Morning Readers! I hope you're all having a better time with the snow than I am. I was unable to get to weigh in this week due to the amount of snow we've had.

For me, leaving the house was not an option. I've also found that being stuck in the house and also being so cold has made me want to eat more to keep warm.

I haven't eaten lots but the temptation has been there. It makes it worse when you know you have an extra week in which to make up for all the bad things you've eaten.

I have stuck to plan but have to say when I realised I couldn't get to group on Wednesday, I was very tempted to pig out.

I was very disappointed that I couldn't weigh in as I knew I'd had a great week and was looking forward to seeing the results on the scales but it just makes me more determined to do well next week so long as I can get to group.

As I'm writing my blog, the snow is continuing to fall with a bad forecast for this afternoon. I just hope I can stay focused and not lose control.

How have you all done this week? Have you found it easy with all the bad weather we've had? I've included a picture of my Husband showing how bad the snow has been for us.

With Slimming World, they have a system where you try and increase the amount of activity you do.

They have 4 awards that you can achieve ranging from Bronze to Platinum. This week I have decided to try and work towards my Bronze award.

To get the award you have to do at least 45 minutes of exercise a week.

This had to be spread out over 3 days and has to be kept up for 4 weeks.

So far, I've managed to achieve my first week towards my Bronze Award. I'm now working towards my second week.

The exercise doesn't have to be strenuous to start with. All I'm doing is simple step ups on the bottom step of my stairs and walking around my living room.

While doing the step ups, I can hold onto the stair rails to make sure I don't fall.

It certainly is right when they say exercise lifts your mood. I always feel so good about myself after I've done it.

I do have to be careful as to what I do and how much I do due to my M.E. (chronic fatigue syndrome) but I want to be able to do something.

It also shows that you don't need an expensive gym membership to become more active.

I must stress, see your doctor before you start any exercise programme so that you don't do yourself harm.

Pea & Ham Soup

Ingredients

1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 medium potato, peeled and finely chopped
800ml vegetable stock
400g frozen peas
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh tarragon
200g premium lean ham, cut into small dice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Tarragon sprigs to serve

Method

1. Place the onion, potato, stock and peas in a large saucepan. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

2. Stir in the tarragon and using a hand held blender, process the soup until smooth.

3. Stir in the ham, reserving some for garnish, and bring back to the boil.

4. Season to taste and sprinkle with the remaining ham and tarragon sprigs before serving.

This recipe is absolutely gorgeous and so easy to make. It's great to keep out those winter blues and so filling too.

I hope you all have a great week and manage to stay focused even through the bad weather. We can do it.

See you lighter next week, Love Wendy xxx