Another day, another walk on the beach

Wednesday 29th September 2021

Don't stumble over something that is already behind you.

Another very relaxing day yesterday, Alfie refused to walk - I had to drag him out the door buy then it rained until late afternoon anyway so we enjoyed doing nothing!

We walked down to the sea front at five and the tide was out so Alfie and I went for a walk on the beach, he was happier because it was flat, no cliff paths lol. 

We did end up having to paddle through the sea and climb over the rocks on our return as the tide had turned whilst we were exploring. I say we, I meant me carrying Alfie as it would've been an experience trying to get him to follow me!  Yeah those rocks were covered in sea, thankfully I didn't leave it any longer to return - DOH!

It was so good to be able to walk on the beach though, watching the sun come down and just enjoying the quiet, how amazing would it be to be able to do that every day, lucky are the people who live by the sea. 

The forecast is good today so we'll go to the next beach along to walk on. We won't go too far because I need enough fuel to get me home and there's no promise of petrol at the moment is there until all this chaos is sorted!  

The thing about relaxing is there's not much to write about so I'll say have a good day, I'm going to enjoy the last dry day of the week!  

Mwah, luv ya

Love me x

Relaxed ain't I!

Tuesday 28th September 2021
Never underestimate yourself.

Another wonderful day in Wales, much more relaxed than the weekend, Alfie was absolutely shattered bless him so there was no coastal path walking, I only just about got him to have a wander round the village and on the beach.  We went out 3 or 4 times for shorter walks and he went from this; 

I don't wanna go out there ever again!  To this; 

Ah okay, this beach thing is alright, at least it's flat! 

I nipped to the shop for supplies and enjoyed a breakfast of eggs on toast, plus a slice with lemon curd on!  Lunch was a huge jacket potato with Heinz curry beanz (going to have the other half on toast for breakfast this morning).  Finally for tea I had one of the Welshcakes and a Toffee Waffle, plus wine of course! 

 

On my holiday ain't I, eating what I fancy, not worrying about calories but not gorging myself either, just enjoying everything that this week has to offer.  

I did do a little bit of work yesterday though, I realised it was 12 months ago that I joined Utility Warehouse and saved a fortune on my bills! With everything that's going on with the energy market being in crisis, costs rising, suppliers going under, I'm glad I did because I'm in safe hands and so are my customers! Look at what I've paid for gas/electric/broadband/phone & 2 unlimited everything mobile sims over the last year!

If you're concerned about your energy costs rising, why not book yourself an appointment with me, I'm on holiday this week as you know but I'll fit you in when suits, I like to help people, no pressure, inbox me with your availability & sort your bills out - don't pay more than you need too. It's the best thing I've ever done, it's really easy to explain, takes about half hour over the phone whilst looking at your internet, or I can do face to face appointments now we're allowed if you're not tech savvy.

Anyway, back to today, I've a feeling there's gonna be a lot of rain today, so we won't be doing much of anything! Hopefully get a walk in-between the showers but I have a good book, my laptop to watch something on Amazon Prime, started watching The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and I'm really enjoying it, I also want to start watching Pose as it's been recommended by lots of people.

Elle's flying solo this week, I'll be back Friday, so make sure you all show up and support her, work her hard :) Good luck on the scales all, I will miss you but I'll be back next week.

Mwah, luv ya

Love me xx

On my holiday ain't I!

Monday 27th September 2021

We're not meant to stay the same - change is good.

I have had a wonderful weekend, I switched off my laptop Friday morning and packed it away till this morning, I don't remember the last time I ever did that, definitely not in the last 17 years I bet!  Same with my blogging, I've done it every day for years, but not this weekend, this weekend was all about turning off from work, from my normal life and enjoying my first holiday in 8 years, and the first time I'd seen the sea since March 2016 when we drove to Talacre one Sunday.   

If you could've seen the smile on my face as I drove through the lanes and as I rounded a corner and saw the sea, I felt alive, back in my happy place, then when I started to walk the coastal path, my heart was singing, it feels like this is one of the places where I really am at my happiest, walking the coastal path, enjoying the scenery and relaxing, I love it.

Drove down Friday and stayed in a hotel by St Clears because the cottage wasn't available till Saturday and I didn't want to miss a day, enjoyed lamb faggots and mash in a local pub, then went back to the hotel bar and worked my way through a few different options, well it has been a while since I've been away, needed to make up for lost time. 

After breakfast, drove to Little Haven where I'm staying and took that first walk along the path, been lucky with the weather all weekend, there has been rain but it's been at night.  We enjoyed fish and chips at the Castle, I wished I'd been hungrier because it was delicious, I just couldn't eat it all. 

 

The cottage was ready from 3pm and it was exactly what I expected, everything I need for a week, small but perfect, living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.  There are 20 steps up to it which are a test after you've walked the path, those steps seem steeper lol. 

Sunday started with scrambled eggs on toast then a couple of hours walking the coastal path, are you picking up on a theme here, food and walking, not necessarily in that order!  Next we drove to Dale for posh nosh which I'd promised myself, I needed scallops in my life, The Griffin Inn and it didn't disappoint!  

Scallops with samphire and a lovely sauce, they were delicious, what made them even tastier was the wine I chose. 

 

I opted for a South African white from the same region as the red I always drink and it was amazing - I need to get me a supply of this for sure, but let's be honest what makes a wine taste even better is the circumstances in which it is drunk, and we were in a beautiful place, on the sea front, the sun came out, the food was immense and the service was perfect, I couldn't fault anything about yesterday other than it ended.  It helped that I wasn't driving so I was super squiffy by the time I got back to the cottage lol, those steps up to the cottage had got even steeper as the day went on :) 

 

I then did something I never do, started eating before remembering to take a photo because that food did not want me to wait.  I opted for dover sole in a cockle and bacon sauce with dauphinoise potatoes, just divine, I was going to have lobster but as I've never ordered it as a main in a restaurant, I decided I'd just pinch a bit to try this time, it's a reason to return - fiddly things to eat ain't they lobster, and me being me, can you imagine the state I'd have been in by the end of it!  

I didn't want a pudding, so enjoyed a desert wine, but I have to say the sticky toffee pudding on that plate looked incredible, the caramel sauce was lush, I dipped my finger in it - you have to be an easy going, understanding person to eat out with me cos I pinch food off your plate, basically I'm a nightmare. 

Now this little man has been such a good boy, he was golden in the car on the drive down, he's behaved whilst we've been eating at the pubs or in the hotel and he's slept like a baby, he's actually still asleep now and we went to bed by 9 after falling asleep in front of the tele at about 7 I guess, after my visitor left to drive back to reality, leaving Alfie and I to enjoy the rest of the week together. 

It's absolutely peeing it down this morning but I don't mind, we've had a dry weekend, with some sunshine and lots of laughter, walking, good food and memories made, couldn't fault it.

Not a calorie counted, my fitbit was removed Friday, I don't need to know how many steps I've taken, calories I've burned or hours I've slept this week, I'm on holiday and enjoying myself is all that matters.

If it stops raining we'll sit on the seafront and watch the world go by, if it doesn't we'll have a walk in the rain then relax with a good book, either way, I'll enjoy my day.

Whatever your Monday looks like, I hope you've had a good weekend and are looking forward to your week. 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me 

   

Recap on last weeks huddle, because it was an important one!

Friday 24th September 2021

You glow differently when you're actually happy. 

Last week in our huddles, we talked Self Care because we believe there's more to life than weight loss!  Let's start the blog by asking yourself "What is ‘self-care’?"

What does self-care mean for you?

How do you currently take care of yourself? 

It’s activities and practices we engage in on a regular basis to reduce stress and enhance our well-being. 

Self care isn't about adding more to your ‘to do’ list – more about identifying your essential needs and then prioritising them. 

It’s not about creating an ‘emergency response plan’ when stress becomes overwhelming and you’re close to burnout – it’s about creating behaviours or healthy habits that you can do to nurture yourself.

Oh and it’s NOT about being selfish – it’s about looking after yourself, so you can then give your best and provide value to the world by living your purpose and sharing your gifts.

There are believe it or not 8 areas of self-care;

Physical self-care which involves movement of the body, health, nutrition, sleep, rest, physical touch and sexual needs.  Things such as going for a walk, having a bath, getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods. 

2)  Psychological self-care which involves learning new things, applying consequential thinking, engaging intrinsic motivation, practising mindfulness and creativity, some examples include, journaling, reading a book, learning a new skill or doing a digital detox.

3)  Emotional self-care involves enhancing emotional literacy, navigating emotions, increasing empathy, managing stress effectively and developing compassion for yourself as well as others.  Some examples including writing in a gratitude journal, learning to say no, making time to reflect on feelings, practising self-compassion and being aware of your own boundaries.

4)  Social self-care involves having a supportive group and network of relationships around you whom you trust and turn to when required.  Having caring and supportive people around you builds a sense of belonging and connectedness.  Some examples of social self-care include – belonging to groups or communities outside work, honouring your commitments to other people i.e. doing what you say you’re going to do.  Asking for help when you need it.  Meeting new people and going walking with family and/or friends.

5)  Professional self-care involves sharing your strengths and gifts, having clear professional boundaries whilst living your purpose.  Some examples include eating a nourishing lunch each day at work.  Negotiating your needs and knowing your roles and responsibilities.

6)  Environmental self-care involves having an organised well maintained and clutter-free work, business and home environment, having clean clothes and a clean and well-maintained mode of transport.  Also minimising waste and monitoring technology time.   Examples include decluttering your home or work environment.  Recycling as much as possible, monitoring technology time, cleaning up after a meal.

7)  Spiritual self-care involves the beliefs and values that are important to you and guide your life.  This includes pursuing your noble goals and the practices that support you developing spiritual awareness.  Some examples include meditating, reflecting in a journal, volunteering, going to a retreat and walking in nature.

8)  Financial self-care involves being responsible with your finances (i.e. living expenses, income, insurances, savings etc) and having a conscious relationship with money, some examples include knowing where your income is coming in, knowing where your expenses are due and paying them on time.  Keeping your insurances up to date, completing any tax responsibilities on time and spending and saving money wisely.

All quite deep and full on but just stop for a moment and did you think of any of those 8 points, I’m guessing yes to the first couple maybe.   What self-care practice or 2 can you start to incorporate into your life today?

Self-care is a personal journey and every day life is changing, so it’s important to continually look after yourself, make it a habit to reflect on your health and wellbeing. 

Would looking at the other areas of self-care might help their weight loss journey?  How?

Shall we give it a go?  Here's to a great day, 

Mwah, luv ya

Love me xx

Wide awake at stupid o'clock!

Thursday 23rd September 2021

Know who you are, what you want, what you deserve & don't settle for less!

Thursday already, how quickly has this week gone...  I've woke up just after 3 and haven't been able to go back to sleep, thankfully I went to bed early so I've had almost 7 hours.  I was tired yesterday afternoon so chilled and watched tele, Alfie walked me a good hour, he was proper on a mission, it was warm too, but that didn't stop him.  I did my exercise too before I went to the huddle, so at least I got my steps in before I got my lazy on!  12,267 steps to be precise, 96 active minutes, 2407 calories burned apparently, my diet wasn't the best yesterday - pizza and chips - so I probably consumed them too, I'm in holiday mode before the holiday starts I think!  I need a plateful of salad I think today, I've got lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and radish in the fridge, that'll work, I've also got some cooked salmon flakes I could have with it, sorted that's lunch, then dinner can be stuffed pasta - no excuses today now. 

It's just come up in my timeline that it was a year ago today, I started working for UW, that's gone quickly!  I haven't done much the last month or so with them, but at the moment with all the changes to the energy suppliers it is a great time to switch to them, I've just renewed my contract as this last year I've saved loads of money and the cashback card has been amazing for me, so if you're interested and want to know more, give me a shout. 

Today's a busy day at Bloxwich, it's a great day though, lots of giggles and chat, love listening to it all from the scales, Elle and I are absolutely loving working together, it's been a good few months now and we work so well together, we're on the same wavelength, both bringing different things to the table so to speak, it really is the best thing I've done in my working life, best decision ever!

Just looking through my Facebook memories this morning and it's been 6 years since Carol and I became Facebook friends, she's a special person in my life, I'm so grateful to have her as part of my world.  

This was also in my memories;

"A love is just a cuddle not something to eat" mom having a chat with Alfie, wise words we could all learn from!

Now I remember this conversation as if it was yesterday, even though it was 4 years ago, how many of us mix those things up - love / food? How many feeders do you know, are you one of them? I know I am, I love to cook for others and get positive feedback, there's nothing quite like it. Since I found out Elle likes orange chocolate, every time I see an orange twirl in the shop I go to buy her one! What's that all about, if she wants chocolate, she can buy her own, she doesn't need me putting temptation in her way!

I've not ate breakfast this week, I don't think that helped yesterday, because by the time I did eat, I didn't know what to eat, so I had a cup a soup with a slice of bread that cost me a couple hundred calories, but of course didn't satisfy me for long. Next because I hadn't planned my meals I ended up having pizza from the freezer with a handful of chips.

Water is the other things I've let slip, I need to start carrying a bottle round with me, to make sure I drink more!

Well as I'm up so early I may as well do my workout, so it's done and out the way. Yesterday's was one I'd not done before, I started strong but was shattered towards the end, again not sure if that was how I was feeling anyway or it was a toughie, here it is, let me know if you do it, how you got on;

Have a very, great day, I'm going too.

Remember you don't have to be perfect all the time, I've managed to lose 18.5lb and I'm crap at consistency, if you read my blog you know that :) 

Mwah, luv ya

Love me xx

& another pound gone!

Wednesday 22nd September 2021

Find joy in the journey.

What a great day yesterday, I love that I'm starting to sound like a broken record, every day just lately is great, I'll not complain about that at all.  The Huddles were fantastic, great results, new members, laughter and a lot of love in the room!  The total for our coffee morning has gone up to £925 which is just incredible.

Oh, and I lost another pound, 18.5lb in total now, I'm so pleased, it's motivating me to continue exercising and resisting drinking every day, I'm thinking about what to eat, not just eating because it's a meal time.  Yesterday was a funny day food wise, I wasn't really hungry, had an Actimel for breakfast, cauliflower cheese for lunch and an egg sandwich for dinner.  I did have a bowl of peanuts which was an epic 350 calories but they're gone now thankfully and they need to not reappear in this house, I've banned them from being bought in - some things don't need a home in my kitchen!

We're starting a Christmas challenge in our huddles this week, it was 14 weeks Saturday gone, 93 days away as of today - wow!  I need to start thinking about it at some point I guess...

Alfie had a funny turn yesterday, he was okay afterwards, he has them now and again, poor little love, another reason I need to watch his diet and get him healthy. 

Then I filled the car with petrol and a warning light come on the dashboard, it's the control indicator for exhaust, apparently this means there is a fault in the emission control system and I need to consult a workshop immediately.  Just what I need, I've been in touch with my mechanic and he has said he'll pop over today, so hopefully it'll be sorted.  

I treated myself to new clothes yesterday to match my new hair, it's like being reborn lol, I've spent so many years just getting by, no more, it's time to be me again.  Jessica's Boutique | Facebook she was lovely and really helpful, oh and I got to take Alfie with me, which is one of the reasons I haven't been able to go shopping, can't leave the little devil alone.

This morning we're at Wimborne Road from 9.15-10.30, we'd love to see you if you haven't joined our groups yet, then I'm going to get stuff done today, a long dog walk, a good workout and sorting stuff out.  I can't find my damn passport!  It's expired anyway but you have to return it to get a new one, if I can't find it, I'm going to have to say I've lost it and that's another form I'm guessing.   Hey Ho!

What to eat today, mmm, pasta I think, nice big bowl later on, nom nom. 

Whatever you're planning, enjoy and take care of yourself because you're important too.

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me xx

New hair don't care :)

Tuesday 21st September 2021

Sometimes later becomes never - do it now!

There's nothing better than after waking at 4.30am realising you were in bed for 8 so you've had well over 7 hours sleep so you're not gonna be tired.  That's how my day started today and Alfie slept a bit better than the night before so no keeping me awake, he was a bit of a bugga again yesterday, so definitely no more cake type treats for him from now one, I can't handle the two day come down!  Plus I don't think it helps his skin condition much either, cruel to be kind and all that. 

Yesterday flew by, had my hair cut on the morning, I love it, until I had it down on Saturday I hadn't realised how long it was, she took about six inches off it and its still a little longer than shoulder length!  She's also added lots of layers so I feel like my heads really light now :) I also love that if I want to I can wash and leave it and it'll go wavy or I can still tie it up.  Selfies aren't my thing so this is as good as I could get to show you;

I always used the excuse 'I haven't got time to be faffing with my hair' as an excuse to have it tied up and left all the time but guess what, I do have time now, I'm not working 60 hours a week and caring full time for my mom.

Can you believe it was 6 months yesterday since mom passed away, she'd be so pleased to see me happy again, she hated that I was having to care for her.  The dementia never completely destroyed everything in her brain, she still had flashes of 100% being there and she knew what was happening to her, which was what made it worse for both of us, I didn't want her to suffer and know and she didn't want me to have to stop living.  I'm enjoying my life for the both of us now. 

Having said that, I need to have a few healthier days this week, I didn't do too bad yesterday, had a second cooked dinner using the leftovers and that kept me going for most of the day.  

I did manage a workout even though I wasn't in the mood, I made myself and the half hour passed and I felt better at the end than I did at the beginning.  I promised myself I'd just show up for 30 minutes activity even if I just walked on the spot for them.  It made the difference between hitting the 10k steps and not, 65 active minutes makes me smile, especially on my day off. 

Yes I want to lose weight but being fitter and healthier is most important, I'm a big believer the weight loss will follow over time, food and alcohol has gone from being probably the most important thing in my life this time last year to being something I really enjoy and always will but not the main focus of my day!  I'll always love food, alcohol and everything that goes with it but it is nice to have other things taking up my time, even simple things like last night I sat in the garden enjoying the last hour of sunshine whilst listening to some jazz, then I came in put the tele on for an hour and didn't even think about opening a bottle of wine, that would've been the first thing I'd done even 6 weeks ago!  

I've finally got that work / life balance thing and I feel amazing, it means living on less money but that's okay, I can do that, time is more important and there are things you can do that don't have to cost lots of money.

If I could just get my food bill cheaper :) I'd be sorted!  No shopping this week, I have plenty pasta in the fridge to live off, actually yeah, I'll enjoy some of that later. 

Shall we have a great day?  I'm up for it - are you? 

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me 

Another weekend gone!

Monday 20th September 2021

It's a new week, you've got this.

Another great weekend, yesterday was very much a relaxed affair, in bed by 9 shattered and ready for much needed sleep, fitbits showing 8 hours thankfully, not showing many steps though, not even 6,000 oops!  

I did cook a mean lamb dinner if I do say so myself!  SO GOOD and I ate every bit of it too, there was nothing left on the plate for Alfie, although he wasn't left out he got the bone with some meat left on. 

Talking about Alfie, he crashed and burned yesterday, then was a complete nightmare in the evening, if I didn't know any better, I'd say he was on a come down from the sugar rush of Saturday's cake!  I'm going to have to have a sign in the huddles saying, 'please don't feed the Alfie' because he's put a little weight on and I don't want him getting any bigger really do I, he can go on a diet like the rest of us!  Will take him for a walk in a minute because I've got a busy morning, I'm having my hair cut for the first time in 2 years and I only had the dead ends tripped that time!  Can't remember how many years since I walked in a hairdressers salon!  

Today will be about leftovers for sure, could make another dinner out of what's there, to be far there's enough for two days probably, then the rest of the week I'll live on what's in Friday, not supermarket shop necessary at all. 

I need to do some exercise at some point too, get ready for tomorrows huddles and clean up the weekends mess, at least the dinner pots and pans and dishes got done yesterday or I think I'd cry at the thought of doing those. 

Mmm, what are the scales going to say tomorrow?  I honestly don't know, it's been a cracking weekend making memories though so I'm not going to concern myself with the numbers!  I've also got my first holiday in 8 years coming up, which will be damage limitation as I'm not going to be on a diet that week!  I will be as healthy as I can this week though and get some exercise done. 

How are you going to make your week a success?  Have a very, great day.  

Mwah, luv ya

Love me xx

Just wow!

Sunday 19th September 2021

When you work from the heart, amazing things happen.

What can I say, yesterday was just amazing, it started with a fantastic huddle and then the coffee morning, we raised a staggering £900 and hopefully it'll be a little more by the time people have donated throughout the week if they couldn't attend, here's the link if you'd like to make a donation  https://thyg.uk/BUU004988039

It never ceases to amaze me the generosity of people not just with their money but also with their time, we couldn't have pulled it off without each and every one of them.  Once again, blessed to have an incredible tribe who love and support each other and help Elle and I live our purpose, earn a living and help others.  

I can't put any photos in here because my phones died and on charge, but it was awesome, if you missed it, you missed out.

Got home about half 2 and the rest of the day was spent chilling in the garden, not gonna lie I was shattered from the morning, thankfully had leftover lasagne so enjoyed that with garlic bread for dinner, when it got too cold outside, came in and watched a bit of tele and that in a nutshell was my day.

How mad is it that you can put an amazing day into a few sentences, but I need to go walk Alfie, bless him, he ate so much cake yesterday, he's been a sort of coma ever since!  

Today's all about a roast lamb dinner nom nom, but first that walk to burn off a few calories, there might be an afternoon snooze at some point too.

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x 

Yay it's cake day!

Saturday 18th September 2021
Very little is needed to make a happy life.

Ooo I'm looking forward to raising money this morning, this is the first charity event I've been involved in in such a long time because I couldn't.  It's going to be amazing because Carol is involved and she's an organisational goddess!  Then there's all the truly generous people who are helping making it possible by supplying or buying cake :) we also have a few stalls selling things and a tombolo with great prizes.  Please come and show your support. 

I had a very good day yesterday, cleaned the house from top to bottom, did my washing, enjoyed a 40 minute workout with Body Project and a walk with Alfie, 16,237 steps, 111 minutes active and 2,630 calories burned, which is awesome because I had a home made lasagne from my sister which was off the scale!  Shall be eating that again today, nom nom.

Watched a film called 'Gentlemen' really enjoyed that, it's a couple of years old but funny and violent, a Guy Ritchie film so you either like that kind of thing.  

Oh I can't concentrate this morning, I'm just thinking about the coffee morning, so I'm gonna get gone and hope to see lots and lots of you this morning. 

Have a great day xx

Mwah, luv ya 

Love me x 
 

One day to our Coffee Morning

Friday 17th September 2021

No rain, no flowers.

How you feeling this morning, did you jump out of bed ready for the day ahead, or did you crawl out thinking, oh no, here we go again?   Here's a thought, we either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong - the amount of work is the same!

I've just looked at my Facebook memories and watched this wonderful video of my mom, https://www.facebook.com/595730861/videos/10153462956090862/ it could make me sad because she's no longer here or make me smile (as it has) because I was truly the luckiest kid in the world to be the last of all her children so I got more of her!  We got to go on adventures together, there was many a morning when we almost got as far as the school gates and she'd say do you want to go to work or shall we go have some fun?  Now some people would frown at this, after all education is important but I did okay, I don't feel like I missed out on anything and I have so many amazing memories because of it.  So now, I won't cry because I've lost her, I'll keep smiling because I had the best mom in the world for 51 years of my life, now that's truly blessed. 

Back to the present, a lovely day in huddles yesterday, I get to work with people I really enjoy being in the company of, I love Thursday particularly because Carol and I drive to the huddle together so we get to have a good natter and yesterday was a good natter, she's a true friend, confidant and basically my carer!  Then there's Elle who's also helping me readjust to society lol, sounds like I've been in prison doesn't it :) but seriously I love the chats we have, the little tips she gives me, because she's a different age to me, she's stopping me getting old before my time, it's like no Bev your not a hermit yet! 

I had a descent day food wise, a nice tuna mayo salad, then a beef ragu papperdelle ready meal for tea, enjoyed the last few peanuts and a glass of ginger wine.  Workout wise, I forgot to do one in the afternoon, so did this one the minute I walked in the house so I didn't have an excuse to miss it.  

Not had the best sleep, woke a few times in the night, bloody hot flushes, I've got a doctors appointment next Wednesday about the joys of menopause, let's see how that goes!  

It's housework day today - boo!  It'll only take a couple of hours thankfully and it'll burn a few calories too, I have to admit, I do enjoy having a tidy house, I also got a headstart by cleaning the cooker top yesterday and doing the washing up.  Look at me being a proper grown up!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow, please come support our coffee morning, lots of people have put a lot of effort into it.  It's not just cake, there are stalls too, plus if it's a success, we're talking about doing a Christmas fayre / coffee morning type of thing next.   

I had a bit of a fright last night when I got back from work!  Alfie ran to the back door and started barking, it was going dark by now, so I opened the door for him to run out, I always assume there's a fox out there and we have a sensor light so I'll see.  The light didn't come on though!  Then I looked to the right and noticed one of my garden chairs had gone!  This all happened in about ten seconds as you can imagine, my brain starts to go in all directions, I turned to look at the sensor light and my missing chair was there, positioned under the sensor of the garden light!  Well now I'm thinking hold on, has someone been standing on the chair tampering with the light?  I called my sister to ask if she'd been in the garden - she hadn't.  Then I remembered the window cleaner had been that afternoon, so I went to check the cameras, on my way in the house, I also thought to look at the old main off switch for the outside light and I'd turned it off which is why the outside light wasn't working - DOH!  It was also the window cleaner who'd moved the chair, panic over, no one had been in my garden lol.  It was a horrid feeling though, I won't lie. 

Okay, time to start my day, get my exercise and housework done out the way so I can get onto the good stuff!  I likes Friday's I do, actually I like every day these days, this time last year, being able to say that seemed a very, long way away.  If you're in a dark place right now, keep going, it will get better xx

Mwah, luv ya

Love me xx

Take it day by day.

Thursday 16th September 2021

Be better than you were yesterday.

After a lovely morning, a dog walk and a 30 minute workout yesterday, I enjoyed this plate of deliciousness.

I also enjoyed this which was leftover stuffing and gravy from Monday, I defrosted the sausages before leaving for work, Carol gave me the green beans and Alfie ate most of my carrots! 

I felt drained yesterday, so apart from doing a couple of loads of washing, I listened to my book in the bath, watched a film and did a bit of crochet, then caught up on Celebrity Masterchef.  Oh and I indulged in wine, I just really fancied a glass or two, especially as I realised I hadn't had a glass of red wine since the 5th so damn it tasted good!

Yeah it was a calm day yesterday, I'm trying to make up for the lack of salad and veggies at the weekend but I still ended up having a couple of handfuls of peanuts and one slice of bread and spread with a bit of cheese on before I went to bed.  I probably should've gone to bed 40 minutes before I did, then I would've saved those calories, I was tired not hungry!

Busy day today here; 

That'll keep me out the kitchen, will make sure my dinner is either ready or planned for when I get home so I'm not tempted to overindulge when I get back.  I'm thinking tuna salad for lunch, now to think about dinner.

Nothing to say today, just that remember if you have a bad day, follow it up with a good day, we're not meant to be perfect.

Mwah, luv ya

Love me. 

Just a reminder about Saturday; 

I'll take half!

Wednesday 15th September 2021

Show up, even on your bad days!

YAY I managed 1/2lb off and I'll take that after the weekend, I had a wonderful time, do I need to do that every weekend?  No, there were tweaks I could make, like I didn't need the salted peanuts, they didn't add to the weekend, yeah they tasted good but I can live without them.  The cooked breakfast, I could've made a little differently and still enjoyed, I mean two slices of white bread and butter on top of what was on the plate, tut tut.  The bottles of fizz and orange juice, well I'm willing to swap the orange juice for fanta zero, but not the fizz.  As for the rest of the weekend, NOPE, not changing my curry, rice, chips, any of that, it was way to delicious.  This weekend, I'm planning a lamb roast so I'll have no need for a cooked breakfast, I like to be really hungry when I eat a Sunday dinner so I have room for a bit of everything.  

This is the lightest I've been this year, I'd already lost 3lb at home before Elle started weighing me so I've lost 17.5lb now really - yay!  Let's not forget I was naked when I was weighing myself lol.  

Food is something I adore as is alcohol and I don't want to live without the good stuff, I can make tweaks though, I'm happy to do that, plus I can eat healthier in the week to balance it out.   Yesterday I opted for overnight oats for breakfast, only ate half of them, not keen on them with banana in.  For lunch I had fish pie; 

 

I buy these when they're on offer for £1, they're a decent meal for 290 calories, plus the veggie calories. 

I didn't fancy cooking when I got home so had a egg and chip butty for 411 calories, I need to have my meal ready I think on a Tuesday and Thursday to stop me doing this.  Microwave chips are good though :) but no veggies on the plate - not so good.  I ended my day on 1200 calories which will help balance out the millions at the weekend :) 

I've had a cracking nights sleep though, 8hrs 22mins, bliss, woke and looked at my watch a couple of times but soon went back to sleep, can't beat good sleep.  I clocked up 11,621 steps, 38 active mins, Alfie wasn't feeling the walking love yesterday, we went for one but he wasn't moving fast enough for it to register on the Fitbit bless him.  

Now Fitbits, mine doesn't do your heartrate, but I'd be interested to see if it would make a difference to what logs for my activity if it did, I'm tempted to look into treating myself.  The reason I say this is because Monday I did that hour workout, it logged 40 mins and earned me 191 calories, yesterday I did a half hour workout, it clocked 30 mins and earned me 213 calories.  I sweat way more on Monday doing the hour one and earned less calories, would a Fitbit that knew my heart rate show different I wonder?  Oh well, at least I'm burning calories through exercise, it's better than I was doing a couple of months ago. 

Lots of smiles at the huddle yesterday, loved seeing them all catch up with their buddies from the week before, I love the noise that radiates from them all having a lovely morning, enjoying each others company and sharing ideas and supporting each other.  So much success in that room!  Here's all our meetings in case you want to save them somewhere safe for yourself or to share with others who need our help.

Oh why I'm sharing stuff, here's the coffee morning info, as well as being able to have a bit of cake, we have tombolo's, raffle, a few stalls, plus Elle and I will be there to answer any questions you may have about our huddles. 

I did a little crochet yesterday and my thumb is now so painful from arthritis, damn I'm falling apart!  At least my knee and back are much improved from all the activity I'm doing, it's really helping I think to strengthen the muscles and my core, I'm so glad, I want to be able to get around without moaning about my aches and pains.  I'm 51 not 71! 

This is what encourages me to keep going!

Okay, I've got eggs boiling on the hob so I need to get gone and sort that out.  Hope you have a wonderful day, I plan to, I have the huddle this morning, then I'll exercise, walk Alfie, have something delicious to eat and I'm thinking whats left of the day will be crochet and tele, bliss.  

Mwah, luv ya

Love me x

Let's make Tuesday Tremendous!

Tuesday 14th September 2021

There's always a second chance, it's called tomorrow.

Monday seems to be turning into my get stuff done day, all the washing done, bedding changed (that's a workout in itself!) and the kitchen sorted, oh and of course a couple of dog walks and an hour workout which I am really feeling in my legs this morning!

I've still done my half hour workout this morning, done and dusted out the way, one I've done before but it proved my fitness levels have gone up because it didn't kill me this time :) yeah 213 calories and 30 minutes aerobic workout clocked up on the Fitbit already, and the bit I like 7hrs 45mins sleep, nice.  Yesterday I managed to clock up 10,654 steps and 75 active minutes.  My fitbit showed both dog walks yesterday so it's changed in that way and clearly hasn't an issue with not going fast!

Foodwise, I realised this deli filler was use by Monday, the white bread didn't get taken from the building so I enjoyed a sandwich with a salad and it was amazing, I can't lie, worth 467 calories too. 

I also cooked a pork loin joint that was also use by yesterday, it had been a substitute for a piece of shoulder I'd ordered - happy days as they refunded me the difference, I ate the end piece of the joint before it even made the plate, I got rid of the crackling though, didn't need those calories in my belly thank you!  Wasn't that hungry yesterday so just had a bit of pork with stuff, peas carrots and gravy.  

I'm thinking possibly pork and stuffing sandwiches with apple sauce today, give Alfie a bit and freeze the last bit.

That was me done, I'm noticing my appetite is decreasing, I think the exercise has something to do with it, but also after mom died, I didn't rush to get back to being the person I was before dementia entered the building!  I've been listening to my appetite over the last few months and only eating when I was hungry, don't get me wrong I still indulged in niceness when I wasn't hungry.  

Also having that week where I didn't drink to prove I could and because Elle suggested it might be causing my heartburn/acid, it made me realise some days a bottle is opened for 'something to do' to pass the time, so now I'm finding other things to do that don't have a shed load of calories in!  I didn't even contemplate a glass of wine yesterday, the day went so quickly, I planned to do a little crochet but it was bedtime before I realised it, I love days like that.  

Will I lose weight today, that's the question?  I'd like to lose a pound, I'd be chuffed with that because it would take me to the lightest I've been so far this year.  If I don't well, I haven't quite got the balance right, there were a lot of bubbles consumed at the weekend, some with orange juice, I'll use fanta zero orange next time at least that's zero, there were also some salted peanuts but I fastened the packet at least! 

Life is good in my world, I want to eat healthier, I want to move my body more so it's fitter, weight loss will hopefully be the side effect of taking care of myself and enjoying life more over time, there's no rush is there.  I've shifted over a stone already, so it's coming off a little at a time, I like this speed.

Made my overnight oats so breakfast is sorted, the more I think about the pork sandwich the less I want it, only because I feel I need some fish and veggies, so I might freeze it all and the rest of that bread!  I want a few really healthy days, I didn't do meatfree Monday so I could do meat free Tuesday or Wednesday or just have a few meatfree meals over the whole of the week.

Time to get in the shower and get ready for work, looking forward to the meetings this week, Stubby Lane today, this Saturday will be 14 weeks to Christmas!  EEK!  It's also our coffee morning of course, love to see you for an hour x

Mwah, luv ya

Love me xx

No wine till Friday now...

Monday 13th September 2021

& Refocus....

If the worst problem we have is we're overweight - how blessed are we!  That's a thought I share often with our members especially when we were telling them about how we'd spent the latest charity money we'd saved on a laptop for a young girl with Hodgkin's lymphoma so she could continue to do her school work whilst undergoing treatment for the next year.  We've also got our coffee morning this Saturday to help raise more funds, we'd love to see you. 

Yep, I'll be thankful for my fat, I do wake up every day feeling blessed for my life right now, I have no worries at all, no stresses, the most difficult think I had to do yesterday was get a tablet in Alfie!  All the crap of the last 8 years with mom is a distant memory and the pain fades a little more each day.  I am still hoping for a little pound off tomorrow at the scales, I've not tracked all weekend really, I did start to work out the breakfast on my app, had a full English after our walk on the chase, I wasn't saying no to having a meal cooked for me, I'd have eaten anything lol, I can't remember the last time that happened, other than when my sister makes me her amazing lasagne or pie (ooo lasagne Anne, can I order one for the weekend? lol)  Anyway, the only other thing eaten yesterday was a few chicken wings and a handful of peanuts.  There was a lot of prosecco and orange juice consumed, put Fanta zero raspberry in a couple of them as that's good too. 

Back on it 100% this morning, wine free till Friday, get the balance, eat all the salad in the fridge with the healthier stuff, there is no naughty stuff left, I made him take it with him when he left, especially the 1/2 loaf white bread, I couldn't be trusted with that - I would just like it noted I resisted 2 very large packets of Walkers cheese and onion crisps this weekend that were sitting on the side in the kitchen, I almost resisted the pickled onion Monster munch but I only hate about 1/2 the packet, the rest are still there wrapped up and being resisted for now ;).

Watched a couple of good films yesterday afternoon whilst the rain descended on us, I'd never seen Layer Cake - loved it!  Then a Jason Statham one 'Wrath of Man' very good, but then I guess he could play santa and I'd watch it!  Started watching Vigil the series about the submarine murder, that was good but sleep was calling so it'll have to wait.

Well I'm going to start my day with my YouTube exercise to make sure I get it done because it's easy not to and then I'll get ready for our week of huddles and do some meal planning.

Here's to a very, great week.

Mwah, 

luv ya 

Love me xx

You don't count calories on days like this!

Sunday 12th September 2021

Last years version of you is so proud of how far you've come. 

It almost goes without saying these days but another fabulous morning at our huddle yesterday, lots of laughter and chat, not forgetting the success and the satisfaction from seeing our community build and our tribe group, it's just the best feeling.  This weeks chat has definitely helped them all get to know each other better and possibly built a few new friendships, so that maybe will become long term ones, I mean I've met some of the most important people in my life in a weight loss group meeting.  

I walked Alfie next and he helped me clock up 21 minutes of 'workout' walking on the Fitbit, but that was it, only managed 8814 steps and 32 mins activity according to that little app on my phone, what it doesn't know is I enjoyed a long deserved, much needed afternoon in the garden enjoying the sunshine, alcohol, excellent food and good company.  Who cares what the Fitbit says when you have a day like that!  

I had a slice of toast and an apple for breakfast, enjoyed curry and fries for lunch (forgot the photo again) then tea was t-bone steak, onion rings and salad with champagne and cava, we got 4 different bottles to do taste test lol because I think it all tastes the same, turns out of the two we opened they don't taste the same at all, the expensive champagne tasted nothing like the cheap bottle of cava but if I was forced to drink one again, I'd opt for the cava but unless you're adding orange juice to either, I really don't see the point of the stuff, give me a bottle of lager or a glass of wine any time.  

 

Yeah calories don't count when you're enjoying them this much :) There's not many people in my life I've known for 22 years that I'm not related to anyway, so it was worth celebrating, plus now my garden looks as good as it does with that awesome decking, there's really no reason to go sit in a pub beer garden where you can't drink and drive anyways!

The weather was perfect yesterday, it's forecast rain this afternoon = boo!  Maybe manage a nice walk over the chase or along the canal this morning before it starts, we'll see how the day goes, no plans yet and I've not long been up, no rushing today and thankfully my head is as clear as a bell consider I mixed lager with that fizzy stuff.

Here's hoping they have the forecast wrong and it doesn't rain and I get another afternoon in my lovely garden.  Whatever you're up to this weekend, I hope you enjoy it as much as I'm doing, I've put having fun off for far too many years, time to make up for it now I reckon, don't you? 

Mwah, luv ya

Love me x