MUSTERING UP THE ENERGY....

I must admit that for the past 3 months I have lost a lot (if not all) motivation to work out. Since moving to London, getting to grips with the new job, exploring, dining out (blah blah blah), I have not been able to muster up the energy to dust off the old trainers and go for a run. Heck, I have even been opting for the four minute bus ride ahead of the twenty minute walk. Pathetic, I know. 

It is strange as my walk home is filled with London joggers running along the Thames in their colour co-ordinated outfits and cute matching water bottles - so surely I should be keen to join them? When the reality is as soon as I come into my flat and kick off my works shoes and simultaneously get in my PJs I think - no no, not tonight. 

However - recently I have managed to get back into the swing of things and actually do some exercise and remind myself that I am in my mid-twenties and should probably not be so pathetically lazy... (but it's so easy...) and there have been a few tweaks in my lifestyle that have eased the pain of this transition.

Always be prepared. When I wake up in the morning I can barely remember where I am, let alone find my gym kit. However when I wake up to the stern stare of my trainers I get the pang of guilt and fall out of bed into them. It makes it just a little easier... 

Do something you enjoy. The amount of times I have done classes that I have huffed, puffed and nearly cried through and at the end thought - I am NEVER doing that again. I know I don't enjoy it, but I think - "maybe this time it will be different". Instead, find a class or a sport where you look forward to seeing progress and actually doing it. For me it is team based sports or running. I am competitive and love working as a team to win or beating my own personal record. Sad but true. 

Socialise. Agreeing to do some form of exercise with a friend means there is extra pressure to actually get off your backside and do it. You don't want to let you friend down, right? And they would never want to let you down as well. Winner! I love doing the Kayla Itsines workouts with my flatmate in our gym and the fact she is there means we can have a giggle at how shakey our arms are. This week I nearly cried with laughter at the fact we had a 30 minute workout and she only had one song on her iPhone (Jason Derulo...) And I'll be damned she listened to it on repeat for the whole workout.. 

And most importantly... HAVE FUN! 

LONDON

So it's official - I have moved. I did it! I have moved all the way from Durham to London and it all went rather smoothly if I do say so myself. Yes I may have left packing to the last minute, and yes I may have not been able to fit everything into the car but that's beside the point - I did it.

It has been a pretty busy year to be honest - I decided I wanted to move to The Big Smoke for the bright lights. Of course it was difficult to leave my family, we are close and I was living at home. But I haven't looked back - and there is a Space NK on pretty much every street here...

(My parents took it a little hard - so they did what any normal family does when their first born flies the nest...buy a puppy. Yes, I really am THAT replaceable.)

They got the cute factor bang on...

However I have fallen on my feet - location wise I am bang in the centre and housemate wise I am living with my mate (beautiful back of the head pictured above...) who I have known since I was 7.

My flat is a cosy modern three bed that has a gym and pool on the lower part of the block and even a sauna and although I will never get my head around the staggering difference in rent between the North East and London, I couldn't be happier.

For all those who are mulling over the idea of relocating and have been for quite some time - in the words of Shia LeBoeuf - just do it. My only advice is maybe pack the car a day before so you can work out if it actually all fits. Or maybe just hire a van for just your beauty products!

...LONG TIME COMING

Now, let's just address the deep irony of my last blog post - working 9-5 and then, predictably, the blogging stopped. In actual fact I work 8 until 6.30pm but that's neither here nor there...

The past six months have been interesting to say the least, I have been in a delightfully stressful Catch 22 where I have had a disposable income meaning my beauty purchases have been somewhat excessive, and yet I have not had the time to share such indulgences. 

However, for the first time in a long time I have felt inspired to share my musings once again. And let's face it, this blog provided justification of my ridiculous spending habits. "It's all in the name of my blog" I would tell myself as I wandered in Space NK on a weekend. 

So, shall I just get you all caught up on the past six months of my life through a good old photo binge? 

Work training // Reunion

Durham in full swing // Portsmouth

A lot of drinking was done // Ibiza

 View from the office

Caitlin Moran // Greenwich 

25 // Kohl Mama's beautiful baby

Training commences // Zurich

Sisterly love // The Jacksons

Sporadic, I realise. 

What have you been up to?

WORKING 9-5

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What's this? Professional gear?

That's right, I got myself a grown-up job. Granted I still answer with "22" when asked how old I am. (I am a few years above that...eeek)

Nevertheless I bagged myself a job and my first day is Monday. New beginnings go hand in hand with nerves, excitement, apprehension and of course a new wardrobe. 

After getting a few staple black structured dresses from New Look and tailored collarless blazers from Topshop I had the basics done. Now it's time to get a bit more fancy. Of course, I am not going to waltz into the office in Jeffery Campbells and a Vivienne Westwood sharp angled dress, but a bit of flare is good, right?

Here are a few things I have my eye on but sadly will have to wait for payday to add them to my ever expanding wardrobe. 

Do you have any professional wear tips? Good shops?