Screw the scales, the tape measure is where it's at!

So today is a pretty momentous day in my 12WBT journey - my first loss on the scales! I was very happy this morning to see 1-1.5kg gone - it's hard to tell on my old school dial scales! Last week I was so disappointed to see no change, and the week before that it was the same. But does it really matter what I actually weigh? Is that why I am really doing this? 

Pfft, hell no! It matters what size I am. It matters that my stomach is getting flatter, my arms less flabby, my legs more toned. What really matters is what the tape measure tells me. I am doing this to fit into my size 8-10 clothes again.

So what has the tape measure told me so far? I've lost 4cm of my tummy, 3cm off each leg, 3cm off one arm and 4cm off the other. That is now I know this is working.

There are people who get let down by their scales, and they get all mopey and depressed. To those people I say grab your tape measure, because let's be honest, you're doing this be smaller. I'm not saying the weight doesn't matter, I'm just saying there is more to it than what you read on the scales.

I know we're not supposed to measure in between milestones, but I know what it's like to see no change on the scales, and sometimes the number on the tape measure is just the kick you need.

Excuses: Part I: "I can't make it because..."

Excuses are something that Mish hates. We make them for everything, why we don't want to work out, why we should stop at McDonalds, why we can't go out tonight, and why we can't attend events and appointments. My husband even makes them for why he won't get off the couch and go to the toilet before he craps all over it.

I remember when I was in year 6, we had to make an excuse jar, full of excuses for different things. I colour coded mine (because that's how I roll) into homework, going to school, practicing music, and going to swimming training. I had excuses for everything. I can't help but think that one piece of homework all those years ago has held me back somehow.

I'm like the Hannibal Smith of excuses. Give me a minute I'm good, give me an hour, I'm great, give me all day, I'm infallible. I can pull a believable excuse out of my ass in a matter of seconds. When I was a kid it was just nature, kids don't want to play violin, or eat pumpkin and mashed potato, but now, it's like a disease.

The only person excuses hold back is you, so I'm going to look into the kinds of excuses people make for various things, and what you can do about it when you feel an excuse attack coming on.

Part I: Excuses for not going somewhere

Sometimes you just don't feel like leaving the house. It could be for a legitimate reason, such as being sick or injured, or being concerned about leaving someone who isn't doing so crash hot themselves. Sometimes you literally can't leave the house, like you're waiting for a delivery or a guest, you don't have the means to get to where you need to go, or you have nobody to look after the kids but you also can't bring them with you. Then there are the times you just wont leave the house. That is what we are going to discuss now.

Excuse number one: "I'm too tired"

Now don't get me wrong, at the end of a long day, going for a night out with that crazy friend who always manages to go on Harold and Kumar style misadventures seems daunting, and maybe you are too tired to last the whole night. Here is the thing though: You don't have to. You are an adult. You can stop drinking when you want, and you can leave when you want. You can stand up to your crazy friend. Chances are they're not going to remember it anyway. Chances also are that you had plenty of notice, and you can probably squeeze in a quick Nanna nap or a coffee in there somewhere to perk you up.

Sometimes you might just feel like you're too tired and a night out on the town, or lunch with friends is exactly the pick me up you need. Do you really want to miss out on that? Once again it comes down to being an adult, and knowing you can leave when you like.

Excuse number two: "I'm too busy" / "I have too much to do around the house"

Sometimes this might be true, I know my Mum is one of these busy people, but are you really that busy? Are you so busy you can't take 30min to have coffee with a friend, or go to the gym, or go for a walk/run? This comes down to being organised. Get a date book, use the calendar on your phone, make yourself a timetable like you had in high school, and allocate time for anything that might pop up.  Working out, last minute catch ups, this time could even come in handy for emergencies with the kids. The fact of the matter is that whatever you have to do at home will be there after the gym is closed, after the cafe is closed, and after the sun is down. The dishes will still be there, along with the dirty floor, or the cat's litter box. Seize the day and live a little.

Excuse number three: "I can't go, I have nothing to wear."

This is what I honestly believe all these excuses really mean sometimes. We've all had the feeling. You've tried everything on in your wardrobe and nothing fits, nothing is flattering, nothing looks good and you just want to curl up in a ball and cry. Unlike the first two excuses, this one might not be so easy to solve, and it hurts because it speaks a greater truth about you. When you go to the wardrobe and get this feeling, it can make you feel not worthy of going out for a night on the town, or make you scared even to go to places like the gym or pool for fear of looking inferior to the other, fitter people there. It reminds you of your dissatisfaction with yourself.

Well you know what? You aren't going to improve by avoiding the gym because you're afraid your outfit makes you look fat. In fact, it's a good reason to get out and go shopping! Go and find 3 outfits that make you feel a billion dollars. A casual one, something for working out, and something for going out on the town. Something that as soon as you put it on you feel like Elle McPherson. Then, on those days you feel like you just don't have anything to wear, you don't have the excuse because in that wardrobe there is a failsafe outfit that will make you feel good, and give you the confidence to get out there.

Next time you find yourself making an excuse, open you wallet and put some coin in an excuses jar. If you find you're poorer by the end of the week, then you'll know where you need to improve!

xx

Pushing through the pain

So I keep seeing on the 12WBT forums people (myself included) asking about all kinds of pain. Foot pain, knee pain, ankle pain, back pain, muscle pain, shin pain, etc. So many people say to 'push through the pain' but at what point do we actually stop and say "hang on, this just doesn't feel right"? 

Pain is my middle name. I'm the queen of pain. I have a bad back, a bad ankle, a bad knee, flat feet, and a manky shoulder, and every day I find myself having to put up with some kind of pain. I have lengthy conversations with my 89 year old Nanna about which anti-inflams are best and what the best thing is to rub into aches and pains (by the way, it's called Rapidgel, and technically its only for dogs and horses but it is amazing and you get it from the pet store). I'm 22, it's just not right! I have learnt the hard way what kind of pain I should push through and what kind of pain I shouldn't.

For years I pushed through pain as a swimmer, mostly your regular aches and sore muscles, period pain, headaches, the usual. Then I took up field hockey. I started to push through every hard hit, twisted ankle, broken knuckle, and torn muscle. I even tried to push through a broken knee cap when I was 15, but simple biomechanics made that choice for me in the end. My first lesson should have come when I was 16 and badly twisted my ankle playing touch football in PE, mildly tearing both a ligament and tendon. But a visiting hockey team from England was coming in 4 weeks time, so I couldn't stay off it for the 8 weeks my doctor recommended. Game day came and I strapped my ankle within an inch of its life and played anyway. "Footy players do it all the time" I told myself. It hurt but I kept going, played a full game and a great one at that. My ankle however, was worse than ever, black and blue and swollen like a grapefruit, and now covered in a hideous rash since I am allergic to strapping tape adhesive. It still hurt 16 weeks after the original injury.

At the following season, I did it again. This is a couple of weeks after the incident of the broken knuckle, which I kept playing with. This time I listened, but only because my parents refused to drive me to the games unless my stick bag, shoes, and uniform were prominently displayed as being not in the car. The minute those 8 weeks were up, I was back on the field even though it still hurt badly, because I was always told to "push through the pain."

I managed to go incident free until my second year of university while playing for UQ. I tore my vastus intermedius muscle, which is the deep lying muscle in the quadriceps. I managed to do it up very high near the attachment point, and my physiotherapist was impressed but not able to do much for me. This time I rested, but once again it was because I was in so much pain that the choice was made for me.

Then it came time for my now husband, then boyfriend, to go to Kapooka. I joined a 24hr gym, and would go for sometimes 3 hours a night. I couldn't sleep at night so I would just hit the treadmill hard and try and lose myself in the repetition. I would even go after game day and training. Then my legs started to hurt. At first it was my ankle and I thought it was just old ghosts coming to haunt me, but then it spread, then it was both legs. I pushed through it, no pain no gain, and kept pushing, and pushing like a woman in labour. Then came the night at training where I collapsed while running because my legs just gave way.

My doctor referred me to a musculoskeletal therapist, who immediately ordered bone scans, rest, and acupuncture. By this point I could barely stand the walk from Central station in Brisbane to my office in Cathedral square. Less than 1km. When my bone scans came back, my doctor said that of all his 40+ years treating injuries, he had never seen shin splints like mine. I was ordered to 2-4 months rest, I wasn't even allowed to do more than walk to my office, and around the shops. Finally my wake up call had arrived. At the end of my rest period, I was still in pain, and still am when I run to this day.

Sometimes pain is weakness. Sometimes you should push through it. But if any of the words you use to describe it include: stabbing, throbbing, burning, pulsating, or shock-like, stop and book in to your GP, chiropractor, physiotherapist, or podiatrist.

The bottom line is, if the pain is unusual, or unnatural, STOP.

xx

The Sunday 10: 10 things I love about the empire line

So I feel like I have hardly written anything about fashion lately, and thought I should do a weekly spotlight on one of my favourite art forms. Each week I want to do a Letterman-esque list of my top 10 of the week. It could be 10 things I love about something, 10 things I hate about something, 10 reasons to do or not do something, or just 10 funny things about what happened this week in fashion.

Coming into the warmer months, there is one style that is everyone's best friend: the empire line. No matter if you are big or small, tall or short, blessed in breast or heaped with hips, you just cannot go wrong with this cut! So this week, I bring you 10 things I love about the empire line.

10) You can find it anywhere. Literally, anywhere in the world! From Darwin to Dubai, from St. Petersburg to Buenos Ares, this style will be in a store near you!

9)   It's easy to make yourself if you can't find the exact right pattern or fabric.

8)   It can be brought out for any occasion, formal, casual and anywhere in between.

7)   You can give it any neckline you like, it can be strapless with a straight or sweetheart neckline, it could be a halter, one shouldered, a deep-v, it could even be high collared and styled with a statement necklace for those of less ample chest, but the sky is the limit and I love it!

6)   You can wear it in any season. It doesn't have to be summer, an amazing empire line blouse can be worn with jeans and a great jacket in winter.

5)   It suits women of all ages, and is timeless. There's a reason that the ancients wore it 5,000 years ago, and people are still wearing it now. This style is the definition of timeless, but if you style it correctly it can be so fashion forward people may think you've been for a ride in the Tardis.

4)   It is the best friend of pregnant women everywhere. Nothing will skim over that baby belly yet flatter what are becoming your best assets like an empire line top or dress.

Natalie Portman shows pregnancy can be glamourous 

in an empire line gown at the 2011 Academy Awards. 

She's showing off those new assets and the  fabric 
gently glides over her baby bump.

3) It's comfortable! So many people tell me that they can't wear a style because it's too uncomfortable. To those people I say...EMPIRE LINE! 

2) If done right, it suits and flatters all body types and sizes, and it's SO easy to get right!

1) It will make you feel great in your own skin. The best thing about any empire line style is that no matter if you are having a fat day or not, or if you feel a little bloated or just feel down, you can always put on your empire line dress and look in the mirror and feel good about yourself!

You can even do it with sleeves! The v-neck here 

also divides Melissa McCarthy's chest into 3 sections, 

slimming out her upper torso, while the empire line 

cinches in to accentuate her waist. The aubergine hue is 

perfect for her skin tone and add the statement necklace 

and she's ready to go!

So next time you are feeling flat, or looking for a new addition to your wardrobe, look for the empire line. For those with large breasts, avoid styles that are high in the neckline, by covering your puppies with all that fabric you will make your chest look massive and undo all the hard work this style does to flatter your body. Instead, look for a sweetheart, or v-neck style to flatter and or show off the girls. For those who struggle in the chest department it's more about avoiding making it too well known that there isn't much going on there. Lucky for you girls though, you can pretty much rock any style of this cut with the help of chicken fillets, and even work the deep-v with the help of some hollywood tape. This summer, the statement necklace is still so on trend, and looks great with a messy up do to keep your hair from sticking in unsightly places, perfect for summer. Pair with a few thin bangles and a fringed bag to add a little bohemian charm to your look. This style really is the look for women of all shapes and sizes.

So there you have it, 10 things I love about the empire line, and a couple of quick tips on how to wear it. 

Next week: 10 reasons why suits are sexy (on men and women)

xx

"Ruby"

I was watching Fashion Police the other day and a show came on after it called 'Ruby.' I had no idea what it was about, but I also had no idea where the remote was and my feet were sore from my morning workout, so I thought why not.

This show is about an American woman named Ruby Gettinger from Savannah, Georgia, who used to weigh over 500lbs (226kgs), and who has undergone a complete lifestyle change to lose weight and become healthier and happier. She also doesn't remember anything before she was 13 except her immediate family, and a doctor. Not only has she worked hard to lose weight, now down around 330lbs, but she is trying to remember her past and find out what happened back then that would have made her forget.

I saw this courageous woman walk into a buffet in Mississippi full of deep fried southern food, and make the healthiest choice possible, and then stop at one plate. Her friends and family were so proud of her and you could tell that she was proud she made the right choice. It was hard with everyone around her having fried chicken and chips, but she did it anyway, and she did it for Ruby. They were also able to finally do up her seatbelt without the need for an extension for the first time, and it really put in perspective for me how the little wins always count. It was so moving to see how much such an everyday action could mean so much to someone.

I only wish I had Ruby's will power! I have been completely sucked in to her story and am finding her journey inspirational it's crazy. Her family and friends are so supportive of her and it's just amazing to see what is possible if you truly want it.

Unfortunately her show only airs on Foxtel on the Style channel, so check your listings for those who have access to it, it is well worth a watch. If not, check sites like Sidereel for online streaming.

And to Ruby, wherever you are, go you good thing! You are an inspiration and a great role model for anyone who wants to change their lifestyle for the better, both men and women. Ma'am, I salute you!

My 12WBT Inspiration Board

So I thought I would share my inspiration board with everyone, because I think it's pretty awesome!

All of the things I want revolve around my family who I want to do them for. I want to get my butt back in those shorts so my husband can be proud to show me off again, and I want to be healthier so I can be in it for the long run for my girls, to see them graduate high school and maybe even university or Tafe.

I used to be so fit, and fast! I used to be able to climb mountains, and run for hours on end and I want it back. I want all the abilities and looks of the old me, with the new attitudes and habits that I am beginning to form, and I want to put them all into the new me. Something old, something new!

I also have on my board my big sister and a couple of her before and after pictures (I hope she doesn't mind!) because after all, she is the one who gave me the confidence to do all of this in the first place, so it would all be a waste of time if she wasn't on my board too.

You're probably wondering about 'NYC Maccas Free.' Our first big family trip we would like to make is to take the kids to Disneyworld, and to New York City for Christmas. I've added a new goal to it which is to go to the USA and keep it Maccas free. I will allow myself a taste test of a cheeseburger as it is my tradition everywhere I go to try a cheeseburger and see which city in the world has the best tasting McDonalds, but a bit should do it, I don't need the whole burger.

So there is my board, I hope you all like it!

Back from Brisvegas!

Finally back from holidays and the 12WBT has kicked off so it's all happening this week!

It was great to go back to Brisbane and see my friends and family, but by the end I was longing for home. One of the best parts of the trip was seeing my amazing big sister for the first time since her amazing body transformation with Weight Watchers. She has worked so hard and lost over 30kg! She looks amazing and most importantly I don't have to worry about losing her too soon anymore. She's healthy, happy, and here for the long haul now! If we lived closer we might even be able to share cute clothes once I get my weight down, something I never thought possible. I'm so proud of her and just want to thank her for being such an inspiration, so much so that it was her ability to take control of her health that has enabled me to begin to take charge of mine.

On that note, I want to put my commitment for this round out there for the world to see:

'My commitment to myself this round is to get into a routine of healthy eating and regular exercise. I know this is where I always fall short, so if I can fix this, then there is nothing left to hold me back in regards to my weight loss. I can do this. I will do this. Most importantly, I will keep doing it for myself, and my family.'

So check out my 12WBT Journey page as I'll be posting much more regularly in there from now on! I've decided that my motto for this round is something I pinched of Joan Rivers. She was referring to surgery, but I've changed it up and made it more me.

"My body is my temple, and my temple needs renovating!"