Hen Party Mayhem!

Dear Fabulousmag.co.uk,

I have a confession to make…I well and truly fell off the wagon at the weekend. The diet went out the window and I totally over-indulged on the cocktails! But, I had a very good excuse - my second hen night!

Because not everyone could make it to Malaga, I had a second night out (any excuse for a party!) in Belfast. A raucous group of us, including my mother-in-law to be Elizabeth and my four sisters Charlotte, 32, Charmaine, 30, Natali, 25 and Olivia, 24 who are my bridesmaids.

I had salmon for dinner, which was very virtuous, but then stole lots of fries from other people’s plates, and washed it all down with lots of white wine and shots of sambuca. I debuted my Adrianna Pappel bandage dress at the party and, according to my fiancé Neil I looked ‘smokin’ hot’! I was a stone heavier when he bought it for me two months ago, and seeing it hanging in my wardrobe has inspired me every time I’ve felt too tired for the gym, or I’ve craved some stodgy food. I now weigh 10st and am a size 10-12. The compliments I was received when I wore it were awesome, a real driving force for me to keep going.
 

My girlfriends are calling me Michelle Obama because of my new slim-line figure and chic dress sense. As my body confidence has grown, I’ve rediscovered my love of fashion, and I was thrilled to be able to show off my figure in such a clingy and unforgiving dress. A few months ago I wouldn’t even have considered wearing it.

After a weekend of excess, I’m back on the straight and narrow. I’m writing this while sipping a fruit smoothie, and there’ll be no crisps, cocktails or coffee for me this week!

Alex my personal trainer is punishing my bad behaviour at the gym!  I’ve been boxing and running lengths in the yard outside the gym - Rocky Balboa has nothing on me!  The shuttle runs are 50 metres long and I have to make it from start to finish in 10 seconds which is hard if you’re not a natural runner! The penalty is 20 push ups and she takes no prisoners!

The wedding planning has become very hectic and I’ve felt a bit overwhelmed this week. I never appreciated before how much work goes into it, but I’m determined everything will be perfect so I’m throwing myself into the preparations. My life coach Jenny has taught me a really useful exercise where I write a list of my ‘energy drains’ and ‘energy gains’, and try to steer clear of the drains. It’s really helped me stay positive, even when I’m feeling a bit stressed, and to prioritise what’s important. I’d advise any bride-to-be to try this!

My sisters have flown over to Belfast from Glasgow to stay until the big day and they’re helping me with the last minute details. Until now I’ve been doing most things on my own so having them here to help is fantastic, and they’ve been put to work writing place cards, drawing up table plans and a million other things.

It’s going to be a busy week and I can’t believe the wedding is just around the corner. I’m feeling really focused and positive though, and instead of worrying about it, like I was a few months ago, I’m looking forward to it so much!

Log on next week for my last blog as a single girl, before I walk up the aisle!

‘Til then

Nichole

xxx

Comments

[Tone~Def]

I have just read your blog and think you have such amazing determination, well done for sticking with your guns and making the commitment to change, to go for what you want and to love what you have!! You are an inspiration and will make a gorgeous blushing bride :) x x