Considering most of you will be reading this from the Instagram platform itself I won't ramble about it too much. But I'd like to talk more about how it benefits me and some funny facts.
I started my account as an additional one to my personal one to keep food seperate, it's so happened that I've pretty much neglected my personal account now because I incorporate my everyday life into "slimmingworldfromhome". I love it.
When I first started, you feel like a little lost soul. Nobody knows who you are, you've got no pals but it quickly transfers from 8 followers to 80 and then you break 100 and it feels amazing! But it's not just about followers. They just add to your confidence because you believe people are interested in what you post. The community on here is amazing. I've been lucky enough to only be trolled once, there are some bad experiences that I've witnessed but generally everybody is really lovely.
Some of my favourite things about it... It's motivating. People will always support you regardless of how shitty you're feeling. People care, genuinely care. You feel like it's your own little group of friends who are all fighting the fat together. You get eachother. You understand and can associate with these random people in your phone because you're all in the same boat.
I used to have my account open, but soon set it to private because I didn't want people involved from my private life that didn't understand what I wanted to achieve. I talk more to girls on here than I do some of my own friends.
You'll develop a clique. We all have our own little bundles of followers that we stalk and can relate to best. They like every photo you post, you've been their #wcw at least once and you can freely take the piss without them getting offended. It's great. Instagram friends.
You'll be addicted. Trust me (if you're not already), every time you post a pic... How many likes will it get? Ooh somebody has commented!! A new follower? Oooh I've been tagged in a photo or the holy grail a private message or a shout out!
You'll lose followers and won't understand why. I lose half the followers I gain. Some of them are SW people and I don't understand the reason when all I've posted is food. Oh well, the important ones will stay! Just shrug it off, it's not personal (hopefully).
You'll be conscious of what you post, dammit the plate looks messy. Or I've already taken too many selfies this week. The lighting isn't right, or the worst when you eat without remembering to take a picture. God forbid, the poor followers won't know what my dinner looked like tonight!
But as I said, it's not all about the followers. This account is for me as well, I like scrolling back and looking through. Especially when you've had a good loss one week and you clearly see what you have eaten. Or back to get recipe ideas, it's a food diary in pictures. Mixed with outfit posts, general everyday life, hillarious memes and other crap.
Saturday 9 January 2016
Saturday 2 January 2016
2015, a reflection.
Considering we're now into the new year I thought I'd take a look back at 2015. The ups, the downs and all the stuff in between. I'm quite clear that my journey isn't just about slimming world, it's about me and my life, ambitions and interests. So, what happened in 2015 for me?
It started with a holiday in January, something we normally do but lack of funds stopped us doing so this year, we spent 10 days in Lanzarote sunshine and it was amazing! Best way to spend January in my opinion! Although we had to hit bed before the new year turned because of an early morning flight. Well worth it though. Then one of my girls from the squad got married and I was bridesmaid, it was an amazing day and I felt sick to my stomach before walking down the aisle, I wish we could do it all again! February and March I don't remember much about! As per!
My slimming world journey was fairly straight, not really going up and down and just maintaining. I was doing well towards the last quarter of the year then slipped up big time at Christmas! I'm now suffering from a gain and a decent set of love handles. My lowest weight was 10 stone 13, but I didn't stay there for long. Hopefully this year I'll be comfortably into the 10's.
Personal achievements involved saying yes to more things. Pushing myself out my comfort zone. Doing things I'd normally not want to and they turned out to be great. I've now gained two more friends this year.
I cried a lot. I'd say I'm quite emotionally unstable. (I need to change my pill). I also had a lot of enjoyable moments but generally I'm not a "happy" person. People always tell me to smile, cheer up. How about piss off? I'm fine inside it just doesn't show. I intend to try and be a happier person this year.
I met a lovely little lady, like a clone of me. We met through Instagram, we were pen pals for a while and then realised we had so much to talk about that whatssapp became our main source of communications. One thing led to another next thing we knew we were sharing a bed in a Manchester hotel! Brilliant weekend and look forward to many more. That was a good highlight of 2015.
She'll also be walking down the aisle with me when I get married!
I can't miss out the biggest life event.. The engagement! Wow! I've never cried so much, it was amazing. Super chuffed and can't wait to start planning the wedding. I'll be in my element! Lots of flowers, rustic, wood, burlap, hessian, green and maybe a nice golden doggy to be the ring bearer! We're hoping for 2017 but really depends on the venues and availability.
So, that just leaves me with resolutions for 2016. I don't like the word resolutions, so we'll use the term lightly. But what would I like to achieve? I'd like to buy a wedding dress, get a puppy, get my nails and hair done regularly, spend less money on clothes, lose a stone, see friends more often, grow the business, be a successful landlord, spend less time on Instagram and make the most of summer and not complain it's too hot. (Guilty)
I hope you'll stay with me for 2016
It started with a holiday in January, something we normally do but lack of funds stopped us doing so this year, we spent 10 days in Lanzarote sunshine and it was amazing! Best way to spend January in my opinion! Although we had to hit bed before the new year turned because of an early morning flight. Well worth it though. Then one of my girls from the squad got married and I was bridesmaid, it was an amazing day and I felt sick to my stomach before walking down the aisle, I wish we could do it all again! February and March I don't remember much about! As per!
My slimming world journey was fairly straight, not really going up and down and just maintaining. I was doing well towards the last quarter of the year then slipped up big time at Christmas! I'm now suffering from a gain and a decent set of love handles. My lowest weight was 10 stone 13, but I didn't stay there for long. Hopefully this year I'll be comfortably into the 10's.
Personal achievements involved saying yes to more things. Pushing myself out my comfort zone. Doing things I'd normally not want to and they turned out to be great. I've now gained two more friends this year.
I cried a lot. I'd say I'm quite emotionally unstable. (I need to change my pill). I also had a lot of enjoyable moments but generally I'm not a "happy" person. People always tell me to smile, cheer up. How about piss off? I'm fine inside it just doesn't show. I intend to try and be a happier person this year.
I met a lovely little lady, like a clone of me. We met through Instagram, we were pen pals for a while and then realised we had so much to talk about that whatssapp became our main source of communications. One thing led to another next thing we knew we were sharing a bed in a Manchester hotel! Brilliant weekend and look forward to many more. That was a good highlight of 2015.
She'll also be walking down the aisle with me when I get married!
I can't miss out the biggest life event.. The engagement! Wow! I've never cried so much, it was amazing. Super chuffed and can't wait to start planning the wedding. I'll be in my element! Lots of flowers, rustic, wood, burlap, hessian, green and maybe a nice golden doggy to be the ring bearer! We're hoping for 2017 but really depends on the venues and availability.
So, that just leaves me with resolutions for 2016. I don't like the word resolutions, so we'll use the term lightly. But what would I like to achieve? I'd like to buy a wedding dress, get a puppy, get my nails and hair done regularly, spend less money on clothes, lose a stone, see friends more often, grow the business, be a successful landlord, spend less time on Instagram and make the most of summer and not complain it's too hot. (Guilty)
I hope you'll stay with me for 2016
Wednesday 16 December 2015
50 facts about me
Seen a few people doing this so thought I'd join in. Might take me a while, if you get through the lot then well done!
1. My name is Heather, quite uncommon for my age and I'm kind of growing to like it.
2. When I was younger I used to cut up magazines and create my own mag out of all the cuttings.
3. I wanted to be a magazine editor but ended up being a full time eBay lady!
4. I have a degree in English and psychology
5. I didn't really enjoy further education and half wish I had gone straight into work.
6. I have a French a level but I'm rubbish at it.
7. I work with my boyfriend in a industrial unit, we have our good days!
8. I recently became a fiancée, I can't wait to be a bride.
9. We're hoping to get married within two years
10. The thought of shopping for a wedding dress makes me incredibly excited!
11. Decemeber is my favourite month of the year, we both have our birthdays and obviously Xmas!
12. I'm the easiest person to buy for, I send my mum and boyfriend an email of my wish list with links, price and sizes.
13. I love giving presents just as much
14. I love making people happy and doing things for people
15. Best trait, is probably being loyal to my word I don't like letting people down
16. I have a good friendship with my neighbour, she paints my nails and I cook her dinner.
17. I love the idea of growing old with my friends and reminiscing on old times.
18. I'd love to have children one day, hopefully before 30.
19. Nothing beats a fresh pair of pyjamas
20. I'm not into designer clothes, high street all the way!
21. Most expensive item of clothing I own is my M&S coat £85! It was painful
22. I have way too many clothes but I like a mixture and a choice
23. Zara is hands down my favourite shop, such unique and minimalist style.
24. I hate shoe shopping, I have wide feet and bunions
25. I used to dance, from 6-15 years. Ballet was my favourite!
26. I've never reached the bottom of my washing basket.
27. I hate house work and cleaning!
28. We recently bought a second house, we're hoping to rent it out in the new year
29. A lot of things annoy me! Mostly time wasters and girls who think they're it
30. I once got sent out an art lesson for burping
31. Besides this I was a good girl at school and kept myself out of trouble
32. I have a fear of whales. I couldn't walk through the national history museum knowing there was a full size one in there. Everyone thinks it's hillarious but I hate them. They're always on the TVs in John Lewis!
33. I hate the dentist; didn't go for about 8 years until a couple of years ago.
34. I've never had a brace but have one filling
35. Favourite perfume is from L'occitane, I like wearing something a bit different
36. Homeland and breaking bad are my favourite tv series
37. I spend way too much time on my iPhone
38. I don't have any piercings or tattoos. I had my ears pierced when I was sixteen but let them close up because it was just too painful!
39. I suffered with dermatitis around my chin and mouth when I was sixteen. I still get the odd flare up but have managed to control it. It was horrible.
40. I love a good bath, but it has to be hot! Lobster red hot!
41. I met one of my best friends through Instagram. We've known eachother for a year now and have only met once.
42. I normally hate New Year's Eve but I'm looking forward to this one. I'm excited for the next year!
43. I love wrapping presents and put it off for as long as possible so I have something to look forward to.
44. I love a good jigsaw puzzle, such a geek.
45. If pork pie, chips and pies were good for you I'd be so healthy!
46. We name everything in our house, all the teddies, Xmas decorations have names
47. I used to pretend I couldn't read the opticians board to get glasses, it never worked
48. I have a yearly shopping trip with my dad to buy mums Xmas presents!
49. I can't wait to have a big house and have all the family round for Christmas dinner
50. That was tough!
1. My name is Heather, quite uncommon for my age and I'm kind of growing to like it.
2. When I was younger I used to cut up magazines and create my own mag out of all the cuttings.
3. I wanted to be a magazine editor but ended up being a full time eBay lady!
4. I have a degree in English and psychology
5. I didn't really enjoy further education and half wish I had gone straight into work.
6. I have a French a level but I'm rubbish at it.
7. I work with my boyfriend in a industrial unit, we have our good days!
8. I recently became a fiancée, I can't wait to be a bride.
9. We're hoping to get married within two years
10. The thought of shopping for a wedding dress makes me incredibly excited!
11. Decemeber is my favourite month of the year, we both have our birthdays and obviously Xmas!
12. I'm the easiest person to buy for, I send my mum and boyfriend an email of my wish list with links, price and sizes.
13. I love giving presents just as much
14. I love making people happy and doing things for people
15. Best trait, is probably being loyal to my word I don't like letting people down
16. I have a good friendship with my neighbour, she paints my nails and I cook her dinner.
17. I love the idea of growing old with my friends and reminiscing on old times.
18. I'd love to have children one day, hopefully before 30.
19. Nothing beats a fresh pair of pyjamas
20. I'm not into designer clothes, high street all the way!
21. Most expensive item of clothing I own is my M&S coat £85! It was painful
22. I have way too many clothes but I like a mixture and a choice
23. Zara is hands down my favourite shop, such unique and minimalist style.
24. I hate shoe shopping, I have wide feet and bunions
25. I used to dance, from 6-15 years. Ballet was my favourite!
26. I've never reached the bottom of my washing basket.
27. I hate house work and cleaning!
28. We recently bought a second house, we're hoping to rent it out in the new year
29. A lot of things annoy me! Mostly time wasters and girls who think they're it
30. I once got sent out an art lesson for burping
31. Besides this I was a good girl at school and kept myself out of trouble
32. I have a fear of whales. I couldn't walk through the national history museum knowing there was a full size one in there. Everyone thinks it's hillarious but I hate them. They're always on the TVs in John Lewis!
33. I hate the dentist; didn't go for about 8 years until a couple of years ago.
34. I've never had a brace but have one filling
35. Favourite perfume is from L'occitane, I like wearing something a bit different
36. Homeland and breaking bad are my favourite tv series
37. I spend way too much time on my iPhone
38. I don't have any piercings or tattoos. I had my ears pierced when I was sixteen but let them close up because it was just too painful!
39. I suffered with dermatitis around my chin and mouth when I was sixteen. I still get the odd flare up but have managed to control it. It was horrible.
40. I love a good bath, but it has to be hot! Lobster red hot!
41. I met one of my best friends through Instagram. We've known eachother for a year now and have only met once.
42. I normally hate New Year's Eve but I'm looking forward to this one. I'm excited for the next year!
43. I love wrapping presents and put it off for as long as possible so I have something to look forward to.
44. I love a good jigsaw puzzle, such a geek.
45. If pork pie, chips and pies were good for you I'd be so healthy!
46. We name everything in our house, all the teddies, Xmas decorations have names
47. I used to pretend I couldn't read the opticians board to get glasses, it never worked
48. I have a yearly shopping trip with my dad to buy mums Xmas presents!
49. I can't wait to have a big house and have all the family round for Christmas dinner
50. That was tough!
Thursday 15 October 2015
Lost my motivation
So I haven't blogged for a couple of months, It's not something I ever intended to keep adding a post to every week or so. There will be waves of several posts and sometimes you'll hear nothing from me. There's only so much creative content in my head and stuff that I feel I need to share with you that can't be done via my best friend Instagram.
So, this post... I've lost it. It's gone and I'm furious. I'm talking about motivation. As I've said before this is something that is either here in full force or completely disappeared. The past month or so I don't think I've had any losses. All maintains and a couple of weeks of plus 1lb. I want to be completely honest about this, I don't want to say 'Oh yeah I'm doing fine, the weight just keeps dropping off' - because let's face it, it's not. My lowest weight was 10st 13lbs and I felt amazing but I got stuck there for a while and now I'm back up to 11st 2lbs.
I know, I know.. that's not a massive difference. But it is for me, I started at around 11st 8/9lbs and it's taken me so long to get down to where I am now that the thought of creeping back up there terrifies me. I'm eating meals okay in the week, it's the chocolate and the biscuits that I'm struggling with. The meals out, the naughty weekends etc. Yes, they say you can adapt Slimming World to work around eating out and your lifestyle but when I'm out sat in the restaurant with the smell of chips wafting under my nose the idea of salad is long gone.
Just wanted to update this really. Just to let y'all know that I'm cracking on but not making progress and I know exactly why, I'm just struggling to stop the snacking. Might need to get my head back in my colouring book :)
So, this post... I've lost it. It's gone and I'm furious. I'm talking about motivation. As I've said before this is something that is either here in full force or completely disappeared. The past month or so I don't think I've had any losses. All maintains and a couple of weeks of plus 1lb. I want to be completely honest about this, I don't want to say 'Oh yeah I'm doing fine, the weight just keeps dropping off' - because let's face it, it's not. My lowest weight was 10st 13lbs and I felt amazing but I got stuck there for a while and now I'm back up to 11st 2lbs.
I know, I know.. that's not a massive difference. But it is for me, I started at around 11st 8/9lbs and it's taken me so long to get down to where I am now that the thought of creeping back up there terrifies me. I'm eating meals okay in the week, it's the chocolate and the biscuits that I'm struggling with. The meals out, the naughty weekends etc. Yes, they say you can adapt Slimming World to work around eating out and your lifestyle but when I'm out sat in the restaurant with the smell of chips wafting under my nose the idea of salad is long gone.
Just wanted to update this really. Just to let y'all know that I'm cracking on but not making progress and I know exactly why, I'm just struggling to stop the snacking. Might need to get my head back in my colouring book :)
Saturday 8 August 2015
Clothing haul
Here's a few bits I've bought the past couple of weeks...
H&M (In store)
Stripe Dress (size small) £4
Picked up this super short little navy striped dress. I would never wear this without leggings or tights because it's super short! It's nice and thick and I love stripes!!
Printed Dress (size medium) £5
This feels a tiny bit big, I could have got away with a smaller size because It's so stretchy. I do love it and would be ideal for holiday!
Jersey Twist Dress (size 14) £5
Love this one! It's like a sweatshirt fabric with a twist on the front. Planning on keeping it for winter with tights and booties!
-----------------------------------------------------------
NEW LOOK (online)
Printed Trousers (size 12) £6
Pink Cami Top (size 14) £5
Love these! Lightweight with elasticated waist (for food babies) perfect for summer! The top is a tiny bit big but I think it's fine tucked into some trousers.
Parisian Flares (size 14) £6
These are my favourite! I think flares are really flattering when you've got big hips :) They're ridiculously soft and really comfy.
-----------------------------------------------------------
BOOHOO (online)
Wide Leg Trousers (size 12) £5
These are really good quality for boohoo. They have a tie on the waist and like wrap around legs - hard to explain but would be perfect for holiday!
Aztec Flares (size 14) £7
Another pair of flares! Loving these too, mega comfy. Literally like wearing pyjamas - which is just ideal!
Printed Jumpsuit (size 14) £6
Soft, stretchy and super comfy. Love a good jumpsuit and this ticks all the boxes!
Split Backless Dress (size 12) £5
Can you believe this was £5??? Whaaat. I love it, no idea when or where I will wear it but I don't care haha.
So that's it apart from a few things. There is more on the way haha! What a joke I am.
Hope you've enjoyed this :) Have a good weekend!!!
Thursday 6 August 2015
The struggle is real
A none slimming world related blog post today. There is sometimes more life to than food (only sometimes). I've had a bit of a rubbish week. I haven't been on plan really and have consumed a Thai takeaway, fish and chips, wine and more. Sometimes life just gets in the way and the last thing you're bothered about is "how many syns?"
Nothing has particularly happened, you know when just being an adult can be too much in itself? I didn't imagine the stresses of life back when I was in my teens (way back when!) now I'm only 25 but myself and other half have done quite a lot in a short space of time. We've graduated from university, bought a house and now looking to move again. As well as starting and continuing to run a successful business. We work together (I can hear all the gasps) but it does work, it's hard but it works!!
So sometimes things don't always go the way you want them to, you can't always plan things because they don't work out the way you want. Nobody tells that you being an adult is difficult. There's no book on how to survive it. I look at people around me who all seem to be flying through adulthood and sometimes feel like I've just lapsed. I'm exhausted and want to hibernate until next March.
I have days where I don't want to go to work, I don't want to cook or even get out of bed and get dressed. I know there are thousands of you who feel this way and the struggle is real.
Being an adult is hard work. I don't even have children yet, god help me!
Besides this, I'm fine. I'm maintaining my weight but don't expect to lose this week. I'm enjoying my colouring book, I've bought some nice clothes this week from the online sales (this happens every week though). I've cleaned the inside of my car (never happens). I'm a very normal person really. Behind the selfies and the food pictures is just me. Hoping people say nice things and like my clothes and food (genuinely). That makes me happy, little things. So be nice to people, be the reason that somebody breaks into a smile.
Until next time ....
Sunday 2 August 2015
How I stay motivated
Firstly I'd like to start off by saying that this all my personal opinion and what motivates me won't necessarily work for you, but if you're struggling then it's worth a try.
Motivation is something I either have in full swing or it completely hides away and I can't find it for a week. There is no happy medium. I always remember as a teenager mum saying to me 'if you want to do something you'll do it because you have strong willpower'. I guess I do in a sense but when it comes to food I find it difficult. Food is up there with the top five loves in my life, maybe even top three if it really came to the crunch. I love it, I like eating, I like making food, I like going out for dinner, I like watching food on the TV, looking at food on Pinterest and Instagram. It's kind of an obsession. So, to follow slimming world and remain 'on plan' in order to shift the pounds... is no mean feat.
I would say that a strong 85% of the time I do remain on plan. By 'on plan' I mean I stay within the 15 syns and follow things as they should be. 'Off plan' to me can mean anything from 20syns a day plus, to a full blown pizza feast with wine and the works (amazing). So when it comes to staying motivated, what do I do? Well, the biggest one for me is reminding myself how I'll feel if I do go off plan. If I eat rubbish for a day, my body feels it. I'm tired, lethargic and miserable. Besides the physical effects, I also go in to a state of disappointment and panic. I wonder how it will affect my loss, I weigh myself constantly to see if the damage is showing or not. I feel terrible basically. I have to remind myself, that yes you can enjoy a night off and not worry about counting syns but at the same time I feel awful the following day knowing that I've almost betrayed myself. I shouldn't feel like that because we're all normal but I think it's natural when you're trying to lose weight to be disappointed. So whenever I feel like caving in to a bowl full of chocolate, I put myself in that mind set and tell myself I'll regret it. Sometimes though, food still overrules.
Something I get asked a lot is, "how do you stay on plan following slimming world at home?" Well, to be honest. I still set myself a weigh in day and the fear of seeing a plus on the scales is what keeps me going. I don't want to post an Instagram update with a '+' symbol ever apart from after holidays. As daft as it sounds, it's the fear of gaining weight that keeps me going. I actually never used to own a pair of scales, but it got to the point where I felt like I wasn't getting anywhere and wanted the scales to prove whether my weight was in fact going up or down.
Instagram keeps me motivated. Seeing everybody elses amazing achievements is a good way to give you a much needed kick up the arse sometimes. Take photos!!! Front, side and back at least once a week. You won't think it at the time, but scrolling back through your phone to a couple of months ago, you'll say to yourself "wow, I can see the difference".
Do NOT compare yourself to anybody else. I'm guilty for this - always. We all do it. Thoughts such as "She's so pretty" or "She's got a better ass than me", 'Her stomach is flatter than mine", "We weigh the same but I still look fat" etc etc. It has to stop. It won't make you feel any better. We're all different and just remember as much as you're envying the next person there is somebody out there wishing they looked like you.
You need to see it as a lifestyle change. Slimming World is not a diet. I don't feel like I'm dieting, I'm just eating differently to how I used to. I'll put my hands up, I used to think groups like Weight watchers and Slimming world were rubbish, stupid clubs that take you're money and you never lose weight. But I was wrong, I'll happily admit that. You've got to be in this for the long run or else it's not worth your effort. But keep at it and make it work? Well that could just be the best decision you ever made.
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