Return of the BLOGGER

I have been missing from the blogging world for a while. Busy schedules..lack of motivation..too lazy all come to mind when thinking of excuses!! LOL

I will make it a habit to write new posts frequently--  I have so much to share with everyone and cannot wait to start writing again. 

weight watchers week 1 update.

Hiya!

I wanted to give everybody a quick update on my WW points plus program, week 1 was tough but ended successfully ;)

So basically, as i had explained in my post below the program consists of tracking the food we eat based on points. I have 26 pts i can use each day with a "cheat" point balance of 49 for the entire week, just incase i need to use extra in a day (I have not touched these 49 pts once)

My week 1 included alot of soups, fruit, salads and bread, I also had homemade veggie burritos and Indian food... all of which were within my point allowance.

At first i thought i could only eat the foods they provided to us ( we have a database of foods, recipes etc to choose from ) those were just suggestions, the program comes with a calculator which allowed me to track the food which arent listed and then i would simply add it my list of favourites for easier access.

The great thing is fruit and vegatables are 0 points! if i was ever peckish i would snack on alot of fruit and veg this not only was the healthest option but it allowed me to save more points for the rest of the day!!!!

Examples of some foods I ate and its point value; Bread ww/white: 2 pts once slice and 4pts for two, oatmeal- 4pts, thinsation snacks- 3pts, veggie pizza (cheese, sauce, mushroom, onion, pepper and tomatos) - 4pts a slice.


After a week of counting points, going to the gym, craving chocalate and not giving into tempations i lost- 2lbs. I know that isnt a great deal of pounds but the average points lost on the program is 1-2lbs per week...i am over the moon that i managed to stay within that and hope to lose much more going forward!!

I want to thank all my colleagues at work who have supported me in my goal! and a BIG shout out to my WW partner in crime!!

**Warning- If you see a lady in the grocery store grabbing foods and pushing numbers on her Iphone like mad woman... its ME ** hehe!!

Jaspinder x

Journey to a healthier lifestyle!!

Hiya!

Like most women I hate how much I weigh, the scale freaks me out!! why were they invented Ugh!?

Every year I make the same resoloution to lose weight and tone up and every year I fail to keep up with my goals- I become so unmotivated and fed up when I dont see results immediatley. I know it takes time, patience and will power but I just couldnt be bothered!!

Since moving to Canada from London, England the pounds have just been piling on, its like the canadian water contains some sort of fattening chemical.... :( LOL Just kidding!! 

WELL..... we may be 4 months in to the year but I am more ready then ever to create the new ME! no more complaining about gaining weight, clothes not fitting, silly excuses, running away from scales and NO MORE joining the gym and never going.

Summer is coming and I am so motivated and excited to work hard at knocking off these pounds! 2 weeks ago i made the decision to join Extreme Fitness alongside my Sister and Brother so that we could all work out together and support one another! I even got my brother to agree to come Hot Yoga with me :) although I know he is probably just going to eye up the ladies LOL

I also, decided to join Weight Watchers ( Points Plus) online to help me understand what I eat and get a grip on controlling it.

The points plus program basically alotts you a certain amount of daily points which you need to maintain and they also provide you a weekly allowance, just in case you need to dip into those if you need to.

You provide your weight, height and gender and your goal and they take care of the rest.

Example: My daily point intake is 26 and my weekly allowance is 49.

They provide a number of foods, recipes and resturant menus to assist you in your choices. Below is a look at my breakfast...

Breakfast; Two slices of toast (4pts) Margerine (1pt) One cup of canteloupe ( 0pts) Water w/ lemon (0 pt) = I used a total of 4/26 pts provided to me.

I am so happy with my self for not going over my daily allowance and dipping into my 49 points. I remained strong and on target! I am not going to lie and say this plan is easy, because its far from but you have to get use to the point system and get a better feel of the foods and their point value.

The great thing is that the have a power food list which contains list of foods that have 0 points which is always great :) also, if you dont see your choice of food on the list- there is a calculator provided to work out the amount of points the meal contains!! :)

Weight Watchers currently has a promo; 3 month special at only $65.85 (thats with tax) and your start up fee is waived!

I also, downloaded their Iphone App which is brilliant!!

I can not wait to take you all on my Journey in getting to my goal weight :)


www.weightwatchers.ca

Has anyone joint this program, did you enjoy it?  

Jaspinder x

H&M - Conscious Collection

Hey,

For those that don't know me I absolutely <3 H&M it is one of my favourite clothing stores.

This week they lauched another Conscious Collection that featured printed dresses, bold colours and feminine silhouettes. If you aren't fimiliar with the Conscious Collection, it is a on-going project which H&M is working on which promotes a more sustainable fashion future. All the clothes feautred in the collection are made from eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester.

The great thing about this collection is that the styles start from $12.95 Ahhhhmazzzinnng!!

I was browsing the collection on their Iphone app which i use religiously for updates on new trends, styles and in store promotions ( if you shake your iphone whilst using the app, from time to time a great promotion will appear on the screen-- Just a FYI lol) and i came across a dress that i fell in love with.

Its called the Tencel Dress and its only $17.95

 Its a Knee-length dress in a straight style with a deep neckline, two pockets at the front and a concealed zip at the back. 64% TENCEL® Lyocell, 3% elastane, 33% cotton.  Sizes range from 2-14.

Normally, when I like an item either its sold out completely or they dont have my size :( I went in to the store today and they had ONE left in my size!!! I grabbed it quickly, tried it on and dashed to the checkout :)

The only thing im not happy with is the deep slit at the front its positioned alittle wierdly- because this dress is more of a day dress I hate when alot of cleavage shows ( ladies, too much cleavage is not always a good thing!! ) LOL exspecially for us girls that are alittle more gifted in that area :P but i will just wear a matching undertop just to avoid bearing to much!!

Has anyone else seen this dress in stores?

Would you purchase it?

What are your thoughts on it?

I would love to hear from you all, please share your comments below.

Jaspinder x

Loose Button- Luxe box

Has anyone heard of the Luxe box? Its been around a little over a year and its basically a box that delivers 4-5 beauty samples straight to your door! its only available in Canada as of now, although the US has it own version known as the 'Birchbox'




The point of the 'Luxe Box' is to deliver you a variety of samples ranging from skincare, beauty, body, fragrance and haircare  and it allows you to try the samples at the comfort of your home and discover the ones that are perfect for you.


I was reading a few different posts on other blogs and the reviews were great, so i thought i'd give it a go and sign up for it- when I visited the website it indicated that all memberships were sold out :( and i was put on a wait list and literally a week later i received my invitation by email!!  I can not wait to receive my first 'Luxe Box'!! the feeling of not knowing what will be in your box every month is crazy :)


Loose Button offers a number of different brands, such as are Moroccon oil, Lancome, Nars, Prada and so many more. 


At first you have to sign up for a membership and they offer 3 great options: $12/mth, $36/every 3 mths with a free 3mth subscription to Flare and $120/yearly also, with a 3mth subscription to Flare. I choose the second option.


I have the option to send invites to up to 4 other- give me shout if you would like one. 


http://www.loosebutton.com/ check out the website for more information.


Have you ladies tried out the 'Luxe Box'... and what did you think of it?


What are some of your favourite samples received?


 I am so excited to receive my first box in may! I'll post up my sample once i get it :)




Below is an example of what a 'Luxe Box' will look like :)

 Jaspinder x

Eggless Veggie Quiche

Hey Friends,

Its time for another recipe post- Today's post will be Veggie Quiche, this recipe is perfect for those that eat no egg yay!!!

Instead of writing a step by step instructional guide I thought it would be fun to make a video whilst cooking. Turned out that wasn't the greatest idea! i clearly have no skills when its come to cooking and filming myself and being the genius I am I used my Iphone 4S instead of an actual digital camera.

Anyhow, I still want to post my first attempt and making a video.. Please be kind.  Going forward use my digital camera.

I will list the ingredients needed and then proceed with my not so great demonstration video lol


This recipe cooks four Quiches.

Ingredients:

- 1 large or 2 medium sized onions.
- 2-3 green chillies
- 4-6 garlic cloves
- 2 Tea spoons of pepper
- 2 Tea spoons of salt
- Italino Herbs (optional )
- 4-5 broccoli crown cut in to small pieces
- 12-15 small white mushrooms chopped into small pieces
- 2 carrots peeled and cut into tiny pieces
- 1 small bowl sweet corn
- 2 handfuls of spinach
- Pie crust ( i used Tender crust made with vegetable shortening 'no egg or lard' )
- Small tub of sour cream
- 1 bowl marble cheese for quiche mixture
- Cheese shredded for topping of quiche.

**The above video came out terribly :( this taught me a lesson never to use my Iphone to video me cooking again**

Veggie shepherds pie with a not-so-secret twist!!

Today's recipe is - Vegetarian Shepherds Pie!

I love shepherds pie its a delicious meal that fills you up perfectly. Before i go over my recipe i want to admit to cheating BIG TIME.. hence my title being the 'not so secret' twist.... after getting in from work i was exhausted and starving all at the same time! I just wanted to get cooking dinner done with so i could satisfy my hunger and relax :)

SO... normally when cooking Shepherds pie i would boil about 4-5 medium sized potatoes (for the topping of my pie) BUT I was just so tired and quiet impatient that evening and thought there must be some sort of quick fix!! ....DRUM ROLL PLEASE........ I, Jaspinder admit to using instant mash potato for my topping. I KNOW this is not a huge sin - many have probably done the same but none the less it tasted absolutely fantastic!!

Ingredients list:
1 large onion
4-5 garlic cloves
1-2 green chillies
peas & chopped carrots (fresh/frozen as per your preference)
Mushrooms chopped (optional)
Yves veggie ground (picture provided below)
4-5 medium sized potatoes ( I used instant mash this time :P)
1 cup of Veggie broth Or one cube of veggie Oxy
2-4 table spoons of plain flour.
salt & pepper to taste.

How to:
1. In a medium sized pan add alittle vegetable oil and add onions- once sautéed add in chillies, garlic.
2. Once this mixture turns slightly brown add in mushroom, peas, carrots and crumble the veggie ground in and mix. Let cook for 5 minutes
3. Add the plain flour making sure mixture is covered if more is need add accordingly.
4. Add in veggie broth, salt & pepper and mix well. Let cook for 5 minutes.
5. At this point you would be making your homemade mash BUT I used a packet of herb and butter instant mash. I got this ready in a bowl and set aside.
6. placed veggie ground mixture in a medium size Pyrex dish and added mash potato on top and spread all over. I added a nice swirling design
7. Place in oven at 350 degrees for 20-25 mins ( until mash on top starting browning)
8. Yay!! It's done! I served this with a baked beans ( because I'm British lol) and alittle salad on the side. You may also want to add some gravy to your slice of pie ( optional)

Has anyone ever tried veggie ground?? I use it in my lasagna ,pasta, burritos!!! I LOVE it!!

This recipe is brilliantly delicious!!

Let me know if you have tried this and I'd love to hear how it tasted.

If you have any requests for me please share in the comments below :)

Jaspinder x

***I apologize for the photos not being in order for some reason it wont allow me to fix this :( ***