Cafe Bebe Mama in Tiara courtesy of @mummytips

The UK Parent Blogging community has a very exciting event on the horizon- CyberMummy is coming on 3 July, 2010!  Taking place at the Ibis London Earls Court, CyberMummy will be bringing together the UK’s best and brightest parent bloggers for an educational and networking conference.  The one day event will have amazing speakers on a variety of technical subjects as well as bloggers who will be sharing their own expertise.  It’s going to be THE place to be for UK Parent Bloggers…who wouldn’t want to go?

Wouldn't you like to meet me here?

Well, I’d like to go!  I’d like to learn and network and share.  However, as a Mummy Blogger who is also a Stay-At-Home-Mum in a one-income family, the conference fee is a bit steep for our family budget.  The ticket for CyberMummy is a mere £80 which is quite a good rate for an all-day conference.  £80 is a good week’s grocery shop for my family.  It’s not fair to take £80 away from my amazing Little Miss and wonderful hubby even if it means that Mummy gets a day away to learn and schmooze.

I thought that I would let the legions of PR’s and companies who are beating down the door at Cafe Bebe get the chance to SPONSOR me to attend CyberMummy.  The PR/Company would pay for my £80 CyberMummy ticket and if they’re feeling really gracious, consider reimbursing me for any train travel to London and back.  In return, PR’s/Companies will get the following from me:

• A mention and logo placement in any posts about CyberMummy including any live blogging/tweeting on the day of the Conference.
• The chance to meet me, the 67th ranked parent blog in the Tots 100 Index, at the conference (provided you spend the £250 ticket fee for PR’s…you can write that off on your expense account…it’s no biggie is it??) and have a chat about your clients/programmes/services/products which might be of interest to me at Cafe Bebe.
• An opportunity to run a small advert/banner on my blog from April 15 to August 31
• A blogger with integrity and a fairly decent following.

You will NOT get the following from me if you should choose to sponsor me:

• A blogger who will sell her soul for anything offered.  I have standards and will not support JUST anything or anyone.
• I WILL NOT WEAR A T-SHIRT SAYING “SPONSORED BY…”!  I may not have an exceptional fashion sense but come on…no way!
• A blogger who automatically says yes to every press release or product review.  If it fits with me, my family and my readers I’ll consider your “pitch” but I guarantee that I won’t say “HOW HIGH” if you ask me to “JUMP”.
• You won’t get the UK’s top blogger or even one with 10,000 hits a day.  You will get a blogger who is an active Twitter-er (I am a PERSONA, so says Klout), a very active writer (averaging 5.4 posts per week) and a very hard worker.

I’ve carried on too long now…let me speak for myself!  If you like what you read and you enjoy my vlog post which follows and would like to sponsor me to attend CyberMummy 2010 in London on 3 July, get in contact with me through the Contact Us page on the top of the homepage OR leave me a comment.  I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.  Thank you for your time & generosity!

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What's happened here?

Guest Blogger, Wendy Powell of No More Excuses, helps us to diagnose our Mummy Tummies.

Diastasis Recti (or Split Abdominal Muscles)

Now I know you may not be entirely familiar with them right now , but there are quite a few layers of muscle in your abdomen. We’re starting here with the outermost one, & the first of 2 muscular causes of your mummy tummy. It’s called Rectus Abdominus, it runs vertically from your sternum to your pubic bone, it’s the one that on certain supremely honed beings forms a six-pack and it’s the one that ‘splits’ during many pregnancies.

Diastasis Recti is a very common, perfectly normal & painless parting of these muscles. Up to two thirds of women will have developed it during their pregnancies.

The function of this muscle is to support your back & your organs. So when the muscles separate, this support system is weakened causing low back pain & a Mummy Tummy. Your organs actually protrude as they are being supported only by a thin piece of connective tissue.

Obvious indicators that you have a diastasis, are a bulging, or ‘doming’ above or below your belly button when you contract your abdominals (especially if you attempt a crunch or sit-up type movement). An ‘outie’ belly button may also a sign of a diastasis (also associated with umbilical hernia).

You can test for the gap yourself:

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Relax your head and shoulders and place your fingers (palm facing you) just above your belly button. Press down with your fingertips. They may go in quite far – don’t be squeamish! Then lift your head & neck slightly off the floor & continue to press down. You will feel the muscles close in around your fingers as you lift your head & neck. Don’t lift your shoulders up too high. The gap in the middle is the diastasis.

Found the gap? Try it a few times to be sure. OK, so if you can visualise this gap, hopefully it is clearer why a crunch or sit-up movement would serve only to gape this separation further… Which is why you should not, under any circumstances, do crunches or sit-ups post-baby and certainly not if you know you have abdominal separation.

For more detailed description of this test and other movements to avoid please see this post.

Instead you are going to do core exercises which work the muscles in a linear direction – I’ll show you how in the next post.

But you can start closing the gap right now visualising the gap and closing it. Sit there now and pull your belly button towards your spine. Breathe OUT slowly as you do this and don’t hunch your shoulders. Now imagine ‘zipping up’ the gap. Just let your mind close the gap from bottom to top. Another way is to imagine folding your pubic bone up towards your sternum. Pull in and together. Do this whenever you can think of it during the day – 30 times if you can!

Next week – the core muscles and how they connect to this one and help bring it all IN. But I’ll leave you with a demonstration of how effective the mind is, when engaging muscles in the correct way. A client had been taught this ‘zipping up’ visualisation by a Pilates instructor. When she came to me she still had a significant gap above her belly button, but not below. When I explained it, she said, ‘Well she told me to zip up my jeans. My jeans don’t come up to THERE!’

Hipster jeans – more to answer for than we thought.

Thank you so much to Wendy for helping to diagnose our Diastasis Recti!  I for one can guarantee that this is me.  In addition to an umbilical hernia I most definitely have serious diastasis recti.  When I did my own diagnosis diastasis recti, I believe that I have a 3 FINGER separation!  Ack…ick!  I feel as though my stomach (the actual organ) is FALLING OUT of my core.  If you listen close, after drinking a glass of any liquid, you can hear the liquid sloshing around!  It’s like listening to the ocean through a shell!  I’m working on my zipping up visualisation technique as I type…oh, my abdominal muscles are feeling it.  Phew!  I’m looking forward to Wendy’s post next week!

If you have any questions or comments for me or for Wendy, please leave them in the comment box below.  If you’d like to keep your questions/comments confidential and NOT have them appear on the post, please use the Contact Us page at the very top of the homepage.  I’ll pass on any questions for Wendy.  How are you doing with your Mummy Tummy Begone challenge?  Have you made some goals for this week?  I’m finding that KNOWING that I have you all here watching is a lot of motivation for me.  I didn’t WANT to go out and do my run/walk last night (Tuesday).  I wanted to sit on the couch and veg but I knew my body would rebel even more if I didn’t go out, not having run since Saturday night.  I also knew that I couldn’t get away with it…you’re counting on me to lead by example right?

Another thought…I was Twittering today (as you do) and another lovely Mummy Tummy Begone blogger mentioned that she was going to take photos of herself BEFORE and AFTER.  I need to do this!  I was shocked, when I was filming my Disney Princess Dancing vlog, at how BIG my belly is.  When you see yourself in pictures or video, it’s a bit shocking.  And maybe its the shock that we all need.  I’ll do my best to take BEFORE pictures this week and will decide if I’m brave enough to share them with you.  Please let me know your thoughts.  Good luck with your workouts and remember…mummy tummy…begone!

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When I began my Mummy Tummy Begone Challenge a week ago (has it only been a week?) I was amazed to find so many Mums in the same position!  All 1-2 years post delivery (some a few more even) and struggling with “what lies beneath”.  In addition to the voices of Mums everywhere, another voice spoke up in aid of the cause.  Wendy Powell, founder of No More Excuses, has come to the rescue.  She’s going to be guest blogging for the next four weeks to help the Mums of the world to find what used to be in that midsection area.  I, for one, can’t wait!  I bring you Wendy Powell with an introductory post and every Wednesday, for the next four weeks, Wendy will bring us a solution to these Mummy Tummy issues that plague us!  What fun!  And how lucky are we to have Wendy offering us her services?  Take advantage of this brilliant information and start your quest to rediscover your tummy.  Without further ado, Wendy Powell…Cafe Bebe’s resident Mummy Tummy Guru:

Thank you so much for having me Karin!  When I saw your first ‘Mummy Tummy Begone’ post I was dying to start commenting and get involved and am delighted to be asked to run a short series of guest posts on Café Bebe. I hope I have some useful stuff for you!

Wendy Powell- Mummy Tummy Guru

My Mummy Tummy Masterclass© solution came about because women are simply not getting satisfactory answers about their post-baby tummies.   I founded No More Excuses 8 years ago, offering specialist personal training to pregnant & postnatal women. But I get calls every week asking ’Do I still count as postnatal?  Um, my youngest is 4 years old’

So this is for ALL mums – regardless of how long ago you had your babies! A mother’s body absolutely can return to its pre-pregnancy glory (or better) but it needs a little help and understanding to do so. Whilst crash diets or boot-camp might solve part of the problem, they will leave you disappointed and frustrated with the shape of your tummy in the long run. Standard exercise regimes that do not specifically tackle the physiology of a post-baby body, including split abdominal muscles, cannot flatten it effectively. Certain exercises – even very commonly prescribed abdominal exercises – (like crunches or sit-ups) will make the problem worse, resulting in back ache and a ‘domed’ shape to your tummy.

Having helped put many, many post-baby tummies (including my own!) comfortably back into their jeans, I want to show you how to re-connect with, and understand, exactly what is going on behind your wobbly mid-section. Only then will your nutritional and exercise efforts to lose fat and tone up, actually work.

This is where I get brutal, so forgive me, but the de-mystifying bit has to come first… You see, once extra maternal and breastfeeding fat stores are no longer needed, I’m afraid there is no such thing as ‘baby fat’, there is only ‘fat fat’. Fat is just fat, and it sits on top of muscle. Fat and muscle are completely different types of tissue, and one cannot turn into the other. There. You all hate me now, don’t you?

But there ARE vital physiological and muscular differences between a tummy that is just flabby, and a tummy that is flabby and has also carried at least one baby.

This distinction is very important to getting the tone and shape you want, as well as just getting slimmer. A mummy tummy is partly caused by certain, very important, core and abdominal muscles being compromised by pregnancy and birth. We can repair and restore, by ‘reconnecting’ with these muscles, and by learning how to engage and strengthen them correctly & to close any gap that has developed. And if you want to actually see the results, you need to lose the fat sitting on top as well.

So, over the next 4 weeks, & starting tomorrow, I’ll take you through the 4 factors that cause your mummy tummy. And tell you what to do about them.

Please ask questions along the way & then we’ll hopefully also run a post to answer ‘everything else you always wanted to know about your tummy but were too afraid to ask’. I hope it helps, because I’m pitching a book to publishers & I need to know if you really want this stuff – so please give me some ammunition to convince them!

Thanks again for having me, Wendy X

Please visit Wendy’s brilliant site, No More Excuses for more information about how to reclaim your midsection.  Come on ladies!  We can do this!

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The March Just Vlog It is nearing its end with a most fantastical Just Vlog It Carnival hosted by the lovely and talented Heather at Notes from Lapland.  All 20 entries (plus 1 late submission from Vegemitevix) are there for your viewing pleasure.  Heather has done a wonderful job of putting these brilliant entries together in one handy post for you!  Go and have a watch…it’s great stuff and I guarantee that you will learn a LOT!

We would like to thank our generous sponsor of the March Just Vlog It challenge, Slanket.  Soon, Young & Younger will be snuggled up in the Slankety goodness of this baby:

The Slanket- Just Vlog It style

Now for your diaries:  The April Just Vlog It challenge will kick off on Monday April 5.  We’ll be making a few tweaks to the schedule but it will all be virtually identical to the March challenge.  We are currently putting together PRIZES for the winning vlog post as well…did you see that?  PRIZES!  Plural!    We look forward to seeing you in April for another brilliant vlogging challenge.  Until then, happy vlogging!  Now get thee to Heather’s awesome carnival!

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Mizuno Wave Inspire trainers

The Mummy Tummy Begone battle wages on.  As documented in my post The Truth Hurts, I don’t know how to run.  Well, I thought I didn’t until I had my gait analysed.  That’s right…gait analysis equals a pair of new trainers which makes Karin’s legs and feet quite happy bunnies!  What, might you ask, is gait analysis?  I shall enlighten you.  I heartily recommend that anyone wishing to seriously take up running and embarking on a new fitness regime, get yourself to the nearest PROPER running store to have the professionals tell you what to do and what to wear.  It’s nice to wear pretty, shiny shoes but more than likely, they are not going to be what you need and you risk injuring yourself and more likely packing it in because it hurts too much.

On Saturday I visited Advance Performance in Peterborough and was treated to a thorough gait analysis which led to a moderately painful new trainer purchase courtesy of our credit card.  The gait analysis was really quite interesting.  The salesperson analysed my feet without shoes, asked me what type of running I was doing and even knew a fair bit about the recovering Mummies needs.  He put me in a “neutral shoe” and had me run on the treadmill which was being recorded as well.  He was then able to show me exactly what my feet were doing, where my foot was striking the ground and what style of runner that I was.  Who could have guessed that I was actually a “heel striker” and not a “slapper”?  Think Paula Radcliffe (heel striker) vs. Katie Price (slapper…in all senses of the word!).

After my initial analysis, Mr Advance Performance put me in a pair of proper shoes that would correct any inadequacies that I might have.  They did not transform me into the perfect mother with no extra weight but they sure did make my feet feel delightful and when I ran on the treadmill with them I noticed a massive difference.  He then had me try on 2 other pairs and then I got to try on each of them and then go for a wee run in the car park.  Finally, Mr Advance Performance asked me to rank the 3 pairs of shoes in order of comfort preference.  I settled on the Mizuno Wave Inspire and a new jogging bra (must protect the girls) and skipped out of the store.  I was advised to wear the shoes for an hour or so around the house before setting out on my first run.  I always do what I am told!

My first run in my new running trainers was not a thing of beauty but it was a hell of a lot more comfortable and bearable for my legs and feet.  I could actually pick up my feet after each running stint and now I feel like all I have to think about is being able to breathe properly!  I remedied most of the struggles I had the other night, in fact.  My feet were properly suited for the work, my boobs were properly contained and secure, my earphones were snug in my ears thanks to the correct accessory piece being fitted and my hair was not in my eyes.  Remarkable progress from Thursday night’s debacle.  I’m proud to say that I did my run/walk workout 4 nights this week and ate MUCH more sensibly which allowed me to feel better and feel PROUD of myself for making a start.  I may have lost a pound or two (I’ll weigh myself Monday morning) but I am really pleased with the fact that I’m moving in the right direction.  I’m going to be working with Wendy Powell of No More Excuses to bring Mummy Tummy solutions to the many Mums who have commented here this week.  I’m also partnering up with Rachael of Marathon Mummy for some Guest Blogging on each other’s sites.  Rachael is a REAL MUMMY…in her own words

I hate running. I look awful in lycra, and my body shape owes more to Dawn French than Paula Radcliffe. So running the Virgin London Marathon wasn’t really at the top of my things to do list. I have four children, I work from home, I have an allotment which recently earned a ‘must do better’ letter. So last April, when I discovered that my cholesterol levels were too high, I decided that I’d run the Virgin London Marathon in memory of my father. He’d have found that highly amusing, given that I was the girl who would run a mile to avoid any form of exercise.

I can really relate to Rachael, in so many ways!  Rachael and I are plotting to bring you Running for Mummies which will hopefully inspire you to get up off that couch and get yourself fit.  Maybe we’ll make it into a book…you just never know…we’re both rather clever!

There you have it…my first week of the Mummy Tummy Begone challenge.  Not half bad.  Goals for next week:

• Add a morning fast walk with Little Miss and the pushchair as many days as possible.
• Continue the night run/walk plan and add on a bit more running and walking to extend the workout from 20 to 30 minutes.
• Start proper abdominal strengthening courtesy of Wendy Powell’s genius.
• Add at least 2 Wii EA Sports Active Personal Trainer workouts during the week.
• Continue with sensible eating

What are your goals for this week?  I’ll keep you posted and will let you know when the BRILLIANT guest bloggers will be making an appearance here at Cafe Bebe.  I know you’ll welcome them with open arms!  Until then, good luck on your Mummy Tummy Begone challenge.

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Happy Mother's Day Mummy!

In England, it’s Mother’s Day today (Sunday 14 March).  I learned, whilst studying for the Life in the UK Citizenship test (yes, I had to take it…I passed) that Mother’s Day, or Mothering Sunday, is always the 3rd Sunday before Easter in the UK.  In the US, Mother’s Day is always the first Sunday in May.  You can learn more about the historical signficance of Mother’s Day in the UK at Bringing Up Charlie.

This is my second-ever Mother’s Day.  I was allowed a wee lie-in this morning before Little Miss and Hubby came trundling up the stairs with a cup of tea, a lovely card from Little Miss and a small bottle of Bailey’s from Hubby.  We had a nice few hours this morning before the “terrible two” who’s recently taken up residence in my 21 month old daughter took hold.  Being overtired and overemotional didn’t help her mood or mine.  Thus ended the fun of Mother’s Day.  Temper tantrums and “no-Mummy” ensued and Mummy didn’t feel so very special today.  I’ve found that on the weekend, Little Miss becomes a total Daddy’s girl.  I’m happy for him as she’s been quite the Mummy’s girl until recently.  However, it sure makes me feel worthless and helpless!  And on Mother’s Day as well.

Perhaps that’s my problem, though.  I have always tried to make holidays, whether “card company holidays” or not, special and fun.  My dad taught me how to do that.  Has it now made me expect far too much from special days?  Should I just let them pass, virtually unnoticed?  Should I lower Little Miss’ expectations so much that she’s never disappointed?  I don’t think so.  How do you spend your Mother’s Day or Father’s Day or St. David’s Day?  Does your other half consider it important or not?  And if you’re opposed in your wishes, how do you work it out?  Is today just another Sunday for you and your family?  As this is only my second Mother’s Day, I would love to know what everyone else thinks.  Happy Mother’s Day to you all, while I’m at it!

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Traditional Pork Pie

For those of you who weren’t around last week, on Friday I was one of over 70 bloggers who participated in Guest Post Day, started by Erica at Littlemummy.  I had the joy of Guest Blogging for Vegemitevix who is my Kiwi sister, I think!  We have a lot of similarities as Expats and wives of Englishmen.  I give you my post which was written for Vegemitevix last week…just in case you missed it!

Pork Pie and Other Faux Pas

When I first moved to the UK, there was a massive learning curve that I never could have anticipated. It was 2005 and I was thoroughly loved up with my fiance Mark. He had come to collect me in Caen, France after I had finished my study abroad semester. I was never so thrilled as when he drove up, slightly bleary-eyed in his Volkswagen Passat. We spent a day driving across France to Geneva, Switzerland to spend a week with Mark’s sister and her family (our little match maker, she was) and then we journeyed back to England. 2 June, 2005 marked the first day of the rest of my life in this country and I’ve never looked back.

I quickly learned key terminology to allow me to survive. I learned that I spoke American and not English and that my (at the time) fiance was ENGLISH and not BRITISH. I was not fully aware that the UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and that most residents are rather particular when it comes to their nationality. I have educated my family and they no longer call people “Brits”…they are learning too.

Vocabulary was a whole different kettle of fish. Chips in Engand are Fries in the US; Chips in the US are Crisps in England; Pants in England is Underwear in the US; Pants in the US is Trousers in England. Pudding in the US is a chocolate or other flavoured custard-like substance that one eats following a meal; Pudding in England is either Yorkshire or the general term for DESSERT. So much to learn!

And don’t even get me started on spelling and pronounciation. I have dutifully learned that one of my FAVOURITE PROGRAMMES is NEIGHBOURS and not one of my favorite programs is Neighbors. I have learned to COLOUR and I ENDEAVOUR to FLAVOUR my SAVOURIES with salt. I now eat TO-MAH-TOES and BAH-NAH-NAHS. I nip to the shop for some bits and bobs and I try not to nick the last one of anything. I’m learning!

One lovely day, the first summer that I was living here, my future inlaws and assorted family all came over to our house after some outing. My sister-in-law-to-be had picked up several meat pies and a pork pie for lunch. She brought them into the kitchen and I started bustling about with them to get them in the oven. I found space for all of them. The beef and onion pie, the steak and ale pie, the quiche and the PORK PIE. That’s right. The Pork Pie went in the oven. What did I know?? Pie + Meat = Oven right? WRONG!

A pork pie DOES NOT go in the oven as I was to learn. It is already cooked and is meant to be eaten COLD. A pork pie has a pastry outside and a pork (and other bits I’m sure) inside and inbetween the two there is a gelatin layer. Now, what do you suppose happens when you put a pork pie, with its gelatin layer, in the oven? The gelatin layer melts, leaks out and effectively ruins the pork pie. And pork pies are not cheap! I went to the oven, checked on the pies and pulled out the tray (thank God I had put it on a tray) with the Pork Pie. It was swimming in now-liquid gelatin. Everyone looked at it and laughed and said “You put the pork pie in the OVEN???” I was MORTIFIED beyond belief. I had ruined the pork pie and had made myself look very AMERICAN in the process. This little mistake is still brought up every time a pork pie is involved. “Remember when you put the pork pie in the oven???” they say. Ha, bloody ha! My family wasn’t mean and they weren’t angry with me at all…they just had no idea that someone WOULDN’T know what to do with a pork pie. Cultural Faux Pas number 762.

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What began as a grand scheme from two brilliant lovely bloggers has become an outstanding challenge which has been really embraced by the blogging community.  We wanted to bring the world of vlogging into our wee UK blogging group and hoped that some of you would be willing to give it a go.  Heather @ Notes from Lapland and I decided that we would be happy with 5 entries and ecstatic with 10.  We now have a new benchmark and have to come up with a new vocabulary word to describe how happy we are as we had 20 vlog entries for the first Just Vlog It Challenge- Teach Us Something.  20 bloggers who used their impressive imaginations and tried something new with remarkable success.  We are so proud of everyone who entered.  Heather will be hosting a Just Vlog It Carnival at Notes from Lapland on Monday 15 March to showcase all of the amazing entries.  I suggest that you get your notepad ready…there’s so much to learn from all who entered!

Without further ado, I bring you the winner of the first Just Vlog It Challenge.  Heather and I struggled to choose two vlogs for the public vote but we did manage it in the form of An Instructional Video from A Mother’s Ramblings and Young & Younger Does Big Brother from Young & Younger.  The voting was close.  There was a great turn out at the polls and we now have a winner…

Massive congratulations to Young & Younger for their win in the first Just Vlog It Challenge and big pat on the virtual back for Pippa at A Mother’s Ramblings for her jaw-dropping laundry folding demonstration!  A round of applause for you both!  Mrs. Young Mummy is now the proud recipient of a Slanket who graciously sponsored this Just Vlog It challenge.  We now expect hope to see you, Mr Young Daddy, Mr A and Miss E enveloped in Slankety goodness in a future vlog!  Just a suggestion…

Our next Just Vlog It Challenge theme will be announced the first full week in April.  You have time to rest your video cameras and think up new and exciting ideas to vlog about.  We’ve got some great PRIZES lined up as well…you’ll love it!  And remember to go to Notes from Lapland on Monday 15 March to see all 20 entries in the Just Vlog It Carnival.  Until then, happy vlogging!

The Slanket- Just Vlog It style

For our winner and runner up…the brilliant Heather has prepared for you some gorgeous badges to use on your sidebars of your blogs, if you so choose.  You are by no means obligated BUT we thought you’d like to show off your talents!

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The battle wages on and I have decided that the truth hurts.  As does running.  Actually, I have discovered 3 truths in this bloomin’ Mummy Tummy Begone challenge.

1. I apparently have the smallest ears known to man/womankind.
2. I really need some proper run/walk gear.
3. I don’t know how to run.

It’s hard to accept the truth but I’m coming to terms with it and so should you.  Shall I elaborate so you can share in my lameness misery?  OK then, here we go:

I apparently have the smallest ears known to man/woman kind.  Who knew?  When I went out the door the first night and plugged in the headphones for the iPod and trundled off, I thought everything was fine.  Oops, wait, one headphone just popped out…plug back in.  Oops, now the other one…plug back in.  Dammit…again!  Wait…I can’t reach it…get back in there you *”£$%>!  This went on for the rest of the workout.  Pop…scramble…plug back in… You get the pattern!  I used hubby’s headphones the first night and the PROPER iPod headphones the 2nd and 3rd nights.  The same thing happened with both sets.  The headphones are the ones that fit IN your ears and either I have the smallest inner ear canal or these headphones are just not designed properly.  It’s very irritating when you charge off on the RUN part of a run/walk workout and both ears simultaneously reject the one thing that’s keeping your feet moving!  Not terribly inspiring or motivational.  I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on how I can remedy this situation in an inexpensive way!  Duct tape is really not an option.

I really need some proper run/walk gear!  A Mummy Tummy is a horrible thing.  It makes the waistbands of ALL trousers/jeans/whatever roll down and make you feel like a right lard ass.  This includes any “leggings” that you might think are appropriate for exercising in.  If you looked at me from the hips down, I’m in pretty darn good shape.  I’ve been lucky to not carry weight on my legs and bum.  In fact, I think my trouser size from the HIPS down wouldn’t be half bad.  It’s when you take into account the massive expanse of my belly that I have problems.  When I run I have discovered that the leggings that I’m running in gradually make their way down to my ass and cling there waiting for me to “hoick” them back up.  Again, not terribly helpful when running.  It goes a bit like this at the moment:

• Run, run, run…bra strap up…headphone jammed back in…
• Run, run, run…both hands grab waistband of leggings and jack back up…headphone jammed back in…
• Run, run, run…push hair out of face…bra strap up…headphone…trousers…run, run…headphone…
• You get the picture, eh???

Recommendations now are welcome regarding what I should wear when I venture out again.  I’m getting right proper p***ed off with myself.

I don’t know how to run!  I’ve had nightmares dreams where I’m being chased (as that’s usually the only occasion I would consider running for) and I have forgotten how to run.  That dream is now a reality.  I feel like I am PLODDING down the road and not knowing how to run efficiently.  When I finish each section of running in my workout, my feet can barely take a proper step!  I have so much strain in my tibialis anterior muscle (the muscle that runs along your shin and activates your foot to pick up and step) that it seizes up after running and doesn’t want me to go any further!  I then get tired and plod even more and then try to remember to have a proper heel strike and push through my foot as opposed to having a bit of a marching stride.  But then I’m too tired and my legs hurt too much and so I have to stop!  I don’t know what I’m doing and I apparently don’t know how to run.  I’m willing to work on it but I need someone to tell me what the heck I’m doing wrong.  Who doesn’t know how to run?  I’m considering chucking all the proper form ideas and just running like Phoebe from “Friends” in the episode where she and Rachel go running together.  For the two of you who haven’t seen it, Phoebe runs like a complete nutter- arms flailing, legs akimbo (I love that word)…LIKE A CHILD.  She runs that way because it’s how she ran when she was a kid and running was fun then.  As long as I keep running under cover of darkness maybe it could work for me too!  Please leave your running suggestions in the comments below…I seriously need help!

That’s my Mummy Tummy Begone report for right now.  I managed a 20 minute workout last night but missed Wednesday due to dinner at the inlaws which ran into 9pm.  Maybe that’s why I felt so rubbish last night…a day off made me feel like I was starting over.  However, I have some incentive in the very near future…I’m going to be working with a brilliant woman called Wendy Powell at No More Excuses who will be doing some guest blogging on Cafe Bebe to help out the women of the world who are struggling just like me!  Stay tuned to Cafe Bebe for more information…it’s gonna be good!  Also, I’m going to be taking part in a new campaign for a BIG trainer company that rhymes with FleeCrok…I’ll keep you posted on that one as well.  It just might be some incentive for you as well!  Thanks for sticking with me on this one…I promise to do my level best as long as you’re with me.  Mummy Tummy Begone!

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The time has come, my friends.  We have had an amazing response for the first Just Vlog It Challenge and Heather and I are totally thrilled.  The world of vlogging is not so scary and intimidating after all, is it??  In total, there were 20 vlog entries for the “Teach Us Something” challenge.  And boy did you have a lot to teach us!  From laundry tips to the circle of life; from stripteases to Coq au Dotterel…so much to learn!  It was a very tough decision to narrow it down to two nominees for the public vote but we’ve done it.  I bring you your finalists, in no particular order (dramatic pause to irritate the viewers…):

• A Mother’s Ramblings- An Instructional Video
• Young & Younger- Young & Younger Does Big Brother

Now it’s over to you, the Blogging/Vlogging public to chose.  We are using PollDaddy as our voting platform.  Voting will run from Thursday 11 March-Friday 12 March (midnight).  You can vote once for the vlogger of your choice.  The winner will be announced on Saturday 13 March.  Ready, steady, vote…

We would like to thank the brilliant vloggers who worked so hard to produce such amazing vlogs.  We are really touched with the effort that was taken to join in on the fun.  Now, if you haven’t made the public vote, please don’t be discouraged!  Keep vlogging, keep coming back here and at Notes from Lapland for more vlogging inspiration.  We’ve got our theme for April and are lining up the sponsors as well.  We think you’re going to love it!  And don’t forget there’s the Just Vlog It Challenge Carnival which will be held at Notes from Lapland on Monday 15 March where ALL of the entries will be linked for your viewing pleasure.

Thanks, also, to our brilliant prize sponsor- The Slanket.  Here’s the prize winning style for you to snuggle up in:

The Slanket- Just Vlog It style

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