Wednesday 30 April 2014

Vita Coco Kids Review

I have become a huge fan of coconut water in recent months, not only is it tasty, it contains lots of nutrients and it boosts hydration. I was recently asked if my children would like to try the new Vita Coco Kids drinks and when I showed the kids they are all said a loud yes in unison!!

We received an amazing package, I would describe it as looking like a treasure box but what goodies would be found inside?

Tuesday 29 April 2014

The Dreaded TMI Tag

I was recently tagged not once, but twice to take part in the TMI tag, thanks to mummyprobs and familyfever. I was wondering whether this meant that I had to answer the questions twice? But I decided there was only so much information you lovely lot could handle, so here goes….

1. What are you wearing?
I'm currently wearing a high waisted denim skirt, red long sleeve cropped top and my favourite pair of converses.

2. Ever been in love?
I have been in love and I consider my husband to be a lucky man to have me love him :)

3. Ever had a terrible break up?
Errmm I wouldn't say I had really. A boyfriend cheated on me when I was 15 but I was at the age where it didn't really affect me. I've only ever had the one long term relationship and that's with my now husband who I've been with since I was 18.

4. How tall are you?
I'm 5ft 1 just about.

5. How much do you weigh?
I currently weigh 7 stone 8 lbs
back tattoo skull roses

6. Any tattoos?
Yes, much to my mums disgust!! I currently have 5, one of which I had done 2 weeks ago. I have stars on my neck, my kids names on my wrist, my husbands name and angel wings on my bum, stars and vines on my ankle and a skull with roses on my back. I have a long list of other ones I would like to have done.

7. Any piercings?
I have my ears pierced 9 times, my nose, my lip and the top and bottom of my belly pierce. I did used to have my nipple pierced too.

8. OTP??
Ok I didn't have a clue what that meant until I re read other posts. Are you as clueless as me? It means one true pairing apparently but still not sure how to answer that.

Monday 28 April 2014

Come Back To Me by Mila Gray Review

I was lucky enough to be sent a super early copy of Come Back To Me by Mila Gray, this book is available as an ebook from June and as a paperback from October but I think is one that you will want to pop on your TBR list!!

This story starts off with a cliffhanger, I won't tell you what as that would spoil the story for you but I can tell you that I was hooked instantly and found myself emotionally invested in the book from the get go.

Jessa is the good girl, she attends a convent school and will soon be going to university.

Kit Ryan is Jessa's brother, Riley's best friend and work mate, he's a Marine.

Home for the Summer, Kit is known to have any girl that he wants but the one girl that he really wants, he can't have, Jessa.

A forbidden romance, a series of firsts, a friendship that turns into a passionate love between the both of them. Told from both Kit and Jessa's POV, you get to know each character and they are really brought to life on the pages.

Read With Me #17

Hello you lovely lot. So another week has flown by, did you manage to read any good books? I had a poorly Layla last week which meant lots of sleepless nights, so while I was awake, I took the opportunity to catch up on some kindle reading. Saying that, my goodreadsto read list is still increasing rather than decreasing, too many good books out there!!

Thanks to all who took the time to link up and comment last week.

The lovely Barefoot Mahala linked up a fantastic post giving her top ten tips on reading with children, really helpful because lets be honest getting kids reading from a young age is really important.

Then there was a fantastic review and guest post over on Me, My Bookshelf and I. I hadn't heard of Sheila Norton before and it was lovely to read exactly what inspired the author to write that particular story.

Now it is over to all of you. If you are new to #ReadWithMe, take a look at just what this linky is all about here.

Saturday 26 April 2014

Project 365 Days 110 - 116

Here we are nearing the end of April. We made through Easter and we are still making our way through the piles of Easter eggs, I think some baking will be in order. Kids were back at school and playschool and typically Layla is back to feeling poorly so we've had a few late nights, however we soldier on. The girls are finally getting used to mummy always following them around with her phone to get her daily photos and are embracing posing for the camera so with further ado here is this weeks project 365 round up.

Day 110

Happy Easter, I found an Easter Bunny and an Easter Cat?? Whilst Freya was busy with her Easter activities and Layla tucked into her first egg.



Day 111

I caught the eldest three in the midst of dancing, I was all for joining in but a little Layla became attached to my leg.

Friday 25 April 2014

Growing Up and Letting Go

Okay okay I know that of course we can't all be like Peter Pan and stay young forever but I really wish my children wouldn't grow up so fast.

As a mum, I always want to be the one to take care of my children but my kids have always had other ideas, they have been steadily growing up into very independent little ladies.

All of the baby items are disappearing from the house, Layla is walking more and more and wondering when I will have to be done with my pushchair addiction, not looking forward to going cold turkey.

Last week we reached another milestone.
the hardest part about growing up quote

After what felt like an extremely long day, we received an email at 4pm on Wednesday informing us that Gracie had been accepted to go to the same primary school as her sisters.

On one hand I felt relieved, it would have been an absolute nightmare trying to get the kids to different schools.

On the other hand I was feeling what I can only describe as sad. You would think having gone through this two times previously that I would be better prepared for this moment in time.

Even though Gracie is number three out of four children, I have always seen her as the baby of the family and even now it just doesn't seem possible that she is old enough to be starting school.

Thursday 24 April 2014

Tagliatelle with Turkey Rashers and Butter Beans Recipe

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post about Schwartz's Perfect shakes and I shared with you my recipe for potato wedges. Schwartz were generous enough to also send me some of their new flavour shots, I received the Indian Spicy Jalfrezi Curry, the Spanish Paella and the Italian Creamy Herb Tagliatelle. These pots are packed full of spices and herbs which are mixed with oil and create a perfect base for lots of favourite family recipes.

schwartz flavour shots


Of course it gave me a chance to experiment. So now I'm going to share with you my recipe for tagliatelle with turkey rashers and butter beans……

Wednesday 23 April 2014

You Could Win With #SofiatheFirst

Do you have a Sofia the First fan in your house? Well you might be pleased to know that Leapfrog have just launched a LeapReader Junior Sofia the First book. To celebrate this with all of you, LeapFrog are offering you all the chance to win not only a copy of the new book but a LeapReader Junior too.

LeapReader Junior Sofia the FIrst book




So what do you have to do??

Tomorrow, on the 24th of April, myself and my daughter Gracie will be starting our very own Sofia the First story on twitter.

I will then be asking one of my followers to continue the story.

OXOtot Cups and Snack Bowl Review

Layla is now at the stage where she wants to be as independent as possible and that includes when it comes to meal and snack times, she wants to do everything for herself. OXOtot have produced a range of feeding products that help our little ones transition from baby to big kid with ease, well atleast that's what I'm told. I was sent a couple of products from their range to try out, I had my fingers crossed that it would allow her to do things without me needing step in, something she is not a fan of no matter how much she struggles!!

oxotot feeding range

I received : 

Flippy Snack Cup
Training Cup
Twist Top Water Bottle 

Magic Belles Magic Music Review

I am a huge fan of the Magic Belles. I have had the pleasure of working with them on a baking project in the past and my girls are members of their Flutterby club, so when I was asked to review their new CD, Magic Music, how could I refuse.



This lovely CD consists of 7 songs :

1. Magic Symphony
2. Dreams Come True
3. The Rainbow Song
4. Bake It, Shake It
5. The Pom-Pom Dance
6. How Does Your Garden Grow?
7. Twinkle Twinkle

Tuesday 22 April 2014

Gifts For Urchins - Pyjamas Giveaway

Gifts For Urchins bring to you gorgeous, handpicked gifts for you to give to your children, family and friends. This company are extremely passionate about searching for the latest ranges from brands that bring you something a bit different from the norm.

On the website you will find all sorts ranging from retro craft kits, frilly tutus, vintage inspired nightwear, dressing up and they even off some desirable exclusive products.

Lucky for you lovely readers, Gifts For Urchins have allowed me to give away a pair of pyjamas or a nightgown up to the value of £20 from their site. The winner will have the choice of which pyjamas or nightgown they would like, subject to availibility of size and style of course.

The picture to the right shows you a couple of examples of the type of nightwear you can choose from, this includes, pirates, fairies, cars and butterflies.
To have a chance of winning this amazing prize, all you need to do is simply fill in the rafflecopter form below.
This giveaway is open to UK residents only and will be open until 11.59pm on the 12th May 2014.
A winner will be chosen at random.
Make sure you enter correctly because all entries will be checked and verified!!!

Monday 21 April 2014

Read With Me #16

Hello everyone. Well I have to admit that with the girls off from school for the Easter holidays, I have been struggling to find the time and the peace and quiet to sit down and read like I want to + we have been making the most of the lovely sunny weather.

read with me mamamummymum
However I must all of you who linked up with #ReadWithMe last week, some brilliant recommendations.

My favourites this week :

The lovely Bex over at Futures reviewed Sweet Dreams Little One by Massimo Gramellini, a book that I too had previously reviewed, a book that I really enjoyed.

Anna over at In The Playroom recommended a huge 135 books for toddlers, I saw a few of my favourites in there and also a lot that I had never heard of.

Go and check out these fab posts and let them know what you think.

The Deadliners by Rachel Medhurst Review and Giveaway

I have to say I feel very lucky as I am one of the first people to get my hands on 'The Deadliners', the debut book written and self published by Rachel Medhurst.

The book begins :

As the motorbike spun, the screeching of metal on concrete seeped into her ears. The brutal abrasive surface ripped at her skin, beating her body with its unrelenting hardness. This wasn't good. She stopped. Everything stopped. The sound of traffic, people speaking, sirens and crying, attacked her ears. She let it sink into her head. She knew it would be too late for her; she couldn't feel her body. The numbness crawled over her muscles, towards her brain. Her mind was the last thing to die.

This book gives us something to think about, a different idea of what happens to us when we die.

We are introduced to the deadliners, spirits who play a part in what happens to humans when they are due to die. Each deadliner is set 'assignments', every time they are helping clear the karma of the one whose time is almost up but the twist is that each deadliner can bargain with another to give their 'assignment' more time, so they are essentially playing with fate.

Saturday 19 April 2014

Project 365 Days 103 - 109

The Easter holidays have flown by, I must admit, that I really don't like it when the kids go back to school. I much prefer the noise and the fuss when they are around. This week we have been trying to make the most of the sunshine and we also found out that Gracie will be attending the same school as her sisters, so happy yet emotional at the same time. For now, here is this weeks project 365 round up.

Day 103

A beuatiful day so we decided to go out and feed the ducks along the river, the girls took their scooters whilst I carried Layla on my back,



Day 104

Sunshine in the garden. Gracie informed me that she was cleaning my garden wall. Elise and Freya were busy writing and Layla was doing what she does best, climbing!!

Friday 18 April 2014

Top 5 Free Easter Printable Activities

Aaaaaaa Easter, a time of year where we seem to end up spending our hard earned money on chocolate and sweets? How many eggs do you buy for your children, I've bought mine one each as I know they will get more from various family members and friends?

I wrote a blog post last week showing some alternative gifts that you could buy from Great Gizmos but even then I was thinking do we really need to be buying presents for this occasion?

top 5 free easter printable activities

Since then, I've been searching the internet for ideas of things to do at Easter that don't involve spending money.

I was one of the lucky people to sign up to Snazaroo and receive a free Easter face painting kit, so the girls will be made into cute little bunnies.

I also managed to find quite a few sites with free printable activities for the children to be doing over the Easter weekend. With so many to choose from I decided to share with you my favourites.

Here are my top 5 picks for free Easter Printable Activities :

Thursday 17 April 2014

Creme Egg Milkshake Recipe

If you hadn't already notice all the aisles full of Easter eggs, I'm going to let you know that Easter is fast approaching. One of my all time favourite Easter treats has to be a Cadbury Creme Egg and the all important question is how do you I eat mine??

creme egg how do you eat yours

Normally I like to bite the top off and then lick the cream out of the inside mmmmm. This year I decided to change things up a little, instead of eating them, why not drink them?? So here is my recipe for Creme Egg milkshake.

Wednesday 16 April 2014

Baby Suffering With Colic? You're Not Alone

Having four kids, I have had my fair share of ups and downs, sleepless nights and moments of panic where I just didn't know what to do with myself or my little one. I remember feeling very alone at times, not wanting to burden others with my troubles. One of those times was when Gracie as a baby was suffering with colic.

Baby colic or infantile colic is described as when your little one is in distress/crying which last for more than three hours a day and more than three days a week. Obviously this is just a guideline, your baby may cry more or less.

Colic usually starts within those first few weeks of your babies life, an already tough time for parents as they try to adjust to a new life/new routine. I myself remember walking round in a daze sometimes from being so tired.

Infacol want to offer parents some much needed help and support. They have opened up a virtual colic support clinc. Here you can type your questions and get video answers from a medically trained midwife.
infacol virtual colic clinic

Going Greek With Ella's Kitchen

I have always been a fan of Ella's kitchen and I have been lucky enough to work with them in the past. This lovely company are forever expanding and have recently introduced a new product to their range, 'Yummy Yoghurts Greek Style'. I was lucky enough to be sent one of each of the new flavours for me  Layla to try and some goodies to help us get into the Greek spirit of things.

Ella's Kitchen yummy yoghurts greek style


My girls are huge fans of dressing up and couldn't wait to be made into tiny titans. We were provided with a sheet, a golden rope and a wreath, all we needed to do was get a little creative.

Tuesday 15 April 2014

Weird Fish Canvas Bag Giveaway

I was lucky enough last week to have the opportunity to review a couple of items from the range that Weird Fish stock. Stylish and comfortable everyday casual clothes, perfect whatever the whether. Well I am happy to let you lovely readers know that Weird Fish have kindly agreed to let me give away one of their beautiful bags.



The Truffle Wax Canvas bag is worth £45 and is available in store and online.

This is a sturdy but lightweight utility bag.

With plenty of room inside, it includes a zipped main compartment, an internal zip pocket, as well as phone slot and front and back pockets.

It is edged with a gorgeous leather trim and has a sllightly distressed look about it, giving it a vintage feel.

The adjustable canvas strap makes it perfect for just about anyone.

Monday 14 April 2014

Read With Me #15

Hi there. Welcome to this weeks #ReadWithMe. Thanks so much to everyone that linked up last week, there was a good selection of books, both adult and childrens that were recommended, I've added a few to my to read list.

I thought I would highlight a couple of my favourite posts that linked up last week.

The first post is from Happiness in Learning. She talked about just why she loves books, the feelings they envoke in her, I could relate to a lot of what she said.

The second post is from Umeandthekids. She wrote a wonderful post all about bedtime stories and just why you are never to old for them. Something I completely agree with, books are important whatever age you are and good story at night time certainly doesn't hurt.

This week, even though I still have well over 100 books to be read on my kindle, I actually decided to re read the 50 shades of grey series. Do any of you like to re read books? Do you have a go to book that you will quite happily read time and time again??

Now it's time for the link up. If you are new here please take a look at the introduction post. If you are regular, you know the drill :) come and link up all those book related posts, new or old, reviews, personal posts, all are welcome. It is appreciated if you take the time to comment on atleast 2 other posts that link up and as I always I would really love it if you could display my badge. Happy reading.


MamaMummyMum

Love Lines by Diana Nixon - The Blog Tour

Last month saw the re release of Diana Nixon's book Love Lines. I was lucky enough to review another one Diana's books The Souls of Rain, so I was really excited to be able to join in with the blog tour to let you know a little bit more about this book.
The synopsis
The traces of supernatural powers have always been crossing the world of human beings. Many people know about the existence of healers, mind readers, oneiromancers and wizards. But for centuries their lives have been kept secret and no one has ever heard about Dever, a kingdom of mysteries and magic.
Neither has Eileen Clark, whose life has never been different from the one other teenagers have.
Everything changes the day Eileen receives an invitation to join the ranks of Dever’s students.
Nothing will ever be the same again…
New life, new friends, new enemies…
love lines diana nixon
And love so powerful that no magic will be able to destroy…

The book is all about the paranormal. 
Eileen Clark is a normal girl as far as she is aware. A couple of weeks before herself and her long time friend, Amanda Fairey, are due to leave for university, she starts having these recurrent dreams/nightmares. Someone is with her in these dreams but who?
Undecided on what they mean, they seek out a fortune teller, a lady who later turns out to be not quite as she seems.
"You are marked by the fire, your wings are shining in the sunlight"
Still just as confused, Eileen is then invited to a school that she has never heard of, Dever.

Saturday 12 April 2014

Project 365 Days 96 - 102

Almost half way through April and we are now into triple figures for days of photo taking, I have to say i'm quite proud of myself for keeping this up!! Well this week has been the first week of the Easter holidays and it has been fairly busy. With visits from my nan and grandpa and my nephew, a touch of baking and lots of playing in the garden. Oh furniture moving as Layla and Freya are now sharing a bedroom and currently a bed too, oops.

Day 96

Gracie was practicing her pout, Freya drew her latest picture, Elise invented a new game and Layla was trying to work out this new gate thing that doesn't seem to open for her.

Friday 11 April 2014

Baby Photobombing

One of the things that goes along with blogging is taking photos. It is hard enough trying to get the right lighting, background etc but the there is the added trouble of children, the baby in particular.

This week I was reviewing some gorgeous clothing from Weird Fish but a certain little monkey wanted to get in on the "photo shoot". She has learnt the art of photobombing at a young age!!!



xxxx


the outtakes

Kids Go Shopping

I believe it is important that our kids get to know about money because it is something that we use in every day life. I think our children should be aware of what it is used for and just what certain things that we buy can cost. So my mum and I decided to take the kids shopping. May sound boring but we gave it a fun twist.

We asked the girls what they would like for their dinner on Wednesday, they finally after much arguing discussion decided upon stew. Freya then wrote a shopping list of the ingredients we would need.


Then it was on with our shoes and jackets and out the door for a casual stroll around the supermarket.

Thursday 10 April 2014

Beanies Easter Recipe Challenge

I love Easter, mostly because of the chocolate eggs (they taste so much better than normal chocolate!!) but because it is a time of year when I like to get creative, making cards etc with the kids and baking scrummy Easter themed caked. This year I am joining in with the Beanies Easter recipe blogging challenge #BeaniesBakeOff.

Myself, along with nine other bloggers have been sent 3 jars of yummy Beanies coffee, something I reviewed last year. With this coffee, we were to create our own Easter recipes.

Wednesday 9 April 2014

Alternative Easter Gifts From Great Gizmos

The Easter bunny will be coming soon but these days he doesn't just bring chocolate with him, oh no because I think there are only so many Easter eggs our children need to be consuming. Great Gizmos recently sent me a lovely package which included some great alternative gifts for Easter, perfect all ages of children.

Stepping Into Spring With Weird Fish

Ok I know the warm weather has been a bit sporadic but there have been moments of sunshine and warmth, the question is what to wear?? The lovely guys over at Weird Fish stock lots of lovely clothes for men, women and kids, great for every day wear and their latest designs are just perfect for Spring.

I was lucky enough to be sent a couple of items from their range to try on and get myself Spring ready.

The package itself was well presented, tied up with gorgeous floral ribbon and an added key ring hanging on there too. It was like Christmas come early.

weird fish

I received the Phoebe Printed Tunic Stretch dress in Dusted Violet and the Holker Dip Dyed Scarf in Vanilla Ice.

Tuesday 8 April 2014

You Can Never Have Too Many Shoes

I have a few addictions in my life, pushchairs, wraps, coffee to name a few. There is one addiction that I can't seem to kick, shoes!! I was always under the impression that you can never have too many shoes, well that is until one of my daughter's moaned because my shoes were now taking up space on her designated shoe shelf, oopsie.

So I decided it was time that I had a sort through and maybe, just maybe get rid of a couple of pairs, this was in no way a definite!!

Turns out that I have a tiny 49 pairs :)

shoe collection

Monday 7 April 2014

Read With Me #14

I am so pleased that so many of you are linking up with #ReadWithMe. You lovely lot managed to more than double the amount of link ups last week, I hope you can continue to help me spread the reading love.

Last month I managed to read 9 books, a couple of those books took me longer to read than I would have hoped.

And my to be read list is forever growing!!

How many books did you manage to read last month?

Whilst on the subject of books ;) the lovely Clare over at EmmysMummy kindly pointed out to me that Red House are now accepting nominations for the Red House Children's Book Awards 2015.

So if any of your children have a big love for books, why not let them cast their vote.

Half Bad Review


half bad sally green
I was recently sent Sally Green's debut novel, Half Bad from Mumsnet to read.

I didn't have to write a review but I enjoyed the book, so I felt it only right that I share my thoughts on it with all you lovely readers.

This is the first in a trilogy of books.

The story follows Nathan, a witch.

However he is not just any witch, his now dead mother was a white witch and his father is a black witch, making him a half breed, or half code as he is later branded.

The trouble is noone knows which side he will end up on, the story shows his fight for survival in this hidden community.

You can' read, can't write, but you heal fast even for a witch.


You get sick if you stay indoors after dark.

Saturday 5 April 2014

Project 365 Days 89 - 95

April already. Seriously where is the year going? It has been a busy week in the Hazelden household. Daddy Hazelden is working different shifts, a new adjustment for us all, lots of Easter activities going on at school and poor Layla has been struck down with a throat infection, more antibiotics!! However project 365 is still going strong, here is this weeks round up.

Day 89

Mother's day and the first ever photo of the year that doesn't include my children.



Day 90

Three smiley faces and one poorly girl who let pooh bear take her place in front of the camera.

Friday 4 April 2014

Do We Baby The Baby?

I have four daughters and I thought that I had always brought up all my children in the same way, I liked to think that I treat them all equally and fairly. My now 20 month old daughter was our last baby, much to my disappointment and thinking of recent events have actually shown me just how differently not only myself, but others have treated my youngest daughter on occasions, compared to my other children. And my question is do we baby the baby?

I know all babies are different and we shouldn't compare but as a mum, I just can't help it. I have always brought my daughter's up to be indpendent. My kids have always done things at roughly the same times in their lives, crawling at 7 months, walking at 10 months, drinking out of a proper cup at 15 months, sleeping in a "big" bed by 18 months and all potty trained by 2 and a half. Don't get me wrong they weren't made to do any of these things but I wasn't shy about encouraging them either.

I think I always subconsciously knew that I would be having another child so I made sure the older sibling was well prepared in a sense, like they would know that they wouldn't be the baby anymore.

However this time round there doesn't seem to be that need to get the baby to do things. It isn't that I want to keep her young forever, I have always loved my children growing up, achieving each little milestone, I'm just not in as much of a hurry about it all.

Thursday 3 April 2014

Homemade Potato Wedges Recipe

I love to make my own food as and when I can, but even I need a little help sometimes. You may remember one of my previous posts where I reviewed Schwartz's Perfect Shake range, well they've only gone and added to their range. The Perfect Shake range now includes herb and spice blends perfect for Spanish meals, Pasta and Chips, ready to add a little some extra to your recipe.

schwartz perfect shake


Well in order to test out the range properly, I of course had to do some cooking, so let me introduce to my homemade potato wedges.

Wednesday 2 April 2014

Jumbo Bananagrams - The Update

Last year I was lucky enough be chosen as a tester for the Rainbow Toy Awards. The toy the girls and I were sent to play with test was Jumbo Bananagrams. We thoroughly enjoyed playing games with them so I thought I would give you a little update on just what games we've been playing with them.

jumbo bananagrams


At the time of reviewing the Bananagrams, I have to admit that we weren't really looking at the instructions, on further inspection we discovered that the manual included actually provided us with a few alternative games for us to try with our jumbo tiles, these include : Banana Smoothie, Banana Quickie and Banana Solitaire.

Dr Beckmann Service It Review

A washing machine has become a necessary appliance in our households because we all know that we need clean clothes, not nice to walk around covered in stained covered clothing. The trouble is, a lot of us, including myself, forget that our washing machines also need a good clean from time to time, this is where the Dr Beckmann Service it range comes in handy.

I was sent three items from this range to try out and review, the washing machine cleaner, the deep clean washing machine cleaner and the power descaler.

Fruit Bowl Sea Fruit Shapes Review

My girls are definitely led by their stomachs, they tend to have 3 meals and 2 snacks each day and the rumbly in their tumbly lets them know when it is time to eat. I sometimes struggle with what to give them at snack times though. I allow them to have treats such as sweets and chocolates but I do prefer them to have healthy snacks majority of the time however the normal fruit etc can get boring. The guys at Fruit Bowl recently surveyed 100 parents and found that 73% like me , allowed their children to snack between meals with 50% choosing biscuits and 43% choosing crisps.

Fruit Bowl want to put the fun back into fruit, so they have created a new snack Sea Fruit Shapes. I was asked if I would like to review their newest product, I was sure my chief tester, Layla, would be happy to oblige so I said yes.

Tuesday 1 April 2014

My Top Ten Tips For Losing Weight

Ok I admit, I am no fitness expert but I have managed over the years to slowly lose weight. I now weigh less than I did before my first pregnancy. I've tried my fair share of diets over the years and for a lot of the time I watched my weight yo-yo, going up and down, which brings me to my first tip :

top ten tips for losing weight
1. You don't need to diet to lose weight.

Diets are only good for short term weight loss. Yes you lose weight when you are on them but as soon as you stop, the weight piles back on and sometimes more than what you weighed before you started the diet. The best thing to do is eat a balanced amount of food, no need to cut anything out.

2. Never skip breakfast.

I never used to eat breakfast, I could never face eating that early in the morning but I've since found out that breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. It helps kick start your metabolism and gets you burning calories from the get go. You don't need to eat a huge meal, smoothies are great for people on the go. One of my favourite breakfast is my banana and oat pancakes.