That Foodie Feeling #2: Weight Loss Journey - My Top Tips

Well hello there...

As you most probably know, I embarked on a weight loss journey last May, and lost four and a half stone. Catch up on my weight loss here.

So, today I thought I would share with you, some weight loss tips that have worked for me.

I hope that they will help you too!

Let's get started...

*I just wanted to quickly say, I am not a nutritionist, dietitian or weight loss expert. 

I have simply lost weight by eating healthily, and exercising.

And I just want to share some of the tips and tricks, that have worked for me personally, with you lovely lot!

1. Don't define food

When people say, 'Oh I can't eat that, it's really bad for me', or 'That's a naughty treat'

It really annoys me. Food isn't bad! It's delicious, nutritious and essential for living.

Yes, some foods aren't as beneficial to your health as others. But defining foods as good or bad, isn't a healthy way to live.

Instead I think of my body as a car, if you put the right fuel in, your car will run smoothly, but if you put water in the tank, then your car will most likely break down.

Fill up on whole grains, lean meats, oily fish, eggs, fruits and vegetables, foods that fuel your body. But allow yourself some of those 'bad foods' in moderation.

One chocolate bar is never going to make you fat, just as one salad isn't going to make you slim.

It's all about moderation. 

2. Don't restrict yourself

This tip goes hand in hand, with my first tip.

A lot of people that I know, when they are attempting a 'diet', throw away all their 'bad foods' and stock up on salad leaves and diet meals.

By all means, stock your fridge full of healthy, nutritious foods. But don't deny yourself the odd treat. 

I live by the 80/20 rule. I eat healthy, wholesome food 80% of the time, and I allow myself to indulge the other 20%.

I find that when you tell yourself that you can't have something, you will only crave it more, until you finally cave in and end up overdoing it on the junk.

This method may not work for everyone, but I find that treating yourself to a big, squidgy doughnut every now and then, is good for the soul!

3. Stop eating when you are full

Don't over stuff yourself. If you have a stomach ache, or feel bloated after eating, you have probably eaten too much food, too quickly.

I have been guilty of this is the past, simply eating and eating, because it's there on your plate.

Instead of wolfing down your dinner, take your time, eat slowly and actually enjoy your food.

Ideally you should feel comfortably full after eating, not unbutton-your-jeans stuffed. 

4. Don't use food as an emotional crutch

I know this is easier said than done, but don't eat your feelings. If you feel upset, angry, sad or even bored, don't reach for the Dairy Milk.

Stop, take a deep breath, and write down what is bothering you. Or you could ever call a friend or relative for some support, and advice. 

We all have those days; I like to distract myself by painting my nails, planning a blog post, watching Netflix, watching YouTube videos, or even going for a brisk walk.

The craving will pass, and you will feel so much more motivated to carry on with your journey.

5. Exercise for your health

I exercise two to three times per week, for around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how I am feeling that day. I feel happy and comfortable with my exercise plan. I feel better for doing it, it fits in to my schedule, and I have been able to stick to it long term. 

I wouldn't like to work out more than that, because I work a variety of evening shifts, I know that I would be pushing my body too far, which would result in me being moody and irritable.

Work out as much or as little as you feel like. If you love to work out 5 days a week, go for it! Or if you are more comfortable doing light exercise 2 days week, that's great too! 

As long as you are doing some form of exercise, it's going to benefit your body!

It's your journey. Do what works for you.

I hope you enjoyed this 'Weight Loss Top Tips' post, I hope that they were of help to you!
Are you on a weight loss journey, or maintaining your weight like me?
Do you have any great weight loss tips?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

*Shameless plug - I post my daily healthy meals, snacks, treats and more on my instagram, @clumsybaby, or click the link below :) 

Let's be friends!

Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin

Love Laurenx

Lifestyle: The Netflix Tag

Well hello there...

My boyfriend recently treated himself to a Playstation 4, which means we can now have Netflix in my bedroom. Whoop!

We have now become Netflix addicts, hibernating under the covers, binge watching series, and adding anything and everything to our list. Don't judge...

So, now that we have Netflix, I thought I would do the Netflix tag, and share my favourites with you lovely lot! 

Let's get started...

1. What are your favourite series to watch on Netflix?

Orange is the New Black, Orphan Black, Breakout Kings and Pretty Little Liars.

2. What are you currently watch on Netflix?

We have just finished watching the second series of Orphan Black (which is amazing by the way!) and we've just started watching The Almighty Johnsons, which is about Norse gods. 

3. If you could have any series, old or new, put on to Netflix; what would it be?

Ooh, I would love for Netflix to pick up Cougar Town, Big Bang Theory, Catfish and Modern Family!

4. What is your one peeve about Netflix?

I don't like that you have to scroll along, I think it would be better to have a list format. 

I also think Netflix should add a section, with the dates of when new series of your favourite shows, will be starting!

5. What are your essentials for a perfect night in with Netflix?

Cosy pyjamas, a bag of sweet n salty popcorn, lots of blankets, a mug of green tea, frozen grapes, and my lovely boyfriend. Perfect.

6. Recommend one series or film for someone to watch on Netflix.

Orphan Black. 

It's such a gripping show. From the get-go they draw you in to this strange world. 

It's about a girl called Sarah, who witnesses a girl who looks identical to her, called Beth, commit suicide. 

Sarah then steals her identity, but she gets more than she bargained for, as she becomes entangled in Beth's crazy life. Secrets, lies and family ties.

Watch it now. 

7. Name a series on Netflix that you keep meaning to watch, but haven't.

Chuck.

It sounds like my kind of show. It's about a computer geek called Chuck, who unwittingly catapults himself in to a new career, as the governments most vital secret agent. 

It sounds like a funny show. I really must give it a watch!

8. Did you discover anything amazing because of Netflix?

Orphan Black. It's just brilliant. 

Orange is the new black, I can't wait for the third series to start in June!

I have also just started watching Pretty Little Liars, I'm only a couple of episodes in but I can see why people have been raving about it. I'm really enjoying it so far! 

I hope you enjoyed this 'Netflix Tag' post, I tag all of you lovelies to give it a whirl!
What are your favourite Netflix shows? Are you a Netflix addict too?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Want to connect?

Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin

Love Laurenx

Date Night!

Well hello there...

Myself and the boyfriend went on a little date night to Prezzo, last weekend.

It's been months since we've had a night out, and we both had a lovely time.

P.S Prezzo's cherry sorbet is amazing!

So, I thought I'd share with you the pretty, spring make up look I wore, along with a snap of my outfit.

Let's get started...

I love these jeggings from Dorothy Perkins, they're comfy, stretchy and fit like a glove. 

Perfect for hiding my post-pasta belly!

I paired my jeans with a cute white and blue striped tee, from Primark, for a classic look. 

I wore my favourite ankle boots (similar here), again from Dorothy Perkins. 

I love these boots, they have a small heel, which helps my stubby legs to look a little bit longer. 

But they aren't too high, as I'm not the best high heel wearer. (I always end up falling on my bum!)

I finished my look with my go-to coat from Primark, and my favourite Accessorize camera bag!

Cute, yet comfy!

As for make up - I have really been loving a simple brown, slightly smoky eye look, with fluttery lashes, and a pretty pinky-nude lip. 

Now, that spring has finally sprung here in the UK. I have swapped my heavy foundation, for a lighter CC cream. I love how weightless it feels on my skin, and I think it gives a nice, dewy glow.

I have really been loving the Make Up Revolution Essential mattes palette.

 I think it has a great mix of matte shades, from pearly pinks, and chocolate browns, to pretty plums. 

The perfect spring palette!

Products used:

Bourjois CC cream

Rimmel Stay matte powder

Benefit Hoola bronzer

Make Up Revolution, Essential mattes palette

Benefit Roller lash mascara

Elizabeth Arden lipstick in 'Desert Rose'

I hope you enjoyed this 'Date night make up look' post, What do you think of my simple date night look? What is your current favourite spring make up look?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Want to connect?

Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin

Love Laurenx

Primark Hauling

Well hello there...

I rarely do hauls here on my blog. It's usually because I've forgotten what I've bloody bought!

But I have been popping in to Primark, quite a lot over the past few weeks, as they have some gorgeous pieces in. I have picked up some lovely bits for the Spring/Summer season. 

So, I thought I'd share with you, my little Primark haul!

Oops, I can't remember the prices of these items, but everything in this haul was under £15.

Let's get started...

1. I spotted these adorable 'dunk-a-licious' pyjamas, and immediately had to have them!

I mean, who doesn't love biscuits? They are super comfortable (as all Primark pj's are!) and they'll be perfect as the nights get warmer.

2. I am a sucker for anything mint green! I love these shorts. They are comfortable, breathable and they're not too short! I can't wait to wear these on the beach, over a bikini, or even just for lounging around the house. The pom pom detailing on the bottom is just so pretty!

3. Now, this is a big deal for me. I rarely wear bright prints. I usually stick to a pretty neutral base, black, white, blue, grey, nude. But I have been trying to inject some colour in to my wardrobe, so when I spotted this vest top, and knew I had to have it.

I love tie dye prints, I think they just scream summer. 

I think this top will look fab, paired with some denim shorts, and flip flops.

4. I don't own many sun dresses, as I threw all of my old, and now extremely baggy ones away, after losing weight. (Read about my weight loss journey here.) I really like this one. It's cream, with a pretty triangle print all over. I love the overlay detail, on the bust. I think it adds a little something, to an otherwise simple dress. I can't wait to dig out my nude sandals, and cropped denim jacket, to style this baby up!

5. Need I say any more? I spotted this beauty by the tills, it was only £2.00 in the sale.

I love cake, and I love cushions. It was meant to be!

6. This might seem like an odd purchase. But I wanted a lightweight waterproof jacket, for the spring/summer season. As in England, we often get 'April showers', and just rain in general.

So I thought that a lightweight jacket, would be perfect for those drizzly days.

 I hunted high and low on the high street, and just when I was about to give up, I saw this lovely one in good ol' Primark.

It's a navy blue and white striped print, with a draw string waist. 

It also folds into itself, which is fab, as it's quick and easy to just throw in your handbag. 

I got the size small, but it is quite big. But thanks to the drawstring waist, it doesn't drown me!

I hope you enjoyed this 'Primark Hauling' post, What have you been hauling lately?
Are you a Primark addict like me?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Want to connect?

Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin

Love Laurenx

Lifestyle: A Peek In To My Life #3

Well hello there...

Spring has officially sprung! We've just had Easter, hello all the discounted eggs!

This year seems to be going by so quickly. I can't wait for the weather to get all sunny, fingers crossed - this is England after all. 

So, today I thought I would share with you some of my current favourite things!

Click here to sneak a peek at my previous 'peek in to my life' post.

Let's get started...

1. Mini eggs. Need I say more? They are the best Easter time chocolatey treat, I just wish they sold them all year round!

2. Lip prepping. Now that winter is finally over, I've been giving my lips some much needed TLC. 

I bought this cracking lip scrub from Wilko, for a few quid. 

It buffs away dead skin with ease, and leaves my lips feeling super soft. 

It also smells delicious, like apricots - a winner. 

I've also been reaching for my favourite lip balms - Burt's Bees lip balm with pomegranate oil, and The Body Shop's strawberry lip butter. 

3. White pumps. A couple of weeks ago, I bought myself a pair of basic white pumps from Primark. They were only £3.00 in the sale, and I've been pretty much living in them. 

I've been pairing them with my favourite blue jeggings, and a classic striped top. I think they'll look fab with a sun dress, come summer time. 

4. Rimmel Lasting Finish Concealer. I love this concealer, it's a relatively new addition to my make up bag. It's a high coverage concealer, it covers dark circles and imperfections amazingly well. 

It has a very creamy consistency, (it's similar to the Seventeen phwoarr paint) it blends like a dream, and it stays put throughout the day. 

I think the shade range is great too, I use the shade 010 Porcelain. 

5. Nude lips. I've never been a bright lipped kinda gal. I prefer more muted and understated tones. Lately, I have been loving the Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick, in 'Pretty in Nude'.

It's such a pretty nude (see what I did there?), with a slight pink undertone. 

It has a creamy formula, which feels moisturising on my lips, and it doesn't dry them out. 

I've been pairing this lipstick with the Elizabeth Arden Luminous Lip gloss, in 'Precious Petal'.

It's such a beautiful light baby pink gloss, with a subtle shimmer. 

I think the two products together, make the perfect everyday spring lip duo. 

6. Jordan's Lighter Granola. I love granola. I have it pretty much every morning for my breakfast. 

I have quite a few bags on the go at the moment, from Nature Valley to Tesco's own brand. 

But, my current favourite has to be the Jordan's Light Strawberry and Blueberry granola.

It's so tasty! I love the strawberry and blueberry combination, and it has 30% less fat, which is always a bonus.

I have been enjoying this granola, with Total 0% fat vanilla yoghurt, and topped with fresh strawberries. Heaven in a bowl. 

7. Nivea Moisturiser. I am so lazy when it comes to moisturising my body. I always either forget, or can't be bothered! So, I picked up the 'Nivea In Shower Moisturiser' a couple of weeks ago, to try and remind myself to moisturise.

It's quick and easy to use, which is perfect for lazy girl's like me!

You simply apply the product while you are in the shower, and then rinse off.

Easy peasy! It's a great moisturiser too. It leaves my skin feeling lovely and soft. 

I hope you enjoyed this 'A peek in to my life' post, What products have you been loving lately?

I'd love to know, leave me a lovely comment below.

Want to connect?

Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin

Love Laurenx