Weightloss- Pilates

While I am going strong with the C25K plan, I have found myself feeling guilty on the other two days of the week when I am not working out! So I thought, what could be better for a future bride than an exercise which is purported to tone and reposture?!...So, I have decided to take up pilates! The very thing that Pippa Middleton is supposed to have done to achieve this...

FHM

Anything that can make you look this svelte in white, must be worth a shot eh? In particular, I would really like to improve my posture which can make you look up to a stone lighter anyway! As well as flexibility and my arms and shoulders. These will be the areas most on show on my 'Big Day' so i thought I would start with them.

But, as I am unsure how I will take to this unknown world of Pilates I was reluctant to pay out for a DVD or fitness classes (I've got a wedding to pay for don'tcha know!) . So at the moment, as a beginner, I am using the wonderful world of youtube...wonderful for two reasons 1) It's free and 2) It is in the privacy of your own home, so nobody has to be embarrased at my early attempts at twisting my body in ways that are somewhat unnatural! (ahem!) 

Anyhooo...these are what I have been using so far. I find that they are really manageable for beginners, and all the steps are explained really well. I start each session with a five minute warm up and end with a 5 minute cool down:

10 mins Pilates Sculpting

10 mins Pilates Flex

So far I am really enjoying this form of exercise...it is gentle and yet invigorating...I am really hoping that in 13 months time, my shoulders and arms will be nicely toned and my posture will have improved. 

Softest Skin Challenge 2 - Garnier Intensive 7 days Review

As part of my quest to get silky smooth skin for my wedding day, I have been reviewing moisturising body lotions.This fortnight I have been reviewing Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days Ultra-Softening Lotion with L-Bifidus (certainly won't be winning any prizes for most catchy product name!) Again to make it fair, i applied the lotion once a day after my am shower, for two weeks, and have not read any previous reviews on this product which may bias my opinions.

This product claims to make the 'skin feel hydrated for up to 7 days' It contains L-Bifidus which it claims 'helps the skin to reinforce it's natural protective barrier, locking in moisture.'

The one that I have contains Shea Butter and is for dry to extra-dry skin. (£2.99 for 250ml)

Superdrug

The Scent

I really like the indulgent and luxurious scent of this moisturiser. The deep shea butter scent is extremely pampering, and makes you feel extremely special when you apply. On the other hand, I would prefer this deep and luxurious scent in the evenings and a more invigorating, fruity scent after my morning shower (when i typically tend to apply my body moisturiser) I would describe such a rich scent as Shea Butter as a relaxing smell rather than a fresh, 'ready for the day' scent. But that is merely my personal preference. Thankfully, the scent wears off after an hour or so, so you are not left with the rich, heavy scent all day (something that may become quite sickly) In summary it is a pleasant scent, but very rich and luxurious for everyday wear.

The application

I was surpised at the consitency of this product. With a huge claim such as '7 days hydration' i was expecting a toothpaste like consistency that took about an hour to rub in. But no, it is the same, lotion like consistency that you would expect from a daily moisturiser. Very quick and easy to apply, and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue...a huge plus for a summer moisturiser.

The effect

After my expectations about the consistency were quashed, i couldn't possibly see how a moisturiser with such a light consitency and non greasy application could possibly keep me hydrated for any more than a couple of hours...this is the real beauty of this product...it does! Each evening, i would get into my pyjamas and marvel at my still silky smooth legs and arms! As far as the seven days claim goes...it's hard for me to say because I applied it daily, but i certainly wouldn't be surprised if it lasted a few days.

Summary

This is an extremly affordable product that does what it says on the tin. It is wonderfully easy to apply and absorbs brilliantly. The only thing that stopped it from getting full marks is the rich scent which is not really suitable for daily use. However, if and when I repurchase and am not under the constraints of a fair test, I would apply it in the evenings before bed.

Score

9/10 would definitely repurchase!

Mood Board

I have been thinking about the colour theme for my special day wonder if it's obvious what I am going for...

How-to-make-your-wedding-green

The Loveliest Day

MSN

Queen is a girl

Wedwebtalks

The Knot

Yes I am going for green! I am not entirely sure what shade of green yet, but think it compliments the natural autumnal theme that we have decided on...perhaps mixed with some browns, it is going to be really harmonious and calming...something that I will really need!