Welcome to a blog for a lighter lifestyle

Hello and welcome!

Wow, a brand new space! Very soon it will be full of light recipes and stories from my journey to lose weight and improve my health.

I’m Rose. In August of 2008 I began a journey to lose weight. Now, more than four years later I have shed over 140 pounds and life has changed in ways I never imagined. I began writing to share my journey with others. I hope to provide kernels of inspiration and motivation for anyone searching for ways to become healthier and happier in their own skin. In my experience, it is a combination of many small choices that add up to major change and a new lease on life.

Food and eating are the core of my weight loss success. As this site develops you can expect many original recipes developed in my kitchen and tested by family and friends. I love eating light food packed with flavor. I have never once felt like I was dieting while losing weight. I strive for balance and enjoy many of life’s ‘good things’ along the way. Yes, that includes dessert!

I met my weight loss goal in November of 2011 and now make lifestyle choices to maintain that loss. As my weight reduced I began to look for ways to move more. I absolutely love to feel my body move but have not adopted a specific exercise routine. Some days I walk around the neighborhood or run on the treadmill, other days I stroll back and forth in the mall, swim, bike, stream a yoga video, go for a hike, play with the Wii Fit, or chase my toddler around the park. For my lifestyle the movement is more important than the routine.

Soon you will meet my husband, “Mr. Second Helpings.” At -170 pounds and counting he is a success story in his own right. Our son, “The Little Helping,” finds his way into many of my stories and recipes. Parenting a busy and growing toddler has a way of helping me take an even closer look at myself.

I look forward to getting to know all of you in the coming weeks and months. Let’s use this space to have a conversation.

It’s true that we must take the steps for ourselves but no one should have to walk their journey alone. We all deserve to be Light for Life!

See more from Rose at Our Lady of Second Helpings.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

What’s Up columnist Andrea Brown with a selection of black and white glossy promotional photos on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Free celeb photos! Dig into The Herald’s Hollywood time capsule

John Wayne, Travolta, Golden Girls and hundreds more B&W glossies are up for grabs at August pop-up.

Rodney Ho / Atlanta Journal-Constitution / Tribune News Service
The Barenaked Ladies play Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville on Friday.
Coming events in Snohomish County

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Edmonds announces summer concert lineup

The Edmonds Arts Commission is hosting 20 shows from July 8 to Aug. 24, featuring a range of music styles from across the Puget Sound region.

Big Bend Photo Provided By Ford Media
2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend Increases Off-Road Capability

Mountain Loop Highway Was No Match For Bronco

Cascadia College Earth and Environmental Sciences Professor Midori Sakura looks in the surrounding trees for wildlife at the North Creek Wetlands on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Cascadia College ecology students teach about the importance of wetlands

To wrap up the term, students took family and friends on a guided tour of the North Creek wetlands.

Mustang Convertible Photo Provided By Ford Media Center
Ford’s 2024 Ford Mustang Convertible Revives The Past

Iconic Sports Car Re-Introduced To Wow Masses

Kim Crane talks about a handful of origami items on display inside her showroom on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Crease is the word: Origami fans flock to online paper store

Kim’s Crane in Snohomish has been supplying paper crafters with paper, books and kits since 1995.

The 2025 Nissan Murano midsize SUV has two rows of seats and a five-passenger capacity. (Photo provided by Nissan)
2025 Nissan Murano is a whole new machine

A total redesign introduces the fourth generation of this elegant midsize SUV.

A woman flips through a book at the Good Cheer Thrift Store in Langley. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Pop some tags at Good Cheer Thrift Store in Langley

$20 buys an outfit, a unicycle — or a little Macklemore magic. Sales support the food bank.

The Mukilteo Boulevard Homer on Monday, May 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Homer Hedge’: A Simpsons meme takes root in Everett — D’oh!

Homer has been lurking in the bushes on West Mukilteo Boulevard since 2023. Stop by for a selfie.

Sarah and Cole Rinehardt, owners of In The Shadow Brewing, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In The Shadow Brewing: From backyard brews to downtown cheers

Everything seems to have fallen into place at the new taproom location in downtown Arlington

Bar manager Faith Britton pours a beer for a customer at the Madison Avenue Pub in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Burgers, brews and blues: Madison Avenue Pub has it all

Enjoy half-price burgers on Tuesday, prime rib specials and live music at the Everett mainstay.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.