Hey guys! How's everyone doing? I'm really, really happy today because I'm heading to Germany on Friday! The past week has actually been pretty awesome in general. I completed the 30 Day Shred, for a second time (posting results in a second, just let me squeak about this first), and I got a really cute gift from Japan!
 
  I had initially sent away for a free screen cleaner from a Tokyo company via their facebook page. But I was one of the last to order, so I was out of luck.
 
  However! I received a package in the mail a few days ago, and I could see that it was from Japan, Inside was a brochure for cost effective travel in Japan, but I also had a letter with something attached.. The company apologised for running out of screen cleaners, but they had instead sent me a small bottle of the famous "Okinawan Star Sand"! It's so pretty! Okinawa star sand is actually made up of tiny, tiny fossils, that have some amazing shapes. It looks like this:

  I'm so happy with this! I love little trinkets like this, they're so cute!

  Anyway, 3o Day Shred results! Yes yes, I'm done drooling over Japan, for now.

• Weight - 70kg/154lbs/11. stone (3kg loss)
  
• Thighs - 20 inches (2..5 inch loss)
  
• Arms - 11. inches (2 inch loss)
  
• Tummy - 32 inches (3 inch loss)

 
  Awwwwwww yeah! Not as much of a result as last time, but that's fully understandable since I was very unfit the first time I Shredded.. I'll definitely turn to this workout whenever I need a quick fix.. It's difficult, but it's worth it. Some days it felt like such a chore, but I pushed, and this is what happened..

  I'm going to make a video of my weight loss tips and secrets once I reach my target, which is 6kg away. By that time, I will have lost 32kg in total. That's 70lbs, or 5 stone. I think sharing what I've learned throughout my journey could really help others.

  I can say one thing though. You need at least 8 hours of sleep. I've been finding it tricky lately because the moon was so bright. Look:

  Greetings all! It's time to post my results from Level 2 of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred! As you know, I extended my time by 3 days to get maximum benefit from the shoulder strengthening exercises. And boy am I glad I did that! My posture feels great, and my shoulders feel nice and strong! Here are my statistics as of this morning:

• Weight - 72kg/159lbs/11..4 stone (1kg loss)
  
• Thighs - 20.5 inches (2 inch loss)
  
• Arms - 11..5 inches (1..5 inch loss)
  
• Tummy - 33 inches (2 inch loss)

 
  I'm so happy with these results! I tried to measure where I did last time for accuracy but I couldn't exactly remember... I hope I remember for next time! There is noticeable change though! I also started Level 3 this morning. It was tough but I enjoyed it and felt great afterwards.

  16 days left until I leave for Germany! I've been counting this almost as obsessively as I count my calories, haha! I'm really looking forward to seeing what GamesCom has to offer. I'll also be cosplaying... But as who? I'll give you a clue. This arrived in the mail this morning, which I will use as a prop:

  Good evening! It's after 10pm here, and I'm very, very sleepy after a long day at work. I was working from 8am until 5:30pm, then when I returned home, I worked out and did day 10 of Level 2..

  What do I mean by "Extended"? I'm going to do 3 extra days of this Level. This is because I'm feeling so good from building strength in my shoulders. I actually have an old injury that I received from my first job when I was 17. I tore a large muscle in my shoulder and as it healed,, it left scar tissue. This muscle becomes sore when I'm stressed out. or lifting heavy things, but recently I haven't felt it as much. I really believe this is because of all the arm work I'm doing during this particular workout. So! I'll post results on Tuesday!

  I've been so very busy lately with work. I actually have Monday - Friday next week off, so I'll have plenty time to catch up on my commissions and such. I think I may take some time to play Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. I love this game so much! It's my favourite Zelda by far, and I never, ever get bored with it.

  My boyfriend actually made me a poster of this game for my birthday present in April. I had no idea he was working on it, but I do remember many times that whenever I asked what he was drawing, he wouldn't tell me. Now I know why, haha! His mother actually sent me some presents too, so sweet of her! But yeah, this is the poster:

  I framed it and hung it above my bed.. My two favourite characters are actually Romani and Anju. I think Romani is adorable, and Anju's side-story is a very emotional one, something that I really enjoy in a game.

  I leave for Germany in 3 weeks. I get so excited when I think about getting on that plane and finding my other half at the end of the journey. I'll be staying with him and his mother this time, and I really can't wait to spend time with them!

  Hello everyone! Well it's true - Jillian Michaels kicked my ass for the second time, and I am happy to report that as of today, I have completed Level 1 of her 30 Day Shred! Now, I promised results in the form of new measurements, so today while in a call with my boyfriend, I measured myself as he noted down the results. They are as follows:

• Weight - 73kgs/161lbs/11..6 stone
• Thighs - 21 inches (1..5 inch loss)
• Arms - 12..5 inches (0.5 inch loss)
• Tummy - 34.5 inches (0.5 inch loss)

  I'm so happy! Level 1 isn't as hard as Levels 2 and 3 obviously, and when I did the Shred the first time, I didn't actually lose anything by the end of the first Level. All my loss came from Level 2 and especially 3. I'm so happy about this! I feel great, I'm looking well, but most of all, I'm getting healthier. I'm eager to start Level 2 tomorrow!

  I forgot to share a photo from my appointment with that hairdresser. I don't actually have official copies due to copyright complications, but when I got home, I took some photos with my webcam. Quality isn't that great, but I was looking ahead and figured that I would need to take my own if copyright won this time.

 
  Ololol I take my photos in my kitchen. Lighting is best there. Anyway! I personally think the lipstick is too bold, although I've always been rather shy about colouring my lips. My favourite lipstick is actually a peach shade, and I have one for special occasions that is a light rose with a hint of glitter. I love glitter.

  Oh! I want to mention an amazing little critter I found on my way to the appointment! I was walking down the stairs of my apartment block, and I saw him next to the window. He was absolutely beautiful, I've never seen anything like him other than in Cologne Zoo! I'm not usually a fan of insects and the like, but I thought he was majestic. And fuzzy.

  He was still there when I returned home, so I let him crawl onto my hand and I let him fly out the window.

  Next time I update, I will report my results on Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred! I'm so pumped for this! I love feeling healthy! Also, I have 2 commissions and 2 art prizes to work on, plus I'm working overtime at my job. Busy busy!

 Things have been pretty good recently. The hairdresser modelling thing went really well. I had makeup on, but I was reluctant to let them make it too bold. I've asked about copies of the photos, but apparently copyright makes this complicated. I'm going back in a couple of weeks anyway, because I was promised another free hair cut, so I'll ask again then. I'm not in a rush!

  I've been meaning to make a video tour of my new flat for some time now.. I promised my boyfriend's friend, Tybrone, that I would.. I'll share it here too in case anyone is curious!

 
  On Wednesday I measure myself again to see if the 30 Day Shred is as effective as it was last time! I'm so excited to see what has happened! I feel so good now! The pain has left, and now I'm more flexible and strong. I've also upped my protein intake to encourage my muscles to heal quicker. I made stir-fry a couple of nights ago. I actually use turkey instead of chicken now, it's healthier that way in my opinion. It turned out so good though!

  On Monday I started the 30 Day Shred again! And yes, I'm suffering right now, haha! I'm very sore, especially in my legs and hips. The first time I did this workout, I was so sore I stayed in bed for a day. I was in so much pain I actually thought I had broken something. I got over it after a few days but man, it's the most painful thing I have ever done to myself. However, now, I'm a lot fitter, so I'm handling the strain a lot better.
  I'm keeping a record of how much I lose this time. So here are my current stats:

• Weight - 73kgs/161lbs/11..4 stone
• Thighs - 23.5 inches
• Arms - 13 inches
  
• Tummy - 35 inches
• Total weight loss so far: 23kg/51lbs
  

  Let's see how this changes over the next 4 weeks! Last time I did not lose weight at all, but I lost a lot of inches. This is the aim of the 30 Day Shred. It makes you change shape completely, and the results are so worth it. I will take measurements again the day before I start level 2!

  My diet is also going well. I have started making salads for my dinner, which are high in protein and less than 300 calories!

  Our weather here in Scotland has been more like the end of winter than the start of summer. I woke up this morning to see that everything was shrouded in fog:

  I swear, if we're going in the same direction as Silent Hill, I'm goddamn ready. I've been playing since I was 10 and been a rabid fan since, I know what I'm doing.

  However, this hasn't stopped me from going out and having fun. I went to the cinema with my friend to see Red Lights, which was rather interesting. Afterwards, we went to Camperdown Animal Park, which was a lot of fun. It was completely empty because the weather was awful, but this was good because the animals were more relaxed. The lemurs were walking around in single file, which I found very funny, and the otters were chattering to each other constantly. So cute! I also met an owl, who seemed as thrilled about the weather as I was:

  I also met a peacock, who presented his feathers upon the arrival of some pidgeons. He was beautiful, but I can see why they do this to intimidate enemies. He was taller than me when his feathers were up:

 
  Tomorrow I have that modelling appointment with the hairdresser, at 2:30pm. I'm very nervous but kind of excited at the same time. As I mentioned before, it's been years since I did anything like this, and I haven't really gained any confidence since then. Maybe this will help me out in terms of personal development. It's very flattering all the same! I wonder why she chose me, haha! I'll report back as to how it went!

  Yesterday was rather strange but exciting for me! I was working in the cafe, and later in the afternoon near closing time, a young woman approached me and said she needed some models for her salon. She gave me her business card, and told me to get in touch if I was interested.. I haven't actually done any modelling for a few years, and I've always been extremely camera shy, but if I can help people out, I'll do it. Besides, there's a full head and hair treatment on the house if I do it, and this is most tempting!

  I went to go see her for a consultation meeting this morning. She sat me down at a mirror and played around with my hair, holding it up in places and ruffling it to give it volume, etc., just basically seeing what style she wanted for me. I tend to suit styles that have a bit of volume, and I suit curls, but I don't actually know what she has in store for me. She asked me to return Wednesday, 4th July, so I guess she has already decided what she wants, haha!
 
  I'm expecting a call from the Cat Protection people today, so see if they can pick up the little stray cat I've been feeding. This is the same one I blogged about last time. I was able to take a photo of her when I fed her a few mornings ago:

  I feed her every morning and some afternoons... I'm running out of cat food haha. But she's so lovely and friendly, and very clean as well. I truly hope they take her in, because I worry about her at night, plus she is living next to a busy road and we have a lot of dogs around here...

  But in lighter news, I was really naughty the other day and had this while I was out with some friends:

  I regret nothing. But to be fair, to those who are from the fitness site, I did book my calories! So ladies, don't scald me! Hahaha!

  I've been working overtime recently in order to make my rent. I'm very thankful for the work in the restaurant and cafe, but wow is it tiring. This is my first day off since last week, and it was beautiful outside. The view from my kitchen is actually so lovely in the morning:

  You can see all the way down to the River Tay, which is about 2 miles wide. On a clear day, you can even see the little towns on the other side. At night, everything is lit up, and it's so pretty!

  I'm still unpacking a little from moving flat. Having my own place is so wonderful because I have the privacy and space to do all the things I love, like cooking and working out. Today I did a 3-mile workout in about 40 minutes, which is really intense - my weights nearly slid out of my hands because I was actually sweating, haha! So right now, I'm waiting on the hot water so that I can have a bath with rosewater.

  I'm actually thinking about heading down the street after my bath, to feed the stray cat that's recently appeared. She's old, very small, and so very sweet and friendly. I actually think that someone has dumped her there. I bought a small box of cat kibbles for her until the Cat Protection have a free space, which won't be until next week. She actually recognises me now, and runs to me when I'm walking home from work. It's actually heartbreaking, I wish I could take her home myself, but Reno and Nina would probably dislike that... I really hope she can hang on until the Cat Protection can take her in...

  Being a born redhead, I've never really dyed my hair. I've spray-coloured it green before, for a Saria (Legend of Zelda) costume, and I have indeed bleached and painted a rainbow through the side of my hair. But I've never done anything big to my hair.

  While I was in Lush buying a hair mask, the girl that worked there encouraged me to bring out my red with a henna treatment. I didn't know what henna was at first. She told me that it's a natural way of colouring hair, but it doesn't have very drastic results. It's more for subtle sheens and staining to darker colours. The henna that Lush uses is Persian henna, which is very high quality and rather expensive.

  After mulling it over, I decided to give it a try. I chose the Caca Rouge colour, since my hair is already red, and all I wanted to do was bring out my natural tones.

  This is the henna block. I turned this into a 3-day treatment, using 2 squares per day. I have long hair, and was recommended to use 3 squares, but I felt that I didn't require any more than 2.

  Using this henna isn't easy. You need to cut it up into small chunks, which is quite the challenge. I tried to chop mine up as much as possible, but I would recommend using a cheese grater for this. I don't own one, but let me tell you, I was wishing for one that day.

Goddamn it.

  However, once you've worked your way through it, it will begin to crumble, which makes things a little easier. You should tip all the chopped henna into a pot or a large bowl. Try to make it as finely chopped as possible, as this will prevent lumps forming when you melt it. Mine was like this, which still isn't so great:

  Next you need to add boiled water to the henna, and mix it until it is as thick as double cream. After that, you need to heat it up over a bain marie or pot of boiling water. The hotter it is, the more effective it is.
 Before appying, remember this:

• Make sure you are wearing an old shirt.
• Keep an old, dark coloured towel around your shoulders and neck.
• Make sure you coat your ears and around your hairline with Vaseline to prevent staining the skin.
  
• ALWAYS wear rubber gloves when applying.
• BE CAREFUL not to apply the henna when it's too hot.

  To apply, all you need to do is plaster it on to clean, dry hair and let it sit for 2 and a half hours. Afterwards, rinse and shampoo and condition as normal.

  The results?

BEFORE:

  The past few days have been proof that spring is finally gone, and summer is here! Well, Scotland kind of has a summer... I just like the sun. It makes me want to be active. I was thinking about doing Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred again. I did it once before in February, and although it was difficult, it made me feel awesome. Oh, on that note I'd like to congratulate Jillian on the new additions to her family! Her partner had a little boy, Phoenix, and she also adopted a 2-year-old girl, Lukensia. They're both absolutely adorable. What a woman, I wish them the best!

Photo from popofthepops.com

  I've been working really hard on commissions lately. I tried a new style of line-arting and it proved to be a good idea, as the newest commission I did in this style was the most popular! Looks like I should use this method from now on! Which is actually great news, because most of yesterday I was practicing a more natural line-arting style, as suggested by my boyfriend.. I was sharing screen with him over a Skype all and he really liked it. I can't wait to show my watchers on deviantART!

  I think it's the good weather that's making me feel so productive. Even the cats are in a better mood. Their favourite thing right now is a little cardboard box that contained a rug I ordered from Turkey. They each take turns to sit in it, it reminds me of how my little sister and I would share toys when we were kids. Also, I think Reno, the man cat, needs a diet. He has gained weight since he was neutered, so I'm not too worried, but I mean... For comparison - Nina.:

  And Reno:

  What the hell is that. I mean really. He's literally hanging over the sides of the box, like a muffin. A cat muffin.

What.

  Anyway, I've recently treated my hair with henna. I'm a natural redhead, but I've kind of coaxed out the brighter shades with this henna, because I'm too impatient to wait for the sun to do it, haha. I'm thinking about a review, since many people seem to be confused about henna and although it's messy and time-consuming, it's worth it. I'm so eager for summer, I assaulted eBay this morning looking for sun dresses.

  Oh, I also promised some of you a video of my new place, so I'll be taking that soon!