Hello Friends.
So as you all know I'm new to the blogging world and so far I am loving it! But its very much a trial and error situation when it comes to what I choose to write about and I'm gonna blog a typical day of my diet as often as I can- be it good, bad or terrible ha! And I hope it goes down well. I love reading these types of blogs myself. I had intended on posting this much earlier in the week but it was a hectic week for me both in my career and personal life and I could barley get a minute to myself. It wasn't the best day for me diet wise and you'll see why from the start.
Okay first catastrophic mistake was missing breakfast. The reason being, I was in work a half hour earlier than normal but forgot to adjust my alarm and unfortunately it was my diet that suffered. God forbid my hair or makeup would ;), but there you go. Honesty. Under any other circumstances I would grab rice cakes and/or fruit and eat them on the way to work but this morning I was a little bit stressed with one thing or another and forgot to take them with me. I made it to work on time though. :)
So I get my tea break at around 11am which I think is a perfectly fine time to eat breakfast, if you weren't working and had been doing nothing until then, however my body has been on the go over 5 hours now, having woke at 5:45am. I find this can be detrimental when it comes to making a bad choice of food but this morning I didn't do too bad. Here's what I had:
Fruit salad
And some yoghurt raisins and nuts
and water
For lunch, which is normally around 3:30pm I had:
Savory rice and chicken. This is a dried rice that Erin make. I discovered this in slimming world and find it very handy. I cook it in the microwave. It's low in fat and calories then I add some roasted skinless chicken to try up my protein intake.
Afterwards I had a few strawberries and yoghurt and more water ;) Strawberries and yogurt would be a favourite of mine and I always opt for the muller light yoghurts. Which (most of the time) are on offer individually or on offer in their multi pack ;) I'm always looking out for the bargains LOL
Then for dinner at around 7:30pm I had lasagne, roast potatoes and salad. I love Italian food, pasta, lasagne etc... This is a meal I'd have once a week maximum and more water. ;)
My sister came
over and we celebrated her 24th birthday so of course there was cake! How adorable is this cake? My nephew told my mam he wanted to buy a princess cake for his mammy (he's 3) so his nanny came through with this beautiful cake and he was delighted to see his mammy get it.
So for desert:
On a side note, I don't eat desert everyday in fact very rarely do I, I would on special occasions or if I go out for a meal which is not very often, although it would be my favourite course in a meal (guilty pleasure) :)
My water intake
was over 2 litres which is what I aim for every day. I've cut back fizzy
drinks almost completely, maybe at the weekends I might have a diet
coke or if I'm on a night out and I'm having a few vodkas and white ;) I'm definitely partial to a cup of tea but today it was only water and with the finer weather coming hot drinks for me will be cut right down to a minimum.
My next daily diet installment will cover what I eat on my day off typically. There wouldn't be a huge difference but I would have more time to put more effort into what I eat and I would often meet a friend for dinner or lunch ;)
I hope you liked reading a typical day in my diet. I definitely could have made better choices throughout the day but this was a very hectic week for me. Easter week in retail is ALL GO! And if your not organised you'll pay the price :)
Thanks for reading,
Much Love,
Amy xo
Hello Friends.
So this evening I thought I'd bring you a little something on my journey with getting active over the last year.
I'll be doing regular posts on keeping active but I'll fill you in on the basics so far ;)
Okay so, in all honesty the most active I have ever been in my life was perhaps the double PE class we had in school which stopped by fifth year. And I was 17. So here I am 29 and have done very little in between then and last year to keep myself active. Occasionally I went walking and I did a boot camp circuit style training class for a few months. But true to form that dwindled. So at the very beginning 2013, I decided that's its now or never! I joined slimming world within the first week of January 2013, to improve my diet and eating habits dramatically. I heard of so much success being had by people around me and decided it was worth a go. Slimming world worked wonders for me, unfortunately due to the hours I work making the class every week is next to impossible sometimes, so it was a commitment that I couldn't stick too. So I knocked it on the head plus I'd found something that worked for me better. I started working with a personal trainer.
When I went for my first training session and assessment with my trainer I was so nervous, I think the reason for that was a mixture of not knowing what to expect and my true fitness levels being surfaced for the first time. Inside I felt I was being tested. Again saying to myself 'now or never'. But from the start, I knew straight away I was in a space where I wasn't being judged and working along side a person who genuinely wanted to help me without prejudice.
From the start I knew this was going to be a battle. I started on a training mission to change my lifestyle, a lifestyle of 29 years. Some of the earlier sessions saw me struggle walking 100 yards being killed by shin splints and wanting to give up!! And getting frustrated and pissed off with myself because I felt I couldn't break down the barrier. But through a lot of motivation, determination and the belief from a professional that 'I could do it' I'm now jogging! Something this time last year I never would have even contemplated. The sessions are still just as difficult as they were on day 1 but that's the point ;) But the rewards just get better and better. It's the best feeling in the world watching the numbers on the scales and measuring tape come down and its an even nicer feeling seeing the number come down on my clothes and having a few wardrobe clear outs to make way for new smaller clothes. I now turn to walking rather than food to clear my mind. I love walking!! I've discovered new routes around my town that I love to use on a regular basis. Places I never knew existed, right on my door step. I get a kick from working out! Its my favourite thing to do. Exercise will always be part of my routine. It is hard some weeks to fit it in but I've learnt to prioritise it. 4 hours out of my 7 day week is what I need to do to continue to change my life for the better. I'm doing this for me. Training has not just changed my life physically but mentally too. I feel stronger on the inside and my confidence is soaring.
Keep an eye out later in the week where I'll be giving a run down of my daily diet and training routine.
I hope you enjoyed reading my first Getting Active post.
Much Love!
Amy xo
Hello Friends.
So here's a round up of what I've been loving during the month of March. :)
1: Favourite song
The moment I heard Hoziers 'take me to church' it hit me. It was haunting and pulled at my heart strings so much so I actually found it difficult to listen to the entire song. I knew I had to see the music video attached to get full meaning behind the song and its expressive lyrics and long and behold the music video is also a tough watch, however, portrays the meaning behind the song perfectly. The video is reminiscent of what is happening in Russia at the moment and indeed many other countrys across the world with the LGBT community and their fight and struggle for equality.
Did you know the guy who wrote and sings this song is Irish? Aren't we a very talented bunch over here?...
2: Favourite band
This month, in fact this year I can't stop listening to One Republic. They just can't falter and with a talented singer, song writer, lead singer Ryan Tedder penning all their tracks they are truly on the road to the rock and roll hall of fame. Did you know that Tedder also wrote huge hits such as Beyonces 'Halo', Adeles 'Rumour has it' , Demi Lovatos 'Neon lights' and none other than Ellie Gouldings 'Burn'? Truly one of the most talented musicians of our time.
3: Favourite film
The movie that had everyone talking for the past couple months is Wolf of Wall Street and for me this is one of the best films I've watched in a long time. From start to finish I was hooked and I didn't stray once.When I seen the running time was 180 minutes I thought straight away that I was going to loose interest in this plus I was going to see it on a 'school night'. I remember going to see 178 minute long The Fellow Ship of the Ring and feeling like it was endless, all them years ago and dare I say it being disappointed with the ending ;). 3 hour long films generally don't go down well with me haha :D but this was an exception. The Wolf of Wall Street is a black comedy, a very fitting description. It tells the true story of Jordan Bedfort a stockbroker who sets up a business on Wall Street, defrauding innocent people of millions. I was hooked from start to finish. It helps that the film is narrated by Belfort (Di Caprio) through out. And I still think Leonardo Di Caprio shoulda bagged the oscar for his role as Jordan Belfort, cheated!! If you haven't seen it. See it!! It won't disappoint. This is one for my DVD selection for sure.
4: Favourite TV show
The TV show I can't get enough of and have been looking forward to watching all this month is the Big Bang Theory. The show is based on 4 scientists- Sheldon, Leonard, Howard and Raj and a waitress Penny. Each character is well thought of and completely different to the next and each more funny than the other, however, I have a soft spot for 'Sheldon Cooper' a socially awkward, insensitive and all round narcissistic guy, oh yes, 'he's very clever and he knows it'. Sheldon Cooper has to be the funniest character on TV at the moment, in my opinion. Jim Parsons portrays this character brilliantly and its to no surprise he has won countless awards for his work. :) If you are into sitcoms, for example, Friends, Mike and Molly and Two and Half Men you will love this. Next to friends this is definitely my favourite TV show and I'm definitely going to treat myself to the box set. Did you know that the creator of the show Chuck Lorre is also the creator behind Two and a Half Men and the executive producer on Mike and Molly? What a innovative man! You can expect to watch the Big Bang Theory on the box until at least 2016 having another 3 new seasons agreed on. You can catch repeats across numerous channels including 3e and E4. Season 8s release date has not been confirmed yet but I can't wait!!
5: Favourite skin care
I am very prone to breakouts and around the time of my birthday in March I had a break out worse than any I had in the longest time and I felt so fed up! I turned to good oul facebook to ask what people would recommend and my good friend Laura commented Tea Tree oil and it brought me back to when I was a teenager and my mam giving me tea tree oil for my breakouts around the time of my debs and it working a treat only it burning like mother f#cker however it was a burn worth taking. So off I popped to my local pharmacy on the hunt for a bottle of tea tree oil. First of all I could not get over how cheap this stuff is!! Less that 4euro a bottle. The minute I got home I cleansed and moisteurised and applied the tea tree oil to by breakout and much to my surprise it didn't cos any sensation only a soothing warming feeling on the breakout. I repeated this again that evening before I went to bed and I took my besties advice and put a few drops into my moisturiser before I applied to my face and I found this routine really improved my skin. This is now part of my everyday routine and its keeping all bad breakouts at bay. And I love the smell of it which is a bonus also cos if you have never smelt tea tree oil be prepared because it is strong!!
6: Favourite body care
Do you have dry sensitive skin like me? Skin so sensitive that even picking up a bottle of tutti fruiti shower gel in a super market, you feel your skin squirm? That's me. I am the biggest lover of sweet smelling treats for your body but I can't use them everyday in my regular routine. But I have found a shower cream that is so nice it makes me want to never use any other shower product to wash myself and that is Sanex sensitive shower cream. I can honestly say that this milky shower cream will be in my shower for a long time to come. It hasn't caused any irritation whatsoever.
7: Favourite make up
I have 2 pieces of makeup this month that I'm loving. The first I use every day, (well everyday I wear makeup which is nearly everyday and the other I wear occasionally :)
The first is the Bourjois mascara for sensitive eyes. I own so many mascaras most of which I have to stop using after a few days cos it wouldn't agree with my eyes but this mascara has stood the test of time, I'm using it since Christmas, with no 'red eye' whatsoever. That's the biggest plus. But besides that, I love this mascara its gives my lashes full affect with no clumping. The wand is quite long and thin so it does take a couple of coats to get my lashes to my desired look but I don't mind that in fact I like it because I can be very precise using it. I also love the packaging. Its so girly and very boudoir esk. I am the biggest fan of Bourjois makeup everything down to their nail varnish. Expect plenty of appearances from Bourjois in the future ;) A lil fun fact, Bourjois is around since 1863 originating in Paris!!!
My next item of makeup up in this months favourites is a mac lipstick in the form of 'girl about town' and I love this lipstick. Its the most girly pink shade with a blue undertown which makes your teeth look whiter :) I bought this lip stick on new years day when me and my best friend went out shopping and I couldn't resist it and lets face it what a lovely way to start of the new year with a new mac lipstick and my first mac lipstick in toe. For me, I've only worn this lipstick on nights out and to partys and it looks great with a smoky eye. Its an amplified finish, (really pops out and is long lasting) I would wear this during the day maybe on lunch date but I wouldn't wear it in work. I keep my makeup very minimal in work so its a real treat when I break it out to wear.
8: Favourite clothing
My favouite item of clothing this month is the dress I wore to my Mams 50th birthday party. I'm not the glittery shimmery dress wearing type. I like to keep it simple but sophisticated and when I found this dress in one of my favourite clothes shops New Look I loved it straight away. It mid length just below the thigh. I'm just over 5.6 so I'm generally okay when it comes to finding nice lengths in dresses, this is the shortest I would go. Its black with a navy and green check with sleeves that sit just above my elbows. I put it with 70 denier black tights and black swede wedge shoes, see below my accessories. Didn't get the best shot of it on the night but here it is:
9: Favourite accessorie
My favouite accessorie this month is the statement neck lace I wore on the night. It's stated but not over stated which is why I love it. I bought this in New Look also. Its gold hard ware leafs on a black sequin rope. I'll get plenty of use from this over the coming months for sure! Just on a side note I wore a black and gold bangle I bought in New York over 6 years ago! I'm not one to buy/wear a ton of jewelery but what I do buy I wear and still break out pieces I have years!!
10: Favourite Moments
To finish of my monthly favourites I'm throwing in my favourite moments of the month. March was busy! My mam turned 50 and I turned 29! My mams party was the business! Gave me plenty of ideas for my 30th. EEEK better make the most of the last year of my 20's, well this is a good place to start, officially blogging. I also got a new car! A better car and I am looking after her like shes my baby LOL.
So there you have it my first post and my first monthly favourites. I hope I didn't ramble on too much and you enjoyed reading my favourite things I know I love reading other bloggers monthly favourites.Thanks for reading.
Much Love!
Amy xo
Hello Friends,
Welcome to Amicia Glow.
I've been wanting to set up my own blog for the longest time now. I'm an avid reader of blogs, life style blogs in particular and none more so than my best friends blog chatterbox.ie without who's help setting up my own one might never have happened.
So, what are my intentions with my blog? I have a keen interest in fashion and makeup. I set out upon proving you can be any size and still look and feel amazing. I love clothes and I dress to suit my curvy figure while also staying true to myself. I have many style inspirations but still have my own style without conforming to anyone else but myself. That said, I'm on a mission to loose weight and to get fit and healthy. I started my journey last year and still have long road ahead of me and everyday brings me closer to my goal, it may be a never ending road but I plan on staying here and sharing many different stops with you on the way ;) . I live a very interesting life and there is never a dull moment. I'm very excited to be blogging and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I'm going to enjoy writing it.
I am currently preparing my March monthly favourites which includes everything from my favourite song to my favourite beauty products of the month. Check back tomorrow to see what I have loved during last month.
Talk to you soon,
Much Love,
Amy xo
