Slimming Down and Hitting the Sales

nickiprofAug

I’m back at Weight Watchers….

Yes, I know, you’ve heard it all before (although to be fair it is usually Slimming World), however this time I mean business and it certainly seems to be paying off. WW have a new Smartpoints plan which works brilliantly for me and so I’m hopeful I’ll see some significant weight losses over the next six months.

The problem with slimming down is the fact that you can’t take your clothes with you. I’ve already lost a few pounds and if I lose too many more my jeans will let me down and I’ll be shamed on the school run for flashing my M&S belly-grabber knickers.

In the past, I’ve refused to buy new clothes when losing weight because of course I knew I’d be (hopefully) shrinking out of them. I’ve made do with what I’ve got (despite it looking too baggy) or hit the charity shop for some “in-between” basics. This time around I’m doing things differently. I’m not waiting until I hit goal before buying new clothes, I want to enjoy clothes and feel good about myself now!

This is of course where the Yorkshire/Irish mix in me (frugal leaning towards being tight when it comes to spending on myself) is in conflict with my “I want to look nice and have nice things” self. The answer…. Sale shopping!

One thing I do not do, or do as rarely as possible is go physically clothes shopping. I hate it! The queue for the changing room, the VERY unflattering lighting and huge mirrors coupled with that unique changing room smell makes it a nightmare for me, and one to be avoided at all cost.

This time around I’ll be hitting the online Vivienne Westwood sale instead of the charity shops or even the online Joules sale (if I’m feeling brave enough!). I’m making another new clothing change too, this time around I’m not going to keep my “big” clothes. They encourage me to slip into them when I gain a few pounds rather than keep slimming to stay in the new size (slimmers will understand what I mean!) so they have to go!

I’m quite looking forward to this next leg in the Grand Nicki Weight-Loss Journey, including (for the first time) designer clothes shopping online.

To keep me going (I’m determined!) share with me your top Weight Watchers or slimming down hints, tips and tricks!

Trying Something New

Trying Something New

When I was at school an art teacher told me that everyone should take an artistic/creative subject however in my case they should probably make an exception. Hardly inspiring but to be fair I’ve never been very good with making things, art, crafty stuff and whatnot.

I actually surprised myself when I signed up to a jewellery making workshop at my friend’s local shop (Kristina’s in Thirsk – well worth a visit) but figured as long as my clumsiness didn’t cause actual injury to anyone it was bound to be a giggle. A giggle? It was however more than that, I really surprised myself. I created a couple of rings during that first session and it’s safe to say I was buzzing by the time I’d left. I didn’t hesitate to book onto the next workshop (they run on the second Thursday of each month).

I’m so glad I did! This was an open session where we could make anything from any of the projects that had been covered over the past 5 sessions, with Rae of Rae Finn Jewellery standing by to help, support and encourage. I chose to make a bracelet and a necklace and by the end of the evening had created this little lot:

jewellery

To say I was proud of myself would be a huge understatement and I have well and truly caught the jewellery making bug. A shame Mr Art Teacher won’t see this but hey-ho, I took a chance to try something outside of my comfort zone for me, not him and guess what… I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks! Now all I need to do is to stock up on some beads, some wire, string, clasp, tools….. I’ll have to do some shopping around to bag some bargains.