Wear your sunscreen!

Monday 31st May 2021 

Life has no remote, get up and change it yourself.

How wonderful was it to get a day of sunshine yesterday, once we'd all caught up on zoom, I was straight in the garden as Alfie had already took me for a walk!  I filled a few more bags with weeds, from the back garden this time - a little bit at a time so I don't mess my back up again!  Then I had an hour in the sun, but soon moved to the shade as I was starting to burn.

Over half way through my book, just over 8 hours left to listen to, should do that today, it's great as I can listen whilst doing other things, it may motivate me to do my housework this morning.  I forgot the Masked singer was on last night, so Alfie and I had an early night, I was asleep before half eight, I love sleeping I do!  Up at five this morning so watching it now before Facebook posts tell me who everyone is, although I am absolutely rubbish at it, I just enjoy watching it, pure silliness. 

I didn't even have to cook yesterday because my amazing sister delivered me a delicious beef dinner which I can eat regardless of the weather!  I managed making a ham salad sandwich for my tea, oh such a good day, proper chilling.

I was added to a Fitbit challenge this weekend, I haven't done one of them in a very, long time, years even, but I'm quite pleased to say I clocked up 23,118 steps this weekend, regardless of the fast I haven't won the challenge, I'm really pleased with those steps for a weekend, this summer is all about getting my body moving again without it taking days to recover!  

Short one today as not much to say after my quiet day yesterday, here's to another lovely, sunny day hopefully, then looking forward to the huddles tomorrow, our banners came yesterday - eek!  Please help us spread the word, if you see our posts on Facebook, share them for us xx 

Whatever you have planned this bank holiday, have a very, great day!

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

A sunny bank holiday - who knew!

Sunday 30th May 2021

Fake it till you make it!

What a glorious morning, plus it's forecast for the day - YAY!  It was a good day yesterday too, we had a cracking huddle, over 4 stone lost by our members on the scales followed by a really good chat, it's great when everyone's laughing and getting involved, it filled me with energy to get stuff done later.  Alfie is getting used to going and mostly lies on his bed allowing folk to fuss him.  

When we got home I found out some bin bags and started pulling up the weeds from my front garden - oh my days, there was a lot, I was out there for a couple of hours, managed to clock up 99 active minutes and 14,116 steps on the fitbit, plus I filled 8 bin bags!  There's also a couple of cut down shrubs on the drive!  If I'd had a hedge trimmer I'd have done the shrubs on the other side of the drive, might treat myself, although I don't know if they're staying, not sure what Terry is going to do with the front.  

I may tackle the back garden today, I'm a little stiff and sore but nothing unbearable, there's loads still needs doing on the front but it's gonna involve a garden fork and more muscle, I need to build myself up to that!  The local cats ain't very impressed I've ruined their hiding places, one actually kept coming to look whilst I was doing it.  

We then sat in the back listening to my audio book and it was lovely, Terry rang for a quick chat, all was good in my world, I look forward to a summer of doing just that, chilling in the back garden either on my own or with friends. 

It was steak, onions, chips and peas for tea, forgot the pic but Tina was right, Penn Road butchers Rib eye steak is lush at the minute, I'm tempted to have some more for the freezer, ready for when my brother arrives.  Need to see if there's room.  A healthy salad today I think, a nice dog walk if he's up for it, he's spark out behind me at the minute, oh we have our Zoom huddle at 9 this morning, better go make myself look half decent, well put clothes on ;) I'm just looking at my living room windows, they need cleaning, I might just tackle that at some point, they've still got bits of plaster on them lol, I'm such a tramp.

I'm off, need more fluids, have a great day.

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

And relax again...

Saturday 29th May 2021

Believing in yourself the first secret to success. 

Had a lovely day yesterday, decided to join an organised walk over Northycote farm Walking For Wellbeing In Wolverhampton | Facebook it was a relaxed, slow paced walk which Alfie was most grateful for, actually probably to blame for, it was lovely to have an hour out though, it's a gorgeous place to walk and it's been years since I walked round with mom, probably when Alfie was a puppy and the trees have matured so much, there's actually a second bluebell wood I don't remember!  Yeah definitively a lovely place to go and to take kids too, the cakes looked amazing and I was 10 yards away and settled for a coffee!  I've just done a search on my Facebook and how spooky, Northycote was Alfie's first big adventure back in May 2010, it was the first place we took him, 11 years ago, wow! 

Once we were back, I got my shorts on and connected up the pressure washer Julie had let me borrow and the hose from my sister and I went to work cleaning the garden furniture - how good are they!  It looks like new again, all it needs now is the decking fitting to sit in on, oh and sunshine! It is forecast dry today and sunny tomorrow/Monday, at last a glimpse of summer, I want to sit in my garden, chilling, listening to my audiobook.  I finished the one I was listening too yesterday, now I can start on the Missing Sister which I've waited for what fells like more than a year! 

The rest of the day was relaxing, I had a chat on the phone with my big brother which was lovely, then about 8ish, I decided to go to bed, it was just nice to lie there resting and it wasn't long before I fell asleep, so I've had my 8 hours and I'm ready for my day. I'm really enjoying relaxing but I'm still getting used to doing one thing at a time, I'm that used to trying to zone mom out when she got really bad by doing crochet / watching tele / playing candy crush that it's become a habit playing one of those daft games at the same time as doing something else, it was like white noise for me.

We're at Old Fallings Park this morning; 

Hoping not everyone's gone away for the bank holiday, I couldn't imagine going away this weekend, how busy is everywhere going to be, I mean a usual one is busy enough, but one where no ones been able to play out for so long!  

I've just enjoyed a sausage, egg and tomato breakfast muffin, Penn Road butchers pork sausages are delicious, I'm just hoping it doesn't all repeat on my in an hour!  If it doesn't then it's the spread that causes the discomfort, it's hit and miss to work out what causes my heartburn/indigestion, but I honestly also thing it's my hormones because the same food doesn't bother me some weeks but another it'll kill me. 

I'm off, have a great day, see some of you in a short while, here's to an excellent day ahead.

Mwah, luv ya

Love me xx

It's all good

Friday 28th May 2021

Trust yourself, you know more than you think you do.

Another great day, seeing members at Bloxwich, I was so pleased to see an old friend walk in, I haven't hugged anyone like that for a good, long while, a proper scrunch, it was so good to see her.  So much weight loss over the day too, just amazing how everyone is embracing the plan their choosing to follow, calories are really popular, some a little cautious at first but when they've seen the results and how easy it is to follow, they're soon converted!  Nat's lost a stone and 5lb already since she started with nutracheck earlier this year, we had a few yesterday who lost almost half stone in their first week - but remember this isn't a race, we also had those who are aiming for up to a pound a week because they want to carry on enjoying life at the same time!  It's just great to see everyone designing their own diet plan, being the master of their own body!

Food wise, I really enjoyed these yesterday and will definitely buy again; 

274 calories in a quarter of a packet, so obviously not low calorie but if you compare eating a plate of these with ordering a KFC bucket, I'm saving a serious amount of calories overall, plus I didn't have them with chips. My lunch had been gnochhi in the tomato and basil sauce, it was a bit too tomatoey for me, I didn't eat the whole portion, and had it with a bit of broccoli.  I've got a portion of shepherds pie for today my sisters given me. 

I'm cleaning garden furniture today if it stays dry, although I suppose it doesn't matter if it don't as I'm gonna get wet doing it!  Julie has dropped off her pressure washer thing so I'm gonna work out how to use it and hope it does the trick to get the green stuff of the chairs.  I'm also feeling I need to try and sort the weeds out of the front garden before my brother arrives, he's gonna have enough to do, plus I feel bad now I have new neighbours, it looks a bloody mess really.  I had mom as an excuse before but she's not here now, I'm just concerned about my back, my sides still not right from painting, but if I take my time and do a bit here and a bit there, I should be okay.  Need some garden clothes cos of the nettles! 

Penn Road butchers have some cracking steak this week, I think Alfie and I deserve a treat as he wasn't impressed with the dog food I got from Iceland, he refused to eat it yesterday!  To be fair it don't look the best. 

Bank holiday weekend, can you believe it, we're almost in June, finally gonna get some nice weather, I've got my weekend sorted re entertainment, I've got my audio book to listen too, I've been waiting for it for months, although I still have 4 hours left on the one I'm listening too, think I need to finish that one first, can't do two stories at the same time. 

Here's to a wonderful weekend, I've got Old Fallings to look forward to in the morning and the zoom on Sunday morning, other than that, I'm free to do what I fancy, when I fancy, it's so good, even my house ain't too untidy, I've bought this wooden boxes that fit perfectly under my armchairs so I can put my stuff in there when I'm not using them, bit like a grown up toybox, ones got my crochet in, the other my books and notes for my Happy Owls stuff.  It's all coming together a little at a time, I've gotten used to the plastered walls, it's amazing what you stop noticing when you see it all the time.

Have a great Bank Holiday whatever your plans, 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x 

 

Another good day ahead

Thursday 27th May 2021

Always remember you are amazing!

Ooo I do love a good nights sleep and I've just managed eight hours of it, vivid dreams for the last hour but I can live with that.  Dreams are weird ain't they, sometimes so vivid that you can't recall if that memory was a dream or it actually happened, don't worry I'm not going to stay telling you what it was about, there's nothing worse than someone telling you a long, boring tale, especially one that didn't actually happen because it was a dream!

I enjoyed my day again yesterday, it's still a novelty enjoying my days after the last few years where I was lovely to be able to enjoy the odd hour here and there, now I'm enjoying the whole 24 hours, I take pleasure in everything I do, sometimes because I've not been able to do it for so long and it's the simple things, the silly things we take for granted such as just going in the kitchen to put the kettle on and deciding to do the washing up whilst I'm there.  That sounds ridiculous doesn't it, but just imagine not being able to do that, to leave the room when you wanted to just do whatever your mood took you.  I love that my concentration is coming back so that I can sit and crochet or watch something on tv that needs you to give it your complete attention, yesterday I sat and worked on our next journal for our groups, the first one has gone down so well, I wanted to do another with even more interaction so it's more than a food tracker.  

Finally food isn't the most important thing in my world again, it has been a huge part for a good while because it was something to look forward too in a time in my life when things weren't so great.  Yesterday I enjoyed garlic mushrooms and egg on toast for breakfast, then I didn't have another big meal I picked at stuff when I was peckish, I had the last bit of the gnocchi from the day before, not the tomato one (I'll have that today), I had a hot dog roll with ham on it and I ate the few mouthfuls of apple, nut and celery salad from the tub in the fridge.  

Today, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at Bloxwich, I ordered banners for our venues yesterday too, hopefully the investment will pay off in members, none of it's cheap that's for sure.   There all a variation on this; 

Why is everything black and white?  Because we wanted to keep things simple, also b&w is cheaper to print when we had the journals done originally but that wasn't the main reason, although the cheaper we can keep costs, the cheaper we can charge.  We also wanted people to colour themselves happy.  We wanted to move away from the corporate 'professional' approach because we believed that was what spoilt everything we'd enjoyed about our previous jobs, a successful meeting isn't about matching tablecloths and using a particular language, oh what did they call it, oh I can't even bloody remember because it was so ridiculous that we couldn't say meetings or groups anymore we had to call them workshops and they were studios not rooms or halls.  Well our members can use whatever words to describe their groups / huddles / meetings that they want, we just want them to be happy and feel comfortable, oh and not forgetting the raffle and the cuppa.  Yeah we love having those because all the profit from them goes back into the community through charity fundraising.  

I went off on one there didn't I!  Well a job I loved for 16 years was spoilt for me, taken away from me, yes there's more to it than that, but this isn't the place, so I'll keep it all to myself, those who left at the same time know why we all opted to take redundancy.  

Let's look forward not backwards, I was catching up with my mate Evey last night who's set up in Lichfield and Hednesford, her members are loving it too, so if you can't get to us, she's your lady over that area. 

Here's to an excellent day, I'll leave you with a little bit of cuteness from Alfie, I treated him to a new toy yesterday and after squeaking it for a few minutes, this was how they ended up.  Sums our day up yesterday nicely this does; 

 

 

How bloody cute is he!  Here's to a very good day, see some of you later it's looking like a dry one again - yay! 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x

 

Fab to be back!

Wednesday 26th May 2021

Good things take time. 

Check me out, had a lie in ain't I, 6.45am to be precise, then I made a cuppa and the milk was sour, first time this year that's happened to me, I laughed as I poured it down the sink and refilled the kettle as there wasn't enough water for another.  I'm now sat enjoying said cup of tea though and feeling good about the day ahead and remembering how brilliant yesterday was, seeing all our wonderful Happy Owls, having a giggle, a natter and seeing them lose over 5 stone on the scales which of course is always the icing on the cake.  Like I said yesterday, it's been a difficult year so weight loss isn't going to just come easily, plus finally being allowed to play out again means we're going to want to talk advantage of enjoying a meal out or a trip to the pub. 

Now foodwise, I enjoyed eggs and tomatoes on toast for breakfast, then for my lunch I had a hot dog, the roll was 121 calories, hot dog sausages 28 each (I buy the cheap Kingsfood ones as Alfie eats them), bloomin delicious it was, ketchup 20 cals and 1/2 an onion 25ish.  Was a tasty lunch, I always cook the onions in the juice from the hotdogs, mmm nom nom. 

 

Now my dinner I only cooked because the ingredients needed using before they walked out the fridge, I'd been putting off eating the gnocchi and courgette for days, turned out it was only delicious! I baked half the packet the gnocchi (355 cals) in a can of condensed mushroom soup (270 cals) and sprinkled a little parmesan (40 cals) on the top, seriously good and really filling, I actually didn't put all of it on the plate. So quite high in calories but half of the end result would have been plenty with veggies, those are courgettes and mushroom roasted, I could've put the mushrooms in with the gnocchi and sauce to bulk it out. Would definitely cook this again. With the other half packet, I've got todays dinner ready, I roasted it with a jar of Loyd Grossman Pasta Sauce, Tomato & Basil (220 cals) which had been on offer for £1, not sure it would be worth £1.80 but it is tasty, a little high in calories for a small jar of tomato sauce though.  

I just saw this image on Pinterest and it's so very true, I always say, 'life isn't fair, but it isn't fair for anyone, so!'  Food for thought, especially if you're struggling like I was.

I spent an hour on the phone with my brother last night, we haven't seen each other now for well over two years, he wasn't able to get across to see mom before she passed away, he missed his big brothers 60th, my 50th, covid has a lot to answer for.  He's stuck on a small island away from his own home working to earn some money because like so many of us, things have been hard, they've not been able to work and it's way stricter on Corfu, the police issue fines instantly if you were caught out and about!  I do hope he gets to fly back next month, the flights cost enough on it's own without all the tests that he'll have to have done, they're a ridiculous price too.  He looked tired and emotional, all that time on your own gives you time to overthink everything and that was obviously what he'd been doing, I can't wait to give him a big hug.  Don't get me wrong by day 3 we'll be getting on each other tits again but that's what being a sibling is all about isn't it.  

Well what shall I do today, it's actually forecast a dry day WOO HOO!  I've got some work to get done on the laptop, then I will enjoy my gnocchi later and maybe fit in a bit of crochet, reading and a little yoga. 

Enjoy your day, remember no matter how you really feel, say "today's gonna be a great day" even if you aren't feeling it - fake it till you make it!

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x

Have a word with yourself (A positive one!)

Tuesday 25th May 2021 

Start the day with a smile (even if it's a fake one)

Another sit down huddle day for me today and I'm looking forward to it, the thing with weight loss is when you've had a bad week, you really need that meeting, when you've had a good week that meeting needs you.  I think so many of us have got it into our heads that the minute the sit down groups opened, we'd all become perfect losers and on it like a car bonnet!  Well that's like expecting January 1st to be the answer to all our prayers - it doesn't work like that does it.  Let's just think about the situation, Jan 1 usually brings with it a feeling of over-indulgence and a willingness to stop bloody eating for ten minutes because you've eaten enough food in a week to sustain a family of four for a month!  Now we're coming out of 14 months of a pandemic, lockdowns, not seeing our friends, not being able to go out, being scared that we might get really ill or die, some having lost love ones, lost jobs, what else has been a big pile of poo about the last year!  Anxiety is at an all time high for so many, then there's the fact we've gained loads of bloody weight, which was really easy wasn't it.  We only had to eat 100 calories extra a day to gain a pound a month, so over that time most have easily gained a stone, some more, some smug buggers less ;) now all of a sudden we expect to lose the same stone in a month!  Not gonna happen is it, we've got to create a calorie deficit (eat less than we use) to get a weight loss but it needs to be a realistic one because otherwise our body clocks onto what we're up to and starts to let our brain in on the situation and together they do everything in their power to say "OH YOU, we're hungry, we think you should eat some crap!" and before you know it, you're shoulders deep in the biscuit barrel and feeling like a complete failure.  YOU'RE NOT, you are human and we are bloody brilliant because we have worked out how to survive without us even being aware that we're doing it, the subconscious is very clever.  

However your week has gone, give yourself a break but learn from it, ask yourself what worked for you and what didn't.  What can you take from the last 7 days that you could use again, what did you do that you didn't get anything from so won't do again.  What can you say to yourself that will encourage you to continue, because one of the most powerful things you can do is give yourself some positive self-talk, not a good talking too, that in my opinion has a detrimental effect.  We don't take care of anything we don't love or even like!  Whilst you're here reading my blog, read these statements aloud; 

I believe in me!

I'm going to have a great day. 

Losing weight is natural for me.

I am achieving my weight loss goals.

I’m losing weight every single day.

I love moving my body daily.

I’m eating healthy foods only when I feel hungry.

I adore the taste of healthy food.

I control how much I eat.

I enjoy exercising, it give me energy.

I’m becoming healthier and happier every day. 

I can easily reach and maintain my ideal weight.

I love and care for my body.

I deserve to have a healthy body.

I’m constantly developing healthier eating habits.

If you didn't do it, go back and do it, self-talk works and speaking it out aloud makes it work better.  You could write a few of your own onto post-it notes and stick them to your bathroom mirror so you read them every day whilst you're doing your morning rituals.  If you don't want to say them loud, whisper them.  

Trust me, it's all scientifically proven, neuroscience is very clever but boring at this time of the morning unless you're a scientist :) so we won't go deep, just know you can fake it till you make it, it's like not being able to say bubbles with a serious face, some things just work and it's easier to believe it than to read a ton of books. 

If you think you're not doing great, grab your phone notes app or a bit of paper and start writing down all the positive things you have do and do from now on that affects your health/happiness in a good way, so having a glass of water when you get out of bed before the cuppa tea (or after), weighing your portion of oven chips like I did, instead of just throwing some on the tray, turns out 125g was enough, especially with everything else that was on the plate!  

 

I did share the gammon with Alfie - I didn't have a lot of choice!  Roughly 600 calories on that plate

Finally got my sushi, it's out my system now, so I took the two meals deals off my supermarket delivery today, I remembered to save my changes this week, which means a much healthier shop on it's way.  That's another positive for my looking after me list.  What things can go on your list?  It's so much better to note all the good things than the slip ups, then work at making that list longer every day.  

Look at my wonderful gift from my cousin, came in the post yesterday, I hadn't seen the card in the box at first but I became really emotional when I unwrapped him, he was wrapped in a Tibetan prayer flag and so many memories came flooding back of mom and me in Nepal, the first time I visited that country it changed me as a person and I'll forever be thankful.  My Buddha is now in pride of place in my chill out room bringing calmness to it.

Speaking of chilling out, if you fancy a bit of meditation, this app is great, I've had it on my phone since last October, not used it as much as I could've but it's helped me fall asleep a few times, they're offering a free year!  Balance - Personalized meditation (balanceapp.com)  I'm in the middle of my free year. 

Well I better go have a shower and get ready for my busy day, I've got the two huddles but I also have a lot of computer work to do in-between, not forgetting walking Alfie, we got a little soaked yesterday but we still enjoyed both walks.  

Here's to the best day - you in?

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

Happy Monday

Monday 24th May 2021

I had a lovely day yesterday, everything I like about life and I've just found a notepad from a good couple of years ago and I was using it to give me some focus and the front page says; 

"What matters most in life" and I've written "Being content, I was going to write happy but it's impossible to be happy all the time, I'll settle for content.  Being able to pay my bills and afford my life, not going hungry and enjoying good health matters to me.  Making my moms final years as comfortable as possible and helping those I love and care for when I can.  That I do things that I enjoy."

Well nothing much has changed there, accept the obvious and I can say I did may moms final years as comfortable as was possible.  I like a simple life, being able to walk Alfie, eat a decent meal, chill and watch tele, or read a book, do some crochet and I'm happy these days.  I'm not saying my wanderlust won't return or I won't want more in the future but right now I'm as happy as a pig in muck I really am. 

Alfie and I went for a cracking long walk on morning, got back just in time for our Happy Owls zoom at 9 which was a good catch up, came off that not just with meal ideas but also what I needed to watch on tele, which was Motherland, turns out I'd already seen the first series but I gave it a rewatch, then enjoyed binging the other two series, that was my day sorted.  Alfie and I did have another walk inbetween and on the after I sat there and suddenly fancied cake, I never eat cake really but they were always in a cafe in the show and I'm sure cake had been mentioned a lot on Saturday in our huddle, so there was me and Alfie snuggled up on the settee, so I slipped off my dressing gown, left the tele on, slipped my coat and shoes on and nipped down the tesco garage, I got me some sushi, a carrot cake, packet of prawn cocktail crisps (meal deal wasn't it), salted almonds and a couple of cheese topped rolls mmm.  

When I got back, I peeped through the living room window to see where Alfie was as he wasn't in the window or porch and I was thrilled to see he was still on the settee, quite relaxed, he is definitely getting better, it's such a relief. 

I then proceeded to have me a bit of a picnic.  I'd had a healthy breakfast for 320 calories; 

I made this delicious cob with an Aldi fish burger (rubbish photo I know) but I used up the home made coleslaw and the salad leaves that were use by 23rd.  If you've never had the fish burgers from Aldi, they are lush for 183 calories, I like the buttermilk one but they also do one with a bit of a kick.  The bread roll was about 200 calories, better than a maccy's fillet of fish and I love them! 

 

Now let's talk cake, jeez you don't get a lot, this fit on a side plate and apparently has 6 slices (255 a slice) in it, not for the cake people I know, I probably ate a quarter at most, thankfully it's fresh until 27th and I've put it in airtight tubs, the whole thing is 1,530 in total wowzers.  

Although I easily topped up my calories in crisps, nuts, sushi and wine, but it was so good and as Elle said on the morning, we are foodie people and we enjoy eating good food, she's write, I love good food and I haven't indulged for a bit to be honest.  I've weighed this morning and I'm still a pound under that stone, so I've lost 9lb total from the heaviest I was this year, that's with just being mindful of the calories in things, not writing everything down but not pretending that stuff doesn't count just because I've not wrote it down. 

In this notebook is other stuff, lists including 'tv that makes me happy', 'foods that make me happy', 'meals I enjoy', 'in what ways to I take care and look after myself', good reminders for me to read and build on.  On the food list is trout, I was reminded how much I like it yesterday, they haven't had it in Sainsbury's in a long time but I was told Aldi sell it, so that's on my to eat list.  

One way I've been taking care of myself this year is with my Strictly Professional skin care, I've tried lots of stuff in the past, I never stick with it, either because it's expensive and / or I can't see what difference it's making so why bother.  This time, I bought the pack which was a bloody bargain, Vicky showed me exactly how to use it properly and I could see the difference, I could also afford to buy the larger ones and I use it daily.  I'm buying the pedicure lotion next, time to look after my feet, the heels are already dry before the summer arrives and the sandals go on!  If you're interested in excellent, value for money creams, get in touch with V if you know her or me and I'll pass your details on, she even shows you how to use the stuff if you're like me and haven't got a clue, does it over zoom. 

I started crocheting a blanket yesterday, I bloody hope there's enough of the yarn to make it a decent lap blanket, if not it'll be a shawl lol, it was just good to sit doing it whilst watching tv, I'll continue that today, not sure what my plan for the day ahead involves but I know I won't be over busy, I may do a bit of work but then again I might not, I'll be busy enough Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, I'm all for spending less and working less now, can't wait for the sunshine to finally arrive so we can enjoy some time in the garden.  

Time for another cuppa, hope you have a good day, ask yourself what matters most in your life.  Here's something you can do; 

Make a list of things that make you happy.  Make a list of things you do every day.

Compare the lists and adjust accordingly & do more of what makes you happy every day. 

On that note, I'll say turrah

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x 

Relaxing Sunday ahead

Sunday 23rd May 2021

When you focus on the good the good gets better.

Oh yesterday morning was just fab, what a great week it's been, finally our plans coming together, standing at a set of scales chatting to folk, listening to the rest have a natter over a cuppa, yep it's great and I'm loving that they are all doing a plan that works for them.  If you go in any book shop and head over to the diet book section, you'll see hundreds of different books on how to lose weight and every one of them worked for the author, so now it's time for us all to write our own!  We are all grown ups, we know what's good for us, we know what we should cut down on so let's take control of our own health and happiness, we're way more likely to stick to something that fits into our lifestyle and that we enjoy.  Please spread the word about our Happy Owls Huddles. 

Now I haven't been tracking but I will get back to it because I know it helps, it makes me more aware of what I'm consuming and gives me food for thought (pardon the pun).  I'm not going to make excuses as to why I haven't been tracking, ignorance is bliss let's just say.  It would be easy to say I'll start tomorrow cos it's Monday but no I'll start today, it'll make me more aware and that's what I need.

My new neighbours were busy next door yesterday, a bloke walked in the house just before 8am with the biggest drill ever and started to work, I was so relieved I hadn't got mom to contend with.  I got back around 11 and there was a skip on their drive and it was almost full fair play to them!  Because of the noise and knowing what they were doing, it motivated me to tackle the rest of my house and do a bit of housework, I'm proud to say you can see the floor in every room in my house now!  All my 'stuff' is now in a cupboard or box somewhere waiting for the cupboards in the back room to be built.

Oh and my brother nipped over whilst I was out to plane a bit off my door where the carpet had been put down, unfortunately he obviously didn't realise that was a brand new extra large very expensive yoga mat on the floor as he had obviously used it to balance said door on and now it has two holes in and gloss paint on it ;( no point in saying owt to him as he'll come back with some funny comment.  I will just go with it wasn't intentional and he did me the favour of sorting my door.  

It's actually not raining this morning that's a novelty, not sure of the forecast but I have washing to do so I'll risk it, I can dry it indoors if needed.  That's all the 'work' I'm doing today, I've had me a book come from Amazon 'Coffee Self-Talk' by Kristen Helmstetter, I'm going to start that, oh I do have an hour zoom at 9 with the Owls, but that's not work-work, it's enjoyable.  I think I'm going to get my crochet back out, not touched it since before mom passed, so time to start something I'll enjoy, I've just spotted some lovely brown soft yarn in my shed, I'll make a cuddle blanket with it I think as now I don't have to have the heating on constantly, I like a lap blanket to warm me up.   Find some good tv to watch, take Alfie out once or twice and that sounds like the perfect day.

I had my lamb chops yesterday, I can take them off my shopping list for the foreseeable future, I've eaten other foods that have tasted better and been healthier for me lately, I'm trying to really notice the taste and flavour of food, I think with lots of things we go on autopilot and think we like it.  Frozen oven chips is one of those foods for me, some are really tasteless, I can't remember what the ones in the freezer are, but they are bland and I won't buy them again, hold on I'll go look.  Champion, season coated homestyle chips!  Not for me, but I can't remember the ones I had that I did like lol, at least with McCains microchips you know what you're getting, soggy chips to make a butty with!  When I googled them, they're from Aldi and then there was this, but it's all relative and down to personal taste isn't it. 

 

Let me know which you like best?  I've got others in the freezer to try still I think because they came as part of the Co-op £5 freezer deals. 

Right I'm off to do my yoga before next door rock up and start their hammering and banging, here's to a chillaxing day for me and hope you get to do something you enjoy too.

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me 

Saturday morning cuppa with the gang - can't wait!

Saturday 22nd May 2021

As long as you're breathing, it's not to late to change your story.

Well enough with the rain already, even Alfie don't wanna walk in it, we managed one walk yesterday so only managed 5.5k steps yesterday, just wasn't happening!  I did sort out my self assessment with the tax people though thankfully as I'd made a bit of a mess of signing up as self employed and it wouldn't let me do anything, but it's all done and I've got my tax return completed for UW from when I joined in Sept till April 6th, I've put the money to one side so I can get it paid rather than holding onto it and falsely thinking it's mine - you don't mess with the tax man, well I don't anyway! 

Thankfully our new venture will go on next years returns, excited again this morning for our first sit down at Old Fallings, a room full of chatter once more I hope!  

I ended up making chicken hotpot yesterday so that fed me enough to last me all day, it was easy cold weather comfort food, plus Alfie got to eat some chicken too and the foxes got the bones and skin (yeah I left the skin!)

Talking of Alfie, I left him whilst I went over the shop to post a parcel and go to the pet shop and when I drove back into the close he was on the window sill in the box room, looking out for me and watching the world which is excellent progress because he wasn't full on stressed out like he has been for the last two months when I've left.  He was the same Thursday when my sister turned up, we both ignore him till he stops barking, again that's helping as he calms down much quicker.  Hopefully he'll continue to get better with being left and not so anxious, he'll never be left for long but I want to be able to just nip out for an hour here or there, I've spent too many years not being able to haven't I.

Another dreary weekend out there by the looks, but as long as it's dry when my brother comes to do my decking (hopefully end June) then I'll suck it up, I can amuse myself plenty in my house, watching tele and relaxing is still a novelty.  I binge watched the first series of Innocent yesterday, it was excellent, I'll look forward to watching the second on now.  I also caught up on Greys and a couple of others I watch weekly - bloomin love telly and being a lazy bitch right now, it's still such a novelty.

Looks like I finally have new neighbours too, the contracts must have gone through yesterday as the daughter had told me they were due to and there was quite a bit of movement next door, good to have it occupied again, it's been a year since she passed away so it's been empty all that time. 

Right, I'm away to wash and dress ready for the day, Alfie's got up mardy bless him, he'll be okay once he's had another hour snooze, he can't be tired we went to bed at eight last night!  I love sleep again too :) 

Have a wonderful if somewhat wet weekend, hope to see lots of you this morning, 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x

Yay, it's Friday

Thursday 20th May 2021 
Be the energy you want to attract.

Well it was so good to be back in Bloxwich yesterday, it's been such a long 14 months and I hadn't seen any of them in that time but also I hadn't been able to stay in touch with them all either, we've all had our own crap going on and there's only so many hours in the day.  It was like we'd seen each other the day before though, was lovely and also I met new people too which is always a good thing.  Here's to the future, onwards and upwards, oh and downwards on the scales ;)

I also went on a zoom at 8 last night with a wonderful woman I worked with when I first became a coach, she was a trainer and since leaving WW has gone from strength to strength, empowering women to be successful in business. Chatterbox Learning – L-earning I've joined as it was a bargain and I get a free training session worth £100, it's important to invest in yourself £29 for the year at the moment, it will double next month, but even at double the cost it's still a bargain.  

 

breakfast was a brie toastie with mushrooms and beetroot.

lunch was fast, I just fried up some beef mince (Alfie ate half of it) a bit of lettuce, beetroot (again, I like it at the minute) and that's a spoon Tzatziki and a spoon of coleslaw.

now tea was this vegetable curry fish traybake, I just don't think I like curry and fish together, it was edible, just not for me. 

I'm going to cook a dinner today I think, lots of veggies and lamb chops, they were part of my delivery this week that didn't go the way I'd planned lol, but thankfully I do love a lamb chop and I'll freeze some as it's a big pack, they're a fiver for 8 thin chops, they work out at 300 calories for 2 of them so as long as there's lots of veggies with them, it's a good meal.  I've also got a pack of chicken thighs, they're £3.20 for 2kg, they're 225 calories per 100g edible part, now I've weighed the bones from a pack in the past and there's only about 150g total, so again not only are they a bargain to buy but they're flavoursome to eat too, not sure what I'm going to cook those as though, Alfie likes them just roasted lol and tbh, they're cheaper than a lot of dog food, the only cheaper one is the own branded stuff.  Don't get me started on dog treats, they're a ridiculous price, they vary from £14-28 kg, yeah I know they're a quid or two a packet but by weight, they're really expensive.  I might make a chicken casserole, see if my sister has a few spuds I can cadge I think I have a couple of onions, I defo have one, don't I sound all frugal and grown up!  

It's still too cold for summer salads, my body is craving comfort food like roast dinners and stews, mashed potato and toast with butter, ooo nice.  I'll have scrambled eggs on toast for breakfast I think, ooo I'll add tinned tomatoes to bulk it up, make it healthier and tasty too.  The lamb dinner later and I'll have a snack for tea, I have a feeling it'll be an early night tonight ready for our first sit down at Old Fallings tomorrow, can't wait. 

No plans for today, I've got a couple of loads of washing that need doing and as it looks like it's never going to stop raining this month, I'll be drying them on airers in the wetroom, it takes a day or two depending on what it is, but they dry even if I don't have the heating on.  When my washing machine finally dies, I'll replace it with a washer/dryer, I've been saying that since I had the kitchen done which is 3 or 4 years now. 

The only side effect from my jab is a swollen gland in my collar bone again, which will hopefully go downa gain like it did last time, I'm just thankful I wasn't poorly, especially with it being our first day at Bloxwich yesterday.

Right let's enjoy the day, I'm off to do my yoga, if I get a burst of energy, I'll get the hoover out and clear the clothes off my bedroom floor, if I don't I'll find a good film to watch and snuggle up under a blanket on the settee.  

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x

Looking forward to seeing Bloxwich Babes

Thursday 20th May 2021

Feel your feelings, they're not wrong.

WOW over 14 months since I've sat in a room with humans in Bloxwich, I'm so looking forward to seeing folk today, 8.30-10.30 (chat at 9.45), then 4.30-6.30 (chat at 5.45), I hope to see some of those faces I've missed so much I could smush them, I'd have champagne for breakfast to celebrate if I wasn't driving :) 

Had my second jab yesterday and I feel fine, just a little tender to touch where the jab went in, I'm so thankful to have had them and hopeful for our future as a country, that we will be able to get to normality as best as we can. 

Food wise, well what am I like my supermarket delivery was hilarious because I forgot to save changes so I mostly received dog treats, various cheeses and 2 pillows!  It's all under control, I've got an Iceland delivery coming this morning to re stock the freezer and bring the eggs, dog food and bread I actually need.  I wanted bottled water but they hadn't got the cheap, small ones I added to my order according to the email.  

This was my food day, carb heavy but bloody delicious, I use Warburtons 400g wholemeal bread, it's the one I like and a loaf lasts me a week, sometimes longer.  

sardines in tomatoes on toast 333 calories 

Brie and garlic mushrooms on toast 450 calories 

And this was so good, I haven't had cheese for weeks as I kept forgetting to order it, jacket spud with butter and grated cheese, there was only about 20g cheese there finely grated, but there was a good 200 calories of butter on it!  

Yay, my Iceland delivery is here, that's good that it's nearer 6 than 8am because of leaving at 8, I have time to make it all fit in the freezer now.  

It wasn't so bad, there wasn't too much actual frozen, just the one bag, I love that you only have to spend £35 for free delivery there.  

I had a lazy afternoon yesterday and I loved it, put the tele on to find a film my sister had recommended and some day time movie had just started, so I ended up watching that, then the Chick Fight on amazon my sister had told me about, I enjoyed both, I must have fell asleep after that ended because I woke up on the settee about ten and went to bed.  Alfie had me up a couple of times in the night, he did need to go though so I don't mind when it's a valid reason and not just want to chase foxes.

Right if you are coming today, the entrance to our group is via the fire exit at the left of the building, we'll put a sign there to show you, here's to a healthy summer of enjoying each others company and having a great time. 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx 

What a brilliant day that was!

Wednesday 19th May 2021

Together we can do great things.

What a great day yesterday was, 14 months since stood in a room full of people, listening to the buzz of the chatter and it didn't disappoint at all, we can't wait to do it again on Thursday.  I didn't realise till we actually stood at the front of the room to start talking quite how much I'd missed it, it's amazing what you can get used to and forget what you had or enjoyed before.  It was made better by there being two of us, everything is better together isn't it.  

The entire day wasn't consumed by the huddle, I did my yoga session in my chill room, I've got it how I want it, mirror, fold up bed with a nice cover on it so I can use it for meditation and all my photos and souvenirs from my travels there as a reminder of some of the things I've done that bought me to the place I am and made me who I am.  I'll be off to do a session after doing my blog, big of yoga, bit of meditation before I tackle finishing sorting upstairs, I managed to do some more yesterday, it's almost complete. 

Oh when I came walking down the stairs this morning, I had a 'oh no' moment, in all my 'I'm buzzing' mood yesterday, I forgot to 'checkout' my amendments for my supermarket delivery that's coming this morning! DOH!  See what I do when my shop is delivered, I quickly book another slot, throw some stuff in from my favourites list to make £40, if I haven't got enough, I look at the offers and throw a few of them in, just so I can checkout and get the spot.  Then I go in to amend and over the week, I add the things I need/want and checkout the day before, well I forgot didn't I so instead of eggs and bread, I've got camembert, dog treats and cocktail sausages coming - oops.  I tend to put stuff in that's a little naughty when I do my initial order, it's like window shopping, then remove it when I realise I don't need such food lol, hey ho, as long as you count the calories you can eat anything right! 

Oh food wise, I didn't do too bad yesterday, breakfast was toast and a hard boiled egg (I had the white Alfie had the yellow, dinner was roe and chips with peas, 

the pressed roe was 144 calories per 100g (Alfie shared it with me - weird dog!)

Tea was a celebratory glass of red, a bag of snaps (Elle gave me and told me off for attempting to eat them for breakfast, so I had to save them for later) and a lovely plate of niceness, I didn't finish the plate either so I was happy with that as it shows my appetites getting back under control. 

Here's to another great day, oh I've just remembered I have my second covid jab this afternoon, twill be glad to have that, got a bit of laptop work to do this morning and a couple of dog walks hopefully.  

Enjoy your day, look out for each other, 

mwah, luv ya 

love me x

Bev & Elle’s

Happy Owl’s Huddles

 

There are no miracles, no magic potions,

lotions or pills! 

 

Are you ready to lose weight & feel great? 

 

No hidden costs, no monthly subscriptions,

no missed weeks to pay

£4 per week (cash only)

 

Tuesdays 9-10.30am (talk 9.45-10.15am)

& 5-6.30pm (talk 5.45-6.15pm)
RCCG church (opp Tesco garage)
Stubby Lane Wednesfield WV11 3NF

 

Thursday 8.30-10.30am (talk 9.45-10.15am)

& 4.30-6.30pm (talk 5.45-6.15pm)
Bloxwich Memorial Club, 5 Harrison St WS3 3HP

 

Saturdays 9-10.30am (talk 9.45-10.15am)

United Reform Church

Old Fallings Lane. Wolverhampton WV10 8BH

 

Let's do this!

Tuesday 18th May 2021

Go for it now - the future is promised to no one!

Today's the day, looking forward to finally having a chat but more so listening to members sitting and talking to each other, to it being so noisy I can't hear myself thing, to wishing I was in on that one conversation I can see taking place because it looks like a good one and just to seeing happy faces.  Oh and this hugging lark, mmm I'm never going to be the most demonstrative person out there, but I'm not averse to the odd hug now.  Seriously though, Elle and I have put a lot of hope into this, yeah there's been a cash investment at a time when we both need every penny we have, but it's the emotional investment that matters to me most, Happy Owls has been around for well over a decade as an idea in my head and now thanks to Elle and lots of Owls wanting to be part of it, we're ready.  It's success will decide whether it's beans on toast for tea most nights or the odd steak lol. 

Yesterday I enjoyed my food, actually felt hungry (novelty) and ended on about 1,700 calories, I'm not rushing to lose weight, or cutting down crazy, I'm in no rush, I've just put my life on hold for years, so weight loss can be slow.  I enjoyed this for breakfast; 

15 calories for the ketchup made all the difference to that plate of food. 

 

This fish was sent as a substitute weeks ago, I didn't think I would be keen but it was good!  

I also had a tin of chicken soup (212 calories), I did have a slice of bread and butter with it - nice, then later I had these with salad because they were on their use by date, they were okay, I don't think I was really hungry so I didn't enjoy them as much as I would've done if I had been, I left some too. 

I got my carpet down in the back bedroom too, I'm really pleased with it Ashmore Carpet centre | Facebook now to hoover it and get everything in there to make it look pretty.  I'm having cupboards made to go up that wall you can see, so that it looks like a long flat wall with the cupboards that are already there.  I need a second plug socket putting in because that one is the only one in there and ones no use, I have a scentsy warmer and music to play for starters!

I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, June will be here soon enough and those cupboards will be filled and I can get on with filling them and cleaning the rest of the top floor away.  

I enjoyed a UW training course last night, I'm truly fortunate that I've found two ways to earn money that I really enjoy doing because both benefit people in different ways.  UW will top my wage up whilst helping others save and maybe top their wage up too!  

One thing they covered which I found really interesting was about beliefs, ask yourself for a moment, what belief's do you hold true that are holding you back?  What even is a belief?  It's something you believe to be true at any given time.  Take some time to think about your beliefs and whether they're helping or hindering your success whether in work, weight loss, love life, wherever, then ask yourself, do you run your thoughts or do your thoughts run you!  

Don't be a slave to your thoughts - control them.  On that note, I'll see some of you soon (EEK!) let's all have a very, great day, I'm hoping for a busy one.

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx