Weight Loss Wednesday

Hi it's that time of the week again! Yes it's Weight Loss Wednesday hosted by Jennifer over at Rosey Little Things, pop over to see a full list of participants.

Well my dear friends I've had a fab week and am happy to report a 7lb loss!
It was a hard week both mentally and physically, there has been much trudging through snow and a lot of heavy housework. Food wise I have been great, sticking to the points plan (and loving it!)
One of the main obstacles I face is that I work shifts so I thought I would share a few of the changes I made this week which I think have helped!

• Drink lots of water, I sometimes find if I am busy I can go a whole shift without drinking and not even notice! I don't drink tea of coffee (apart from a skinny latte with breakfast on early turn!) so get left out of the rounds of drinks that get made (albeit not very frequently!). So I now keep this at work, fill it at the beginning of my shift and challenge myself to drink 2 lots during my shift. I love crystal lights (brought home from trips to the states!) don't know what I will do when I run out! (I'll have to beg some of my American friends to feed the addiction!)

• Planning ahead, I know that if I don't I will end up grabbing anything on the fly so this week I have made sure I have packed whatever food I need for the shift I am doing, be that breakfast, lunch or dinner and lots of snacks.
• Living on my own and with my work commitments I find it easier and more economical to use individually wrapped, portioned foods, I really need to be able grab and go. Individual portions help me not to overeat. Where the food is fresh (e.g. Weight Watchers bagels) I separate the pack and freeze individually. I also find this help to avoid wasting anything (especially as these foods are more expensive that standard stuff!)

• I work on a quality versus points basis, for example ready jacket potatoes with cheese from Tesco Healthy Eating range are 3.5 points. The Marks and Spencer equivalent is 4 points but nicer so I opt for those (this may change as I loose weight and points get tighter!)
• I now keep Diet Coke for a treat.

So that's it for now, I'm off to see how the other losers got on this week!

Have any of you got some tips you think would help me? I'd love to know them!

Lots of Love

xxxx

Valentines Goodies

Look at these little beauties I picked up last week at TK Maxx.
I find they always have a fabulous selection of seasonal items so I try to check out my local store regularly!



I'm hoping they might have some more soon (maybe for my February giveaway?)
I think the glittery 'Love' is my favourite, which do you like best?

Lots of Love


xxxx

And The Winner Is........

Wow! I was overwhelmed by how many of you took part in my first months giveaway!
Many of you with multiple entries I had a lot of pieces of paper to cut up! (I'm thinking some of you will be entering month after month so I will store them!)
Right Rambling over!
Bet you want to know What it is?
OK here goes!


Hope you like it!

Yes that is Cath Kidston you can spy!
I was so pleased to read at Brocante Home that CK was awarded an MBE for service to business in this years honours list. Read all about it here.
My giveaway this month is a celebration of this provider of all things lovely!
The lucky winner will receive:

• A bottle of 'The Washing Line' washing up liquid.
  
• 2 'Washed Roses' dusters.
• A fresh cotton candle tin.
• A lilac and lavender Soap
• A lilac and lavender hand cream.
  

I thought this little package would make the housework a bit less painful!

Ah yes! The name pulled out of the bowl was..............

Sophie at Chez Sophie

Congratulations Sophie, your package will be in the post in the next few days!

Well that's for starters don't forget this is just the first of 12 giveaways so there are still plenty of chances for you to win a gift from me!

Lots of Love


xxxx

YAY!
My first weekend off since before Christmas!!!
It's been a hard week, work wise (thanks to the snow!) so I will be catching up with a few bits around the house and more importantly chilling out!
I thought I'd add a few of my snow pictures to remind myself how pretty it is despite its adverse effect on just about everything railway related!






Hope you all have a great weekend, whatever your plans!

Don't forget to join in with my giveaway if you haven't already, just leave a comment here to join in!
Good Luck!

Lots of Love


xxx

Sleeping Beauty (or should that be a beautiful sleep?)

I didn't make any New Years Resolutions (and never do!) but I did make a few promises to myself that I plan to keep!
One of those promises was that, as and when, things in the house need replacing I'll upgrade!
2 years ago, when I moved into my home I had to start from scratch. Sofas, beds, TV, everything was new (that was on top of a total renovation job for a 3 bed house!)
when it came to the basics I couldn't really afford to go mad!
In the sales I decided to upgrade my bedclothes (well we spend about a third of our lives sleeping!)
As of the 1st I upgraded poly cotton for 600 Count cotton, and hollow fibre for goose feather and down and really noticed the difference after only one night. And as well as feeling so much more comfy it looks great too!

wanna see?


A new Duvet, Pillows, sheets and square pillow cases (I'm loving the square pillows!) and all the protectors are from the Duvet and Pillow Warehouse.
It's a great site and very reasonably priced!
The duvet cover and standard oxford pillowcases are from John Lewis, the collection is called Emily and you can get it here
It's really pretty with lovely detail!





What do you think?

Well that's it for now! I'm off to bed!!!

Lots of Love


xxxx

Weight Loss Wednesday 2010

Well after a break over the festive season I'm getting back on the health wagon (and looking forward to it!) and that, of course, means today is Weight Loss Wednesday hosted by Jennifer over at Rosey Little Things



Well I can safely say I have put on a bit over Christmas (mainly due to chocolate!)
I wasn't careful and worked all over the holidays (yes even Christmas day!)
But the new year is the best time to start, out with the old and in with the new!
I feel so much more positive this year, looking back on my previous posts I can see how I was not thinking ahead or setting goals, so today that is what I want to do.

• I have an evening out planned for the 6th Feb, I have a new dress and shoes and want to look fab!
• I am going away for the weekend the week after and would like to take some cute outfits with me!
• I have booked a holiday to Egypt in May, Erm swimsuit needs no explanation!
• I have agreed to do a 6 mile fun run in also May, Would like lots less of me to haul round!

I will be continuing with the Weight Watchers plan and as I am doing it under my own steam I am hoping you guys will be my group? Will you all help me?
It's all about Wednesdays!!!

Lots of Love


xxxx

Giveaway Monday - Just The Beginning!

Yes you read it right, it's time for a giveaway bonanza here at Recipes For Life!





I'm so excited! I've wanted to do this for quite a while but decided it was best to wait for the New Year and make it a year long event!

Starting today, and on the first Monday of every month in 2010 I will be holding a giveaway, that means 12 chances for you to win a gift from me this year!
Each month the prize will be different (but equal in fabulousness!)

All you have to do is take part, what've you got to lose?

So here is the science bit:

• Giveaways will be posted the first Monday of every month.
• Winners will be announced the following Monday.
• If you want to be included you must enter before midnight on the Saturday.
• You must have a blog to enter.
  
• These giveaways are open to bloggers in all countries but I must ask that your blog is written in English.
• You must leave a comment to be included in the draw.
• You will get another entry if you are, or become a follower.
• You will get another entry if you mention (and link) that month's giveaway in your blog (just let me know if you do)

See not too many rules!

This month I'm giving away.............

A Surprise Package!!!

(I will post the contents of the package when I announce the winner)


So are you in? Just leave a comment on this post to be entered in this month's draw!

Good Luck!!!

Lots of Love


xxxx