Showing posts with label the sun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the sun. Show all posts
Sunday, 2 September 2012
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Well that was 2011!
It has passed in a blink of an eye and a constant flurry of activities. 2011, has been a great year! My family have continued to make me proud and are my greatest joy and achievement. Freddy has grown into a bright and gorgeous toddler (with a Diva-ish penchant for dancing in his big sister's dresses!) Kizzy is thriving at school and has enjoyed taking part in the Gifted and Talented programme. Ella's musical talents continue to astound me with her beautiful guitar playing and vocals. Megan is doing so well applying for Graduate schemes ready for September. Joe has been promoted at work with his new post starting in January. But 2011 has been a great year for me personally too! My blog has continued to present me with amazing opportunities and I have been amazed at how much it has evolved over the last 12 months. Here are some of my highlights of the year.
My success with my weightloss has seen me have photoshoots for The Sun and Top Sante and I have appeared in the Mail Online. I was the runner-up in the Slimpod Slimmer of the Year competition which was a huge honour, after shedding 3 stone with the Lose 2 Jeans Sizes Slimpod! This year I want to lose another stone and maintain a comfortable size 12. That will be a huge achievement and will make me truly believe that I have completely kicked the yoyo diet habits forever. I am forever indebted to the wonderful Sandra Roycroft-Davis who I have met on numerous occasions this year.
In 2011 I have been a Craniac for John Crane, a Graco Ambassador and a Toys R Us Toyologist. I have worked with some great companies including UK Mums TV, Aldi, Regis, Pampers, Warner Bros, P&O, Quinny, Next and Ubisoft. I love working closely with brands that I believe in. It is an amazing opportunity to test out products and attend events, and share my thoughts on my blog.
In 2011 I enjoyed going to Cybermummy along with fellow ambassador Emma representing Graco. With a hire car from Hyundai and Lou as my co-pilot we had a great time meeting fellow bloggers and learning a thing or two about the blogging world. I even won the passport competition, winning a weekend at The Four Seasons Hotel. Above all though, attending this event was a huge achievement for me. Just a few months prior to this, I would never have dreamt that I would be able to drive all the way to London and stay in a hotel on my own without Ian by my side. This was a real test for me and my self-confidence...and I've not looked back since!
I took Kizzy to the Hexbugs Bedbugs Sleepover at London Zoo. It was amazing sleeping on the floor of a bug house alongside ants and cockroaches after having a private tour of the zoo by torchlight. We went with Helen and her daughter Hanna who were perfect company.
The Next event to preview the SS12 range was a wonderful, child friendly affair where we were thoroughly spoiled! I had some photos taken of Freddy which I absolutely love. I'm proud to be part of the Next Blogger Network and would love to work with them again in 2012.
I guest edited Real People which was a real highlight of the year and got to produce a two page spread that appeared in the magazine. It was an amazing experience that gave me the chance to recommend some of my favourite blogs and top toys.
Attending the Tots 100 Butlins Christmas Party was a wonderful opportunity to combine blogging with my family, as me, Ian and the kids descended on the Bognor Regis resort. I had a really great time catching up with favourite online friends and spending some quality pre-Christmas fun with my family. Thanks again to Sally!
The Rachel's Organic event at Buxted Park Hand Picked Hotel was another wonderful opportunity. We watched top chef Lucy Hyder prepare dishes using Rachel's products before being treated to a sumptuous four course meal in the 5* restaurant. The hotel was exquisite, the company was superb and the food was out of this world.
I have enjoyed family outings to zoos, safari parks, theme parks, Blackpool dungeons and events such as Bob's Big Build (where we enjoyed a marvellous breakfast on board a Clipper alongside Danielle, Helen and families before arriving at the O2 for lots of Bob related fun!). Sharing the benefits of blogging with the children and Ian is a real bonus, making the hours spent tapping away on my laptop worthwhile. The children have also relished the opportunity of being my Tiny Testers, helping me with my reviews. I couldn't have done it without them!
What a great year 2011 has been! Here's hoping that 2012 is going to be as successful, eventful and fun for us all! I hope to see many more of you in 2012...our community is a wonderful place and I am honoured to be a part of it! Happy New Year! xxx
My success with my weightloss has seen me have photoshoots for The Sun and Top Sante and I have appeared in the Mail Online. I was the runner-up in the Slimpod Slimmer of the Year competition which was a huge honour, after shedding 3 stone with the Lose 2 Jeans Sizes Slimpod! This year I want to lose another stone and maintain a comfortable size 12. That will be a huge achievement and will make me truly believe that I have completely kicked the yoyo diet habits forever. I am forever indebted to the wonderful Sandra Roycroft-Davis who I have met on numerous occasions this year.
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| Top Sante shoot by Thomas Skovsende |
In 2011 I enjoyed going to Cybermummy along with fellow ambassador Emma representing Graco. With a hire car from Hyundai and Lou as my co-pilot we had a great time meeting fellow bloggers and learning a thing or two about the blogging world. I even won the passport competition, winning a weekend at The Four Seasons Hotel. Above all though, attending this event was a huge achievement for me. Just a few months prior to this, I would never have dreamt that I would be able to drive all the way to London and stay in a hotel on my own without Ian by my side. This was a real test for me and my self-confidence...and I've not looked back since!
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| Feeling like an official Blogger at Cybermummy |
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| Meeting a Tarantula at London Zoo |
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| Fred modelling his Next jeans (Next jumper was removed prior to photoshoot!) |
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| My Real People pages! |
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| Our Tree Decorating Team at Butlins |
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| Me and Lucy Hyder of Buxted Park. |
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| Kizzy at Bob's Big Build |
Monday, 10 October 2011
My Moment of Fame in The Sun
Today was the day when my photos appeared in a national newspaper! I had done the photoshoot in London a couple of weeks ago and had been simultaneously looking forward to / dreading the article on my weight loss appearing in The Sun. You always wonder who might end up seeing it...ex-boyfriends for example. *shudders* But as soon as I saw the article I stopped worrying about those things.
I am really proud to be helping Sandra with promoting her product. The Thinking Slimmer Slimpod has definitely changed my attitude towards eating. Unlike other times when I have religiously and obsessively dieted, the Slimpod allows me to take days off to enjoy special meals without slipping down the slope to gluttony and impending failure. My appetite is more controlled and my old tendency to craving foods has disappeared. My mind has definitely been retuned. It makes it so much easier to eat well and not obsess about food 24/7.
I hope the article helps other people who have had a similar bad relationship to food to seek new methods to solving their problems. So many people are resorting to extreme methods of weight loss such as diet pills or even gastric band surgery. Everyone with a weight problem or an issue with food should at least try the Slimpod first. There really is nothing to lose (except weight!!). It's non-evasive, safe and so very easy. It has helped me battle my demons. You have to want it and work with it...but you do it willingly without feeling deprived or miserable. My weight gain over the years has been completely self-inflicted...turning that on its head has resulted in sustained weight loss and increased confidence.
I am enjoying being a size 12 again!
If you want to read the whole article this is the link.
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
My Day as a Model!
I am actually feeling quite exhausted! Spending the day as a model on a photoshoot is not as easy as it looks! Clothing changes, make-up touch ups, striking poses...all while wearing 5" ill fitting heels is a real art! But I survived and had a fab time!
I was invited to do a photoshoot for The Sun as a Thinking Slimmer success story. I've been one of Sandra's Slimpod triallists since November 2010 and have found the results to be life changing. My yo-yo diet lifestyle finally seems to be a thing of the past. The three stone within which my weight fluctuated seems to be gone for good. I still have a stone to lose before I feel completely safe, but I've gone from a 16/18 to a size 12 and feel more positive about my life than ever before.
Today I got up at silly o'clock and hopped on a train to Euston where I was met by Sandra. A cab took us to Click Studios where my day as a 'model' began. I was transformed by a make-up artist to the stars!! My hair was curled and my face painted with a range of Mac make-up that would have made my make-up-obsessed 9 year old drool! A range of fabulous new season clothing from Debenhams arrived for me to try on. I have been having anxiety dreams about nothing fitting me, and being sent away shame-faced for being a dieting fraud...so I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I wriggled my way into a pair of size 12 Julien MacDonald Star jeans. I tried on a selection of tops and some wicked heeled shoes. When they were happy with my look I stepped out into the studio (although my stepping was more hobbling in the heels!)
The photographer got me to 'bend my leg', 'pop my hip' , 'drop my chin', 'tilt my head' and adopt shapes that were straight from Modelling 101! He complimented my natural smile and made me feel at ease.
Next stop was a dress that looked very 50's. With the make-over and the dress I looked exactly like my mum used to. It was a bit uncanny! More posing, more killer heels and another clothes change and I was done. It was quite a work out...seriously!
Celebrity nutritionist Amanda Ursell and fitness expert Nicki Waterman were on hand to chat to me about my lifestyle and my journey and offered me advice. I asked Nicki about my ruptured stomach muscles following Freddy's pregnancy and birth. She had me lie down in the middle of the studio and gave my stomach a poke and told me that me muscles are still not knitted together properly which is why I struggle to exercise and get a toned tummy. She showed me somethings I could do and is going to help me. Hopefully it will work...otherwise I might need surgery!! *gulps*
It was an amazing experience, and the article will be in The Sun shortly. I took a few photos of myself all glammed up, but look forward to seeing the full length shots. I have to cast from my mind the fact that thousands of people are going to see me in the paper...or I'll get all panicky!! (I hope they airbrush the finished result!! I want the same treatment as the celebrities!!)
If you are yet to discover Thinking Slimmer Slimpods, check out their life changing products at thinkingslimmer.com. They have literally changed the way I think about food and given me a freedom from so many of my issues. If you think they could help you...don't hesitate!
Thanks again to the wonderful Sandra from Thinking Slimmer for this amazing opportunity :) xxx
I was invited to do a photoshoot for The Sun as a Thinking Slimmer success story. I've been one of Sandra's Slimpod triallists since November 2010 and have found the results to be life changing. My yo-yo diet lifestyle finally seems to be a thing of the past. The three stone within which my weight fluctuated seems to be gone for good. I still have a stone to lose before I feel completely safe, but I've gone from a 16/18 to a size 12 and feel more positive about my life than ever before.
Today I got up at silly o'clock and hopped on a train to Euston where I was met by Sandra. A cab took us to Click Studios where my day as a 'model' began. I was transformed by a make-up artist to the stars!! My hair was curled and my face painted with a range of Mac make-up that would have made my make-up-obsessed 9 year old drool! A range of fabulous new season clothing from Debenhams arrived for me to try on. I have been having anxiety dreams about nothing fitting me, and being sent away shame-faced for being a dieting fraud...so I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I wriggled my way into a pair of size 12 Julien MacDonald Star jeans. I tried on a selection of tops and some wicked heeled shoes. When they were happy with my look I stepped out into the studio (although my stepping was more hobbling in the heels!)
The photographer got me to 'bend my leg', 'pop my hip' , 'drop my chin', 'tilt my head' and adopt shapes that were straight from Modelling 101! He complimented my natural smile and made me feel at ease.
Next stop was a dress that looked very 50's. With the make-over and the dress I looked exactly like my mum used to. It was a bit uncanny! More posing, more killer heels and another clothes change and I was done. It was quite a work out...seriously!
Celebrity nutritionist Amanda Ursell and fitness expert Nicki Waterman were on hand to chat to me about my lifestyle and my journey and offered me advice. I asked Nicki about my ruptured stomach muscles following Freddy's pregnancy and birth. She had me lie down in the middle of the studio and gave my stomach a poke and told me that me muscles are still not knitted together properly which is why I struggle to exercise and get a toned tummy. She showed me somethings I could do and is going to help me. Hopefully it will work...otherwise I might need surgery!! *gulps*
It was an amazing experience, and the article will be in The Sun shortly. I took a few photos of myself all glammed up, but look forward to seeing the full length shots. I have to cast from my mind the fact that thousands of people are going to see me in the paper...or I'll get all panicky!! (I hope they airbrush the finished result!! I want the same treatment as the celebrities!!)
If you are yet to discover Thinking Slimmer Slimpods, check out their life changing products at thinkingslimmer.com. They have literally changed the way I think about food and given me a freedom from so many of my issues. If you think they could help you...don't hesitate!
Thanks again to the wonderful Sandra from Thinking Slimmer for this amazing opportunity :) xxx
Thursday, 3 February 2011
CLOSED: Jamie at Home DVDs for FREE!
Jamie Oliver is without doubt one of the most recognisable celebrity chefs in the UK today. With his cheeky, no nonsense manner, his passion for good food and his quirky catchphrases, he has become a firm favourite in many households!
The Sun Newspaper and The Sun Buzz Magazine have an exciting offer coming up for fans of Jamie and keen cooks alike. They are running a promotion between the 5th and the 11th of February, whereby everyday you can collect a token that is instantly redeemable in Tesco, which gives you a free cardboard sleeved DVD of two complete episodes of Jamie at Home. Token one is in Buzz magazine, the rest will be in the newspaper. There are six DVDs in all which gives you the entire twelve episodes of the Jamie at Home Series to enjoy.
I've been given a full set of the DVDs to review and a second set to giveaway on my blog (further details below!)
Jamie at Home is a beautifully filmed and inspirational series. It shows Jamie in his garden throughout the year, enthusing about his home grown produce. The wonderful array of fruit and vegetables, from Summer salads to Winter vegetables, are transformed into delicious, seasonal, no-nonsense recipes. There are hints and tips on the practicalities of gardening and he makes it look so appealing. He cooks indoors and out and produces some wonderful food... stews, soups, pot roasts, pizzas, preserves, pies and salads. My favourite recipe was a unique take on coleslaw using winter vegetables in a yogurt and mustard dressing. There is something for everyone in this entertaining series.
The DVDs are approximately 50 minutes long and cover the following subjects:
Furred Game and Pastry
Leeks and Winter Veg
Eggs and Lamb
Asparagus and Peas and Beans
Strawberries and Summer Brassica
Summer Salad and Rhubarb
I am a vegetarian, but even I found plenty of ideas and inspiration, and many of the recipes can be adapted. He makes an amazing bubble and squeak with sausages and caramelised onions...easy to make a veggie version! And his apple pie...well, simply delicious!
I have been given a complete set of the Jamie at Home DVDs to give away to one of my readers. To win simply leave me a comment below saying you'd like to be entered. (Facebook followers can leave me a comment on my Facebook page if they want to be entered).
Tweet for a second entry (please tell me you've done it in a comment!) "I've entered to win Jamie at Home DVDs from @wendymcd83 at http://tinyurl.com/66slgtu"
Make sure you leave me a way of contacting you. UK only please. Giveaway will be drawn on the 9th February. Good luck!
Check out @TheSun_Buzz on Twitter for celebrity gossip, TV news and fun!
The Sun Newspaper and The Sun Buzz Magazine have an exciting offer coming up for fans of Jamie and keen cooks alike. They are running a promotion between the 5th and the 11th of February, whereby everyday you can collect a token that is instantly redeemable in Tesco, which gives you a free cardboard sleeved DVD of two complete episodes of Jamie at Home. Token one is in Buzz magazine, the rest will be in the newspaper. There are six DVDs in all which gives you the entire twelve episodes of the Jamie at Home Series to enjoy.
I've been given a full set of the DVDs to review and a second set to giveaway on my blog (further details below!)
Jamie at Home is a beautifully filmed and inspirational series. It shows Jamie in his garden throughout the year, enthusing about his home grown produce. The wonderful array of fruit and vegetables, from Summer salads to Winter vegetables, are transformed into delicious, seasonal, no-nonsense recipes. There are hints and tips on the practicalities of gardening and he makes it look so appealing. He cooks indoors and out and produces some wonderful food... stews, soups, pot roasts, pizzas, preserves, pies and salads. My favourite recipe was a unique take on coleslaw using winter vegetables in a yogurt and mustard dressing. There is something for everyone in this entertaining series.
The DVDs are approximately 50 minutes long and cover the following subjects:
Furred Game and Pastry
Leeks and Winter Veg
Eggs and Lamb
Asparagus and Peas and Beans
Strawberries and Summer Brassica
Summer Salad and Rhubarb
I am a vegetarian, but even I found plenty of ideas and inspiration, and many of the recipes can be adapted. He makes an amazing bubble and squeak with sausages and caramelised onions...easy to make a veggie version! And his apple pie...well, simply delicious!
I have been given a complete set of the Jamie at Home DVDs to give away to one of my readers. To win simply leave me a comment below saying you'd like to be entered. (Facebook followers can leave me a comment on my Facebook page if they want to be entered).
Tweet for a second entry (please tell me you've done it in a comment!) "I've entered to win Jamie at Home DVDs from @wendymcd83 at http://tinyurl.com/66slgtu"
Make sure you leave me a way of contacting you. UK only please. Giveaway will be drawn on the 9th February. Good luck!
Check out @TheSun_Buzz on Twitter for celebrity gossip, TV news and fun!
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