Tuesday 16 September 2014

If You're Still Following This Blog / I Started A New Blog / Follow Me?

I'm sorry I've been absent for so long. My account is severely messed up and after my laptop broke and I lost EVERYTHING I decided the best way for me to move forward was to start a new blog completely with a new google account.

Unfortunately this means I've lost my followers but I'm crossing my fingers that if there are any of you left that you'll follow me over on my new one here.. tiffanyleighx.blogspot.co.uk


Hope you're all well and hopefully see you all over on my new blog! xxx

Friday 13 June 2014

The Summer Tag

Who doesn't love a tag? Exactly :) With the sun shining like it has been the last week or so, what better time for this summer tag... Let's crack on!

Favourite thing about summer?
Visiting the seaside and having a paddle :) I also love being able to dry clothes on the washing line when it's warm! #ThinkImGettingOld

Favourite music for summer?
The latest chooons are always good but I do love a bit of reggae type music when the sun is out too.

Do you have any plans this summer?
We're going to host a family BBQ for the first time this year as we now have a nice size garden and I'm sure we'll go to the beach a few times but our main focus will be putting money aside for our holiday to Crete in September.. 10 nights in a boutique hotel, owww yeeeaahhhh :)

Your go-to nail polish for summer?
I tend to wear pink on my nails a lot more in the summer.. and glittery colours.. Nothing dark.

Favourite make up look for summer?
If it's really really hot, I won't wear any at all. If it's not going to drip off my face I'll wear minimal.. Foundation, mascara and lipstick. I'm far from being one of these girls that couldn't leave the house without make up on.. I mean I do prefer myself and feel more confident when I've got make up on but it's not the end of the world, there are a lot more important things to worry about and half the time I just cannot be arsed.

Favourite summer scent?
"Pacha - Psicodelic" It's the one smell I've stuck to through the last 5 summers, I got it when Aaron and I went to Ibiza and you can only get it abroad so whenever I know someone going, I get them to get it for me as I larrrrve it. It's a very sweet cherry scent.. I hate cherries so you'd think I'd automatically hate it but I couldn't! :)

Favourite thing to wear on your feet?
Got to be flip flips! I'm always wandering round the house/garden barefoot so a comfy pair of flip flips is perfect for me.

Hair up or down for summer?
Up! Anyone that has long and very, very thick hair will know what I'm on about when I say that having your hair down is like wearing a scarf in the summer!! Sweaty neck, eurgh! No ta! I'd much prefer to have my hair in a pony tail with my side fringe bits down at the front :)

Do you tan or burn?
Burn :( I put factor 50 on the other day at my mums (was my nieces! I'd usually wear factor 30 though) and I STILL had sunburn! What the actual?! Even when I put sun stuff on and don't burn, I don't really get any colour still.. I don't really mind I just wish I didn't burn so easily!!

Favourite summer drink?
Apple and blackcurrant squash.. I drink so much of it when it's warm, sugar free of course :) Or Monster Zero - its syn free ;)

Favourite thing to eat when it's hot?
Olives! I love me some olives. I've really been enjoying salads in this hot weather since starting Slimming World too.. Can't be doing with any gravy dinners in this heat that's for sure.


Have you done a summer tag? Let me know! xxx
1.  What's your favourite thing about Summer?

It has to be the weather! Waking up and knowing it's going to be a warm day without a cloud in the sky! The sun shining is an instant happiness boost for me.



2.  Do you have a favourite Summer drink?

If it's a warm summers day and I'm in about out of the garden - reading and sunbathing generally, I like to make up a batch of Lipton Lemon Ice Tea in a big jug with ice and keep it in the fridge. If you are lucky and have a world food aisle in your local Tesco you should definitely try it! I also love making a fruit smoothie in the morning for breakfast and sitting in the garden to drink it.



3.  Is there a location you like to go to each Summer?
I love going to the beach in summer for a picnic/BBQ though it's always way more crowded than I imagine. But Barbecues in my garden is the thing I love the most! 

 
4.  Favourite makeup look for Summer?
I don't really change my makeup too much with each season. But for warm days I like to do a simple winged eye and a bold lip or stain depending on how warm it is. I discovered for hot days a good lip stain is my best friend for looking still made up even after my eyes have gone a little smudged. 




5.  Dresses or skirts?

Pretty summer dresses all the way! I love skirts with black tights in winter but as soon as summer comes along I love wearing comfortable above the knee dresses (mainly from Primark as they always have so many lovely ones).

6.  Sandals or ballet pumps?
Since discovering Melissa ballet pumps (which literally are indestructible and waterproof!) I wear them all year round - I have 6+ pairs now. So I continue to wear them come summer but I do love sandals especially with dresses and on holiday they are a must. 




7.  Do you prefer to wear your hair up or down for Summer?
Most days I'm lazy and stick my hair up in a high messy bun but if I take the time to straighten my hair or curl it with my Babyliss Conical Wand I do prefer how it looks. 




8.  Deep smokey eyes or bold lips?

I always find a bold lip much easier even if it takes some maintenance during the day. I also feel like I don't wear bold lipsticks enough any other part of the year so I love delving into my lipstick drawer and deciding what I'm going to use. I love both Kiko and Clarins for super pigmented but hydrating lipsticks!



9.  Favourite perfume for Summer?
I love, love, love wearing pretty floral and fruity perfumes in summer, even if the bees are attracted to me! My absolute favourite for the past two years has been Vera Wang Princess - such a creamy floral vanilla scent that is perfectly summery. 




10.  Last but not least, favourite music for Summer?

Ohh, this is a tough one as I don't really think my music tastes change throughout the year. If I'm in a super happy mood, which is generally when it's a sunny day and I'm getting ready, I listen to a 90's playlist on Spotify - Savage Garden, Green Day, Alanis Morissette etc! But it's generally what's in the charts... do the charts even exist these days? Currently loving Happy by Pharrell, All of Me by John Legend and anything by Bastille.
- See more at: http://www.makeupsavvy.co.uk/2014/06/the-summer-tag.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+co%2FXRuB+%28Makeup+Savvy%29#sthash.bIy7Iz9q.dpuf
1.  What's your favourite thing about Summer?

It has to be the weather! Waking up and knowing it's going to be a warm day without a cloud in the sky! The sun shining is an instant happiness boost for me.



2.  Do you have a favourite Summer drink?

If it's a warm summers day and I'm in about out of the garden - reading and sunbathing generally, I like to make up a batch of Lipton Lemon Ice Tea in a big jug with ice and keep it in the fridge. If you are lucky and have a world food aisle in your local Tesco you should definitely try it! I also love making a fruit smoothie in the morning for breakfast and sitting in the garden to drink it.



3.  Is there a location you like to go to each Summer?
I love going to the beach in summer for a picnic/BBQ though it's always way more crowded than I imagine. But Barbecues in my garden is the thing I love the most! 

 
4.  Favourite makeup look for Summer?
I don't really change my makeup too much with each season. But for warm days I like to do a simple winged eye and a bold lip or stain depending on how warm it is. I discovered for hot days a good lip stain is my best friend for looking still made up even after my eyes have gone a little smudged. 




5.  Dresses or skirts?

Pretty summer dresses all the way! I love skirts with black tights in winter but as soon as summer comes along I love wearing comfortable above the knee dresses (mainly from Primark as they always have so many lovely ones).

6.  Sandals or ballet pumps?
Since discovering Melissa ballet pumps (which literally are indestructible and waterproof!) I wear them all year round - I have 6+ pairs now. So I continue to wear them come summer but I do love sandals especially with dresses and on holiday they are a must. 




7.  Do you prefer to wear your hair up or down for Summer?
Most days I'm lazy and stick my hair up in a high messy bun but if I take the time to straighten my hair or curl it with my Babyliss Conical Wand I do prefer how it looks. 




8.  Deep smokey eyes or bold lips?

I always find a bold lip much easier even if it takes some maintenance during the day. I also feel like I don't wear bold lipsticks enough any other part of the year so I love delving into my lipstick drawer and deciding what I'm going to use. I love both Kiko and Clarins for super pigmented but hydrating lipsticks!



9.  Favourite perfume for Summer?
I love, love, love wearing pretty floral and fruity perfumes in summer, even if the bees are attracted to me! My absolute favourite for the past two years has been Vera Wang Princess - such a creamy floral vanilla scent that is perfectly summery. 




10.  Last but not least, favourite music for Summer?

Ohh, this is a tough one as I don't really think my music tastes change throughout the year. If I'm in a super happy mood, which is generally when it's a sunny day and I'm getting ready, I listen to a 90's playlist on Spotify - Savage Garden, Green Day, Alanis Morissette etc! But it's generally what's in the charts... do the charts even exist these days? Currently loving Happy by Pharrell, All of Me by John Legend and anything by Bastille.
- See more at: http://www.makeupsavvy.co.uk/2014/06/the-summer-tag.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+co%2FXRuB+%28Makeup+Savvy%29#sthash.bIy7Iz9q.dpuf
1.  What's your favourite thing about Summer?

It has to be the weather! Waking up and knowing it's going to be a warm day without a cloud in the sky! The sun shining is an instant happiness boost for me.



2.  Do you have a favourite Summer drink?

If it's a warm summers day and I'm in about out of the garden - reading and sunbathing generally, I like to make up a batch of Lipton Lemon Ice Tea in a big jug with ice and keep it in the fridge. If you are lucky and have a world food aisle in your local Tesco you should definitely try it! I also love making a fruit smoothie in the morning for breakfast and sitting in the garden to drink it.



3.  Is there a location you like to go to each Summer?
I love going to the beach in summer for a picnic/BBQ though it's always way more crowded than I imagine. But Barbecues in my garden is the thing I love the most! 

 
4.  Favourite makeup look for Summer?
I don't really change my makeup too much with each season. But for warm days I like to do a simple winged eye and a bold lip or stain depending on how warm it is. I discovered for hot days a good lip stain is my best friend for looking still made up even after my eyes have gone a little smudged. 




5.  Dresses or skirts?

Pretty summer dresses all the way! I love skirts with black tights in winter but as soon as summer comes along I love wearing comfortable above the knee dresses (mainly from Primark as they always have so many lovely ones).

6.  Sandals or ballet pumps?
Since discovering Melissa ballet pumps (which literally are indestructible and waterproof!) I wear them all year round - I have 6+ pairs now. So I continue to wear them come summer but I do love sandals especially with dresses and on holiday they are a must. 




7.  Do you prefer to wear your hair up or down for Summer?
Most days I'm lazy and stick my hair up in a high messy bun but if I take the time to straighten my hair or curl it with my Babyliss Conical Wand I do prefer how it looks. 




8.  Deep smokey eyes or bold lips?

I always find a bold lip much easier even if it takes some maintenance during the day. I also feel like I don't wear bold lipsticks enough any other part of the year so I love delving into my lipstick drawer and deciding what I'm going to use. I love both Kiko and Clarins for super pigmented but hydrating lipsticks!



9.  Favourite perfume for Summer?
I love, love, love wearing pretty floral and fruity perfumes in summer, even if the bees are attracted to me! My absolute favourite for the past two years has been Vera Wang Princess - such a creamy floral vanilla scent that is perfectly summery. 




10.  Last but not least, favourite music for Summer?

Ohh, this is a tough one as I don't really think my music tastes change throughout the year. If I'm in a super happy mood, which is generally when it's a sunny day and I'm getting ready, I listen to a 90's playlist on Spotify - Savage Garden, Green Day, Alanis Morissette etc! But it's generally what's in the charts... do the charts even exist these days? Currently loving Happy by Pharrell, All of Me by John Legend and anything by Bastille.
- See more at: http://www.makeupsavvy.co.uk/2014/06/the-summer-tag.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+co%2FXRuB+%28Makeup+Savvy%29#sthash.bIy7Iz9q.dpuf
1.  What's your favourite thing about Summer?

It has to be the weather! Waking up and knowing it's going to be a warm day without a cloud in the sky! The sun shining is an instant happiness boost for me.



2.  Do you have a favourite Summer drink?

If it's a warm summers day and I'm in about out of the garden - reading and sunbathing generally, I like to make up a batch of Lipton Lemon Ice Tea in a big jug with ice and keep it in the fridge. If you are lucky and have a world food aisle in your local Tesco you should definitely try it! I also love making a fruit smoothie in the morning for breakfast and sitting in the garden to drink it.



3.  Is there a location you like to go to each Summer?
I love going to the beach in summer for a picnic/BBQ though it's always way more crowded than I imagine. But Barbecues in my garden is the thing I love the most! 

 
4.  Favourite makeup look for Summer?
I don't really change my makeup too much with each season. But for warm days I like to do a simple winged eye and a bold lip or stain depending on how warm it is. I discovered for hot days a good lip stain is my best friend for looking still made up even after my eyes have gone a little smudged. 




5.  Dresses or skirts?

Pretty summer dresses all the way! I love skirts with black tights in winter but as soon as summer comes along I love wearing comfortable above the knee dresses (mainly from Primark as they always have so many lovely ones).

6.  Sandals or ballet pumps?
Since discovering Melissa ballet pumps (which literally are indestructible and waterproof!) I wear them all year round - I have 6+ pairs now. So I continue to wear them come summer but I do love sandals especially with dresses and on holiday they are a must. 




7.  Do you prefer to wear your hair up or down for Summer?
Most days I'm lazy and stick my hair up in a high messy bun but if I take the time to straighten my hair or curl it with my Babyliss Conical Wand I do prefer how it looks. 




8.  Deep smokey eyes or bold lips?

I always find a bold lip much easier even if it takes some maintenance during the day. I also feel like I don't wear bold lipsticks enough any other part of the year so I love delving into my lipstick drawer and deciding what I'm going to use. I love both Kiko and Clarins for super pigmented but hydrating lipsticks!



9.  Favourite perfume for Summer?
I love, love, love wearing pretty floral and fruity perfumes in summer, even if the bees are attracted to me! My absolute favourite for the past two years has been Vera Wang Princess - such a creamy floral vanilla scent that is perfectly summery. 




10.  Last but not least, favourite music for Summer?

Ohh, this is a tough one as I don't really think my music tastes change throughout the year. If I'm in a super happy mood, which is generally when it's a sunny day and I'm getting ready, I listen to a 90's playlist on Spotify - Savage Garden, Green Day, Alanis Morissette etc! But it's generally what's in the charts... do the charts even exist these days? Currently loving Happy by Pharrell, All of Me by John Legend and anything by Bastille.
- See more at: http://www.makeupsavvy.co.uk/2014/06/the-summer-tag.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+co%2FXRuB+%28Makeup+Savvy%29#sthash.bIy7Iz9q.dpuf

Tuesday 10 June 2014

The Cats First Day Outside

Our kitties are just over a year old and up until last weekend had always been house cats. This is because where we used to live was on a busy round in the middle of a town and far too dangerous for kitties to be running around.. Plus we had a much bigger house (3 storey town house) so they had plenty of room to run around. A couple of months ago we moved back to our home town on a nice quiet housing estate but had to compromise on size as our home town is so much more expensive. With the new place being considerably smaller, having a nice garden and being in a quieter area, we knew it was time to let the little munchkins out.

I'd read that when you move you shouldn't let cats our for a couple of months so they can get used to their new home and stuff so in this time we had Vinnie castrated (Chester got done last year) - he hadn't been done before because he's on daily meds as his immune system attacks itself - but the vets said it would be fine as long as he had extra medication before/after. We also got both Vinnie and Chester microchipped and they had their vaccinations.

Vinnie
We were so nervous about letting them out for the first time as we didn't know what they'd do - if they'd just do a runner or not! We'd been advised to let them out hungry so we did.. They were a bit cautious at first but were soon chasing flies, rolling around on the patio and doing funny walks on the grass - lifting their paws up really high as they walked lol.. So funny to watch! Today was the 4th day of them being allowed out (they come in when it starts to get dark, we don't want them out at night) and they still haven't left the garden yet! We do have a 6ft fence right the way round it but I'd have thought they'd have jumped onto the BBQ then onto the shed to get up but they haven't so far..

Chester
They both seem so much happier now which makes us happy. I'd love if they never left the garden as it means they'll always be safe but I'm not counting my chickens! I don't think either of them would go very far though as they're very in and out and such soppy little home boddies! I love our little munchkins so much and wouldn't change a hair on their super cute little faces :) xxx

Thursday 5 June 2014

Slimming World Rewards

I think it's really important to celebrate and reward each milestone during weight loss. I never thought of doing this until I joined my local Slimming World group and learned that at each half stone you are awarded a certificate and every time you get slimmer of the week it's celebrated too.. It got me thinking about how I can personally reward myself - it will give me something to aim for, push myself towards and look forward to if I do.

1 stone.
£30 to spend in The Body Shop... I also have a voucher so in theory I'll get more than £30 worth too ;) I love the products I have tried from there and have a list of things I'd really like to try but I never seem to end up going in (no idea why!) so thought this would be the perfect opportunity to treat myself.

2 stone.
£50 to spend in Boots/Superdrug on beauty products. I like me some make ups, I love trying new things but haven't for a while now so this will be good. I also have around £15 on my Boots card so will use that then too. I'd like to try some new mascaras and buy some nice bath products for the rare occasion that I'll decide against a shower, light some candles and properly relax in the tub.

3 stone/end target.
If I get to 3 stone and want to stop then my reward will be a shopping spree for new clothes either at Lakeside or in London for the weekend with my mum, with no price limit. Part of me thinks 3 stone won't quite be enough so if this is the case, I'll set a new target. The shopping spree is my reward for my end target. My 3 stone reward if I keep going will be a tattoo. I have a star on my forearm that I really dislike because it's plain so I'd like to add to that and make it look more feminine and pretty.


Are any of you following Slimming World? xxx

Monday 26 May 2014

Weight Loss Tag

1.    When did you start gaining weight?
I started to notice I was larger than the people around me of the same age when I was at middle school. I was bullied during middle and upper school which I don't think helped but I gained most of my weight after I gave up smoking, 5 years ago and turned to junk food.

2.    What was your heaviest weight?
Once I feel more comfortable with myself I'll happily tell people what I did weigh but I'm not there yet, sorry.

3.    What diets have you been on?
I've tried Slim Fast (the shakes are yummy but I enjoy actually eating food too much!), Weight Watchers (it felt far too restricted and I always felt hungry) and Slimming World, which I'm doing now, I've tried twice before from home whereas this time I've joined a group.

4.    Is your goal a clothing size or a number on the scale?
A bit of both I think. At the moment my goal is to lose 3 stone but I also said I'd like to be a comfortable size 14 again (the size I was before I stopped smoking) and I have no idea if I'll lose 3 stone or get to a size 14 first! When I do get to one/both of them, I may feel like I want to go a bit further so I'm just going by how I feel, I really want to feel good about how I look in clothes again..  That's more important to me than a size or number.

5.    What is your fave food prior to starting this life style change?
Chicken and sweetcorn pizza with mozzarella stuffed crust from Dominoes. I wouldn't allow myself to have it while I'm still the size I am but once I'm at target I would definitely have it as a treat.. Just not a large one all to myself!!! #fatpig

6.    What is your fave food now?
Salmon! I'd never tried it until about 2 months ago when my sister told me how nice it is... Now I can't get enough of it!! I have it 2/3 times a week on a bed of salad - another thing I've really been enjoying. I also love cous cous, home made curry, spag bol and jacket potato with prawns.

7.    What is a food you will not give up?
There isn't really anything you need to give up to be honest! That's why Slimming World is so easy to stick to.. There are things I personally don't let myself have anymore (like the pizza) because it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle choice and I binged so bad on junk so I won't allow myself to do that any more as it's unhealthy but other than that, there isn't anything I've thought "I'm not going without that!"

8.    How do you reward your accomplishments?
Watch this space because I have a post dedicated to this question coming up this week where I'll let you know what my rewards to myself will be :)

9.    What will you do at goal?
This will also be covered in the rewards post that I'm half way through writing! 

10.  What diet or plot are you following right now?
Slimming World, although as I said, it's not really a diet it's a change in lifestyle.. I still eat all of the foods I enjoy eating. I don't go without chocolate or anything but it's all in moderation now, no stuffing my face with it until I feel shitty, just having enough to enjoy it. It's about eating better food, encouraging you to cook meals from scratch using fresh ingredients rather than buying a jar or chucking processed crap in the oven. 

11.  What is your fave body part?
Does my hair count as a body part?! I love my hair.. I really don't like much else about myself at the moment.. But at least I'm doing something about it :)

12.  What are your non scale goals?
To gain more confidence.. To feel good about myself when I get dressed and look in the mirror or at least accept it and not feel negative and to be able to shop in "normal" high street shops again. To feel comfortable eating in front of others without thinking they're judging me and to stop thinking people probably wonder why Aaron is with a fat girl when he could probably have someone a lot nicer looking.

13.  What makes losing weight hard for you?
The time it takes! I'm sure we'd all love to click our fingers and wake up our goal weight/size but unfortunately it takes hard work and time. I feel a lot differently about it this time though.. Something seems to have snapped in my head and I really feel determined and I'm enjoying it!

14.  Would you ever consider weight loss surgery?
No, I'm a huge wimp! Even if someone paid for it I don't think I could do it.

Sunday 11 May 2014

Slimming World A Month On..

Last month I wrote a post on why I'd felt so crappy for so long and told you how things seemed to be turning around and I was starting a new journey. You can read that post here. After that, I wrote a this post on why I had decided to join Slimming World.
Now I'm writing again to let you know how I'm getting on, just over a month later.. The answer is brilliantly! I said to Aaron earlier how I'm really enjoying it this time round. I'm actually enjoying eating healthier meals and enjoying fruit. Yes, you read that correctly - I'm eating fruit.. And (don't faint) vegetables!! When I've tried to lose weight before I'd eat healthy food but only cause I felt like I had to.. Now when I eat tuna salad with actual lettuce leaves I thoroughly enjoy it. Shit the bed.

I had my 4th weigh in last Thursday and lost 2lb.. I've now lost 10lb in total. I've also won slimmer of the week 3 weeks in a row :) I'm so proud of myself for how determined I am this time and how much will power I have. There's been several times where I could quite easily have said fuck it and ordered a Dominos or had several bacardis with the diet cokes I had instead.. But I didn't because what's the point? I can't lose weight and eat shit, it's one or the other. Eat crap, feel like crap = keep looking like crap. Eat good, feel good = look good.

Slimming World cake
Made (and tweaked) the 1/2 syn cake. Delish!!
One thing that has bugged me (only a little bit but I wanted to share) is that I can't see any changes when I look in the mirror yet. My mum and sister say they can tell and Aaron says he can feel that I'm smaller - minds out the gutter you rude people! - I mean when he puts his arms round me and cuddles me. Maybe it's just that negative voice in my head but sometimes I just think people say them to be polite and I quietly question if they mean it - I've never been great at taking compliments - it stems from being bullied - it's like an automatic thing that when someone says something nice I automatically think it's not true and they're only saying it to be nice/polite, not cause it's true - cause it couldn't possibly be.. Quite sad really isn't it.

Anyway!! Although I can't see a difference when I look in the mirror, something fandabbydosey happened today! We went to Asda cause I'd seen some trousers online I wanted and I tried on a bunch of stuff. The trousers I'd wanted looked bloody awful but I tried a top on in the usual size I'd get and it was too big! I had to get the next size down! I still can't really believe that it's actually working, even though clearly it is! I was well chuffed, I still am. I probably will be every time I open the wardrobe too, haha. It's things like this that will help me to keep on track at home.

Slimming World organised
Me being organised!
Talking of keeping on track... Last Thusday was the last week I needed to fill in my food diary for my consultant to check over. Being the super organised person I am, I bought a (glittery blue and pink) note pad to keep writing everything down in. This way I can keep check on myself and keep a note of what I'm eating/drinking or if the weight doesn't keep coming off the way it has been, I can show my consultant what I've had and get some advice. I've also gone through all of my old Slimming World magazines and cut out any of the recipes I'm likely to want to make plus any syn values for things and put them in sleeves in a folder. Told ya, super organised, me!

Also, part of me is toying with the idea of dusting off my camera and doing Slimming World videos on YouTube. I want to but I don't. Well, I want to... But I'm not sure. I do want to.. But something keeps making me say BUT! See? I can't put my finger on it. Should I? Shouldn't I?

I'll sleep on it ;) xxx

Friday 2 May 2014

On Joining Slimming World

Last month I took the plunge and joined a Slimming World group. I've given Slimming World a go a couple of times from home but always said I'd do better if I attended a group - only I had nobody to go with and didn't have the confidence to go alone. My sister joined with me and it wasn't as scary as I thought, it's true what people say - they're all lovely! I also bought a bike and have been biking to and from work every day, I definitely didn't exercise enough before but I'm putting that right now :)

I decided to join Slimming World because I couldn't stick to it for very long doing it from home.. Being at group as given me the motivation and extra support I didn't have before.. It keeps me on track and keeps it fresh - from home it ends up sliding and sliding and the next minute you're eating crap again. At group there is incentive to keep going - you're praised and rewarded by the group (they all clap your weight loss, you get a sticker and certificate for every 1/2 stone you lose and if you lose the most out of everyone else at your group, you're slimmer of the week and get a sticker and a bowl of fruit. There is also a draw each week to win different syn free/low syn ingredients.)

Slimming World

I have 2 reasons for wanting to lose weight. Firstly, I hate the way I look and how I feel in pretty much everything I wear and I want to be able to shop in "normal" shops again. I want to look in the mirror and think "I look great in this!" instead I think "URGH" - if I look. When I first met Aaron, 6 years ago, I was a size 14 and I really want to get back to that. Please don't think for one minute that I think plus size is horrible and they should all lose weight too because I don't at all. Have you seen plus size blogs? Those ladies are fabulous! The difference is, they're confident and love who they are, they embrace it. It's personal choice.

My second reason for wanting to lose weight is for health reasons. Since putting this weight on, I get back ache more often and I've had problems with my foot the past couple years too. I'm flat footed and being overweight hasn't helped.. Sometimes the pain in my foot is so severe I'm in tears. It's meant I can't walk too far cause if I do, I'll suffer afterwards (another reason for buying the bike!) and I'm very limited on what shoes I can wear. Also, both my dads parents have diabetes, my dad was told he'll likely end up with it and I know that by leading a healthier lifestyle, I'm at less risk.

Slimming World Award

Thursday was my 3rd weigh in at my Slimming World group and I got my half stone award, won slimmer of the week and won the raffle too - you should have seen me trying to bike home with everything!! I won slimmer of the week the week before too :) It's such a great feeling having everybody clap and genuinely be happy and proud of you. In 3 weeks I've lost 8lb and I'm so proud of myself. My target is 3 stone in total although I may want to go further once I get there - I'm going to go by how I feel and what I look like instead of concentrating on a number.

I'm not in a big rush to get to target, I still enjoy my food and I'm not going to start depriving myself to get there quicker because I know I'll be more likely to give up or just pile it all back on again. The changes I've made and continue to make need to stick with me once I get to my target too, I can't go back to binging on rubbish, it's about changing eating habits for the better - hopefully it will just come naturally after a while! :)

Are any of you following Slimming World? Let me know! 
I'm always posting about it on my Instagram so feel free to take a look @tiffanyleighx
xxx

Monday 21 April 2014

Let The Journey Begin!

I've mentioned a couple of times in my last few posts about how I've been feeling a bit "meh" about several things.. As always, there is light at the end of the tunnel and woo woo! It seems I'm finally approaching!
To (try) and cut a long story short.. I was made to feel unhappy at a job full of liars, shit stirrers and back stabbers for 6 years and one day decided enough was enough and just walked out. Unfortunately I was a bit naive and didn't think it would be too hard to find another job, although I will never regret leaving. We had to give up our rented home and moved back in with Aarons parents for around a year until Aaron found a better job and we moved out again.. We moved to the next town for 1.5 years and apart from the odd couple of jobs, I still wasn't having much luck. Our house was crappy, the landlord wasn't interested in fixing anything and none of our family or friends lived close by. It got to me quite often, especially towards the end - the same time my blog started to go quiet. We were living on one wage and though grateful of our own space, it was difficult not being able to treat ourselves, afford a holiday or to even keep the car in good order.

Fast forward to February of this year and a friend of mine called Claire put us in touch with her old landlord that had a house available in our hometown.. The houses in this town are like gold dust. But we're here, finally. Not only that, I have a job now too. It's just a little part time supervisor cleaning job but it's a job and I'm earning again and we're already planning a holiday abroad this year! :D
I was unemployed for almost 3 years (apart from the odd few jobs through agencies - and never claimed a penny from the government either by the way) and in that time I became quite unhappy. I put on a lot of weight as I wasn't doing a lot which added to the misery and my mood was always pretty "meh" for the most part. Since moving back to our hometown and being close to everyone again, we've both been much happier.. Plus my little job which has really lifted my mood and given me a confidence boost.. So I thought the next thing to do was get back to being happy with how I look.

So I joined a Slimming World group. Up until a couple of months ago I would never have felt confident enough to turn up at one of these groups and would have flatly refused, preferring to suffer in silence. When we lived with Aarons parents, my confidence was so low that I wouldn't even leave the house on my own. I wouldn't do things like ask a member of staff in a shop where something was or even answer my phone unless it was my parents, sister or Aaron. I've come a long way and I have Aaron to thank for that as he's so supportive and understanding but I think age plays a part too and I still have a little way to go as it creeps up on me sometimes!!

I've been at Slimming World for 3 weeks this week and I'm so glad I pushed myself to go, they're a lovely bunch of people and I've been really enjoying it this time round (I done it from home before.) I'm so determined to feel good about myself and feel good in my clothes again but I also want and need to be more healthy. I even bought a bike and bike to/from work every day plus to the shop or up to my dads. I can feel myself getting fitter already - when I first biked to my parents I had to get off and walk up the hill cause I was dying so out of breath but now I don't :) We even walked to/around/from town Saturday (just over 1.5 miles each way) and I could have easily kept going - Aaron reminded me how I wouldn't ever walk anywhere when we first met 6 years ago so was really proud of me :)

So yeah, let the journey begin.. A happier, healthier me. I'm excited! xxx

Monday 7 April 2014

What's Going On?

I'm still here.

I still enjoy reading blog posts, I sit and go through my BlogLovin' feed most nights although the type of posts I enjoy has somewhat changed and I've found myself following many different kinds of blogs.. I still follow a few beauty blogs - my favourites who bring variety, give in depth reviews, who's opinion I trust and who's writing style keeps me coming back. But I've found myself following more lifestyle, thrifty, travelling, weightloss kind of blogs..

I enjoy wearing make up and trying new products but I'm just not like most beauty bloggers.. I don't have to buy all the latest products and I can't talk for hours about make up. A large chunk of beauty bloggers are younger than me and much more girlie than me.. I'm 26 this year and feel like as I get older, I care about those things less - my interests have changed quite a lot the last few months - the same amount of time I haven't been blogging properly.

I've really been enjoying different homeware posts, anything to do with Slimming World, thifty/savvy posts, lifey/serious and/or funny chatty posts and days out/holiday posts. If anybody can recommend any blogs with any of these kinds of posts please send me some links as I love finding new blogs to follow!

I want to blog but every time I go to write I end up clicking off the page and I don't know why because I really WANT to! For now I'm going to continue how things are.. There might be the odd post but I won't force it.. If I want to post, that's a start but for me to keep clicking away, tells me now isn't the right time.. I am, however, planning on putting together a post of my favourite blogs as I've found some great ones lately but also have some old favourites too.

I hope you're all well xxx

Friday 7 March 2014

Storage Heaters

They're big, bulky and bloody ugly and before we moved in I heard nothing but bad things about them from pretty much everyone (apart from my nan!) and read lots of stories online about how rubbish they are. I wasn't looking forward to sitting in a cold house every evening, chucking on jumpers and thick socks with a throw on top.

"They chuck all the heat out in the day time and are stone cold by early evening."

That was the main one, I can't even count the amount of times I read that one! Because of this, I was determined I would only move again if the house had gas heating like we had before. Only, we fell in love with the house and knew we'd be getting really good landlords, a rare thing when renting privately..

We have double glazing throughout but our living room has the stairs in (so we're heating quite a large space) plus a big window, the back door and the cats bedroom spare room door is always open too. We've been here a week tomorrow and only had one of the five heaters on the whole time. We have had it on the lowest setting (1/2 out of 6) all week so that the heat lasts right round the clock and because it's on low, it doesn't all get used during the day so we have the option to turn it up to kick more heat out in the evenings if need be.

The boys have settled in well too.. But Chester is such a remote hog!!!
There has been a frost a few mornings so it has been cold out but we've been toasty the whole time. It's been lush waking up to a warm house and not having to keep sticking the heating on when I get chilly as I haven't actually been chilly yet - baring in mind I'm here all day too. Another thing I like is that you don't hear a peep from them and there is never a worry of a gas leak.

As I say, we've only been here a week so far but I'm hoping by only using one of the heaters on low and both heating and hot water doing their thing on the night rate, it shouldn't be too expensive. As the night rate (cheaper energy) is until 7.30am and Aaron gets up early for work at 6.30am anyway, I've been getting up and getting any washing done while it's cheap too.. I'll report back after a month or so with how much it's costing in comparison to when we had gas :)

So to anyone with storage heaters that thinks they're crap, make sure you're using them right cause it's 10.30pm here, I'm super toasty and the heater is still hot! xxx

Tuesday 4 March 2014

February Rant

A new bunch of posts for me, monthy rants. A place (my place) for me to have a good ol' moan once a month. You might relate to some of it, you might not. Light hearted, not meant to cause offence so if you're easily offended.. Ya know.. ;)

The Arctic Monkeys singer on The Brits.
The first time he spoke, I asked Aaron "Is he really drunk or a bit of a weirdo?" Turned out he's just an arrogant prick. Did you see him drop the microphone then make the comment about sending him the bill? Like, really??? I cannot stand arrogance at all.

When you're looking at something in a shop and someone leans across you.
I was in Superdrug a couple of weeks ago with my sister. There I was, standing at the Rimmel stand looking at lipstick and a young girl come and stood next to me and was leaning right across me to grab things. Not only could she have stood the other side and not been so bloody rude, she didn't even say excuse me or anything. I just find it really rude. I wouldn't do it so I don't want people doing it to me, thank you very much.

People that moan about our cats being house cats.
I shouldn't have to justify myself here but I find myself having to quite often and it doesn't get any less annoying. We just moved from a house on a busy road with no front garden, behind our house was the main road through the town and we're always hearing about cats going missing. Cats are allowed to be house cats. They're not like dogs, they don't need walking and we always make an effort to play with them to exercise them. They had the run of a 3 storey house and each other for company. We didn't want to risk letting them out and them being run over, going missing or coming home hurt. Plus our vet actually advised us not to let Vinnie out because he's always poorly - his immune system attacks itself and he has to have tablets on a daily basis. If he goes without a tablet he can become very ill. If we let him out and he didn't come home for a couple of days, he could become seriously ill or potentially die. If we separate the boys, they call for each other until they're back together so we keep Chester in too. They're spoilt little boys and get a lot of love and fuss, I know they're happy so there. Piss off kindly.

People on benefits that constantly boast.
You have a child or children, you don't work and you're on benefits. Fair enough, everyone has their own reasons and I'm well aware that for some people, it's not their choice and they don't want it to become their way of life. But some people seem to choose it as a way of life and that is what pisses me off. What pisses me off more than that is the ones that feel the need to tell everybody about all the new living room furniture they've just bought, the new car they've got or the holidays they're having. Is it really necessary? No, it's not.

My old next door neighbour.
Who ran a bath and slamed cupboard doors at 1am? She did. Who stompped around their wooden floors in heels all day/night? She did. Who asked me when I'm due when I'm blatantly just fat? She did (rude bitch). Who watched me put my washing out then lights a BBQ without having the decency to pop round and let us know like we did.. She did. Who didn't get a Christmas card off us last year? She bloody didn't! I don't like rude and/or ignorant people. She is both and I certainly won't miss her now we've moved.. Although our new neighbours aren't shaping up to be much better!


WOWZERS, it's kinda like therapy getting that off my chest but in a way that kind of amuses me. Who knew! xxx

Sunday 23 February 2014

Catch Up

It's less than a week until we move. Cannot wait to be back in our hometown. I've got loads of the packing done just the last minute bits to do now. Had a bit of a palava with the old tenants not moving out when they'd originally planned to.. We went to measure up and they were still there.. Nobody had told us.. Or the landlord! Thankfully it's all sorted now though, phew! I think this move has been the least stressful - maybe I'm just getting good at it!? Don't forget to check out my last post on how to take the stress out of moving.. If moving is on your radar obvs! :)

Since knowing we're moving, I've been addicted to Pinterest (follow me here) again.. Mainly for home design ideas. We're told we can decorate and hang things on walls as long as everything is neutral and put right once we've left although we will double check before we start digging the paint brushes out!! I'm going to do a post on what we're hoping to do/aiming for. I love interior design and could happily sit looking through images all day.. I do like a home to look homely and lived in at the same time though, I don't want  a show home because to me it doesn't give it that warm, welcoming feeling when you have people round.

I thought I'd be really sad about leaving the place we live at the moment but I don't think I will be anymore. We've wanted to live together in our hometown since we first moved out so I'm certain it's all for the best. It's a much bigger town too so hopefully that means more chance of finding work. I've had a couple of interviews there already but no luck so far. I really hope our neighbour at the new place is nice (and quiet!) we have a good, friendly neighbour here that we're sad to be leaving. I like to think we're good neighbours so I like the same in return.. Fingers crossed.

I have a few posts I'd like to get written and schedule for the next week or two while we move and settle in so I'll try to get those done this week. We've got Sky being installed the day after we move in (and a shiny new fridge freezer being delivered, woop!) and broadband the day after that thanks to me being nice and organised.. I'd hate to have to wait 2/3 weeks after moving in.. What would we do?! Haha... No really.

Favourite song at the moment: Katy Perry - Dark Horse.

Hope you're all well :) xxx

Thursday 13 February 2014

HOW TO: Take The Stress Out Of Moving Home.

Many people think that moving home is stressful and expensive.. But it doesn't have to be.. Trust me, I've moved often enough - 5/6 times growing up, 4 times in the last 5 years and again in a couple of weeks! The aim of this (hopefully helpful) post is to tell you how to take the stress out of moving.


It's all about being organised and making use of what you've got or can get cheaper/free.. Grab a notebook and a pen for starters, they'll keep you sane throughout so you'll always know where your head is at!

So you've found somewhere you like and you're going to go and view it.. Write down any questions you'd like answered or anything you want to check for so that you don't forget any of them when you get there. (Do they accept pets? What kind of heating is it and can the provider be changed? Is there a phone line? Is it available short/long term? Parking? Can you hang anything on the walls? Will all of your furniture fit?- Try to picture where things may go, roughly) Personally, we like to view a property once to have a good look round then go back a second time to measure up, once we know it's definitely all going ahead. Before you go back to measure up, write a list of exactly what needs measuring/checking so you don't forget anything.. The gaps available for kitchen appliances, measure for blinds/curtains, check for cupboard/storage space, measure room sizes (if you want to figure out where furniture will go beforehand), where the phone/tv points are etc.


Once everything is finalised and you know it's definitely happening, you'll need some boxes. Luckily for me, my mum got me some from work but most supermarkets and shops will happily give them away if you pop in and ask.. You definitely don't need to buy any, it's an unnecessary expense. In your notebook, split 2 pages in half and have 3/4 weeks, 2 weeks, last week and last day sections then in each section, jot down when things will need packing.

For instance..
3/4 weeks: DVDs, homeware - pictures, candles, ornaments, cook books, bread maker.
2 weeks: Shoes, printer, Xbox, some kitchenware, cushions, throws.
1 week: Curtains, lamps, light shades, toaster, clocks, mirrors.
Day before & last day: Dinnerware, kettle, food/drink, sky box, remotes, home phone, router.

This way you can see if you're going to run out of boxes or not before it's too late plus it's a lot less stressful to spread the packing out rather than doing everything at the last minute. You can leave boxes open for just in case too. I like to get hold of bubble wrap for any breakables.. You may be able to get some of this for free but it's fairly cheap in discount/bargain stores if not or plenty of newspaper (like the ones you get through the door that nobody ever reads) and carrier bags will do the job just as well. I like to make sure everything is well packed.. I don't want my things damaged or even scratched - like glass rubbing against glass - I prefer to be extra cautious.


If you can, ask friends/family to give you a hand moving. We're lucky that Aaron is able to borrow a works van for us to move everything ourselves which means it doesn't cost anything but before he worked there we paid a friend of his that has a van to help - far cheaper than using a company. My parents have always helped us move and between the 4 of us, it's never taken too long due to me being so bloomin' organised, which in turn helps keep the stress levels down for everyone else!

Where clothes are concerned, taking everything off the hangers, folding them up then having to unfold and hang everything at the other end is far too time consuming.. Especially if you have as many clothes as I do! I tend to tie something (like rope or bin bags..) around the middle of a bunch of clothes - I usually split my triple wardrobe into 3 or 4 - and through the hangers then put them into a box or bin bag, that way you should be able to just pull them out, untie them and hang them up. Easy peasy :) Don't forget to write on your boxes too, you'll be grateful for this, trust me.. I write what it is for my benefit and where to put it (kitchen living room, bedroom), for everyone to follow which makes it easier for me to unpack!


Another thing I do is write a list of anything I can or need to sell before moving and anything we'll need to buy for the new place. Also, I have a list of things that need doing before we hand our keys back like filling holes we made to hang mirrors and pictures, cleaning, taking meter readings.. Seeing how many lists I have going on during all of this may seem a bit much but I'm the one that's having a stress free move and know what's going on with absolutely everything. There's no chance of forgetting anything and I can cross things off as I go along. It's well worth doing in my opinion.

Packing to move is a great excuse for having a good sort out. If you haven't used it in the last 6/12 months and it holds no sentimental value, do you really need to keep hold of it? Aaron can be a bit of a hoarder whereas I hate clutter so I can be pretty ruthless.. It helps to think if you're going to have space for it at the new place too so if you're not then either bin it, sell it or give it away.

Lastly, don't forget bills need organising too. Whether you're setting bills up for the first time or doing a home move, things like Sky, phone and broadband will need to be set up at least 3 weeks before you move to ensure they're able to get an engineer out the next working day if needed and you're not left waiting... and bored. Don't forget to look online for any bargains or if you're brave, haggle on the phone. I got us a great deal with our fibre broadband for staying and taking a new contract with the same provider :) Other household bills (water, gas, electric, council tax, TV license, contents insurance..) can be done nearer the time, I tend to do it the week before. You should submit meter readings the day you leave/the day you move in too to avoid getting an estimated bill. I also change over any advantage cards and Ebay within my last week.

Wow that was long! If any of you are planning on moving then I wish you all the best and hopefully this may have been helpful for you :) xxx