Project Princess

[BlackSwan]

I have a theory that every year you should treat one wedding you're attending as though it were your own.

Not that you're the bride, or as important as the bride...that's not the idea. I mean that for many women your wedding day is the one day when you try to pull it all together to look and feel your best, best figure, best skin, best hair. You get the picture. So if you do this once a year...perhaps with less of the stress that goes along with preparing for your own wedding day...then you'll look and feel amazing.

Last year I gave birth to my first child, so getting my figure etc back on track before a wedding I attended some months later was a huge challenge. I think I succeeded pretty well - I felt great at the wedding, not like the frumpy mummy I thought I might turn up as!

So now we have the Royal Wedding to look forward to I think we have the perfect opportunity to set that as a collective project due date. 29 April.

If any of you are inclined to give this a go - I thought it might be fun to do this with other like minded (crazy?) women.

The way it would work is like this - anyone involved can add a preparation ritual to the list. Let's not make this expensive. Don't we all have a bunch of unused exfoliant, teeth whitening paste, cuticle creams, waxes and potions at our disposal in our medicine cabinet?

Get the idea? Anyone interested?

[cyrilsneer]

I hate hate hate whitening my teeth but I push myself do it occasionally because I paid a fortune to have Zoom whitening done at the dentist a while ago and I'd be really cross if I let myself slip back to square one, if you see what I mean.

Re fizzy water - I have a refillable 750ml bottle that I cart around with me and sip from frequently. I probably refill it 3-4 times a day (I've always drunk a lot of water) but I quite like a glass of fizzy with lunch/ supper. My SIL says that fizzy water - whilst better than coke/ diet coke, clearly - still causes cellulite but hey ho...

I feel quite good about this whole project actually - I've (amongst other things):

Exercised twice this week (three times a week is my aim - will do this next week when I'm back to normal after half term)

Done a home manicure and home pedicure

Had my 'tache threaded

Tinted my eyebrows

and generally eaten healthily - I particularly like the "2 extra pieces of fruit/ veg a day" idea - I've bought a massive bag of carrots and apples and have one of each at that four o'clock "I could eat the house" moment.

Thanks for starting this BlackSwan.

[anon80]

Good to see everyone is doing well already

Im starting the shred on monday, and will kick start the rest of the list off too in full force.

Love MN

were all going to be models by the time April 29th comes- maybe i will walk down the street and even get mistaken foe Kate Middleton

[sweetheart]

ohhhh choc bag I am planning a wardrobe purge too! I'm having a operation in a few weeks and will be stuck at home bored for a while so was planning on doing it them to keep me occupied. I can't wait to have a good old clear out (and then of course a good shop to refil it!)

[BlackSwan]

cyrilsneer - it's fun huh? Good time of year to be doing this too - will prepare us all for exposing ourselves a bit more in the spring.

Sweetheart -good luck with your op.

[cyrilsneer]

rubyrubyruby - yes you dooooooooo!

BlackSwan - it really is fun - such a good idea! - I've got a spring in my step already.

[LB29]

I have some trainers and I am ready for next week when the kids are back a school.

Have also booked myself in at the dentist.

[gretagatsby]

I've just done level 1 shred for the first time - love that it's so short - the end is always in sight and i have no excuse not to JUST DO IT.

Weightloss tip - I did WW and there's a recipe for No Point Soup - basically all veg - i make a huge batch, keep half in the fridge to get through at meal times if i'm on my own or just when i'm feeling peckish (it's no points, so doesn't count... keeps me away from the chocolate, hopefully), the other half goes in the freezer.

Basically, NoFatSpray - fry up onions, then garlic if you want, carrots, peppers and/or anything else you fancy/have in stock. when veg has softened a bit, add tins of tomatoes and simmer for 25 mins or so. I then add a tin of beans like butter beans or cannelini beans as they're yum.

It's not the most exciting meal, but you are "allowed" to eat masses of it, it's sooooo good for you, it give you your five-a-day and it WILL fill you up - for nil points/minimum calories. If I replace three meals a week with something like this, I will lose weight.

The batch in the freezer is ready to defrost in emergencies.

Also, if you need something more substantial, bung it in the food processor and have it with chicken or fish, or even pasta (better to have pasta at lunch than supper, I'm told).

I highly recommend it. Having some now.

[naturelover]

Great tip gretagatsby.

I keep trying to snack on raw carrots and fennel but I seem to have no self-control. They don't fill me up and I end up eating biscuits as well! In my defence I'm still breastfeeding so I think my calorific needs are quite big. I'm not overweight so maybe I shouldn't cut calories too much.

I'm good at getting my 5 a day though. I make smoothies for the kids and make enough for me too (so much cheaper than buying them). I use apple juice, frozen berries and some grated ginger (for immune boost). I also make soup as a main course at least twice a week. I always put beans or lentils in them as it's more filling than just veg soup.

Did you know many other countries recommend 5-10 a day, not just 5? I suppose if you aim high... I usually aim for 7 or so.

[thefirstMrsDeVere]

I hate body moisturizing. Its always cold in the bathroom and I am lazy. I have been given an idea by the post about moisturizing a different bit everytime you wash your hands.

After my morning shower I am going to do one part quickly i.e. Monday - slap it on my legs, Tuesday- do my arms etc etc.

Genius!

[BlackSwan]

MrsDeVere - agree - greasing up your entire body takes a while.

I put my money where my mouth is and spent a great deal more than i intended on a night cream. Well, actually a night cream and a 10 day intensive night treatment... but buying 2 products secured me a gift with purchase and a bunch of samples of body cream.

Sushi for lunch and munching on blueberries as I type.

Rubyrubyruby, admire your commitment. Any fish is good, but salmon in particular has high levels of omega 3s which will make your skin glow. Google Dr Perricone anti-wrinkle diet... In a nutshell, eating anti-inflammatory foods makes your skin look healthier.

[sweetheart]

I have been thinking about this for a couple of days and I also hate body moisturising! I don't have time in the mornings as I stay sticky for ages which means I can't get dressed and get on, plus it uses an absolute ton of moisturiser to do my whole body.

I wonder if some kind of oil spray type thing would be the answer. Maybe something like this www.boots.com/en/Sanctuary-Body-Milk-Spray-250ml_11905/ what do you think?

Seeing as I'm doing nothing at the moment I'm sure something would be better....?

[BlackSwan]

That sounds good sweetheart, much faster to spray on and do a slap dash rub in!

I used to use a Clarins body oil on damp skin after showering - you only need a few drops & it's pretty quick. You just towel off normally afterward. Smells like you've just had an aromatherapy massage too.

[Cristiane]

Hello can I join? I am desperate to scrub up a bit better as i feel that I am looking old and haggard.

I totally think i should be body moisturising but also find it so boring. Prfect me would put on St tropes everyday but bad me doesn't bother... Ued to use neutrogena after shower oil that is lovely but i have just remembered I was given some clarins body oil a year ago, I'll dig it out.

I will print out the list and start, i might try and see what i can realistically get done. My problem is that I don't knw how to fit it all in. I get up at 6.30am and leave for work at 7.15am. I have two young girls and I'm pretty sure I would wake them up at 6.30 if i started doing the shred at that time. Or even more likely they are already awake and then i have no space and they stand around watching and laughing... I love the shred when i can get into it... I get home from work about 6.30 and by time girls are in bed it's 8 and I'm shattered and all I want t do is have a glass of wine and then eat and then by the time I've filled dishwasher I want to sleep!

And the weekend- well there's so much to catch up on! I don't know how to fit it in. Maybe i should get up at 6am during week to do the shred... And definitely no drinking during the week. Like idea of doing a big bulk batch of soup for the evening or i could take it in for lunch i guess.

Anyone have any ideas for the time pressed?

[BlackSwan]

Cristiane - welcome! That's a busy schedule - it will be a challenge. But remember you're 'getting married' in 2 months!!

Suggest cramming as much of this as possible into your work day. Is there a gym at work? Perhaps that's a better alternative to cutting out much needed sleep? Suggest a big bottle of mineral water on your desk as well as some hand cream. Any other tips ladies?

[Cristiane]

I'm still trying to get used to it because I've only started back at work very recently after five years at home!

I do walk now a very brisk 15 mins each way from bus stop to office so I guess that's something? There isn't a gym but what I could do is go for another walk when i don't have a meeting.

Hand cream. Is a good idea, I'll do that, what are everyone's favourite brands? I thin k one with an SPF wouod be good? and i have a bottle at my desk with an incorporated filter in it which is good. I make lots of big mugs of tea too.

I am trying to give up carbs in the evening and to start the day healthily, by taking in some yogurt and fruit. I am also going to take a bag of apples in i think to combat those energy slumps which will help me eat those extra fruit and veg in the wedding plan!

[BlackSwan]

Cristiane - well done for heading back into work, very exciting. Apples are great. Almonds are a good desk snack too, and they don't go off quickly.
Hand creme - well I just started using nailtiques cuticle and nail gel which has transformed the leathery webbing between my thumbs and forefingers back to normal (too much handwashing). Sorry TMI.

[Cristiane]

Almonds are a great idea. And walnuts are good too aren't they, very high in omega 3.

My nails are terrible, they just flake off. I had shellac done a few weeks ago but the acetone used to remove it has meant they are bad again. Quite disappointed as shellac meant to be good for nails...

My skin is bad at moment. I have always had bad skin and the only thing that has ever sorted it is roaccutane, but that's really a last resort. Maybe by improving my general healthiness will mean that it will improve. Also I am very bad about not cleansing properly before i go to bed.

[whoneedssleepanyway]

Hello all, i have been lurking on this for a while and would like to join in too.

Cristiane, I am in a similar situation as you 2 young girls and leave 730 for work back 630 (three days)...my one indulgence though is a personal trainer once a week on a Friday from 8 to 9 as DH can work a bit later and she works me very hard. Will invest in the Shred DVD though and give it a go on the other days.

I also try to drink a fresh vegetable juice once a day (spinach, celery, cucumber, green pepper and apple) so think i will carry on with this instead of the two extra fruit or veg.

Will give up choclate and am already trying to do the no drinking in the week (not been v good at this but will try harder)...

Better order some of that hair oil and what on earth is an eyelash serum....

[Cristiane]

Hello sleep i love your name... I try to put my tiredness in a mental box but today i am struggling!

I have the moroccan hair oil, it's very good, and that and the babyliss big hair is really transforming my hair.

I don't think i could afford a personal trainer, would be lovely though! I could go for a swim at weekends or for a run, or maybe I could run back from work, but that leads to clothes confusion! You know, having to change before you leave, then wondering whether to take your clothes home with you.... Hmmmm....

[whoneedssleepanyway]

Thanks Cristiane...

I toyed with the running home from work thing but haven't done it yet.

The trainer is expensive but i justified it on the basis i don't spend the money i did pre children on going out...and i have definitely seen real results.

It is so hard to fit things in though am going to try to schedule a time at home and stick to it religiously....hmm we will see how that is going in a week's time

[catinboots]

Hiya - can I join?

I'm already on the S&B shred thread where we are going to measure and weigh ourselves weeklt to track progress.

I'm getting married for real at the end of August so am doing a lot of these things already.

[catinboots]

Greta - I do the no points soup thing. I make a vat of it up and munch on it for lunch and when I'm hungry.

I get a bit bored of it in the evenings so I've been having diced cabbage stir fried in a teeny bit of sesame oil with chilli, ginger, sesame seeds and soy sauce. My downfall is too much

So the list:

1. 8 glasses of water a day
   
2. Exfoliating - how often?
   
3. Using some kind of teeth whitener
   
4. Using some kind of regenerative face cream - recommendations? I use cheapo moisturiser
   
5. Intensive nail care (feet and hands)
   
6. Some kind of eyelash growth serum - I have falsies
   
7. The Shred / other intensive exercise
   
8. At least 2 extra fruit & veg
   
9. Healthy breakfast daily.
   

10. Hair oil (moroccan hair oil for eg, or kerastase etc) - been doing moroccan oil for a week
11. No alcohol during the week - that's my downfall
12. Daily vitamins
13. Body brushing - how often?
14. At least 2 servings of salmon or other fatty fish per week.
15. One early night once a week. Suggest 9PM.
16. Regular hair removal
17. Give up one naughty favourite item e.g. chocolate/crisps
18. No more fizzy drinks
19. DAILY body moisturising.
20. Warm water with lemon first thing in the a.m.

[catinboots]

sleep - I have a trainer twice a week and it you're right it is money well spent. It costs less than when i used smoke and go out all the time!

I try to go to Zumba once a week as well, so will be doing the shred on the other days.