This post is brought to you by aching limbs – legs, arms and oh my back  … Basically an aching body!

Saturday’s Boot Camp has almost … but not quite finished me off.

My bodies no doubt in shock …what with the ‘Pretty Muddy’ 5k (that’s 3 and a bit miles!) that I ran a couple of weeks ago and then this!

For the past few days I’ve been walking around in what can only be described as  ‘crab-fashion’.

I get some form of relief when I lay down and stretch. I’m talking really stretching.  It feels wonderful.

I’ve been laying down a lot… and stretching.

Despite my body feeling like it’s been through the mill and I’ve  discovered muscles I never knew I had…I actually enjoyed it.

Yes I did just say that!

The 45 minute workout consisted of a series of repetitive exercise. Squats, side lunges , bench presses etc. We did each one for a minute then moved into the next, before resting and then starting the routine all over again.

It doesn’t sound very tasking but it blinking was. I was flaking towards the end but managed to complete the session.

I intend to do a mini work-out once or twice a week using the same exercises plus a few of my own. The great thing is I can do them while I’m watching the telly!

I recon my body will just about be good to go for the next session this Saturday!

As for my diet … well I’m trying to eat healthy but it’s not going so well.

I’m starting each day with a healthy (ish) banana smoothie – banana, Alpro yoghurt, honey, small dolap of peanut butter, a collagen shot , a cod liver oil tablet and a dash of milk – but after that it’s been going slightly pear-shaped.

This has kind of been happening a lot  …

 

I am cutting down mind, if only slightly. I’ve had no cake or chocolate for days. This may sound like no great feat  … but it is for me.

 

I love the cake.

I miss the cake.

Gimme the bloody cake!

I’m trying to eat more fruit.

I’m actually having a banana overload. Don’t be surprised if next time you see me I have a slight yellow tinge to my skin! I think I need to try some new smoothies. Please forward any of your delicious recipes for me to try.

I have noticed that my skin has been looking better. I’m not sure if this can be attributed to the bananas , the exercise or the Cult51 Immediate Effect Serum I have been using religiously each morning for the past couple of weeks.

Immediate Effect Serum is a powerful anti-aging serum specifically formulated to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Clinically proven to work in harmony with your own skin to firm, tone, lift imperfections and smooth creases in just fifteen minutes.

I’m no techy and I’m not sure how this stuff works but by gosh it really does.

Cult51 advise you try it initially by applying to one eye area only. Wait 15 minutes and then see the difference for yourself.

I haven’t got the patience,  and just slapped it all over.

It’s packed full of lovely ingredients (that probably mean diddly shit to you, but I’ve listed all the same)

Aqua, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat, Glycerin, Soluble Collagen, Dimethicone, Argania Spinosa Kernel Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Methyl Gluceth-10, Benzyl Alcohol, Caffeine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Panthenol, Sodium Cocoyl Glucamate, Trideceth-6, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Escin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Carbomer, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.

It also makes lots of claims – up to 192% increase in skin firmness, instant lifting, protects against environmental stress, nourishing, fades brown spots, anti -rosacea, reduces UVA induced sebum, reduces bags, helps retain moisture ( and the list goes on)

I apply the serum in the morning to my whole face. They recommend you apply to your eye area but it can be used anywhere that needs an instant lift. I might try it on my bum!

Fine lines and wrinkles disappear and your left with your skin … only better.

It’s priced at £95 for 30ml… ( mmm maybe I’ll leave the bum.)

I have 5 x 3ml sample sizes that are running out quickly. I’m trying to use them sparingly while I save for my very own bottle.

Cult51 are great when it comes to sending out samples.  I mentioned that I would  like to try the serum over on good old Twitter . They messaged me more or less straight away and said they would be happy to send some samples out to me, could I just confirm my address.

Hey presto a couple of days later , my samples arrived.

More companies should do the same.

When you are contemplating forking out £95 for a product … you want to make sure it suits your skin, that it isn’t going to bring you out in a nasty rash or those pesky spots.

While we are talking about skin. The weather has been lovely recently and that only means one thing … The socks and sandal brigade are out!

I’ve been getting my arms and even my pasty white legs out ( minus the socks) .

Go me.

Hey I’ve even shaved them.

My choice of moisturizer for this time of year is my favourite dry body oil. NUXE Huile Prodigieuse.

It is a non greasy , multi-purpose dry oil for your face, body and hair. It sinks into your skin leaving no greasy residue. Just glowing skin and a gorgeous smell.

At this point I have to admit that although you can use it on your face, as yet I haven’t tried this. I’ve stuck to my body and my hair ( when it’s feeling a little frazzled at the ends)

It’s the smell I adore and that gets me every time.

It reminds me of the South of France and family holidays to Camp d’Age. Of Mario ( the Italian stallion as mum christened him) who ran the sports / water polo team. He had amazing hair. My first ‘crush’ .Of balmy nights sat ‘alfresco’ playing cards with mum and dad to well past my brother and I bedtimes. Living in short shorts. Freckles.

Of stepping off the plane in a foreign land to be greeted by a combination of sunshine and the smell of sun cream mingling in the air.

It reminds me of my sun kissed (pre-cancer) mum, who is always happiest with the sun on her back.

It is summer holidays wrapped up in a bottle and I love it.

I’ve currently using my tiny 10ml sample size bottle. Luckily a little goes a long way.  But the full size is on my list, especially for Marbella!

Sorry I’m bleating on about Marbella again but I can’t tell you how excited I am for a weekend away with the ladies …

I’m sure you will hear loads more about the trip before I go . Only 5 weeks! Prepare to be bored.

But for now I think I’ve rambled on enough…

Oh … before I sign off one last thing I forgot to mention.

Well done Boots on stocking NYX .

This is a great brand and their lip glosses or as they call them  ‘butter gloss’ are beautiful. They give you seriously glossy , shiny lips and it feels highly moisturising.

They are not overly expensive either at £5.99 which is always a plus.

I had to refrain myself when I was in their the other day and came away with only the one gloss. BLG  15 which is a lovely pinky beige.

It’ll be great for Marbella 🙂

Until next time , Tracey x

* Please feel free to send over any healthy smoothie recipes and if you know of any quick fix exercises (for saggy bits) those would be nice too.  Thankyou  *