New Mums still seeking new bodies - this time we'll do it.

[SolitudeSometimesIs]

So a new thread, a new more motivated state of mind.

We will be skinny. No more excuses.

The title sounds great Beyond. I'm starting 'just stop eating so much in June' tomorrow. Tonight I am drinking wine and eating cheese and olives. . I've shopped and meal planned for next week, I just need to put it into practice. 12 days till I'm back at work.

Do you live in London or just work there? My commute would be almost impossible via public transport. It's nice to be able to drive there, but not very good for exercise. (I'm just being nosey, you don't have to answer!)
I have a romanticised vision of London. I think it's because I work in 'Billy Elliot ' land (really) and live in a very boring suburban town. full of chavs

Have you tried Tiny with a cup with a straw? Baby rabbit got hold of one of DD1's sippy cups (nuby) and loves it. She's drank lots of water today and had less bf. I've bought some follow on milk to try her with tomorrow. She survived a day with my parents yesterday so I'm hoping she'll be okay when I do go to work. I'm very lucky to have them and the IL nearby.

Sol- she's nearly 11 months. Now that you mention it she does seem longer. She's also cut 2 teeth this week and started cruising round the furniture, it's probably a mixture of everything. She's been better over the last few days. Is your DS2 enjoying his purées?

My exercise target for the rest of June is to do 10,000 steps per day. Does,anyone else want to try? I might post the daily results on here to bore you all and shame myself into moving my fat bum.

I have lost a lb. So since the start of this thread that makes 5lbs in total which is woefully pathetic. I have realised I am totally addicted to sugar and it's sabotaging my weight loss - I just can't imagine not eating chocolate though... I need to get out of this rut. Exhaustion really does not help though...
23lbs to go..!

I lived in London for around 15 years, we now live in Bucks and so I commute into work. Feels like I have the best of both worlds, I can enjoy London life but we look out onto fields from our house.

Tiny has been drinking water from a nuby cup. I'm still not convinced I am getting enough fluid into her. We will persevere...

10,000 steps, I'll get a pedometer!
How's the sticker chart Sol? DS was fairly good today...

5lb is still good though? I agree it is frustrating when you can't get into it. I have 38lb to lose (and that will only get me down to a 14/16). I'll never lose it this year.

I had an early morning wake up today. DD1 was sick all over. I've already had chocolate with my coffee.

Keep losing my pedometer! Definitely did 10,000 steps on Sunday and yesterday. Saturday and Monday would have been less. I'm hoping DD1 will be up for a walk later.
You'll probably be doing your steps anyway if you are doing all of that walking to work.

Bucks/London sounds nice. The area I live in is nice, but boring. I don't know many other mums in the area so the constant wandering the streets (for exercise) with the children gets dull. The local shops are dire. I used to get my fix by going into Newcastle or Durham regularly, but since having the girls I don't get to go as often as I'd like.

I tried baby with formula. She's not too keen. How is Tiny doing? How long to you plan to bf for? I was hoping to stop at around 12/13 months but I think baby will have other plans. We are currently having a battle to get her into the cot. Baby: 3 Green:1

How are you doing Sol?

Our immediate area is ok but i find the town a bit grotty in parts. Shops are pretty rubbish too. No nice pubs in walking distance. We'd like to move in the next few years but not sure whether to downsize or push ourselves with mortgage.

A good friend lives in Newcastle - I have had many a night out there :)

How is your DD? Better I hope. I was planning to BF until 1 yr too but will keep going for a few more months if needed (vv likely).

Shall we aim for a stone by Christmas?

Hope you're ok Sol.

Hi.

Sorry I've been missing. I had TinyBaby at the docs and he has been diagnosed with silent reflux and is getting treatment. He has been in bits for the last few weeks and has been getting progressively worse, so I'm glad he is finally becoming happier.

As for weight loss? I have no clue. I have been actively avoiding the judgemental scales lurking in my bathroom. I am finding it very hard to stick to my one meal per day diet as my day has been starting at 3.30am most mornings and doesn't finish 'til 10.30 pm. It would be imposssible to survive on one meal per day, although my coffee consumption is through the roof so God knows what that is doing to my calorie intake (I need sugar in my coffee).

Green - have you noticed that follow on milk smells like custard creams? I couldn't figure out why I got cravings for them in my friends house, it's because her little girl drinks it and it smells amazing. I'm on for using a pedometer, I'll get one for DH too and we can get fiercely competitive about it (that's not a joke, I once ran up and down the stairs seven times just so I'd beat him, I am a saddo).

Beyond - 5 lbs is really good. Go and pick up 5 lbs of butter the next time you're in the supermarket and you will see what an achievement that is. Whereabouts in London did you live? I've been there twice and it was pretty nice, we stayed in a fab enormous house around the corner from Harrods the first time and I experienced the snazzy size of London. The second time I stayed further out and had to get the tube in and out and saw the actual hassle it was getting around London, it wasn't as much fun. . I much prefer the snazziness.

Oh for Gods sake. I keep losing and gaining the same 5 lbs. It's so bloody annoying. Has anyone else got this problem???

I need to keep these yo-yo pounds off and then lose another 5 and I'll be in a smaller size of clothes in a much more comfortable way than I would be now if I tried to smush myself in to them. I got myself in to a size 14 top the other day and looked like a cross between the Michelin man and a porn star (my post-bf'ing boobs are still huge). It was not a sexy look. And having to wrestle myself out of said top led to some ferocious grunting, I sounded like a baboon.

Hmmm, a cross between the Michelin Man and a porn star that sounds like a baboon, my DH is one lucky man .

I got so hot and uncomfortable in the top that it took a lot of effort to get it off.

Any ideas how I can keep off bungee pounds? They are getting on my nerves.

I keep doing the same Sol and it's also with the same 5lb. I just can't be bothered atm. Going to attempt some drastic dieting for the next month.

I'll elaborate more if I actually start and stick to it.

Are you back on the fasting thing yet? The only way I've ever kept my weight stable is by obsessive dieting/ daily weigh in and exercise. Not helpful I know.

Don't worry about clothes, try not to think about the size labels. I bet your DH will be more interested in looking at your boobs than anything else. Think of calories you used battling with it.

I'll try to check in tomorrow. Back to work this week so loads to sort out.

No advice - here I am exactly the same..! I think we are all just so exhausted, makes dieter so much harder.

How is TinySol?
How work goes well Green.

It was Tiny's christening this weekend - I will try and post a pic, it went well but we are all shattered today. Little took himself of to bed for an afternoon nap (unheard of).
Outfit was ok, but like you both, I just want to look better, I am sick of feeling fat on special occasions particularly!

Still fat and really tired.

Oh no Green, you sound really fed up. Give yourself some time off and then start again refreshed.

Tiny's christening celebrations leftovers (i.e. cake and chocolate and other yummy stuff) have lasted all week, I can't bare to get on the scales.

How are you Sol and Green?

My motivation is still missing somewhere. I am eating so much junk..

Sol - just realised I didn't answer your London questions. I lived in central London of a few years and it was fab, really enjoyed being able to walk to bars/clubs/shops but then I got sick of renting and so moved to North London. Then we moved even further out, so I have a hefty commute now.
It's ok though and I quite like working in London despite the 0530 starts.. (I get the 0630 train).

We are away for the weekend, purchased some clothes last weekend. look a bit podgy, hoping to draw attention away with a scarf or something. I can accessorise with baby and toddler too, I find they are great camouflage.

Feeling better now thanks. I had PMT and back to work blues last week. Haven't lost any weight, but surprisingly haven't gained any. The extra walking must be working.

I'm trying to find my motivation again. I'm just feeling slightly overwhelmed at the moment. Everything else seems to be taking priority.

What clothes did you buy? I bet you look nice and not at all podgy.

I think new clothes could be my motivation soon. I like autumn clothes best. I did buy new pjs last week to cheer myself up after work!

Have been doing the Shred. I am typing this with my face (this may be an exaggeration). I am so sore, yet so hungry but I'm stuffing my face.

You both seem to be doing the same as me. I like hiding behind kids too, DS2 come in really handy for that.

How are the back to work blues Green? It must be hard to get back in to the swing of things. Maybe you should just focus on settling in to work and eating healthily (and not hitting the bottle after teaching the kids ).

Where are you off to for the weekend Beyond? Hope you have a great time. I'm sure you look lovely in your new stuff.

Where has our motivation gone?

Oh my God. How am I supposed to do The Shred again tomorrow? I'm in bits. Case in point; we only have one bathroom, it is upstairs. I nearly cancelled the kids shower time as I couldn't face climbing the stairs (my thighs are killing me) but then I realised I would have to bring them upstairs to put them to bed, so we went up early to put as much time between me walking up the stairs and having to come back down again.

Is anyone else being bored to death with the World Cup? It's so boring. I've taken to re-watching the West Wing boxset. The only thing I saw that was cool was that stuff the spray on the grass when there's a penalty. I think DS 1 would love that.

Well done Sol! How hard is it to actually do? (Do you need to phone for help during or after?)

I got Miranda Harts Maracattack today with my own maracas. It's probably rubbish, but it thought I could do it with the children present. I will try to do it tomorrow and report back.

I feel better about work now, not long left anyway. It's just a shock to the system. I think I might try to start 5:2 again next week with healthy eating in between. I usually bring healthy stuff to work anyway, just to keep up the pretence that my fatness is an unfortunate twist of fate?
How did you know about the wine on Friday?

Well done Sol - vv interested to hear about the results. What day are you on?

Glad you are feeling better Green. How long have you got left at work? hope the Maracaattack goes well. I think my DS would like it.

We are not big football fans so mostly avoided it, think they are over payed and under talented and a bit of an embarrassment really. We watch a lot or Rugby (DS's first game was seeing an International). DH all keen on F1, cricket etc but I can't summon any enthusiasm for those.

So, these are my purchases:
media.monsoon.co.uk/medias/sys_master/8959895273502.jpg?buildNumber=3549
media.monsoon.co.uk/medias/sys_master/8955533885470.jpg?buildNumber=3549

I also got a navy fine knit jumper but it's not on the website. The white top is flattering and looks good with Jeans, not 100% sure about the shorts, although they look actually ok with the white top (I was thinking of doing some kind of scarf thing/necklace).

I was just getting a bit sick of jeans + Breton as my non work look.

Sorry just realised that sounds stupid, I meant DS's first real Holiday was to see a rugby match. We're hoping to get world cup tickets for next year.

How are your legs Sol? Hope you make it up the stairs to bed.

I'm on Day 1 again.

I have to keep re-starting because I hurt my hip and back, but I am a determined little fatty this week (this all may change). My DS 1 has started asking why my stomach is so big if there's no baby in it, he's not being rude, he was just curious. But I was lost for an answer. I was wearing 3/4 length trouser/legging things at the weekend as we were just enjoying the sun in the back garden and DS1 said "I like your new trousers Mum, your bum looks enormous". He was smiling at me and was trying to pay me a compliment but it really made me see myself through his eyes. I don't want to be the "Fat Mum", I want to show my son that I am strong and take pride in my appearance.

Green I've never heard of that dvd. Is it sort of flamenco/salsa inspired? It sounds a bit more enjoyable than The Shred. Though DS 1 did the Shred with me when I started first, he breezed through it when I was in a pile in the corner. How did I know about wine on Friday? You're a teacher, I wouldn't judge you if you had a bottle every evening!

Beyond have you seen the Layla dress on the Monsoon website. I want it in red with the sleeves. It's on my watch list for a family wedding next year. I'm hoping it will be reduced in September when the sales come around. I also want to be a size 12 for the wedding, it's not 'til next May so I have time. DH wants me to buy the dress now because he loves it. I couldn't really make out the clothes in the link. The window that opened on my computer was tiny. Are you in a bit of a style rut? I, sadly, still dress like a student.

I have a bit of a weird question: does anyone have any clue what I could use to cover some scars on my legs? They look like bruises but are broken veins from a car accident I was in years ago. Pregnancy has made them more visible and I look like I was battered and bashed if I wear a short dress or skirt. I'm really self conscious of them and would love some sort of cover up.

I will report back on using the Shred. I wonder if I can dictate posts on my phone because I probably won't be able to move tomorrow.

Oh Jesus.

The pain the pain the pain the pain the pain the pain the pain the pain the pain.

Day 2 of The Shred.

Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow.

I do not think I will be trying the Shred anytime soon! I hope the pain eases quickly Sol!

I think my exercise DVD is supposed to be cheesy disco. I didn't get a chance to do it today. I have two twisty poorly children who are stuck to me. I will be pleased to go to work tomorrow. After this week I only have 3 weeks left, so I hope I don't start enjoying it! It was nice talking to older children last week. Teenagers can be surprisingly lovely.

Sol I know Mac do a face and body foundation which is supposed to be good. Sally Hanson does a spray on makeup for legs, I think it comes in different shades. Would instant fake tan work? There seems to be lots in the shops. Or you can stuff for covering scars and tattoos etc. I'll try to find out what it's called.

The pictures in the link are tiny for me too Beyond. They sound nice though. I love Breton tops too, but I do seem to have a collection of them. I ordered a stripy dress today from Joules sale. Maybe I need to move on and try something else. I might try polka dots next. I seem to have lost any style I had (if any). I look a mess most of the time.

We don't watch football either. I love DH for that! We aren't very sporty, Formula one gets watched occasionally but that's it.
I'm also at a loss now that Game of Thrones and Fargo are finished. I don't watch much TV generally, mainly American programmes really. I do love the Mindy project at the moment. DH keeps trying to make me watch repeats of Star Trek. I think I'll start going to bed earlier.

Well done on doing Day 2 Sol. No pain no gain???

The layla dress is gorgeous, I love it. Very glamorous and I can imagine fabulous shoes with it too. Well done on your motivation. DS said I had a big tummy the other day but it doesn't seem to have spurred me on.
Not sure why my links didn't work. I have been purred to buy new clothes as I have been doing photo books for the DC and I am wearing a breton in many of them....

Sorry to hear your children are poorly Green - hope they are better soon and you get some sleep tonight before work. You could always change your mind and go back to work in the future?
Do you like this dress?www.bodenimages.com/productimages/productHomeLarge/14WSPR_WH621_NAV.jpg
I am wearing it to the wedding we are going to this weekend and I have got some navy blue suede heels.
Boden also have a nice Breton tunic which I have got. You might like?

I have heard the MAC cover up is good too, I have no experience of it though. I would think fake tan worth a go.

I hope you're children are feeling better Green. I'm glad your teenagers were nice, they get such a bad rap sometimes. I think you probably will start to enjoy your job, but isn't it good to finish on a high note?

Beyond you're going to have to forgive my ignorance but I have no idea what breton is. I googled it. It just looks like stripes. Is it a particular type of stripe? Do I have to hand in my Lover-Of-Fashion credentials?

Thanks for the cover up tips. I might take a look at the MAC one. My scars are from drains being placed in my legs. I broke them and needed them to be drained and re-set, there was massive fluid build up so there are about 10 small circular "bruises" on each leg (approx size of a penny), but they're puncture marks. And then there are the scars from my legs being broken and the operations to fix them (I'm less Frankenstein's monster than I'm making out I swear).

I think my issue with the Shred is that the warm-up part isn't good enough for me. I'm hideously unfit. I googled some stretching exercises and plan on doing them tomorrow before and after the dvd.

www.bodenimages.com/productimages/productHomeLarge/14WSPR_WH621_NAV.jpg

Sorry my link didn't work again!

Yes Sol It's basically a stripy top - it probably does have some kind of stripe/plain ratio but I have no idea really :)

Gosh - that sounds awful Sol. Must have been very painful. I bet other people don't notice your marks though.

green - for American TV have you tired person of interest or the mentalist. Lightweight but enjoyable.

That dress is gorgeous Beyond. I'm sure you look stunning in it. Thanks for clearing up the breton question I am a huge fan of stripes but can't wear them at the moment due to my size. I'd look like a zebra crossing over some speed bumps. Polka dots are very flattering, what shoes are you planning to wear? I LOVE red shoes with a navy polka dot dress.

Sadly everyone can see my scars, most are way too polite to comment but I am quite self-conscious of them. But! I was lucky to come away with only broken bones and scars, so remembering that keeps me grateful.

As for tv show watching Green- I liked Homeland and I am in love with The West Wing (watching it again for the millionth time). Loved Criminal Minds too and CSI (the Vegas one) when Gil Grissom was in it. I was tempted to watch Hannibal but my strong-stomached friend said it was very gory and I don't know if I'm brave enough. Have you tried Dexter?

I watch way too much television. But you ladies really don't know how lucky you are not having the sodding World Cup on. It's sooooo boring.

That dress looks lovely Beyond. Hope you have a nice time this weekend.

I've seen the tunic from Boden but it never seems to be in stock. I think my SIL has a version from a couple of years ago. It looks nice on. I like the Breton tee shirt they have in at the moment too. I probably shouldn't wear stripes, but I look fat in everything so I don't care!

Sol- Superdrug have the Sally Hanson leg spray on offer at the moment. They also had Rimmel Instant tan stuff for the body, it's supposed to be good. Might be a cheaper alternative than MAC. Sorry about your poor legs. That sounds awful.

Thanks for the TV recommendations. I shall see what Net-flicks has to offer. I've just remembered that I didn't watch the last 2 seasons of Dexter so I'll start with that.