The one with the Tarot Reading

Regardless to your beliefs, sometimes things happen that can completely shake your views on the way the world works. Over the past few months I have been visiting a local bar that hold some pretty fabulous events. One of which is a Tarot and medium evening that is hosted once a month, and I have attended for the social factor on and off for the last 8 months or so. Now I am not saying that I believe, and I am not saying that I don't, but something happened last night that I quite simply cannot explain away.

The tarot reader took my ring, he didn't even offer me the cards to shuffle. The cards didn't come into play throughout the entire reading. He discussed my personal life, to which I could only muster 'oh my god' when he hit the nail on the head, he discussed my work life. He knew things that he quite simply could not have known, things I haven't even said out loud. He told me things I already knew, realisations that have only come to me very recently. He knew that I had some big decisions to make in terms of work and relationships, he knew that I wasn't overly committed to either at this moment in time. 

Out of the room full of people my reading seemed to last the longest, and was definitely the one that prompted the room to fall about laughing. I couldn't feign the truth that was coming out of his mouth, it was like he knew me inside and out. There were a few things that completely changed my mind set last night and I am so glad I opted to record what was said, I have listened to it over and over since I got home. It blows my mind each and every time. 

What really got me was when he told me that there was an elderly man stood there commenting on how much weight I had lost since he was alive. That right there was enough for me to almost choke on the big piece of cake I was now devouring and send shivers down my spine... Whether you believe or not, unless you know me, follow me on Instagram or read this here blog.. You quite simply wouldn't know that I had lost weight. He went on to say a few more things that made me believe that it could only have been Leo's Great Granddad who passed away in May 2014.

There was so much more, things that I would have forgotten in the sea of information that I walked away with last night. I have never had such an accurate, spot on reading where I have come away nodding along with absolutely everything that was said. He got it right down to specific people, he didn't name names, but the descriptions and information that came out were just on a whole new level of WOW. 

So today it may sound like I am losing the plot, maybe I am? Maybe I did a long time ago. Whatever it is I am feeling pretty amazing about what was said. 

Has anyone else ever had an experience like this that they cannot explain away? Just when you thought that there was no more wonder left in the world... Something like this comes along and blows your mind.

15 Months of Fitness

Time passes whether you are think about it or not, one way or another you are going to move forward, and inevitably you can look back on the past few months with a smile, or you can look back and think 'Wow, I should have tried harder'. 

It has now been 15 months since I decided to turn my life on it's head when a lightning bulb moment popped into my head and sent my spiraling into a lifestyle that I never knew I would come to love so much. That's what happened though you see, through gradual changes, I grew and evolved. I can't quite fathom where the time has gone, and I often pinch myself to make sure that I am not dreaming.

I thought I would re-cap my journey at this stage, as recently I have been asked by numerous different people why I started and how I have achieved what I have achieved in this time frame... So let me start at the beginning...

It's June 2014, I have been un-happy with my appearance for a long time. The weight has been creeping on and I am at the point where I don't think there is anything I can do about it, I order another takeaway. I immediately feel guilty, but what's the point? There is nothing I can do about it so I may as well enjoy the Indian Takeaway and all of the accompaniments that have been added in for good measure. 

Why I decided to change

 It had been a deep seated dream of mine for a long time, but despite numerous efforts to better myself (usually only lasting the day) I hadn't ever gotten anywhere. It took someone close to me to tell me that I was 'Getting FATTER by the day' for me to think 'WOW! He is actually right. Let's do something!'. It was those exact words on that one day in June 2014, that kicked my bum into gear and sent me hurtling on an incredible journey where I have made friends with women all over the world. It was those exact words that enabled me to do this.

From then on I was a girl on a mission. It all started with small changes. Instead of my daily can of Coca Cola I drank nothing but water. Instead of my daily chocolate bar, I opted for fruit. The weight started to come away, and although I couldn't see change straight away, the scales told me that what I was doing was working, and time would show me that it was all more than worth it.

The journey may have been spurred on by words that were directed to hurt me, but really those words made me. They lit my fire and helped me chase a dream that I had always thought was out of my reach. I did it for me, I did it to show him how strong I was, how I could stand solely on my own two feet and smile. 

In 9 weeks I lost 1 stone and 3lbs. 17 whole lbs melted away between June and August 2014. I got back into my size 8 clothing and was feeling more determined than ever. I kept going over the next few months and in February I was ready for my next step. I commenced Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide. I was pretty much at my goal weight already and I was excited to start fine tuning my body. I had no idea what a roller coaster the next 28 weeks of my life were going to be, and just how amazing the community of ladies completing the guides with me were going to be.

The first 12 weeks flew by and I was noticing changes as early as 3 weeks in, I started to notice abs popping up from what felt like nowhere, I was slowly but surely getting leaner and stronger. People started to notice and I couldn't believe that I was now outshining my original goals. It wasn't even about weight loss anymore, it was about being the strongest version of myself that I could be. It was about being happy.

After I completed the first guide I jumped straight onto Kayla's Second Guide. The weeks past and I kept pushing forward, I invested in a bar bell, upgraded my dumbbells and began lifting and exercising more with weights.

I am now on my third round of the guide, I have completed the first guide once and by the time I finish the second guide again, that will be 2 rounds making my weekly count 36! Of course I won't be stopping there.. All I have to say is, you haven't seen anything yet. I am still warming up, and slowly but surly I am pushing myself to new levels.

I have been learning so much about myself over this past year, I feel happier, more confident and comfortable in my own skin. I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about dressing my new body in an entirely new wardrobe made up of hot pants, crop tops and beautiful dresses I could only have dreamed of wearing. I have come such a long way and I am taking part in activities and events that I never knew I could be a part of. I traveled to London and took part in Kayla's Boot Camp back in June, and as I type this I have just completed my very first Meta Fit Session.

I plan on going into more detail over the coming weeks and months about the training I am taking part in, the food that I eat and the typical day to day aspects of working towards my goals. If you are interested in the training that I do and you have a question, I am always happy to hear from you.

 Everything I have achieved has been through cleaning up my eating regime and working out. It's not a quick fix, it's a lifestyle. It's sustainable but results take time, it's all within reach for the people who want to make a change.

15 months of fitness has completely changed me. Not just physically, but emotionally.

15 months of fitness has made me.

Leo Starts School

Times are fleeting, years pass, people grow. I have always been aware of these things. It's just life. Last night I knowingly tucked my little man into bed and snuggled him down, I knew that this was the last night like this...Ever.

The last night I would ever do this for my pre-schooler anyway..

Today my not so little Leo awoke bright and early for his very first day at school. He was up and about before the alarm had even gone off, raring to get ready. His excitement was contagious as he wolfed down his Weetos and second helping of toast. He was eager to get his shiny new school uniform on, but I had decided this would have to wait until breakfast was completely cleared away to at least prevent any stained clothes before he even arrived at school...

I lay out his uniform, it was all so new and inviting and I cast my mind back to my first day at school all of those years ago. It was no wonder he was bouncing off the walls with the utter most of excitement. 

Leo stood before me completely kitted out in his new school uniform, and right before my eyes he grew. He grew tenfold within a few seconds of slipping into the attire that he will proudly wear for the next 6 years of his life. It was like he aged physically and emotionally at the same time, he looked older and suddenly, he sounded older, so much wiser than his 4 years.

As he pranced around the room telling me how much he loved his uniform, I couldn't help but smile. I had never seen him so made up with an outfit before, and I think he realised right there and then that he really was growing up. He declared his love for his 'strong trousers' and his 'big boy shoes' and we made our way out of the door (of course not before an impromptu photo shoot!)

We arrived at school and he bounced instead of walked. He skipped and he hopped, the excitement igniting in his eyes sparkling brighter and brighter as we made our way through the school gates for his very first day. 

I had been a little surprised at how excited Leo was by the entire affair after he had spent all summer telling me how he wasn't going to be going to school. He didn't seem nervous, not at all, not even a little bit. I suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of pride. It had only been months before that people were concerned about how Leo may not be ready for school. 

Now just look at him.

Look at him proving them all wrong and excelling.

Look at him.

The bell rang and children began to conform to instructions as the teacher arrived in the play ground. A lovely lady who I knew was going to teach and care for my special boy. A lady that he was already looking up to and respecting. 

Leo held my hand and we walked into his classroom, where there were children with a mixture of reactions to the special day. Some children cried, some parents cried, some laughed and played. It was a real mixture of emotions for everyone and at times it didn't feel real. 

There were no tears from Leo, he handed in his book bag, put away his lunch box and made his way to the train box (of course he did!). It was here that I pulled him in and gave him the biggest hug. Wished him an amazing first day and told him that I would be back to collect him in a few hours, and that we would head over to McDonald's for a first day treat when he finished.

With that he pulled me back in for a bigger hug and I made my way out of the door, glancing back over my shoulder I saw just how grown up my baby boy had become.

The hours flew by and before I knew it I was back at the gates collecting my big boy after his very first day. I walked slowly into the playground trying to source where my little man was in the crowd of children all running around in identical outfits. I couldn't see him straight away, and then I saw him stood perplexed, staring right at me. His little bottom lip quivering. I am pretty certain that it was only because he saw me and was exhausted after such an exhilarating day, now more than ready to come home.

He did declare that he wasn't going to be back again tomorrow...But I am sure that he will be absolutely fine. 

Of course now it begins, I ask how his day was and I don't get a response. He looks at me and doesn't want to talk about the busy day that we both know that he has had, but what he has learned remains a mystery. 

Tonight we settled down into bed and we read the book 'Can I play in the Mud' that had been sent home from school, and I tucked in my school boy ready for another busy day tomorrow.

Welcome to the school years. 

Where has the time gone?

Build yourself UP

It's been over a year since I moved back to the family home, and what a year it has been. It's been a bit of a roller coaster to say the least, from packing that very first box, being made redundant back in April, to the here and now, where I am still coming to terms with the fact that I may be taking on my latest adventure. Becoming a full time blogger.

Blogging is a role that I quite simply adore, it's a dream job for me, Working for myself, earning my own money and being able to be there for Leo as and when he needs me. It has always been that though, a dream. Now when I sit here trying to fathom which email to respond to first, or the most practical way to tackle that never ending to do list, I realise that the possibility and the work is there for the taking, all I need to throw at it is time. 

Every parent knows that time can be a bit of a buzz kill, moving home actually saw me lose even more times when it came to my blog, I saw a light with my fitness and ran with it. That meant that the time I would have once spent in an evening sitting in front of the laptop, was spent trying to achieve new goals for myself. 

Now here I am at the start of my very new venture, one that I am incredibly excited and nervous about (More excited than anything else!) I have a new sense of confidence and reason to push forward. Before now something has held me back, I can't put my finger exactly on what... Whether it was through a lack of self confidence, maybe a fear that I may let myself down or something else? Whatever the reason, I have never taken that chance. 

Until now.

Times a funny old thing and it is thanks to time that you WILL find yourself outside of your comfort zone. Life would be a little bit boring if things didn't get shaken up every once in a while right? Did I ever think I would be in the National News with my family talking about our crazy set up? Nope! But I did. Did I ever think that I would shed the weight? Not really! Did I ever think that I would spend my Saturday would be spent looking at bathroom furniture and bed sheets? Nope, it's definitely outside of my usual shopping! With a little help of Tesco online this was made much easier.

Let's face it, if things were to stay the same throughout our entire lives, would we ever take a chance? Would we ever step outside that box we are all quite happy sitting inside? I am inclined to say that we wouldn't. 

One thing that I really have discovered about myself this year is just how strong I am as a person. I breathe positivity and it's a quality that I am so happy to possess. It is a rarity that I ever feel stressed, and sometimes when I think about what I have actually lived through this year, I wonder how I have managed it with a smile on my face. 

Some of that is a blog post for another day, but each day that passes just makes that smile of mine get a little bit wider.

My Summer Wardrobe

Summer may be coming to an end but September is a month that usually holds the ideal weather. I for one love September, it see's the leaves changing colour and the nights starting to slowly draw back in, but if you are lucky..We usually see some sunshine.

If there is one thing that I will really miss about the Summer months, it's the mild weather and my Summer wardrobe. The United Kingdom may not be blessed with consistent good weather, but for the most part we can at least predict mild weather (even if the rain is falling outside..). 

This summer was an extra special one for me, as it was the first summer in a very long time that I have felt comfortable in the skin that I am in. For the first time in many years I haven't felt the need to hide away under baggy clothes. When I cast my mind back to the Summer of 2014 or even back to 2013, I cringe. I re-call the girl who dreaded the warmer weather because she didn't want to have to get her legs (Or her thighs at least) out in the public eye. That Laura was more than happy to find a dress that didn't push her thigh chub into such a pronounced eyesore. 

Just casting my mind back to those times makes me realise just how much I have grown over the last couple of years, and it paints a rather large smile on my face. Now for the first time in forever I have worn exactly what I want to, how I want to and when I want to. The rain may have been pounding down like there is no tomorrow, but if I wanted to wear my shorts, if I wanted to pair it with a crop top that I could only have admiringly glanced at before.. then that is exactly what I was going to do.

I can't even begin to explain how amazing it feels to feel comfortable with your body after such a long time, it has definitely ignited a new found passion for fashion, and for items of clothing that I would never have dreamed to wear a year ago. 

My Summer Wardrobe

My Summer wardrobe has consisted of hot pants, dresses, maxi dresses and crop tops. It has meant that my entire Summer wardrobe had to be replaced as everything was far to big on me, of course that was a scenario that I happily embraced and for filled with little or... no complaints. 

So here are a few of my Summer combinations from the Summer of 2015.

KEEN's UNEEK Sandals Review

When you think of holiday's there are one pair of shoes that jump to the forefront of your mind. The traditional and very conventional flip flop. Over the years they have been there for us at the first sign of warm weather, and spared our feet the pain of being locked away in a pair of shoes that hide your feet away from the light of day.

Of course the conventional flip flop has it's down falls, sure they are great for the beach, and lounging by the pool. They even make a great choice for a short walk down the promenade, but the down falls are especially noticeable the moment that you decide to get a little adventurous. The moment you decide to venture off the beaten track..

That's where UNEEK from KEEN come into play. An entirely new, fresh footwear concept that I am pretty certain you won't have come across before. They look like no other model on the market, and while they leave your feet open to the elements, making them the ideal travel companion, they are also so much more versatile than the traditional flip flop.

UNEEK are the brand new sandal that have been constructed using the innovative two chord design. They mold to your feet to ensure the perfect fit using the two intertwining cords and an additional free moving cord design that allows the upper part of the shoe adapt to the unique shape of your foot. This rather impressive design means that they can provide security and structure to your feet, and makes them a great footwear choice if you do decide to get a little bit more adventurous while you are away on your travels. There is no need to take a secondary pair of shoes with you, because if you want to venture off on the rocks for a closer look at the rock pools below, your all ready kitted out and ready to go with the lightweight PU midsole that provides durability and comfort, and the high traction rubber outsole promotes secure footing.

Now they may look a little different to shoes that you may ordinarily choose for yourself, and in all honesty they were outside my usual comfort zone. Having now worn these shoes and put them through there paces, I am really pleased with just how comfortable and practical they are. 

When I say they are comfortable to wear, I actually mean that they may be the most comfortable pair of shoes that I own. As I type this I am sat at my desk with my UNEEK's embracing my feet. They don't rub, they just co-exist around my feet. The soles soft and supporting and your toes are enclosed within the strings, My biggest concern was that my toes may get caught in the strings, but there is no chance of that happening.

Other peoples reactions to them have been an interesting mix, some people have loved them, others haven't seen the appeal. For me now, my UNEEK's definitely have a place in my footwear collection, when flip flops just won't do, the UNEEK's will save the day.

There are a number of different and exciting colour varieties available for both men and women, retailing at £89.99. 

Disclaimer: I was provided with a pair of UNEEK Sandles for the purpose of this post and my honest opinion. All views and opinions expressed are completely those of Life Unexpected.

Fun in the sun with Konfidence

Ever since I arrived back from Tunisia in June, I have been caught with the travel bug. I just want to get out into the world and experience everything that it has to offer. With Leo in tow it is important to me to find adventurous trips away that will keep us both entertained, and both smiling.

While we were away in Tunisia we had such a super time, I cannot even begin to describe just how amazing it was to see Leo splashing away and finding his confidence in the child's pool. Leo has always been a little bit afraid of the water, and it takes him a little while to find his fins and enjoy the experience. 

Before we went away we were sent some swimming aids from Konfidence, and to say that they helped Leo take like a fish to water is a little bit of an understatement. The Original Konfidence Jackets retailing at £22.99 are such a great addition to any holiday, it features a 8 removable float system provides built in buyoncy to little ones. Leo has never got on well with arm bands, so this for us has proven in-valuable, each day Leo would actually ask to wear his jacket so that he could get his fill of the water, in which has helped bring our little water baby on in leaps and bounds.

The second item that we couldn't rate highly enough while we were away was the Konfidence Sun Protection Suit retailing at £17.50. When you are away it is one thing to keep little one's completely smothered in sun screen, but in the heat of the Tunisian sunshine I didn't want to take any chances. 

Before we headed out to the pool each day I would pop Leo in the suit, slather cream on his feet, ears and face eliminating the risk of sun burn further. He didn't mind being covered up at all, and I took great satisfaction in knowing that he was getting to enjoy himself and there wasn't a worry that the cream may come off and let us down.

Offering 50+UPF, or 98%+ protection aginst the sun's harmful UV rays, the sun suits also feature the latest UV colour changing technology – when UV rays are present, the Konfidence logos on the suits will turn pink (girls suit) or blue (boys suit). So when they are busy happily playing on the beach or in the pool you’ll instantly know when the suit is protecting them from harmful UV rays. Plus this safety feature is also a fun way to teach your little ones about sun safety as it will bring smiles to their faces when the colour starts to change!

Made from the highest quality soft Lycra, which has been rigorously tested for colour fastness and durability, our all in one suits are great for younger children as the fabric stretches and moves with them. 

Both of these items are now staple on my must pack list for little man. We used these items in combination so while Leo was being protected from the sun, he was also gaining his confidence in the pool. If you ask Leo about his holiday, he will tell you just how much fun he had. Leo had the absolute best time, and he cannot wait to go away again. I may have even been looking at some last minute cruises...there are so many places to be seen, and cruising is a great option to see more than one place in the same holidays!

2 months later the memories that we made in Tunisia are still as alive as ever, and I can see that the experiences made by Leo over that week away have really instilled in him. We most definitely have caught the travel bug.. Now what will our next adventure be?