Hello my lovelies!

Today marks a new phase in my life, for multiple reasons...

It begins with some bad news, as I found out yesterday I'd been rejected from the postgraduate programme I had pinned my hopes on so much. Yes, I was absolutely gutted and disappointed in myself; although I'm proud of myself for achieving a high 2:1 it would seem it's just not enough for some people! It's strange because I'm really not used to not getting my own way, partly because I'm spoiled and partly because I'm very determined and work hard to get what I want! Still, I'm trying to look on the bright side and will have to learn to cope without the safety blanket that is full-time education. I'm job-hunting and hoping for the best! I won't lie, the real world is terrifying. I'm scared. I'm lost. I'm confused. But I know I have the ability and determination to find a job, any job, and I WILL cope somehow. Besides, as soon as I start earning I can start saving towards a house and our wedding!
Hurrah!

Next, I've started the Dukan diet with my future mother-in-law as we're both trying to slim down for graduation (and beyond!). I've always been somewhat overweight so it'll be good to lose some of it, but what I really want to focus on is my health and my fitness. Since my chemo and radiotherapy my lungs haven't been firing on all cylinders so to speak, I get horribly out of breath and can barely run for a train, yet alone sustain any kind of exercise. I'm sick of it and I say, no more! I WILL do the Race For Life next year (even if I walk most of it) and I will get back into shape. My new life begins today!

[top: River Island; jeans: Miss Selfridge]

These photos are the very first outfit photos I've taken all month, and the very first ones I've taken in my new home in Essex! They also feature the jeans that will be my diet marker, so to speak. Once they stop cutting me in half when I sit down I'll know I've lost weight! I don't want to lose too much, I'd like to keep my sort-of-hourglass figure but just slim it down a little, if possible!

Have any of you tried the Dukan diet?