The one thing I have learnt since moving into the 30’s category of life is the more things I don’t give a flying hoot about, which always surprises me and makes me laugh.

Even in a Snapchat filter I like me.

The major mile stone must be the fact that I don’t hate the way I look in the mirror. Spending probably a good 20 years scrutinising my weight and looks, I finally have come to terms and acceptance of this. Of course, I would like to weigh less and remove those bloody bags under my eyes, but most of all I can look in the mirror and go, “You know what you don’t look half bad?”.

Though it does offer up the question, are we allowed to like ourselves, even love without coming across arrogant and smug? It isn’t a particularly British characteristic, but why shouldn’t we feel happy to stand up and say that we feel beautiful the way we are and happy with our lives.

I was discussing with a friend of mine how my mindset changed through my late 20’s to now (which you can see from older posts.). Before hitting 30 I gave it my all to get as much weight off as possible, hiring personal trainers and doing strict diets. It was all about getting as low as possible. I wanted to be in that mid heathy BMI and I knew the time was ticking. The 9 and half stone target never got reached, but I lost nearly 2 stone and felt miles better about myself. I look back on the pictures in Las Vegas for my 30^th and I don’t look half bad.

This of course as discussed with my friend happened due to slow changes. I found dieting harder, but I was enjoying life more. I started to like the gym for the exercise instead of a gruelling regime to lose copious amounts of weight before a set date. I now go to the gym, do my work out which I like and just have fun with it. Also, as much as I know I need to lose weight for health and longevity, I just really like my curves. I have given up on beating myself up on trying to get into Topshop’s tiny 16 and just enjoy shopping elsewhere. There are so much more fun and interesting options to find and explore, the internet has opened a wide world of options to all shapes and sizes. Asos caters for everyone and so does Missguided too. Why not try a spot of vintage? It can be hard to find in larger sizes, and sometimes what looks a bit scary on a hanger can look amazing with the right accessories. The Stylist and the Collector can show you just that.

The truth is, I have found my groove let’s say. The way I have done this has been gradual and there are a few steps I have found.

• Getting a good haircut and colour – ban the boxes and just dig deep and pay the extra for a good cut and colour. The older we get the more care we need to take not just to our face and body, but our hair too (covering those pesky greys). I have now had the same style for over 3 years, it is now a signature look for me. People now expect me to rock my short fringe which I love, especially with a pair of funky sunglasses.
• Also, use a good shampoo and conditioner. If you are paying all this money for a good quality cut and colour, treat it right! Get rid of the high street and pay a bit more for deluxe shampoo and conditioners. Tigi Bedhead can be found in TK Maxx and and Justmylook does a brilliant price on the tween packs with free delivery!
• Don’t give a hoot about what you want to wear. Half the time I feel like I am dressing like a five-year-old, and I really don’t care. I have to stop myself sometimes buying something, just because it’s “cool” and it’s not me. I am a 33-year-old woman I don’t have to be reformed into some category which I should be in. I am old enough to not care and wear what the hell I want! Yes, that does mean a pastel leather mini skirt and a Pusheen t shirt.

Always rock Pusheen!

• Go to the gym, Boogy bounce, spin or hot as hell bikram yoga, but do it because you like it, not because you feel you must.
• Most of all enjoy who you are and what you have to offer. Go out there and be fabulous because I am finding the 30s life just that.