference.

6. Motivation is key...
 I can not stress enough that lack of motivation can mean lack of results, I mean sometimes I just can't be bothered, but even if you make yourself go to the gym when you're feeling a bit deflated, you still have a bit in you, and it's all going to be worth it, set yourself up some motivational tools, my motivation tools have varied, such as this blog, before and after progress photos, buying smaller clothes to hopefully fit into later and of course the money going out of my bank for my gym membership would be a major blow if I didn't actually use it...

source: GIPHY

7. Clothes shopping is absolute hell...
I'm not the average girly girl, I hate shopping with an absolute passion, its the devil if you ask me, but trying to find clothes that fit is an absolute pig, I find that every shop I go in, I can be a different size (sometimes a lot bigger, sometimes a lot smaller...), it can be both draining and amazing but in all honesty, I hate it, I can only hope that it's going to get better the closer I get to my target.

8. If you didn't know how to cook before... you do now!  
Don't get me wrong, I'm not the next Gordon Ramsey or anything like that but losing weight certainly makes you have to plan and think about what you're eating and you have to learn how to cook them, I would probably still say that my recipe book is probably limited to the amount of dishes that are out there, but it's given me the time to learn and try new things, it's also (probably) made me more patient in the long wrong.

9. Exercise is just as important... 
 It doesn't matter what it is, me personally I've found that I get more results when I exercise and that my figure has become more toned, plus should I have the problem with excess skin (which I'm praying to all that I won't!) - that it should tighten it back and tone it up, plus a little muscle definition never hurt right? But there's so many different ways to exercise now, there is something for everyone!

Source: GIPHY

10. Keep your inspiration fresh...
Like I said earlier, inspiration is a key part of motivation, I find that refreshing your motivational tools can help you a lot, at one point I printed out a picture of Beyonce and stuck it next to my door with the label "Slimspiration" - it worked! I felt like everytime I went to go and snack, it was like she was staring at me so I wouldn't do it, but switch it up, you never know what works until you try it.

11. Trying different things is a good thing...
    Whether it be food, how you exercise, unless you're a bit of a bore when it comes to food like me (Yep, I'm a picky eater... Sorry!) there is a number of different food dishes and exercises you can try, there's swimming, going to the gym, dancing, even classes, my personal favourites are Kettlebells, Boxercise and Body Pump!

12. Don't get obsessed with the scales... 
I've found that one of the worst things you can do to yourself is get obsessed with the scales, once a week is enough to keep track, as what you do during the day can fluctuate your weight, you're usually lighter on a morning and heavier at night, so don't get obsessed with how you weigh at different times of the day...

Source: GIPHY

13. Your clothes getting loose is one of the best feelings... 
 It means you're getting smaller! I'm always ecstatic when pieces of clothing are getting bigger, because it means I'm getting slimmer!

14. However, in-between sizes are a pain!Trying to replace said clothes with clothes that fit, brings in point number 7, plus the factor that you don't want to buy too many new clothes unless you lose more weight, its a struggle with both your figure and your bank account...

15. You learn to take care of yourself...
  I'm talking mainly skincare here, I've found that I do need to relax, moisturise, cleanse and tone because what's the point in losing weight to look good if I'm not going to do it all properly? there isn't one really! I cleanse and tone and take time out to relax, because this period of your life can add stress in both mental and physical forms, to me a lush bath is the perfect 'me' time and the perfect opportunity to relax.

Source: GIPHY

16. If you need support, look to your family and friends...
There will be times that you want to throw in the towel and give it all up because you're stuck or fed up, but rather than make rash decisions, make a date with one of those closest to you and talk it out, a little support and advice is sometimes all you need to get yourself back on track!

17.  There will be times you want to give it all up...
Getting to your target doesn't happen overnight, you will find that every so often, things just stop and you get stuck in a bit of a rut, of course everyone's length of weightloss journey is different and the longer it is, the more fustrated you're probably going to get, but you can do it and you will!

18. Keep track of your progress...
Keep tabs on your weightloss, it's a great key to spur you on, the worst thing you can do is guess and make up results in your head, you'll only be kidding and disappointing yourself at your next weigh in! Trust me, been there done that.

19. It's a long game...
It takes time, patience and as I mentioned earlier, motivation, it's not an easy task and it will take some time depending on your target, I suggest having small interim targets in order to break it up a bit, that way when you reach a mini target, you'll see results quicker, gain motivation and it'll push you! My current interim target is 14 stone, I'm half a stone off this so far, and I've started to think about what my next target should be!

20. Don't give up...
At the end of the day, you're doing this to better yourself, you're putting yourself out to look fantastic and help not only your physical health, but your mental health too, your self esteem, your self image, they're all important and play a key part in being healthy.
You'll thank yourself for not giving up when you reach your target and you're feeling on top of the world.

Source: GIPHY

One last thing, if you are going through this weightloss change, don't give up, well done to you for putting yourself out to improve your well being and mentality, you'll feel the best you've ever felt once you've reached your target and others will notice too, if you're struggling, keep going and carry on, you can do this!

Until next time,