100 days!

So... time to motivate this bottom of mine and get lighter for the next junket! I'm pretty sure I should have been an air hostess or at the very least be the wife of a hot airline pilot!!! Anyways... in 100 days I'm off on my USA road trip with my best pal and I want *cue spice girls song* I REALLY REALLY want... to have my 10th stone in my paws before I go... is it achievable? Absolutely... but will I sabotage myself? NOT THIS TIME MAMA! After my mental and wardrobe 'spring clean' it's time to focus on tracking, exercising, weighing portions and getting the last few stone gone!

So a 100 day countdown it is... my pink tracker will be with me at all times, a birthday gift that I'm going to use well! I've added my chart below, if anyone wants to try a challenge for themselves feel free to print it out and tag along with me! (I can email a PDF to anyone who would like it!) It's a 100 day countdown which will bring us to the 1st of August 2015 starting today! That's 14 weeks and 2 days! 1 lb a week is a stone lighter before you face the beach or bare all to the rest of the summer folk... think about it... 

I'll be doing a weekly countdown post, I'm going to exercise everyday so I'll track my progress on instagram, just to keep me even more accountable! So if you fancy it, tag along with me and set yourself a goal... want to fit into that bikini? Get into the next stone bracket? get a silver 7 or even hit goal? We all need something to keep us motivated and summers nearly here, and August is the month when everyone is in holiday mode, how do you really want to feel when it comes around... it's easy to get sidetracked and 'wait till the kids go back to school' ...but the arms will be out, flip flops donned, shorts and swimming cossies with limbs bared all over the shop! We all know that feeling of dread... well that could be gone and filled to the brim with the feeling of confidence! Imagine what you could lose in 100 days! Who's with me?!

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Nobó!

You all know how I champion Irish companies... well the latest is Nobó... which FYI means 'no cow' in Irish... No Bó... meaning dairy free... people who make dairy free ice cream are a girls best friend right?!? I spotted these in my local Supervalu and I've tried the vanilla & coconut one... I may have to write a 'Dear John' letter to my pals Ben and Jerry... it is lovely and one to definitely have in the freezer over the coming summer months...  

So... whaddya mean 'dairy free'?! Well it's made with coconut milk, avocado, water and sweetened with honey so you've still got the creamy ice cream texture but dairy free.. they'd be great in smoothies too! 

There are 5 in the range but I could only get my paws on these three in my local Supervalu ... but there's a Passion Fruit & Mango and a Salted Caramel version out there somewhere which is one DEFINITELY going on my wish list... These work out at 5PP per 100ml... the full PP per 500ml vary x  

Nobó Vanilla and Coconut Flavour

5PP per 100g

26PP per 500ml

Nobó Chocolate and Toasted Almond Flavour

5PP per 100ml 

27PP per 500ml

Nobó Fresh Lemon Flavour

5PP per 100ml

23PP per 500ml

You can find a list of stockists online >>> HERE <<<

Facebook >>> HERE <<< 

Or tweet them >>> HERE <<<

I'll keep you posted on the 'salted caramel' situation! 

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PUT. THEM. BACK!

They are teeny tiny... you'd think you could get 3 for a single point they're THAT small...  I actually dropped these back in the freezer when I worked the Pro Points out! 

2PP (TWO!) per teeny tiny cone! Hoovered in one mouthful! 

Same as the Crunchie ones... 2PP per cone... 

'Try me frozen' it said... so I did! You know what... they're actually rather nice... These little cake rolls were out in Mint & caramel flavour last year and Dealz were doing them for the fabliss €1.49... lots of chewing in them from the freezer (not as good as your Curly Wurly though but safer on the teeth...) 

3PP per roll... MUCH better than the teeny tiny deceptive sneaky little cones... 

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Think Pink!

http://www.greatpinkrun.ie

>>> HERE <<< 

The above link is all you need for this post... on the 30th of August, when everyone is thinking... 'Summer is over...' 'back to school...' moan and groan... well, send it out the summer with a bang!

 

The great pink run is brilliant... I've done it and loved every second... the craic before and after was excellent! The support and camaraderie is epic! Plus... there's a prize for best dressed! AND its all about PINK!!! I mean seriously it's like it's made for me!

Little people, fluffy four legged people, even grumpy old people are all welcome... 

and there's nothing prettier than a man in pink plaits! 

10km for the running types, there's a Sonia O'Sullivan challenge on the site for the speedsters and 5km for the walkers/fun runners... Eleven weeks to go... so get a few bob from work, school, uni... have a bake sale.. coffee morning... a euro a kilometre from the family and you'll be supporting Breast Cancer Ireland to boot...

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hello summer..... um....

Probably the coldest wettest day in May ever to be posting this but you'll be prepared for when the heatwave gets here next week yeah?!? *crosses fingers, toes and eyes!*

ICE CREAM...
After eight ice cream dessert 100g = 7 pp
Brunch = 6 pp
Calippo (orange) = 3 pp
Carte dor light ice cream 50g/100ml = 2 pp
Choc ice = 5 pp
Cornetto Classico = 5 pp
Cornetto Strawberry = 5 pp 
Cornetto Mint = 5 pp
Crème egg ice cream = 5 pp
Del Monte Iced smoothie (raspberry) = 3 pp
Del Monte Ice Lollies (orange) = 2 pp
Feast = 8 pp
Frozen Fruit Pastilles Ice Lolly = 2 pp
Galaxy Caramel Ice Cream = 8 pp
Ice berger = 5 pp
Ice cream, low-fat, 1 scoop = 2 pp
Loop the Loop ice pop = 2 pp
Magnum white = 7 pp
Magnum classic = 7 pp
Magnum almond = 7 pp
Malteaser Ice Cream = 4 pp
Mars Ice Cream = 4 pp
Mini Magnum = 5 pp
Mini Milk Ice Lollies = 1 pp
Maxi twist = 5 pp
Mint cornetto = 5 pp
Ribena Ice Lollies = 1 pp
Skinny Cow Triple Chocolate Brownie Ice cream 3x100ml = 2 pp
Skinny Cow Mint Double Chocolate Ice Cream 3x100ml = 3 pp
Smartie Cone = 5 pp
Snickers ice cream = 6 pp 
Solero Exotic = 3 pp
Super split = 2 pp 
Twister = 2 pp
Wibbly wobbly wonder = 4 pp

and for the '99' fans.. sans Flake I'm afraid... Booooooo 

Small = 4 pp

Medium = 5 pp

Large = 6 pp

(these are listed on the right under dairy if you get stuck... >>> )

Now for a little diet maths... I like you all to get more food for your ProPoints!

The Skinny Cow... no relation... is stocked in the bigger Supervalus and in some Tescos... there's three in a box and are 2 PP ... and honestly... they are streets ahead of the mini magnums... even the WW ones which at 3PP are just the same as the 'real' mini magnums... twice the ice cream for a ProPoint less! 

The REAL mini magnums come in at 5 PP for the classic, almond and white... But it's only 7 PP for the classic full size magnum, 8 PP for the full size almond and 7 PP for the full size white! See where I'm going with this... 

Magnum 'temptation' chocolate is 6 PP... 'Temptation' caramel & almond is 7pp... 

Top of the magnums is the 'Double caramel' at 10 PP !

and the celebratory 25 year Magnum Marc De Champagne is 7 PP 

Now if someone could sort out the weather... sigh... 

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Ice cream you scream...

It's coming.. they keep telling us... Summer is on the way... These pots from Supervalu are your Ben & Jerry size of 500ml... there is 5 'portions' in each ... or so they think.. each 100ml is 5PP now I've only tasted the rocky road which I brought to someone elses house to get it out of mine... but it was VERY nice... 

The 'Lemon Crunch', 'Caramel Biscuit' and 'Rocky Road' are all 25PP per tub (or 5PP per portion as recommend on the pack) ... the 'Cookies & Cream' 20PP If you're an ice cream lover they are nice and you could spend some of your weeklies on it... or if try out the 'banana ice cream' for 0 PP (not a typo! ZERO!) >>> HERE <<<

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Bank Holiday Challenge!

Now before you all correct me… I know it's 9 weeks till the actual June bank holiday but I'm allowing for Easter, the May Holiday and I'm away for a week too… so this will finish just in time! 

How it's gonna work you ask … 

Put you're name below if you're going to do the challenge for the full 8 weeks… I love seeing people take part and you all motivate each other so much but it takes a lot of time to get everyones weigh ins together and if you only want to sign up for a few weeks, I'll put up some graphics up next week and you can print out and do the challenge at home at your own pace and let me know how you are doing… 

The challenge will run for 8 weeks… there will be a post up every Friday morning (called 'weigh in 4/5/6') for posting your losses … and I'll post up the revised chart on a Monday morning! 

So in keeping with the Bank Holiday theme… Get yourself a little 'piggy bank'… it can be a bottle, jar, teacup, box… whatever you fancy and for every pound you lose… put in a euro, or two euro.. whatever you can part with each week… better still get the boyfriend, wife, flat mate, colleagues, siblings, mum or dad to part with a euro per pound too to support you and the end of it, you'll have at least €8 to spend on you… a new nail polish… a magazine… a treat… No one is going to be a millionaire but you will want to see that pot growing!!!

Half a stone going by the bank holiday can mean a dress size for most of us! With a few long weekends and Easter to contend with it won't be easy but it CAN be done! So who's in?

In other news…  I've been given the all clear by my physio, soooo as long as I follow his training plan for my dodgy knee, I can do the mini marathon on the June Bank Holiday! Fingers crossed eh? YAY! 

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Something fishy...

You all know my eternal quest to make lunch less boring.. I'm a big tuna fan... but have only recently spotted these little 'infusion' beauties.. (its also shark week so its gonna get a lil' fishy in here!)

With your 'Pat-the-baker' slimbos, a wrap or feck it .. bread! Add loads of fat free salad stuff and you'll have a very flavourful lunchbox! Just something to spice things up before we all face the winter soup-a-thon! 

Doll x

John West Infusions - chilli & garlic, per 100g - 5 pp

7 pp per 130g pack

John West Infusions - Basil, per 100g  6 pp

8 pp per 130g pack

John West 'Light lunch' - Mediterranean style salad per 100g - 2 pp

5 pp per 220g pack

John West 'Light lunch' - French style salad per 100g - 3 pp

6 pp per 220g pack

John West Tuna with a twist - with french dressing per 100g - 4 pp

3 pp per 85g pack

John West Tuna with a twist - with lime & black pepper per 100g - 4 pp

4 pp per 85g pack

John West Tuna with a twist - with oven dried tomato&herb dressing per 100g - 3 pp

3 pp per 85g pack

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It's getting hot in here....

Currently in Chateau Doll... 

I've done many posts on here about the joys of ice cream... in fact one of my more popular posts is with my two favourite boys... Ben & Jerry! But its hot.. and its probably the only summer we're gonna get.. I say indulge in your fav and get right on over your self.. The selection for low Pro Pointed ice creams is great.. and ice lollys are generally lower than ice creams... Sure it'll be winter by the middle of next week.. enjoy the sun dolls and don't forget your suncream! 

Already listed under Wheat & dairy >>>>
but here's a reminder.. 

ICE CREAM...

After eight ice cream dessert 100g = 7 pp

Brunch = 6 pp

Calippo (orange) = 3 pp

Carte dor light ice cream 50g/100ml = 2 pp

Choc ice = 5 pp

Cornetto Classico = 5 pp

Cornetto Strawberry = 5 pp 

Cornetto Mint = 5 pp

Crème egg ice cream = 5 pp

Del Monte Iced smoothie (raspberry) = 3 pp

Del Monte Ice Lollies (orange) = 2 pp

Feast = 8 pp

Frozen Fruit Pastilles Ice Lolly = 2 pp

Galaxy Caramel Ice Cream = 8 pp

Ice berger = 5 pp

Ice cream, low-fat, 1 scoop = 2 pp

Loop the Loop ice pop = 2 pp

Magnum white = 7 pp

Magnum classic = 7 pp

Magnum almond = 7 pp

Malteaser Ice Cream = 4 pp

Mars Ice Cream = 4 pp

Mini Magnum = 5 pp

Mini Milk Ice Lollies = 1 pp

Maxi twist = 5 pp

Mint cornetto = 5 pp

Ribena Ice Lollies = 1 pp

Skinny Cow Triple Chocolate Brownie Ice cream 3x100ml = 2 pp

Skinny Cow Mint Double Chocolate Ice Cream 3x100ml = 3 pp

Smartie Cone = 5 pp

Snickers ice cream = 6 pp 

Solero Exotic = 3 pp

Super split = 2 pp 

Twister = 2 pp

Wibbly wobbly wonder = 4 pp

and 99 fans sans Flake I'm afraid (nice try though!)...

Small = 4 pp

Medium = 5 pp

Large = 6 pp

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"R" is for...

REWARDS...

Even if your goal takes a lot of work and a long time to achieve, is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Is there a treat that is so appealing that you can't help but be drawn to it? Apart from the obvious benefits and wins like lower blood pressure, more energy, more fashionable clothes... we all have something in mind, a promise we made to ourselves once we got to goal... a fancy pair of shoes, a makeover, a new haircut, a holiday in a bikini.... These are good things to have.. but along the journey when you're feeling a little .. meh... then you have to reward yourself or you'll lose the plot and just give in... One gal in my class has a pedicure/manicure/facial for every silver 7.. it spurs her on... its summer and her toes are coming out (dear GOD let the sun shine this weekend!) .. and treat don't have to be expensive! They're very personal and 

Buy yourself ... a belt, cause you're shrinking... a book, flowers, clothes (shirt, shorts, skirt, jacket, jeans, etc., DVD, exercise clothes, healthy cookbook, iPod or mp3 player, iPhone, or iPad accessory, kitchen gadget, magazine subscription, membership (to a website, club, museum, etc.), new shoes, perfume/cologne, picture frame, exercise equipment (ball, weights, resistance bands, yoga mat, etc.), jewelry, fancy underwear...

Rewards don’t have to be expensive.

Download an app, computer game, exercise video, kindle book (e-book), movie...

Earn a date night with your significant other, a day off from doing the dishes or pick some housework you hate (ironing people!)... get a massage, a night off from cooking, a night off from giving the kids a bath.. whatever is a treat to you...

Spend time alone.... and do nothing... how often do you just sit down and do NOTHING.. just enjoy peace and quiet, lay down for a nap, read a book or magazine, sip coffee or tea and watch the world go by... Watch your favorite TV show (reserve the TV!!!)

Spend time doing anything you enjoy but don’t typically take the time to do.

Go to the bowling alley, comedy club, get tickets to a concert, golf course (even if its crazy golf!), go to the movies or a museum, take a day for yourself at the spa, or just decide today is your day and wander around at the zoo... 

Pamper yourself.... try acupuncture, run yourself a bubble bath with some fancy new  products, book yourself in for a facial.. I did this after I was sick and my poor skin needed it badly.. it was such a treat and well worth the money.. try a new haircut, feck it a new color, even a bit of fake tan would make you feel good about you!

Start saving and put the money towards a gift card for your favorite store, horse back riding, hot air balloon ride, a personal training session, sky diving, Spa day, a weekend trip...something you've really wanted to do but just haven't got round to it for whatever reasons... 

Set up a reward system where you earn money for achieving daily or weekly goals. Save the money in a jar or bank account and spend it on a large reward once you’ve earned enough. You could even start a matching program (euro for euro) if you have the cooperation from a significant other, friend, or family member!

Take a class from photography to golf.. whatever takes your fancy...

You're succeeding and you deserve to celebrate it!

RESULTS
Non scale victories can sometimes be your biggest friends.. that bloody scale hasn't moved in a few weeks and you're sick of counting points.. but .. but .. but.. wait! Your belt on your jeans in a notch tighter and that 'snug' dress just glides on now! Every thing from the seat belt on an airplane to being about to put on a sundress and not freak out about your bingo wings! You can sit in a meeting knowing the buttons on your shirt arent' going to take someones eye out! It all adds to your confidence... and the more compliments you get and the better you feel, the more likely you are to stay on track! Don't take the number on the scale as the be all and end all...

REVAMP
Throw out old clothes… I'm currently in the process of doing just that! 3 bags so far! You're never going to be that size again! If you keep your fat pants.. in your mind you're doubting your own success... chuck em! Get that haircut you've wanted but didn't have the confidence to get let alone brazen it out! Get some pals you trust and have a mini Gok session.. new underwear.. lads look away... I have gone down a bra size recently but when I got measured and fitted my boobs actually looked bigger!!! I KNOW!!! So the right undies make ALL the difference! Your body is changing so the clothes you put on it need to adjust too!

REFUSE
... to give up... Don't let the biscuit tin win... 

RECIPES
You all know I love to cook.. and I really must get around to adding more recipes on here.. I don't work for Weight Watchers but their cook books are ACE! Most of their products are over processed and whilst handy to have as a back up in the freezer or cupboard ... I'm the kinda gal who likes to make stuff from scratch knowing there's no 'E' numbers in there and it won't last until 2015 or beyond! There's so many great WW recipes blogs online.. seek them out and start with something simple if you're not a foodie.. before you know it .. you'll be telling Jamie Oliver he's wrong! I mean WHO would do that?! ahem..  *raises hand*

Soup is the easiest... experimenting is best.. add chilli, garlic, herbs, spices.. you will make mistakes.. and it will taste rubbish and you'll bin stuff and curse Nigella but you will improve with every recipe and be eating freshly made food that's so much better for you!

RESOLUTIONS!
Don't wait until January to climb back up on the wagon.. and that 'I'll start again on MONDAY' will always be there.. make a decision today.. for you.. for your health.. and your body... that you will take care of it and nourish it.. you only get one.. there's no spare parts! 

Again amazing losses.. this challenge has been I think one of the better ones.. I've been so motivated by you.. I mean I came back from NYC lighter!!! I KNOW!!! 

Hope you all had a great bank holiday weekend and didn't go too crazy! 

Another challenge in the pipeline and a little revamp going on here but fear not there will be no disturbance whilst the decorators are in! 

Doll x

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