supergolden88

I am trying to develop new recipes for my blog and was wondering if I can get some feedback about your favourite cake or cupcake flavours - and what appeals to the children. I know in my house I like certain things that the kids will not even touch. Not unless they are covered in chocolate and/or sprinkles!

Hmmm had my hospital appointment and weight was 1kg UP from my Wii weight few days back. Unlikely I put 1 kilo in few days & was on my period which can add some weight (through water retention) or the Wii is simply not as accurate as the ?12K machine they have at Kings. Will weigh myself in few days. Bit of a disappointment, but I have been eating a lot of baked goods recently (baked cinnamon rolls today). What's interesting is that at my last check up 6 months ago I was ideal weight (55.3 kilos) and now am 58.5 kilos which is still not classed as overweight but definitely not the ideal. What is even more of an eye opener is that those kilos I put on are in fat (the machine measures everything) which means not only did I put weight ON, I lost muscle mass through not exercising as regularly. The lady at Kings said if I kept the extra 3 kilos on but converted them to muscle that would be perfect. So now I have a goal which is quite motivating. I went for two runs over weekend and will try to run in the evenings again - problem is am completely wiped after a day at the office. Fast days Tuesday and Thursday I think. I find it easier to buy a pre-packed salad at M&S for 200 calories and eat a small dinner at home. I do hate the weighing and calorie counting...

sorry meant to post this source http://www.stressnomore.co.uk/pelvic-floor/pelvic-floor-exercisers.html I have bought the kegel 8 and did use it for a little while. Not sure it made any difference to be honest and the physio likened it to a slendertone belt - it exercises your muscles but you don't put any effort it and it is a superficial tightening. When you do the kegels you make a real effort and learn how your body works. If the physio thinks it would help then they would prescribe you one for free - it works for those whose pelvic floor is too weak and they need help doing the kegels

I would say that even physios dont really know what to advise sometimes. You have to find what makes you feel good and what to avoid. I would say lifting heavy weights is definitely bad - in the gym or real life. Lifting light weights however is fine I think. Crunches that push down on the pelvic floor are bad but core exercises are beneficial. Pilates are good but need to modify certain exercises. The Hab-it DVD is really the best out there. I was advised to stop running, which I initially did, but it made me very unhappy. I tried power walking but found it very frustrating. I then started power walking with ankle weights on and eventually shuffle running with weights on. Eventually I started running again - not as fast as before or as often but it makes me feel better and keeps me fit(ter) so I am not prepared to give it up. The physio at kings have given me this silicone cube to 'wear' which pushes everything up and keeps it where is should be. It is a bit of a pain to insert and take out but it does make you forget the prolapse. It is not for constant wear - unlike some rings which are designed to be worn internally all the time. The physio said women who were sexually active (ha! chance would be a fine thing) did not like these so much. But there are other pessaries and rings out there which may help some people depending on level of prolapse. Take a look here (some devices come free on the NHS. Read about them and speak to the physio if you think you want to try them.

i have pfilates (minus the ball) for sale if anyone is interested ?10. Could not get the hang of it but it is meant to be very good. They actually created the exercises by testing PF response http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pilates-Ball-and-DVD/dp/B003U3UYNW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359206009&sr=8-1 my prolapse is much worse because i have not been keeping on top of the PF exercises. Only myself to blame really

they are Hartley's I think - passionfruit and orange jellies for less than 10calories a pot!

certainly no increase in energy levels (yet!) but disrupted sleep may have something to do with that. I think if combined with exercise you may get that lift. May I just say the 10(!!) calorie jellies fill the endless fasting days quite nicely

Thanks for sharing the food link. On my 4th fast day. First two went by quite easily. Third was a bit of a pain possibly because the lunch I had was not 200 calories - think it was less. Today is 4th and may be a bit difficult as it is freezing in the house Must say I have been eating sweets, cake, pizza and all sorts of other fattening (and lovely) stuff on my non fast days. And with the snow my running has fallen behind too. So at this point I would be amazed if I lost weight. Am hoping I haven't put weight ON! I am supposed to have a health check at hospital on Thursday so will see what results are.

yes I do need some advise from a beauty therapist - problem is the usually try to sell you on whatever it is they are using or selling on a side note has anyone ever used Groupon (and the like) for anything? I keep seeing beauty deals on there but have never tried buying anything through them

these are quite addictive (if I say so myself). Oat chocolate chip crinkles http://supergoldenbakes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/oat-chocolate-chip-crinkles-sometimes.html

sunflowerbath - I lost over a stone on the Ducan about a year ago (over a period of months obviously) and it was great but the 'FAST' diet appeals because you eat without restriction most of the time. And the health benefits are impressive although I believe still being trialled. I will see how I get on with it. Fast day tomorrow!

which one? I used Etat Pur too (or did about to run out). Cant say I love their moisturiser but all other products have been good. I dont really have acne though (some hormonal spots) but my pores seem to be really dirty (ew! lack of better description)

I find myself at 40 having spotty skin (occasionally) and certainly congested pores and blackheads. I must admit I dont moisture religiously but I do scrub/clean my face. It seems to make no difference. I need some sort of cleansing system at home and a good facial (possibly extraction? Nothing gentle and relaxing anyway). I am clueless as to what to have and where. I would really appreciate any recommendations. Hopefully not something hugely expensive...

Well I did my first fast day yesterday (I did not want to say that in case I failed miserably at it!) I just had black coffee and water until I had a late breakfast at about 11 of a boiled egg and ryvita type cracker. I was not really hungry till then it was perfectly fine, but I was at home. Even went for a run. I then had herbal teas (with splenda) and was fine apart from rumbly tummy until about 4.45 when had a spell of feeling slightly odd! I had a celery stick to compensate. I had dinner about 8.45 - Thai beef crunchy salad with celery and cucumber (only 120g of meat). The only time I felt really hungry and wanted more food (and something sweet) was AFTER dinner. I was fine this morning, not starving. I am curious to see how the second fast day goes - I think I will do Monday or Tuesday and will be at work. The question is how 'normally' do you eat on non-fast days? I already switched to latte type coffee (with 0% fat milk) and will continue with my baking. I will try to be more sensible about amount of naughty stuff! re:tasty recipes I find Pinterest a real source of inspiration. I have pinned a few here http://pinterest.com/supergolden88/healthy-new-year/

yes the book is based on the Horizon episode. I haven't seen it myself need to find it on youtube

oh wow... I have never baked for someone else. I would definitely consider doing it but need a bit more warning I think. Maybe something to think about doing in the not too distant future. The chocolate fudge cake on the blog is a complete doddle to make. You dont even need a mixer for it. And if you topped it with the chocolate fudge icing (http://supergoldenbakes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/on-perils-of-making-promises.html)it would be a guaranteed crowd pleaser But back to the fasting. Fasting is a complete misnomer - you do eat but only 500 calories. A slice of the cake is probably around that...

yeah the cake was epic. sigh

Fast as in fasting not fast-acting sadly... Having started a baking blog recently I have been eating WAY too much of the good stuff and not really exercising a lot. I would like to lose a bit of weight and go back to feeling fit(ter). I have bought the book and am seriously considering it. It makes some pretty big claims not just about weight loss... Anyone willing to be my 'fast' buddy?

Thanks for the update sounds very promising. I have been neglecting (completely) my exercises and am paying the price for it. Thanks for posting the app suggestion am getting it now and hopefully it will motivate me!

Yes! thank you. Although 'Features a jigsaw, circular saw, sander, lathe, drill and table vice' - yikes! Not sure it is suitable for a 6 year old!

My daughter wants a toy she saw advertised where you can make wooden objects. No idea what it is called - tried woodshop and woodworking but nothing came up. It was advertised a lot on Cartoonito and Boomerang channels a few weeks ago and not anymore. If anyone knows what it is called please let me know!

and here http://www.fredaldous.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/index/?limit=all&q=MT+tape

On Amazon am pretty sure here http://www.washitapes.co.uk/ Think I saw some at Anthropologie store (on Regent Street)

She has roller skates and a camera and a cd player (old one)... SHe has pretty much everything in my opinion. What she would really like is an iPad but she is not getting that (although she and her brother may inherit the old one) she needs a new bike but best wait for her birthday in summer. And she could probably use a new scooter...

My daughter is going to be 6 1/2 at Xmas. I have NO IDEA what to get her. She has requested a couple of small presents (Crayola Fashion creations - she's into making dresses etc.) but apart from that I am lost! Ideas please - or even what you are getting your kids maybe will spark something...