I want to look like naturally good....want to do it with me???

[StrokemyForehead]

I saw a thread on MN a few months ago called princessing (although I eeeked at the title!) Anyway the fundamentals still looked solid so I am going to live by the principles and I could really do with some buddies

Here are the principles. I have written them down and pinned them up in my kitchen...... (hoping that will help me stick to it )

1. 8 glasses of water a day
2. Exfoliate
3. Use teeth whitener
4. Use anti-aging face cream
5. Intensive nail care (feet and hands)
6. Use eyelash growth serum OR eye cream.
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) 11. No alcohol during the week 12. Daily vitamins 13. Body brushing 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.

Can I join in too?

I'm looking/feeling a bit sorry for myself atm and hoping doing this might improve things.

Sorry but hot water and lemon sounds awful and not sure about putting oil on my already greasy barney is a good idea, but everything else sounds great.

Will make an effort to pick up some vitamins and eyelash serum over the weekend. My dsis bought me some moisturisers at Christmas so will dig them out (they're more expensive than I could afford normally so have been "saving" them).

Oh, any pointers on teeth whiteners - have no idea!

stroke keep up the good work :)

I finally got around to sorting out the bathroom cabinets today. All beautifully arranged and ready to go.

So Friday night is usually and my own body weight in Kettle Chips. Instead, I indulged in a Sanctuary foot soak followed by a mini pedi - left nails unpainted for tonight to let Solar Oil and moisturisers etc sink in. Also sorted out my shocking cuticles and filed & buffed finger nails in preparation for applying polish tomorrow.

Have tweezed my brows too which makes such a big difference.

I also tried the Ren freebies that came with Red magazine this month. Not overly impressed with the eye serum & moisturiser. The handcream was lovely though. I am currently looking for the cheapest deal on Clarins Anti-aging range as it is gorgeous stuff which really works. Am still a bit about the prices though.

:o

Surely you haven't all crashed & burned??!

I applied fake tan last night whilst DC in the bath. Totally forgot about it,. Scared the bejeesus out of myself this morning when faced with bronze self in mirror!!

I think they must have intensified the St Tropez gradual tanner because it definitely seems darker on first application than last year's batch.

I am really enjoying this. I have struggled to fit everything in but feel that I am making progress.

I started Save and Slim diet last week and have now lost 8 lbs. I am trying to do exercise but finding the time is a bit of a problem and I now know I need to do exercise early otherwise the day runs away with me.

Have started using eyelash serum and putting my 15% glycolic cream on every night. I am starting to get into a good beauty regime and don't leave the house without sunscreen.

Not done much with hands and feet will try to add to the routine this week.

For me this is about setting some time aside for myself and with weight loss and doing things to improve my appearance it is making me feel much better about myself. I have always wanted to leave the house looking groomed and I think I may get there.

I have also successfully coloured my hair and put highlights in which will save me a fortune.

Hi Silver73 - glad you are here!

You lost 8lbs in a week?? OMG. Well done!

Totally agree with early exercise. If I don't just get on and do it then it never happens.

I find that having beauty things to hand rather than having to make a special trip for them is the key to upkeep. I keep hand cream in all the bathrooms and kitchen and also foot cream and solar oil by the bed so I can slather it on before going to sleep.

Am having my hair highlighted tomorrow. Have gone back to blonde after 4 years of brunette. My hair is so silver now that regrowth blends much better with the blonde!

sorry went a boy AWOL

I have found out that I am defo intolerant to dairy whenever I eat it i get acne on my chin - I have suffered with chronic acne since i was 11 i am now 31 and i have only just found this out my skin is looking really good now and i dont have to wear make up every day which for me is a bloody miracle!!!!!

off to read rest of thread

I have no idea what is wrong with my typing

right had my bath, put on my body oil, manicure and pedi and sat in bed all set up my early night, hoping to get to bed by 9pm

loving this by the way starting to feel really pampered and less of a state !

what is this diet of what you speak silver ?? sounds amazing !!! sounds like you are flying with this which is absolutely brill

I laughed at your post about the tan - I am about to get my tanning mits on over the next few days will try not to freak out

re teeth whitener sb I use just bog standard whitening toothpaste and a mouthwash. I have quite weak teeth and am worried about putting anything too abrasive on them

Well done on identifying your intolerance Stroke. Did you get tested by your doctor or simply a process of elimination on your part?

It is nice to not have to wear make up every day. I wear just tinted moisturiser, Bronzer and mascara in the summer - with the occasional splash of bright eyeshadow used as eyeliner. I uncovered some forgotten about "summer lipsticks" in my mammoth bathroom cabinet clearing session. Lovely sheer pinks and pale browns. Since starting this healthy lifestyle malarkey my skin tone has definitely improved, particularly my eye area which is significantly less shadowed than usual. It must be down to being better hydrated and better sleep quality.

I have started using the Tracey Anderson Mat Workout DVD. It's an absolute killer but god you feel fab when you've completed it. I've just completed my first week of daily exercise (was doing some pilates exercises before i started the dvd) and liberal application of Sit Tight by Soap & Glory and I have seen a significant improvement in the appearance of my thighs already. The cellulite is still evident but the lumps and bumps are getting smaller and smoother.

Try not to scare yourself Stroke with the tanning lotion :o

How is everyone else doing?

Can I join? I'm in poor shape!

1. 8 glasses of water a day - I'm trying.
2. Exfoliate - never bothered to before
3. Use teeth whitener - I have sensitive teeth
4. Use anti-aging face cream - do this already
5. Intensive nail care - what and how?
6. Use eyelash growth serum OR eye cream. - Never even heard of this one.
7. The Shred / other intensive exercise - No No No, I don't do exercise
8. At least 2 extra fruit & veg - I'm trying
9. Healthy breakfast daily - I don't eat breakfast EVER

10. Hair oil (moroccan hair oil for eg, or kerastase etc) - I've wanted to try this but not sure wht to buy 11. No alcohol during the week - la la I can't hear you 12. Daily vitamins - never done this 13. Body brushing - same answer as 2 14. At least 2 servings of salmon or other fatty fish per week. - must try harder 15. One early night once a week. Suggest 9PM. - never going to happen 16. Regular hair removal - All ready under control 17. Give up one naughty favourite item e.g. chocolate/crisps - will try 18. No more fizzy drinks - hardly ever drink fizzy 19. DAILY body moisturising - another thing I need to do 20. Warm water with lemon first thing in the a.m. - I could but not first thing in the morning 22. Silk Pillowcase - on my christmas list!!

Am I to far gone do you think?

Hi pissy come and join us

Don't worry if you can't do the whole list many of us have tweaked it to suit our needs. Basically this is all about looking after yourself that little bit more and many of us are feeling so much better for it!!

I use the Argan oil from superdrug its suits me really well, but there are lots of other products on the market. www.superdrug.com/haircare/proclere-argan-oil-hair-treatment/invt/278670/ I use this one last bloody ages (12 months for me)

I use Sally Hensen stuff for my nails. They need to be stronger so I am using a cuticle cream and a nail polish that is a strengthener too.

HTH

Ujjay - I love Tracy Anderson I think her arms workouts are the best. I am a Callanetics fan but have added Tracy Anderson arms workouts into my routine and have also added some of her ab exercises from her postnatal DVD. I will check out the ab section of her mat workout as already love the arms.

Stroke - I am on Save and Slim. I have tried all the others but this is great for me. They have milkshakes, meals and bars. I have 3 Slim and Save products a day and then have a meal of fish in the evening. I lost 9 lbs in the first week and know a lot of that is glycogen but I am feeling really well on it.

I have also been doing facial exercise for a week and I can already see a slight improvement.

I have to buy shares in silk pillowcases next time I talk about them on here.

Hi Pissydust. Jump right in :)

Fluffycloudland77 I like the idea of silk pillowcases. Do they really make a huge difference?

Just realised I haven't filled this in :)

1. 8 glasses of water a day - trying but not there yet.
2. Exfoliate - yes, twice a week with Mama Mio O Mega Body Buff
3. Use teeth whitener - no just finished orthodontic treatment so still too sensitive.
4. Use anti-aging face cream - yes. Clarins
5. Intensive nail care (feet and hands) - since last weekend, twice a day application of solar oil on cuticles (hands and feet) and good dollop of Scholl Deep Moisturising Cream
6. Use eyelash growth serum OR eye cream. - yep, Clarins serum 3 times a week.
7. The Shred / other intensive exercise - had been doing Mama Mio Bootcamp for Butts but now doing Tracy Anderson Method
8. At least 2 extra fruit & veg - definitely need to up this
9. Healthy breakfast daily

10. Hair oil (moroccan hair oil for eg, or kerastase etc) Use Kerastase twice a week plus weekly hair mask (also Kerastase) 11. No alcohol during the week - yep and very little over the weekend too. 12. Daily vitamins - no am rubbish at taking tablets 13. Body brushing - yes daily 14. At least 2 servings of salmon or other fatty fish per week. - salmon gives me migraine :( 15. One early night once a week. Suggest 9PM. - not sure I could do this but I am definitely going to bed earlier than usual and sleeping much better. 16. Regular hair removal - god bless Gilette Spa Breeze :) 17. Give up one naughty favourite item e.g. chocolate/crisps - epic fail 18. No more fizzy drinks - dont have them anyway 19. DAILY body moisturising - using Johnsons Naturals body lotion and St Tropez Gradual Tanner 20. Warm water with lemon first thing in the a.m. I really like this but havent had it for a while. DH makes a mean pot of coffee every morning :)

How is everyone getting on? Hope you are all sticking with your own individual plans and feeling the benefit.

I bought a gorgeous Champney's body lotion called Thai Royale. Has cocoa butter, coconut oil and lemongrass. Thoroughly recommend - feels very luxurious and perfect for pampering.

A week/10 days of regular body brushing, exercise and daily moisturising has had a real impact on the tone of my butt and thighs. My skin looks significantly less crepey, it's now smooth and plump. :). But I still have some way to go before I would dare to bare by the pool!

I need to lose a lot of weight. Around 6 stone to be considered healthy. I live a relatively healthy lifestyle but eat a lot of jacket potato and pasta dishes. Alas, the weight is coming off at around 1lb or 2lb a week without more exercise.

I'm going to:

1. Cleanse, tone and moisturise twice a day.
2. Clean my teeth for longer every day.
3. Use heat protectant all the time on my hair.
4. Use hair oil after every wash.
5. Repaint my nails at the first sign of chips.
6. Moisturise my body more.
7. Use a tooth whitener kit.
8. Take all prescribed medication on time.
9. Use a hair mask and face mask once a week.

10. Go one day a week make up free. 11. Exfoliate all over once a week. 12. Use perfume daily. 13. Put thought into my outfits again. 14. Continue to eat well. 15. Drink more water.

Hopefully these things will leave me looking and feeling better. I am so tired with dark circles under my eyes, uneven skin and no energy. I'd like not to rely on caffeine to get me through a day.

Well, I haven't stuck to everything on the list, but I have been making much more effort, and I now look and feel better than I have done in years. :) The changes I have made are as follows:

1. More sleep (at least 7 hours per night and often eight or nine)
2. Healthier eating - have lost around a stone, am eating my 5 a day, porridge for breakfast, plenty of oily fish etc
3. Drinking tons more water and have switched coffee for green tea
4. Daily exercise
5. Hair oil after every wash
6. Weekly face pack & exfoliation
7. Better hair removal
8. Have coloured hair to cover up the grey
9. Some body moisturising, though not as much as I should
10. Better hand and nail care (but still not as good as I should)
11. No alcohol for around 3 weeks

I am definitely feeling the effects of this now. Yesterday, I bought a wii fit to reward myself for losing the first (of several ) stone in weight, so really looking forward to that.:) My clothes feel looser, my skin is glowing and I'm waking up naturally before the alarm for the first time in years. And this time, I feel sure I'll keep it up - just wish I'd started years ago'

I

lauratheexplorer 1 - 2lbs a week is a sensible amount to lose IMO. I had 7.5 stone to lose after having DS1 and it took me a year but I can't stand dieting so I ate healthily, watched portion sizes, and exercised every day. Stick with it, you'll get there eventually. The trouble with any form of "diet plan" is that inevitably the weight goes back on once people begin to eat normally again. Much better to change your eating habits in a sensible manner.

Jinsei - it's great to hear you are feeling the benefit. It's amazing the difference just getting enough sleep can make. If I feel rested then I am much more likely to exercise and eat well rather than coping with tiredness with caffeine and sugar hits.

What is the benefit of the warm water with lemon first thing? Is it cleansing? I might start that!

I already do quite a few of the other things e.g. always look after my skin with anti-ageing face and eye cream (day ones with spf) and moisturise body after bath/shower daily. I find Boots No7 Protect and Perfect range very good and I stock up when on 3 for 2 and £5 voucher so doesn't work out too expensive. Could do better with my hair though - that always looks a mess - but I think skincare is more important as less easy to do a quick fix.

Dry body brushing daily is great for minimising cellulite. And cheap as you only buy the brush once, unlike creams which run out. I've been doing it for nearly a year now and have also converted my mum and sister!

Might have less time to look after myself once my baby arrives though!

BigFairy yes the lemon and hot water is supposed to be cleansing but for me I just find it refreshing and a nice way to start the morning.

Agree with you on body brushing vs cellulite creams. I believe that whatever you use moisturiser-wise will help because the action of massaging it in helps get the lymph moving and reduces the lumpy appearance of cellulite.

Where is everyone else? Come on!!! This thread should be busy with daily updates

I'm off to start a bit now.

1. Clip and shape my nails.
2. Scrub and shave in the shower.
3. Leave conditioner on for at least ten minutes.
4. Use heat protectant cream and oil.
5. Moisturise.
6. Cleanse, tone and moisturise.
7. Manicure and pedicure.

I'm in, after the frump thread, i'm lookng WAY better. Its the third night my husband has asked if i have another man ( his way of conplementing my looking good)

Im up for the callanetics too.

Hello, can I join, even a bit late?
I am taking skin, hair and nails, got some coconut oil for my hair, can't do the exercise ATM as my leg is in a cast but will attempt a healthy eating regime and get some water drunk.
Don't eat fish but will look for vegetarian omega 3 on the Internet in a minute.
I don't really like 'breakfast' food, like porridge, cereal or toast. What can I have instead?