New Mums: Pre-diet we had pride, now we want new bodies!

[SolitudeSometimesIs]

Here we go again!

Ok it's the magic thread where we find inspiration, motivation and actually see the results we want and manage to hold on to them once we get them.

No more excuses (unless they are hilarious or necessary).

Welcome all!

The bob looks lovely rachey . I wonder if it will be a bit high maintenance though? Speaking as wavy haired person.... although it could be easy with GHD"s??
and 11 stone is skinny! My DH is very slim, it's so annoying.

Sol Thanks for the tofu recipes, I am going to get some tomorrow. How was your fast day? I think I have ended up around 550 cals. I need to fast tomorrow but think I will struggle with 2 days in a row. Can't do Fri or Sat.

Keep trying to get an appointment Green I have had a haircut and had a facial and scrub thing and felt good afterwards. I am going to try and do something monthly. I have decided I need to spend more time on dressing nicely and looking groomed.

I have got a few things in my Boden basket. I am desperate for some new jeans though, pretty sick of my M&S jeggings. I have got 2 pairs of boyfriend cut but they don't look right. Any recommendations?

Sorry re triple message - don't know what happened!

that is my thought beyond and if it is I will get the brazillian blow dry to help calm things down. :) I also agree with you, I need to spend some more time looking groomed. Im sure I will once I start back to work and have to look nice :)

I am a super skinny jean girl, but I know straight jeans are a nice alternative also there is a fit called girlfriend. I buy my jeans from ASOS as I have short legs and there petite fit well. Happy shopping

I used to get my brows threaded Rachey. But they kept doing them thinner each time. So I have just plucked them for the last 3 years. But I've fell behind since Christmas. They need trimmed etc. I think I'll ring the salon again tomorrow and try to book everything plus an eyebrow wax too. It never seemed to be quite as extreme.

I just cannot be bothered with much at the moment. I'm so lazy.

I ordered a diffuser for my hair drier today. I'm going to get some Bumble and Bumble styling stuff too. I want to go back to having wavier hair.

No ideas about clothes Beyond. I've just ordered new jeggings and skinny jeans from Sainburys. That's about my league at the moment.

Sainsburys have 25% off their tu range at the moment.

My brows are dark and thick, wished they looked more defined. Both my sil have had theirs tattooed. Look good but I can't justify spending that much money on my eyebrows

I cannot remember what my natural hair is like anymore. I look back at pictures and the way it curls has changed over the years. Before I got my hair straightened with the Japanese stuff it was ringlets but my hair started to fall out so I stopped and they way it curled changed.

Is your hair straight at the moment green ? I love curly hair but not on me (if that makes sense)

beyond do you style your wavy hair so it's curly?

Fast day 2 was fine. I think I went over to 550 cals but nevermind. I was terribly tired and cold so went to bed early, I seem to have a cold that I can't shake. DH needs to lose about 2-3 stone I think. All his weight is on his stomach so it's quite hard to tell, he could lose a stone and his stomach would flatten and he'd look amazing.

Beyond you can have 600 clas per day if you are doing 2 fast days back-to-back. I couldn't do it, I'd be too hungry. Boyfriend cut jeans are the devil , they make everyone look so much wider and chubbier than needs be. I think post-baby you need to define your figure instead of swamping it. Straight leg jeans with heels peeping out underneath make your legs look so long as it's hard to tell where your leg ends and feet begin. Bootcut jeans are a bit hit and miss on me, I have such a big arse I can look like my legs are Christmas crackers.

Hi Green, you sound like you have been very productive. Definitely try and get a salon appointment, there's something so relaxing about someone else doing all that stuff for you and you have the benefit of leaving looking fab. How do you use a diffuser? I could never quite figure them out.

Rachey have you tried the vest tops that hold you all in? I got one in Penneys (I think Primark for you), it was 7 euro, it's black and nude reversible and the best thing I've ever bought. It flattens my stomach quite a bit and gives me great cleavage if I arrange it around my bra properly (probably TMI but it's fab). I should have bought loads of them but just got one to try and now can't get them in my size. Well worth a try.

TU has some nice clothes, unfortunately we don't have a clothes shop one near us. My SIL uses bumble and bumble Green and really rates it. There after offers on in Boots and JL. I agree with Sol, definitely book some pamper time.

Rachey my hair is sort an annoying not straight of crust, so I straighten it as I think it looks better. I have just had quite a few inches chopped off, so sits just below shoulders, one length apart from a few baby hairs near the front (still!)

Sol I think you may be right be boyfriend cut jeans, I think I will just charity shop them (they ar only from Next & M&S) unless anyone wants them, I'dbe happy to post them on (Size 14). Ill try some straight legs, I think I need a trip to Gap or JL to try loads on. What do you wear with that vest top? Sorry to hear you are full of cold, hope you feel better soon.

I am dragging DS to shops shortly (with a bribe of a DVD), will link when get back if buy anything of interest.

TU has some nice clothes, unfortunately we don't have a clothes shop one near us. My SIL uses bumble and bumble Green and really rates it. There after offers on in Boots and JL. I agree with Sol, definitely book some pamper time.

Rachey my hair is sort an annoying not straight of crust, so I straighten it as I think it looks better. I have just had quite a few inches chopped off, so sits just below shoulders, one length apart from a few baby hairs near the front (still!)

Sol I think you may be right be boyfriend cut jeans, I think I will just charity shop them (they ar only from Next & M&S) unless anyone wants them, I'dbe happy to post them on (Size 14). Ill try some straight legs, I think I need a trip to Gap or JL to try loads on. What do you wear with that vest top? Sorry to hear you are full of cold, hope you feel better soon.

I am dragging DS to shops shortly (with a bribe of a DVD), will link when get back if buy anything of interest.

Sorry I don't know why I keep double/triple posting.

You can order TU online now Beyond. You can get it sent to the store (well you can to ours) The children's stuff is really nice and I also admit to liking the adults. I've had quite a few pairs of their jeggings and various dresses, tops and even jackets.
I ordered this dress too tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/tustorefront/?pagetype=product&productcode=129239194-Navy

I use some of the Bumble and Bumble products at the moment. I like the thickening spray. It was some sort of creme that I was looking at, it's supposed to add texture or something.
My hair is fine, but blow dries straight quite easily if it's long (past shoulders). It has a cowlick and always looks terrible the day after I wash it.
I used to have a fringe and longer layers. I would dry the fringe and top layers, put curl product in and drive to work with the heater on in the car. It looked good, very rock chick. I don't know if I'm too old for that now, plus I lost loads more hair last year, its slowly growing back. I've been using supplements.

Sorry, the postman knocked on the door. Then the DC saw the sunshine and decided they were not poorly and had to go to the park. It didn't last long before they decided they were cold and poorly again.

Sorry you are ill Sol. It sounds similar to what my DC have.
Well done on your fast day, it's difficult when you feel under the weather.
How to use a diffuser? Erm, I used to sort of waggle it round my hair after rough drying it. I would use curl product and sort of scrunch it. The in car styling was better.
I also like twisting my hair into big curls and leaving it to dry. That makes it smooth and wavy. The main problem is I can't be bothered to wash my hair on a morning. So I do it on an evening and it goes crazy overnight.

I'm going to stick to WW points properly or the next week. DH is away till Monday. I have some M&S ready meals and some nice meat and vegetables.

My main problem is picking on an evening so I'm going to tidy tonight. Tomorrow I'll sort my brows and file my nails. I have one of those foot masks that make the dry skin come off your feet. It has to stay on for over an hour, so hopefully that will keep me away from the kitchen!

Hope your shopping trip goes well Beyond and also your fasting.

How is your day going Rachey?
My SIL wants her eyebrows tattooed as she knows people who've had it done. I'd be too scared. Mine aren't terrible really. I just need to trim them and shape them slightly. I wish I'd never started! At least I didn't go too crazy in the 90s and go really skinny!

While I'm rambling about beauty. I bought some samples of the new Avon matte lipsticks. They are really nice, Avon are claiming they are as good as the Mac ones. The neutral colours aren't great, but if you like reds and pink/coral there are some good shades. Only about £5.50 too, I got one from an eBay seller. But I've ordered some others from the Avon lady.
They aren't totally matte and they do transfer slightly. But they don't dry my lips out like a lot of matte lipsticks do.

'curly not crust' !!!

Thanks for that Link Green I really like your dress. I just ordered some dressing up clothes for DC. My problem is the evening as well, I like having some picky food/chocolate. Fast day, well I only have 100 cals left for the day, can it be done?!

I went into Boots and they have a bumble and bumble offer on, you get 950 points if you buy 2 items (I think).

So shopping, very limited in the town next to me, but I got a couple of things:

Boots: Sanctuary salt scrub and body oil to tackle dry skin and tops of arms. It you bought 2 products you also got a gift set free (full size body lotion and shower gel and a small scrub).

M&S: Not 100% sure about this, wondered if it would be good for spring with jeans? Is it verging on being a bit frumpy?
asset1.marksandspencer.com/is/image/mands/SD_01_T50_7125_Y4_X_EC_90?$PDP_PROD_IMAGE$

Navy blue jersey dress in Next (can't see it to link) was bargain at £14

and this top which I saw in the window of New look (don't normally go in there).

images.newlook.com/is/image/newlook/womens/work/tops/white-crochet-scallop-hem-sleeveless-top/365431410D1?wid=1200

Definitely try lots of types of jeans on Beyond, especially if you plan to wear some with heels and some with flats. I love skinny jeans with jewelled sandals in the summer, they really show off the shoe and make them the focus of the outfit. I love the new look top, it is so pretty. I never go in to New Look either, except when I was pregnant and they had cheap maternity stuff. The M&S jacket may be one of those things that you need to try on. Heavily patterned things on a computer screen are hard to judge. I don't think it's frumpy although I can't tell how long it is because no one is wearing it, I have no frame of reference.

I do the same thing with the car heater as a hair drier Green. I do some serious scrunching at traffic lights or upside down hair shimmying if I need body in the roots. What foot mask do you have? I am dreading tackling my feet, they are like hooves. I have a spinny foot de-skinner thing but I think I need an angle grinder, I hate feet and mine are gross, that's why I buy such fab shoes. I really like the dress you linked to, the stripes are so flattering, I was eyeing up a skirt with horizontal stripes yesterday, I tried it on and looked like a melted zebra crossing - not for me.

Had a good day calorie wise and I'm all set for a fast day tomorrow. I have a very busy day ahead but I'm concerned I'm going to miss my Friday night wine, so I might stick to the fasting/low cal as much as possible and see how I get on. I'm thinking I might change my weigh in day from Tues til Fri but I'm not sure if that's cheating. It's just that I don't fast over the weekend and it's disheartening to see the scales creep up on a Tuesday when it was so low on a Fri. What do you all think?

well done sol on another fast day :) hope you feel better soon. Get plenty of sleep and keep hydrated (sorry dont mean to sound like your mother) its hard dieting when you are not feeling 100%.

I will have to go to primark and have a look those tops sound amazing. I may have to invest in some shape wear as I think thats the only thing now that will work :)

green that dress is lovely. will look great with pumps and heels. That sounds like a great way to do your hair :) i wish my hair was similar to yours. my hair takes forever to straighten. sounds like a great plan to do all your treatments in the evening, I wish I had the energy.

Will it be easier to eat better when DH is away? I find it is.
Is avon online? I remember my mum used to get the catalogue. I hear they have had a re-vamp. Im not a lipstick wearer as they are too big and I look silly. straight up vasaline is the only thing that looks suitable.

beyond sounds like you had a great day :) that top from new look is really nice. The jacket is nice, will look great with straight jeans and boots. did you manage your 500 cals?

I havent had such a great day. I have drawn a line at cycle one of my diet and starting cycle two on monday fresh. Ds1 has been a little bugger, and the creche at the gym have said that if he continues they wont be able to look after him as the younger kids keep copying him. I actually felt like I was going to cry. I dont want ds1 to turn into a kid no one likes or wants to spend time with. (sorry I sound so dramatic) He is the most amazing little man but the he goes and gets all angry, throws stuff and head butts. I just wish he could tell me why he gets angry or acts out. sorry feeling very sorry for myself.

Hope you guys have a great evening

I love that top Beyond. I like the jacket too, I don't think it's frumpy but white would put me off!

How did the rest of your fast day go?

I just remembered that I used to like GAP jeans. But like Sol says, you just have to try loads on. I'm sure I've seen certain styles recommended on style and beauty though.

I've looked at Boots website and the offer must just be in store. I might just try to use some other things up first and then get a mini to try. But thanks for looking.

I'm glad that you've had a good day Sol. Could you have some wine tomorrow, then count calories on Saturday and then maybe cut down more on Sunday? Weekends are so hard to manage.

Sorry you've had a rough day Rachey I know that it's really hard not to get upset about it. Is there anyone that you can leave him with so you can get to the gym? Maybe he's got into a bad routine at the crèche too?
How different is cycle 2? You can do the exercise programme at home too can't you?
My DD acts up more in certain places. They both go crazy in the library.
DD2 starts acting up at WW and keeps attention seeking. I had to take her out the other week and then someone made a stupid comment to her. While my rational brain( and everyone else I told) said he was ridiculous, I was still upset about it.
I hope you feel better about it soon.

Hopefully it will be easier to stay on track with DH being away. Plus I can't use him as an excuse to get a takeaway!

I'm not feeling great so that might keep me off wine this weekend!

I had dinner at my parents house. I took spare clothes and had a shower there! Then I used my extra time this evening to sort my brows and shape my nails. I'll try to find time to paint them tomorrow.

I've stuck to my points allowance too.

These are the foot things Solhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00TUPUUU6?keywords=foot%20mask&qid=1455831805&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2

It's kind of disgusting yet very satisfying when all the skin peels off (if you like that sort of thing!)

Good luck on your fast day Sol You are doing really well. I think changing weigh in day would be really sensible and not cheating at all. I am weighing in on a Tuesday now, so I avoid being bloated from my non diet weekend day. I hope you mange to fit in your wine as well!
I also really like the sparkly sandal look. I will take your advice and try and go shopping on my own and try lots of different styles on. I'd like to lose another 1/2 stone first.
Re feet: I have got one of these, although to be honest I don't think it's much better than a foot file. I do really rate origins foot cream and you only need a tiny bit.
www.boots.com/en/Scholl-Pedi-Velvet-Smooth-Electronic-Pedicure-Foot-File_1446167/
www.origins.co.uk/product/3819/11829/Bath-Body/Category/Hand-Foot-Care/Reinventing-The-Heel/Mega-moisture-for-dry-cracked-feet/index.tmpl

Rachey I think you are doing amazingly on your diet. I'm a bit fan of the fresh start :)
But honestly that crèche, sounds like perfectly normal behaviour to me for his age, surely they must have ways to manage toddler meltdowns. Is he going to nursery when you are back at work? Could you start him there early. I can imagine how you are feeling but it's just a phase and it really will pass. Sending you a very unmumsnetty virtual hug.

Well done on sticking to you points Green Hope you feel better soon. They had lots of little sets in store as well that I was tempted by. I need to pop in tomorrow so will take a closer look. Good use of time for you evening, I intended to do my nails but ended up watching a DVD. I had around 650 cals, I find fasting when I am at work far easier.

Here's the coat on a model. I must admit I am in two minds about it

asset1.marksandspencer.com/is/image/mands/SD_01_T50_7125_Y4_X_EC_0?$PDP_MAXI_ZOOM_NEW$

I'd really like to find some comfy flats to wear for Spring (Im sick of my ankle boots).

Non fast day today thankfully as entertaining both DD & DS. Going to try and aim for 1500.

Have a lovely day.

evening all, I hope your days went well.

sol how did your fast day go? I hope you manage to have your wine. I am all for weigh day on a friday. Its not cheating at all. Im with you and the feet. Mine are awful, I so need to see the chiropodist I will not be able to wear flip flops while on holiday if they are not sorted.

green cycle 2 has more carbs and you plan your own meals rather than work by his set meals. Also weights are included in your work out. I could work out at home but I dont put as much effort in.

well done for sticking to your points. Im sure you will have a good weekend diet wise with out DH. He was fine at the creche today and his behaviour was a little better. although I did take him to get his hair cut and it was serious dramas.

I hope you feel better soon.

beyond There are some amazing sparkly shoes in John lewis, I wish I was shopping for some nice clothes, but I have to wait until back to work.

Thanks for the kind words. He is going to nursery 3 days a week. I start the settling in period on Tuesday. He also starts speech therapy on Monday for 4 weeks so fingers crossed we may see an improvement. How was your day with DC's?

So cycle one has been completed and I weigh 10st 12lbs. Considering I havent been 100% on the diet for 3 weeks I am pretty happy with the results. I have lost 3 1/2 inches from my hips/tummy fat :) I had to take new pictures to send them and everything is heading south :( I am heading straight for the shape wear when I hit goal. If im brave enough I am going to treat myself to a boob job in a couple of years time (if we have no more dc's)

As I have a few days off plan we have ordered a indian. I have ordered tandoori chicken with salad and plain nan so its a little healthier :)

hope you all have a good friday night

That's a fantastic result Rachey.You should be really pleased with yourself. Good luck with phase 2.
It's great that your DS has had a better day too. There is always some sort of drama with little people. Although DD2 can tell me what's bothering her, it's usually something totally irrational that I can't do anything about. Today she kept taking all her clothes off and crying that she was cold. You can't win.
Nursery will probably help him settle more. Especially once it's 3 times a week.

Enjoy your Indian, sounds delicious.

I'm sure I've seen that style of coat in a few shops Beyond. It might be worth having a look if you aren't sure. Are they called duster jackets?

I have one of those foot files. I'm just too lazy to remember. I might hunt it out tomorrow. The foot mask is more fun though!

I had a bad night. I woke with a temperature and it took ages to go back down. Then I couldn't get back to sleep. I think it's tonsillitis yet again.

On the plus side I haven't ate much today!

That's a fantastic weightloss and inch loss Rachey, you must be so happy that all your work is paying off. Definitely look in to shapewear, it makes me feel a lot better when I look in the mirror and I find the cheaper stuff just as good as the Spanx stuff (unless you plan to wear it under a gown, then it's Spanx all the way). The creche sound crap when it comes to handling your DS, he doesn't sound out of the ordinary behaviour-wise, not every child is cookie cutter perfect. I hope he settles in well in nursery, he'll probably love it.

I hope you're feeling ok Green, tonsillitis is awful. Can you get to a doctors for painkillers / antibiotics? You poor thing being sick when your DH is away, is there anyone who can help you out if you need to go to bed for a bit? I don't know if I could do that foot mask, I think it would make me throw up, I'm really weak stomached when it comes to stuff like that.

Well done on your back to back fasting Beyond, that's hardcore. How did you feel doing it? The coat looks better on the model, I would wear it with less bulky clothes underneath it though. What fast days have you planned for next week?

I didn't manage to fast yesterday as we were having some work done in the kitchen and it was out of bounds for the day. We had a leak and the landlord fixed it a few weeks ago but left a hole in the ceiling so that was getting sorted. I ended up having a Mc Donalds with the kids. So I'm fasting today as we have a ton of stuff on. I'm just waiting for DS2 to wake up and then we are going to the forest again before me and DS1 head to a birthday party and DS2 and DH go swimming. I was kicking myself for having the Mc Donalds yesterday but what's done is done.

Hope everyone has a good day today!

I'm feeling slightly better this morning thanks Sol. I'll go to the doctors on Monday if it hasn't improved. I've got some antibiotic throat lozenges.
My parents will help out if I feel really bad.

I've seen Spanx for sale in Home Bargains recently. I'm sure it was about £5. Do you have one nearby Rachey? They had Debenhams labels on the boxes, it just looked like really old stock. It might be worth looking if you want something for the short term? I bought some giant control knickers from Sainsburys last summer. They had a good range of that sort of thing too.

What did you get from MacDonalds Sol? (I'm hungry!) it probably wasn't too bad (unless you went large and had an ice cream!).
It's probably easier to fast when you are busy anyway. Hope your kitchen is sorted now.
I have no plans for today. It's very windy outside and I don't think I can stand anymore crying from being cold. We might do some homework and baking.

I weighed myself this morning and I'm still the same weight. Which is annoying as I think I've been pretty good for most of the week. I'm going to have to rethink my diet. I like going to get weighed every week but I need to push myself to get some quicker results.

Have a good day everyone.

I had a veggie burger meal with mozzarella sticks but the kids ate all of them and a diet coke that of course undid all of the calories .

You're right to stay in if the weather is crap and the kids will be annoying, best keep everyone warm and entertained. Maybe you haven't lost weight because you're ill, don't push yourself when you are sick. The weight will start dropping off again once you feel better.

I survived pizza, chips, cake and lots of goodies at the birthday party (though I did have some rice krispie buns) by helping out kids with drinks, toilet trips and clearing up. It wasn't even my party, I just wanted to be busy. I am meeting a friend for dinner tonight, she was supposed to cook a veggie meal but has decided to get a takeaway instead. I know I probably sound like a right brat, but I don't want a takeaway as there's no low cal option and I have to pick it up so I have to get something. I've decided to drive though, so no alcohol for me.

Diet Coke cancels other calories out Sol Plus you didn't really eat that many calories. You had no choice with an out of action kitchen, salads in February aren't appealing are they?

Well done on the party. That's really nice of you to help out at the party. If you're free in May feel free to come and help at DD's? I'll get you something nice?
It's not bratty to want takeaway. Sounds like a trick if you have to pick it up too. Hope you've had a good night.

I went to see Mil this afternoon. She made chips. (Real chips) and I had a fish finger sandwich. Plus I've had wine tonight. The police came this morning as the house across the road got broken into. They were renting and I'm sure they'd moved most things on Thursday (so the house was empty last night). But its freaked me out. It's a quiet cul de sac and we are all quite spaced out. So I'm hoping the wine will knock me out. I heard a lot of noise last night but put it down to the wind.