Regular and/or observant readers of The Poorhouse will be aware that Laura is doing a sponsored slim. Your money will motivate her to do well, so get donating. All proceeds go to Medecins Sans Frontieres who do amazing work giving emergency medical treatment to wherever it's needed as a result of humanitarian disasters, whatever the conditions.

In order to keep us all up to date, we are happy to announce that Laura has started a Dieter's Diary blog. Go here to see the first entry - which includes progress updates, temptation, cash, cake, references to breasts and a smattering of cliches to boot. Fear not - it is entirely Safe For Work so you have no excuse.