Find comfort in the chaos

Tuesday 20th April 2019
Your now isn't your forever 

 My plan of action yesterday was to not dwell on the bad stuff, to distract myself and focus on the good things in my life, to appreciate and enjoy the little things that bring me joy and pleasure and it worked.

My day started with Dave picking up all this food for the food bank; 

When he saw the cat food for the rescue place, he joked that I already have enough on my plate but I keep taking more on, I pointed out it's a distraction but also it's because if I see something that bothers me, I like to do something about it.  I love photos, they tell a story and when I saw this one Dave posted later on, it really made me smile, because we're making a difference and I had something to do with that. 

My next distraction was this little pooch, I had to take him to the vets, turns out he has a skin condition like eczema and he needs anti-biotics and special shampoo and I need to wash him twice a week, oh that was so much fun - NOT!  I have to shampoo him twice a week and it needs to be left on for 10 minutes, can I just say 10 minutes is such a long time when you're trapped in a bathroom with a grumpy wet dog.  

 

After my dentist trip, I went to Sainsbury's to forget to buy the things I needed because I got distracted by other stuff that was much nicer than bleach and shampoo, I'll add them to my online shop!  

I didn't buy this but I do fancy it, 16SP per portion, serves 2, £2.50, it was a big box so definitely a treat meal with a zero breakfast and lunch.  I wonder if it's as good as the box makes it look? 

I fancied coleslaw and checked both of these and they were both 4 Smart Points per 100g, both cost 75 pence too, but the ones twice the size.  Just goes to show things aren't always what they appear.  

I had half hour in the garden with mom whilst she drank her cuppa, then I came in and cooked this which was what I had instead of an Easter egg last weekend, oh my days, just incredie this was, Alfie loved me yesterday can I add, he can be bought. 

 20SP a serving and serves 6 but I didn't have loads, just that on the right, it was my lunch and dinner in my defence, and this was my amazing meal; 

The lamb on the left was for Alfie.  I do love those flatbreads from Sainsbury's for 3SP. 

My final distraction yesterday were these, only another 279 squares to make, it'll be worth it when they're done though, each 4in square is a little triumph and a great distraction from the not so good in my life. 

I'm hoping that cleaning could become a distraction for me too, I gave the upstairs bathroom a good clean Sunday after my bath, hence needing more bleach.

My mission this week is to find something other than food / wine to distract me, Sunday wasn't a good day but I didn't pour a glass of wine at all, that was a little mini victory, here's to many more mini victories.  I've got a fridge full of healthy food, if I need distracting, I'll cook a delicious meal, not grab a handful of instant crap which doesn't even satisfy me really, it's almost like self abuse that distracts me from the abuse I'm getting from the Alzheimers sufferer!  Mmm, that's why I write because sometimes I write something like that last sentence that gives me a realisation, yeah I don't actually like the crap, I'd much rather have proper food, okay that proper food might be incredibly high in Smart Points sometimes like the lamb but at least it's actually filling and satisfying and I couldn't eat it again 3 times over like the junk.  

We all have stuff going on in our lives, we have crap going on, every single one of us has something going on in their lives and we just have to realise we are not alone and remember it can get better. 

Today I once again choose to distract myself from the bad stuff, to celebrate the small victories, to start the day with an attitude of gratitude and focus on the little things that bring me pleasure because bad vibes don't go with my outfit.

Here's to enjoying my day, doing my best and continuing to understand my mom, she can't help who she's becoming.  I read yesterday grief is the price we pay for love, so true. 

Stay BeYOUtiful!   

'------'

(O,O)

/)__)

   ""

mmmm

Monday 29th April 2019
Breathe, Darling.  This is just a chapter, it's not your whole story.

Right it's Monday and I'm glad, let's leave yesterday where it is, in the past.

I've got a few things to get down today vets, dentist, washing, getting ready for work tomorrow, so that'll all keep me busy, I'm going to try and nip to a supermarket too and hope mom doesn't realise I'm out that bit longer.

I did have a good long sleep though, didn't get out of bed till half six this morning much needed I reckon and I've already walked Alfie and had a cold sausage sarnie for breakfast.  It's a lovely morning out there, let's hope the sunshine makes mom smile today.

I've got lots going through my head but nothing that I want to put on paper, plus I've got Dave coming to get the food bank stuff and the vet is at 9.30 so I need to get going.

I'll leave you with this thought, never give up on the things you really want and if you want something you've never had, you've got to do something you've never done.

Love a Freebie!

Sunday 28th April 2019
Love what you have before life teaches you to love what you've lost.

What a grim day it is out there again this morning, with my brother on call, we won't be doing Wenlock edge this weekend, it'll wait.  If I've learned anything over the last few years it's patience.  Yesterday I had to put back Round 62 on my crochet project, that doesn't sound much but it was a good few hours of work as they're quite detailed and intricate now, plus its large!  Once upon a time, I'd have been gutted yesterday it was more 'oh well, never mind, these things happen', maybe I've finally grown up :) although I think this is the effect Alzheimers has had on me more like. 

Maybe an afternoon snooze later as my alarm woke me this morning and I could've slept longer I reckon, but can't go back to sleep now because of mom, she usually snoozes later on so maybe I'll be able to as well.  

Lovely workshop yesterday, plenty of laughter, they really are a wonderful lot and there's no better sight for me than people laughing and enjoying themselves, I love it. 

Ooo I almost forgot to tell ya, my WW win arrived yesterday, I love it, especially as it's a freebie, this is my stainless steel water bottle that I need to stop my mom from stealing, the first thing she said was, ooo I like the colour!  How fab though that all I had to do was track my meals, activity and get weighed once a week to get this for free. 

And surprise, surprise, it turns out I like chilli con carne, I haven't eaten it in forever because I didn't like it back then but I have to say I wolfed this meal down yesterday and the fact that the chilli is only 2SP a pot (from workshop) meant I could spend 10SP on a cheesy jacket potato, just delicious honest.   I haven't had a jacket spud for ages either, I really enjoyed it. 

Opening my kitchen cupboard door yesterday to find this mug made my day and reminded me that I have the best people in my life, I smashed my favourite cup the other day so my sister had bought me this to make up for it, isn't that just a lovely gesture.  

We watched 'Goodbye Christopher Robin' oh I did cry, I haven't cried like that for a while, the type of tears that hurt your chest and throat, a good film though for sure.

Yeah I've woke up tired so there's not much happening in my house today, I've got my Sunday dinner from my sister to look forward too, I'm thinking a sausage sarnie for breakfast, or maybe sausage and eggs with tomatoes nom nom, I've got me some honey sausages again.  If you've tried and like the chicken sausages and haven't already, go and give him a review on Facebook. 

https://www.facebook.com/Penn-Road-Butchers-1570997599797501/

Whatever you have planned today, enjoy it, my boss is running the London Marathon, rather him than me but he's raised an amazing £3k so well done to him.  If you fancy sponsoring him, I'm sure he'd thank you London marathon donation page

Anyway, I'm awake to make another mug of tea in my new mug ;) here's to enjoying Sunday regardless of the weather.

Stay BeYOUtiful!   

'------'

(O,O)

/)__)

   ""

Raining - BOO!

Saturday 27th April 2019
Create healthy habits not restrictions. 

Yay my car passed it's MOT, so that was a very good thing to happen yesterday, I walked to my massage, my bro gave me a lift back, hit my 10k steps though which was another good thing, massage as always was fabulous. 

Mom was good yesterday too, so I had a very, great day.  I cooked this M&S pie, not bad for 4SP, but I'm not a huge filo pastry fan, 

Before I got to eat it, this happened with the salt pot, now I like salt but not quite this much, I managed to salvage some, the squash was delicious too, I could've eaten more easily, luckily I have more in the fridge already chopped and ready for cooking today.  I think I'll have it with some lightly dusted fish I have in there.  Although I have some honey chicken coming too so we'll see. 

Now it's Saturday morning, raining but I'm looking forward to my workshop, at least I found the keys, last Saturday we were stood on the car park waiting for Elle to come to my rescue.  I forecast 99.9% chance of wine today at some point, crochet and a general day of rest, if it doesn't stop raining there won't be any dog walking either!  

Have a very, very, great day see the grey skies as silver, and think the April showers are guaranteeing us water when it's really hot this summer ;) 

Stay BeYOUtiful!   

'------'

(O,O)

/)__)

   ""

I know the best people

Friday 26th April 2019
Spend time with people who are good for your mental health.

Well it's a glorious morning out there isn't it, following what was a good day yesterday, very busy but truly rewarding, I dropped off this kitten food to the rescue cat lady to keep them going why we continue to collect over the next week or so.  See how blessed I am to be surrounded by so many wonderful people who continue to prove how good folk can be, yep I'm a very, lucky lady.

Then one of my lovely member bought me an M&S pizza for my lunch because her mom had said I'd got enough on my plate with mom and I didn't need to be worrying about what to have for my lunch.  You can't beat these M&S salami pizzas for 12SP, they're delicious. 

After what was a cracking good day of workshops, we may have been quieter because of the Easter holiday but we sure weren't lacking in quality, I thoroughly enjoyed all of them yesterday, went home feeling great, tired maybe but really, really great. 

I was too shattered to seriously think about what to have for my dinner, wished I'd prepared something prior, but instead I cooked these gammon shanks that I'd been looking forward to and ate one with a couple of slices of bread.  They're nice but not amazing, I think I'd rather have gammon and pineapple.  7SP per shank, they'd make a nice dinner with mash to mop up those juices and some veggies. 

I'm going to be without car today, mines in for an MOT and service (fingers x'd it passes) so I'll be walking to my massage, then I'm up for a day of chilling and crochet.  I'm going to have my chicken and leek pie today I think, cook some butternut squash to go with it, nom nom or if mom fancies food, we'll have fish, have some nice looking fish in the freezer.   I've just had the last bit of last nights gammon on 2 pieces of toast for breakfast, Alfie ate the rest.  

I need an early night tonight, I've had two late ones, not the foxes fault last night though as one came at 9.05pm, again 5 minutes after mom went to bed, how amazing is that, cunning little thing.  No last night I was catching up on line of duty, I was 2 episodes behind and needed to see what happened before goggle box showed me more spoilers!  

Right, that's me, I have things to do, even though I don't really want to do anything, we were talking last night about how wonderful it would be to have an entire day to yourself to do whatever you wanted to do without having to worry about someone else, as lovely as that sounds, it also reminded me to be careful what you wish for! 

Have a very, great day BeYOUtiful and remember WE CAN DO THIS! 

'------'

(O,O)

/)__)

   ""

A little obsessed with the foxes!

Thursday 25th April 2019
Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude whilst waiting

Quick one this morning as I've just messed about with a camera for an hour!  Trying to find out what's coming out of the hole if anything up my garden, turns out a fox did go down the side of the shed and come back out around midnight, but surely it would've come out and gone back in, unless it came out and went around the back of the shed and I missed that on camera - who knows, but I also know I had a fox at the back door around half 9 as I saw him.  Boo to technology too as that didn't make it easy.  Any moving on.

I got my 3,000 wins and have now sent for my stainless steel bottle to ensure I drink plenty of water this summer, 

I opted for the purple one because it's moms favourite colour but also because I like the word UNSTOPPABLE.  I want to be reminded of the fact I can be when I put my mind to it every time I have a swig of water. 

 

It was so easy to order to, just click the redeem button and type in my address, so make sure you're tracking your meals, activity and getting weighed once a week to collect your wins on your WW app, we all like something for nothing.

I started my day with a late breakfast, 3SP well spent there.

Then I had the higher pointed Chicken tikka masala and rice for my lunch, it's been one of my fav treat meals for a long time, you can buy it with rice or just the masala, this one was 17SP, however that's with the info being inputted by members of the public, it's 40% chicken breast which would've been 2SP before they were made a zero hero so that brings it down to 15SP and it's definitely worth that as a treat.  If you wanted to save even more points you could buy it without rice, split it between two and have it with cauliflower rice I guess, or I'd have mine with roasted butternut squash, I'd enjoy that.

 I decided to have the 'diet' version for my tea and do a comparison, so this one was 8SP, what was disappointing was there was only 17% chicken breast in this one, the sauce was much more tomatoey too, but for half the points it wasn't bad I guess.  If I'd never tasted the other one, I'd have been okay but there's no contest between the two.

 Anyway, here's to another day of reminding myself I do want to shed a stone and doing my best to stay focused and in control.  You with me?

WE CAN DO THIS!

So let's do this shall we?

"You can't keep using your mom as an excuse"

Wednesday 24th April 2019
Stop burying your potential under your excuses.

Now and again a sentence hits me like a blow, a good smack in the guts comment, yesterday it was
"Yeah Bev but you can't keep using your mom as an excuse".  I can always rely on me Julie to be brutal in her delivery but leave me with a comment that makes me think!

The truth is, I can keep using my mom as an excuse if I want to but eat the same time, I don't want to all the time.  On good days I want to eat healthy, lose weight and on bad mom days when I feel trapped like last Friday when she wouldn't even go up the garden and we sat in the living room with the curtains closed and the heating on, it was like being in a hot prison, on those days I'm seeking pleasure of some kind and I find it in food/wine.

It's part of being human, we're pleasure seekers, if we're in pain we do whatever it takes to move away from it as quickly as possible.

The moment you move away from that pain, whether it's physical or emotional  your brain will record that because you've moved away from pain.  Now our brains are clever things and they lock down that behaviour, record that action and remember that this action worked in the past so it'll work again!

The ease we get from food becomes a habit, but the truth is it doesn't always need to be food, it's just for most people I know through WW it has become that way, eating is one of the easiest ways to sooth our pain and if you stop for a moment to think, it starts in childhood, we cry, we're fed, we fall over, we get a sweet, we fall out with our boyfriend, he buys us chocolate, we have a bad day at work, we treat ourselves on the way home and on it goes.  It becomes so automatic we don't even realise we're doing it and if we are trying to lose weight and this happens, we'll most likely find ourself berating ourselves afterwards, we know better why did we do it, how stupid was I, how lazy, unmotivated blah blah blah on and on goes that voice in our heads!

YOU KNOW WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING - WHY AREN'T YOU!

Yeah that argument rages in your head, but the truth is in that moment, the feelings and emotion and the pleasure you're getting from that food is stronger than your common sense and intelligence.   Our feelings are driving our actions not our thoughts, we're emotional beings and we're eating to create pleasure and move the pain away.

I could go on, but I won't instead I'll say we need to start finding ways to handle these feelings long term that make us less likely to go for the instant, quick fix food solution.

Start recognising those feelings, feeling them and letting yourself work through them. Find a way to help you work through it, that may be getting away from a situation and going for a walk, doing some meditation, finding something to make you laugh, exercise, crafting anything that distracts you.

After Julie said that to me last night, I came home and chose better for my tea, which meant I ended my day way lower points than I could've done, I can definitely recommend this;

only 7SP and delicious.

I had these for my lunch

12SP total and notice I added carrots to help me with my 5 a day ;)

So today, do you fancy joining me to be stronger than your excuses, remember you only fail when you stop trying.  Are you brave enough for...

No more ''I'll do it tomorrow"
No more "Buts"
No more "I can't"
No more "It's too hard"
No more "I'm too tired"
No more "Waiting for it to get easier"
No more 'Putting it off'
No more "I don't have enough money"
No more "I'm not good enough"
No more "I would if I...."

Today will be a day of I CAN DO THIS!

Because the more good days you have, as you start to see the results of those days and lose some weight, the pleasure you get from the benefits of that weight loss will outweigh the pain you're getting from other things.

Yeah, let's have a very, very great day WE CAN DO THIS!

It's not just any food, it's M&S food!

Tuesday 23rd April 2019
Stop accepting the things you cannot change, instead work on changing some of the things you cannot accept. 

Well that was Easter weekend, been and gone, and we're on week 17 of the year, wow, although some days feel so long, the year is flying by.  

I went to M&S yesterday, isn't it sad that this was the highlight of my day, don't remember the last time I browsed around a food shop, they'd reduced my fav chicken to half price, had to be done, cooked it but mom wanted egg and chips!  Anyway they have a balanced for you range which is high protein and I scanned a few packs and they average around 9SP which for the size is good, they look tasty, I mean why would you not want an onion bhaji chicken curry!  

   
They're all £4 a meal so not a bargain, but they also do a count on us range and having scanned a couple of them they started from 7SP, the started around the £3 mark.  For me on my own, it's a great way of trying something new without having to cook from scratch.  

As Easter is an anagram of 'A RESET' how about we do just that today, maybe try something new whether than be a new type of activity or a new recipe / meal, hobby, what would help you with your weight loss.  It could be something as simple as a new bedtime, go half hour earlier, stop you being tempted by late night snacking! 

I've bought enough food from M&S to last me the week, some of it is higher in Smart Points but I've worked it that if I eat zero the rest of the day, I can fit these meals in.  I checked the use by dates too so my meal plan will be subject to them, I've got the delicious pizza they do that I love the salami one and it's only 12SP, that is a meal I could eat every week, it's so good. 

M&S Coquille St Jaques is another of my favs, I've just looked and that is 6SP per 100g, I think one might weigh 200g but I'll need to check.  I've also bought the chicken tikka masala which I've always liked that, I want to compare the low fat version to the full fat version so I've bought both. 

With all this talk of food, Dave's taking the food bank stuff this week, this is what they're short of this week if you're passing a shop, 

FOOD SHORTAGES

1L CARTONS OF FRUIT JUICE (the cartons that don't need to be kept in a fridge)
500G BAGS OF SUGAR
CORDIAL/SQUASH
PACKETS OF MASH
JARS OF PASTA SAUCE
TINNED FRUIT

thanks in advance x

Right I'm off to shower, then I'm thinking eggs for breakfast, save those points for my zero foods.  This sunshine weekend has truly made me miss walking and climbing hills, if you've got your freedom - use it and explore this glorious country we have. 

Let's have a very, very, great day.

Stay BeYOUtiful!   

'------'

(O,O)

/)__)

   ""

Another glorious day forecast

Monday 22nd April 2019
Easter is a second change.

Now I'm not religious but you could see it as a time for second chances, Easter is also an anagram for A RESET, which is what I'll be doing after enjoying Easter Sunday a little too much, but thankfully I've managed a sneaky half off, that'll be the good work I did earlier in the week.  

I know there was a copious amount of chocolate eaten yesterday, none in my house though, we didn't have any thankfully, so I could've done more damage!  

We enjoyed a good day, started with my glorious walk in the woods, where we enjoyed the bluebells and the start of the white flowers on the wild garlic.  We even got to see a baby badger, I couldn't believe it but we left it be as you shouldn't mess with nature and I'm sure the rest of the pack weren't far away, I've always wanted to see a badger so there's another bucket list tick. 

I got home and walked Alfie, well we walked a little then I stood whilst he lay on the grass!  When I got back from that my sister had dropped this off for me; 

Well after my long walk and not having eaten yet, this became my breakfast and wow it was delicious, she told me she cooked the beef on high in the slow cooker, it was from Morrisons and it was amazing and her Yorkshires are always incredible, kept me going most of the day that did.

Mom and I enjoyed some sunshine in the garden and the weather forecast on the radio has just said we could break records for Easter Monday with the temperatures today, as high as 25, so I can't see many people getting back on track until tomorrow!  That's okay though, the reset button can wait another day, every day you wake up with the opportunity to renew, refresh and reset, today or tomorrow looks like a perfect day for pressing that button. 

  

And if you needed a little motivation to show you it's more than doable, check out Dave's article on Birmingham Live Slimmer loses incredible 7.5 stone

He's an inspiration he really is, I can't tell you how proud I am of him and every one of my members who are doing what they can to live a healthier lifestyle.

Here's to a very, very great day.

Stay BeYOUtiful!   

'------'

(O,O)

/)__)

   ""

Happy Easter

Sunday 21st April 2019
Easter - the only time it's okay to put all your eggs in one basket.

Every time we try to eat healthy along comes Christmas, Easter, summer, Friday or Tuesday and ruins it for us :) I did survive yesterday almost, apart from some of moms Maltesers.  I impressed myself, I resisted going and spending lots of money in M&S, then behaved in the Co-op, reminding myself I have enough food to last me till Monday in the freezer.  There was so many things I would've bought.

After my scrambled egg sarnie for breakfast, which is my new favourite thing, I made this for my dinner; 

I didn't like it at all, so I only ate the beans, then went back and made this instead which was delicious. 

It's 4Sp for this pot of Katsu Curry sauce and I liked it so much I've already put a couple of pots in my online shopping basket. 

Later on as I knew I was going to be tempted by moms crisps, I decided they could be my tea and had a crisp sarnie, was good.  

But the I got attacked by about 100g of Maltesers wasting 25SP and they were wasted because the chocolate was warm so not so nice but I kept going! DOH.  So now I'm -19 on my weeklies, which means I need to do a lot of steps today.

It's all good, I've improved on last week, more aware of my eating, everything tracked on my app and thinking about what I'm eating.  Winner, winner roast beef dinner today courtesy of my sister who is just epic can I say.  It's the little things that make people amazing and I found a can of febreze on my landing windowsill she'd left there after a conversation we'd had, made me realise not only does she listen but she cares.  Yeah it's the little things xx

Anyway, my day was uneventful yesterday so nothing to tell, workshop which is always great, dog walks, difficult few hours with mom, couldn't get her in the garden and she was cold - REALLY!  Yep, we had the heating on yesterday and the curtains drawn so she could listen to her tv on 100 volume, lol, I've gotta laugh or I'd run away. 

That's why I'm looking forward to getting in my car in ten minutes and driving to meet my bro for a walk.  Catch ya laters, happy Easter.

Stay BeYOUtiful!   

'------'

(O,O)

/)__)

   ""

Happy Easter Weekend

Saturday 20th April 
Stick with people who pull the magic out of you not the madness

Yesterday was pure relaxation, my massage was so good I couldn't remember my PIN number to pay my bill when I came out, 2 attempts and I didn't want to risk the third and have it locked.  Let's hope I've remembered it again now!

We spent a few hours in the garden before mom got bored, she's very changeable these days, you can ask her if she wants something and she'll say no then ask her again a few minutes later and it's a yes.

I had the most delicious dinner, salmon in teriyaki sauce, I marinated the veggies as well as the salmon in the sauce and it was really tasty.  Good salmon too, on the bone, my sister gave it me, nom nom. 

Now to survive the weekend, this is the tough bit, but I can do it because I want to lose some weight, I need to keep reminding myself of my WHY and keep the wine in moderation!

I need to get mom an Easter egg as she asked yesterday if I'd bought her one, but if you fancy something sweet without the excessive points, how about this knickerbocker glory

serves 4 - 5SP per serving
1 x 26g sachet sugar-free jelly crystals
180g fat-free Greek-style yoghurt
1⁄2 tsp sugar-free vanilla syrup 
200g mixed berries, any larger fruit (like strawberries) halved or quartered, plus extra sliced strawberries to garnish
4 scoops of light vanilla ice cream (16SP)
reduced-fat squirty cream, to serve (1SP per serving) 

Make up the jelly according to the packet instructions and leave it to set.
When the jelly is set, mix the yoghurt with the vanilla syrup and set aside.
Divide the jelly into eight equal portions. 
Put a layer of jelly in the bottom of four glasses, followed by a thin layer of yoghurt.
Divide half of the fruit among the four glasses, then add a scoop of ice cream. 
Repeat the layers as follows: jelly, yoghurt, then fruit. 
Finally, top each serving with 3 tablespoons of reduced-fat squirty cream and a slice of strawberry.

Well that's me, still that relaxed from yesterday, it'll take a while for my brain to kick into gear.  Looking forward to my workshop this morning though, 

Stay BeYOUtiful!   

'------'

(O,O)

/)__)

   ""

Yesterday reminded me how great my life is

Friday 19th April 2019
Life is better when you cry a little, laugh a lot and are thankful you've got.

Woo Hoo, I had a lie in, half seven, go me, I wasn't woken by your typical alarm, I was woke up by the Hilary alarm, which is mom walking into my bedroom saying, are you up Bev, gotta love her.

Yesterday was one of those days that reminds me how blessed I am and how much I love my world.  Yes I woke up shattered but I still had a great day, it started with me spending 15 minutes with mom doing a crossword sitting on her bed, it was a beautiful moment, every time we got an answer right, she leaned in and knocked her shoulder on mine (really sweet), then she started talking about the photos around her room of the two of us and say, "we are a lot alike, you're just a bit younger than me" so I said let's take a few more to add to the collection and we did, just a short moment but precious and a reminder of the love between us that can be tested so often these days.

Then we got silly in the workshop, the first one is always where people get weighed and get off to work so we have time to chat, I found a huge teddy bear on the bric-a-brac store in the next room, so I decided to take him for mom, he sat in the workshop all morning, weighed 10lb so doesn't want to lose weight, he started off sitting alone,

but he soon made some friends,

He travelled well, wore his belt too, 

 Now he's got himself pride of place in the living room and mom will have many a conversation with him,

He's the best fiver I've spent this week!

Food wise, I went over my dailies because of the wine I enjoyed when I finally got home, it was worth it, plus I still have 8 weeklies left which is brilliant compared to last weeks effort.

The tagine I'd waited a week for wasn't worth it, there's not one cooks a tagine better than my dear friend Chantel, oh honestly, now that girl could cook, my food day looked like this;

Now this lentil curry for 2SP from my workshops was worth it, unlike that tagine above which also cost a bloody ridiculous £6.99, Chris Bigham are supposed to be really special, but I wouldn't buy it again.

Lentil Curry 2SP

and then I ended the day with my WW popcorn, 2SP, I warmed it up in the microwave and settled down to watch Grey's Anatomy. 

Yep Thursday was a very, very, great day.

Let's have a very GOOD FRIDAY (geddit 😛 )