My weight-loss story

Hi all!

This is a very personal post and I was hesitant for a long time, but finally decided to write it because I think it could help some of you if you are dealing with diets or trying to lose weight.

Growing up I was never overweight, but I was not skinny either. During my teenage years I gained some weight but it was nothing to worry about. Until the age of 18, I never stopped practicing sports (baskeball).

During my years at university (between 18 and 22) that I went out way too much, lived in a big city with flatmates who didn’t like to cook (so fast food was often on the table), and did’t do any sports. The result: I gained A LOT of weight. Now I was still happy and was not very concerned about my weight, but at some point I realized I was not healthy and needed to do something about it. I wanted to be able to run a 5k or to shop for clothes on the high-street.

During fall 2008 I had made the decision: I was going to lose weight.

And so I did. And oh, I did it my way. I didn’t visit a doctor, or a nutritionist, or anything like that. I just starved me and went back to the gym.

I didn’t keep the healthiest of diets, I based my food on a “diet app” that doesn’t exist anymore (which probably means it was not the best of things). I remember my breakfast used to be a banana and a granola bar, and my lunch was often 3 or 4 rice cakes with some low-fat cheese. Not the best, that’s for sure. The result: at the end I went to my family doctor and she was mad at me, I was lacking iron and lots of nutrients…

I lost 20kg in a year and didn’t gain them back. But let’s be hones, it could have happend; we all know about the rebound effect when you go on a drastic diet.

Here are some pictures of the before/after:

Anyways, since then I really need to be careful with what I eat. I gain weight very easily, but luckily I am fond of sports again and this allows me to have treats and still maintain the same weight.

With this post I just wanted to say: if I did it, anyone can. Seriously. But also: do it the right way: a doctor or nutritionist will be able to guide you, give you the right foods and help you lose weight in a safe way.

If you have any question, do not hesitate to ask.

Have a great day! 🙂

Casual shopping – OOTD

Hi!

The other day my man and I went on a little shopping trip. I didn’t end up getting much (but he did!), but I really enjoyed it since the weather was nice and the shops weren’t packed.

Whenever I go shopping, if I know it’s going to be more than a couple hours I dress very comfy.

Necklace: Aliexpress | Jumper: Asos (SS’15). Similar here. | Jeans: Asos Rivington | Shoes: Primark. Similar here or there. | Handbag: Fossil Erin Crossbody (AW’14).

What is your favorite shopping outfit?

Travel with Couchsurfing: my amazing experience

Hi!

One thing you need to know about me is that I am obsessed with traveling. I would do it more if it wasn’t for obvious constraints (and I am talking days off and money).

I must say though that I the past I have been lucky enough to travel quite a lot. And one of the methods I’ve used to be able to do that is crashing people’s couches around the world, also called Couchsurfing.

If you don’t know what Couchsurfing is, it is a cool website where people offer their sofas or spare beds for travelers to sleep for free.

I personally have had many Couchsurfing experiences, sometimes traveling with a friend and other times alone, and all of them have been more than amazing. Couchsurfing has not only allowed me to be hosted for free, but also to meet amazing people and to visit many cities with a local (which is always the best most authentic way).

Do you dare? 🙂

A day of food

Hi all!

Lately I’ve been on a health-kick, practicing lots of sports and eathing healthier (or trying to! I am not one for diets…).

So on my next blogpost I will talk all about my fitness routine, but on this one I wanted to focus on my favorite: FOOD!

I don’t know if any of you will find this post interesting at all, but personally I love watching other people’s blogs when they talk about what they eat in one day.

So here is what I ate on a regular weekday (because yeah, let’s be honest, on weekends a cheat A LOT):

In the morning I was lucky enough to eat breakfast on the balcony, in the sun. Breakfast is probably the meal I enjoy the most. I had a cup of green tea (Green Balance by Yogi, my absolute favorite!), an apple and lemon juice, a pear and a bowl with yogurt and granola.

At lunchtime I had a salad with tomato and some bread crumbs, a veggie burger, some brie cheese (I am the biggest cheese fan) and hummus with a breadstick to dip in it. For desert I had 0% fat plain yogurt.

For diner I had chicken and veggie broth and a ham-and-cheese tostie.

And after diner, while watching some youtube… it was cheat time. I had two Digestive cookies (or bisquits) with a little milk chocolate and a herbal tea.

Do you have any tips to eat cleaner?

My solidary holidays: sharing and learning

Hi!

During summer 2011 I was lucky enough to spend 6 weeks in a little town in Senegal giving IT lessons to all the kids interested.

Even though it was a few years ago, I cherish those memories and think about that experience really often. I was then 25 years old, and volunteering really made me grow.

The volunteering program was organised by SCI, present worldwide. There were 4 of us volunteering in that specific town at the same time, and each of us lived with a different family. Conditions were not the best, no running water or electricity for some, very rudimentary food, etc., but I quickly got used to it and, in the end, had a very hard time leaving.

The experience of living in the most basic conditions still helps me today. Whenever I am tired, or upset I think about that and realize how priviledged I am and how I shouldn’t be complaining about the smallest things.

I met the most wonderful generous people, with whome I am still in touch today. They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel home since minute 1. I feel really lucky to have shared long nights chatting about everything and nothingaround a rice bowl and a petrol lamp. We shared and laughed, sometimes disagreed, but over all, we respected eachoder. I coudn’t have loved it more.

I leave you with some pictures and encourage you all to share life with other cultures. I guarantee you won’t regret it.

Plaid my shirt – OOTD

Hi, hi!

I am in love with this season. When the weather gets a little chilly and leafs start to change colors and fall… it is just magic for the eyes.

And in autumn, I love me my plaid shirts. They are super versatile, comfy and easy to style and layer.

Here is what I wore yesterday, with of  course one of my plaid shirts:

Trench coat: Zara (AW’13). Similar here or there. | Checked shirt: Forever21 (AW’14). Similar here or there. | Denim skirt: Esprit (AW’13). Similar here or there. | Ankle boots: Topshop (AW’13). Similar here or there.

 

Handbag: Fossil (here or there).

Ring: And Other Stories (AW’14). Similar here or there. | Watch: Michael Kors MK-5492. | Necklace: And Other Stories (AW’14). Similar here or there.

Do you like plaid shirts? What do you combine them with?

Experience chic outlet shopping – La Roca Village

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Hi baes!

Every now and then, I love strolling around La Roca Village. For those who’ve never been, it is an artificial town made of outlets from luxury brands.

There’s always a pleasant atmosphere (except the weekend, when it’s packed!), especially if the weather is good. And, let’s be honest, even if I never need anything, I always manage to end up with a shopping bag in my hands. Everything is too tempting!

I went last week with my boyfriend, the weather was pleasant and since it was a Tuesday, there weren’t too many people. We had a lovely morning!

Do you like outlet shopping? What’s your favorite outlet shopping centre?

I’m lovin’ it! – OOTD

Hello baes!

I say it on the title of my blog, I usually dress in a very casual way, and t-shirts and jeans are often part of my oufit. This morning I went out for a walk around the neighborhood and I took some pictures.

My outfit is very simple but the Nike’s pull it all together. The pullover I love, it is plain but the texture and the zipper make it kind of special.

Pullover: Zara (Summer’15).Similar here and there. | Jeans: Bershka | Trainers: Nike Air Max. Similar here and there.

And what about you, what do you wear in autumn? What do you think about the Air Max being back into fashion?

My super-quick daily makeup

Hello baes!

Let’s be hones, nobody ain’t got time to spend 20 minuts puting on makeup every morning. And me neither. If you spend 20 minutes in front of your mirror, you just became my hero.

Here are the products that I use for my super-quick everyday makeup in autumn:

Corrector Maybelline The Eraser Eye Concealer (Nude) | Bourjois Healthy Mix Fond de Teint (Nº54 Beige) | Nars Orgasm Blush | Brush Real Techniques | Eyeliner Clarins Instant Liner (01 Black) | Shadow Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr (35 On and on bronze) | Mascara Maybelline The Falsies Volum’ Express | Lipstick Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish (08 Timeless All) | Brow brush Mercadona (available only in Spain)

For the corrector I apply it directly fron the tube with the little sponge (no choice, in fact!), and the base and eyeshadow I apply with clean fingers. It all takes a maximum of 3 minutes and the result is very natural.

Here is the before and after:

Do you have any quick-use holy-grail products?